688 Morris Quad Field Artillery Tractor (1957-70)

The circular mark is certainly not related to the window glazing or metal flow in the die. It looks more like an ejector mark. Only the drawing for the casting could give us the information. This is a unique case of an ejector mark on the visible side of a vehicle body.

Hi Jacques, although not on the outside body itself, these ejector marks are also very prominent at the loading floor of the no. 25e Tipping Wagon, be it the first state (1st-3rd types) only. The second state (4th type and subsequent no. 30m Dodge Rear Tipping Wagon) of the die produced a much smoother floor surface. By the way, even if the circular mark had no direct relation with the added windows, the toolmakers may have used that moment of change of the die to introduce this apparently necessary mark at the same time. Kind regards, Jan

Hello Jan, Your statement is probably correct but as we may expect anything from Meccano (and the worst from Atlas) there is a possibility that a model can be found with windows and without the circular mark or with the circular mark and without windows.Good hunt.

Hi all, A late addition to the discussion on the 688 FAT. I have just checked my late issue 688 with plastic tyres and it fits all the characteristics of Dave's one - plastic hubs and 'wrong' insignia (original supply of blue/red on had run out by then?). Jacques is right, as the 'driver' has his arms crossed (left over 603s?). Also one without a driver (AWOL) - no mounting on the base. Plastic hiubs, correct insigna and rubber tyres Notice the late issues (plastic hub) have an extra ejector 'dimple' mark above the driver. As to the tow hooks. I don't have one with a single bend but the actual pressing must be longer than the standard one to allow for the extra bend. Ron