NEW TRUCKS FROM OXFORD DIECAST

AVAILABLE in the shops imminently is this pair of excellent, newlytooled AEC 690 trucks from Oxford Diecast. The AEC 690 Dumptruck (76ACD001) and Concrete Mixer (76ACM001) will first appear in the liveries shown here, but there are already other versions on the production line to follow on soon.

The AEC 690 cab and chassis were designed by Thornycroft, who had been purchased by AEC in the early 1960s. The AEC 690 was a real workhorse. An all-steel, full-width cab, resiliently mounted with easy access steps both sides, featured a lined interior and flat two-piece reverse sloping windscreen, counter-balanced drop-door windows, rear view quarter and centre windows and adjustable driver's seat. Cab equipment included twin windscreen wipers, two large rear view mirrors, and efficient heater/demister unit and a tool box. During its production run, it was rebadged often, with different engines and updated body variations:

• AEC 690 (1964-1969)

• Aveling Barford 690 (1969-1975)

• Leyland LD55 (1975-1980)

• Leyland Bush Tractor LD55 (1972-1980)

• Scammell LD55 (1975-1980)

• Scammell Bush Tractor LD55 (1972-1980)

• Thornycroft Bush Tractor (1970-1972)

The first four releases of the new tooling have been confirmed as follows:

• 76ACD001 AEC690 Dumper Truck - Wimpey

• 76ACD002 AEC690 Dumper Truck - NCB

• 76ACM001 AEC690 Concrete Mixer - blue/white

• 76ACM002 AEC690 Concrete Mixer – yellow/black

For more information, see Oxford Diecast’s website (www.

oxforddiecast.co.uk) or contact your preferred retailer. ■