Lesney Matchbox time has returned. Today we examine Lesney Matchbox 27b, the Bedford Low Loader. This model entered the range in 1958, remaining in a short run 1960, and is very much a product of its time:
Back to another commercial vehicle, as these were in the range for many of the lower numbers of the 1-75 series. This model is like several others of the period, being a scaled up version of a similar casting - 27a was effectively the same low loader setup, but even smaller. Being a 1950s model, the casting quality is gentle and mellow, and this is a hollow model. I suspect scale is in the 1:80s, this one would probably work fine on HO railroad layouts. From all angles, one can imagine this heavy hauler out on the road carrying a piece of industrial machinery:
Front and rear have plenty of detail with the mask painted grille area being a nice touch, and one may notice just a little paint wear - this is a somewhat "sharp" casting, especially on the trailer, and storage can produce some patina:
The cab and trailer both carry identification, and this view shows off the grey plastic wheels:
The cab can be detached and articulated in many positions - this is how it nests in its box:
This model is lucky enough to live its original Type B2 "New Model" box, which probably dates it to earlier in the production run, around 1958:
I'm more than pleased to have this model in my collection, these can be uncommon, and I am lucky to have a few varieties. Pictured with an old dime for scale:
Similars 1:1 from historics.co.uk and flickr, Lesney made several models with this style of Bedford truck/cab:
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