[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Fordson Major Tractor

It’s Lesney Matchbox time again , and this installment features the first tractor I have reviewed here. This is Matchbox 72a, the Fordson Major Tractor. This casting entered the range in 1959, and remained until 1966 - a relatively long run, as tractor design can be somewhat stable. This nice tractor features the detail expected from Lesney Matchbox of the era:

Detail is ample from all sides, with “Fordson Major” cast on the sides for extra identification. I estimate scale to be in the 1:55-1:60 range -similar to many of the somewhat larger castings of the era, and it was made for the same box. Notice there isn’t an air intake or exhaust - these would have been too delicate to be cast and not easily broken off by children. The mask painted grille is a nice touch:

Front and rear have similar detail. The sturdy tow hook promises play value:

The base is basic, as expected for this type of vehicle, and is typical of the era:

This model is lucky to live in its nice original B type box - with this box type and the wheels/hubs on this model, it is an early run model, likely made in 1959-60:

I generally collect normal road cars over equipment and commercial vehicles, but for Lesney Matchbox I have accumulated everything up to around 1965. This is as nice as they come, I am definitely happy to have it:

Here’s a 1:1 example from fordsontractorpages.nl