63b Alvis Foamite Crash Tender

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (first edition) does not contain any unlisted variations.
Both the AIM “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) and Houghton list what could be a precursor to Nick's code 9 (AIM's 63-2c and Houghton's 63b-7). This is the eight triangular brace baseplate, but with two rectangular holes (i.e. no springs fitted). Is this a genuine variation or is it merely an error piece?
U.K. Matchbox did not cover the model.

[kwakers]

Stannard mentioned that this variation with the 8 brace base with open spring holes and no springs was reported to him, but he must have not seen this variation himself in England, so failed to catalog it. They were shipped to our stores here in America that way, we found and still have them, so are a well known variation. They are definitely not just an error Idris. Collectors here like myself find it strange that Mike did not verify the variation himself with any of our well known U.S. collectors over here, but knew enough about it to mention it in his 1985 Guide?? Bob Brennen also had this one listed in the 1973 Second printing of his NAMC Guide, but indicated he didn't have an example of it in his collection at that time (yet). kwakers

[Malibu]

Hi,
just noted this little difference on my two Salamander crash tender.

Stephan

(c) Malibu

Salamander Crash Tender.JPG (65.44 KiB) Viewed 7338 times

(c) Malibu

Salamander Crash Tender Detail.JPG (12.32 KiB) Viewed 7338 times

[Idris]

just noted this little difference on my two Salamander crash tender.

...or is that casting flash?

[motorman]

just noted this little difference on my two Salamander crash tender.

...or is that casting flash?

Looks like flash to me.

[Squid]

Hard to tell without seeing the model in-hand, but I'm thinking flash, too.

[Malibu]

Thank you all.
Could it be that the injection point was there?
Stephan

[Miller]

Its not a flash on a single model, its a defective die! As we have several variation basing on broken dies, one should consider this as a variation, or, if its not worth to be a legit variation, it should be mentioned in the guide with a photo.

Here is why

Speicher1.jpg (79.19 KiB) Viewed 7299 times

3 of my 5 foamite got this "flash"

Speicher2.jpg (86.27 KiB) Viewed 7299 times

I´d say check yours![/b]

[Malibu]

Thanks for having a look at your models.

Stephan

[DrJeep]

The Foamite must have been popular, because it's one of those models that often arrives in a bulk lot, usually in awful condition, lacking paint, without plastic parts and always with a broken nozzle. The arrival of a Foamite in decent condition made me check the variations I have, and I discovered this one:

IMG_7724.jpg (358.73 KiB) Viewed 6787 times

The condition is awful, but it has 12.5x30 wheels, instead of the usual 12.5x40.

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IMG_7722.jpg (423.23 KiB) Viewed 6787 times

Antonin reported this variation with green plastic springs back in 2014 but I don't think anyone has posted one since. He also mentions a white-springed version in Hardy's shop - mine has white springs, confirming the existence of this wheel variation with both spring colours.

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