Issued 1956-1960    Length 80mm    'OO/HO' scale (1:76)

 

A simple way for toymakers to expand their range is to issue an existing model in a new livery or role. Britains did this with the 3-Ton Lorry which was created as LV/607 Army 3-Ton Covered Truck. The model was based on the real Bedford RL vehicle.

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Details of the model's composition were the same as those for the Army version except that LV/608 was issued without a canopy and without a towhook. Like LV/607, there was an early variation with rear windows in the cab but these were soon discontinued.  

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To stress the Farm or 'civilian' role of the model, Britains issued it in bright colours with the cab and chassis casting being one colour and the body and base another. There were three combinations, black and yellow, red and blue, and green and red.

 

The plastic wheels were always red with black tyres which had 'Britains Ltd England' on the sides.

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The Farm 3-Ton Lorry was sold in an open fronted box with an internal diorama insert to which the model was secured. The model name and number were printed on one of the end-flaps.

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LV/608 was included in the large Railway Set L/11 and was probably popular because examples are easy to find although often playworn. However, the first variation with rear cab windows is very rare and the boxes are scarce.