Lesney Matchbox time is back again. Today we examine Lesney Matchbox 11b, the ERF Petrol Tanker. This model entered the range in 1958, remaining until 1964, and again shows a trait seen in some early Matchbox vehicles:
That trait being a casting that is a slightly scaled up version of the model it replaced. 11a is a similar tanker truck- Lesney did this with several castings around this time. Although revised, this model is still an example of a 50s Lesney casting, with a soft mellowness about it alongside some fine line detailing. Scale is again quite small, I would estimate in the 1:90s range - 11a is really dainty, and this model is not large either. From all angles, one can imagine this truck filling the tanks at the local station:
Front and rear have nice detail to match the rest of the model, the painted grille area with ERF logo and rear decal which has survived the past 6 decades in fine style being nice touches:
The base identifies the maker and model, and shows off the hollow cab area casting, along with the grey plastic wheels:
This model is lucky enough to live its nice original Type C box, indicating production in 1961 or early 1962:
I'm more than happy to have this model in my collection, as it is pristine, and the box type is relatively uncommon for this model. Pictured with an old dime for scale:
Image of a similar 1:1 from pinterest:
Comments