69B Hatra: Yellow with Red Wheels

[matchbox_n_molars]

This is a variation I've been in search of for a few years. Some of you will remember I purchased and returned an example a couple of years back that proved to be a modified model.
I recently jumped back in the pool and made a second purchase. This one looks more promising than the first but I wanted to share some photos here and see what you guys think. There is considerable corrosion/rust on the axles which makes it a tad difficult to get a good read on these. But each machined axle end has a central dimple and some of the typical linear striations radiating out from that center. Take a look and let me know what you think.



Front end axle end:



Rear end axle end:

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Hi Greg, can we see a general view of the underside of the model in particular the axles and how they compare with the rest of the model, because it seems odd that such a good looking model from the side should have such bad axles...

GHOSTHUNTER.

[Brad Pittiful]

thats a great piece Greg...congrats on getting a real one

Hi Greg, can we see a general view of the underside of the model in particular the axles and how they compare with the rest of the model, because it seems odd that such a good looking model from the side should have such bad axles...

GHOSTHUNTER.

i have a #30 eight wheel crane with rusty axles and normal play wear on the model...it like mine was prolly just in a higher than normal damp area which affected the axles

[GHOSTHUNTER]

That's very likely the reason as Dan says, a very damp area and as we know, the axles on a lot of these models were not really protected as some seem to suffer easily from rusting. This could be why Lesney experimented with alternative metals for axle material as seen on the #60 Morris below...


Picture kindly borrowed from "Mathias" showing the #60 Morris with what looks like Alloy type axle-ends.

I have seen these axles on several models from the range, including the #44A Silver Cloud as shown below...


These are not carefully cleaned or polished axles, they are original as the model in the above picture is owned by another forum member and I also own an example with the same.

These axles are quite easy to see on models as they always look clean with that nice matt light Grey finish. I don't think they are noted on Nick's code listing but on my own listing I do record them.

GHOSTHUNTER.

[Idris]

This could be why Lesney experimented with alternative metals for axle material as seen on the #60 Morris below...

Rather than seeing these alloy axles as a trial (something for which I suspect there is no evidence), I think it would be better to view them simply as alternative axles which were delivered either by accident or because of non-availability of the steel versions.

[Tinman]

Living in the land of constant high humidity, I can say that rusted axles can be quite common on otherwise mint and near mint castings. I don't see anything wrong with the axle ends themselves. IMHO, winner, winner, chicken dinner!

[johnboy]

Looks very nice indeed. I've a number of otherwise minty models with the same rusty axles and I keep promising myself that I will clean them one day. Will you try and clean them up Greg? I'm not sure if the usual cleaning methods are ok with plastic hubs but I'm sure someone can advise.

[jimgallegos]

I do not see anything that would make me think it is not genuine. Nice find.

[MBXPilot]

That's cool about the different sorts of metal on the axles. I learn something new on this forum every day!

[fixer]

That's cool about the different sorts of metal on the axles. I learn something new on this forum every day!

we all do .....
no one man can know everything (except ghosty) and there must be literally hundreds of years of experience here from some very respected collectors
from several continents
that is what makes this such an important forum and the simple fact that ANY member can post a comment or request for information about a vast range of models from almost any manufacturer in any medium (diecast tinplate plastic....) old or modern without any fear of genuine ridicule (there will always be leg pulling and some in jokes between members) differences of opinion can get heated but that's what passionate collectors do and it's how we learn about our hobby
and the best bit NO CENSORSHIP OF ANY KIND
we just need more members to be a bit more active and maybe some of the guest viewers to join and take part (some will know who I mean)