This is common practice with the 'Models of Yesteryear' range, they were very popular so were kept in production for a long time, many receiving casting modifications as the tooling became tired and damaged through constant use.
Bob thats quite a line-up! Thanks for posting the photos. I'm thinking the model that I have is one of the darker colored ones.
Some other subtleties that I was able to notice on the models in your photos are-in addition to the ones that you previously mentioned-
The awning under canopy sometimes trimmed in silver or gold and that "clock-hands" on the smoke box door can be turned just about anyway around, also noted the extra gold trim on the chimney and cylinder, on your first model in the line-up. There are probably many more little differences to take note of.. It's no wonder this model is so interesting !
The securing handles on the smoke box door can be in any position you like! The doors come out as they do on the Allchin and the Connaught. Just an "interference" fit.
Kevin's comment "like a miniature steam rally" gave me an idea.
Moyboy wrote:All I want is that bloody purple one !
Does anyone have a photo of a purple one?
zBret
I don't currently know of anybody who has one. I have seen one at a swap meet years ago but missed out on it. If you look at some of the dark maroon models they have a purple tinge to them sometimes but a true purple has a metallic finish to it like the Y12 Birds model does. It would be very hard to spot in a photo and the only thing is it usually has the cylinder block in gold same as the first issues Not sure if Horace Dunkley sold one in his sale.
