And more helpful words and terms P
PAINTED TRIM-Integral diecast components of the model which have been given a contrasting gold, brass or silver finish which in turns makes the model, not only more realistic but also more attractive. In earlier times the painted trim was applied by a hand held paint brush. Radiator shells, side lamps, door handles and steering wheels were ofter trimmed by paint. By the late 1960s there was less painted trim. In recent years Matchbox Collectibles have re-introduced more paint trim, some applied by hand and some by tampo printing.
PAPER LABEL- Paper labels have not been used by Matchbox Collectibles. They were an inexpensive way in which too decorate a model when there was the need for just one or even two colours. An example is the first type Schweppes label in red fitted to the Y23-1 AEC Bus.
PASSPORT SCHEME- An incentive scheme launched in 1988 by Matchbox Toys Ltd with the aim of encouraging British collectors to shop at Authorised Stockists. Every purchase of a Model of Yesteryear earned the purchaser a stamp on a Collector's Passport. At the end of the year those collectors with a fully stamped up Passport could buy at a special offer price a Framed Cabinet model.
See: Framed Cabinet.
PLASTIC COMPONENTS- Wheels, seats etc, usually coloured.
PLASTIC TIES- Short pieces of narrow plastic each with a thin wire spine used to secure the models onto a cardboard diorama or insert found within box types J, J1
and J2.
PLASTIC WHEELS-Final production runs of the Y4-1 Sentinel, Y6-1 AEC and
Y7-1 Leyland were fitted with black plastic wheels from the "Matchbox"Series. This arose because the wheel moulds for these three Yesteryears had deteriorated and could no longer be used. When Yesteryear production resumed in late 1974 and early 1975, the wheels and tyres had been redesigned; they were now made from plastic. These wheels were not only of a wider cross section but they also had a raised ridge around the centre of the rim onto which the tyres were fitted. The new tyres were made from a softer plastic compound. They were known a 'hollow section' tyres because the internal section fitted over the raised ridge of the wheel. The wheel tread comprised three raised lines running the full circumference of the tyre and small cut outs on the edges. Post 1974 plastic wheels had twelve or twenty four pattern spokes and were finished in gold or chrome effect or left in an uncoloured state.
See: Metal Wheels; Solid Wheels.
PLATED PARTS-Plastic components which have been vacuum plated and treated with lacquer to give them a realistic looking metal finish. Such components include headlamps,exhaust pipes, radiator shell, number plates and windscreens. Diecast parts are barrel plated to have a silver or brass finish.
See: Vacuum Plating.
PLINTHS- Wooden plinths were used to present the Y1-3 pewter Jaguar and the YSFE01 Ahrens Fox Fire Engine. Beige coloured plastic plinths were first used with the Taste of France series and Great Beers of the World. A plastic "bridge" was also fitted to the plinth to give extra protection to the model.
POLYMER- A nylon based compound as used to make the headlamps on the Y38-1 1920 Rolls-Royce Armoured Car and the mudguards for the Y2-4 1930 Bentley.
POWERS OF THE PRESS (YPP01 YPP08)-This series of eight models featuring some of the world's greatest newspapers was launched in 1995. It was unpopular with collectors and did not sell well.
PREMIER MATCHBOX ' COCA-COLA' COLLECTION (YPC)- Six models released in 1998/99 celebrating the company's vehicles used between 1912 and 1957.
PRE PRODUCTION-This term refers to a model which have been made for evaluation purposes, either to determine how the parts fit, or to assess sales potential.
Pre Production models often contain differences compared with released models.
PRESS-FITTED AXLES-In 1986 a new method of fixing the wheels to the axles was adopted; the plastic wheels were simply 'press-fitted' onto the axles. This new axle type was first used with the four Grand Prix racing cars. The axle ends were knurled or milled to give a barbed surface over which the wheels were pushed. Consequently the riveted ends disappeared and the ends of the axles were flush with the outside face of the wheel hub centres. By April 1990 the whole range had press-fitted axles. In this book this type of axle is Type A. Some wheel hubs were modified so that the axle hole did not go right through the wheel hub; hence the axle end was not visible in the centre of the wheel. This Type B. Press-fitted wheels on the same axle cannot be turned independently; both wheels and axles rotate together.
PRODUCTION VARIATIONS- These range from unforeseen production problems at the factory to planned modifications with a view to the long term future of the range. Unforeseen production problems include stop gap short run colour changes. An example is the Y16-2 1928 Mercedes Benz. In 1981 during production, the paint line discovered they had run out of the mid-grey paint used for the side panels. The management decided to substitute a "duck egg blue" colour of paint in order to maintain production. Five thousand models later the paint line were back to using the mid-grey paint! A planned production variation includes revising the baseplate component to include the series numbers of models that could use the part. An example is the Y22-1 Model "A" "Cherry Blossom" with its two associated baseplates; the Yesteryear numbers Y21 and Y22 being common to both . However one has Y7 and the other Y35. This was planned because it was known at Matchbox Toys that the Y7 -4 1930 Ford Breakdown Truck was to be deleted from the range and be replaced by the Y35-1 1930 Ford Pick Up Truck.
Production variations are very collectible.
PROGRESSIVE VARIATIONS- These are casting modifications to strengthen specific areas of the model. These are the most difficult, as well being the most interesting variations to detect and collect. Throughout the production of a model, improvements, or tool repairs are often needed. Such improvements include the addition, or the deletion of extra rivets, locating tabs, stiffening ribs, or casting body seams. An example is the Y2-1 London B Type Bus. Originally the model was produced with four small windows over four large windows. It was found that this area of the model was too fragile and breakages during the tumbling process were common. The tool was modified by having extra window frame struts inserted.
In some cases, once the first production run has been completed and there is a problem with the application of the tampo print, the factory may reduce the relief on the tool. An example is the Y6-5 1932 Mercedes Benz Lorry which can be found with two types of truck body sides: one with a deep planking effect and the other with a much smaller effect.
PROTOTYPE-Also known as a mock-up. Often refers to the first resin model made for approval, or display at toy trade fairs. It may also be used to describe the first assembled casting of a model.
R
RARE(R) -One of the five rarity categories - "Seldom seen for sale and with a high premium".
REAR DOOR TYPES- See: Y12-3 Ford Model T van for drawings.
RECOLOUR-On standard range models the manufacturers have over the years relaunched models in new colour schemes. By doing so they can recoup the costs of development and tool making over a longer period; known as amortisation. In 1990 Matchbox Toys stated that a new model would have a maximum of only three recolours. That policy was not adopted by Matchbox Collectibles.
REGIONAL CODE 1 MODEL-Until 1995 Matchbox did not manufacture Code 1 Models of Yesteryear models for individuals and or clubs. Between 1995 and 1998 Matchbox Collectibles accepted commissions to make low run specials from the following organisations: Automodels Sydney; Automodels Solingen, Carr Collectables; the Chester Toy & Toy Museum; Matchbox USA and MICA. The production runs ranged between 3000 and 6000. The policy changed with Mattel in charge, and thereafter these clubs and individuals relied on Code 2 models.
REGISTRATION MARKS ®-During the mid 1990s the © symbol on the baseplate was replaced with the ® symbol or (R). On some baseplates both symbols were featured. In this book the relevant symbol has been recorded in the schedule under the Baseplate heading.
See: Copyright Marks.
REPLICA-Used by Matchbox Collectibles and other direct marketing organisations such as Danbury Mint to describe a scaled diecast model.
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT-Presently based in New Jersey, USA. In many cases the project leader initates the choice of subject matter. He arranges for a mock-up or prototype to be made by a model maker using information supplied by vehicle manufactures,ie technical drawings and photographs; or by actually measuring and photographing vehicles in motor museums or private collections. Once the mock-up has been seen and accepted by Matchbox Collectibles at a selection meeting, the project leader continues to monitor the progress of the model during production at the factory. Early preproduction samples are sent to the
R & D which after checking, prepares detailed reports for the factory. Checking and modifying happens several times. Concurrently with this, new subject matters are investigated for future Models of Yesteryear range. Generally, it takes at least two years for the idea of a new model to become a reality.
The UK office closed in October 1999.
REVAMP-This refers to a model having one or more of its main castings substantially altered to produce a noticeably different effect; this creates a "new" model. For example the Y22 1930 Ford Model "A" van was given a new rear body to create the new Y7-4 1930 Ford Model Breakdown Truck.
RIVETED AXLES-When it became apparent in about 1957 that crimped axles were dangerous, especially to young children, Lesney devised an alternative method of keeping the wheels on the axles. The result was axles with riveted heads at both ends.
Once the axles and wheels had been fitted to the model, a machine riveted the end of the axle to stop the wheel falling off.
See: Crimped Axles.
ROCHFORD-The last Lesney/ Matchbox factory to operate in the United Kingdom. Situated in Essex it produced the Models of Yesteryear range until its closure in 1987, when production transferrred to the Far East.
ROOF-A metal top normally with a smooth finish. Some van roofs are 'ribbed', ie a continuous pattern from side to side. Others are 'ridged', ie an interrupted sequence.
S
SCALE-Between 1956 and 1993 no attempt was made by Lesney, or Matchbox Toys to make the models to a constant scale. The scales have varied between the Y3-1 London Tram at 1:130 to the Y3-4 and Y12-3 Ford Model 'T' vans and tankers at 1:35. In 1993 Matcbox Collectibles released six models in the 'Taste of France' series scaled at 1:43. Since then the vast majority of models have adhered to this popular scale; which is the unofficial international standard for diecast models.
SCARCE (S)- One of five rarity categories used - "Not easy to find and when seen for sale, with a premium".
SCREW HOLE-When production moved to China the finished models were screwed onto the box's internal card diorama in order to protect the model during its lengthy transit period. The baseplate component was modified to have a small cast hole into which the screw was applied. These holes are not already threaded. It is the insertion of the self-tapping screw which creates the threads and marks the paintwork.
SECOND SERIES- Refers to the models introduced into the Yesteryear range as the original first series models were withdrawn. The original second series occupied the range in the 1960s.
SERIES NUMBER- This heading is found in the table schedule for models produced from 1993 onwards and denotes the Yesteryear number(s) of the model; eg YTF01. Often baseplate components are common to models in different series and it was costly to continue altering the cast series number in the tool. Therefore Matchbox Collectibles decided to tampo print the information onto the baseplate instead.
SMALL TOWN PICKUPS OF THE PAST COLLECTION ( YYM 38035??? ) -
SPECIAL EDITION-First adopted by Matchbox Collectibles in 1995. It refers to a model that was made to an exceptionally high standard and was subject to only the one production run. An example is the YSFE01 1930 Ahrens Fox Quad Fire Engine.
SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION- A term first used by Matchbox Toys in 1985 in relation to the Models of Yesteryear range. It referred to a model that was made to an extra high standard; would never appear in the range again even as a recolour or a revamp and would have a reduced production run. An example is the Y43-1 1905 Busch Self Propelled Fire Engine released in 1991. This policy was not adopted by either Tyco nor Matchbox Collectibles. An example is the YSFE03 1905 Busch Self Propelled Fire Engine released in 1996.
SPRUE-Each mould has a hole at its front; this enables the mazak or plastic to get into the area which is to form the casting. When the mould cooled a rod of waste (zinc or plastic) is left, usually measuring about two inches in length and half an inch in diameter. Also, a sprue was the frame upon which the individual components were cast. Once separated from the components the sprue is recycled.
SOLID WHEELS- The Y7-1 Leyland Lorry which featured solid 'non-spoked' grenodised wheels to represent the wheels which had been on the actual vehicle. Later in 1979 the Y18-1 Cord was introduced into the Models of Yesteryear range. Most Lesney wheels had spokes, but the actual Cord car only had solid wheels and so a new component was deigned and made. In the context of wheels, 'solid' refers to solid pressed steel wheels, or wheels which represent partial or full hubcaps.
STEAM POWERED VEHICLES (YAS01 -YAS06)- Launched in 1996 as Series I
with six more in 1998 (YAS07 - YAS12)
STRAW- Refers to the cream/beige coloured window boxes used with the range between 1978? and 1986? Indicated by the letter 'I'.
T
TAMPO PRINTING-This relatively modern technique for applying decoration, or enhancement was first used by Lesney in the late 1970s. It is a system whereby coloured inks are printed directly onto the model. Ink is applied to a steel plate with a shallow recess of the design. Excess ink is wiped off leaving just the ink in the recess. This ink is then picked up onto a soft rubber pad which is pressed hard onto the steel plate. The rubber pad is pressed down onto the surface of the model leaving a permanent impression of the design similar to the engraving. Some tampo printing machines have six plates and six rubber pads and so six colour designs can be made in one pass of the machine.
TASTE OF FRANCE SERIES(YTF1-YTF6)- A set of six Citroën vans released by Matchbox Collectibles in 1993.
TILT CANOPY-Refers to the covering that extends over the back of a commercial vehicle. For example the Y13-3 1918 Crossley has a tilt canopy.
TOOLS-An alternative word for moulds or dies. Engineers who produce tools are referred to as toolmakers.
TONNEAU- A tonneau is a fabric fitting that covers the interior of of a car either wholly or partially; it is not another name for a hood. An example is the Y5-2 1929 Bentley.
TOY FAIR SAMPLES-Refers to the handmade models that were made for the annual trade shows when the policy was to show future range models to the trade. Up to six samples were made for all of the Matchbox subsidiaries and their respective Trade Toy Shows.
TRANSFER-Known as decals in the USA. Lesney Products used waterslide transfers to decorate many of their models in the 1950s and 1960s. They are fragile and with time they tend to alter colour. Often first series Yesteryears, although mint in every other way are less valuable because of poor or damaged transfers. Matchbox Collectibles only use transfers to demonstrate the livery artwork on their prototype models.
See: Decal; Label.
TROLLEYS, TRAMS & BUSES SERIES (YET01-YET06)- A series of six models featuring buses, trolleys and trams released in 1996. A second series was released in 1998. These series are sometimes referred as the Transit series.
TRIAL RUNS-Refers to models which have been produced to ensure that no defects exist either in the model or the production process. Trial runs may yield unusual variations. For example models in the wrong colour are often used to try out the fit of the tampo printed decoration.
TWO PART MOULD - Used to produce the wheels for several Yesteryears including the steamers, AEC buses and even the Y16-5 100 Tonner. One mould produces the required wheel design. The wheel is then placed into a second mould of similar design but has extra room around the circumference to cater for a tyre. Plastic compound is injected into the mould and forms around the wheel; when removed it leaves a wheel complete with a solid tyre.
TYCO TOYS-An American toy company based in Mount Laurel, New Jersey which acquired the Universal Matchbox Group on 2nd October 1992 for $100 million. Tyco merged with Mattel Inc., on 31st March 1997 for $755 million.
U
ULTRA-A 'brand name' conceived within the Matchbox Collectibles Division to categorise models not classed as Models of Yesteryear or Dinky. In 1999 the Ultra brand name was retired.
UNIVERSAL MATCHBOX GROUP-The combined businesses of Matchbox Toys and Universal Toys headed by David Yeh. Bought by Tyco Toys in 1992 for US$100 million.
V
VACUUM PLATING-Used to give a metal effect to plastic components such as windscreens, radiator shells, headlights, sills, wheel spokes, or to diecast components for release as plated models within the Giftware series. The castings, or components were placed in a drum to which a pellet of pure aluminium was added. An electrical flash was then generated to cause the aluminium to attach itself entirely to the components, or castings. If the desired finish was silver or chrome they were sprayed with a clear lacquer, but if the finish was to be gold or brass, the amber coloured lacquer was applied. Generally pre-1974 Yesteryears were given a silver or a brass finish, whereas post-1974 components were given a silver, or gold finish. Shade differences are many and arise due to the amount of applied laquer, or to the degree of fading since production.
VARIATION-An important aspect to the hobby of collecting Models of Yesteryear. A variation occurs when the manufacturer makes a change to the model. This ranges from the significant to the not so significant.
See: Marketing Variation, Production Variation, Progressive Variation and Negative Variation.
VERY RARE (VR)- Very occasionally for sale and at a very high price.
W
WEBS- This term describes a reinforcing brace or strut added to strengthen the casting.
WHEELS-See: Metal Wheels; Plastic Wheels; Solid Wheels.
WHITEWALL TYRES (WW/BW)- These were first introduced during the late 1970s and are indicated in this book by the WW in the column devoted to tyre or wheel detail. Where a models was released with either black or whitewall tyres (not a combination of both) this is indicated by BW. There is no value premium for tyre variations.
WHITEFLANGED WHEELS (WF)-Introduced by Matchbox Toys in the early 1990s when press-fit wheels became standard. It is less expensive to decorate the wheel flange than to decorate the tyre component. The effect of white flanges was to maintain the appearance of whitewall wheels and are indicated as WF.
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