VBD2 is closed. Please go to https://vbd3.co.uk instead.

Hi,

I have been looking at your 1-75 guide to try to place my blue no 17 Bedford Removals Van (see https://www.flickr.com/photos/spockshot ... 799583503/). It looks to be a 17a code 2- rounded roof, straight axle platform, cab window present, with body line and no infill. I have 2 questions.

First colour - Most of the blue models shown are a very bright light blue. In fact I have only seen a couple with the same shade as mine (the colour in the latter photos on flickr with the white(ish) background is most accurate but still not quite right). I suspect it is a question of photos in artificial light but did wonder. It is difficult to reproduce colours accurately in photos.

Second decals - Supposedly all variations had them but mine doesn't and doesn't show any signs of them at all (or them having been removed). Do decals come off cleanly or would there be some evidence of them? This model has been mine from new and I can't imagine having bothered to remove them. I can't say I remember them being there either but it was a long time ago!!

Thanks

What springs to mind (but I'm not sure it's of any use) are the two shades of pale blue 27a tractor unit.

Removal of 'Water-Slide' decals from models within a short while of the model being new, will not leave any evidence they were there in the first place. But on models that are many Years old, that may well have been in display cabinets or on a shelf, could show signs on the paint surface that a decal was there, as the shade of paint can be different as it was protected to some degree by the decal.

Your particular model ideally needs to be looked at in the hand, by several collectors in decent light and not by electronic images and hopefully they can come to an agreement about it's authenticity. Are there any model clubs in your area that would be happy to have you go along as a guest at one of their club nights, maybe search the internet for one in your area, let us know if you can not find any in your area, it may be another idea to post the model to someone here on the forum to inspect it (Nick Jones would be a good start), see what you think.

GHOSTHUNTER.

I definitely would not have removed the decals early in their life. I just wouldn't have cared! My models have been kept in an old oxo tin or two in my mothers house until about 10-15 years ago. Since then they have been in the tin on a shelf in an upstairs room. I had wondered whether differential aging because of storage might also be an issue.

I can understand why you suggest an in-hand inspection! Blues and greens look to be difficult - so much depends on the light. I have a blue car transporter (Accessory Pack 2) and in torch light the 17a Bedford looks to be the same colour but not under other types of light.

My wife and I have also been puzzling over the dark green 33a which looks a bit bluish in some light. I would be shocked if it is the blue/green but you just wonder!!

I live in Brackley, Northants and will check if there is a local model club.

Thanks.