In 1961 the Lesney model of the Foden cement mixer replaced the smaller 26A ERF mixer in the Matchbox 1-75 series,
It kept the earlier versions colour of orange but the first issues had a grey or dark grey plastic mixer barrel, These are quite rare and are very sought after,
The mixer barrel was soon changed to orange plastic which it kept until the model was deleted,
Silver trim was applied to the grille and front bumper on the early issues but not to the later ones.
The baseplate was also painted orange and was held on by a tongue at the front and a rivet to the rear, The baseplate was modified by slight lengthening, The early issues had a baseplate that stopped level with the end of the fuel tank, Later ones had the end of the baseplate level with the front of the mud guards,
At the same time the baseplate was lengthened it was reinforced with 4 triangular braces.There was one other casting variation to the ejector ring on the left side of the box between the mixer drum and the cab,
Early issues had a 3.5mm ejector ring, This was later enlarged to a 4mm ring and later it was anlarged again to 4.5mm.
Another slight casting variation may be found on top of the box where there is a raised round panel with a ring of rivets around the rim, Later issues have the ring of rivets removed but it is difficult to decide if these were intentionally removed or if they went due to wear on the dies.
A variety of grey, Silver and black plastic wheels were fitted on dome head rounded axles, The silver wheeled variant is particularly hard to find and the grey or dark grey barrel variations are pretty scarce as well.
The foden was sold in 'C', 'D' and 'E' type boxes,
It was deleted in 1968 to make way for the 26c GMC tipper truck.
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