49a M3 Halftrack

[Idris]

It is difficult to reconcile variations 49-1G to J in the NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) with Nick's variations. It may be that variation 49-1J could be 10 x 36 BPW, 7.5 mm BPR with a non-riveted base (plausible as the result of stockroom clearance) which would be the new code 18, but I think it is is more likely to be a mis-reported 9 x 36 BPW matching Nick's code 17.
The AIM “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) does not report any variations not already listed by Nick.
Houghton notes that the driver's seat is 3 mm wide on early castings, reducing to 2.5 mm wide on later ones. His variation table suggests that the width was changed when moving from the "half-round ejector ring" to the "no ejector ring, axle platform forward" base. However, we know that such changes were often incremental, so we should not rule out the possibility that either late "half-round ejector ring" bases exist with narrow seats, or that early "no ejector ring, axle platform forward" bases exist with wide seats.
Stannard lists a model as variation 49-A6 which has 9.5 x 20 GPW, 9.5 mm GPR, r/a, "axle platform to rear" base and a centre axle brace bogie. If confirmed, this would sit neatly between Nick's existing codes 6 and 7. Stannard also list a model at 49-A9 which has 10 x 45 BPW, 9.5 mm BPR, r/a, "no ejector ring, axle platform forward" base, and no bogie wheel openings. I think this should be Nick's variation code 12 which, in this table, is identical to his variation code 13.
U.K. Matchbox covered the model in volume 1, no. 5 (Jul. '77), p78. Although no variations not already covered by Nick are listed, the illustration of the first-type bogie shows four triangular openings rather than two. Is this just a mistake, or does it point to the existence of an even earlier four-hole bogie casting? Since no separate mention of a two-hole casting is made, I suspect the former to be the case.
NAMC, AIM and Houghton all catalogue light and dark grey wheel variations.

[Diecast]

Stannard lists a model as variation 49-A6 which has 9.5 x 20 GPW, 9.5 mm GPR, r/a, "axle platform to rear" base and a centre axle brace bogie. If confirmed, this would sit neatly between Nick's existing codes 6 and 7. Stannard also list a model at 49-A9 which has 10 x 45 BPW, 9.5 mm BPR, r/a, "no ejector ring, axle platform forward" base, and no bogie wheel openings. I think this should be Nick's variation code 12 which, in this table, is identical to his variation code 13.
.

Hi Hugh
I think there is a mistake by Stannard´s list. He has completely forgotten to mention GPW ø10x24 by GP Rollers. I think that Nick´s list is correct to mention GPW ø10x24 with GP Rollers and no GPW ø9,5x20 with GP Rollers. I have two models with GPW ø10x24 and GP Rollers, one with the base "A" and the second one with the base "B".
Antonin

[Diecast]

I think there is another mistake by Stannard by bogie "C". I think that Nick is correct with the opinion that the openings between the bogie wheeels flash over as the mould wore out. I think also that there was an evolution by bogie "A" and "B" and there is no variation "C".
Here is my photos of the evolution
Antonin

[Diecast]

Finally the bogie was replaced with the variation "D" (not "C"!!!!!!!)
Antonin

[Idris]

That all looks extremely plausible, Antonin.

[yellowfoden]

Great photos and information Antonin and idris

In addition to the detail from Antonin here are two bits of info from our 49a’s.

There is little mention with reference to colours for this model. Nick mentions a dark Military or olive green. Here is an example of a gloss green and when placed alongside the more common finish the difference is quite apparent. This particular variation has been packed away from any light for many decades, here’s it’s maiden photo session. Note the long light strips that looks a little like bare metal is just reflection. The original rubber tracks on this model are still nice and soft.

The details are DC, GPW ( dark) 9.35 x 20, MR, pinched base, axle brace toward rear, recessed ejector ring, type B bogie, grey rubber tracks and GLOSS green.

As a rule I do not search for light and dark wheel colour wheels but by coincidence this model has dark GPW and my others were all light. As the light and dark are mentioned in the opening paragraph by idris I thought a comparison photo may be of interest.

[Diecast]

Nice colour variations Yellowfoden. I am still looking for a glossy green model.
Antonin

[Diecast]

I have not mentioned small casting variations yesterday. There is a small unlisted variation on the front grill:
a) without step
b) with step

[Diecast]

there is another unlisted variation with a dashboard brace and thicker frame
Antonin

[Diecast]

there are some unlisted wheels/casting variations also ( I must prepare a list of them)
Antonin