[REVIEW] Lesney Matchbox Bedford Low Loader - the small one

Lesney Matchbox time is upon us again, time for a review similar to one from some time ago. This is Matchbox 27a, the Bedford Low Loader. This casting entered the range in 1956, remaining until 1958, when it was replaced by the larger and nearly identical 27b. It’s a classic example of a casting from the early years:

The truck part of this equation is a Bedford S-type, a popular British truck of the 50s, used as a basis for several Matchbox models.  What catches the eye most about this casting is the size. This is a dainty piece, I think it has to be smaller than HO scale, maybe around 1:100. I reviewed the slightly larger 27b variant a couple years ago:

The small size makes the quality of detail that much more impressive - a pocket money toy from 60 years ago was this well made at such a small size. There is ample fine casting detail, proportion looks good and the soft mellow casting style of this era and the colors make this a charming model. From all angles, it is a pleasant little rig:

Front and rear have similar qualities. The hand-applied silver paint has weathered the intervening 60 years in fine style:

The base is quite basic. All variants of this model have metal wheels. Markings for this casting are unique - the cab is marked on the underside of the roof:

While the trailer is marked on top:

The cab nests in the trailer, this is how it was placed in the box:

This unboxed model is one I am pleased to have in my collection. It has just a few signs of age, but remains presentable. It looks good in a display, and I recall it was an inexpensive find. It has all the charm of the era:

A couple of 1:1s of a similar truck/trailer and cab, from the Nick Jones Matchbox site, and flickr: