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I see that Malc (he of the 76a) has done it again and found a steerable Y1a. I've see these for sale before, but this variation is not listed in Alex Picha's book.
What do YY collector's think of this variation? Is it a genuine factory product and, if so, is it pre-production or first release? I also see that Malc writes "On all other models the front axle is cast solid. Less than 10 Steerable Allchin's are known to exist. Some steerable versions have a small rivet to secure the front wheel pivoting axle, others had a tiny screw". Is that correct?

The model in question has its front axle connected with a rather shiny screw. Considering the rest of the wear, I'd be a little suspect of it. If it's genuine, I'd think it's pre-production. Yesteryears experts will have to confirm or deny that.

I have found a couple of these but I cannot remember how they were secured, I did swap one but I will have to dig the box out and have a look. I may have took a picture so i will look for that as well. I see it has ended now.

Update- I have noted both were fixed by a pin and both had rounded axles not crimped, I thought maybe they were using up models that had broken while being assembled.
J

I find it very unlikely a screw of that design would be used in that way because it means the casting where the underside of the screw head will seat, has to be countersunk.

In engineering you would design the castings to utilise pan head screws, not what is basically a wood screw!

It's rubbish and an obvious after market alteration, in my opinion.

YYS4BOB wrote:It's rubbish and an obvious after market alteration.

From someone who's certainly forgotten more about Yesteryears than I'll ever know...my suspicions are confirmed.

I agree, what Bob does not know about MOY models is probably not worth knowing...

This has been discussed on MOYBOYZ, and Mick Flack's opinion is the same as mine. I quote his post here, I'm sure he wont mind.

"Yep sure another preproduction Allchin. Would love to see inside the boiler on this one, another screw version, and I have yet to see one like mine with crimped R&D axles and the rivet through it. Take the door off and easy enough to check as my rivet has overspray on the rivet top as painted before door went in so had to be factory made not like all this shit going around."

The listing was ended because the item is no longer available. I wonder if it was pulled because of its obvious alteration?

Both of the ones I have found had pins similar to the one on Micks site, but both with rounded axles. This area of the model is quite fragile so quite a lot probably break when dropped and get fixed in Dads shed.