I was looking through some 13d beaters for some wheels and good windows and I came across this one. First thing I noticed is that it's a model that dad (or someone) stepped on and fixed (a "Dad fixed" model). Notice the bent down boom (I hope he had his shoes on when he stepped on that). When you look at the wind screen you can see that the bubble light was pushed down through the window insert breaking through the top of it. When you flip it over, you can see all manner of scratch marks where dad worked away at the rivet edges to get the model apart. Once he fished out the red bubble light, it feels like he's glued back in to the roof. And check out the great and very creative repair of the hook. The child must have really loved this model and dad really did a good job of putting it back into play worthy shape.
I also noticed it has thin wheels on the front axle and thick wheels on the rear axle. The axle ends are untouched so that's original. The model has the early recessed ejector ring on the winch motor housing box. The thin front wheels show no signs of LESNEY being molded into the wheels.
Out of a random box of 13d beaters, I found three with thin wheels on the front axle and thick wheels on the rear axle. All three either had a flush ejector ring or a recessed ejector ring. None of the three has LESNEY cast on the front wheels (not even faintly). With the finding of three in a row with nearly identical casting features (and all three had decals), Lesney must have been using up the old thin wheels on the front of the trucks. Which brings up the question: Does anyone have a 13d with thick wheels on the front and thin wheels on the rear?
Regardless, I culled out the "Dad repaired" model and put it with other models that I find too endearing to restore or turn into parts mules. It's now with some other well loved models that each have a story to tell.
"Dad repaired" 13d with a wheel variation.
"Dad repaired" 13d with a wheel variation.
It might be time to start my "Bucket List."
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Re: "Dad repaired" 13d with a wheel variation.
Thank you Tinman for sleuthing this story out and sharing it.
For me, the playworn toys are rich with memories.
Enjoy!
Kurt
For me, the playworn toys are rich with memories.
Enjoy!
Kurt
Happy hunting!
Kurt
Kurt