58b Drott Excavator

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (first edition) listing implies that there are two sizes of BPR, with the smaller ones fitted to the orange-bodied models. (Since this is not mentioned in any other catalogue, I would suggest that it is erroneous.)
The AIM “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) splits Nick's code 1 (metal rollers) into a crimped axle (variation 58-2a) and a rivetted axle (variation 58-2b) version.
Houghton lists the two arm widths as 1.5 mm and 2 mm instead of 1.0 mm and 1.3 mm, but the drawing in Stannard demonstrates that this is simply the result of taking the measurement at a different location.
Stannard has no variations not already listed by Nick.
U.K. Matchbox covered the model in vol 4, no. 3 (Aug '80), p97. The filling-in of the triangles on the arms is stated to be flashing over as the result of tool wear rather than a deliberate casting variation. Although mentioned, the crimped axle variant (see above under AIM) is categorised as a pre-production rather than a general release.

[kwakers]

The 1973 printing of the NAMC catalog shows the same size rollers on the orange bodied Drotts as they used on the earlier red bodied models. That makes you correct Idris in saying the earlier printing had a mistake in it by stating a model was done with smaller rollers. That is of course unless Antonin, Numi, Brad, or Jason can find us one this week! LOL kwakers

[Tinman]

I was going through my Drott excavator beaters, picking out a couple for restoration and I found this unlisted variation:

Red body
Silver base/motor
Black plastic rollers
With stops
With wedges
Thick arms
Arms cast closed
Thick arms

The unlisted part is that it does have the lifting stops. So the tooling was modified and lifting stops added before the color change to orange. Both Nick & Stannards show all the models in red as not having the lifting stops modification

[Taniwha]

Very interesting variation Joe. Do you think it is hard to find, or simply often overlooked? And what about orange versions without the stops - any possibility they exist too?

Cheers,
Gavin

[Tinman]

Very interesting variation Joe. Do you think it is hard to find, or simply often overlooked? And what about orange versions without the stops - any possibility they exist too?

Cheers,
Gavin

My guess (and it is just a guess) is that these have been overlooked.

With the way Lesney stockpiled castings for later painting and assembly combined with the time frame on this mold alteration, it seems very possible orange models might exist without the arm stops.

I'm removing this one from the beater pile and will keep it intact due to the unlisted variation.

[Brad Pittiful]

i have about 10 or so orange drotts...all with the blocks...got 5 red drotts and 4 of 5 have the SPR...only one with BPR and it doenst have the blocks

[johnboy]

No blocks on my few red versions. Digging these out reminded me that they're quite nice models when the paint's good and the tracks are present.

[kwakers]

What a Great find Joe! I have to say that you have found a very rare crossover variation there, not simply a minor point overlooked all these years by we detail collectors. I don't usually disagree with you on a point like the rarity of a model like this odd red Drott WITH arm stops, but "overlooked" should not be used to describe this odd model. EXCITING is the word I would be using if it were discovered by me anywhere, but especially if found in my beater box........My envy is now showing kwakers

[Diecast]

The 1973 printing of the NAMC catalog shows the same size rollers on the orange bodied Drotts as they used on the earlier red bodied models. That makes you correct Idris in saying the earlier printing had a mistake in it by stating a model was done with smaller rollers. That is of course unless Antonin, Numi, Brad, or Jason can find us one this week! LOL kwakers

You are right Dick, I have to catch it this week There is a model with a smaller metal wheels (but not with crimped axles, the model has the standard riveted axles)
Antonin

[Brad Pittiful]

so im going to ask a question that i may answer

nicks guide shows 7 red variations and 3 orange variations...why is it that when you search for these models the orange out number the red...were the reds made in smaller amounts and the orange ones just made in bigger quantities