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

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) lists a plausible stockroom clearance variation as 17-3D: black baseplate with narrow front axle support. Variation 17=3E (red baseplate, white plastic spring under front axle only) may be an error piece, but the AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) also lists something similar (the table contains a column headed '3rd axle support' which does not make sense) as variation 17-4d.
Neither Stannard nor Houghton lists any variations not already catalogued by Nick. However, Houghton highlights the fact that all early issues, up to and including Nick's variation code 6 (black baseplate, large tipper stops, with axle braces, round rear axle hole) can be found with and without silver trim.
U.K. Matchbox did not examine the model.

Some unlisted variations. (I have mentioned it yet).
a) without the raised centre to the front bumper
b) with the raised centre to the front bumper
Antonin

a) front base plate without the ejector ring
b) front base plate with the ejector ring

two types of the suspension ring
a) round ring
b) round ring with prongs

I would very much appreciate a comparison picture between the wide metal front axle support and the acute pointed metal brace which is normally called the narrow metal front axle brace. Nick's guide shows only a wide metal brace compared to a white plastic front spring, so could also use a 3 way illustration with this narrow one added. Thanks! kwakers

kwakers wrote:I would very much appreciate a comparison picture between the wide metal front axle support and the acute pointed metal brace which is normally called the narrow metal front axle brace. Nick's guide shows only a wide metal brace compared to a white plastic front spring, so could also use a 3 way illustration with this narrow one added. Thanks! kwakers

kwakers,
I have a good friend in the USA who has prepared and done a presentation highlighting detailed regular wheel variations including the 17d Tipper. Some of this information was presented in Albuquerque, New Mexico last Summer at the annual "Matchbox Gathering" in July. He was kind enough to share this presentation with me that includes superb narration and excellent photos. I think that I've found some of the detail which may help with your question above -- let me know. While the photos came out quite large on the site, I think that they show the details quite well. He also has provided me additional excellent information on these variations (inc. other models) that I will try to post as time allows...... I will also try to find a better way to get the photos posted, but may have to go through Photo bucket

Bill

Info from Presentation:
Seventh Issue Casting
The sixth modification was somewhat extensive. During this phase using the white plastic spring to support the front axle was discontinued, and the supporting was replaced by adding a round pointed brace under the front axle. The top of the recess for the third axle spring support was closed. The holes for the rear axle was converted to round shape rather the oval shape. The variations with the round brace under the front axle are rare and are very hard to find. (2nd photo below)

Eighths Issue Casting
The last modification was to change the round brace under the front axle to a triangle brace. The majority of the models were produced in this variation which are fairly common. (1st photo below)

Images resized for ease of viewing, let me know if I have them in the correct order Bill.

motorman wrote:Images resized for ease of viewing, let me know if I have them in the correct order Bill.

Motorman,
Thanks much for the resize (correct order) !! Is that something I can do easily myself? I have several more photos on this model that I can post plus 17e and possibly others. When I upload them via Nick's box below, the photos come in GIANT size.
I have about given up on photobucket. I went in to buy the "ad-free" option per Tinman's advise and it wouldn't even let me sign up -- just kept asking me to login which I'd done 3 times............
Happy New Year!

Bill

kwakers wrote:I would very much appreciate a comparison picture between the wide metal front axle support and the acute pointed metal brace which is normally called the narrow metal front axle brace. Nick's guide shows only a wide metal brace compared to a white plastic front spring, so could also use a 3 way illustration with this narrow one added. Thanks! kwakers

Sorry Dick, but I am looking for the model with narrow metal front axle brace for ages. Thanks Bill for nice picture of this rare model. Please let us know about another variations.
Happy new year
Antonin

I have found another unlisted variation of the 17e. The early models have a dark red painting. Same or similar to 35a.
Antonin