Definition of Transitionals

[Miller]

its been a while since my last post, some other things had more priority.

While looking at matchboxkiwis photos of his toyroom i saw his transitionals display and wondered about all the castings, that never had been in the regular range. I always thought, transitionals are regulars converted to superfasts and all new castings are just superfasts.

Is there a clear definition for transitionals?

[Idris]

Is there a clear definition for transitionals?

Opinions vary.
For me, a transitional is either an RW with some SF characteristics, or an SF with some RW characteristics. (This tends to mean either RW body colour with SF wheels or SF body colour with RW.) Other collectors use the wider definition of a model which straddles the RW/SF conversion period and can therefore be found in either RW or SF.

[kerbside]

Hello Roland, to my way of collecting a transitional is when the Superfast model is the same colour as the Regular wheel model.

Here is a few models to show this way I collect I have nearly all of them.















George T.

[fixer]

That's my interpretation of transitional models too

[matchboxkiwi]

For me my transitional period models are from the 1969/70 era when the majority of regular wheeled models transitioned to superfast models.
It is possibly a little loose in its definition because models like MB-5 Double Decker Bus and MB-5 Lotus Europa didn't really transition in the true sense but as a collector I don't like to have gaps in my collection of 1-75 series models.
On the other hand I totally agree with George's definition. The problem for me with this tight definition is they didn't make enough of the same colour transitional models to go around so to acquire them all is way out of my budget!!

Cheers,Steve
Matchboxkiwi

[johnboy]

I agree with George's definition too. (Thanks for showing these George, there's not that many of these models about, except for the Lambos and I've missed your photos recently).

[GHOSTHUNTER]

A 'Transitonal' model to me is a model with elements of the next Years specification brought forward to complete batches of models from the previous Years range. You can have a minimum Three models of the same car, a Regular Wheel version in it's specified calours then the Superfast version in new colours, but then find a Regular Wheel version with the Superfast colours, or the Superfast version in the old colours.

In the 'Models of Yesteryear' range, 'Transitionals' play a large part of collecting 'MOY' models. For example, the 1912 Rolls-Royce on catalogue number Y-7, was made from 1968, until 1972, when production of the range was stopped so Lesney could concentrate their resources to the 'Superfast' range. During the halted production period, many models were left at work stations unfinished. Research and Development carried on designing new models and working out a way of updating the 'MOY' models and the results were new brighter metallic colours and wider plastic based wheel rim and tyre combinations.

Production of 'MOY' models resumed in mid-73 with a few models mounted on 'Giftware' items like ashtrays being released to markets outside the U.K. When the Y-7 1912 Rolls-Royce was released in late 1973, it appeared in it's new colour scheme, but then some really strange examples were being found and these models consisted of old coloured body casting with new plastic wheels and new coloured body castings with old narrow metal wheels, true Transitional models.

These are very sought-after versions Today and I know of and have recorded 8 'Transitional' examples of this Rolls-Royce.

Ghosthunter.

[toysnz]

A 'Transitonal' model to me is a model with elements of the next Years specification brought forward to complete batches of models from the previous Years range. You can have a minimum Three models of the same car, a Regular Wheel version in it's specified calours then the Superfast version in new colours, but then find a Regular Wheel version with the Superfast colours, or the Superfast version in the old colours.

By my count that's FOUR Kevin....

Ian

[Viewfield]

As the man said," ....a minimum of three"

Rod

[kilarae]

I am lenient with my definition of transitional.

I figured the definition was a model that transitioned from Regular to Superfast. I am not as concerned with color. The #1 Mercedes Truck has a regular wheel and a Superfast version thus transitional.

I then also decided that any model in a 1969 catalog counted for my transitional wall case. This allows me to put #5 buses and Lotuses (Loti?) together to show the change from regular to Superfast. I then decided to include any model in a G box. I also included the #55 Ford Galaxy Police Car just because I could. After all the definition is fluid and this is my definition.

Hans in Denver