Peter Allen

Peter Allen was born 1939 in Cheam, Surrey and educated at Wimbledon Junior Technical College where he specialised in engineering. In August 1957 he joined Lines Bros. as an apprentice toolmaker, he was taught technical skills 'on ­the ­job' moving from department to department every three months.

 

Peter Allen was born 1939 in Cheam, Surrey and educated at Wimbledon Junior Technical College where he specialised in engineering. In August 1957 he joined Lines Bros. as an apprentice toolmaker, he was taught technical skills 'on ­the ­job' moving from department to department every three months.

 

In the experimental department he was mentored by highly skilled toolmakers and mould makers and worked on prototypes, in particular the prototype for Arkitex, introducing lights into Spot­-On Model Cars. The work was classified as 'secret' and he was forbidden to discuss it with anyone. His specialism became die­cast injection moulding.

 

After seven years at Lines Bros. he was made redundant and took up the role of Design Draughtsman (component and injection moulds) with Airfix. Once he had proven his ability with the first 'simple' model range he was allowed free reign and Airfix had total faith in him and their other deisigners. His roles at Airfix included Product Manager, Special Projects, Project Engineer and Design Draughtsman and he was responsible for the 1:12 Bentley Blower, 1:24 Hawker Harrier and numerous smaller cars, AFVs and aircraft. He also designed toys such as a Airfix's 1:32 remote control Saladin armoured car.

 

He spent 15 years working for Airfix before taking up the position of Design Manager at The Palitoy Company (owned by General Mills Products). This was followed by a period as a Senior Design Manager for Hasbro before he took early retirement in 2000.