Brooklin Models

In the early 1970s, John Hall was a lecturer at the University of Toronto and as a hobby he built scale model vehicles, frequently based  on the commercially available products of the day. A desire to create something original resulted in John's first model, a plough – or 'plow' as it was referred to in North America. He managed to make a number of plows using white metal and took them to a show in order to display and sell them. Unfortunately, this first foray into model making was  not a success with very few sales. Consequently he melted down most of his plow models  and those that survived are  now prized by collectors.

Undeterred, John carried on and together with fellow ex-pat, Julian Stewart, Brooklin Models was formed. John next tried his first model car, a Pierce Arrow Silver Arrow, which was very crude with no windows and wooden axles. Despite the crude nature of this first attempt, John found there was a demand for the model as it represented a subject that had never before been seen in 1:43 scale. With Julian, a small number of models were produced and these early Canadian issues are highly sought after by collectors today. These early examples were created from master molds crafted by John and Julian with each signing their work. Evidence of Julian's work can be found on the Packard Light Eight which has 'JS' moulded into the under-body.

The partnership ended in 1979 when the Halls relocated to Great Britain. The Stewarts continued on their own operating under the name Durham Classics.

Initially, the relocated Brooklin Model company was based in a small part of the Hugget's Electrical premises in Bath. A new factory unit was sourced at Pines Way Industrial Estate, close to the River Avon, where  the company is still in operation.

The early to mid 1970s marked the high point for artisan makers of scale model cars and many companies and individuals were producing models in white metal. Such motoring subjects had rarely, if ever, been previously modelled. Varying in numbers and accuracy, most makers offered their products as kits. Brooklin was unique in only producing fully built models and although simple in construction the quality was unsurpassed. The company quickly expanded to meet growing demand. Models were, and continue to be, produced in white metal with some specialist areas such as tyres and chrome plating entrusted to outside agencies. From the beginning Brooklin produced models of American vehicles, mainly passenger cars with a few light commercial vehicles. The latter were popular with companies and clubs who would commission limited numbers for collectors or publicity purposes.  Subjects such as the 1939 Ford Sedan Delivery, 1935 Dodge “Step-roof” Delivery and 1953 Pontiac Sedan Delivery were produced in a myriad of liveries and all are highly sought after by today's collectors, especially the rarer editions which could number as few as 50 models.

Nearly 20 years after the Halls moved Brooklin Models to Bath, they decided it was time to retire and the company was taken over in a management buy-out by Nigel Parker and Tim Fulford as principal shareholders. 

As the new millenium approached, it was clear that much had changed in the model collecting world. Many of the companies established in the early days had disappeared or been downsized.  Brooklin was one of the few still working in the medium of white metal.  Resin models, produced mainly in China, overtook the marketplace and today are the dominant product line. It could be argued that collectors have never had so much choice. However, Brooklin Models still makes models as they have always been made with ever higher levels of detail and a dedicated collector fan base.

The new management team inherited a world-famous name and an ageing range of models. With the changing nature of the collector market and little capital for investment in new products and technology, the scene was set for a challenging beginning.

Although some new models were in process of development, something fresh was needed and in order to make progress on tight budgets, earlier masters were examined and reworked to supplement new models. An example was the Ford Mainline, introduced at this time because it was a comparatively straightforward modification from the original BRK23 Ford Victoria. It was a simple model with the minimum of trim.  Much to everyone's surprise, the Mainline sold very well as it represented the type of everyday car collectors remembered and thus, almost by accident, a new product approach was discovered. From that time, the cars of the average American family became an essential part of the overall annual programme.

By 2008, Brooklin was producing a varied range of models under various categories. The levels of detail continued to increase and new annual catalogues were introduced. To better judge the marketplace, a small group  of volunteer American and Canadian collectors was formed to  act as an advisory panel.

In 2015, Nicola Bulgari, Italian businessman and avid American car collector,  took a controlling interest in Brooklin Models. He brought much needed investment whilst encouraging development of new products.

By 2020, Nicola Bulgari added SMTS to the portfolio and so two fine old model companies became partners rather than rivals. It was expected that both companies would utilize their combined talents to enhance both ranges. SMTS partners  Keith Williams and Simon Elford took over the reins in Bath, thus ending Nigel Parker's thirty year association with Brooklin Models.

The programme of 'B to B' work, products created for third parties within the trade which are then sold or distributed to the general public,  that had begun under Nigel's stewardship was to be expanded. Brooklin Models range was simplified and streamlined to reflect the changing situation within the collecting world.

When John Hall created Brooklin Models in 1974, the subject matter consisted of classic American cars from the 1930s and '40s. This brief eventually expanded to include American cars from the 1950s. An eclectic mix of subjects included many models that nobody had previously thought of, such as the Tucker 48 “Torpedo”, Stout Scarab and Packard Light Eight. In addition, collectors could obtain models of the plain everyday cars that they remembered from childhood, like the Ford Mainline, Chevrolet Handyman and Dodge Wayfarer. Although the high end glamour cars were modelled, the initial Brooklin style with moulded in trim was more suited to simpler subjects. In more recent times,  models have evolved and so has the level of detail as seen on the 1956 Buick Century, showing that the company was capable of competing with the best.

In 1993, John Hall, with help from John Roberts, introduced the Lansdowne range of British cars. Originally proposed by John Hammick and John Martin, this new range proved that British subjects could be successfully modelled by the company just like their American cousins. John Hall chose the name Lansdowne after the Lansdown area of Bath but nobody really knew why he added the 'e'! Initially concentrating on everyday subjects from the 1950’s and '60’s, a surprise new model was the 1937 Jensen S Type. The actual car had been spotted by John Roberts. This heralded a widening of subject matter to include 1930s - 1940s subjects and also more obscure models closer reflecting the types of cars in the American programme.

In the 2000s, a line of mostly Volvo models was commissioned from Somerville model company by Eddie Anderson. When Somerville was unable to produce the numbers required, the Robeddie line moved to Brooklin. The collection was offered until 2010. Since the end of Robeddie, many of the same subjects have been produced by diecast and resin based companies.

Nigel Parker and John Roberts often found inspiration in the pub. In 2007, a visit to the Rose & Crown at Hinton Charterhouse near Bath with a bottle of red wine between them resulted in the Buick Collection.  The first model was the 1934 Buick 96S Coupe  produced in several colors. The Buick collection was facilitated by Nicola Bulgari. Prior to his purchase of Brooklin, he allowed Nigel to measure many of the cars in his collection, including his Railton Fairmile for the Lansdowne range. Bulgari has a superb collection of full-size Buicks from the 1930s and thanks to his kindness in making the cars available, the Buick Collection was born.

The Pontiac Collection was created along the same lines as the Buick Collection. However, only six different models were offered before rationalisation resulted in this range being retired.

US Model Mint was a range created for Paul Bender of Brasilia Press. Originally produced by SMTS the Mint range became part of the Brooklin line-up under John Hall. The subjects were mainly commercial in nature. The  trucks were unusual in being 1:43 scale rather than the more common scales of 1:48 or 1:50 associated with commercial vehicles.

Community Service Vehicles or CSV comprised vehicles used by fire, ambulance and funeral services. Early models were on standard wheelbases but new mould heads for the casting machines enabled later ones to be produced as long wheelbase versions.

International Police Vehicles or IPV are all based on models which exist in the other ranges but were given new details presenting as Police cars.

The Vatican Collection comprises an assembly of vehicles from the 1930s and up that were or are part of the Vatican fleet of official vehicles in Rome.

Sidewalks was a complementary collection introduced in 2015. This comprised pavement sections and street furniture intended to be displayed alongside vehicles.

In 2016 the original Brooklin Collection was split into two ranges: Brooklin Limited and the Brooklin Collection. The Limited range consists of vehicles prior to 1950 and the Collection post 1950. To create the two ranges the pre-1950 models from the original range have been renumbered and offered in new colours.

A management restructure in September 2020 resulted in a reduction in the number of models produced, with some ranges deleted or 'rested'. In a total break with Brooklin tradition, some earlier Lansdowne models will continue in kit form in collaboration with Promod Models.

B-to-B work continues to progress and has covered boats, steering wheels, Alfa Romeo and Fiat, and scale vehicle engines. Such projects ensure income for the company to enable continued production of model cars by the skilled and dedicated workforce.

Collector's model of the 1954 Henney-Packard Super Station Wagon, scale 1/43. Brooklin No. brk-190.

White metal is a soft material composed of a compound of tin, pewter and lead. The lead content was higher in the early days, leading authorities in California to demand that Brooklin  place stickers on boxes warning against eating the models which could result in cancer. No further comment is needed here!

Traditionally, a Brooklin Model would begin life after comprehensive measurement and photography of a full-size vehicle.  All the information was used to create detailed drawings and eventually a brass master.  Vulcanised rubber moulds would then be cast off the master.

When pouring molten white metal into moulds, temperature is critical.  A high degree of skill is called for to ensure that equal temperatures are maintained as metal is poured into each mold because the size of the castings will vary if the metal is too cold or too hot. As all component parts need to fit together properly, it is essential that care is taken and a great deal of experience is required to create all the parts needed. Early Brooklin models would have around a dozen parts whereas current models frequently reach over four times this number.

Once all parts are cast, they have to be cleaned up or 'fettled', removing any excess metal from mold perimeters or sprue. Those that require plating are sent to a specialist and the rest is prepared for spraying with primer, top coat and lacquer. At each stage parts are minutely examined for any blemishes and anything that does not reach the required high standard is rejected.

Window vac-forms are created from moulds in a special machine and all completed parts are arranged for assembly. The only part not produced in-house are tyres.

A small team of specialist builders then assemble the models and a final careful inspection is carried out before each model is carefully packaged.

When Brooklin Models first appeared in the mid 1980s there was little added detail, the philosophy of their creator John Hall being that these were 'automotive ornaments'. It wasn't long before enthusiasts and model makers started to enhance and modify these already beautiful models – in the early days with varying results! It would be impossible to list all those who decided to enjoy making their own alterations which is why when anyone wishing to collect older examples would be wise to consult the established guides if anything out of the ordinary is listed with a high asking price as 'rare factory variant'  or similar on any online site. Although Code 2 and Code 3 labels are frequently used, John Hall and Nigel Parker were reticent about labelling any rebuilt models in this way, Nigel preferring the term 'authorised by' and even then not particulaly wishing to do so. Dean Paolucci was awarded Code 2 status by John Hall and when he was a youngster he would frequently be at John's home in Brooklin, seeing what John's latest project was. Dean, of course, produced special models under his DMP label. In Britain Mike Cooling became another Code 2 producer, followed by John Roberts. Other artisans who have produced excellent special versions have included John White,  Wayne Moyer, John Ellis,  Roger Tennyson and Gianluigi Cappi.

Canadian Toy Collectors Society

CTCS was the earliest club to be associated with Brooklin, John Hall being one of the founding members during his time in Canada. An annual special model was produced from 1979 to 2014. CTCS is still active but no longer has a special Brooklin model.

San Francisco Bay Brooklin Club

Founded in 1988 by Roger Mateo The SFBBC enjoyed a successful time with a healthy membership, running until 2005.

Brooklin Club Deutschland

Formed in 1992 by Dietrich Lohmann, the short-lived BCD issued several film-themed models together with two special Chevrolet El Caminos. The BCD logo of a Cadillac Eldorado Brougham at a petrol station was designed by John Roberts who produced two oil paintings for Dietrich Lohmann. The pin badges and other facsimiles were taken from these paintings.

Brooklin Collectors Club (BCC)

Founded in 1988 by Mike Marlow,  the Club is run by an elected committee. Membership secretary is John Bowyer.

The BCC has the full approval of Brooklin Models located in Bath, England.

The BCC issues a magazine three times a year during April, August and December. Members are encouraged to utilise the magazine by submitting to the editor informative articles, items of Brooklin interest or adverts promoting the sale, wanted lists or exchange of Brooklin models.

A desirable annual special limited edition Club model is made available exclusively to Club members. Subscription is necessary by form.

North American Brooklin Collectors Club

Formed in 2021, the NABCC is the newest of the specialist clubs that caters solely for Brooklin collectors.

Lansdowne Collectors Club

The Lansdowne Collectors Club was formed in 1999 by Bob Timmis with help from Mike Coupe and others. The first club model – a Ford Zephyr convertible with top in the coupe de ville position – was produced in 2000. The Club ran until 2017 although the Lansdowne Collector, administered by Mike Coupe, thrives on Facebook. When in operation the Club had a regular magazine which was always printed in full colour and an annual Club model.

Clubs that have commissioned Brooklin Models

As well as the dedicated Brooklin-only clubs other clubs have commissioned Brooklin Models for club members over the years. These include the Avon Diecast & Toy Collectors Society, Maidenhead Static Model Club, Classic Thunderbird Club International, Modelex and various American toy shows. Unique among this list is the Wessex Model & Toy Collectors who commissioned Brooklin subjects from 1987 to 1999, then Lansdowne subjects from 2000 to 2014.

In 1987 Roger Mateo compiled a list of the models Brooklin had produced and this, together with a guide produced the following year by Vincent Rosa and Paul Summers formed the basis for the 1989 guide produced by John Hammick and David Angel.

After two revisions, in 1989 the guide was taken over by John Scrivens the current BCC Chair. John updated the guide in 2004, 2007 and 2010, reflecting the continued expansion of the Brooklin range. 

In 2013 Gianluigi Cappi continued the tradition by updating and expanding the format, resulting in the comprehensive Collectors Guide Edition IV which gives information on all past and present Brooklin Models. A second volume has been published which deals with Lansdowne, Robeddie and the numerous other lines.

• Brooklin Models - 20th Anniversary all color Catalog. Autumn 1994.
• Brooklin Models - Supplementary all color Catalog. 1996.
• McCourt, Mark J.; Donnelly, Jim (2012). "Art & Automobilia section". Hemmings Classic Car. Vol. 9 no. 3.
• Moyer, Wayne (Winter 2009). "Eye on 1:43". Die Cast X Magazine. Vol. 5 no. 1. pp. 82–84.
• Olson, Randall (2006). Ford in Miniature. Dorchester England: Veloce Publishing.
• Olson, Randall (2008). GM in Miniature. Dorchester England: Veloce Publishing.
• Brooklin Illustrated Collectors Guide Volume I - Gianluigi Cappi 2018
• Brooklin Illustrated Collectors Guide Volume II - Gianluigi Cappi 2020

• Brooklin Models Homepage