Before & After K5a

[Tinman]

I love these King Size Foden's with the metal wheel hubs. I needed the very rusty axles and it took much polishing to save them. The wheel hubs were solid but super dirty and starting to suffer a "white rust." They cleaned up well and were worth all the time it took to save them. The front bumper spent some time in the body shop getting straight.

Before & After Photos:

[GHOSTHUNTER]

This is what a restored model looks like. Everything (as far as I can tell) is back to factory finish and collectors are quite happy buying restored models of this quality. Excellent work Joe.

Ghosthunter.

[charliep]

I second that. Absolutely stunning. Did you use the same wheels & axles?
Charlie

[Tinman]

I second that. Absolutely stunning. Did you use the same wheels & axles?
Charlie

Thanks for the positive comments. Yes, those are the same wheels and axles.

This model drew quite a conversation on my face book page. One fellow collector (who has also restored some models) asked about the steering column or steering shaft. He wanted to know if it was diecast or more like axle material. The steering wheel itself is diecast zamak. The wheel is not specific to the truck and is shared with other models, I think including YYs. The shaft is made of ferrous metal and I highly suspect it's the same material the axles are made from (it has the same diameter and would only be logical). The steering wheel is a press fit on the shaft, you can reach inside and turn the wheel, thus turning the shaft and expose the unpainted side. On play worn models, the unpainted side will often have the same oxidized patina as the models axle shafts. Obviously, the cab is fully assembled (on the chassis) when the model is painted.

[yellowfoden]

As a fan of any yellow Foden and in particular this casting I also think this is a brilliant job Joe.
Such a good crisp casting and many hours of playtime were had with this model. Fond memories too of the real Foden that were headed to our local mine sites. On my fathers Foden the grille was black and the chrome Foden badge stood out like a beacon.

Wonderful work again.

Bert

[Tinman]

On my fathers Foden the grille was black and the chrome Foden badge stood out like a beacon.

Bert

A black grille would look very good on one of these. I could probably pick out that logo with a silver sharpie (after a couple of shots to steady my hand and with my magnifying visor on)

I have a few Kings that are my favorite and this is, without a doubt, one of them. As you say "a good crisp casting." The great lines of the actual truck solidly come to life in this faithful model and Lesney's attention to details shows. It is really easy to forget they were toys.