13c Thames Trader Wreck Truck

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) suggests the existence of an intermediate size of KGPW on a model with open latticework, an unpainted metal hook and which is also found with small KGPW (which narrows it down to either Nick's variation code 3 or variation code 4). Since the NAMC's large KGPW are very clearly the 11 x 24 version, this suggests the existence of a 10.5 x ?? GPW. Personally I suspect a measuring error, but does anyone have such a model?
The AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) lists three plausible additions to Nick's variations table. Variation code 13-3e is listed as fine GPW (i.e. 11.5 x 45), open lattice, no decal outline, no grille blocks, and a grey plastic hook. (This would slot into Nick's table as a new variation code 18a.) AIM variation code 13-3f is fine GPW (i.e. 11.5 x 45), closed lattice, decal outline, grille blocks, and a grey plastic hook. (This would fit into Nick's table as variation code 18b, assuming code 18a is confirmed.) Finally AIM variation code 13-3k is small fine BPW, closed latticework, no decal outlines, grille blocks, grey plastic hook. Nick does not list any small, fine BPW on this model, but it looks to me like this could very well be an end of production model. If confirmed, this should be added to the end of Nick's table as variation code 27a.
Neither Stannard not Houghton list any models not already catalogued by Nick.
U.K. Matchbox examined the model in vol. 2 no. 4 (Jun. '78) p64, with a follow-up in vol. 2 no. 5 (Jul. '78) p85. Rather sensibly, Rob Newson decided not to try to put together a table of variations, but he did note the existence of three different decal types:
Type A - all letters in orange and each letter outlined in black,
Type B - all letters in orange and each letter outlined in black, and
Type C - All letters redrawn, printed in red without black outline.

IIRC, we have also had two further variations reported. The first concerned the decal border which could be either black or blue, and the second was the discovery of an intermediate half-closed (or, if you're an optimist, half-open) lattice.
Can any Member confirm either of these discoveries, preferably illustrating them with a photograph?

[Diecast]

... but he did note the existence of three different decal types:
Type A - all letters in orange and each letter outlined in black,
Type B - all letters in orange and each letter outlined in black, and
Type C - All letters redrawn, printed in red without black outline.
Can any Member confirm either of these discoveries, preferably illustrating them with a photograph?

Yes Hugh, I can confirm it, and I think that there are even perhaps four different decal types:
Type A - all letters in orange and each letter outlined in black
Type B - all letters in red and each letter outlined in black
Type C - all letters redrawn, printed in orange without black outline
Type D - all letters redrawn, printed in red without black outline
Antonin

[Idris]

I've now found the partially-closed lattice thread on Lefora.
This is the accompanying photograph (from our very own Johnboy):

[Idris]

IIRC, we have also had two further variations reported. The first concerned the decal border which could be either black or blue...

On reflection, I think the variation may actually have concerned the colour of the "Breakdown Services" text but, having searched VBD and looked through all 80 pages of Lefora's 1-75 topics, I cannot find the thread. However, I have culled the following photographs from Ebay (although this may simply be related to the orange/red difference previously noted):

[Idris]

Finally found the thread.
We therefore now know that the no-outline red decals exist with the bottom line in either green or blue. How about the other two (or three) decal types?

[Diecast]

When I was looking for the model with the decal with a blue bottom line, I found in my spare models one 13c Thames Wreck Truck with a strange hook. I can not remember if I ever seen a similar hook somewhere (even by the spare parts). Is there anyone who could help me to identify this hook (lightly damaged). Thanks
Antonin

[Tinman]

Looks "home made."

[Diecast]

Looks "home made."

I do not think the hook is homemade. The color and surface structure of the metal is identical with genuine hooks. Is there anyone who has spotted this type of the hook?
Antonin

[Idris]

It's not a hook style I recognise (and, given its shape, until you wrote that it was metal, I had assumed it was plastic).
What does the retaining pin look like on the other side?

[Diecast]

What does the retaining pin look like on the other side?

The retaining pin is much more stranger. The pin is dome head crimped.
Antonin