The number given by Lesney
consisted of a Y followed by a number.
This number gave the model's place in the
series. Only 16 numbers were used, a new
model being introduced to replace an old
model. However, collectors have given the
models a second number to show how many
models had been given its 'Y' number.
Thus the first models having a given 'Y'
number would have the number Yx-1 etc.
This number does not exactly relate to
the series of the model. For example, the
Y8-3 Stutz is actually a second series
model.
The items listed here are
the scale of the model, the date of
introduction. the date of withdrawal and
the original purchase price given in
decimal pounds.
The scale of the models is
really only a rough guide. For example
the Y2-1 London Bus and the Y12-1 Horse
Drawn Bus both have a scale of 1:100.
Unfortunately the driver of the Y2-1
looks like a five year old child compared
with the authoritative driver in charge
of the Y12-1!
The scale
of the models has been a problem with
collectors ever since the introduction of
the Yesteryear range. Whereas some
manufactures were very careful to stick
to one scale for their range of vehicles
Lesney felt no such restrictions, their
only requirement being to be able to fit
the model into the 'Matchbox'. Therefore
the scales ranged from the minute Railway
locomotives at 1:130 to the much larger
scaled Sunbeam Motor Cycle at 1:34.
However, most of the difficulty arises
from models having scales just slightly
different from their otherwise perfect
shelf mates eg the 1:49 Y14 Maxwel and
the 1:48 Y8 Stutz!
Where no
date appears in the date of withdrawal
section the model appeared after 1972 in
a different colour scheme and with 'hot
rod' type wheels.
Click here for a large size
picture of the model. All pictures have
been taken by me. When I can, I take the
pictures using an SLR camera and transfer
the results to photo CD. This give the
best results but for quick pictures I use
a video camera connected to my Hauppauge
TV card and grab the image. Eventually
all the pictures will originate from my
SLR (or digital camera when the prices
become more reasonable!).
This section briefly
describes the models together with the
main variations. There are many minor
variations possible and for a detailed
list the reader should refer to the
excellent guide produced by MICA . The
issue numbers given in this section are
those given in the MICA guide as a means
of cataloguing the variations.
A general guide to
the model's value is given in this
section. Most of the prices quoted are
those I have seen asked for at local
swapmeets and only refer to mint boxed
examples. For a detailed guide to values
refer to the MICA book.
The pictures here represent
the types of boxes in which the model has
been issued. Refer to the boxes section of this
site for further details. The symbols
used are as follows:
