6a Quarry Truck

[Idris]

The listing in the NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) lists as variation code 6-1C a model with silver grill and white headlights. (It seems unlikely that Lesney would apply trim in two colours to this model, but see my comments on the silver trim below). Variation code 6-1D is the GPW model (Nick's variation code 7) but the axle brace is stated to be the larger version. This is at odds with all other catalogues and should, I suggest, be regarded as an error in the table.
None of AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983), Stannard, Houghton, or Leake ("Concise Catalogue of 75 Series Matchbox Toys by Lesney" (4th edition, reprinted 2006)) lists any variation not already catalogued by Nick.
U.K. Matchbox examined the model in vol. 8 no. 2 ((Jun. '84) p46 but did not list any new variations.

Both Kwakers and I have Nick's variation code 1 with silver trim (thereby meeting Martin's Maxim) and this should therefore be regarded as a new variation.

[Idris]

My 6a with silver trim:

[Diecast]

I can confirm the silver trim variation also.
Antonin

[kerbside]

How it the 6a model with a Silver Radiator is classed as a Genuine variation as it is code 1 in Nicks listings, and yet the 6b code 1 with a Silver Radiator held by more collectors than the 6a is not a Genuine variation ?

Just because certain members say they have painted the radiators on the 6b model, it does not mean that "Matchbox" did not do the same thing to the 6b as is said they did the 6a

George T.

[Idris]

How it the 6a model with a Silver Radiator is classed as a Genuine variation as it is code 1 in Nicks listings, and yet the 6b code 1 with a Silver Radiator held by more collectors than the 6a is not a Genuine variation ?

Just because certain members say they have painted the radiators on the 6b model, it does not mean that "Matchbox" did not do the same thing to the 6b as is said they did the 6a

George T.

The silver-trimmed 6a is not silver over gold, making it highly probable that the silver is factory applied.
With the 6b, the fact that the silver is applied to an otherwise unpainted model inevitably leaves room for doubt. This is compounded by the different degrees/styles of trim which have been shown, plus the problem of silver-trimmed examples sporting a decal.

[Diecast]

A small summary. Body variation, front axle brace:
a) long brace, small gap
b) short brace, large gap

[Diecast]

a) small corners inside the engine are curved
b) larger corners inside the engine are angeled

[Diecast]

The trim could be (I am not sure about the variation "c", I need the confirmation of the second model ):
a) HA silver trim to radiator grille, two triangle brace, tank
b) HA gold trim to radiator grille, two triangle brace, tank
c) HA gold trim to radiator grille, two triangle brace
d) HA gold trim to radiator grille

[Idris]

Here's a 6a with a grey/blue tipper I've had it since the 1980s. (Not the World's best photograph for which my apologies. If you're struggling, it's the one in the middle!) I don't think it's a sunfade because the cab is still the original bright orange. The colour does remind me of the elusive duck egg blue Y6a Osram lorry. Does anyone else have one?

[Diecast]

There is a strange variation, the mold was gradually destroyed and created an additional brace behind the rear axle.