Matchbox the 50th Anniversary GB Chat

[Rabbit Leader]

11 minutes ago, Enzo Matrix said:

It might be worth considering ahead of time how you want to manage the poll(s). 

 

Yes thats is true Enzo. Now in the past we normally haven’t bothered with Classic GB Polls as there are just too many builds in the Gallery, however perhaps we could do a few things different this time around… and thats where your skills and expertise come into play? So have we ever had a GB with more than one Gallery Category? 

 

One suggestion could be that we have a number of Galleries dependant on size / type of model. So just throwing it out there?? 

 

Gallery #1 - Aircraft (Purple / Orange) Range

Gallery #2 - Aircraft (Red / Brown / Green) Range 

Gallery #3 - Armour (Purple / Orange) Range

Gallery #4 - Auto / Marine / Figures (All ranges) 

 

Perhaps limit each member to three votes for each Gallery? 

Sounds a bit cumbersome perhaps, but just floating the idea to see what you / others think? 

 

Cheers.. Dave (co-host and Classic kit junkie). 

[Enzo the Magnificent]

53 minutes ago, Rabbit Leader said:

So have we ever had a GB with more than one Gallery Category?

 

 

Yes we have.  In fact, the current French Fancy GB is doing the same thing.  What you propose is perfectly feasible.

[Rabbit Leader]

4 minutes ago, Enzo Matrix said:

 

Yes we have.  In fact, the current French Fancy GB is doing the same thing.  What you propose is perfectly feasible.

… and I thought I was being clever! Let’s see what Pat thinks and we’ll let you know if we go that way. 
Cheers.. Dave 

[Mr T]

Given the GBs I have signed up for that start at the beginning of the year, it will definitely be the Siskin for this one. I have retrieved one from the stash and found Modedecal Sheet 31a. I last built thus kit in 1980 and so it will be interesting to see how it turns out this time. Will have Judie Tzuke 'Welcome  to the Cruise' on to remind me of the time when I became single again 

[Prenton]

On 22/11/2021 at 11:05, Giorgio N said:

 

Now I'll decide on something when closer to the start of the GB, for the moment I'm thinking of one of these:

 

Hs.125-600, just rescribing a few panel lines and with Irish Air Corps markings from Max Decals

 

 

Hi Giorgio

 

Oh YES!  Yes, please do!   Not that many Matchbox kits can be done in Irish Air Corps markings.....and the Hs 125 is quite rare these days.

 

Philip

 

[PhantomBigStu]

Remembered I actually had a MB build almost finished over the weekend and finished it off just now in a spark of providence just as the victor was delivered which to my delight the canopy fits perfectly. Then I’ve remembered I’ve decided to go with the white underside, going to fun paint job……

 

[JOCKNEY]

12 hours ago, Rabbit Leader said:

… and I thought I was being clever! Let’s see what Pat thinks and we’ll let you know if we go that way. 
Cheers.. Dave 

 

Brilliant, struth this is all looking very organised, I'll need to check I'm in the right GB thread !

 

This is most unlike the "Seat of the Pants", arrangements that are a feature of my previous hosting attempts !  Great job Dave, thanks Enzo.

 

cheers Pat

[JOCKNEY]

 

I mentioned a while ago I had a Stalled Stranraer in the stash, and that I would ask you to let me know if it was eligible for this GB (independent adjudication !)

 

Pictures below, let me know what you think ?

 

 

 

 

Cheers Pat

[nimrod54]

I have three candidates for this GB and I am looking forward to revisiting the Jaguar which I built many years ago. Like me, the kit was a couple of wheels short, but I have been able to get hold of some suitable substitutes and with a bit of juggling it should look OK - as long as you rivet counters out there don't start checking on the number of spokes.

 

by John L, on Flickr

 

Cheers

John

[Bonhoff]

I guess it won't be long before we have to rummage around in the loft for the Christmas decorations.

 

Better get the Flower down while I'm at it....

 

IanJ 

[Enzo the Magnificent]

5 hours ago, Mr T said:

Will have Judie Tzuke 'Welcome  to the Cruise' on

 

  

[jackroadkill]

My wee Matchbox kit arrived today!  I can't remember if this was the first model kit I built or the second, but I suspect it was the first.  I was given it by my school in 1988 and built it in the obligatory single session, complete with thumbprints, huge gaps etc.

 

 

The box was sealed in its cellophane wrapper but I broke it open for a look at what I'm dealing with.  I have to say that for a kit that's older than dirt it's pretty nice.  There's no flash, for a start, and the decals look useable.

 

Roll on January!

[Rabbit Leader]

Nice purchase @jackroadkill and am sure this one will turn out vastly superior when compared to your much earlier effort! Now I’ve built up this kit, however strangely left it on the S.O.D whilst at the primer stage. Perhaps your build will inspire me to dig it out and finally complete it? Now I know this has been documented on numerous occasions, however just for the record the longest nose piece that Matchbox suggest to use for the NF.14 is actually too long, so if you’re going with this later version just use the middle sized piece as suggested for the NF.12. 

 

Cheers and best of luck.. Dave 

[jackroadkill]

2 minutes ago, Rabbit Leader said:

the longest nose piece that Matchbox suggest to use for the NF.14 is actually too long, so if you’re going with this later version just use the middle sized piece as suggested for the NF.12. 

 

Thanks Dave, that's very useful to know.  I was planning to build it as an NF14, so you've saved me a boo-boo there.

[Rabbit Leader]

7 hours ago, nimrod54 said:

……as long as you rivet counters out there don't start checking on the number of spokes.

 

Well I have been known to be called a ‘Wheel hub’ Nazi, however my pet subject is aircraft, so I’ll look over any auto wheel hub blemish. Since knowing about Mustang wheels coming in both 10 (early) and 8 (late) spoke types… I’ve never been able to un-see that issue. Talk about being a Pedant! Nice collection John.

Cheers and all the best.. Dave 

[Rabbit Leader]

8 hours ago, JOCKNEY said:

Let me know what you think ?

By my calibrated eye Pat, that looks to be about 23.5% assembled, so I reckon it just sneaks in, should you want to proceed with one of your many beloved Flying Boats. There’s a few Stranraer’s being proposed (and I have one stashed too), so perhaps we can use an often mentioned quote that’s usually reserved for another Supermarine type ….. Well, you can never have enough ????? 

Cheers and best of luck.. Dave 

[Rabbit Leader]

11 minutes ago, jackroadkill said:

 

Thanks Dave, that's very useful to know.  I was planning to build it as an NF14, so you've saved me a boo-boo there.

All good mate, I’m sure someone would have pointed this out after viewing your up and coming WIP, you would have saved it either way. 
Cheers.. Dave 

[nimrod54]

1 hour ago, Rabbit Leader said:

so I’ll look over any auto wheel hub blemish.

 

Cheers Dave, I think that by adding the replacements to one side and photographing everything from the opposite one at a low angle whilst keeping things nice and dark, I should just about get away with it.  

 

John

[Rabbit Leader]

IMPORTANT GROUP BUILD GALLERY INFORMATION 

 

Dear Prospective Matchbox (50th Anniversary) GB model members.

History suggests that these ‘Classic / Manufacturer’ GB’s tend to become quite popular with the eventual number of models entered into one Gallery becoming way too many for the end of Group Build Poll to handle. Therefore, we have decided to do something a little different by creating four GB Galleries to facilitate some exciting polling to take place at the end. There will be four specific galleries categorised as below - 

 

Gallery #1 - Aircraft (Purple / Orange) Range

Gallery #2 - Aircraft (Red / Brown / Green) Range 

Gallery #3 - Armour (Purple / Orange) Range

Gallery #4 - Auto / Marine / Figures (All ranges) 

 

So when your beautiful Matchbox kits are finished, please create your Gallery Post within the appropriate gallery thread. @Enzo Matrix has kindly allowed for this to occur, so expect to see these threads opening up about a week prior to GB start…. that makes it 01 Jan 2022!  

 

This GB is only six weeks away and there’s a large festive season to celebrate two weeks prior. How many of us can recall unwrapping one of Rox Huxley’s superbly painted artworks for Christmas (I certainly can)…. Is anyone expecting this to happen again in 2021? 

 

Cheers and thanks for your understanding… Dave 

[jackroadkill]

Thanks @Rabbit Leader - just one question; how are those categories allocated?!  I'm building an aircraft but it's green, dark grey and light grey.  I assume this makes it category two?

[PhantomBigStu]

7 minutes ago, jackroadkill said:

Thanks @Rabbit Leader - just one question; how are those categories allocated?!  I'm building an aircraft but it's green, dark grey and light grey.  I assume this makes it category two?

The colours refer to which series the kit was released and nothing to do with the paint used 

[Ratch]

5 minutes ago, PhantomBigStu said:

The colours refer to which series the kit was released and nothing to do with the paint used 

Or the colour of the plastic

[Ratch]

PK-001 : Hawker Fury I (1972 / 1973)
PK-002 : Spitfire Mk. IX (1972 / 1973)
PK-003 : Boeing P-12E (1972 / 1973)
PK-004 : Mitsubishi Zero A6M2 Zero-sen (1972 / 1973)
PK-005 : Dornier Alpha Jet (1972 / 1973)
PK-006 : Focke-Wulf Fw 190A (1972 / 1973)
PK-007 : Westland Lysander Mk. I/II (1972 / 1973)
PK-008 : Gloster Gladiator Mk. I (1972 / 1973)
PK-009 : Bell AH-1G Hueycobra (1972 / 1973)
PK-010 : BAC Strikemaster Mk.80/86 (1972 / 1973)
PK-011 : Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIC (1972 / 1973)
PK-012 : F-5A Freedom Fighter (1972 / 1973)
PK-013 : Mustang Mk. IV (1972 / 1973)
PK-014 : Vought F4U-4 Corsair (1972 / 1973)
PK-015 : Hawker Siddeley Gnat T. Mk. I (1972 / 1973)
PK-016 : Hawker Siddeley MK-1 Harrier (1972 / 1973)
PK-017 : Messerschmitt Bf 109E (1972 / 1973)
PK-018 : Grumman F6F-3/Mk. I Hellcat (1972 / 1973)
PK-019 : Mikoyan MiG-21 (1972 / 1973)
PK-020 : Dassault Mirage IIIC (1973 / 1974)
PK-021 : Messerschmitt 262 A-1a/A-2a (1974 / 1975)
PK-022 : Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (1974 / 1975)
PK-023 : Hawker Tempest Mk. II/Mk. VI (1974 / 1975)
PK-024 : Brewster Buffalo I/B-339D (1974 / 1975)
PK-025 : A.W. Siskin Mk. IIIA (1974 / 1975)
PK-026 : Henschel Hs 126 (1974 / 1975)
PK-027 : Hawker Siddeley Hawk Mk. 1/T. Mk. 51 (1975 / 1978)
PK-028 : Lockheed CF-104/F-104G Starfighter (1975 / 1978)
PK-029 : Douglas A-4M Skyhawk (1975 / 1978)
PK-030 : Percival Provost T. Mk. 1/Mk. 52 (1975 / 1978)
PK-031 : Curtiss P-40N Warhawk Kittyhawk (1975 / 1978)
PK-032 : North American F-86A-5 Sabre (1975 / 1978)
PK-033 : Saab J-29F Tunnan (1979 / 1980)
PK-034 : Aeritalia G-91Y (1979 / 1980)
PK-035 : Curtiss SBC-4 Helldiver (1979 / 1980)
PK-036 : Fairey Seafox (1982)
PK-037 : Hawker Siddeley Sea Harrier FRS 1/FRS 51 (1982)
PK-038 : SA 360 Dauphin (1983 / 1986)
PK-039 : Northrop F-5B (1983 / 1986)
PK-040 : Lockheed TF-104G Starfighter (1983 / 1986)
PK-041 : Mikoyan MiG-21 MF (1983 / 1986)
PK-042 : T-2C Buckeye (1987)
PK-043 : Bell OH-58D Aeroscout (1987)
PK-044 : Dassault Mirage IIIB (1987)
PK-045 : BAe Harrier GR 3 (1987)
PK-046 : BAe Hawk 200 (1987)
PK-047 : Dassault Mystere IV. (1987)
PK-048 : Messerschmidt Bolkow-Blohm BK-117 (1988)
PK-049 : Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIC/Mk.IID (1989)
PK-050 : Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX/Mk.XVI (1989)
PK-051 : Focke Wulf FW190A-3/A-4/R6 (1989)
PK-052 : BAe Sea Harrier FRS.1 (1989)
PK-061 : HMS Ariadne (1977)
PK-062 : Narvik class German destroyer (1977)
PK-063 : USS Fletcher (1978)
PK-064 : HMS Kelly (1980) - 10 Pix
PK-71 : Sherman Firefly (1974)
PK-72 : A-34 Mk.I Comet (1974)
PK-73 : PzKfw-V Ausf. G Panther (1974)
PK-74 : Panzer III Ausf. L (1974)
PK-75 : Humber Mk. II Armoured Car (1974)
PK-76 : SdKfz. 234/2 Puma (1974 / 1983)
PK-77 : SdKfz. 124 Wespe (1974 / 1983)
PK-78 : M16 Half Track (1974)
PK-79 : M24 Chaffee (1974)
PK-80 : Jagdpanther (1974)
PK-81 : Panzer II Ausf. F (1976 / 1983)
PK-82 : Soviet T-34/76 (1976)
PK-83 : SdKfz. 251/1 Hanomag (1976 / 1986)
PK-84 : M3/A1 Stuart "Honey" (1978)
PK-85 : Sd.Kfz. 232 Armoured Radio Car (1978)
PK-86 : M-40 G.M.C. 155mm Gun (1978)
PK-87 : Panzer IV L/70 (1978)
PK-88 : Krupp Protze Kfz.69 with Anti tank gun (1982) 40088
PK-89 : M7 Priest HMC 105mm (1982)
Orange
PK-101 : LTV A-7D Corsair II (1974/1975)
PK-102 : BAC S Jaguar (1974/1975)
PK-103 : Bristol Beaufighter Mk. X (1974/1975)
PK-104 : Curtiss SB2C-1 Helldiver (1974/1975)
PK-105 : Supermarine Walrus Mk. II (1974/1975)
PK-106 : Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S Mk. 2B (1974/1975)
PK-107 : Dornier Do 28D-2 Skyservant (1974/1975)
PK-108 : Westland Lynx (1974/1975)
PK-109 : Junkers Ju 188D-1 (1974/1975)
PK-110 : Hawker Siddeley 125-600/Dominie T. Mk. 1 (1974/1975)
PK-111 : Junkers Ju 87 D-3/G-1 (1976)
PK-112 : Fairey Swordfish Mk. I/III (1976)
PK-113 : Messerschmitt Me 410 A-2/U4, B-1 (1976)
PK-114 : BAC Lightning F. Mk. 2A/6 (1976)
PK-115 : Messerschmitt Bf 110 C-3/D-2 (1976)
PK-116 : De Havilland Mosquito B. Mk. IX/NF. Mk. 30 (1976)
PK-117 : Hawker Hunter F.6/T. Mk. 7 (1976)
PK-118 : Lockheed P-38L Lightning (1976)
PK-119 : Saab AJ-37 Viggen (1978)
PK-120 : Douglas A-20G Havoc/Boston IV (1978)
PK-121 : Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II (1978)
PK-122 : General Dynamics F-16A (1979/1980)
PK-123 : Vickers Wellesley Mk. I (1979/1980)
PK-124 : Grumman F9F-4/F9F-5 Panther Blue Angels (1979/1980)
PK-125 : Norseman IV/UC-64A (1981)
PK-126 : BAC Lightning T. Mk 55 (1982)
PK-127 : De Havilland Twin Otter (1983/86) - 18 Pix PK-127 : De Havilland Twin Otter (1983/86)
PK-128 : BAe Jaguar T. Mk. 2 ...Re-Tooled from PK-102 (1983/86)
PK-129 : Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF-11/12/14 (1987)
PK-130 : Panavia Tornado F. Mk. 3 (1987)
PK-131 : Saab SK-37 Viggen ...Re-Tooled from PK-119 (1987)
PK-132 : Heinkel He 70F-2/G-1/He 170A (1988)
PK-133 : Westland Wessex HAS.31/HU.5 (1988)
PK-134 : Douglas Skyknight F3D-2/F3D-2T2 (1988)
PK-161 : Admiral Graf Spee (1977)
PK-162 : HMS Exeter (1977)
PK-163 : USS San Diego (1978)
PK-164 : HMS Tiger (1979)
PK-165 : USS Indianapolis (1979)
PK-171 : SdKfz.11, Pak40, BMW (1977 / 1986)
PK-172 : Morris C8 MK-II & 17pdr Gun, Willys Jeep (1977 / 1983)
PK-173 : LRGD 30cwt Chevrolet and Willys Jeep (1979 / 1986)
PK-174 : M19 45 Ton tank transporter (1979)
PK-175 : Monty's Caravan and Daimler MKII Scoutcar (1980)
PK-176 : CHAR B1 bis and Renault FT17 (1983)
PK-177 : Churchill A.V.R.E. Bridgelayer (1983)

PK-178 : Challenger MBT (1988) also 40178
Automotive
PK-301 : Aston Martin Ulster (1976 / 1986)
PK-302 : Bugatti Type 59 (1976)
PK-302 : Bugatti Type 59 (1986) (AMT 1979)
PK-303 : Porsche 917 Penske CAN AM (AMT 1979)
PK-303 : Porsche 917-10 (1976 / 1986)
PK-304 : Jaguar SS/100 (1976 / 1986)
PK-304 : Jaguar SS/100 (AMT 1979)
PK-305 : Surtees TS16/03 (1976 / 1982) (AMT 1979)
PK-306 : MG-TC Sports (1978 / 1982) (AMT 1979)
PK-307 : Mercedes Benz SSKL (1978)
PK-308 : Porsche 935 Martini (1979)
PK-309 : Tyrrell P34/2 (1979)
PK-310 : Citroen Legere (1980 / 1982)
PK-311 : Porsche 935 Liqui Moly (1980 / 1982)
PK-312 : Auto Union type D (1983)
PK-4159 : PC-6 Penske Indy Race Car (AMT 1979)
PK-451 : Packard Victoria (1981 / 1982)
PK-452 : Rolls Royce Phantom Mk 1 (1982)
PK-6126 : Ford Louisville Short Hauler (AMT 1979)
Red
PK-401 : Heinkel He 115 (1976) - 10 Pix PK-401 : Heinkel He 115 (1976)
PK-402 : Vickers Wellington B. Mk.X/GR. Mk. XIV (1976)
PK-403 : Heinkel He 111H (1976)
PK-404 : McDonnell Douglas F-4K/M Phantom II (1976)
PK-405 : North American B-25H/J Mitchell (1976)
PK-406 : Grumman F-14A Tomcat (1976 / 1977)
PK-407 : Martin B-26B/Mk. II Marauder (1978)
PK-408 : BAC Canberra PR. Mk. 9 (1978)
PK-409 : Dornier Do 18 V-2/D-2/G-1 (1979/1980)
PK-410 : Grumman EA-6B Prowler (1979/1980)
PK-411 : McDonnell F-101F/CF-101B/RF-101B Voodoo (79/80)
PK-412 : McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG. 1/FGR. 2 (86/87)
PK-413 : Boeing Vertol Chinook HC Mk. 1/CH-47D (86/87)
Green
PK-501 : MK-22/24 PK-501 SPITFIRE (1977)
PK-502 : Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-3 PK-502 Fighter (1977)
PK-503 : Dauntless sbd-5 kit pk-503 1977 (1978)
PK-504 : Westland Lysander Mk. I/II (1978)
PK-505 : De Havilland Tiger Moth DH-82A/C (1979)
PK-506 : De Havilland Sea Venom (1980)
PK-507 : SA 330 SA330B PUMA HELICOPTER (1982)
PK-551 : Handley Page Victor K. 2 Tanker (1983)
PK-571 : Dornier Do-X 1:144 (1color, ex-Otaki ) (1990)
Brown
PK-601 : Supermarine Stranraer (1979)
PK-602 : Avro Lancaster B. Mk. I/III (1979)
PK-603 : Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress (1979)
PK-604 : Halifax B. Mk. I/GR. Mk. II/Srs.IA (1979)
PK-605 : Handley Page Heyford Mk. I/II/III (1980/1981)
PK-606 : PB4Y-2 Privateer/Liberator RY-3 (1980/1981)
1:48
PK-651 : Douglas Skyraider AD-5 (1980/1981)
PK-652 : North Americal FJ-4B Fury (1980/1981)
PK-653 : Kaman Seasprite (1980/1981)
PK-460 : Spitfire (1/48) (1990)
PK-461 : Messerschmitt BF 109G-6 (1/48) (1990)
PK-462 : Focke Wulf FW 190A-8 (1/48) (1990)
PK-463 : Vought F4U-1A Corsair (1/48) (1990)
Motorcycles
PK-701 : Suzuki RGA 500 (1980)
PK-702 : Harley Davidson FLH-1200 (1980)
PK-703 : Vincent Series C Black Shadow (1980)
PK-704 : BMW R-100 (1981)
Airliners
PK-801 : Boeing 747 1/390 scale (1990)
PK-802 : Boeing 727 1/280 scale (1990)PK-803 : B737 1/200 scale (1990)
PK-804 : DC-10 1/320 scale (1990)
1/76 Figures
P-5001 : British Infantry (1978)
P-5002 : American Infantry (1978)
P-5003 : German Infantry (1978)
P-5004 : Afrika Korps (1976)
P-5005 : 8th Army (1978)
P-5006 : British commandos (1977)
P-5007 : Japanese Infantry (1977)
P-5008 : ANZAC Infantry (1980)
P-5009 : NATO Paratroops (1980)
1/32 Figures
P-6001 : German Infantry (1978)
P-6002 : British Infantry (1978)
P-6003 : American Infantry (1978)
P-6004 : Afrika Korps (1978)
P-6005 : 8th Army (1978)
P-6006 : British Commandos (1982)
AMT
AMT-7101 : Bell AH-1G Hueycobra (1979)
AMT-7102 : Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX (1979)
AMT-7103 : Chance-Vought F4U-4 Corsair (1979)
AMT-7104 : Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter (1979)
AMT-7105 : Curtiss P-40N Warhawk (1979)
AMT-7106 : Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (1979)
AMT-7107 : Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat (1979)
AMT-7108 : North American F-86A Sabre (1979)
AMT-7109 : Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero-Sen ("Zeke") (1979)
AMT-7110 : Dornier Dassault Alpha Jet (1979)
AMT-7112 : Hawker Siddeley AV-8A Harrier (1979)
AMT-7113 : Mikoyan-Gurevich MIG-21 Fishbed (1979)
AMT-7114 : Messerschmitt ME-262 Schwalbe (1979)
AMT-7115 : Hawker Tempest Mk. II/Mk. VI (1979)
AMT-7116 : Brewster B-339E/D Buffalo (1979)
AMT-7117 : Lockheed F-104G Starfighter (1979)
AMT-7118 : Douglas A-4M Skyhawk II (1979)
AMT-7119 : Hunting-Percival Provost T Mk.I (1979)
AMT-7120 : North American P-51D Mustang (1979)
AMT-7122 : Curtiss SB2C-1 Helldiver (1979)
AMT-7123 : Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S Mk. 2B (1979)
AMT-7126 : Douglas A-20G/Boston Havoc/Mk.IV (1979)
AMT-7128 : Grumman F-14A Tomcat (1979)
AMT-7130 : Heinkel He 115 (1979)
AMT-7131 : Vickers Wellington B. Mk.X/GR. Mk. XIV (1979)

4406 : USS San Diego (1979)
Matchbox 1/72 Polikarpov I-16 "Rata" (40019)
Matchbox 1/72 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 bis (40054)

Matchbox 1/72 Dornier Do 335 A-6 (40135) - 1991
Matchbox 1/72 Douglas P-70 Nightfighter (40140)
Matchbox 1/72 Fokker D.XXI (40144)

Matchbox 1/72 Sturmgeschütz IV (40180)
Matchbox 1/72 Heinkel He-219 'Uhu' (40202)
Matchbox 1/72 Dornier Do 17Z (40417)

[Rabbit Leader]

30 minutes ago, jackroadkill said:

Thanks @Rabbit Leader - just one question; how are those categories allocated?!  I'm building an aircraft but it's green, dark grey and light grey.  I assume this makes it category two?

 

Good question and perhaps I was assuming everyone knew what I was talking about! The Matchbox Colour range has nothing to do with the kit’s multi-coloured plastic, but what sized box the kit originally came in. Put simply, your Meteor is kit number PK-129 and was part of Matchbox’s Orange range. Therefore, once built you would document your finished masterpiece in Gallery #1. 

 

Each ‘original’ Matchbox kit was released with an individual ‘PK’ number and dependant on box size was allocated a particular ‘Colour” range. The smallest Aircraft kits started off with PK-1 (Hawker Fury) and this was allocated within what Matchbox called their ‘Purple Range’. The next box size up was the ‘Orange Range’ and PK-101 (Vought A-7D Corsair) was the first kit in that category. To continue down the aircraft path, the next sized range up was Red (PK-400 series), Brown (PK-600 series) and Green (PK-500 series, which included their large 1/32 scale kits). 

 

This colour series was consistent throughout all the different types of model kits Matchbox produced, so the Purple range was the smallest Armour kits and Orange range being the next size up. There was also a Blue series which was allocated to some Auto and ship kits and lets not forget the Gold Range which was allocated to Matchbox’s superb and humongous 1/72 Flower Class Corvette. 

 

It might be best to link a few old Matchbox Catalogues somewhere so that we can all look back and see what kits were previously released. 

Apologies for the long winded post,, however I hope I’ve answered your (and perhaps others) questions with this explanation. 

 

Cheers.. Dave 

[Rabbit Leader]

Wow @Ratch, you are an awfully fast typer!! 

Seriously, that’s one fantastic list and with your permission it might be a good idea to pin that list in a seperate thread once be get this GB up and running. The additional Revelll, AMT, Otaki releases are very helpful and I honestly don’t know these as well as the original Matchbox moulded kits. 

Cheers and many thanks.. Dave