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Matchbox – 8-Wheel Crane

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Scale model of a crane truck, the 8-Wheel Crane , made by  Matchbox . This example is reference 30, included in the "Matchbox 1–75" series. It is made in England, in 1966 and 1969. Metal cab-platform assembly painted green; metal crane painted orange, hook in yellow plastic. Sub-base (under the cab) in metal, unpainted. Cab without glazing in the windows; no interior details. Black plastic wheels. No suspension. Crane with rotating motion; pivoting hook. The nominal scale is 1:114 and the overall length is approximately 2.8 in (3.1 in, including crane projections). About 1.9 oz. This model represents a crane truck. Several sources mention that it is based on a Faun model, but it must be a rather obscure vehicle, as I can't find anything from the German manufacturer that resembles it, even considering the 8x4 Faun Typ L 1400 introduced in 1958, and equipped with a 175 hp (129 kW) Deutz engine. As I mentioned in another post, in my childhood games, the need for a crane tr...
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Tomica – Isuzu Bonnet Bus

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Scale model of a bus, the Isuzu Bonnet Bus , made by  Tomica . This example is reference 6, included in the "Tomica Domestic" series. It is made in Japan, in the 1970s. Metal body painted in cream and blue  ¹ . Metal base, unpainted. Glazing represented in transparent plastic. Interior details in red plastic. Plastic wheels with "chrome" details simulating the rims (1H). With suspension. License plate "BUS". The nominal scale is 1:110 and the overall length is approximately 3 in. About 1.8 oz. This model represents a bus , possibly based on a 1956 Isuzu BX 141 with Kitamura Seisakusho bodywork, equipped with the 5650 cm³, 110 hp (81 kW) Isuzu DA110 "L6" engine. From what I can gather from the documents and testimonies consulted, Isuzu BX buses with bonnets (hoods) were quite popular in Japan during the 1950s and 1960s. I believe this BX141 variant, with a length of about 27.3 ft, was used in urban services and could accommodate about fifty passen...
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Matchbox – Dodge Crane Truck

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Scale model of a crane truck, the Dodge Crane Truck , made by  Matchbox . This example is reference 63, included in the "Matchbox 1–75" series. It is made in England, in 1968 and 1969. Metal cab-platform assembly painted yellow; metal crane painted yellow, hook in yellow plastic. Sub-base (under the cab) in black plastic. Windows of the truck and crane cabs represented in transparent green tinted plastic. No interior details in the cabs. Black plastic wheels. No suspension. Crane with rotating motion; pivoting hook. The nominal scale is 1:86 and the overall length is approximately 2.7 in, or 3 in, including crane projections. About 1.3 oz. This model represents a crane truck. The cab-chassis assembly is based on that of the  Dodge 500  truck, introduced in 1964. Dodge 500 trucks could be equipped with Cummins "V6" or "V8" diesel engines, producing 130–170 hp (97–127 kW), or Perkins "L6" diesel engines, producing 120 hp (89 kW). The 6x4 version h...
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Tomica – Hino Semi Trailer Transport Tank "日本石油"

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Scale model of a tank truck, the Hino Semi Trailer Transport Tank "日本石油" ¹ , made by Tomica . This example is reference 11, included in the "Tomica Domestic" series. It is made in Japan, presumably in the 1970s. Tractor with a cream-painted metal body; unpainted metal base. Cab windows represented in transparent green tinted plastic. Cab with no interior details. Trailer with a cream-colored plastic top, combined with a blue-painted metal bottom. "日本石油" stickers on the sides of the tank. Plastic wheels with "chrome" details simulating the rims. No suspension. The trailer attaches to the tractor via an "L"-shaped spigot. License plate "HINO". The nominal scale is 1:102 and the overall length is approximately 3.1 in. About 1.8 oz. This model represents an articulated tank truck , operated by Nippon Oil . The tractor is presumably based on the 1973 Hino HE. The Hino HE was offered only as a tractor and could be equipped with di...
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