Difference 13a and 13b crane brackets.

[Diecast]

...and one ooops

[kwakers]

I also have a reversed hook oops on a 13B with metal wheels Antonin. It is very Mint because the kid playing with it could not tow anything with that reversed hook. I knew about the two paint shades, but now have many extra variations to check for.
The model with '39' metal wheels is very interesting if all of them match, most odd numbered wheels on these early models seem to be on only one or two places from 'mixed up' wheel bins at the factory. Some will consider this one an 'error' rather than a variation for Nick's Guide, but I really like it. The model without wheel numbers would be an added variation in my own opinion, perhaps your casting differences will tell us whether it was done at the very beginning of production, or perhaps towards the very end of the metal wheel era. The trims, the infill, the crossover with odd crane, and all of these new details mixed in will send me looking through my 13s with better detail than Nick's, Stannard's, or any other Guide before them........Thanks Once Again Antonin, and Merry Christmas to All reading our Forum! kwakers

[Idris]

Would a 13a jib fit the 13b casting and, if so, does anyone have a crossover?

Yes Hugh, there is one crossover. Please note there are no name wheels (by 13b there are typically MW"13" ø8,5x18)
Antonin

Thank you for confirming, Antonin. That is really interesting and is definitely going on my wants list!

[Diecast]

My proposal of the new lis 13a Bedford Wreck Truck. Please comment
Antonin

[Diecast]

My proposal of the new lis 13b Bedford Wreck Truck. Please comment
Antonin

[Idris]

I'm pretty sure I've seen either a 13a or a 13b with gold trim. Can anyone confirm?

[Diecast]

Interesting remark Hugh, I can imagine 13a with a gold trim
Antonin

[kwakers]

On the 13B Antonin, what is the difference between code 2 and your code 3, they seem almost identical other than your spacing on the wheel description.
My 13B Metal Wheels 8.5X18 with domed crimped axles has a reversed hook also Antonin. My comment on your 13A with reversed hook is that it is more of an error than a factory produced variation of this Wrecker. If the Wrecker were still able to be used that way, like your B version with A leftover crane assembly, I would then call it a variation. You and I will consider our reverse hook Wreckers as 'our own' variations, but they may not be worth a new code. If we were to call each possible Wrecker with reversed hook found as a 'new code', both your lists could be possibly doubled by noting them both ways.
Another example of this type 'error' Antonin is the 34B VW Van with the riveted in middle seat section. If you look very closely at these seat sections, some were riveted in reversed at the Lesney factory. Instead of the raised rear deck panel being in the rear over the motor area, they were also found by us with that raised extension towards the front where the seats of the van would have been found on the real VW Bus. We did have one of those reversed interior Vans years ago, but that one also got stolen 21 years ago. These reversed seat VW Vans were cataloged as a totally separate variation by Harold Colpitts in his AIM Guide first printed in 1976, so were sold over here in our U.S. stores. Today they are not recognized as a variation by anyone but collectors like you and I, and probably now Jason, Johnboy, Idris, Nick, Ghosty, Joe, Jaskelrod, motorman, Hardy, and possibly MANY others I guess.......... The 'average' collector today MIGHT call the reversed seat unit Vans just an 'Error'.......Maybe that reversed interior wasn't such a good example for me to compare to our reversed hooks on 13As and Bs Antonin....(It is Still before the Happy New Year in the U.S.A., 1 1/2 hours to go with some glasses to fill and tip tonight..... kwakers

[Diecast]

Hi Dick
first of all Happy New Year to you and all guys here. Thanks for checking my proposal. The difference between code 2 and 3 is in the wheels, there are two types of the MW. By code 2 there are the "broad" MW ø8,5x18 from 13a Wrecker and by code 3 there are "standard" no name MW ø8,5x18 from e.g. 17a Bedford Removals Van.
I completely agree with you that 13a with reverse hook is no variation. I have mentioned it in my list because I would like to show you how I catalogue the oddities. The oddities have by me the standard code with the index a, b, c and remark e.g. "reverse hook" or "lighter painting" or "reverse windows" or...... Please let me know how do you catalogue your oddities.
Antonin

[kwakers]

That is a GREAT system Antonin with your variation 3A as the reversed hook 'Special' model. I thought you had given it an actual separate Code number, and I am now forced to see I was wrong. Because I use the Stannard Guide, and keep adding new codes and also our new 'Nick's details' at the bottom of it out of order, I have simply put a description of having a 'reversed hook' in the large 'NOTE' section of his guide under the model's proper Stannard Code. I then note the two model's condition instead of simply just one model being noted under Stannard's 'CONDITION' area that I see you do not have on your chart. Do you have a separate column in your personal guide to keep track of the condition of models in your own collection Antonin? My conditions are listed as 'used', fair, excellent, NMint, and 'Mint'. My 'Mint' is not 'PERFECT MINT', but these models show no play wear at all. Box wear is common on tail fins, front fender crowns and high detail points even when boxed Lesney models had not been handled when new 40-50 years ago in our stores, so I still consider these models Mint. Hence different 'Mint' ratings for different people. If I find a nice Lesney for sale, I check it's codes and my collection model's condition for possible upgrading. 'Rares' are bought in any condition for trading spares if their price is reasonable.
I now understand the Metal Wheel types you have listed, but I would note their thickness difference for clarity in my own records rather than just comparisons Antonin. At a Toy Show it is easy to bring out a measuring caliper to check wheel thickness, but there may not be a 13A around to compare very similar metal wheels to tell apart. A 3mm wide wheel will always be 3mm, and a 3.5mm wheel is very hard to tell from a 3mm when we are 'shopping'. When I bring out my calipers and thick Stannards, the price will go up if I have not already talked the dealer/Seller into a fair price on his odd model I may need. LOL Cheers, kwakers