956 Turntable Fire Escape (1970-74) [Berliet]

I have just noticed a variation in the ladder operating parts on the earlier Bedford version of this model. Whilst re-stringing the ladder, I discovered that instead of having the spring-loaded collar (to grip the cord) on the winding handle and the small 'V' pulley on the top end of the ladder, mine has a splined winder shaft and is without the upper pulley. The model is original, and none of the shafts have been altered or replaced. It is a fairly early version with metal hubs and no glazing. I have looked at other examples on the internet, and it seems that the first alteration was the addition of the sprung collar on the winding handle, followed by the upper pulley. Both of these additions seem to have been made before windows were added, the last change being the one to red plastic hubs. The (copied) instruction sheet I have covers the later arrangement with the gripper and pulley, so was there also a different sheet for the early versions? Does anyone know when these changes were made? Kevin.

This site is a mess. could some one add 'Berliet' to the title of this thread and move the above post to the Bedford thread. Also on the Bedford thread, there is a post about the Berliet which should be moved here.Thanks and regards. Jacques.

Ron, Is the white rear bed of your Berliet plastic or zamac ? on the pictures, it looks like zamac. If plastic, is the French marking still present under the rear bed ? All the best. Jacquues.

Jacques The problem arose when Kevin created this new topic when there was already an existing Topic. The other problem is that Meccano Liverpool did not distinguish between the two manufacturers as the company continued with the same title and sales number used for the earlier version - as too should this website as it should reflect exactly the title used by Meccano. One Topic for both versions. At least that would save switching from one Topic to another. All the Posts on this Topic should be transferred to the existing Topic. By asking Ron for details of his Turntable Fire Escape you are exacerbating the problem as his enquiry is actually within the 'New Arrivals' Topic and if anything, this Post should be transferred to the 956 Topic. Kevin's first Post relates to the earlier version which collectors these days now identify as being a Bedford. Meccano France on the other hand referred to the model as a Berliet, as was its usual practice in identifying the actual manufacturer of the vehicle it was modelling. Just why Liverpool appeared to have a different policy, naming some, such as the Bedford O series, Foden, Guy etc, and ignoring others , such as the 555/955 Fire Engine with Extending Ladder, 960 Lorry Mounted Cement/Concrete Mixer, 966 etc, I have absolutely no idea. It would be best to follow explicitly the terminology used by Meccano Liverpool as per the example below taken from the 1970 UK Catalogue in which case, the original Topic should reflect this with its title. Kind regards Bruce H (150) 20072806/1126/1114