ATM 13: 1926 Ford Model 'TT' Van "Simplex"

[charliep]

Authentic Trade Mark (ATM)13: 1926 Ford Model 'TT' Van "Simplex"
1. Model TT van/Purple cab/white body/gray roof without underside lug/black base/China/12 spoke gold wheels/gray seat.
2. Model TT van/Purple cab/white body/gray roof with underside lug/black base/China/12 spoke gold wheels/gray seat.
3. Model TT van/Purple cab/white body/gray roof with underside lug/purple base/China/12 spoke gold wheels/black seat.
4. Model A van/Purple cab/white body/gray roof/blue base/China/12 spoke chrome wheels/maroon seat.
5. Model A van/White cab/purple body/gray roof/purple base/China/12 spoke chrome WW wheels/maroon seat.

[YYS4BOB]

Is it just me that thinks these models are awful? Just cash cows.

[Idris]

Is it just me that thinks these models are awful? Just cash cows.

It's a bit of an odd concept.

[francipe]

Is it just me that thinks these models are awful? Just cash cows.

I have to agree with you in part Bob. These Simplex and the Stotherts models don't appeal to me at all and I've never been inclined to add them to my collection.
If I got one in a lot then I might be tempted to get some more to keep it company.

[Tinman]

Proof that not every design is a winner.

[YYS4BOB]

There seems to be little effort made with most of these ATM models. You (Tinman) would probably do a better job looking at some of your code 3's.

[charliep]

Collecting a particular series, one must take in 'the good, the bad & the ugly' if you really collecting a particular series. There are many models in other ranges such as Superfast, MOYs & Superkings that fall short of expectation. Unrealistic oversized exposed engines, odd colors or design, etc.

Many are those code 2 models that were left with their original paint, simply adding a small logo or a name of place or date of an event. At least some effort was made with ATM models as they were stripped of their original paint, and re-done accordingly.

BTW, many of these code 2s have maintained their value & some of the prices achieved on Ebay are remarkable. They have done much better than most of the originals issued by Lesney. Go figure!

[Fred7A]

It's an interesting range, but I'm sure they didn't need to make so many different variants of each issue. I can imagine it was a real challenge to get every single version. How was this range marketed, and when were they produced?

[charliep]

The first model ATM01 was issued in the beginning of 2004. About 108 models were made.
The series ended with so many variants because they used these so called 'donor' models from different periods.
Of course, alternating body colors around and limiting production numbers made it harder for the collectors.
They were marketed mainly through MICA which had branches in North America, Australia, Europe and of course the UK.
I used to buy the standard issues directly from MICA N.A. and many of the rare ones I bought either from Ebay or from other auctions/toy shows.
It was somewhat of a challenge procuring them but that is the fun of collecting. I am nowhere near of having every single version.

[Fred7A]

Many thanks for this background information on the range. Were the rare variants sent out at random, so that when you ordered a standard model, there would be a chance of it being a rare one?