Y7-1 1918 4 Ton Leyland Van

This Leyland Lorry was first produced during World War I like the AEC Y Type. It was a version of the RFC Heavy Tender.

The Yesteryear model has a scale of 1:100 making it an ideal shelf mate for several others in the first series. The model remained in the basic colour scheme throughout its short production life. However the body can be found in varying shades of brown (early models were dark brown whereas the last issues were a reddy brown). The first issue had a white roof whereas the roofs of all other issues were a distinct cream.

As with other early first series models the first issues had crimped axles which were later changed to the safer riveted variety. In general the wheels are solid metal. However, for last issue to be produced in 1960, the metal wheels were replaced by plastic components from the 1-75 range of models. This issue is the rarest commanding a price almost reaching £1000. Another scarce variation has the centre line of the decal pronouncing "By Royal Appointment" omitted. No really satisfactory explanation for this omission exists. This issue is also extremely rare and the desperate collector must expect to pay over £500. All the more common issues can be found for around £100 for mint boxed examples.