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Had a query for fellow collector asking if there was a smaller version of the Vauxhall Cresta as the one he had didn't fit the box (B1).
Checked mine and found similar. I explained how the model would be placed at and angle in the box (can also see signs of red rub on interior). It got me thinking that I had seen similar with another model(s)???
Without going through my boxes can anyone think which model(s) this would be?

Hi all,
at transition from a to b series it would seem that the 10b mechanical horse was packaged in the 10a box for a period ( not 100% on this) i do have a 10b model which came with the smaller box,i realise this could have been altered prior to my ownership,unless done in error i see no advantage to swapping the boxes.this might also apply to the 27a low-loader and 27b models.
cheers steven

IIRC, the story goes that a mistake was made when setting up the pantograph to cut he tooling from the wooden master. The result was an oversize model!

artherfonz wrote:Hi all,
at transition from a to b series it would seem that the 10b mechanical horse was packaged in the 10a box for a period ( not 100% on this) i do have a 10b model which came with the smaller box,i realise this could have been altered prior to my ownership,unless done in error i see no advantage to swapping the boxes.this might also apply to the 27a low-loader and 27b models.
cheers steven

I wondered about these, where there was a separate body & cab chances are that you would get knocks & chips from the 2 parts moving around in the box.

tractorboy wrote:I wondered about these, where there was a separate body & cab chances are that you would get knocks & chips from the 2 parts moving around in the box.

The M6 Pickfords low loader was a classic example of models often bought new with chips. The tractor (truck) was placed on top of the trailer bed and both went into the box. Damage from/during shipping was common.

Hi Rodger,

As with Steven, I have a 10b with small B1 box - the first issues came in exactly the same box size and type as the 10a (see Pat's site). The trailer only fits in the box at an angle. I can confirm the same is the case for the 27a - the trailer must be put in at an angle for it to fit. This will also be the same for the 27b, as the trailer is around as long as the 40b Royal Tiger - the type C box for 40b was made especially long to accommodate it, and was the longest box issued when it came out.

Other tight fits in the early boxes that spring to mind are the CA Bedfords - especially the 42a Evening News Van with its roof sign. Oh, and the 33a/39a Zodiacs are just too long with their towhooks - quite often see the boxes with towhook holes punched in one end...

Cheers,
Gavin