No.11e Flying Bug “VW” casting variation.

[matchbox360]

Going through my Superfasts recently, I noticed a small yet significant casting variation in the No.11e Flying Bug. At present, I have two examples of this model; one with the earlier square label, and the other with the rounded label. As can be seen from the pictures below, the square label’s VW logo is placed higher up, compared to the rounded label one:





Despite searching, I haven’t found any record of this variation in the sources I’ve looked up, including Christian’s site. What I’d like to know is whether this casting variation is unique to the square label models. Hopefully, members who own 'square labels' will give them a look and let us know if they too share the same logo placement as mine. Likewise, those who have rounded label examples can also look at theirs, and compare them to the pictures above.

Cheers, Ken

[fixer]

Hi Ken I have one of each but both with rounded labels the left one is lower and has blue windows the other has grey

[ChFalkensteiner]

I have not noticed this before; thanks for showing!

This is very probably due to two moulds used concurrently, but nonetheless interesting. I will have to check my examples...

[matchbox360]

"Hi Ken I have one of each but both with rounded labels the left one is lower and has blue windows the other has grey"
(image)

Thanks for your response and the pic, Reg. I just wanted to throw this out there and see what others made of it. Your pic actually answers my question and proves that the ‘higher’ VW casting variation appears on both the square AND rounded label models. I’ve also noticed that your ‘higher’ logo is much more distinct than mine. It’s a later production due to the rounded label, so perhaps on mine the mould was in the process of wearing out and was re-done, and then altered again, but this time with the ‘lower’ logo? Let me know any theories you have!

The difference in the logo’s position is just 2 mm or so, hence it’s not immediately obvious. In fact, I noticed it while comparing the ‘pilots’ for variations (didn’t see any) so you could say it’s an accidental find! It’s made me realise that “Matchboxology” is an ongoing process of constant discovery!

Hmmm.. I think I’ll make that my new signature

Have a lucky ’14!!

Cheers, Ken

[matchbox360]

I have not noticed this before; thanks for showing!

This is very probably due to two moulds used concurrently, but nonetheless interesting. I will have to check my examples...

Thanks, Christian, for your response and interest. As mentioned above to Reg, his picture clearly proves that this casting variation appears on BOTH the label versions of this model. Hence, I agree with your theory that two moulds were probably used at the same time. Also, on my square label model, the VW logo is much less defined, even taking into account the obscuring effects of thicker paint coverage. Maybe due to wear, the mould was re-done with the logo in the same (higher) position, before another re-tooling moved it down a bit?

It might be an idea to check both your square and rounded label models (if you have enough examples) to determine which casting version appears the most with which label. Just for classification, I propose calling them the ‘higher logo’ and ‘lower logo’ variations. If you have any other theories about this variation, I’d be more than pleased to hear them!

Have a lucky ’14!!

Cheers, Ken

[fixer]

Ken have you noticed the higher one In my pair is offset to the right maybe in line with your theory of the mould being re done

[matchbox360]

Ken have you noticed the higher one In my pair is offset to the right maybe in line with your theory of the mould being re done

Yes, it does seem a bit more 'off centre' than mine.. neither of them are as well-centred as the 'lower' version, although personally I think the model looks better with the logo higher up.

Let's see what Christian and other members have to say about all this!

Cheers, Ken

[ChFalkensteiner]

I have checked my examples - seven different variations - and have not noticed any significant differences in the logo positions. It seems all of mine have the lower logo.

I find it difficult to believe that this is just a coincidence, but I am not sure what conclusion to draw from this. Perhaps those who have high logo examples can let us know if those have the earlier base without the supports at the front of the baseplate or the later one with those supports added. (The square corner label should only come with the earlier base, but I am not 100% sure about that.)

Anyway I will consciously look at this aspect from now on, and if I find one with the high logo, I will get it for my collection.

[Idris]

I have checked my examples - seven different variations - and have not noticed any significant differences in the logo positions. It seems all of mine have the lower logo.

I find it difficult to believe that this is just a coincidence...

If we're looking at twinned moulds, there would be a 1 in 128 chance of this outcome, i.e. unlikely but not implausible.

[matchbox360]

... Perhaps those who have high logo examples can let us know if those have the earlier base without the supports at the front of the baseplate or the later one with those supports added. (The square corner label should only come with the earlier base, but I am not 100% sure about that.)

Hi Christian, my 'higher logo' (square label) example doesn't have the supports at the front of the baseplate, whereas my rounded label one has them. IMHO, the 'higher logo' variant seems to be scarcer than the 'lower logo', presumably due to the re-tooled (lower logo) mould being used for the vast majority of this model's production run. In addition, the fact that all your seven examples have the 'lower logo' also points to the 'higher logo' version being relatively rarer. I think this boils down to a statistical question, and a larger sampling of 11e's will be needed to establish an average ratio of 'higher' and 'lower' logo occurrences.

Examining the curved, 'heart' shaped enclosure cast on the bonnet (hood), it also seems that my 'higher logo' model's enclosure has a slightly larger surface area. Theoretically, it should be possible to measure the 'area under the curve' by Calculus and hence confirm if this is indeed the case. Please note that this observation of mine is strictly visual, and I could well be wrong about the difference in 'bonnet-heart' areas. I am glad that I found a notable variation in the logo's position and am able to contribute to the knowledge-base of our marvellous hobby.

Many thanks, Christian, and everyone else, for your input and opinions on this surprising, unexpected variation.. let's keep the discussion going!

Cheers, Ken