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This is the model in question. It doesn't appear to be a rare variation, yet the rough-looking paint on the flywheel and the somewhat sloppy paint atop the smokestack make me skeptical. Are those big issues, and are any other red flags flying with this one?

Not rare. Looks as though it may be issue 9, but the front end picture is so poor it's not possible to determine the smokebox door colour. Should be gold. Slapdash trim is common on 1st series models, many were done by outworkers sitting at their dining table! It has a chip under the spud pan, and the flywheel looks mottled on the outer face. The box is pretty good.

Thanks for your reply, Bob. Though this isn't a rarity, Y1-1s seem to sell for somewhat high prices here in the States. I believe the boiler door is gold, but it is indeed hard to tell in the picture. I didn't see the chip under the spud pan...indeed, I don't know where the spud pan is! As long as the flywheel's raggedy appearance isn't cause for concern, I'll probably put a bid in.

The 'Spud Pan' is essentially the steering assembly which on real vehicles is more of a storage area than what Lesney have designed and is ideal for storing Potatoes (Spuds!).



Ghosthunter.

The metal cleats that are attached to the wheels to help the engine get traction in boggy conditions are referred to as spuds. Those of an edible variety are usually in the smokebox being cooked!

You can see them on the rear wheels of this Fowler

Those traction engines are neat old machines. Looks like I may be placing a bid on the Allchin. Thanks for your help, Bob!

I like my answer better...

Ghosty.

GHOSTHUNTER wrote:I like my answer better...

And thanks to you as well, Ghosty. I completely failed to realize that the first answer wss yours! (By the way, I've been eyeballing a couple of Rolls-Royces, too.)

Bob is our resident Steam expert and knew he would give you an authoritive answer so thought I would have a bit of fun with mine

Don't get the Rolls-Royce collecting bug as you'll never be a sane person again!

Ghosty.

I think I'm safe from the Rolls-Royce collecting bug, but the Yesteryears bug bit me pretty good recently.