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I now code all my Matchbox Regular Series 1-75 models against the Stannard's Collectors Catalogue [ISBN 0-9510367-O-X] which covers the years 1953 to 1969 and is based on Stannard's extensive knowledge of the 1-75 series, contributions from Ray Bush, Phillip Bowdidge, Robert Newson and Paul Carr, and the access, granted to him by Matchbox, to Matchbox Toys Limited's archives and production collection. Wherever possible I will also include the relevant reference obtained from Schiffer's Matchbox Toys [ISBN 0-916838-74-9] and other major reference publications. I also use Nick Jones' excellent site to further refine the codings – these codes are identified by the use of [NJ] alongside them.
This is the Lesney produced Matchbox MB70-B-4 Ford Grit Spreader in Red and Pale Lemon with grey slider.
| Stannard Code: | 70-b-4 |
| Schiffer Code: | 70-b-4 |
| Nick Jones Code: | [NJ]70-b-9 |
| Body Colour: | Red and Pale Lemon |
| Glazing: | Green tinted |
| Trim: | None |
| Base Type: | Silver plated metal |
| Base Details: | 3 lines of text under cab: Grit-Spreading, Truck, No 70 AND 4 lines of text under spreader chute: Made in England, By Lesney, "Matchbox Series", No 70 |
| Base Fitting: | 1 body locating lug and 1 machined rivet at front holding base and 1 machined rivet at rear holding hopper. |
| Wheels: | Black plastic, 12.5mm x 40 treads, domed axles |
| Body Modifications: | thick axle braces, low text, Square edge to hopper opening, and ejector ring under hopper |
| Issued: | 1966 to 1970 |
Item: 3162
This is the Lesney produced Matchbox MB70-B-8 Ford Grit Spreader in Red and Pale Lemon with black slider.
| Stannard Code: | 70-b-8 |
| Schiffer Code: | 70-b-8 |
| Nick Jones Code: | [NJ]70-b-8 |
| Body Colour: | Red and Pale Lemon |
| Glazing: | Green tinted |
| Trim: | None |
| Base Type: | Silver plated metal |
| Base Details: | 3 lines of text under cab: Grit-Spreading, Truck, No 70 AND 4 lines of text under spreader chute: Made in England, By Lesney, "Matchbox Series", No 70 |
| Base Fitting: | 1 body locating lug and 1 machined rivet at front holding base and 1 machined rivet at rear holding hopper. |
| Wheels: | Black plastic, 12.5mm x 40 treads, domed axles |
| Body Modifications: | thick axle braces, high text, BEVELLED edge to hopper opening, and NO ejector ring under hopper |
| Issued: | 1966 to 1970 |
Item: 3163