Model Collector – August 2019

orange (described as amber in
some listings). The model was
finished in silver, with the
blue and white coloured trim
restricted to the side stripes.
These carry the name ‘GREY-
HOUND’ and a sprinting
greyhound logo in blue and
white, later changed to grey
and white. The baseplate is
metal and is painted black.
The model is described as a
'Greyhound Coach' on the box
but the model itself is simply
marked as 'Coach' on the base-
plate. Other markings include
'Made in England by Lesney'
and ‘“Matchbox” series (the
word Matchbox always appear-
ing in double quotes) No. 66’.

No.66 Superfast Wheels
Matchbox introduced low-
friction Superfast wheels in

1969. The date the Scenicruiser
      changed over to these new
      wheels is given as either 1970
      or 1971, depending on which
      of the various listings you
      consult. The changes to the
      model were not confined to

the wheels, which were of the

early, narrow Superfast type,

with five-spoke chrome hubs,

though. The original axles

were replaced by much thinner

ones, with new plastic mounts.

Cut-outs were made in the

original baseplate to take the

new axle covers, each carrying

the Superfast name and the

abbreviation 'PAT APP' (patent

applied for) added behind the

rear axles. This model rides

very slightly higher than the

Regular Wheels version.

The colour scheme remained

as before, with grey and

white side labels. Baseplate

colours varied, my example

being black, the same as

the original.

The Superfast version had new

wheels and mountings, but was

otherwise similar to the Regular

Wheels version. The side markings

were changed to grey and white.

august 2019 | http://www.modelcollector.com 59

The baseplate on the original Regular wheels version

(top) was modified to allow the fitting of Superfast

wheels. These were of the early, narrow type. Each of

the plastic axle covers featured the word 'Superfast' on

them. The model is referred to only as a 'Coach' on the

baseplate, but as a ‘Greyhound Coach’ on the box.

It is not obvious that the rear axles only have

single wheels, as they fill the wheel arches. The real

Scenicruiser had twin wheels on both rear axles.

The upper deck has only three large windows

instead of four, necessary in order to shorten the

body while retaining the look of the real bus.

The original casting sports two small

and one large window on the lower

deck; with a single window in the roof.

The roof of the original casting was flat and the body rather box-like,

whereas the new version is slightly more rounded.