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I have seen a number of these in NZ - at least 5 or 6 different ones over the years - perhaps they are more "common" relatively over here. It's a lovely desirable model, one of my faves, and an awesome addition Dave.

Cheers,
Gavin

Things just got a bit better,i remembered my other gpw 15 was handy so i dug it out and when i put them side by side i noticed two different sized spare wheels Time to check your models lol.
dave

The spare on mine is smaller than its road wheels. Still 24 tread though.

The model has smaller front wheels than the rear, so I guess both types have been used as the spare.

johnboy wrote:The model has smaller front wheels than the rear, so I guess both types have been used as the spare.

That's how the BPW models can be found (either front or rear wheel used as a spare), so it makes sense the GPW models could be found the same way.

Tinman wrote:

johnboy wrote:The model has smaller front wheels than the rear, so I guess both types have been used as the spare.

That's how the BPW models can be found (either front or rear wheel used as a spare), so it makes sense the GPW models could be found the same way.

I was going to say the same thing but must admit till i looked at the variation listing i had no idea that the bpw version s spare came in two sizes
dave

Tinman wrote:

johnboy wrote:The model has smaller front wheels than the rear, so I guess both types have been used as the spare.

That's how the BPW models can be found (either front or rear wheel used as a spare), so it makes sense the GPW models could be found the same way.

Not according to Nick's catalogue page. He only lists the GPW version as coming with both large and small spare wheels. Are you certain that the same is also true of the BPW issue? Can any member provide photographic evidence?

Idris wrote:

Tinman wrote:

johnboy wrote:The model has smaller front wheels than the rear, so I guess both types have been used as the spare.

That's how the BPW models can be found (either front or rear wheel used as a spare), so it makes sense the GPW models could be found the same way.

Not according to Nick's catalogue page. He only lists the GPW version as coming with both large and small spare wheels. Are you certain that the same is also true of the BPW issue? Can any member provide photographic evidence?

Models are all sold off so I can't produce photos. But, yes, I had BPW wheel models with both size spares.

However, like many things Lesney ... the spiked end short "axle" that holds the spare in place is a press fit and it's very simple to pop it off and put whatever size wheel you want on the model. So, any size wheel can be placed on as a spare, at any time in its life.

I presently have 15B BPW examples carrying both diameter spare tires Idris. They were not collected purposely for that reason, but showed up in a model comparison I made in March of 2013 when I upgraded with a Minty large spare version from Massey Toys (Neil) in the U.K. My small spare tire model also has a lighter orange color body on it, and I am the original owner of it from about 1962. That original Atlantic Heavyhaul Tractor with its matched 16B Trailer hauled all my equipment around our back yard before I started collecting Lesneys, so it still brings back all kinds of pleasant memories when I see it. I hated the Tippax Truck when it came out in 1963 because I was then forced to use an M3 Tank Transporter when that delicate tow hook broke off my 15B. That original 15B Atlantic has lived peacefully retired on our collection shelves since 1964. kwakers

Tinman wrote:However, like many things Lesney ... the spiked end short "axle" that holds the spare in place is a press fit and it's very simple to pop it off and put whatever size wheel you want on the model. So, any size wheel can be placed on as a spare, at any time in its life.

I must admit that I'm a little surprised to read that the spare wheel retaining pin is merely a press fit. (I'd assumed that it was riveted off inside the body.) However, I think the number of fakes will be extremely limited (approximating to zero) for two reasons: first, the spare tyre will show absolutely no wear whatsoever on the running surface, and second, the market for such a variation is tiny and, as such, it is debatable whether any premium could be charged.