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29a Bedfiord Milk Float

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 1:03 pm
by Idris
The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition), highlights the existence of two GPW types: knobbly (variation code 29-1B), and ordinary (variation code 29-1C). This unlisted variation is discussed in more detail below. Both GPW wheel types are listed as being of dark plastic.
None of the AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983), Stannard, or Houghton catalogues any variations not already covered by Nick.
U.K. Matchbox examined the model in Vol. 6 no. 3 (Aug '82) p84, and Rob Newson penned the following interesting sentence: "The base casting incorporated the bottle crates and is normally pure white although it has been found with the bottle crates in white and the actual base in pale cream - suggesting that the two sides of the casting were painted separately". This two-tone casting is found with FH c/a and MW, making it a new version of Nick's variation code 1. (UK Matchbox also lists Nick's existing variation code 1 with the all white base casting.)

It should be noted that we already have a thread running on this model. This has revealed the existence of i) a pale straw (Nick's "light brown") variation matching Nick's variation code 4 but with 9 x 20 GPW, and ii) another pale straw model matching Nick's variation code 4 but with DH instead of FH axles.
Furthermore, I have a model with a single 8.5 mm diameter GPW. Is there therefore a variation with all four wheels 8.5 mm GPW?
As if that weren't enough, Antonin identified what appears to be a significant shade difference (perhaps even a different colour) amongst the pale straw models.

It is often commented that this is a rather plain model and that something on the doors would have brightened it up. I am firmly convinced that I once saw a copy of an advertisement showing what was presumably a pre-production model with a Unigate logo on the door. I have searched the Internet for this image many times, but without success. Can any Member help?

Re: 29a Bedfiord Milk Float

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 3:08 pm
by Diecast
A short summary, base plate with the bottle crates:
a) off white
b) cream
c) white

Re: 29a Bedfiord Milk Float

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 3:11 pm
by Diecast
Three different colours or shades (please help me to describe the colours)

Re: 29a Bedfiord Milk Float

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 3:13 pm
by Diecast
Unlisted variation with smaller GPW ø9,5x20

Re: 29a Bedfiord Milk Float

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 3:15 pm
by Diecast
different shades of the body

Re: 29a Bedfiord Milk Float

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 3:18 pm
by Diecast
unlisted variations on the rear of the body:
a) small/big step
b) big/small step
Antonin

Re: 29a Bedfiord Milk Float

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 3:20 pm
by Diecast
a) hand applayed silver trim to bumper, grille & headlights
b) hand applayed silver trim to grille & headlights?
c) mask sprayed silver trim to bumper, grille & headlights

Re: 29a Bedfiord Milk Float

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 3:30 pm
by Idris
Diecast wrote:different shades of the body
I would argue (very forcefully) that the tan and the pale straw are different colours rather than simply shades.