[REVIEW] Matchbox Major Pack M2 Bedford articulated ice cream truck

It's that time again, and I can't only do Tomica - gotta have some variety. Today we see Lesney Matchbox M2a, the Bedford ice cream truck, introduced in 1957 and made until 1961. The "Major Pack" lineup consisted of large equipment and multi-piece commercial/industrial vehicles - this range was later incorporated into "King Size", which became "Super Kings", I am sure some here are familiar with the name.

This model is typical of earlier Lesney products - no windows or interior, grey wheels, and very good casting accuracy, especially for the period and price point. This is a fairly small piece, I'd estimate scale around 1:70-1:75.

My model is lucky enough to have its original box:

I like the gentle kind of mellow colors of this, the typography of the decals, and the slogan - "more than just a treat - a food". That's exactly what I think of when I see ice cream.

As promised, it is articulated:

Excellent casting detail for something of this size and age:

The trailer detaches, for extra play value and realism:

And the underside, typical of the era:

A charming little piece that still has some fans. I'm glad to have it in my collection.

And a pic of one similar to the real thing, it existed: