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Hi All,

I am looking for some of the early "A" versions of the 1-75 series to fill gaps in my collection. I have been looking for a 26a ERF concrete truck, either in decent condition, or really "past it" as you brits would say, and a candidate for restoration. There is a version that shows up on eBay that has a gray drum instead of orange. Nick does not say anything about a variation that has a gray drum. Most photos of all orange versions seem to indicate a portion of the orange drum that does not have a complete coating of paint, telling me that the model was painted after the drum was attached. The gray versions look as if the drum has a complete coating of paint, as if the drum was added later.

So, is this gray drum version factory original?

Thanks, Bob

It’s probably the Matchbox Originals replica, issued in the 1990s. If so, it will also have very shiny wheels and a recent copyright date on the base.

DrJeep wrote:It’s probably the Matchbox Originals replica, issued in the 1990s. If so, it will also have very shiny wheels and a recent copyright date on the base.

Yes, the grey-drummed 26a models are all Matchbox Originals (or, just possibly, repaints of genuine Lesney versions).

Thanks to all who responded. I keep forgetting about those pesky "Matchbox Originals" unless I see them in the original blister pack packaging. One has to be oh so careful these days!

is this what you are thinking of..???

MB repop
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1993-Matchbox- ... k:141:pf:0

I have edited the post above to take out two links to live auctions, something we prefer not to have.

Ghosthunter.