Brumm
Encyclopedia
Brumm is a diecast collectible model company that makes cars. It is based in Oltrona di San Mamette, southwest of Lake Como, Italy, and about 25 miles northwest of Milan (Johnson 1998, 32-33). Models are almost exclusively produced in 1:43 scale.
(Levine 2009; Sinclair's 1975, 1978). The new company was formed with the help of a couple of associates who had already been making models of horse drawn carriages (Force 1992, 106). Brumm thus started producing miniature vehicles in Oltrona di San Mamette about seven miles from where RIO was located in Cernobbio. The RIO connection is not discussed in the company history on the official Brumm website.
The name Brumm was derived from the Italian for 'Brougham' (Force 1992, 106). As quoted from Brumm's official 1995 catalog, with a silly drama partly arising from translation of Italian into English, "It was a dark and stormy night...a dense fog screen wound the city of Milan. Nobody dared get out of the house, and in the desert[ed] streets you only heard the squeaking of a black carriage - the Brumm [of] Milan" (Brumm, 1995).
The Carriage and Old Fire series were produced in detailed plastic very similar to Minialuxe
of France or Cursor Models
of Germany. The Revival series automobiles, however, were produced in zamac - the first of the series being the cute and classic Morgan Sport 3-wheeler with the V-Twin engine hanging off of the front, which no-one had ever produced before in miniature. Another unique model choice was Henry Ford's 1902 model 999 land speed record car (see Force 1992, 107-110 for models produced up to about 1980).
Brumm Models were advertised as "not toys and unsuitable for children" - a fact emphasized when packaging recommends that models are only suitable for ages 14 and up. Most Brumm models, similar to RIO, were offered in top up or top down versions and the versions were offered in distinct colors. Unlike RIO, however, Brumm models rarely had opening features which made RIO seem the better value for the price. RIO chassis were better detailed and also, at times, Brumm paint applications could be rather thick.
or Eligor
which also offer interesting mixes of vintage with newer vehicles. According to a stock sheet from 2003 on the official website, throughout its existence the company had produced over a hundred models consisting of 353 different liveries. By comparison, RIO Models though fewer in number carried a more refined and pristine feel. RIO often surpassed Brumm in creativity, but not in sheer production numbers, Brumm is the leader.
While RIO focused on classic as well as newer production cars, Brumm focused on period racing vehicles (Castellarin 2002). Brumm's later models expanded to 1930s to 1950s race cars, accurately copying the real cars, down to varied numbering, striping, and nationalistic color schemes according to driver or to particular race. For example, the 1938 Mercedes W125 Grand Prix no. 15 model accurately portrayed all kinds of intricate details including tiny rear-view mirror, low profile windscreen, suspension detail, authentic looking wire wheels, brown 'leather' hood strap, and disc brakes. This car raced in the United States and the model even portrays the Nazi flag on the rear of the body.
Later, Ferraris and Alfa Romeos from the 1970s and 1980s were offered. Examination of company catalogs easily shows that European diecast manufacturers favored the 'patria', so naturally, Italian FIATs, Lancias, and Maseratis were prevalent in the Brumm line, though British Jaguars, the Vanwall, and Mercedes-Benzes were also represented in miniature. Other nationalistic themes were seen in examples such as the Porsche Speedster with Eva Peron markings.
Starting in 1986, an annual series of limited production models was begun and in 1987 the beginning Revival line was discontinued (though still proudly shown in catalogs a decade later. Brumm 1995; Johnson 1998, 33). Pride in the models produced was evident and the traditional Brumm carriage became the company logo for most packaging.
Continuing the quote from the 1995 Brumm catalog, "Suddenly the indefinite profiles...were lit by blinding lightning and a freezing discharge of thunder awoke the city...a furtive shadow...comes out of the carriage and started narrating the history of automobile thought...a storm of miniature models...the Brumm Tempest." Again, the image is dramatically goofy, but the point is valid - especially in comparison with stepfather RIO, Brumm has been industrious indeed (Castellarin 2002). Brumm even announces models sometimes years before they actually appear (Force 1992, 107).
History
Veteran collectors Dave Sinclair and Dr. Edward Force, report that Brumm was started in 1972, by a former partner - reportedly a brother-in-law - of the creator of RIO ModelsRIO Models
RIO Models are intricately detailed diecast and plastic 1:43 scale models made in Cernobbio, Italy on Lake Como, by a tool and die company of the same name.-History:...
(Levine 2009; Sinclair's 1975, 1978). The new company was formed with the help of a couple of associates who had already been making models of horse drawn carriages (Force 1992, 106). Brumm thus started producing miniature vehicles in Oltrona di San Mamette about seven miles from where RIO was located in Cernobbio. The RIO connection is not discussed in the company history on the official Brumm website.
The name Brumm was derived from the Italian for 'Brougham' (Force 1992, 106). As quoted from Brumm's official 1995 catalog, with a silly drama partly arising from translation of Italian into English, "It was a dark and stormy night...a dense fog screen wound the city of Milan. Nobody dared get out of the house, and in the desert[ed] streets you only heard the squeaking of a black carriage - the Brumm [of] Milan" (Brumm, 1995).
Carriages and steam
Carriages then (with horses available), made up the first Brumm line. In 1976, the "Old Fire" series followed, and then the Revival series of motorcars. The Old Fire series at first focused on steam fire engines and other fairly well known pre-gas engine vehicles such as Trevithick's 1803 steam carriage. Soon, the line was expanded into a unique set of steam powered vehicles - something no toy manufacturer had ever done before. This included Cugnot's 1769 steam tractor from France, proposed for pulling military cannon, and later, two fantastical steam cars: one supposedly made by Ferdinand Verbiest in 1681, and another proposed by Newton in 1680 - neither confirmed to have ever been actually constructed. Such novel choices for steam propulsion did not stop with European concoctions; for example Oliver Evans' 'Oruktor Amphibolos' was a steam dredge demonstrated in Philadelphia in 1804 (Sinclair's 1981).The Carriage and Old Fire series were produced in detailed plastic very similar to Minialuxe
Minialuxe
Minialuxe was a brand of plastic car and truck models made in Oyonnax , France, usually in 1:43 scale, but some larger 1:32 scale vehicles were also manufactured...
of France or Cursor Models
Cursor Models
Cursor Modell was a German company making models of antique and modern German vehicles. It is best known for its plastic replicas of vehicles mainly of the era 1880 to about 1920, produced for, and sold in, the Daimler-Benz museum in Stuttgart .-Museum Models:Cursor started making ultra detailed...
of Germany. The Revival series automobiles, however, were produced in zamac - the first of the series being the cute and classic Morgan Sport 3-wheeler with the V-Twin engine hanging off of the front, which no-one had ever produced before in miniature. Another unique model choice was Henry Ford's 1902 model 999 land speed record car (see Force 1992, 107-110 for models produced up to about 1980).
Brumm Models were advertised as "not toys and unsuitable for children" - a fact emphasized when packaging recommends that models are only suitable for ages 14 and up. Most Brumm models, similar to RIO, were offered in top up or top down versions and the versions were offered in distinct colors. Unlike RIO, however, Brumm models rarely had opening features which made RIO seem the better value for the price. RIO chassis were better detailed and also, at times, Brumm paint applications could be rather thick.
Attempting to best RIO
For RIO, diecast cars were once a sideline to a tool and die business. In comparison to RIO, however, Brumm produced a larger range of different models from the 1970s forward. It continues as one of the most prolific European collector oriented diecast firms today, though some of its offerings and approach are similar to VitesseVitesse Models
Vitesse was started in 1982 as a Portuguese company making diecast cars mostly in 1:43 scale. It was founded in the city of Oporto and is a brand name of Cinerius, Ltd.-The Fit of Vitesse:...
or Eligor
Eligor Models
Eligor is a brand of collector's diecast model cars mostly made in 1:43 scale . The brand was originally made by Hobbycar S.A. of Lausanne, Switzerland, with most models continuously made in Izernore, France, about 30 miles west of Geneva...
which also offer interesting mixes of vintage with newer vehicles. According to a stock sheet from 2003 on the official website, throughout its existence the company had produced over a hundred models consisting of 353 different liveries. By comparison, RIO Models though fewer in number carried a more refined and pristine feel. RIO often surpassed Brumm in creativity, but not in sheer production numbers, Brumm is the leader.
While RIO focused on classic as well as newer production cars, Brumm focused on period racing vehicles (Castellarin 2002). Brumm's later models expanded to 1930s to 1950s race cars, accurately copying the real cars, down to varied numbering, striping, and nationalistic color schemes according to driver or to particular race. For example, the 1938 Mercedes W125 Grand Prix no. 15 model accurately portrayed all kinds of intricate details including tiny rear-view mirror, low profile windscreen, suspension detail, authentic looking wire wheels, brown 'leather' hood strap, and disc brakes. This car raced in the United States and the model even portrays the Nazi flag on the rear of the body.
Later, Ferraris and Alfa Romeos from the 1970s and 1980s were offered. Examination of company catalogs easily shows that European diecast manufacturers favored the 'patria', so naturally, Italian FIATs, Lancias, and Maseratis were prevalent in the Brumm line, though British Jaguars, the Vanwall, and Mercedes-Benzes were also represented in miniature. Other nationalistic themes were seen in examples such as the Porsche Speedster with Eva Peron markings.
Starting in 1986, an annual series of limited production models was begun and in 1987 the beginning Revival line was discontinued (though still proudly shown in catalogs a decade later. Brumm 1995; Johnson 1998, 33). Pride in the models produced was evident and the traditional Brumm carriage became the company logo for most packaging.
Continuing the quote from the 1995 Brumm catalog, "Suddenly the indefinite profiles...were lit by blinding lightning and a freezing discharge of thunder awoke the city...a furtive shadow...comes out of the carriage and started narrating the history of automobile thought...a storm of miniature models...the Brumm Tempest." Again, the image is dramatically goofy, but the point is valid - especially in comparison with stepfather RIO, Brumm has been industrious indeed (Castellarin 2002). Brumm even announces models sometimes years before they actually appear (Force 1992, 107).
Brumm today
Into the new millennium, Brumm continues with most of its traditional models while occasionally producing a new Ferrari, Lotus or Alfa Romeo, but since about 1990 fewer models have been produced - about one new model annually. A new sales angle appeared with semi-promotional models, such as FIAT 500s with names of European political candidates ( and yes, even one with 'Obama') on their sides. Also like RIO, models are often sold in life-like dioramas - usually of racing vehicles (see Autostory collection website).External links
- Official website
- Toy Collector website
- Alpimodel website, has more historical offerings
- Auto story website, for diorama displays