76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, Mystery solved?

[Taniwha]

I agree Mick - the 74a canteen has universal appeal - a wonderfully detailed model and food and refreshments are still sold out of caravans like this in NZ, especially at markets, fairs and other events.

Cheers,
Gavin

[Idris]

Whilst researching something else, I came across this illustration of the planned new releases in the 1960 catalogue: an exact match for the six models identified by Nick. To me, this is proof that Nick was correct, and I think we can now say that we have identified 77a and 79a beyond all reasonable doubt.

1960 planned2.jpg (26.28 KiB) Viewed 3488 times

Incidentally, the text on the page opposite the illustration reads as follows: "Matchbox" Replacements. The range will now be made up of 75 different models, and from time to time existing models will be replaced with entirely new productions. Some of these are shown here.

[Tinman]

IMHO, this discussion is in the top ten of informative discussions on the VBD. I've little doubt the conclusions drawn are correct.

[matchboxkiwi]

Why stop at 75 ?

Cheers, Steve
Matchboxkiwi

[Idris]

Why stop at 75 ?

I can't remember where I read it (40 years book?), but apparently it was simply to do with limitations on the amount of warehousing space available at Kohnstam's.

[Tinman]

Why stop at 75 ?

I can't remember where I read it (40 years book?), but apparently it was simply to do with limitations on the amount of warehousing space available at Kohnstam's.

Were they not out of the picture by 1960?

I've always thought it was for all those thousands of mom & pop (as well as other) retailers with point of sale displays that hold 75 models.

[Diecast]

Why stop at 75 ?

Cheers, Steve
Matchboxkiwi

It is a very good question with very hard answer. It was, at least, the second attempt to stop the numbering. The first was by Nr.60. ( the base plate was renumbered to 61 from 1a?)
Antonin

[ChFalkensteiner]

Why stop at 75 ?

I can't remember where I read it (40 years book?), but apparently it was simply to do with limitations on the amount of warehousing space available at Kohnstam's.

Were they not out of the picture by 1960?

I've always thought it was for all those thousands of mom & pop (as well as other) retailers with point of sale displays that hold 75 models.

True, Kohnstam was bought out during 1959, although the Moko name remained on the boxes for 1960.

Nigel's text in the 40 years book (page 76) reads as follows:

In particular wholesalers and retailers complained about the size of the range because of the shelf space that would be taken up if the whole range was stocked. It was then that Lesney adopted a positive policy of withdrawal and replacement through the range.

The stop at 75 had not been planned in advance; that just happened to be the number reached by the end of 1959, when the decision to change the policy was taken.

[matchboxuk]

Although cardboard displays were freely available from the Matchbox rep and the wooden versions were not exhorbitantly priced, these displays were getting too unwieldy for corner shops and it was pressure on the reps which caused Odell to limit the range.

Links with Kohnstam had been severed before this.

[Idris]

Why stop at 75 ?

It is a very good question with very hard answer. It was, at least, the second attempt to stop the numbering. The first was by Nr.60. ( the base plate was renumbered to 61 from 1a?)

Do you have any evidence for that statement, Antonin?
I remember when we discussed this model (on Lefora, I think) and ended up lumping it in with the widespread renumbering which occurred from 61a onwards (as evidenced by the numerous retooled platforms carrying model no.s). I do not recall us discussing a possible limit to the size of the series at 60 models.