[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Major Pack Bedford Articulated Freight Truck

Lesney Matchbox time again, today we examine another truck and trailer unit similar to one shown some months ago. This is Lesney Matchbox Major Pack M2b, the Bedford articulated freight truck. This casting entered the range in 1961, and remained until 1966. As expected for Lesney Matchbox of this era, it has ample fine detail:

The quality of the casting is evident from all angles. This model replaced the M2a Walls Ice Cream truck I reviewed some time ago, and shows the progress made during that time (glazing, opening features, more detail). With this decal and box type, I estimate production from 1962-64. Scale is close to a normal Matchbox car of the era, I estimate around 1:65 or so:

Front and rear have similar nice detail:

The opening doors add play value. One may notice this has light edge wear - either from rough handling or gentle play. I suspect this is gentle play - this is one of the more playworn models in my collection, handled with care:

Along with the detachable cab/trailer:

The undercarriage is typical of Lesney Matchbox of the era:

This one is lucky enough to live in its original “D” type box:

I usually don’t collect trucks, but as I got this for a good price, I feel lucky to have it. Some may remember this as an estate sale find a couple months ago. I think I paid $12 for it - can’t resist that:

Links to the other articulated Lesney Matchbox truck I reviewed, and the Walls Ice Cream truck:

And of course, a pic of the real thing - it seems these didn’t often have an American style trailer like the casting. Here’s a flatbed from flickr: