Lesney Matchbox time has returned. Today we examine Lesney Matchbox 2c, the Muir Hill Dumper. This model entered the range in 1962, remaining until 1967, and is a good example of the evolution of this diecast brand:
Yes, another commercial vehicle - there will be quite a few in this batch, as the earlier numbered models in the 1-75 range just happen to be trucks and similar vehicles. This model shows how the brand was progressing by the the early 60s - fine line casting detail is sharp and plentiful, and these really became little scale models also living in the toy space, as compared to 50s era castings there the detail and colors were often a little softer. This model has ample fine line casting detail and accurate proportion. Scale is not easy to determine, this is a somewhat chunky model, but the real world vehicle isn't petite - I guess maybe in the upper 1:60s or 1:70s. The colors remain pleasing and vibrant, and the decal has withstood the past 55-60 years unaffected by time. From all angles, one can imagine this heavy duty cabover beast lugging ton(ne)s of material day in day out:
Front and rear have plentiful detail to match the rest of the model:
The dumper bed is hinged and has a wide angle of travel, making for endless play value:
The base only identifies the maker, as was still common at the time. This view shows off the detailed black plastic wheels, which were often replacing grey plastic wheels on trucks/commercial vehicle castings at this time:
This model is lucky enough to live in its nice original Type D box:
This box features the original price sticker:
I'm happy to have this in my collection, as it looks nice, and it isn't rare in this livery (the variant with the "Muir-Hill" decal is sought after), so it was inexpensive. Pictured with an old dime for scale:
Images of a similar vehicle (I suspect very few if anything identical survived) from flickr:
Nice example. I remember paying 48¢ for Matchbox and 49¢ for Hot Wheels