It’s been awhile, time for another Saturday Surprise. This one was made with TinfoilHat in mind, he seems to have been absent lately, hope it’s a holiday or something. He has a thing for the King Size Dodge Kew horse truck, here’s something that is kind of a predecessor to it:
Up for viewing is the Lesney Matchbox Major Pack M7a Ford Thames Trader and Jennings Cattle Trailer. This casting entered the range in 1960, and remained until around 1966. The Major Pack line was larger or multi-piece vehicles that were offered from around 1957-67. This casting is a similar vehicle to that beloved horse trailer, but is earlier, with appropriate detail. This is kind of a transitional period for Regular Wheels, where detail was becoming fine, but castings did not usually have glazing yet. From all angles, this is a quality model:
Front and rear have similar detail:
I estimate scale to be around 1:70 or so. There’s a good amount of play value here, as the trailer detaches from the truck, and the rear opens. All you need is your own livestock or cargo, and you are ready to go:
The rear door opens, and is used as a ramp, for more play value:
The underside has detail typical for the era:
This one is lucky enough to live in its original Type B box. With this box type and the knobby grey plastic wheels, it was likely made in 1960 or early 1961:
I got this for a good price, so I am happy to have it. I don’t have all of the Major Packs, and haven’t really chased them, but when the right model comes along at the right price, I might go for it:
I can’t find an image of a Thames Trader with similar trailer, but here are similar trucks as a flatbed and fuel tanker, from flickriver and pinterest:
That is all.