#14c Bedford Lomas with Crimped Axles

[numi]

Hi All,
I had this unusual Lomas with Crimped Axles come in a few days ago.I had never heard of one being in existence or even seen one in the flesh or in pics for that matter.
Please view pics below and give me and the forum your unbiased opinions as to whether it seems genuine factory or post-factory.
This is similar to a Nicks Code 14,(has smooth inner roof) except that it has these Crimped Axles and (silver-trimmed front bumper??)
It is currently in its "as received" condition but awaiting a thorough clean.
Sorry about the multi pics and that u need to click on the pics for a full view.
Thanks in advance,
numi

[kwakers]

Lesney quit using their axle crimping machines for production work sometime in 1959 Numi. I am sure you knew that, and it is the reason for your puzzle here. (I have not been able to find the early 9C Fire Truck with crimped axles, even though the model was introduced with them in 1959). The factory crimping on your axles are both shown as flawless, so I would have to say it has to be a model done at the factory R&D department. Being these Bedford Lomas bodies were introduced in 1962, you have a pretty unique factory produced 'Special' here Numi. The bumper trim is of the last style, adding to the question of the purpose of this model being done in 1967-1968.
I love the model, but I wonder (out loud) if it was done in R&D as a favor for an early British Lesney collector (Very prominent I would guess) for their collection. The late body with it's painted bumper was right off the line, mated also with that later base with reinforcement (which was not publicly noted as a variation until Stannard in 1985). Watch your Sellers' offerings VERY carefully Numi, the original owner of this one had factory connections if the collection is now being sold off. kwakers

[nearlymint]

Very interesting model Numi, Nicks code 14 is not listed in stannard and is one I have yet to find or see so is quite hard to find anyway.(white interior)
The crimped axles look very good , so is does look like a very special model and a great find.
Well done
Jason

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Hello Numi,

I have no examples of this model, I don't know this model (I know of it of coarse), but IMHO, the rusty axles don't match the rest of the model in such good condition, and that's before you clean it!

In your pictures, the grey plastic wheels look to be in a very 'Un-played' condition and the area of ware on the axles (as they pass through the axle support), may just be two wide an area to match the contact area, as the axle revolves inside the support. To me this implies the axles have come from a another model and are actually two wide for this model.

As you know, the subject of grey plastic wheel shades, has been covered on this forum before by some well informed members, with contributions from myself, so the actual wheels on your pictured example will have to be closely compaired with other grey plastic wheels on models from the same catalouged period as this particular 'Coded' model.

Your pictures do show 'mould ware flashing' in the centre of at least two of the wheels, suggesting these particular wheels are from quite late in the overall production period of the grey plastic types and again, a comparison with other known genuine models with grey wheels may help to confirm that they are from a later period than this 'Lomas' should come from.

Hope all that is clear for you and I am sure other members will add a lot more to this for you,

Regards,
GHOSTHUNTER.

[Idris]

That is an interesting one.
Like Ghosty, the rusty axles also caught my eye, but that need not be a show stopper, although if the storage environment were damp enough for the axles to rust, would we expect to see the decals in such good condition? Notice also the crimping damage to one of the hubs - possibly an indication that the crimping was performed by someone less than skilled in the operation.

[nearlymint]

Some very good and interesting points Ghosty. Numi can you just confirm the white interior.
Here is a picture of a grey wheel code 13.

14c

14c.jpg (44.29 KiB) Viewed 2330 times

Jason

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Thanks Jason for a picture of another 'Lomas'.

This example shows axle rust (a bit more encrusted perhaps), as those on Numi's, but they then match the rest of the base and body (what we can see in the close-up), of general use and 'play ware'. Additional to this, the wheels also look quite good on Jason's example, not showing any particular ware patterns, suggesting these wheels are pretty robust and standing upto the riggers of being pushed around the floor, rushing to the Hospital!

Crimping damage is an issue, but often seen on otherwise really good models, however, if the final decision of the model's true or false status come right down to the wire, then a damage crimping may be the deciding factor.

More pictures of 'Lomas' wheels and axles please.

Ghosty.

[Lrrp59]

Hi Numi,

Those axle ends look very similar to the ones on my gw 6b. You may remember that discussion a while back.
I see the picture of the dome looks to have the little tick marks that the dies left, does the other show the
marks as well?

Thanks,

Jeff

[SMS88]

Looks genuine R & D example to me,perhaps a colour trial for the switch from stark white to cream paint.White seats and black not blue lettering on decal make this something made a few years after production began in 1960.

[tjlglass]

I was always lead to believe that they were hand crimped in the R & D department and not factory floor crimped which these appear to be. I unlike others never slate a questionable model as back in the day all sorts of methods were used. Timelines do seem to be the issue here. A lot also depends on it's source, I have through the years got loads of models from ex staff members which I know were/are the real deal but trying to convince others is the problem.