Model Collector – August 2019

august 2019 | http://www.modelcollector.com 61

to the boxes. The new model,
however, comes packed in the
usual clear plastic blister on
a colourful backing card. The
artwork on these cards has
recently been updated, so
instead of just showing the
model we now get a scenic
background, providing an
altogether more attractive look.

Summing up the Scenicruisers
This time around the
original and new castings are,
at first glance, very similar, but
look a little closer and you'll
spot a number of differences

that reflect the different eras

in which each was produced.

The original was issued in the

all-metal days of the 1960s, with

plastic confined to the wheels,

windows, and interior, while

the new model uses plastic for

much of the body. The other

major change can be seen in

the windows; the new version is

generally more accurate, except

when it comes to the small

windows at the front – here,

the original is clearly superior.

It has to be said the flush-

glazing of the early version

also looks much better.MC

QUICK COMPARISON SPECS

Model Name Greyhound GMC Scenic

Coach Cruiser

Ref. Number No.66 MB1089

Year of Release 1967 2018

Scale (approx) 1:160 1:156

Length 76 mm 78 mm

Width 24 mm 27 mm

Height 26 mm 28 mm

Height - Superfast 27 mm

Weight 42 g 44 g

The side windows of the new version

are slightly smaller than on the original

models and a slightly different shape.

The front window treatments are

completely different, with the original

model being more accurate. The new

model is fitted with side mirrors,

making it wider than the original.

The luggage compartment doors are indicated by raised lines on the original

model and by recessed lines on the new version.

The Scenicruiser had two diesel engines, while the upgraded Super Scenicruiser

had a single engine. The change meant different access hatches at the rear.

The rear windows on the old and new Matchbox castings differ greatly in size,

the new version again being more accurate.

The destination board above the windscreen is flat on the original model but has

a recess on the new version. The new model also sports windscreen wipers.

The large roof windows of the original give a good view of the white plastic

interior; while the much smaller (and more accurate) windows of the new version

make it difficult to even count the number of seats.

The latest Matchbox card design, with

the artwork now depicting the model

against a scenic background. The

accompanying card describes the

model as a 1955 GMC® Scenic Cruiser.