Missing Link?

[MOKOSEX]

Are the Iso's axles crimped or riveted on the other side?

hi,Idis
they are riveted

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Riveted...are they, they actually look crimped to me, please check again.

Ghosthunter.

[motorman]

Riveted...are they, they actually look crimped to me, please check again.

Ghosthunter.

I agree the definately look crimped.

[MOKOSEX]

Riveted...are they, they actually look crimped to me, please check again.

Ghosthunter.

I agree the definately look crimped.

They are definately crimped ,brain failure there lol,can,t blame my new glasses,

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Thanks Dave, don't worry, we have all done it, it's all part of becoming an Older collector. In most cases we suffer very lightly but some of us are inflicted to the extent, only God knows what we have in our collections, we could describe it all Day long and never get it right...

Ghosty.

[Idris]

Riveted...are they, they actually look crimped to me, please check again.

Ghosthunter.

I agree the definately look crimped.

They are definately crimped ,brain failure there lol,can,t blame my new glasses,

#seniormoment

[matchboxuk]

First, just for the record, those pictures from my website shown in this thread were originally taken from old Vectis auctions (with permission).

As Christian gently (but very correctly) reminds us, we do need to take more care when posting third-part images on the Forum. At the very least, the source should be acknowledged. Would all members please take note and, as a minimum, add the source URL as the image title.

Second, I believe that this futuristic taxi model was intended to be a Superfast model from the outset. They probably just used a regular wheel set for the prototype because they did not have Superfast wheel sets available at the time. Remember those wheel sets were themselves in the pre-production stage and had to be used for many prototypes of new and converted Superfast models, so it comes as no surprise if they were in short supply for a while.

I can see where you're coming from with this comment, Christian, and your theory is one which cannot be discounted. However, I would argue that of all departments, R&D would be the ones who could lay their hands on SF wheelsets, especially since we are talking about only two sets in a factory containing ten of thousands, if not more. Furthermore, since the initial appraisal of the proposed model would be based (amongst other things) on its visual impact/appeal, it would be odd to knowlingly fabricate a prototype using the wrong wheels.

Hi Hugh

I wonder whether too much was being read into the discussion of wheel sets. Odell was very pleased with the wheels with hubs which had been developed in 1968 and early 1969. He was happy with the Merryweather and the Lotus Europa with disc wheels and thought these would be the standard. However, it was at this time that Les Smith had invited a number of consultants and advisers on to the board at Lesney. Smith had been convinced that Lesney needed to expand further and that would mean by manufacturing kits, dolls and trinkets bearing the Lesney name as well as competing with the Hot Wheels threat. Odell had not seen this coming. He was far more interested in what went on in the factories and the shop floor. When Odell realised, it was too late. He could be outvoted no matter how much noise he made. Perhaps to placate Odell it was suggested at first that only cars should be fitted with Superfast wheels. Maybe at the prototype meetings not too many models were fitted with Superfast wheels so as not to incense Odell further. I don't think wheels were a major consideration and so whatever was to hand was fitted.It was the model which was important. Once it was clear that Odell was powerless to intervene, more radical decisions were taken regarding paint colour and wheel types but also the fitment of Superfast wheels to the whole range. Odell's views were ignored. However, it should not be assumed that Odell dismissed every non-authentic model after 1969. He was very pleased with the Mod Tractor that he designed personally and which sold in huge numbers. Maybe his attitude to Superfast had mellowed!!

[GHOSTHUNTER]

That sort of confirms my findings here...viewtopic.php?f=8&t=3477&start=60#p37860...that the 'Superfast' models were being seen as a sub-range.

Ghosthunter.