73a RAF 10 Ton Pressure Refueller - New findings.

[yellowfoden]

Hello all,

The most important aspect of this model is how I came to get this one.
This model came from Germany and from a seller who was not prepared to post to Australia. So fellow member Rod “viewfield” came to my aid and secured this model for my RAF fleet. Thank you Rod, very much appreciated in placing the bid and for the time involved in repacking and posting the model. I hope I can return the favour at some point.

As often happens with Lesney, timeline beliefs and processes can be messed about by a single model surfacing and this being a prime example.

While this model is well worn, broken and missing its tank end cap, it is never the less very important to me for many reasons.

First up it is the single slot casting above the rear axles being the first casting. (that we know of)
Second up is that the rear bumper is broken off which is why the gap was filled above the bumper to prevent this problem occurring with bumper on some later codes.
Thirdly is the fact that the inside of the tank has a good coating of paint. Generally there would be no paint inside because the tank cap was fitted before painting.
( at least it is on some of my others where the cap is loose)

But the most interesting finding for me is the closed section on the chassis between the pump box and the tank on such an early casting.
This closure had previously only been found on models that have the slots filled on the sides and when the gap was closed at the rear. I wonder if a second mould was in use here?

The attached composite image was my previous findings (before getting this latest 73a) with respect to the castings taking into account the brace between pump box and tank, slots above rear axles and chassis opening, only this new acquisition messes with this sequence.

Also of interest it finally confirms for me that the vent hole can be found open, partly flashed over or fully flashed over on every code. I do not code the vent hole because of this unintended flashing.

The rear shows where the bumper has broken off post factory with no paint present at the break points. I have seen these where the bumper has broken off before painting and the model possess a nice coating of paint where the bumper would have been.

In looking at all my 73a together I find that this is one model that appears to have not paint shade differences, so it would be therefore difficult to determine if the tank cap was painted separately in full production.

Bert

[GHOSTHUNTER]

This is when I find my casting faults and surface abrasions studdies comes in handy and has identified many a rogue model that defies any placings in a 'Time-Line' for me and the particular models I collect.

Ghosthunter.

[nearlymint]

Some great pictures Bert, I have recently added my first one with the open chassis but my one has the rear bumper missing. Not sure where it fits in the list but its nice to find one.

73a

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J

[yellowfoden]

Thanks Kevin, certainly has made things a bit more interesting.

Also funny how three single slot models have shown up in the early part of 2020 with Hugh Jason and this one.


That is excellent Jason, in going through the rest of my images how does it compare please. It also looks like the chassis is closed. Does yours have end cap?

I have a new listing for this 73a and will post shortly, I think this single slot closed chassis would have to be the earliest.

Thanks for adding your pic, a perfect ending to my day.

Bert

[nearlymint]

Thanks Kevin, certainly has made things a bit more interesting.

Also funny how three single slot models have shown up in the early part of 2020 with Hugh Jason and this one.


That is excellent Jason, in going through the rest of my images how does it compare please. It also looks like the chassis is closed. Does yours have end cap?

I have a new listing for this 73a and will post shortly, I think this single slot closed chassis would have to be the earliest.

Thanks for adding your pic, a perfect ending to my day.

Bert

Hi Bert,
Looks the same as your one with the chassis closed, the cap was on but I took it off and it is painted so must have been put on after as you say. The base hole is almost fully flashed over.
J

[paelzermaen]

Also funny how three single slot models have shown up in the early part of 2020 with Hugh Jason and this one.
Bert

They come like busses. I was able to get one example of this version end of last year. So it doesn´t count for 2020.

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Slot open. Same flashing.

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(Don´t know why axles looking rusty on the pics. They are not)

[nearlymint]

Managed to find another one again with a missing rear bumper, this one has one slot with no paint inside. Looks like they use to get damaged on assembly as my one the base was loose, inside you can see where it distorts the metal when they try to clamp the base on.(also lacks the internal brace)

73

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J

[Idris]

Looks like they use to get damaged on assembly as my one the base was loose...

I agree. The base on my example (which doesn't have the infill plate) was also loose.