35c Merryweather Fire Engine

[fixer]

After being a bit miffed about johnboy and his find in the same bin I looked in, I decided to take a look at the merryweathers I have
What do I find but an identical one which I have had for ages (told you I don't look properly)
John you are safe now

[johnboy]

After being a bit miffed about johnboy and his find in the same bin I looked in, I decided to take a look at the merryweathers I have
What do I find but an identical one which I have had for ages (told you I don't look properly)
John you are safe now

Thank heavens for that, I haven't slept in a week. Nice one Reg

[fixer]

John
Does this make yours half as rare

[johnboy]

John
Does this make yours half as rare

At this rate I'm going have to get down to Rayleigh next week Yes, half as rare, but twice as satisfying

[fixer]

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Here are some images saved from the old 'Lefora' site with some comments added by myself. It was not possible to relate everything mentioned about this model and I did not put a link here back to the 'Lefora' site, because a lot of the members here can not make use of it any more.

This yellow model appeared at first to be a 'Pre-Pro' Model but the general consensus during conversation between a couple of forum members, was it is really a colour-trial.

The pictures were originally posted by "Matchboxuk" and for the benefit of clarity, I have slightly enhanced the images with a little extra brightness and contrast.
I have tried to leave them in quite a large file size for the detail, so you will have to left click on the image to make it full-size.

GHOSTHUNTER.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Here is a blue model that was given the 'Pre-Pro' conformation by forum members, and the interesting item on this is the 'Chromed' Baseplate.

The pictures were originally posted by "Hotwheels66k" and I have added some extra light around the rear to bring out the detail, again it is a large file size so left click to see all the image.

GHOSTHUNTER.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Here is a section of a larger picture posted recently but showing an early model without an interior, 'Chrome' wheel centres and a bright baseplate that could now be plated in a 'Chrome' finish, especially in light of the blue model shown above.

GHOSTHUNTER.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Here is the silver model which after much searching has allowed the three pictures to come together at last. I am sure these were originally on Christian's website so we must thank him for having them and we use them here with his kindness and understanding.

GOSTHUNTER.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Here is what can be called...'The Ken Wetton Jacket model'...

One of three pictures posted by "Matchboxuk" it is said that when Mr Ken Wetton left Lesney, his work mates took several models off production, all Merryweather Fire Engines and drilled holes in the baseplates and had the models fixed to his works overalls as he was a fanatical collector of Fire Engines and this was a nice gesture for him!

I had heard this story myself from a reliable source, but could not confirm this is what happened, but now seeing the picture below, I am tending to think this is a true story and knowing Ken after leaving Lesney was freelancing his skills to a model car shop where I was un-officially a fourth member of staff, during the late Seventies, fits-in with the particular specification of the model shown.

GHOSTHUNTER.