Matchbox 44b Rolls

[Eric]

I have two Matchbox 44b Rolls models, which I can not find registered anywhere. Maybe someone else also has these versions.

The first has no paint and is in my opinion never sprayed with paint, because even with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) the paint is not removed from the deepest grooves and this model is completely paint free. The model does have the silver electrolytically applied underlay to camouflage the dark color of the diecast material.

The second is Metallic Mauve and has no trim. The silver / gray version also has no trim, but this model is not even light mauve.


No paint.

No paint.

No paint or trim.

Lilac-Mauve, no trim.

Lilac-Mauve, no trim.

All information is welcome.
Thanks.

Images resized and slightly brightened by Ghosthunter.

[Idris]

If only we have a tame Rolls-Royce expert amongst the Membership......

[GHOSTHUNTER]

If only we have a tame Rolls-Royce expert amongst the Membership......

Yep, if only...

Ghosty.

[Idris]

If only we have a tame Rolls-Royce expert amongst the Membership......

Yep, if only...

...and if only he weren't so shy and retiring.....

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Ghosty.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

The first model without paint has certainly seen some action with all those scratches and dents. It appears to be an early casting (low front bumper), so could have been earmarked for a colour trial. A dark Green colour trial is pictured in the 'First Forty Years' book.

The Second model in Lilac-Mauve is a later casting with the high front bumper so is perfectly acceptable as a model that has not been trimmed on the flow line at the factory.

Does this Second model have the blocks behind the headlamps and the extra bracing around the baseplate tab where it inserts into the rear bumper.

Ghosthunter.

[ChFalkensteiner]

The Second model in Lilac-Mauve is a later casting with the high front bumper so is perfectly acceptable as a model that has not been trimmed on the flow line at the factory.

Does this second model have the blocks behind the headlamps and the extra bracing around the baseplate tab where it inserts into the rear bumper.

It seems to me to have 24 tread wheels rather than 36, in which case it would have to be the earlier casting without the blocks etc.

That is probably of no big importance though, as basically on any model which normally has trim applied, that trim may have been omitted occasionally.

[Eric]

The Rolls mauve is code 6, with blocks / without recess / 36 tread BPW.

[radar]

One of my favourites. Thanks