5a - London bus

[tandyfan]

NJ's listing suggests this model was deleted before dome head axles were introduced, however the one on the left looks domed to me, compared to the flathead on the right. What does anyone else think?

[Martin Avis]

5a was replaced by 5b in 1957, the same year that domed head axles were introduced, so it is not impossible that a few very late models may have had them. However, what is important is to see the other end of the axle to see if there is any sign of it having been fitted to the model later.

[nickjones]

Nice find, does anyone else have a 5a with dome head axles?

[fixer]

just checked my one looks like dome heads to me , unfortunately my screen has been smashed on the mobile so I can't post any pictures at the moment
i'll take some pictures as soon as I get it back

[kwakers]

Martin is right about the axles changing in late 1957. I have a very late production 1B Roller with front Flat end axle, and the rear on that same model is a Domed axle. That 1B should have flat crimped, and the 1C, introduced in 1958, should be all domed crimped on their earliest variations. I will have to check some 5As now that I see Tandyfan's example. kwakers