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I brought this up years back on a USA based forum but these base casting differences are still being overlooked in most guides. The early and first base casting (and the one found on the first issued model with the turquoise paint) has thin axle supports that are 1mm wide and 8.5mm long. The open rectangles in the base are small. This base carried over into the orange paint variations.

Before the axles were closed, another base modification was made. The supports were widened to 1.5mm and length was increased to 9.5mm. The open rectangles were made larger as well. So the base (or body casting which includes the base) had a total of four modifications (not the three that are commonly cataloged).

I suspect most people simply over look the two different open axle bases. The second modification may or may not be hard to find as there has never been much discussion about it. I suspect the second modification to the 1.5mm wide supports was short lived before the axles were closed.

Hi Joe.
Welcome back !.
Interesting, I was not aware of this variation, Looks like the 68b page needs an update.

Hmmmmmmmmmm................

I already have 4 casting variations listed for this model. But I think I could have one listed incorrectly, I'll check it in the am.

i looked through mine and i have one of these

Hi Joe , I remember discussing another model with George some time ago that has the same thicker supports . I am not sure what model this was but I now suspect that there will be a lot of other models with this modification .

Hi Joe
I think I have refered about it some time ago. But unfortunately I can not open the old post
Antonin

Hi Antonin,

Now that I see your photo, I remember your post. So there are actually two base casting modifications (three variations) before the axles are closed (two of which can be seen without taking the model apart). After the axles are closed (base modification number four) there is one last modification to add bumps or tits to the axle brace (modification five).

I've quit removing the roof from decent models as the retaining tongue (at the front of the bus roof) is quite prone to breaking off. So I can't go much further than the spotting features which are seen while assembled.

I have corrected the 68b Mercedes coach page. it now shows this variation