44c GMC Refrigerator Truck

[Idris]

None of the NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition), the AIM “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983), Houghton and Stannard list any models not already covered by Nick, although IM does highlight a variation 44-3d which has a dark (as opposed to light) grey door. This is the equivalent of Nick's variation code 5 (tow guide, door stop, bumper). U.K. Matchbox did not examine the model.

The following points should also be notes:
- At least two all-red examples are known to exist (here),
- There was a suspicion that earlier models might have had the refrigeration unit in a slightly different position to later castings (here), but since no one has come forward to confirm the difference, it may be just an optical illusion.
- A Forum member (I think it was Antonin) showed us two distinctly different colours of box on this model. Information is required regarding which colour goes with which code (and there will be at least one transitional code which can be found with either colour).

[Diecast]

You have a good memory, Hugh, here ist the photo.
Antonin

[Idris]

You have a good memory, Hugh, here is the photo.
Antonin

...and which two variation codes are the 44c in your photograph?

[Diecast]

You have a good memory, Hugh, here is the photo.
Antonin

...and which two variation codes are the 44c in your photograph?

44c on the left side: door stop, no rear bumper, without tow guide
44c on the right side: door stop, rear bumper, with tow guide
Antonin

[Idris]

[...and which two variation codes are the 44c in your photograph?

44c on the left side: door stop, no rear bumper, without tow guide
44c on the right side: door stop, rear bumper, with tow guide
Antonin[/quote]

Left side is Nick's variation code 2.
Right side is Nick's variation code 5.

[nearlymint]

Just wanted to add that on the old site I did add pictures of an early modification to the 2 internal braces that are on the back of the cab when looking in through the rear door.
From code 2 they were made wider, very easy to see when comparing. I will try and do some more pictures when I get to the models.
I have found code 2 with both thin and thick braces also 3 and 5 with thick braces only.
Not sure about the colour change as I have not noted this in my book.
J

[nearlymint]

Thin inner cab Braces

Thin inner cab braces

44a.jpeg (72.69 KiB) Viewed 3585 times

Thick inner cab braces

Thick inner cab braces

44b.jpeg (56.23 KiB) Viewed 3585 times

J

[Sebastian10]

This one has no door stop with the thick inner cab braces

Sebastian