R
Railway vehicles
Many of the toys of the past were designed to fit in with model railway systems, most notable being Dinky Toys created for the Hornby Railways system. This led to 1/43rd (the scale of O gauge model railways) becoming popular for cars and small commercials.

Likewise Tri-ang Minic tin plate toys would fit alongside O gauge railways. The pre-war long bonneted van was available in the colours of the 'Big Four' (Southern, LMS, LNER and GWR), while British Railways crimson and cream (blood and custard) appeared on both the long-bonneted and short-bonneted (post-war) versions.

In addition to their low (pocket money) price, many of the Matchbox Toys were suitable for OO gauge model railways; Dinky Toys produced their own, albeit short-lived, series of Dublo Dinky Toys, while Exclusive First Editions (EFE) keeps to the same 1/76th scale.

There is also an interest in models of vehicles used by the railway companies. An early Dinky Toy was an mechanical horse available in the liveries of the four main railway companies. Many toy (and model) manufacturers have included a Scammell Scarab in the range, a vehicle which at one time was almost synonymous with British Railways.

RAMI
A range of 43rd scale vintage and veteran cars produced in France from 1958 to 1969. The cars modelled were those in a museum situated on the outskirts of Lyon. The models were produced by JMK of Haute-Saone, who gave them the brand name of RAMI from Les Retrospectives Automobiles Miniature. It is believed that the dies were acquired by the German company Ziss.

Ranlite Toys
Based in Yorkshire, this company produced a number of clockwork toys made of bakelite. This is an early form of plastic, but is very brittle.

Items known include a Golden Arrow land speed record car, an Austin saloon, a Sunbeam saloon and a petrol pump.

Renault
The history of Renault starts in 1898 when Louis Renault built himself a car in a shed: he immediately received orders from friends. He went on to mass production of cars, both for motor sport and for the more humble family use. He was inspired by the mass production techniques as used by Ford, and the strength of Citroën within the French car industry. Indeed, smaller cars tended to dominate the Renault production.

Louis was accused of collaborating with the Germans during the war: he was arrested and jailed. He died in 1944: soon after, Renault was nationalised.

From that time the company has produced a number of outstanding cars, starting with the Dauphine. There followed a series, the most successful being the Renault 5.

There are many models of Renaults to choose from, with clearly the French manufacturers such as Norev, Solido and French Dinky Toys being prominent.

Resin
A rubber-like substance used mainly for kits. Care should be taken, as excessive handling can distort models made of resin.

Restoration
While much that is produced today is intended for the collector, and so might be assumed will remain in unblemished condition, toys were clearly made to be played with. As a result, much that comes onto the market might have the paint chipped, or be missing certain components. The question arises whether it is best to leave the toy as it is, or to improve its looks by restoration.

The answer is largely subjective. Very rare toys are probably best left alone. However, there may be cases where it is felt that a repaint, or replacing lost or damaged parts, will improve the look of the toy when on display. Nevertheless, avoid simply 'touching up': if a toy is only slightly chipped, it is probably best left in that state.

Clearly there is a need to judge one's own capabilities in undertaking such projects. Patience is certainly vital; hurried projects are often clearly evident. Equally do not expect the result to be a toy with an enhanced selling value: the reward will be the pleasure of the exercise and the satisfaction at the result.

Advice on restoration is available: take care to dismantle the toy carefully, noting the method of construction for reassembly. Materials are available for stripping old paintwork (but match the new paint with the colour before stripping).

Paints that often match the original colours are available. Likewise several companies provide spare parts for components that are most easily lost or damaged, such as windscreens. Equally transfers are available for many of the decals found on older toys, particularly for the more collectable ranges such as Corgi, Dinky and Matchbox Toys and Tri-ang Spot-On. Replacement wheels (tyres) are also available.

Restoration projects take time: for example, at each stage of painting ensure all is perfectly dry before proceeding.

Many of these comments apply equally when building kits.

Rietze
A German manufacturer in plastic to 1/87th scale.

Riley
In 1890 William Riley bought a cycle manufacturing company: some car production was undertaken. However, the Riley Motor Manufacturing Company was established as a family concern in Coventry, with its first car being shown publicly in 1913. Riley became part of the Nuffield Organisation in 1938, and as a result was linked with Morris. Models include the Riley MPH from Matchbox (Yesteryear) and Pathfinder from Corgi Toys.

Rio
Launched in the early 1960s by the Tattarletti brothers, this company, situated not far from Milan in Italy, has always been proud of the quality and accuracy of its 1/43rd scale die-cast models. The focus has generally been on older vehicles, with the initial releases all being veteran cars.

In 1973 one of the brothers left the company to set up his own model business, Brumm.

In 2004 Rio was acquired by M4 (owners of Best and Art Models).

Rivarossi
Formed in Italy in 1945 this company was founded by Messrs Riva and Rossi. While best known for model railways, the company has produced plastic vehicles in 1/43rd and 1/87th scales.

River Series
A small range of die-cast cars of the early 1950s in 1/40th scale and of a series of trucks (and some locomotives) produced by Jordan and Lewden Ltd of East London.

Later some of the cars were produced by Lincoln in New Zealand, while in the 1960s many of the dies were sold to Gamda of Israel.

Rolls Royce
Formed in 1904 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. Henry was an engineer, whose first cars impressed Charles, who operated an agency selling quality cars from overseas. Their cars, branded as Rolls-Royce, became highly respected for quality, linking with the Bentley marque from 1931. The company was also noted for its aeroplane engines. It ran into financial difficulties in 1971, and subsequently the car-manufacturing side was separated.

Many British manufacturers have included a Rolls Royce within their ranges, with several featured within the Lledo Models of Days Gone range.

Rootes Group
See the individual constituents of Hillman, Humber, Singer and Sunbeam.

Routemaster
First shown at the 1954 Commercial Motor Show, and refined during the 1950s, the Routemaster will surely always rate as the most successful bus ever. Developed by London Transport with AEC, it was designed by London for use in London. Examples are still in service in London.

Equally many Routemasters, after leaving the streets of London, have gone on to provide a few more years' service with other fleets.

Models of the Routemaster have proved popular souvenir items, especially in London, but the most accurate representations have come from Corgi Classics (1/50th scale), Tri-ang Spot-On (1/42nd scale) and Exclusive First Editions (1/76th scale). The latter has been the only die-cast company also to produce a model of the later, longer Routemaster (RML), and of the coach version (RCL) much favoured by Green Line.

In 2004 the 50th anniversary of the first appearance of the Routemaster was marked by EFE producing models of RM1 and RM2 with the initial two designs of front which were not finally adopted. A 1/24th scale model of the Routemaster has been produced by Sun Star.

Rover
The name of Rover followed a familiar course, being established in Coventry by John Kemp Starley, and noted for its cycles and motorcycles, as well as cars.

The famous four-wheel drive Land Rover was launched in 1948, continuing in production until the 1980s. In 1970 the Range Rover was introduced, with later developments being the Discovery and Freelander.

Rover became part of Leyland in 1967 and subsequently followed the same course, being bought by BMW in 1994.

Models of Rovers, and especially Land Rovers, have appeared in many ranges, with a revival through Lledo Vanguards.

Rovex
The company Rovex Scale Model Co was acquired by Lines Bros in 1951, later amalgamating with Tri-ang. The name of Rovex was mainly associated with Pedigree dolls and Tri-ang model railways.

RT
The AEC RT probably shares with the Routemaster the description of the ubiquitous London bus. However, fewer true likenesses have been produced in toy or model form compared with the RM. The most accurate looking mass production versions come from Dandy (in Japan) at 1/43rd scale, from Solido (in France) at 1/50th scale, and from Exclusive First Editions in 1/76th scale. There was also a superb 1/43rd scale white metal kit produced by Jim Varney.

RW and Ziss
A range produced in Germany by a Mr Wittek operating from a suburb of Düsseldorf, largely noted for its models of vintage and veteran cars. However, a good selection of other vehicles, including modern cars, was also produced. Manufacture was essentially during the 1960s. The products were first released as RW-Modell, and subsequently as Ziss-Modell.

After the death of Mr Wittek, his son continued die-cast production with the Ziss brand name.

 

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