22a Bodyshell Casting Variation

[Idris]

Checking my 22a Vauxhall Crestas, I noticed a previously unrecorded casting variation.

The accompanying photograph shows a Nick Jones variation code 1 (on the left) together with an uncatalogued variation (f/h, c/a, with front axle brace, narrow axle braces, roof ejector ring, making it a variation code 3a).
What is interesting is that the early bodyshell does not fit the rear end of the baseplate at all! The later model appears to have had the inner face of the rear bumper substantially thickened in order to fill the gap.
It is also interesting to note that the early body has silver trim on the underside of the rear bumper, and that the front trim consists solely of a thin rectangular patch covering the radiator grille, i.e. nothing whatsoever on the headlights, sidelights or bumper.
Does anyone else have a variation code 1 with this body casting? Furthermore, is there an intermediate casting between smooth roof/rear bumper-baseplate gap and ejector-ring roof/filled rear bumper-baseplate gap?

[DrJeep]

I have the earlier one on the left, though I think mine is a code 2 - crimped axles, no front axle braces, ejector ring in the roof, narrow rear axle braces. It looks like the rear bumper was painted silver by hand before assembly, because there's paint behind the tow hook as well as a little underneath the bumper (above the hook in the picture). The base just rests against the body, held in place by the rivet, which is loose on mine even though the car isn't very worn. Having said that, I can't tell if there was ever silver paint on the headlights, because all the paint has worn off, but the front bumper is definitely unpainted (let me know if you want a picture).

I know that the Cresta has been criticised for being out of proportion, but I like it - it does have the sense of the real car, though as most of them rusted very quickly I haven't seen one for years.

[Idris]

Thanks for the prompt response, DrJeep.
In typical Lesney fashion, the casting changes are staggered: first the roof, then the rear bumper, meaning that there are three different bodyshell castings.
In addition, it looks like there are both front and rear trim variations. In this context, could you please post a photograph of the front of your variation code 2 since I would like to see just how much silver is on (and around!) the radiator grille.

[DrJeep]

Here you are - artificial light so the red is slightly too bright, and the magnification shows the dirt too! I'd say pretty accurate hand painting that includes the sidelights/indicators, and a bit of stray silver paint below the grill too. At this high magnification, there's also evidence of silver paint on both headlights, which I'd never noticed before - the close up shows this quite clearly. Definitely nothing on the front bumper. I must clean this one.

[Idris]

Here's the minimalist front trim on my variation code 1. Does this match the trim on other variation code 1 examples?

[DrJeep]

Now that I have another 22a, I realise that I was wrong about which body I had. I expect Idris spotted this but was far too polite to say! Both of mine are the one on the right, with the thicker bumper. I'll keep looking for the one on the left.

In looking up the codes for these, I noticed that Nick's guide says

The brace below the front axle was originally thought to have been cast on at the beginning of the run and disappeared later on due to a worn die. This is innacurate because the brace can be found with the later domed head axles and the model without the brace can be found with the earlier flat head type axles. Also the model without the brace can be found with the earlier thin rear axle braces.

This makes sense, but my "new" 22a has the earlier flat head axles and the front axle brace. And the finish around the front axle on the without-brace model is very ragged and uneven where the brace would have been, as though something has been removed. In fact, it almost looks broken. Both have the same broken appearance around the centre of the back axle, as though there was once a brace there too. I'm sure this must have been discussed before. What was the verdict?

I'll just apologise for the state of the "new" one - it has spent a lot of time off-roading, and I've got rid of most but obviously not all of the mud. The top is surprisingly good and it was very cheap.

[Idris]

Now that I have another 22a, I realise that I was wrong about which body I had. I expect Idris spotted this but was far too polite to say! Both of mine are the one on the right, with the thicker bumper. I'll keep looking for the one on the left.

I hadn't actually. (To me, at first glance, the photograph appeared to show a gap between the bumper and the baseplate.)

I...the finish around the front axle on the without-brace model is very ragged and uneven where the brace would have been, as though something has been removed. In fact, it almost looks broken.

I've noticed this before somewhere (it may even be on one of my examples. I couldn't decide whether it was tool wear or, as you suggest, evidence of a missing brace. Could the braces be flimsy enough to sometime break off during tumbling, perhaps if they weren't properly formed in the first place?

[Diecast]

Just to remember it. I have mentioned it 6 years ago.
a) without roof ejector
b) with roof ejector

[Diecast]

a) with rear step
b) without rear step
Antonin

[Idris]

a) with rear step
b) without rear step

Is that the same as my thin bumper/thick bumper variation, or is it something different?