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37a, 37b... not 37a½ !
34c, 34d

Two Coca Cola trucks: 4
Three Coca Cola trucks: 5

Yes, an excellent topic! Most likely there is no clear answer as shown by the dialogue and the vote.
M. Stannard shows it both ways by indicating that the UK lists 2 primary casting variations "collectors codes" for the #37 coca cola truck and 3 primary casting variations ("collector codes") for the USA (uneven load & even load different). Charlie Mack indicates 2 primary variations so the uneven and even load are shown as "one" primary casting variation within his listings.
For the #34 Volkswagen Camper, Stannard lists the primary casting variations as 1 collectors code for the UK and 2 collector codes for the USA. C. Mack sides with the USA on this model as he lists 2 primary variations for this model (low roof and high roof)
So, the debate goes on...................
Personally, I view the models as 3 primary variations for the #37 coca cola truck as the uneven and even loads clearly are "cast" from a different mold. The same logic for the #34 VW Camper so 2 primary variations there.

As a collector who is trying to collect all the primary castings, I have essentially used the C. Mack listings as the guide for regular wheels and early superfast models, and then the MAN number (frame number listing) for subsequent models to date. These MAN numbers were generally initiated with the 3rd or 4th primary variation within the Superfast line. e.g. C. Mack 1D Dodge Challenger is MAN # 001. Based on that rationale, there are currently about 1400+ Matchbox models that I would consider primary castings with new casting models being added every year (generally about 15 to 20 or so...) .

As any Collector who wants to "categorize", at some point you have to make a choice of your "reference index" and go with it. All reference indexes generally have pros and cons, so there typically is no "right" answer for all cases. The best index is the one that works for the individual collector!
Let the debate carry on...........................

Two coca cola trucks: 4
Three coca cola trucks: 6

Bill

IMHO, the C. Mack regular wheel variation codes are, by far, the worst to go by. They are very incomplete and some have the same published errors book after book. Mack does a much better job with Superfast and onward, but serious collectors should have abandoned his regular wheel codes long ago.

For those who might not know this, the last Stannard Guide reprint is still available from the person that had it published and you can buy the guide directly from him. Anyone lacking a Stannard Guide, and who wants one should drop me an email or PM and I will send you his email address. He sells them for $125.00 (USD) plus shipping. While many variations have since been discovered since the printing of this superb book/guide, many die hard collectors still use it as the basis for all their codes and variations. The Stannard is also the root base from which Nick built his wonderful online guide of variations and codes.

Tinman wrote:IMHO, the C. Mack regular wheel variation codes are, by far, the worst to go by. They are very incomplete and some have the same published errors book after book. Mack does a much better job with Superfast and onward, but serious collectors should have abandoned his regular wheel codes long ago.

. The Stannard is also the root base from which Nick built his wonderful online guide of variations and codes.

J.P., I understand your comments regarding the C. Mack codes for regular wheels and I began using his books many years ago mainly due to accessability -- especially pre-internet days.
I now also much prefer M. Stannard's book and Nick's website for regular wheel variations and accurate reference information. AIM is another reference book for regular wheels that I believe is quite good.

Bill

durangokid wrote: Personally, I view the models as 3 primary variations for the #37 coca cola truck as the uneven and even loads clearly are "cast" from a different mold. The same logic for the #34 VW Camper so 2 primary variations there.
Bill

I think they are the same molds,my guess the "crates" were sticking on some casting so they filled that part of the die with weld,same thing on the camper,the slide movement was modified to a simpler form again i would guess to lessen scrap rates,therefore both casting are just modified just in quite a relatively large way.

Macks books are useful to me because of there format,i could quickly look at the rows of cars to found the model i want ,look up its number then use other upto date reference guides for variations and prices if needed ,the mack /ramsay combo has served me well lol.

MOKOSEX wrote:...my guess the "crates" were sticking on some casting so they filled that part of the die with weld,same thing on the camper...

On Lefora, it was stated that the modifications to the 34c VW Camper roof were required because too many castings were being damaged during the tumbling process, the raised roof being weak and unable to withstand impact without deformation. The same reason was said to be behind the closing of the open step on the 65c Combine Harvester and, potentially, the closing of two of the three rear windows on the 35b Snow Trac.