Lesney Matchbox time has returned. Today we take a look at Lesney Matchbox 21b, the Bedford Coach "London to Glasgow". This model entered the range in 1958, remaining until 1961, and is a nice quality casting:
This is another commercial vehicle, as many occupied space in the 1-75 range - this one being something more road-going as opposed to construction equipment. This model replaced 21a, another similar shape bus, and shows the progression of Lesney offerings - this one is larger scale and has much more fine line casting detail than 21a, along with more accurate proportion. It is still a 50s era hollow casting, but shows where the brand was headed. I suspect scale is in the upper 1:80s at largest - the real world vehicle is somewhat large, and this model is not especially chunky. The "London to Glasgow" decals have weathered 6+ decades in fine style. From all angles, one can imagine this bus dutiifully traveling the country moving people to and fro:
Front and rear have more than enough detail, with the silver mask painted grille being a nice touch:
The base identifies the maker and model and shows off the grey plastic wheels:
This model is fortunate to live its clean original Type B4 box, indicating production around 1959:
This box also has its original price tag - the equivalent of around $5 today, but one must remember at the time Matchbox products were top quality items made in England:
I'm pleased to have this model in my collection, as it presents as-new. Pictured with an old dime for scale:
1:1s of a similar bus from pinterest and flickr:
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