Matchbox 24a / 24b; Weatherill Hydraulic Excavator

The Weatherhill Hydraulic Excavator was first released in 1956 in a smaller scale at 58mm in length, it was re-released in 1959 in a slightly larger scale at 67mm in length.

The first smaller version was either orange or yellow with metal wheels. The orange ones are very common, yellow a little less so and carry a small premium.

The larger version is always yellow with either grey or black plastic wheels. Look out for the early releases with crimped axles as they are a little harder to find and demand a small premium.

The tractor underneath all the hydraulic equipment appears to be a Fordson Major.