Notifications
Clear all
Forum 43
23
Posts
12
Users
116
Reactions
5,022
Views
Topic starter
23/03/2022 10:34 am
Those who enjoy the older Brooklin models sometimes forget the much smaller firm of Durham Classics, for at least two decades a Canadian producer of fine white metal 1/43 models. Durham Classics came from the agile mind of Julian Stewart and his involvement with John Hall in the early years of Brooklin. The firm survived, due largely to the efforts of Julian Stewart's family members, after his death some twenty years ago; the company site on the web is still alive at http://www.durhamclassics.ca
Here are a few of my Durham Classics, starting with the first:
23/03/2022 10:51 am
It seems to me that the site is very outdated. I tried several years ago to contact them but got no response so I assume they are out of business. Does anyone know differently? I have many Durhams and enjoy them very much. One of their last models produced, which I deeply regret not buying at the time, was their '54 Ford Ranch wagon. It does come up on the ebay market on rare occasions but is usually gone right away and/or priced out of sight.
23/03/2022 10:56 am
38 Lincoln Zephyr 2 Door Coupe (Durham 1989)
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
Topic starter
23/03/2022 10:58 am
Jack, I have had the same difficulty. My understanding is that family members continued to complete and sell some of the models until some ten or so years ago; but I am hoping for more complete information through this post.
Here's another that I just took down. I'm sure that I added the figure some years ago.
23/03/2022 11:06 am
Had not heard of Durham models before,very interested in searching out one or 2 of the Lincoln Zephyrs!
Edit: See quite a selection on EBay though a bit pricey.
23/03/2022 11:07 am
My favorite Durham is the DC 34B 1941 Plymouth convertible, dark burgundy. What a gorgeous model.
Frank Reed and Frank Reed reacted
23/03/2022 11:40 am
A few more Durham Classics by Julian Stewart.
I met Julian regularly, usually at the CTCS Toy Shows in Toronto.
1934 Chrysler Airflow AAA Record Car ( modification of the casting Julian made for Brooklin)
1954 Ford Ranch Wagon.
1954 Ford Sedan Delivery 1 of 60
Ford Panel Truck, Labatt's Beer.
1954 Ford Ranch Wagon 1 of 60
1938 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe
Topic starter
23/03/2022 12:05 pm
I found another Durham Classic. This one I remember buying in a second hand deal, and it had a broken windshield and other problems. But what a beautiful model!
(later) I just went back to the fine Durham Classics site at
At one time, this site was put together in a masterful manner, with an opening film clip that is just special. But the most recent date I can find anywhere there is 2011.
23/03/2022 12:31 pm
They made some excellent models and were great to deal with but they are no longer in business.
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
David Green and David Green reacted
23/03/2022 12:42 pm
@larry-kemling Larry contact me if you like at jackdodds@shaw.ca as I may be able to assist.
23/03/2022 12:56 pm
Hi Jack,
Not sure what I have at this point. I have a dozen or more Durhams still but most still in storage. Did not get to them on my last check. The 1954 Ford Ranch Wagon was there at one point but I have parted with a lot of Durham and Brooklin in the last 10 years. No records kept and a declining memory.
23/03/2022 2:14 pm
I waited a considerable period to find this red 1941 Plymouth convertible as it is replica of a car my parents had in the 1940s. When it came from an Ebay seller it had a bent down windscreen from poor packing. I got a discount from the seller and was able to successfully repair it. Note to anyone shipping a Durham Classic convertible, put something such as a styrofoam peanut behind the windshield frame to ensure it does not get flattened from the weight of these models.
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
23/03/2022 2:25 pm
About five years ago I was happy to win this beauty in a Vectis UK auction
They offered 3 or 4 Ranch Wagons; I chose this color combo (and 8 Ford, Olds and Plymouth models...)
Among them was this NCHP Plymouth
which is a nice addition to the 41 Ford
Those were the days when UK was member of EU and there was no effort with customs forms, certificates of harmlessness, import tax and stuff like that.
Ralf Buyer
Wiesbaden, Germany
23/03/2022 2:54 pm
@david-green Lol...I can relate David. I have been sorting through a great deal of my collection since moving last August and I continually surprise myself with what I forgot I had packed away. I have been putting aside a large number of models of various brands as it is obvious to me at this point that I need to be better organized and trim down some of my collection; especially models of one particular car/truck that I have multiple colors and/or examples of . It's a work in progress that if I approach it in a positive, casual way it can be quite enjoyable. With all this said...please let me know if you want to part with a '54 Ranch Wagon at some point. Lol.
David Green and David Green reacted
Page 1 / 2
Next