[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Merryweather Marquis Fire Engine

Lesney Matchbox time again, today we examine a fire engine. Lesney made several fire engines, but I have yet to review one. This is Matchbox 9c, the Merryweather Marquis fire engine. 9a and 9b were also fire engines, older style models - this is the first modern style unit in the range. This casting was introduced in 1959, and was in production until 1966 - this long run likely means it was popular, with several minor variations. It shows the typical quality of a casting of this era:

Detail is similarly fine from all angles. I estimate scale to be somewhat small, as the real vehicle is large. Even at maybe 1:70 or so, it is a chunky casting. No glazing, nothing opens, no interior - it’s 1959. The play value is the simple fact of it being a fire engine. This is a very early variant with silver trim at rear, probably dating from 1959-60. I have 2 or 3 of this casting, but I think this earlier grey wheel variation could be the most attractive:

Front and rear show the same fine detail as expected from a model from what I consider to be golden age of Lesney Matchbox:

Underside is typical of the era:

This one is lucky enough to live in a nice type B box:

Although I am more of a fan of street cars than service vehicles, I think this is an attractive casting, and I am happy to have it:

The real thing, from the aptly named fire-engine-photos.com - the men in the pic show the relative size of the vehicle: