Shepton Mallet today

[DrJeep]

Thanks DrJeep, looks good to me and I think the conditions of the decals match with the body but I'm not a Regular Wheel Professor.
The two Bedfords side by side look interesting too, did Benbros use the same tools or parts of it?
SF

Thanks!

I don’t think Benbros used the same casting tool. They may have used the Matchbox model as the basis of their model, which I think must be easier than making your own master. The evidence for this is the vertical line on the front wings, which doesn’t exist on the real Bedford CA but is on both the Matchbox and the Benbros. Matchbox, Benbros and Morestone were all located closely together and people have suggested that Jack Odell may have helped with some of the better castings from the other two.

[Idris]

That 41b looks OK to me.

[DrJeep]

That 41b looks OK to me.

Thanks. A shame it doesn't have more paint, but I'm pleased to have it.

The other nice things are:

- the Mercury with the early 1968 base (£1)
- the Mustang has the early wheels with hubcaps (£1.50)
- another silver-based Corsair which I thought might have a darker interior but it's bright red!

and I was pleased with the Benbros Vauxhall for £3, in good condition with both its spare wheel and steering wheel. No-one seems to like Benbros much but I find them charming.

[johnboy]

Nice variations Glenn. I like Benbros (and Budgie/Morestone) models, I've got a number of them tucked away somewhere, I must uncover them one day soon

[DrJeep]

I like Benbros (and Budgie/Morestone) models

I'm glad it's not just me! Because Benbros haven't had the scrutiny applied to Matchbox, there are lots of unlisted variations too, so there's always a good chance of finding something new. I've got an orange 1903 Vauxhall, the orange Bedford milk float with small wheels, and a cream Hudson tourer, all of which are unlisted.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

The manufacturers of Benbros/Morestone/Budgie etc, etc just did not have the same production ability or capacity as Lesney, so their output was significantly lower by comparison.

As far as I recall we have not had a forum member specialising in just collecting those brands so we see far fewer of them on the forum which is unfortunite, as this is the Vintage British Diecast forum so they certainly deserve to be here!

Ghosthunter.