10c Foden Sugar Container Truck

[Idris]

The NAMC’s “Catalog of all Series Matchbox Models” (second edition) states that the early issues with a crown on the rear decal (Nick's variation codes 1 and 2) can come with either light or dark grey wheels.
The AIM's “1-75 Series Regular Wheels” catalogue (second printing, 1983) has two interesting models listed as variation codes 10-3d and 10-3e. These both have a previously unlisted intermediate chassis type, featuring the thickened cross-brace but no hole. Variation 10-3d has KSPW (probably 9 x 20), whilst variation 10-3e has KGPW (probably 9 x 20). Having checked my collection, I have discovered an example of this intermediate chassis (which I think may have been sourced from our own Tinman, in which case this looks to me like a short run of castings shipped primarily to the States), except my example has 9 x 24 BPW! Other details are with body line, 4 mm high cab window, small ejector ring, hatch 2, and baseplate 2. (Worth noting that only Nick's type 1 chassis does not carry a circular strengthening boss directly under the rear of the baseplate for the rivet.) These three models slot into Nick's listing between variation codes 11 and 12. In addition, variation 10-3h is listed as carrying fine SPW (with either a Nick Jones type 2 or type 3 chassis). Can anyone clarify? (It seems to me unlikely that these are the 24 tread wheels since they are termed 'fine'.)
Stannard does not list any variations not already catalogued by Nick.
Houghton notes the BSC promotional (his variation code 10c-20) as having the 4 mm cab window. My example has a 4.5 mm window and given that this was a special order of perhaps only three dozen models, it does not seem credible that an earlier casting should have crept into the shipment. I therefore believe that Houghton is wrong. (He does not illustrate the model and therefore probably did not have an example in his collection).
U.K. Matchbox examined the model in vol. 2 no. 7 (Sept. '79) p128, noting that colours range from pale to royal dark blue. A number of minor variations are listed: the length of the rivet plate, the thickness of the front axle housings, and (on the inner face, viewed through the cab windows) a floor ridge. Fine tread SPW are listed as a wheel variation, but not defined.

As if that weren't enough, Mick (SMS88) discovered that the baseplate rivet on early models (Nick Jones variation code 1) is either punched or spun, whilst Antonin (Diecast) has found that the baseplate tongue and slot on very early models is smaller than on standard production issues and that the reinforcing step on the underside of the front bumper/valance is missing on such models (c.f. 46a).

[Diecast]

I will start with a PrePro model. It has different blue colour. Perhaps navy blue.

[Diecast]

The decal with crown is different also

[Diecast]

The front clip slot is without strengthening brace or step (similar to 46a tan Morris) and the front clip is bigger (typically all models have front clip slot with strengthening brace)

[Diecast]

I have mentioned five years ago another unlisted variation, sometithing between chassis A and B: chassis 1mm wide (continuosly), 4mm brace, with hole and BPW ø9x24

[Diecast]

I am enclosing the proposal of a new 10c list. Please comment
Antonin

[Idris]

The decal with crown is different also

Not sure what you mean, Antonin. Could you please explain?

[Diecast]

The decal with crown is different also

Not sure what you mean, Antonin. Could you please explain?

I think that the cut off was enlarged and the red text was moved up.
Antonin

[GHOSTHUNTER]

I think what we are looking at is a mis registered decal. It consists of just Two colours with possily the Yellow being laid down first then they are run through the machine again to have the Red laid down. It seems as if the model on the right has a badly printed decal where the red is not in the same position as the decal on the other model.

It is the decal on the left model that looks evenly printed.

Ghosthunter.

[Idris]

The decal with crown is different also

Not sure what you mean, Antonin. Could you please explain?

I think that the cut off was enlarged and the red text was moved up.
Antonin

I think I'd be happy to accept the size of the cut-out as a variation, but not the relative positions of the red and yellow text. As Ghosty points out, this could easily be the result of simple mis-registration during printing.