Chapter 9: Back in the Workshop                                                                                     21.09.2022

This week Raymond is back in the shop and due for an important repair. The workshop investigated the car after the last blog and concluded that the radiator was leaking and that it would need to be replaced. There is a video of the radiator swap on the Famous Four YouTube Channel. (https://youtu.be/zf6d6HmCE5s)

To remove the radiator, we first need to drain the coolant. Then the pipes and fans need to be disconnected, removed from the radiator unit, so the radiator can be removed from the car. The new radiator can then be fitted, and all the pipes and fans can be reinstalled. Add coolant and check to see if there are any leaks, of which there were none thankfully, and that is the job completely done.

After a few days of testing, the issue seems to be resolved and the new radiator unit is holding up well. However, nothing is ever straight forward with Raymond… As I was driving along the interior air bag light has come on, so as a matter of safety we need to get that checked out sooner rather than later. We went and got the diagnostic kit, turned the car back on and magically Raymond had fixed himself and the light was no longer on. The never-ending uncertainty of Raymond is starting to become his main characteristic.

Famous Four x

Welcome back to the third installment of the Land Rover Die Cast Model Cars series. So far we have looked at several interesting finds and todays post is no different.

One of our finds in this collection is a Corgi Collection Land Rover, Trailer and Mini Safari Rally set, which was released in 1997.  The rally race in which the mini on the trailer raced in was the 1997 Safari Rally Kenya, of which the legend driver Colin McRae actually won. The story is not so exciting for our mini #53, driven by the team of Robert and Michael Plant, brothers from Rochdale as they unfortunately retired from the race. A fun fact about that race is that a fellow retiree was actually Carlos Sainz Snr.

The Land Rover towing #53 is a Series III 109 W.B in white. From my research I cannot find if this was the exact car that would have towed the trailer, however given the location of the race and the year it is very likely. The car is detailed with decals from the time period, and also includes the famous Corgi logo (now, that definitely wouldn’t have been on the car at the time). This toy serves as a reminder of the part Land Rover plays in all aspects of life, including rallying.

Our next find is this wonderful pastel blue and orange livery Transco Land Rover. This again is a Series III 109 W.B and is also towing something behind it, however in this case it is not a rally car, but instead a road drill. Also included in the box is a workman, donning a head of white hair under his helmet and a grimace on his face as he uses the drill on a small piece of road.

Transco were a gas distribution company who then merged with the National Grid Group, to eventually bring the UK what we now know as The National Grid. Transco mostly used Transit vans, however in more rural areas, they sometimes used a Land Rover, similar to Royal Mail as in the last blog.

Our third and final find is a Series III 109 W.B Royal Mail Post Bus. This served as a later edition to the Series II we previously looked at, however it did not last long, quickly being replaced by the Defender 110, with an identical livery. If you took a quick glance, besides the front being different, partial bits of trim and the addition of a an Alpine Window, there isn’t much difference aesthetically. So, if the Defender 110 came out a little bit earlier, would this Series III Post Bus version even exist. This makes this find even more special as it marks such a specific time that could never have happened, yet for many will bring amazing memories.

Chapter 8: New Discoveries… 28.08.2022

Since the last chapter Raymond has been driving really well, which has allowed us to make some discoveries about him…

In a previous chapter, we mentioned the 3 cup holders in the front and none in the back. Well, we now know that one of the cup holders is adjustable so you can put drinks of varying size in it with no issue.

With the inevitable cold days of the British winter upon us, I was very excited with a fully functioning heated steering wheel. Another added bonus was the super demister that clears not only front and rear screens but also the wing mirrors. Magic!

The fuel situation is also improving with the MPG slowly creeping up to 21.2 meaning the fuel we put in might last a little longer, maybe the 5 working days??

After a week of no issues, our luck had come to an end as two problems occurred at once. A message stating the key fob battery was low and also that the coolant was low. The battery issue should just be a simple battery replacement, but the coolant one is different as it was only just topped up, which would suggest a leak somewhere. The workshop say they will investigate where or if we have a leak.

After diving back into the collection of model cars that we bought from an ex-employee, I came across yet another limited edition find. This Corgi Millennium Collection Land Rover is #1635 out of 3000.

There isn’t much on the internet about this collection itself and I could only find two other vehicles, a Q1 Trolley Bus and a Fowler B6 Super Lion Showman’s Engine. From what I can tell the collection is to do with some of the standout vehicles by the time we reached a new millennium. If this is the case, then what a testament to Land Rover for being selected. On the side of the box, we have a shortened version of what was on the 50 Years Anniversary box we looked at last time. The model itself is very similar to the 50 year one, however this is a silver version and does have the spare tyre on the bonnet.

Also amongst the boxes of boxes was this gem of a find in the form of a Limited-Edition Royal Mail Land Rover, #4646 out of 5600. This was one of two Limited Edition Royal Mail die-cast scale models in 1997, the other being the Bedford CA Van.

This Land Rover is based on a Series II SWB that was used by Royal Mail in the 1960’s for rural deliveries. The hardback top is actually removable on this model; however, I haven’t found anything to back up that Royal Mail ever used it without the top. I did however manage to find a photo on Pinterest of one in real life and the accuracy of the model is spectacular. Whilst looking into Royal Mail’s vehicles I found that they used a wide range of Land Rover’s in rural areas.

The final find for this post is yet another car from a television programme, Daktari. The popular TV show, Daktari, was a drama series in the 1960’s by MGM Television. The word ‘Daktari’ is actually Swahili for Doctor and the show was all about a scientist dedicated to the preservation of wildlife in the African Jungle.

This model car is another Land Rover Series II, however without the hard top, but with a wonderful jungle livery and the words Wameru Sub-District across the side. Wameru is the Swahili word for the Meru, an Bantu ethnic group. This set also comes with the two pets the doctor in the show had, Judy the Chimp and Clarence the Lion. Clarence on the show actually had a stunt double on the show called Leo, who was used for any snarling or ferocious scenes.

The final fact about this set is that is actually based on an original 1967 Corgi Daktari set which sold in excess of 1 million units in the seven years it was available.

Three amazing finds in this haul, once again showing the amazing diversity of Land Rover and the cultural impact that the vehicles have had. Delivering mail and saving the animals of Africa.

Chapter 7: Fixing The Issue!

18.08.2022

After the ordeal of the last drive, Raymond was now sat in the workshop, so that the technicians could reveal what really happened. And just as we had predicted last time, the air spring had deflated. So, now we need to get hold of a new one and then change them over.

A nice easy job, take off the wheels, remove the brake discs to reveal the air spring and then disconnect the air spring from under the bonnet. Then it is a case of placing the new air spring in and reconnecting it, putting the car on all fours and hoping that it inflates. And without any hesitation, Raymond rose like a phoenix. We also topped up the coolant as it was low.

We took Raymond out for a drive, and he feels so much better now, gliding over all the bumps, smooth as can be. It is amazing how one little change can make such a mountain of a difference.

-Famous Four

Chapter 6: Raymond Felt Deflated

16.08.2022

This morning I was on my way to work, and everything was going swimmingly, until I started to notice that he was pulling to the left. I got out after pulling into a layby to check to see if I had a flat tyre. NO. WORSE.

The entire car had sunk on one side as the front airbag was empty. Was there a message on the dash to alert me to this life-threatening issue? Of course not! I tried to turn the engine on to see if the bag would reinflate. It didn’t…

I decided since I was so close to work, to drive Raymond, very carefully. The steering was heavy, and the ride was particularly bouncy. I finally arrived back at Famous Four and what happens after I put him into park? A little fault code pops up on the dash saying ‘suspension inactive’, just in case I hadn’t noticed already. Thanks Raymond!

-Famous Four

Land Rover Model Car Haul

Working in the niche market of Land Rovers, we get to hear lots of Land Rover stories and also see lots of unique Land Rover items. Recently, one of our ex-employees was having a bit of a clear out and sold to us some of his collectible Land Rover models. The collection is rather impressive, and we will share more, but these first three are rather special.

Firstly, the one on the left is a Corgi Originals ‘The New Avengers: Steed’s Range Rover’ (Model 57604) and not only contains the hand painted detailed scale model Range Rover, but also includes a figurine of the main character, Steed. This find was released in 2000 as a celebration of the cult 70’s spy television show, which is a sequel to the 60’s show ‘The Avengers’. ‘The New Avengers’ was well known for it’s use of cars. Steed, the main character, was originally known for driving a Bentley in the original series, but in the sequel would either be seen driving a wide-bodied Jaguar XJ Coupe or a 1971 Range Rover 2-Door Suffix A in green, which is the model Corgi decided to create.

The middle model is a limited-edition Corgi Classics, #3879 of only 5900 produced, Gold-Plated Land Rover Pickup (Model 07103) to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Land Rover in 1998. On the back of the box there is a brief story of Land Rover’s humble beginnings, with the launch all the way back at the Amsterdam Motor show in 1948 and then there is a little description of what they have managed in the 50 years since, particularly in agriculture. Regarding the model itself, having done some research it still remains a mystery to me as to why they chose what appears to be a Series I pickup, instead of the model that was launched in Amsterdam, but what I can say is that the model is pretty cool.

The final, and my personal favourite, is the Corgi Fairground Attractions Land Rover and Trailer (Model CC07401). This too is a limited edition being #4024 out of 5000. The Fairground Attractions collection is a series of vehicles and rides that help to tell the stories of famous fairground companies. This particular one tells the story of Harris’s Gallopers, whose name brands the Land Rover siding, and how they became a popular fairground company. The Land Rover itself is a Series I truck with a custom red and creamy livery.

These three models are not only three interesting examples of Land Rover history, but also a testament to the diversity in which they can be used; espionage, farming, and entertainment just to name a few.

Chapter 5: Raymonds Second Home

05.08.2022

With Raymond now driving the mean streets of rural Lincolnshire, we can explore him a little more in depth. He has three cupholders in the front for the two passengers, and none in the back for the three passengers… makes sense, doesn’t it? Also, if you want to feel like you are in a spy movie you can lift up the middle console and find, hidden away, a secret phone. Yes, the thing looks like a brick and as far as I am aware is completely not working, but to have it there, is pretty cool.

Now, the not so good thing about Raymond. He has decided he has a new favourite hang out spot, or as I like to call it his second home due to the amount of time he spends there. That place… the fuel station! And boy does he make you pay for taking him there. Fourty Great British pounds and it moved the fuel gauge to a quarter… A QUARTER! All that expensive fuel   we lovingly donate to him, does he save it and cherish it? NOPE, first journey 19 mpg, second journey 15.6 mpg, third journey was an improvement but still only 20mpg! We can’t wait for the more inefficient winter months ahead.

– Famous Four

Chapter 4: The First Proper Drive

05.08.2022

After all of the new parts and fixing, it was finally time to take Raymond onto the road. Was this going to be scary? Of course, but what is life without a bit of unknown adventure? I soon settled in and noticed that Raymond is actually quite a nice car to drive around in. The air suspension means that he floats along the road and pot holes are not even noticeable.

The interior is comfortable and luxurious, with arm rests, lumbar support, working air conditioning and heated seats. Not everything is perfect in Raymond though… Firstly, he is a big boy, like ‘Andre the Giant’ big and this means that he drives like a bus. The steering feels heavy, and the stopping distance is a lot longer than any normal car. The temperature gauge is either broken or Raymond is ice cold… I’m going to go with broken though.

His final issue that I noticed was the next morning when I was due to bring him back. I went to get in, but I couldn’t due to the locks not working. I walked around the car, tried the key in the door, but nothing was working. Ten minutes later though, like an indecisive child, Raymond decided he did want to work and unlocked himself. The joys of a budget L322 have only just begun…

-Famous Four

Chapter 3: “Raymond’s Surgery” 06.07.2022

Upon a thorough inspection of the underside of Raymond, another issue came to light… great! There was some play in the anti-roll bar linkage, which means that Raymond needs some more new parts… Trigger’s broom springs to mind here (one for the Only Fools fans there). So, we got to work cutting the broken part out and then attaching a brand-new shiny ARB link.

Now when one door closes another opens… well that may be true in most cases, but with Raymond, doors don’t tend to do much.

At first, we thought he just needed a new door card but after more inspection, this cheap project needed more new parts in the form of a door release cable.

We fitted an aftermarket part, however this didn’t fix the issue, so we ended up with a genuine part instead.

– Famous Four