Годы выпуска : 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999
Количество модификаций : 7
Типы коробок : Q

The first a new group of models called 'The Fire Engine Serie' in which each model was faithful to the original appearance and was seen and approved for historical accuracy by the Fire Brigade Society. The series was based on old castings but so many extra details were added that it was difficult to identify the original. The YFE01 Mack fire engine used the same pattern as on the Y61-1 and the Y6-4 fire engine models. A small number of models were released with YGB09 cast on the baseplate. These are very rare. The vast majority of 1994 issue models have YFE01 cast on the baseplate. Due to its popularity further production runs commenced from 1995. First, the cast YFE01 number was replaced with one tampo printed in white. The (r) mark after the words MODELS OF YESTERYEAR was repositioned and given better definition. Also, the third issue YFE01 model was packaged in thin plastic formers.
A subsequent run in 1997 had the replacement 'B' type (closed hub) press fit wheels fitted, painted baseplate rivets and the deletion of the cast model description. This was replaced by a tampo printed version with the series number. 1997 also saw an interim model, issue 5, which had the (c) deleted, a shortened version 'MODELS OF YESTERYEAR', unpainted baseplate rivets and 'B' type wheels. Another change of base design appeared early in 1998 when the detailing was that of issue 5, but the tampo 'YFE01' was the same size print as '1920 MACK AC' with the model description being 1 mm away from the baseplate edge. The front screw hole was closed off (blind), which was first noticed on the YY030/A/SA 'MACK' truck. Wheels were fitted with small black spacers to reduce lateral movement of the axle. A seventh production run in 1999 caused the baseplate to be revamped under the auspices of the new manufacturer Mattel. '1994 MATCHBOX COLLECTIBLES' had been deleted and replaced with (c) 1994 MATTEL INC' and the cast MODELS OF YESTERYEAR (r) legend removed. 'MODELS OF YESTERYEAR' was then tampo printed to the centre of the baseplate, between a similar sized printed model name and a larger printed model number. The seat colour was noted to vary from matt to satin black.

Годы выпуска : 1995, 1996, 1999
Количество модификаций : 3
Типы коробок : Q

Based on the Y61-1, the YFE03 was fitted with a vast array of fire fighting equipment. The right hand spare wheel was replaced with a hose reel, searchlight and bell; the rear side windows were fitted in and fire fighting equipment added; the rear doors were cut out to allow for the mounted pumping gear; water hoses were fixed to the front radiator shell and the roof rack was re-designed to hold a detailed ladder. All enhancement was in silver.
The YFE03 was first released in Februaru 1995 and was packed in bubble wrap. A further production run was completed in the May and these models were packed in moulded formers. In late 1996 the YFE03 was re-issued with a very dark brown ladder and un-painted red plastic auxiliaries. These included the running board tool boxes, searchlight post, hose reel carriers and the rear pump housing. 1999 saw models appear from Mattel with these plastic parts again over-painted and changes to the baseplate. Except for the 'Matchbox' logo under the left running-board and 'Made in China' on the sub-chassis, all earlier cast text had been deleted. The left running board now displayed the re-positioned 'Matchbox' logo to the left of 'MODELS OF YESTERYEAR' which was printed. Under the right running board was printed the series number and model description. Sub-chassis text was cast with a repeat Matchbox logo adjacent to the gear box and '(c) 1994 MATTEL INC' between the prop-shaft and silencer. Screws replace the earlier base rivets and small black wheel spacers were fitted to reduce lateral movement of the axles.

Годы выпуска : 1995 - 1998
Количество модификаций : 6
Типы коробок : Q

This Type L5 diesel lorry was equipped with a twenty-two metre turnable escape ladder that had to be constructed in three sections. It was most effective in rescuing people from tall building! Despite the small scale of the YFE05, the re-design work and superb detailing ensured its popularity with not only Yesteryear collectors, but also fire fighting model enthusiasts. Although the cab was common to the earlier Y6-6 and Y41-1 models, the rear extension and one piece roof was new. A new platform running the full length of the model was made to support a three-piece diecast and plastic silver ladder. The ladder is on a fully rotating turntable which has a friction pad to prevent the ladder dropping. All enhancement detail was silver. With subsequent re-issues of the YFE05, commonality of the chassis with other themed series models lead to a change in type and location of the baseplate legend. This, and the adoption of screws in favour of rivets, resulted in a total of six different permutations of baseplate/under-bodies.
The YFE05 was only packaged in the moulded plastic formers within the themed style Q box.

Годы выпуска : 1997
Количество модификаций : 1
Типы коробок : Q

Andre Citroen started his own company in 1913 making gearwheels, in particular of the double-helical design which would later be reflected in the chevrons adopted as the Citroen company's emblem. Based on the 1934 Traction Avant 11CV saloon, the Type H van featured a monocoque body construction, independent suspension and front-wheel-drive. This allowed the vehicle to be highly versatile with plenty of space inside, ideal for the French Fire Services to negotiate the narrow city streets of France.
When Matchbox Collectibles promoted the 'Taste of France' series in 1993 the company stated that as soon as production of the series of six models was completed, the tools would be destoyed. Collectors were surprised when the Citroen H van appeared as a fire service support vehicle in July 1997. It was the first model in the third series of the fire engines. The YFE13 'Sapeurs de Longueville' van was basically similar to the YTF06 'Pommery' issues with the sliding door hangers cast on. A part from the new livery the most obvious change was th addition of a chrome roof rack with blue lamp and long light brown two piece ladder. The baseplate, which no longer had two screw holes was an enhanced version of the Taste of France series. It could be found with either painted or un-painted fixing rivets. The front sub-frame detail, the 'C' frame in the centre of the baseplate and the rear axle cover were painted dark silver with engine and exhaust detail painted red and silver. The cast 'YTF6' and 'MAADE IN CHINA' legends were removed. The new series number was now printed in large digits on the left side of the baseplate. Wheel spacers were fitted to reduce lateral movement of the axles. Additional enhancement included the painted seat flutes and chrome effect wheels, which had been over-painted with red, but left the chrome hub cap. The YFE13 was issued in the moulded plastic formers within a themed, generic style Q box.

Годы выпуска : 1997
Количество модификаций : 1
Типы коробок : Q

The E83W was a small van derivative of the Prefect car - E93A - first introduced in 1936. It was produced in large numbers throughout the war years. Indeed, some 350.000 were built for the forces. When loaded with equipment and towing a trailer containing a large portable water pump, it made an outstanding contribution to fire fighting. Made only in England, this light van was given the name 'Thames' because of the proximity of Ford's Dagenham factory in Essex to the river Thames. Production continued until 1953. The YFE18 Ford Thames van and trailer was the last model in the third series of fire engines. This 1950 Ford van casting first appeared as DY4 in the Matchbox Dinky range in 1988 and it came as a surprise to find it as a fire engine model within the Yesteryear range. The added fire fighting equipment looked apt, but the bell was rather large and the fitting of a roof access ladder would have restricted the opening of the rear doors! The tooling had been amended to include two recessed windows in the upper side panels and the spare wheel well was almost hidden by the tow hook component. The cast baseplate legend didn't state that the model was a Model of Yesteryear. A short exhaust was silver painted. Oneblack screw secured the front black bumper, baseplate and body components together and wheel spacers contolled the lateral movement of all the axles. The trailer body was similar to the one which came with the YFE02 Land Rover, but the top cover had been discarded in favour of a pump unit and hoses. Stop-cock keys were included on the right side whilst the left mudguard supported a suction hose extension. The trailer baseplate details were the same as the YFE02 with the copyright date cast to the left and just forward of the leaf springs. However, it was now painted gloss black, retained by two screws and fitted with the Ford wheels inclusive of spacers. The YFE17 was issued in the moulded plastic formers within a themed, generic style Q box.

Годы выпуска : 1998
Количество модификаций : 1
Типы коробок : Q

Most collectors were pleased that the fourth series of fire engines were 'Turn-of-the-Century' edition models. However, collectors outside the USA were disappointed that only two of the six models were not American. The first of the series, the YFE19 Merryweather, was modelled from a vehicle originally operated by the Finchley Fire Brigade, North London, and today is in the collection of the Science Museum in Kensington. It was the first fire engine to be fuelled by petrol. This impressive model had front and rear wheels of different sizes and the chain drive had every link individually picked out in silver. The mudguards were made of soft nylon and had a problem of alignment as first seen with the Y2-4 Bentley. They were painted in the body colour and tampo printed with gold coachlining. Notably, the Finchley coat of arms wa very well printed. An engine cover was removable and revealed a silver coolant pipe over a black engine block and cylinder head from which extended chrome exhaust pipe and silencer. The engine crank-case, sump and transmission were painted silver. Because of the limited space the baseplate legends were very small but clearly defined characters. 'YFE19' was printed on the engine sump, '(c) 1997 MADE IN CHINA' was cast on the transmission unit and under the right hand walkway '1904 MERRYWEATHER MODELS OF YESTERYEAR' was printed. The Matchbox brand logo was cast beneath the drivers side footpalte between the engine and chassis rail. Two baseplate screws wre used to secure this component. The YFE19 was issued in the moulded plastic formers within a themed, generic style Q box.

Годы выпуска : 1998
Количество модификаций : 1
Типы коробок : Q

Karl Benz built his first vehicle in 1885, and from 1890 onwards his firm in Mannheim undertook limited production of petrol fuelled cars. Cars of more modern concept were made from 1902 onwards and their big four-cylinder models were among the most popular from 1908 to 1914. Post-war recession forced Benz into a co-operative agreement with Daimler in 1924, and the two companies merged in 1926. Daimler had been making Mercedes vehicles since 1902. In 1907 an almost disastrous fire at the Berlin Bus Company's warehouse, made Germany realise that its fire fighting facilities were inadequate. The 1912 Benz Fire Engine was produced which revolutionised the German fire fighting methods. The Mercedes-Benz Company did not exist in 1912!
The YFE20 Benz Motorspritze was a conventional looking early fire engine, with its back-to-back crew seating and overhead ladders. Many separate hand-painted parts were created. The driver's seat was gloss black and moulded to represent buttoned leather. A fine example of tampo printing was the crest and characters on the sides of the driver's seat valance. The crew seats were slatted and painted brown to resemble wood and finished with black hand-rails. The pump and its array of valves, controls and hand-wheels were superbly detailed. One side of the bonnet hinges open to reveal the four cylinder engine. Unfortunately, the bonnet hinges looked out of scale, the transmission and exhaust details had a chrome effect finish and the headlight lenses were painted white, rahter than the usual silver! This was the first fire engine to have '(c) 1997 Mattel, Inc.' cast on the base from the outset, reflecting the new ownership of Matchbox and the Yesteryear brand. 'Models of Yesteryear' and the model description were printed under the running boards. The YFE20 was issued in the moulded plastic formers within a themed, generic style Q box.

Годы выпуска : 1998
Количество модификаций : 1
Типы коробок : Q

The Model T has a long history in the Yesteryear range, and happily this new model doesn't share any components with its predecessors. The fire engine was not actually built by Ford; it was only built on a Ford chassis by specialist coachbuilders. As Fords were the most common cars in America at hte time, naturally many were adapted for other uses, and this model demonstrates a stage in evolution of the American fire engine. The YFE22 has a number of nice details, including a klaxon siren with crank, a chain driven water pump and like the YFE21, a pair of hurricane lamps. One side of the bonnet opens on over-scale hinges to reveal a small engine. There was an over-use of chrome effect plating, especially on the two fire buckets and the headlamp lenses. However, the balance of single and double coachlining was not overdone. A long, black suction hose looked very realistic draped about the vehicle's body-work whilst the main hose was folded onto the rear flaybed. A single length of ladder supported a handlamp. The underside of the model was quite plane in comparison to others in this series, but did show the cast transmission arrangements quite clearly. The cast Matchbox logo and a printed version of Models of Yesteryear ws located underneath the left running board. The model name and series number was printed underneath the right running board. At the rear end, under the right rear mudguards extension was cast the copyright date, manufacturer and country of origin. The YFE22 was issued in the moulded plastic formers within a themed, generic style Q box.

Годы выпуска : 1998
Количество модификаций : 1
Типы коробок : Q

This was a model of the first self-propelled, petrol-powered fire vehicle in the U.S.A., made by Waterous Engine Works of St.Paul, Minnesota for the Radnor Fire Company of Wayne, Pennsylvania. It had two engines; one to power the pump and the other to propel the vehicle.
The YFE23 featured plenty of gold effect plating, including the front warning bell, the balloon shaped accumulator, and front and rear grab handles. Incredibly, there were four opening hatches, the centre ones displaying the pump manifold attachments and hoses, and the rear ones, which were double hinged, showing the pump engine itself. The brass hinges were too large, but by having them on both sides gave the model some symmetry. The tampo printed coachlining and decoration were considered to be 'excellent' and the white tyres complemented the models appearance. However, a number of parts were in unpainted red plastic which did not match the body colour. The underside of the model was very well detailed with a road engine, twin drive chain transmission and a balanced articulated linkage steering system. The cast and tampo printed legends were shared amongst various areas of the baseplate with 'Models of Yesteryear' printed on the engine and the model description appearing under the rear footplate.
The YFE23 was issued in the moulded plastic formers within a themed, generic style Q box.

Годы выпуска : 1998
Количество модификаций : 1
Типы коробок : Q

Moving out of the horse-drawn 19th Century and into the petrol powered 20th, the Mack brothers turned their attentions to producing trucks with internal comustion engines. And, in 1911 Mack Trucks received a commission for a pumper chassis from the town of Cynwyd (now called Bala Cynwyd) near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This early Mack fire engine was based on their standard truck chassis; hencethe somewhat stretched body. Representing the last model within the 'Turn of the Century' series of 1998, the YFE24 Mack fire engine was no exception with regard to the wealth of detail lavished on these models. Being of pre-World War I status it did not feature the bulldog motif, but the fire extinguisher on the left-hand running board was a component of 1965 vintage. Originally it had been fitted to the Y14-2 Maxwell Roadster. Like the YFE20 Benz and the YFE22 Ford, one side of the bonnet was hinged to reveal the engine, the power train of which could be traced through to the water pump and flywheel and to thechaindriven road wheels. With a continuance to intrigue the collector with detail, this model featured a bell with an attendant rope pulland capstan handled hose reel. The array of valves, lamps and control levers were of equal quality to others within this series, but the steering column this time was a one piece, plastic component. The wheels were subtly coachlined and, as usual, fine gold coachlining and scroll work decorated the vehicle's bodywork. White, grooved tyres were fitted as they were not uncommon on American vehicles in the early part of that century. Cast legend on the baseplate had been kept to the minimum, but included the copyright date with Mattel, Inc. and the country of manufacture. The model's description, Models of Yesteryear and the series number were printed. The YFE24 was issued in the moulded plastic formers within a themed, generic style Q box.

Годы выпуска : 1999
Количество модификаций : 1
Типы коробок : Q

The power of the new Chevrolet AK pick-up truck with a three speed synchromesh gearbox was an ideal vehicle for the U.S.Army to convert into a fire fighting pumper vehicle.
This was the second time that the 1941 Chevrolet AK truck had appeared within th range and both appeared within a year. However, this time the pick-up truck had been given a new rear body. The bonnet and cab were as YTC01, but the left front wing gained a siren, the front bumper a pot lamp, the cab roof a pair of red warning lamps and a new windscreen wiper that did not obscurevisibility. The new rear body had four lots of hoses, inclusive of twin reels with different sizes, and a flexible vlack hand rail. Silver paint and gold effect plating enchanced most of the equipment which contrasted well with the Army green livery. To make the model authentic, a subtly modified chassis and exhaust system was fitted. A new casting was made of the front wing, running board and baseplate component. As the printed legend was now printed on the undersides of the running boards. The cast legends were repositioned with an additional copyright date of 1997.
The YYM35189 (YFE27) was issued in the moulded plastic formers, endorsed YFE27, within a themed, generic style Q box with themodel code number applied by labels to both end flaps.

Годы выпуска : 1999
Количество модификаций : 4
Типы коробок : Q

In 1999 the Ford AA Forest Fire Truck was released at the same time as Mattel were advertising on their website the YYM38182, a re-coloured YFE06. When the YYM38182 model finally appeared it showed some components and assembly procedures that were identical to those used on the YYM35190 Forest Fire Truck. For example both models had the modified cab glazing with open windows and both models had the additional base screw. Other comparisons to the Forest Fire Truck would be YFE06 as issued in 1999. The YYM35190's cab and chassis were similar to the YFE06, especially as the front bumper inclusive of its pump had been fitted. A couple of fire extinguishers and a fire blanket had been mounted either side at the rear of bonnet and an extra coiled hose was added on top of the original one on the cab roof. A totally new stake bed truck body had been fitted inclusive of an opening tail board and a printed registration plate. This rear body was packed with a large assortment of fire fighting equipment which was arranged for display rather than for plastic means; however, they were realistically produced. Detailed enhancement was added to the front pump appendages and to the head lights which were painted black with silver lenses. The front bumpers was painted white with black detailing for the two strips and pump parts underneath. The baseplate legend was a combination of cast and printed text with Mattel, Inc. cast and it was possible to find this model with either YFE26 or YYM35188 printed. The YYM35190 (YFE28) was issued in the moulded plastic formers, endorsed YFE28, whithin a themed, generic style Q box with the model code number applied by labels to both end flaps.