54b Cadillac Ambulance

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (first edition) differentiates between small and large cross decals (variations 54-2a and 54-2b respectively). If shown to exist, the large cross decal version would be either the new code 1 (no rear axle platform) or the new code 3 (with rear axle platform).
Neither the AIM “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) nor Stannard lists any variations not already noted by Nick.
Houghton has a model at position 54b-3 with a large decal and a rear axle platform, apparently validating the NAMC observation and showing that it should become the new code 3. In addition, Houghton has both the small and large label variations coming with either matt or gloss baseplates. If verified, this would means splitting Nick's existing code 7 into two new codes. It is unclear whether one, two, or all three of Nick's existing (small label) codes 4, 5, and 6 need to be treated similarly. Information please!
U.K. Matchbox did not cover the model.

It should be remembered that we have recently identified a change to the roof light casting on Superfast models in the form of a raised lip around the base of the rooflight. At the moment this appears to have been a casting change introduced early in the Superfast period with the crossover being solely from RW into SF. However, it is always possible (but, as yet, unreported) that crossovers the other way exist with some raised-lip bodies having being fitted with RW baseplates.

[nearlymint]

My 54b with the 3c decal would fit into Nicks code 2 (with a gloss base), in my notes I have Nicks code 2,4 and 5 with a matt base.
As for the ivory/white interior I find this very hard to tell although I do have a code 2 with what looks more like cream.(but only 1 model out of 15).

54

54.jpg (51.49 KiB) Viewed 1356 times

Jason

[nearlymint]

Is the 3c decal reffered to as the large decal.?
J

[Idris]

Is the 3c decal reffered to as the large decal.?

That's what I now suspect.

[kerbside]

What a can of worms this is going by Nicks codes I have with a small decal codes 1 and 2.

With a large label code 7.

But one that is unlisted is this Cream model.

[URL=http://s286.photobucket.com/user/kerbside2008/media/Variations/1-54b%20Cream%20amp%20White%201325x489_zpsrypiwtyo.jpg.html]

One is Light Cream with a Cream interior as you can see the seat through the side window.



This is the rear view of the big label models the Cream one with the Cream interior, it also has a short front rivit socket and a flat Black base plate. But has got the raised panel over the rear axle, my other ones code 1, 2, and 7 have Gloss Black base plates.

George T.

[ChFalkensteiner]

Regarding decal sizes on this model, I have three different:



The model with the large decals has the later base with the axle platform (gloss black).

The model with the very small decals has the earlier base without the axle platform (also gloss black).

I realize that those very small decals may be of non-Lesney origin and may have been applied privately. However, the man who sold me this model is a collector himself and indicated that he has another one like it in his own collection. I would like to know if anybody here has seen another example with those very small decals.

Besides, I have two examples in my collection with the usual small (or "medium") decals with cream rather than white interiors, featuring the two different base castings without and with the axle platform (both gloss black). I am, however, by no means sure if those cream interior colours have originated at the factory or have been caused by environmental influences. (When I peep through the rear wheel arches from below, the interiors seem to be somewhat less cream than when viewed from above.)

On all my other models both with decals and labels the interiors are pure white to my eyes; I would not call them "ivory".

Regarding models with labels, I have both small and large labels with both matt and gloss black bases. Only gloss black bases on all models with decals.

Here is a comparison picture of the gloss and matt black bases:



I also have one (bad condition) example with large labels and gloss black base on which the axle platform is incomplete, with only the left hand part of it present. Something similar has been shown before, so there are more like that out there. Whether that should be catalogued as a variation or regarded as a kind of casting flaw I leave for others to decide.

As for the front rivet socket length, my impression is that this difference was introduced alongside the rear axle platform and is the result of two dies used concurrently. So all variations with the rear axle platform should be found with short and long front rivet sockets in about equal numbers.

Finally, I do not have a RW example with the SF body casting with the raised lip around the roof light and do not remember ever seeing one.

[nickjones]

Hi Christian,
Just an observation, the Cadillac with the smallest decals appears to have been used for the box illustration.

[Idris]

..the Cadillac with the smallest decals appears to have been used for the box illustration.

That's probably enough to validate it, especially since a second example is known (or should that be thought?) to exist.