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This model is the Corgi C618-b Mercedes Articulated Container Truck and Trailer in red Royal Mail Parcels livery. The model carries Royal Mail logos on both sides of the front container only. It uses the 1109 casting.
The tractor cab has no opening parts. The exterior is a relatively simple casting with front bumper, numberplate, steps and right hand side tool chest cast into the chassis baseplate and doors, etc cast into the cab. The front lights are chrome plastic inserts fitted to the baseplate casting. The grille is black plastic with chrome Mercedes symbol in the centre that is inset into the cab. Behind the cab is a simple plastic casting representing the fifth wheel mechanism and left hand side fuel tank. At the rear the lights are represented by orange painted cast areas and the rear bumper is red.
The cab interior is red plastic with a left hand drive, black plastic steering wheel inserted into the red dashboard (instrument panel). The glazing is clear all round.
The trailer casting is also a relatively simple casting with simulated timber deck ans side tie-strap points cast into it. The rear suspension and trailer mudguards form a separate casting that is fitted to the trailer bed. Another separate casting represents the trailer drop legs/dolly wheels used when a trailer is uncoupled. On the model these can be flipped back to represent the coupled position. At the rear of the trailer is a paper label reading "LONG VEHICLE" in black lettering on a yellow background.
The load for the trailer consists of two red plastic containers. The front container has Royal Mail Parcels on both sides. The rear container is devoid of any markings. The container sides are smooth, the top is ridged and the bottom is smooth with " Corgi Toys, Made in GT Britain" cast on two lines. Both containers have two opening rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" commercial style, 8 stud "hub" in the center.
The cab base plate is basically the chassis casting [red metal] and is marked at the centre with corgi and at the bottom centre "Made in GT Britain". All text on the base is upside down when compared to other models issued at the time, i.e. when read with the front of the model facing to the reader's left. The cab base is held in place with a single machined rivet.
The trailer base plate is basically the chassis casting [red metal] and is marked at the centre with corgi MAJOR toys indicating a long run trailer casting. At the front the fifth wheel coupling mechanism [working] and drop legs/dolly wheels are held in place by a flat metal plate secured by three machined rivets. To the rear of the trailer the suspension and trailer mudguards [a separate casting] are fitted to the trailer bed by a single large machined rivet. All text on the base is correct side up when compared to other models issued at the time, i.e. when read with the front of the model facing to the reader's left.
This particular model came in packaging that has been factory modified from that used for the 1109 Mercedes by the addition of two yellow end pieces that cover the 1109 numbering with a 68mm by 92mm square card with the 618 numbering on it. Interestingly no attempt was made to modify the interior cardboard plinth the vehicle sits in, which still refers to the "1109 Mercedes".
This model was issued in April 1984 and its scale was said to be 1:50.
Item: 1870