Help, have I done the right thing, new UK Collector

[DrJeep]

That’s an extraordinary but also strange collection. Strange because there are so many replicates and they span quite a long period - 6 or 7 years, I think. Could they have been surplus shop stock, I wonder? They’d be great fun to work through.

The 6c Euclid with the faint E is fairly unusual but not at all valuable. There are lots of variations of this model - 4 pages of analysis here. The only valuable one has a white hydro sleeve, and these seem to have all gone to the USA. But turn them all over - you might have an unlisted variation!

[Idris]

Could they have been surplus shop stock, I wonder?

That would be my guess since it not only explains the duplicates, but also the condition of the boxes.

The only valuable one has a white hydro sleeve, and these seem to have all gone to the USA.

...and Germany.

[petethesweet]

Hi all, love the trailer its one box i have been after for years, shame about the box. I think they may have all come from trade packs when there is twelve of the model. You could try a few on the market that will test the market. Pete.

[smudger]

Good evening all, it appears i'm becoming addicted to knowledge. The 6c variation thread is incredibly comprehensive (I am a little lost if I'm honest, need to read it a few more time I think).

As far as I know, they came from a deceased estate so it could be old shop stock that the family found but I don't know for sure.

Thanks for all your guidance, I really appreciate it.

Thanks Pete, I will probably try a few on the market after I've spent some time completing further research and just see how it goes.

[yellowfoden]

......I ended up buying the majority of them, my question is, have I done the right thing? They are all in fantastic condition (Mint or Near Mint in my humble opinion) less 5 - 10 of them. ......
In short, I want to check with those in the know if I have done the right thing?

Welcome to the forum Smudger and congratulations on your find….. and yes you have done the right thing by acquiring this lot for so many reasons.

One of the significant aspects of what you have acquired is the pairing of the boxes to the models. As you have said it looks like some may not have been out of the boxes until now.
For me it would be important to keep the model and the box as you unpacked them together. Easily achieved by putting each model and box in another container together especially while you research variations.
The importance of this is you can see timelines emerging where either the same model may be in a different box (eg 49a Half track carrier I can see two box types) and this pairing is how they left the factory. ( or the same box has different models)

If you look at your 15a Diamond T models you will see different boxes that also may pair with different axle types ie flat head versus dome and a great example of timeline here. Love the varying degree of hand applied silver trim on these models, so crisp and fresh.

With respect to the variation table of the 6c. This is one model where the table has yet to be perfected by any of the major written catalogues as there are some variations that do not exist but have been included and others are out of sequence.
The 6c with the white hydro sleeve in theory were all paired with the D box with new model on end flap. (although they have over time appeared in every box post factory) One of your boxes shows no new model on end flap. Are they all the same and are the models all the same?

If you can please turn all your 6c models over and take a photo of the base this would be a photo of interest.

I would also be keen to see a close-up of the side and base of the two 73a RAF Refueller models and boxes please.

While you have your camera handy and if you are under Covid-19 stay at home circumstances a photo of the 55a D.U.K.W small end axle side as apposed to the dome end would be handy.

Some quick observations…..
64a hook variations and box variations
49a at least three box types
20a ERF look early- check for no brace behind cab

To help you identify boxes have a look here at this box resource as you may just have something to add to Pat's wonderful educational site.

You will have also noted at the bottom of Nick’s variation pages he lists box types that came with models.

Have fun with this, it truly is another great find where these models and boxes have clearly been stored in the perfect environment. Evident especially with the rubber tracks on the 49a which you will probably find are still soft and pliable.

When checking the codes don’t forget to visit the missing- unlisted variation threads on the forum for each model as any new finding don’t appear in the current variation tables.

Thank you for sharing with some really enjoyable photos.

Bert

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Yes, just to clarify, it is important you keep each model with the box it came in from the Lesney factory. Don't be tempted to separate them for any reason as the box to model marriage is important in helping that model's Time-Line.

Ghosthunter.

[smudger]

Thank you Ghosthunter, much appreciated.

That is excellent information, thank you so much Bert. Please see below photos as requested.

The 73 Refuellers are not great and neither are their boxes, but hopefully I have captured what you require.

The 6c appear to be the same model however, the E is missing on one and a couple of them appear to be slightly differing yellows (unsure if the photos have caught that). No white sleeves unfortunately but they are like new.

I have included pictures of the 55a(s), hopefully I have caught what you were hoping to see. I did note that the front axle on one of them looks like copper or bronze

If you require any others then please do let me know, its so good to get all this information from you and the other members. I didn't even notice that the 64a hook variation. The tracks on the 49s are very good, there are 1 or 2 that have marks but in general, they are pliable although I haven't moved them too much. I am unsure if the track varies as there are a few to go through.

The 20a are lovely and the silver really is crisp, I even seen a bit of silver of the roof of one that looks like the brush hit it when it was being finished, strange but I like that kind of thing.

I will have a look at the 20a in a mo to see if there is no brace behind the cab, there's a few and my eyes aren't what they used to be

[smudger]

Hi again Bert,

Just been through the 20a and they all have the brace, albeit some have residue remaining around it from the process still apparent. I thought I would add some photos of a few to show how crisp the paint looks on them. I hope you guys and girls like them

[petethesweet]

Hi all, i see there are a few B3 boxes mixed with the other ones, did they put some new stock with the old. Pete.

[yellowfoden]

The 73 Refuellers are not great and neither are their boxes, but hopefully I have captured what you require.

Thank you for the photos. I shall study those closely, much appreciated.

As you read through various threads you will at some point discover several models that have an axle that has a copper colour. It is just a coating as the axle itself is steel ( a quick check with a magnet will confirm )
As a collector of small fasteners I have many and varied fixings made of the same material, also made in the UK and Australia back in the 50’s and 60’s, vary handy for box making hardware.

The photos of the 6c with the new model on the end flap also confirms the correct progression of the model with particular emphasis on the front and rear wheels.
There are a couple of minor variations here but I will let you find them.
The black hydro on one is installed opposite to the other three but we don’t consider this a variant.

No such thing as a poor 73a and these two have a small feature of interest. These would be known as second type brace between the pump box and tank. In my enclosed pic you can see these have a flat top and therefore were cast early soon after the flat rectangular brace was done away with. As time went by this brace became circular.

The 73a model that is a little grubby will clean up if you decide to keep it. Just a little warm water on a soft cloth but not over the decal. These can be delicate and it is good to see them complete. Generally if you intend to pass this on just leave model as is

Here are a few items of interest for you.
On the 20a where there appears to be paint chips on axle supports but are most likely caused by the wet paint sticking to the drying rack.
You may find similar marks on the 15a Diamond T models.

Image 20-11 is a good example where all crimped axle ends are not the same. It almost looks like the rear wheel could slide off this axle. Nice reference this one.

Thanks again for the reply and photos.

Have fun.

Bert