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69a Commer 30cwt Van, issued 1959, length 56mm, box types B-C and D.
69b Tractor Shovel (Hatra), issued 1965, length 78mm, box type E.



The 9.5 x 20 GPW, and the 9 x 20 GPW Maroon models.



The 9.5 x 20 GPW, and the 10 x 36 GPW red models.


Orange Hubs and Red Hubs.


Orange with Yellow Hubs, and the all Yellow model.



The three different bases, left one has no brace between the bucket arm, the middle one has the brace, right one completely different.



Two shades of Orange,

George T.

Nice models George!!! glad to see you back at it

Hello George.
Very beautiful models.
Thank you for the view.

I also have this model (rims and tires) Ok?

Thank you George for the posting of the 69a Nestles Van variations.

My old 'quick visual reference' source has been Charlie Mack's book but the color reproductions are so poor that I thought all the 69a vans are shades of maroon. Obviously, I had not studied Nick's page on the 69a closely enough. I only have 2 examples of the 69a (both maroon).
(I've had Charlie Mack's book since the mid 90's. For the longest time, I thought the 46b Pickford van was either black or green. It wasn't until Kwackers told me about VBD that I finally found a detailed Lesney guide.)

Your posting very clearly shows the two distinct colors red and maroon.
You postings are my new 'quick visual reference' source which is then followed up by studying specific castings on Nick's VBD site.

Thank you
Kurt

Hello Kurt, the two Maroon 69a models are about the same colour, but as you can see the Reds are slightly different Reds, Now Dan that is a nice two tone 69b you have on show.

George T.

kerbside wrote:Hello Kurt, the two Maroon 69a models are about the same colour, but as you can see the Reds are slightly different Reds, Now Dan that is a nice two tone 69b you have on show.

George T.

sorry to mislead you and everyone...i forgot to put that the yellow bucket orange body model is one i made as a filler till i get a real one....sorry for the confusion

There was a casting change to the Hatra that seems to have gone pretty much unnoticed. Presumably late in the life of the yellow version, the two small triangular braces at the lower front of the cab were thickened and the area between them filled with a long triangular fillet. My guess is this was done around late 1968 or early 1969, before the decision to drop the model rather than try to convert to Superfast. I doubt it's particularly rare, just less common and generally overlooked. I just swiped a couple of photos from a current auction, I'll see if I can post them.

Dave R.

I was going to welcome you here to our Forum Dave R., but I see you have been a member for awhile now. I can only Thank you for your very well done and much needed Post and picture! You have now answered a Lesney question I have had for 40+ years now.
In 1971 Bob Brennen published his NAMC Guide with #69-2 variation 'F' being 'yellow, reinforced triangle where front of cab meets bed'. The description was also complimented with a picture in the back of the book that actually showed that area from the side with many shaded spots that just accented the 2 'stock' triangles seen on all these 69s. Bob's too brief description, and also his shaded picture have been a mystery to me all these years. Mike Stannard missed this one completely in his detailed Lesney 1985 casting Guide, another bit of proof that he did not reference our old Yank Lesney 'Bibles'.
Nick can now change his Text to read THREE casting changes on this one, and I, and all other Forum members can now search to see whether we have ever had one of these. We will soon know how 'uncommon' they may be. You have made my week Dave by answering that very old question for me. Thanks! 'caveman' kwakers

If you needed any more proof of the worth of your casting show George, the smile on my bearded face right now is priceless...... Dick

Nice find Dave, I have not noticed that before. So are the triangles only found on yellow hatras, and what about wheel colours?.
can you all check your hatras please.