EARLY MATCHBOX (Moko/Lesney/Matchbox)

47-B, Commer Ice CreamVan,  1/85 scale. Introduced 1963, discontinued 1967.

1963 to 1966 Blue with white interior.

1967 Cream

48A, Meteor Sportsman Mk II,  1/75 scale. Introduced 1958, discontinued 1960.

Something a little different that can be added to the trailer hook on cars featuring that fitting.

This first boat is all metal with a black trailer with grey metal or plastic wheels. The boat deck is painted tan with a blue boat bottom.

There are holes in the tan deck which look like fittings could be added but I have never seen fittings. The blue boat comes in several shades as does the an deck.  Base is printed "Made in England by Lesney No 48" and "METEOR SPRTSMAN MK II".

I had lots of fun with this one as a kid.  I have one in my collection.

48B, Sports Boat and Trailer,  1/85 scale. Introduced 1961, discontinued 1966

Unlike the 48A, this one is plastic with a metal trailer. For 1961 only, the boat was tan and red with a blue trailer. From 1962 to 1966 it was red and white with a blue trailer. There is no printing on the boat bottom. There is a cute outboard motor in metal this time.

Only the second version is shown here.

Its nice but I recall being disappointed by the plastic starting to show up more frequently in this era.

I agree Ed. The all metal Lesney models had far more appeal to me than the la yer versions with lots of plastic parts.

@david-green 

I think you were agreeing with Jack, not Ed.  However, if I was collecting Lesney models back then, I would have preferred metal.  Your posts are the first time I have seen the boat and trailer models.  Thanks for your continuing to share pictures of these little models.

@ed-davis 

Yes Jack, sorry about that. You two do most of the replies to the posts here which I appreciate.

@david-green   No worries David; I respond to just about any name.  😉 

Re: the boat.

There was a distinct advantage with the change for plastic in material for the boat. 

It floated.

Personally, as a kid during this period I welcomed the addition of plastic parts as it provided detailing in the form of seats, steering wheel and windows.

49-A, M3 Personnel Carrier,  1/60 scale. Introduced 1958, discontinued 1966.

Olive with white star on hood in circle.

I loved this one as a kid and had most of the army issues....ruined them all of course.  I bought the boxed set in MB condition around fifteen or so years ago and like a fool sold it after several years.  A major regret.

@david-green 

Nice model. I do not remember Matchbox military models. I am glad you posted the pictures.

50-A, Commer Pick-Up Truck MK VIII,  1/64 scale. Introduced 1958, discontinued 1963.

This one came in three color combinations over its short five year life. Wheels ranged from grey metal, through grey plastic to black plastic.

1958-1960 tan (This is the only one that I have)

1961-1962 two tone red and white

1963 two tone red and grey (grey varied from light to dark)

@david-green This little pickup was another favorite of mine as a kid and I have both colors in my collection today.