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Freeway Gas Tanker (observations and question)

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  • #1

    Freeway Gas Tanker (observations and question)

    Just noticed the rear wheels are different from the front. Thought it was an error, but others (on eBay) appear to be the same. What is the front wheel style called? Pretty sure the rear ones are called "five spoke."

    Also noticed an unusual paint pattern on one of the front tires (see photos - two blotches of silver). Possible factory over-spray?

    Finally, was this cab based on anything in the 1/1 world? My knowledge of European lorries is fairly limited.

    p.s. I used to shun this model, but the style has grown on me over the years.



    - Jeff
    Supreme Miniature Vehicle Storage Solutions Architect
    Tags: None
    • Likes 3
  • #2
    Most cabs have different wheels to the trailer unit. The front wheels are called maltese cross, & yes you do appear to have a bit of overspray on one of them.

    It was based on a Commer GTX design study from the late 1960s. The real vehicle was never created but was drawn out as a future styling venture. But as Commer Trucks were re-branded as Dodge in the early 1970s, this never went anywhere. However the design study did have the cab as a 3-axle with the trailer a 4-axle unit.
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    • #3
      Thanks David. I tried looking it up online, but couldn't find anything. Likely using wrong search words. However, in doing that, it made me think the cab looks like some contemporary electric truck designs. It's interesting that it still looks futuristic 50 years later. Would like to see the design study drawings if anyone can locate them.
      - Jeff
      Supreme Miniature Vehicle Storage Solutions Architect

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      • #4
        That's quite interesting what David shared, I would have never thought this was based on a design a real vehicle manufacturer was working on. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about our favorite toy car brand with us David.

        The wheel looks like it got a little more chroming than it needed, but the model looks in real nice condition over all.
        Doug
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        • #5
          Thank David for this information. I am with Doug was thinking that they made this up.
          I agree It would be nice a picture of that design study drawing, maybe in a book about Commer/Rootes.

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          • #6
            neat
            never seen one in Aral before
            the Harbor & Container Port sets had these but with flatbed trailers to haul the containers!
            I do want both someday
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            • #7
              This is the only picture I know of.
              • Likes 3

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              • #8
                Interesting concept. The Matchbox looks small enough to be a "shunting" tractor-cab (unsure of the correct term) limited to moving trailers around a company's private roads or storage facility, but definitely not designed to go out on the open road. The name "Freeway" seems to imply it was indeed meant for the latter. The illustration makes it look more capable of maneuvering at freeway speeds. Cool stuff. Thanks for posting!
                - Jeff
                Supreme Miniature Vehicle Storage Solutions Architect

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                • #9
                  Yes, I too, always assumed this was a generic cab so neat to have this additional information about it being based on a Commer concept model. The ARAL was a German only issue and fairly hard to get. I think I still have my Chevron version and the Army version. Believe Charlie Mack lists the wheels = front as 5 arch and the rear as 5 spoke square.

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                  • #10
                    I just looked at my 2 trucks like that from childhood and those rear wheels are different......never noticed that before.
                    Scotty "Mustang (+Matchbox) Mad Man!"

                    RIP.....Pop.....David Blase Garascia 9-17-35 12-3-20.

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