34b Volkswagen Caravette

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) has a somewhat implausible variation listed as 34b-2B: 5-line base, 10 x 24 GPW, 0.75 mm door box. If confirmed, this would slot into Nick's table as variation code 7
The AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) points out that the separate seat castings can be reversed. What we would consider an error piece is listed as variation 34-2e (5-line base, 10 x 24 GPW, 2 mm door box), which has the "parcel shelf" seat at the front and the "no parcel shelf" seat at the rear. In addition, the equivalent of Nick's code 9 (11 x 45 BPW, 6-line base, 0.75 mm door box) is catalogued as having either thick (34-2g) or thin wheels (34-2h). Differeing wheel thicknesses for the same tread count has been commented on before and further details (including comparison photographs) would be most welcome.
Stannard does not list any variations not already covered by Nick.
Houghton is a different matter, since he lists what appear to be casting variations to both doors. (Nick states: "There were also two casting modifications to the opening side doors, Firstly the storage box on the inside of the right door was reduced from being 2mm deep to just 0.75mm deep and the door pillars were thickened resulting in the new type doors having a smaller window opening and a ridge around the window frame on the inside of the doors", whilst Leake ("Concise Catalogue of 75 Series Matchbox Toys by Lesney" (4th edition, reprinted 2006)) only notes casting variations to the right hand (rear) door.) According to Houghton, in addition to the box thickness, the "front side door window" can be either flat or raised. Ditto the "rear side door window". (N.B. Although 'front' and 'rear' could refer to the vehicle, they could also refer to the front/outside and rear/inside face of the right hand/rear door.) Furthermore, whether the window is flat or raised, is not linked to the door box thickness. Unusually for Houghton, no illustration is provided.
All of Houghton's variations have flat windows (whatever that might mean) except for the following:
- Variation 34b-6 (equivalent to Nick's variation code 8: 11 x 45 GPW, 6-line base, 0.75 mm door box) which has raised "back side door window",
- Variation 34b-7 (equivalent to Nick's variation code 6: 11 x 45 GPW, 6-line base, 2 mm door box) which has raised front and back side door windows,
- Variation 34b-10 (equivalent to Nick's variation code 9: 11 x 45 BPW, 6-line base, 0.75 mm door box) which has raised "back side door window", and
- Variation 34b-11 (equivalent to Nick's variation code 9: 11 x 45 BPW, 6-line base, 0.75 mm door box) which has raised front and back side door windows.
Can anyone clarify what Houghton has spotted? (My guess is that his "raised" is the equivalent of Nick's "ridge" but, if so, what does he mean by "front side" and "back side"?)
Houghton also lists (and pictures) a clear-window equivalent of Nick's variation code 2 (10 x 24 GPW, 5-line base, 2 mm door box) as variation code 2. If confirmed, this would be Nick's variation code 2.
U.K. Matchbox did not examine the model.

N.B. In keeping with many pale green models, this model will also sunfade to pale blue.

[Diecast]

I have the same opinion as Hugh, "raised" is the equivalent of Nick's "ridge". I think that the "front side" means the front door = left door and "back side" means rear door = right door.
Antonin

[Diecast]

As I have checked my models I have fond a new unlisted variation on the body. All my models have the flat surface above the doors.

[Diecast]

But one model has a groove between the flat surface and the door stop.

[Diecast]

As I have checked the model in more detail I have noticed another difference, a smaller grey wheels. It is simiar to 35a ERF Marshall Horsebox with BPW ø7,5x18 and BPW ø8x18. The difference is small and easilly overlooked.
Antonin

[Diecast]

Just to remember, I have mentioned it:
a) flat slot
b) slot with a reinforcement

[Diecast]

There are three variation of the door stop:
a) with groove and overlaping door stop
b) flat surface and overlaping door stop
c) flat surface and flat door stop
Antonin

[nearlymint]

Hi Antonin,
You have been busy, some interesting notes on this model.
My only model with the groove above the doors is the code 1 with the SPW.
I also have in my collection a model with 10x45BPW(very hard to count) with the early 2 rivet base(with your b type door stop).This model would be aroung code 3 or 4.
The slot with a reinforcement I do not have on any of my models, where does this fit in code table.
Jason

[Diecast]

Thanks Jason for checking it. It seems that the model with the groove is a very early model variation. Your model with BPW ø10x45 was not listed up till now, very nice, please could you be so kind and share a photo of this model with us. I think, my model with the reinforcement slot is the very last variation (with BPW ø11x45).
Antonin

[nearlymint]

Hi Antonin,
I think the model has 10x36 wheels counting on the picture.
The top model without doors has the 10x36 wheels, lower 11x45.

34b

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J