37B Karrier Bantam SPW - Thanks

[tractorboy]

Thank you everyone for the comments on this thread.
Certainly learnt a great deal about the peening process and will inspect future models with a great deal more care.

I've been waiting to hear back from the original seller of the model but no joy.

While my heart would want the model to be original, my head has to acknowledge the fact that the axle ends are not factory standard.

Interestingly I haven't purchased anything since this. Had a few bids but a bit half hearted.
At least I'm better informed now and know what to look for.
As kwakers said if it's a RARE model perfect axle ends are a must.

Hopefully I'll hop back on the bidding horse again and have something to post & share in the near future.

[johnboy]

Hopefully I'll hop back on the bidding horse again and have something to post & share in the near future.

Hope so Rodger, being a collector has it's ups and downs but try and have fun and keep smiling.

[mike]

Do not be sad Rodger.
Some of my rare models have been overlooked in the forum.
And not accepted.

But, I will not give up. and collect further.

[Taniwha]

I know how you feel Rodger - it can be tough to get back into it after a disappointing trade. Don't worry, soon something really nice will come along for you and that'll have you back on top of your game in no time.

Cheers,
Gavin

[kwakers]

Please don't forget that the rear axle with it's flat center looks correct on this SPW Coke Truck! It sounds as though you have given up on this Coke Truck being original, but you have shown we veterans plenty of off struck factory commons to make us believe that the Toy may in fact be an original 'Rare' Holy Grail that possibly is one of the toughest Lesney wheel combinations ever done. I just looked at a 62 GPW 'Rare tread' Radio Van at Hershey last weekend for another collector with one factory axle looking stock like yours, and the other mis-struck a bit off center and not perfect just as yours is. Without hesitation I examined that Truck and could find no other faults or suspicions and declared it legitimate for my friend. As my Post said earlier, I cannot say yours is 100% original without examination, but I cannot call it a 'Fake' either. You have shown us factory variances under magnification that are quite similar to yours, so two 'perfect' axles may be closer than you think on this Toy. I would not count the Coke Truck out if I were you, and also the 2nd former owner's lack of response does not mean very much in my opinion. Off to work! kwakers

[tractorboy]

Hi kwakers,

No I haven't given up on it - put it on the shelf with other ? models.

Ideally would like to find another SPW Bantam to compare with.
Have put note with model to remind about axle end discussion.

[kwakers]

There are few Coke Trucks with SPW known Rodger, (So few that Nick has never seen one, and even has doubts as to their existence!) so the chances of comparison with another one is now left to using those Coke Trucks with the common gray and black plastic wheels as examples. The axle finishing process had remained the same on all riveted ends for over a decade, but as you have shown us there is a tremendous difference in the finished results. I am very glad you are keeping the model safe and that the discussion of Lesney axle ends resulting from your Post has been so enlightening for all of us. Yes, also confusing to all of us as well, but it has provided a spotlight to shine into an area of Lesney production that is very subjective for each of us as to determining the originality of our Toys.....kwakers

[godsey1]

The seller I bought the tan crane from has one of these listed at a buy it now. I hope the link works: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Matchbox-Regula ... t_21wt_920 so I would not give up on it just yet either.

Tony

[SMS88]

The seller I bought the tan crane from has one of these listed at a buy it now. I hope the link works: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Matchbox-Regula ... t_21wt_920 so I would not give up on it just yet either.

Tony

and the axles look good to me!

[numi]

U could save yourself a lot of after-purchase problems if u request clear close-ups of both right side axle-ends & webs to satisfy yourself that this model is factory original and had never been tampered.
numi