K1A Weatherill Hydraulic Shovel

[charliep]

Just revised the post as I added variation #1 - Rare 1st issue with no base markings.
Many consider it a prepro although a few were released to London toy stores.
Not easy to come by in fairly decent condition.

[Idris]

Very nice find, Charlie. Well done!

[tjlglass]

Did you buy this one from me Charlie ? I just sold one on eBay. I’ve got one more for sale if anyone is interested

[AJR]

Did you buy this one from me Charlie ? I just sold one on eBay. I’ve got one more for sale if anyone is interested

It would seem so ... the chip at rear corner and brown mark at the middle match.

[tjlglass]

Yes it’s the same one, well done Charlie.

[charliep]

Hi all,

Thanks for the remarks and also appreciate the variations pointed out by Antonin. Recently I acquired another K1A Weatherill Hydraulic Shovel without text on base & while I was about to take a picture of the two models I have without text on base, I noticed a difference in the front axle support. One has triangular braces while the other is rectangular (from one side to the other). I spend some time checking the ones I have on the display and also the ones stored away, and all had the rectangular brace. My conclusion is that the one with triangular braces must be the very first release. I have also noticed some color differences of the front wheels. Attached are some scans of the two models without text on base.
Charlie

[yellowfoden]

Very nice Charlie,

Picture 6 shows the shovel arm a lighter colour paint batch than the body which I like. This is a very clean and crisp example with all the tiny detail showing up nicely.
I also spot the front right hub is fitted backwards ( first I have seen). Quite a rare little oops with this early model.
A great addition to your collection and to the variation table.

Bert

[yellowfoden]

Further to my post above and I was looking at my folder of images of this model.
I had an image saved of the model with triangular braces with a reference point. I had saved it from James Walden (RIP) here
Bert

[Idris]

Well done Charlie on finding a second no-text example in such brilliant condition.
The gusset/brace variation (I like James's terminology) is an interesting one and, if memory serves, we have seen something similar on the 43b Aveling and the 28c Dumper. Another example of the failure to learn is the addition of reinforcement on the bottom edge of the front bumper on the 10c Sugar Truck directly below the baseplate tongue slot. A similar modification had been previously required early on the timeline of the 46a Morris Minor. This all suggests a lack of continuity in the design department since the same errors were being made again and again.

[Diecast]

Nice spotted Charlie, variations on pre-pro are always very interesting, even on nice condition models.
Antonin