29c Fire Pumper Truck

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) suggests the existence of two raised panel castings, one without a door handle (variation code 29-3E) and one with (variation code 29-3F).
The AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) does not list any variations not already covered by Nick. The same is true of both Stannard and Houghton.
U.K. Matchbox did not examine the model, only mentioning it in passing in Vol 5 no.5 (Dec. '81) p175 when discussing the forthcoming Code Red reincarnation.

I would suggest that Nick's variation code 7 should be deleted from the table since it does not meet Martin's Maxim, only one example of this non-casting variation being known.

[Diecast]

There are three unlisted variations:
a) without rib under horn
b) with rib under horn

[Diecast]

a) without the strengthening ribs on the plastic part
b) with the strengthening ribs on the plastic part

[Diecast]

a) visible hinge on the raised platform
b) no hinge on the raised platform

[Diecast]

I have one model with raised platform and the decall. I do not know if it is only oops or a variation. Would be nice if this variation could be confirmed.
Antonin

[kwakers]

It is amazing to me that I had never noticed the raised door panels with and without door handles in that NAMC Guide Hugh, Thanks for noting that variation here!!
I can provide a second known example of the shield on this Fire Truck to meet Martin's Maxim Hugh, and I am sure more are about of this very early (?) released variation once we ask. I have an example found in circulation as a toy (Non-Mint) of that shield decal being applied on the opposite door of this 29C Fire Truck, so differing slightly from the model at Nick's site. I would not suggest the removal of code 7 as much as I would now consider the model a very early released code ONE that featured one shield and one Denver decal on the other side of the Truck in varying locations. The 59C and the 29C were both released in 1966, so factory experimentation and sharing of this shield on early examples of this Fire Truck is now confirmed on two continents. I assume Nick's pictured example was not found in the U.S.?
A short history on the two different decals mentioned as VERY distinct separate variations in both our U.S. AIM and our NAMC "Lesney Bibles" you are researching Hugh. Stannard notes the decal colours vary from Orange to Yellow, but that is incorrect. The first releases of this Fire Truck had thin orange script decals fitted to them and went on for quite some time with the first style base/ recessed door panel version. At some time during that initial variation's production period the BOLDER script Yellow Denver decal replaced those (very weak looking) thin character early orange style decals. They are VERY different decals, and they were cataloged as different variations in our "Bibles" for that very reason Hugh. I also have in our collection an example of that casting with one of each style decal used on opposite sides of the Fire Truck, and have just seen another cheap example at our Toy Show last weekend. They were shipped over here and apparently found mixed that way in our stores during the decal design changeover period, so were not that uncommon in our Albany N.Y. area. These mixed decal models were not noted by Bob or Harold in their Guides, and even today we may consider them as 'errors' rather than a cataloged variation. The two decals are similar in the Denver name only, so different codes for them are worth cataloging and correcting as such.
I am proud of the fact that Mike Stannard and Nick both note the decal colours in their Guides, but we elderly collectors lived through their 2 decal's availability and the casting changes during their four year run as a Regular Wheel "common" model......kwakers

[kwakers]

I can also now verify that I also have an example of the rear hoses like Antonin's with outer verticals on them that would seem to be a very limited production from my experience. I discussed those added verticals with Nick 6 years ago now, he had never seen or heard of them at that time. Our single example has the recessed door panels, the base without tow guides, but has the bolder yellow decals on it's doors.
That raised panel Fire Truck with decals is a new and a rare variation on me Antonin, what a missing link after 50 years of examining these Trucks in hand. It can't be an error in my book, just a first cab change production before they sped production by dropping the decal application on this model. The lack of decals "Cheapened" this model's looks in my book, but one less worker at Lesney to apply those decals meant a cost savings to the company.
Your added casting details are simply amazing Antonin! We will all be picking these Fire Trucks up now with a new eye to details on them we had never noticed before. Thank You Hugh and Antonin for this new look at an "Old common Lesney"....Dick

[Diecast]

That raised panel Fire Truck with decals is a new and a rare variation on me Antonin, what a missing link after 50 years of examining these Trucks in hand. It can't be an error in my book, just a first cab change production before they sped production by dropping the decal application on this model. The lack of decals "Cheapened" this model's looks in my book, but one less worker at Lesney to apply those decals meant a cost savings to the company.

I agree with you Dick. It sounds perfectly logical to me. The raised panel was better for applying decals. To aplly the decals to a smooth raised surface is probably easier than on the sunken surface between 4 increased lines (similar to 35b Snow Trac). Once this casting change has been done, it was decided, at the same time to save the costs and not aplly the decals any more. But the very short run of the models with raised platform and decals left the factory gate.
Antonin

[Idris]

a) visible hinge on the raised platform
b) no hinge on the raised platform

I suspect that is the NAMC's door handle variation (assuming the Pumper to have suicide doors).

[Brad Pittiful]

i would think these are door hinges and not handles...since there were two to support the door when it was opened...if you look at the pics of the model with the denver decals you see the door handle above the R in denver

and i was checking my models...i know why they beefed up the support for the siren...i have four with out the beefing up...and three sirens are broken off...only one still has the siren...i also have a siren broken off with the extra support as you can see the bigger foot print of the casting support