40a and 158 Riley Saloon (1947-55) possible variation

Jacques--Thanks for posting this. I would think that we have now seen enough examples of this to confirm that it is in fact another variation, and I would like to credit my good friend and fellow Dinky collector here in California, Don Gardner, for being the first to notice it. It is always amazing to me that something like this has gone undiscovered for so long.....but it does happen!By the way, I also wanted to ask you if you intend to mention the somewhat strange observation that several of us made last year or so regarding the Guy Van 'Spratts'.....the lower level red trim at the bottom of the van body has been hand painted over, it appears to make a wider strip of red. My guess is that these were made with a narrower strip of red first, with the cream color under it, and then someone decided it needed to be solid red. We I first brought this up, several other members checked theirs and discovered the same thing. It would be interesting to try and find out if this was always done, or did Meccano finally paint them this way from the start, and not have to hand paint them afterwards? Curious as to your thoughts and those of others as well.......I don't think Rob was active here when it was first discussed, and he likely has several of these to check out. Regards, Terry

Hi Terry, I checked my Spratts, I only have one, an early 514. It clearly has a wider red strip of paint over the lower level red trim. It would be good to check a later production 917. I will look out for one! Kind regards, Rob