972 and 889 Coles camion grue 20 T. 3 essieux [Coles 20-ton Lorry- Mounted Crane] (French assembly, 1958-1960)

With reference to Richard's recent posting in the British 972 thread, regarding his new arrival and its comparison with the French 972, it struck me once more that, besides the generally known differences between them, there is also a difference in the tiny little 'bumper' on top of the crane arm's base. The British one is more elongated, slim, with a round top, whereas the French counterpart is more rectangular, square. This seems to be a 'rule' for every example I have seen. Or have exceptions been spotted? I cannot explain this difference and the reason for it, because, as far as I know, all major cast components came from the same Liverpool factory, to be assembled in Bobigny. Any comments, opinions about this? The two comparative pictures below (and a nice 1957 Meccano cataloguepicture). Kind regards, Jan

Another French lorry mounted crane below, a Meccano built example on the cover of the 1956 Meccano/Hornby Trains/Dinky Toys catalogue: