Matchbox – G.M.C. Tipper Truck
Scale model of a dump truck, the G.M.C. Tipper Truck, made by Matchbox. This example is reference 26, included in the "Matchbox 1–75" series. It is made in England, between 1968 e 1969. Metal cab and chassis; cab painted red, chassis green. Metal cargo box painted metallic gray. Cab windows represented in transparent green tinted plastic. No interior details in the cab; however, it is possible to glimpse the engine molded as part of the chassis. Black plastic wheels. No suspension. The cab tilts forward, allowing us to see the engine; the cargo bed, with its pivoting rear tailgate, allows for realistic unloading. The nominal scale is 1:86 and the overall length is approximately 2.7 in. About 1.8 oz. This model represents a dump truck ¹, possibly intended for transporting agricultural products. The cab-chassis assembly is based on that of the GMC 72" Steel Tilt Cab 40-80 Series truck, introduced in 1960. The GMC 72" Steel Tilt Cab trucks were distinguished by their spacious tilting cab, allowing easy access to the engine. They could be equipped with GMC "V6" or "V8" gasoline engines or Detroit Diesel-Allison "V6" engines. Maximum gross weights ranged from 17,000 to 60,000 lbs.
For kids, showing off a toy car with amazing accessories and features to their friends was always a source of pride. Of course, in most cases, the accessories were lost after a short time and the features stopped working. Offered by Matchbox in 1968 and 1969 with "regular" wheels and then, between 1970 and 1972, with the new "Superfast" wheels, this G.M.C. Tipper Truck was an attractive model—with three features! On one hand, it tilted the cab forward to reveal the engine and, on the other hand, it tilted the cargo bed backward for unloading; the functional tailgate gave a very realistic feel to the whole process. In this miniature, the casting is of good quality, reasonably proportioned and detailed—but, precisely because of the combination of features, less robust than usual. The paint is well applied and resistant. Inside the cab there are no details, but we can glimpse the engine, forming part of the chassis casting. The wheels are robust (as are the axles) and, within their obvious limitations, perform their function well. In terms of play value, the kids had reason to smile—a spacious and functional cargo box and, when there was a problem with the engine, the cab could be tilted to allow for repairs. Unfortunately, these attributes compromised the overall robustness, and sometimes you saw trucks missing the cab or the tailgate—perhaps one of the reasons that led to its removal from the catalog, even after the update with Superfast wheels. This was by no means a model for high speeds. After enduring long and demanding "days of work", my G.M.C. Tipper Truck was respectfully stored in the garage. From time to time, I let it stretch its legs. It's almost sixty years old—with everything in its place and working perfectly. ●
Modelo à escala de um camião basculante, o G.M.C. Tipper Truck, feito pela Matchbox. Este exemplar é a referência 26, incluída na série "Matchbox 1–75". É feito em Inglaterra, em 1968 e 1969. Cabina e chassis em metal; cabina pintada em vermelho, chassis em verde. Caixa de carga em metal pintada em cinzento metalizado. Vidros da cabina representados em plástico transparente com tonalidade verde. Sem detalhes interiores na cabina; todavia é possível vislumbrar o motor moldado como parte do chassis. Rodas em plástico preto. Sem suspensão. A cabina inclina-se para a frente e permite-nos ver o motor; a caixa de carga basculante, com o taipal traseiro pivotante, permite descargas realistas. A escala nominal é 1:86 e o comprimento total é de aproximadamente 68 mm. Cerca de 52 g. Este modelo representa um camião basculante, possivelmente destinado ao transporte de produtos agrícolas. O conjunto cabina-chassis baseia-se no do camião GMC 72" Steel Tilt Cab 40-80 Series , introduzido em 1960. Os camiões GMC 72" Steel Tilt Cab distinguiam-se pela espaçosa cabina pivotante, permitindo o fácil acesso ao motor. Podiam ser equipados com motores a gasolina GMC "V6" ou "V8" ou Detroit Diesel-Allison "V6". Peso brutos máximos de 7,7 a 27,2 t.
Para os miúdos, mostrar aos amigos um carrinho com acessórios e surpreendentes funcionalidades era sempre um motivo de orgulho. Claro que, na maior parte dos casos, os acessórios perdiam-se ao fim de pouco tempo e as funcionalidades deixavam, digamos, de funcionar. Proposto pela Matchbox em 1968 e 1969 com rodas "regulares" e depois, entre 1970 e 1972, com as novas rodas "Superfast", este G.M.C. Tipper Truck era um modelo apetecível—com três funcionalidades! Por um lado, inclinava a cabina para a frente para revelar o motor e, por outro lado, inclinava a caixa de carga para trás para efectuar descargas; o taipal funcional dava um ar bastante realista a todo o processo. Nesta miniatura, o molde é de boa qualidade, razoavelmente proporcionado e detalhado—mas, precisamente pela combinação de funcionalidades, menos robusto que o habitual. A pintura é bem aplicada e resistente. No interior da cabina não há detalhes, mas podemos vislumbrar o motor, formando parte do molde do chassis. As rodas são robustas (assim como os eixos) e, dentro das suas evidentes limitações, cumprem bem a sua função. Em termos de valor lúdico, os miúdos tinham motivos para sorrir—uma caixa de carga ampla e funcional e, quando surgia alguma avaria no motor inclinava-se a cabina para permitir a reparação. Infelizmente, estes atributos comprometiam a robustez geral, e por vezes víamos camiões sem a cabine ou o taipal traseiro—talvez um dos motivos que levou à sua retirada do catálogo, mesmo depois da actualização com rodas "Superfast". Este não era, de todo, um modelo para grandes velocidades. Depois de ter ter resistido a longos e exigentes "dias de trabalho", o meu G.M.C. Tipper Truck foi respeitosamente guardado na garagem. De vez em quando, deixo-o esticar as pernas. Está quase a celebrar sessenta anos—com tudo no seu lugar e a funcionar perfeitamente. ●
¹ "Dump Truck" in US and Canada, "Tipper Lorry" in UK and India, and "Tipper Truck" in Australia. Even though these expressions essentially describe the same type of vehicle, contextual differences sometimes exist. "Camião Basculante" in Portugal.
Matchbox "Matchbox 1–75"
The "Matchbox" series comprises an eclectic selection of 75 models. ● A série "Matchbox" compreende uma selecção ecléctica de 75 modelos.
|
Item |
Reference |
Scale |
Made |
|
G.M.C.
Tipper Truck ¹ Dump truck |
26 (26c) |
1:86 |
1968–1969 ² |
¹ As shown on the packaging.
² This version. Considering all versions, 1968–1972.
Matchbox Cars Wiki | "G.M.C. Tipper Truck"
Christian Falkensteiner | "LR 26-C G.M.C. TIPPER TRUCK"
Christian Falkensteiner | "LS 26-A GMC TIPPER TRUCK (1970-1971)"
Wikipedia | "GMC"
Wikipedia | "Chevrolet Tilt Cab"
Chevrolet/GMC | "Tilt Cab Models" catalogs
Curbside Classic | "Curbside Classic: 1960 – 1980 Chevrolet (and GMC) Tilt Cab Truck – Never As Popular As The Ford C-Series Thanks To A Near Deadly Sin" Paul Niedermeyer
Wikipedia | "Dump truck"
1 mm → 0.039 inch
1 g → 0.035 oz
1 kg → 2.205 lb avdp
1 t (metric) – 2204.623 pound (lb) (avdp)
1 kW → 1,360 hp (metric/PS)
1 kW → 1,341 hp
1 hp (metric/PS) → 0,986 hp
1 km → 0,621 mile (international)
1 l → 0.264 US gallon
1 m → 3.281 ft
1 cm³ → 0.0610237 ci/cu in
● Check it out on this video, retrieved from GMHeritageCenter, how the new Tilt Cab models were presented to prospective customers.
● To conclude, and especially for those with a knack for restorations, another inspiring work by Belgian Diecast Restorations. Spoiler alert—let's redefine "basket case".
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