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iltempo27 wrote:Is there a consensus on the axle ends, and does it make a difference, positive or negative, to the attractiveness as a potential acquisition, of the model please?

Because it's a rare model, purchasers will always want to be sure that the wheels haven't been changed. They'll look closely at the axle ends and most would reject the model if they have any worries at all. Here's your first picture, brightened up a bit: I'm concerned by the linear indentations on the central axle, the oval shape of the rear axle, and also the indentations on the axle holding the spare wheel. On the basis of these pictures I wouldn't buy it, because it looks like the wheels have been changed. Now as you've had it from new, you know this isn't true. But unfortunately, there are lots of unscrupulous sellers who are happy to tell all sorts of untrue stories about where models came from, so unless you can prove that this has been yours for nearly 60 years it will always look a little suspicious. It will sell on eBay, of course, but for less than you might otherwise expect.

Sorry - that's not what you want to hear, but it's probably better to know. Can we see the rest of your old collection? It's lovely to see what people have kept for so long.

It's possible that lighting is playing a trick on us in that first photo. A few years back there was a Tan crane with some listing photos that made the model's axle ends look tampered with. I asked the seller for additional photos of the axle ends and the model was perfectly fine.

I think any appearance of something wrong with the axle ends in the first shot is down to the photo / photographer. I shall endeavour to photo both sides close up to show more detail, and post any photo which looks as though it adds to the discussion.

Here is the 15B in his box and in his box with his mates

The best angle to view the axle-ends is shown with your first picture so what I would do is do several pictures all at that angle but start a way from the model like a few feet and move camera towards the model and take a picture every few inches until the last picture is only a few inches away. Post all here at their normal file size and we/I can resize for best viewing but the bigger the picture to start with is best.

Speaking for other forum members now, we would love to see all those other models out of their boxes as there are some which may be the harder variations to find hiding inside!

Ghosthunter.

iltempo27 wrote:I think any appearance of something wrong with the axle ends in the first shot is down to the photo / photographer. I shall endeavour to photo both sides close up to show more detail, and post any photo which looks as though it adds to the discussion.

Hello iltmepo27,

I put my fleet of 15b under the magnifier to see why we are presented with two different appearances of the same model with respect to axle ends. There are at least three tell tale marks that can be identified in both photos on the body paintwork ensuring it is the same model. So why the differences with the axle ends.
I think this is caused by reflection (and lighting as Joe suggests). In the case of the axle holding in the spare wheel each one of mine has a different manufacture mark and depending at what angle it is viewed by the lenses the appearance changes when photographed.

Because the free end axles at rear of the Rotinoff are nicely rounded (second photo) I think these are picking up reflection of something giving the appearance of wonky ends. There is also a spot on the left rear wheel, like a sun spot glare which is not evident in the second photo presented, also indicating a camera issue with reflection/lighting. I have experienced this before with phone cameras.

A photo taken by iltempo27 of the base showing the free end side profile will show more as will a photo taken almost from directly above showing the spare wheel dome head. These two new views should help.

Bert

Attached is a selection of photos, firstly a series taken at an angle as Ghosthunter suggested. Hope these help.

And these shots.