42a Bedford "Evening News" Van

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) contains one variation not listed anywhere else: model 42-2D is given as 10 x 24 GPW, d/h r/a, full width roof braces. If confirmed, this would be the new variation code 6.
The AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) does not have any unlisted variations but does highlight the existence of both light and dark GPW, as does Houghton.
Stannard does not list any variations not already covered by Nick.
Houghton notes that early baseplates are matt, whilst later ones are gloss, the changeover coming with Nick's variation code 3 (10 x 24 GPW, d/h c/a, no roof braces) which can be found with either baseplate. However U.K. Matchbox (Vol. 6, no. 3 (Aug. '82) p84 and no. 4 (Oct. '82) p142) suggests that the baseplates simply become progressively more glossy the later the date of production. Houghton also notes that Nick's variation code 8 (10 x 24 BPW, d/h r/a, full-width roof braces) and code 9 (11 x 45 BPW, d/h r/a, full-width roof braces) exist with either flat or raised base ejector rings. (All other variations only occur with flat base ejector rings.) Unfortunately his photographs illustrating this variation are too small to be of any use, so can any Member provide photographs to illustrate this point? If accepted as variations, these would slot in after existing codes 8 and 9.

Please note that Nick's variation table contains two errors: the last two wheel diameters should both be 11 mm rather than 10 mm.

[yellowfoden]

Houghton also notes that Nick's variation code 8 (10 x 24 GPW, d/h r/a, full-width roof braces) and code 9 (11 x 45 BPW, d/h r/a, full-width roof braces) exist with either flat or raised base ejector rings. (All other variations only occur with flat base ejector rings.) Unfortunately his photographs illustrating this variation are too small to be of any use, so can any Member provide photographs to illustrate this point?

Hello Hugh,

I note you mention Nicks code 8 as gpw but do you mean bpw?

John Houghtons photograph of the base plate with ejector rings is a little misleading.
The right hand arrows are actually pointing to the front rivet hole. I have placed yellow blocks where the front and rear ejector rings are actually positioned in attached image.

Over the life of the base plate they vary from flush to 0.2mm , 1.0mm and 2mm high or more.
They are difficult to see without magnification and good light source.
But I turned the light on in the 42a van and by magic the camera did the trick.

As it turns out though I have a 10 x 24 bpw with very raised ejector rings with angled roof brace which is not on Houghtons listing but I have it coded as Nicks code 7.

Nick also mentions a neat little casting change done to the rear of the van. Pics attached to show change.

While I generally favour metal wheel models I think the bpw model (either tread count) are the best looking combination on this model. The improved casting at the rear improves it even more.

Given silver trim is often documented as a variation on other models I have attached an image of the comparison of hand applied and mask along with the light and grey gpw as a reference.

All the best
Bert

[Idris]

Thanks for an extremely useful addition to this thread, Bert. Those photographs are very good indeed.
You are correct about the GPW/BPW typo and I have corrected my original text.