Lesney Matchbox returns once again. Today we take a look at Lesney Matchbox 48b, the Sports Boat and Trailer. This casting entered the range in 1961, remaining until 1966, and is something a little different:
There aren't too many period small scale castings of boats - Lesney knew the value of having accessory items for its diecast vehicles, and had a couple of these. 48b replaced 48a, another boat and trailer - this one being plastic instead of metal (but with a metal motor), which presumably can float for added play value. This model has ample fine line casting detail, with the metal motor and the structure of the trailer appearing realistic. Scale is difficult to guess as I unsure of the size of the real world boat, but I suspect it is in the 1:60 range, roughly the standard of small scale. From all angles, one can this zippy little unit being towed to the local lake for a day of fun:
Front and rear views show detail, with the contrast of the motor being a nice touch:
The base of the boat contains maker and model data, and this view shows the black plastic wheels of the trailer:
This model is fortunate to live its original Type C box, indicating production in 1961-62:
This unit pairs nicely with a period model:
I'm pleased to have this model in my collection, these accessory type vehicles make good pairs for vehicles with tow hooks. Pictured with an old dime for scale:
Images of a similar boat from cmba-uk.com:
Beautiful Piece, love the metal motor. When I was a kid, I loved that matchbox had hitches & trailers, my favorite was to tow the empty boat trailer around my little scenes