21d Foden Concrete Truck

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) has an unlisted variation as 21-4c: plastic pin, no axle braces, no hole in baseplate. If confirmed, this would slot into Nick's table as the new variation code 3.
The AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) lists the same variation, but this time as 21-4B.
Stannard does not list any variations not already recorded by Nick.
Houghton lists the same variation described above, giving it code 21d-3. In addition, his variation 21d-4 is also unlisted: plastic pin, no axle braces, with hole in baseplate. This would obviously slot into Nick's table after the other unlisted variation detailed above.
U.K. Matchbox did not examine the model.

[yellowfoden]

There are five significant unlisted variations I have discovered which expands the variation table by 10 or so new variations to 16.
The first is the plastic barrel without six rib lines.
The second is the crimping of the steel barrel pin instead of riveted or rounded over at spiral gear end.
The third is the width and length of the brace under the hopper arch. This casting change to date has not been documented in any of the 6 major variation catalogues but gives rise to multiple new variation combinations.
The fourth is the sizes of the rear brace under the platform as a result of one die being damaged and on being repaired gave rise to two different size rear braces. Only one of the rear braced models has been listed by Stannard, Houghton and Nick.
The fifth is the interim damage to mould or die of top of ladder where castings were being made prior to tooling being repaired. See attached photos.


The following table documents the changes. I have added a bit of colour to highlight the changes that took place with this model. New unlisted codes are in red.
I also have other examples that shows varying degree of repair of ladder damage, but I have not included these in the attached table.
Because these dies were damaged models have been found where excess flashing can be mistaken for rear braces. These are also not included in the variation table.

In addition to those mentioned, single examples of a unique lemon colour cab ( Mike) similar in colour to 33c Miura and another with an orange body ( Jason - nearlymint) with a good match to the 30c crane jib colour have been shown elsewhere on the forum. Second examples of these are being hunted for.

There may be a couple of variations that exist in other collections however I have only based the table on those models I have in my own collection.

Thanks to kwakers, kerbside and nearlymint for taking an interest and verifying second examples over the years of some hard to find variations.

Hope this helps make members and Nick’s job easier in the event of any updates.

Bert

[GHOSTHUNTER]

That is quite a comprehensive account Bert has posted above and following on from this, I think it would be a good idea if other members posted their versions of a variation listing, this will give Nick instant access to some of the variations missing from his master code listing.

Ghosthunter.

[kwakers]

This is a long awaited pleasure to see here Bert! I can now modify my "Bible" on this model that we have worked hard to update and sort out over the last couple of years. The results are really impressive when charted in stages of casting changes as you have. I can't believe the steel pin shows up in some of your later variants as it has, I better look a lot closer at these now. That smooth barrel is a rare beauty I will have to watch out for over here now, what a find...... Cheers! Kwakers