20b ERF 686 Ever Ready Truck
Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2016 10:32 am
The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) states that the c/a version (Nick's variation code 1) only occurs with dark GPW, whereas the 7.5 x 18 GPW r/a variant (Nick's variation code 2) can come with either light or dark GPW. The 8 x 18 GPW r/a model (Nick's variation code 3) is listed as only coming with light GPW, but both the AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) and Houghton list this model with either light or dark GPW.
U.K. Matchbox examined the model in Vol. 6 no. 6 (Feb. '83) p209, with a follow-up (discussing boxes) in Vol. 7 no. 1 (Apr. '83) p23. The article states that early models were hand-trimmed before assembly, and later models were mask sprayed after assembly, the difference being easy to spot because the former have a black baseplate tongue in the bumper slot whilst the latter have a silver-painted tongue. It therefore seems likely that at least one of Nick's variation codes can be found with either style of trim. Information please!
U.K. Matchbox examined the model in Vol. 6 no. 6 (Feb. '83) p209, with a follow-up (discussing boxes) in Vol. 7 no. 1 (Apr. '83) p23. The article states that early models were hand-trimmed before assembly, and later models were mask sprayed after assembly, the difference being easy to spot because the former have a black baseplate tongue in the bumper slot whilst the latter have a silver-painted tongue. It therefore seems likely that at least one of Nick's variation codes can be found with either style of trim. Information please!