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

None of the NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition), the AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983), Stannard, Houghton, or Leake ("Concise Catalogue of 75 Series Matchbox Toys by Lesney" (4th edition, reprinted 2006)) lists any variation not already catalogued by Nick.
U.K. Matchbox examined the model in Vol. 3 no. 6 (Aug. '79) p107 but did not record any variations not already identified by Nick.

Two points to note:
- Antonin (Diecast) has identified three distinct blade colours, and
- A quantity of assembled models, but with uncrimped axles, were discovered in the 1990s (IIIRC) and were subsequently sold to collectors.

Idris wrote: - A quantity of assembled models, but with uncrimped axles, were discovered in the 1990s (IIIRC) and were subsequently sold to collectors.

To be exact, I received my example in November 2006, and I believe the original discovery had happened only a short while before.

I have a model I purchased from the U.K. in 2012 that has a very bright yellow body rather than just the stock regular yellow colour commonly seen on this one, meaning that the red blades were not the only paint which can vary on these 18As.
I had seen one of the uncrimped axle 18As advertised a while back, but did not realize it was not just a unique error piece I had found for sale. I was outbid on it (I believe) at the time, but with the new facts contained here I will watch carefully for another for our collection........Thank You Hugh and Christian for noting this bit of (In my case) unknown history and a possible timeline for it's "Discovery" in quantity. This info is quite interesting and certainly is worth noting as you have for both Forum members and today's Lesney collectors alike. kwakers

When the models with uncrimped nails were first offered, the price was very, very reasonable. Many collectors took advantage of this generous offer and purchased one.

Idris wrote:
- Antonin (Diecast) has identified three distinct blade colours

Just to remember
Antonin

Hi all,

yesterday I bought this 18A Caterpillar bulldozer.
Now I´ve seen that there are "Matchbox originals".
How can I find out if my model is an old one ore one of the "Matchbox originals"? Stephan

I think yours is real. I’m fairly sure the Originals say “made in China” on the base and don’t have crimped axles. I don’t have one, though, so I could be wrong!

DrJeep wrote:I think yours is real. I’m fairly sure the Originals say “made in China” on the base and don’t have crimped axles. I don’t have one, though, so I could be wrong!

Thanks.
You are right with the axles - additional the rollers are shiny on the China models.

Stephan

The "Matchbox Originals" model does say Made In China and C. 1993 on the underside (it has no base). The axles resemble a nail on the big end and have a press fit into the rollers. The rollers have a brighter finish than a brand new Lesney 18a had, but the difference is not as severe as that of a new metal wheel Lesney model VS the Matchbox originals models. The treads were black (instead of green on Lesney's) and the tracks are much better made in terms of the rubber/plastic compound and the fact they have a groove on the inner side of the tread to keep them perfectly aligned (with the ridge on the rollers).

Thanks Joe for the additional informtion.