Idris wrote:Was this style of unit perhaps originally proposed as a standardised component for fitting to various models across the range?
Seems plausible. If it was intended as such, it seems like an idea that was ultimately rejected as being too costly for large-scale production.
The model in the link looks a lot like a first-generation Toyota Celica. Add that to the list of "it's a shame that model never made it to production!"
It does seem to be a proposal model for the Superfast range but would have had a proper baseplate to conceal the suspension and axle assembies so I think in this configeration, it is only to show what the model looks like once Superfast wheels are in place.
GHOSTHUNTER wrote:It does seem to be a proposal model for the Superfast range but would have had a proper baseplate to conceal the suspension and axle assembies so I think in this configeration, it is only to show what the model looks like once Superfast wheels are in place.
I'm sure I've seen other resin prototypes where bare axles were simply let into slots in the base and then secured in place by glue. So, on that basis, could this not only be a proposal model but also one which demonstrates a possible assembly/construction concept? That SF chassis reminds me of the detachable Corgi Rockets chassis. Did different Corgis have different chassis designs, or were they standard across the range?
Here's some close up pictures
I cannot find my micrometer to check the axle thickness or wheel dimensions but will add them when it reappears
The axles are thicker the normal but do not seem as thick as regular wheels axles
I can just make out a number 14b on one wheel
Those very fat wheels mean the yellow prototype is from a couple of years after the green chassis, which presumably dates from 1969. That, and Ghosty’s patent, suggests this type of chassis was around for a while - I’d guess it’s inside the no 68 Porsche, for example, but is almost impossible to see without dismantling.
The idea of a Rocket-like prototype is intriguing. I think I had just three - a Porsche, the gold Cadillac Eldorado, and the rally Ford Escort (my favourite!).
GHOSTHUNTER wrote:It does seem to be a proposal model for the Superfast range but would have had a proper baseplate to conceal the suspension and axle assembies so I think in this configeration, it is only to show what the model looks like once Superfast wheels are in place.
I'm sure I've seen other resin prototypes where bare axles were simply let into slots in the base and then secured in place by glue. So, on that basis, could this not only be a proposal model but also one which demonstrates a possible assembly/construction concept? That SF chassis reminds me of the detachable Corgi Rockets chassis. Did different Corgis have different chassis designs, or were they standard across the range?
There was a auction a few years back where some prototypes were sold ,there were bases shots like you mentioned with glue and a couple with the chassis exposed(shown) .I just saved the photos of the prototypes ,i did win some stuff in the auction but not any of the prototypes 1/75s
fixer wrote:The wheels are not like any other sf the closest being the seafire wheels .
Although the running surface is different, in terms of hub design, I think they look very similar to the disc wheels which were used on later development Superfast models. Given that the latter have a convex running surface whilst these are flat, could I suggest that these are earlier in the development timeline? If so, what does that mean for the development timeline of the 23e VW Camper? Was it in pre-production at the same time as the 5e Lotus, 20d Lamborghini, and 56c BMC, or perhaps even earlier? Was it delayed so the initial Superfast release would be three high-end sports cars?
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