[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Scammell Mechanical Horse

Lesney Matchbox time is here again. As this is Labo(u)r Day weekend, a vehicle that was made for work is appropriate. This is Lesney Matchbox 10b, the Scammell (Scarab) “mechanical horse”. This casting entered the range in 1957, replacing a similar but smaller scale mechanical horse, and remained until 1961. As one can see, it is a type of vehicle seldom seen outside of a few specific areas:

As this is 1957, there was not a thought of glazing or interior detail, but there is plenty of fine casting detail, especially given the size of this model. This is a small one, I estimate around 1:80 or so, close to HO. 15a is even smaller. The articulated detachable trailer adds play value, which is about as much as existed at this point in small scale diecast evolution. The hand-applied gold trim makes this a period piece, and from all angles, it still have some charm and quality:

Front and rear have a similar level of detail:

The basic is quite basic, as was the style of the time, only the most minimal maker’s mark in the cab. This also shows off the fun three-wheeled configuration:

This is a fun kind of funky little vehicle, which I am happy to have in my collection. This is another loose survivor, which has endured the past 60 or so years relatively unscathed, likely spending some time on a model railway layout. With metal wheels, this was made in 1957 or the first part of 1958:

And a couple of 1:1s from pinterest. These were not intended to be long distance road going vehicles, rather, working on railroad yards, factories, military bases, airports, or short distance urban hauling.