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07/12/2016 12:58 pm
1939 Ford Panel Delivery by Durham Classics (pic)
I can't blame the US Mail for slow delivery. I just didn't get around to ordering this one over twenty-five years ago when Julian Stewart first produced it. But better late than never?
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I like the story of Julian, wife Margaret, and eventually son Nicholas as they slowly started production of "Handbuilt models that are created . . . not manufactured." Their web site has more of the story, including the story behind this early BRK Packard:
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And when John Hall took Brooklin to England, Julian Stewart looked at his few masters there at home in Oshawa, Canada, and started to figure out how to make them into finished 1:43 scale models. His first was a 2-door Chrysler Airflow. His second was the model he used as the company standard, the '39 Ford Panel Delivery.
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The Durham Classics were made in small numbers, and he changed colors and logos to reflect changing interests. I have no idea how many different versions of the Panel Delivery were made, but I like mine. Yes, there is a Bender's Wholesale Distributors in Elkhart, Indiana. I checked!
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Enjoy! (And I'm sure the gentleman reached for his wallet.)
07/12/2016 3:13 pm
Great model, great pictures, great story, David. Thanks for the post.
Like Brooklin, Durham did some very nice models in that era. I've always wondered why Durham didn't flourish as Brooklin has. They certainly had the quality for the day.
David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
07/12/2016 5:45 pm
A nice little Panel Delivery. I have thought about this one a couple of times.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
08/12/2016 12:08 am
Paul Bender also owns Brasília Press, which is Brooklin's North American distributor.
08/12/2016 6:28 am
Good point, Dick. I have a hunch Mr. Bender and Mr. Stewart may just be acquaintances. Thanks!
09/12/2016 1:00 pm
I think Brasília Press may have also distributed Durham models at one time.