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On behalf of Nigel (matchboxuk) here is a nice selection of some 1-75 pre-pro and colour trial models.

Some collectors may recognise models like the 31a in red that was featured in the very early fold out leaflet.

I love seeing models where colours from common production models have been trialled on other models such as the 71c Ford wreck truck- yellow and orange with amber glazing.

My favourite is the 30b with grey body and red/maroon crane boom. My eagle eyes have spotted that this has a dome head axle for the hook. Normally the painted hook on the early 30b were a flat head alloy rivet. So to me this is an interesting difference apart from the colour.

Thanks Nigel forwarding the images.

Bert

A shame that the 30B has lost its hook. The 31A looks really good in red...if only Lesney had seen fit to release a red version for general consumption!

These are lovely - thank you Nigel and Bert! I really like the red 31a, which to me is much more attractive than the yellow. With the cream Commer milk float and the orange and yellow Ford tow truck, I think the production colour choice was probably better. But it’s wonderful to see what might have been.

Very interesting, thanks for showing them.