Weird blue SF Mercedes covered truck #1

[kbean63]

I was going through my collection the other day and came across this (see photo below that Nick reposted). I compared it to the pictures you have on the 1-75 section of this site and it doesn't seem nearly as vibrant as any of the pale blue versions I saw. I also checked eBay but didn't see anything similar.

I'm wondering if it's just sun-faded or if it's within the normal color range for this model? I have more pictures if needed.

[kbean63]

p.s. Nick, sorry about the posting the photo, I just noticed your requests to post through Photobucket. I see what you mean about it being a pain to scroll through.

[SMS88]

Looks like a bog standard Two pack item to me

[kbean63]

I'm a newbie. Please explain what a "bog standard Two pack item" is.

[matchboxkiwi]

Photo is poor but looks like a very early transitional to me.
You would need to check the base.
It is possible. May be a colour trial. It wouldn't surprise me if all the new or transitional models were at first painted in their regular wheel colours to see how they looked with the new superfast wheels on, and this is one of them. A bit later on a few had their colours changed before it was decided to brighten up the colours of the whole range and any models not really suited to the new bright shiny colours was replaced.

Just my opinion for what it's worth!

Cheers Steve
Matchboxkiwi

[nickjones]

Can you photograph it next to a standard blue 1e

[SMS88]

This toy shows the tooling characteristics of the mid 1970s new tooling made to replace the worn out 1e casting and features wide wheels of the late 1970s issues so its not a proper 1e unless by some miracle it actually has No 1 cast on the base!!
See this: http://www.vintagebritishdiecasts.co.uk ... /sf1-e.htm

[kbean63]

Okay, I can definitely take some better photos. Can anyone tell me how to post a photo from Photobucket on here? I've got photos posted on Photobucket but I can't seem to upload them here. I'm using an Android if that helps.

I've got a three regular wheel #1e's that I can photograph it next to. When I first dug this one out I thought it was the standard#1e color but then I noticed that it was more blue than green. It's actually closer to the blue color of a #49 Unimog regular wheels. I can post a picture of it next to a Mog too if I can just access P-Bucket.

The base does not appear to have any number. I can post a pic of that as well.

Thanks,
Kbean63

[kbean63]

SMS88 - It does appear that it probably is a retooled model. It has the riveted front and rear axle clips. It still says "MADE IN ENGLAND" so it's not Chinese made.

[nickjones]

Post you pictures directly to the forum but resize them to about 800 pixels wide.