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Maestro wrote:Bert,
I cannot measure the lenght of the exles for I do not have such a tool.
Thanks to you and all others for the comments.
The model nevertheless stays in my collection for it still intrigues me. And it's a special beauty!
It indeed was cheap, I paid some GBP 23 / € 27, so to me it was worth to take the gamble!
Maarten

Hello Maarten,

Thanks for the update on the measuring of the axles.
The collection of three 73a you have shown above are actually a very good representation of the life span of the model from early to late production.

The star casting is actually the model you show with two open slots above the rear axle and is very HTF and to date has not appeared in any of the major catalogues.

If you also have a look at the end of the model like you have shown in photo 9 from the top you will see it should not have a casting infill between the bumper and tank.

As it turns out this open slots above rear axles casting is one of the most accurate of the real Leyland Hippo RAF Refueller in terms of lower chassis detail.

Thanks again for sharing all your finds.

All the best

Bert

73a one with rear Silver trim and the other as Bert mentioned

a open gap between the tank and the body of the model, this has

got the hole under the rear axels.

George T.

I came across this photograph online which clearly shows that some 73a refuellers left the factory with three slightly overlength axles:

That picture is a very nice and welcome surprise to me!
And which makes my BPW Refueller a candidate of being original...
Though the wheel diameter would be the second hurdle to take.

Well, I still like mine, it stays in the collection, original or not

Thanks for sharing the photo Hugh!