Among the articulated models in the Benbros Mighty Midget Series, No.46 Petrol Tanker is the longest (64mm) and some would argue the most appealing. It was planned as an 'Esso' tanker from the start even if the first issue had no decals because it was only painted red, the colour in 1957 of 'Esso' livery. 

 

The Petrol tanker trailer was cast in two parts, the main one being the tank and mudguards with a second oval casting forming the rear end. There was no identification as with all the articulated models, and the wheels were fixed directly onto the trailer. 

 

Although it was always painted red, there were variations in tone from orange-red to bright red and dark-red, and usually the Bedford cabs, which were always red, were matching. After the first issue which had no decals, all later models carried the 'Esso' logo, usually on the left side but examples with right-hand decals, and sometimes with two decals, are known. Oddly, although they would have fitted, decals were never put on the rear of the tanker. 

 

There were two types of wheels on No.46, unpainted metal on the early issues and then black plastic wheels on the last ones. The models with plastic wheels were darker red than the metal wheeled variations.

 

Unlike the box for No.22 'Esso' Petrol Tanker which showed a 'Shell' lorry, the Mighty Midget box for No.46 had a correct picture of an 'Esso' tanker.

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The Articulated Petrol Truck is not a common model but with only a few variations it does not carry a premium value.

 

In recent years examples of No.46 Petrol Tanker have come to light in several different colours with matching cabs, some with silver plastic wheels (see pictures below). These differ from other No.46 models in several ways, the main ones being differences in the casting of the trailer.

1) First, they do not have a toolbox on the right-hand side next to the mudguard,

2) The tank lids on the top do not have hinges. All the original red models have both toolbox and hinges.

3) The Bedford cabs have been painted inside and underneath which Benbros almost never did, and the paint is quite thick, unlike the usual finish.

4) The 'Esso' decal has a rim which the original ones did not have.

5) The wheels are a thin, nearly smooth type not normally used by Benbros.  

The conclusion, until more evidence can be found, is that these coloured models are of uncertain provenance and were not originally issued by Benbros.