[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Massey-Harris Tractor

Lesney Matchbox time again, today we examine something that isn’t a road-going vehicle. This is Matchbox 4b, the Massey-Harris tractor. This is the second #4 tractor, 4a was a very similar tractor. This casting entered the range in 1957, and was in production until 1960. As we can see, this model has all of the mellow charm one expects from a Lesney Matchbox product of this era:

Detail is visible from all angles, more than acceptable for something of this age and original price point. The cast-in name on the side of the tractor is a nice touch. Scale is not easy to accurately determine, but this seems to match well with some castings of the era - I suspect it is in the 1:55-1:60 range. This model replaced a similar tractor - the updated one having a hollow base and some detail differences, most significant being a lack of rear fender, and the driver, which is a separate casting which fits into the tractor. From all angles, it is an attractive little vehicle:

The front and rear are similar, the tow hook no doubt adding significant play value:

As noted above, the base is hollow. It is not easy to photograph the maker’s mark, but here it is:

This is another unboxed model that I am more than pleased to have in my collection. This variant with grey plastic wheels is from the end of the production run, and relatively scarce - prices tend to be much higher than metal wheel varieties. I am lucky enough to have two of these, from the same source. It’s worthy of a box, and the correct late run B box will be a chore to find, something for the endless hunt. It’s a nice photogenic model:

And a 1:1 from tractordata.com: