Model Collector – August 2019

august 2019 | http://www.modelcollector.com 57

prototype boxes and the resin
prototypes of the vehicles that
were to appear within each set.
I much prefer the artist’s
impressions on these boxes to
the model photos that were
finally used, but I suppose it
was cheaper to take photos
than it was to pay someone
to draw every single model
that was to be issued.
Comparing prototype and
production boxes reveals that
numbers were recrunched.
On both the prototype boxes a
limited edition of 7,500 sets is
specified, while the actual
production boxes show a
limited edition of 5,000 sets.

Precious pieces of hobby history

When looking at some of the

early production models boxes,

collectors’ cards and promo-

tional material that was part of

the Vanguards launch, it’s nice

to see photos of some of the

prototypes that I now own and

will cherish. I am so glad that

someone had the foresight to

save these ‘moments in time’.

I am also very grateful

that my wife took the time

to search The-Saleroom for

anything related to the Ford

Anglia, and that she managed

to secure so many prototypes

from the auction.

For those of you that worry

about your expensive resin

models developing fatigue

or warping in the future,

I can only say that the George

Turner resin prototypes of 23

years ago still look good to this

day, even after, presumably,

being handled, played with,

passed around and discussed

in the Lledo design offices.

If you have any prototype

models and/or prototype

boxes, from any manufacturer,

we would love to hear

from you!

The prototype

Broadspeed

Anglias, matched

with their prototype

box.

The prototype

packaging for

the ‘Broadspeed

Racing Anglias

of the 1960s’ set.

A pre-production mock up for the

‘Post Office Telephones Service Vans

of the 50s and 60s’ box.

The prototype Ford Anglia GPO van

teamed up with its prototype box.

The Esso Aviation Services

pre-production diecast sample.

Prototype boxes for the GPO and Broadspeed sets (top), along with their

counterparts, i.e. the boxes that would be put into actual production.

The prototype boxes were

used to advertise the gift sets

in the 1st Type folded

catalogue included with the

initial production models.

MC