Budgie Toys No.304
Plateglass Transporter
B4 box
C1 open-sided pack (sealed)
B4 box
Issued 1964-66 Length 108mm
Second of the models based on the Bedford TK truck was No.304 Plateglass Transporter (the first was No.294 Horsebox). The same cab and chassis casting was used with the addition of a new glass transporter body.
Painted white, the cab had clear plastic windows and a 'Tower Glass Co.' decal on the roof sign. The only other difference from the Horsebox was the altered lettering on the underside of the chassis which now read 'Glass Lorry No.304' on a raised panel.
The green body of the Plateglass Transporter was a single casting which fitted onto a lug at the rear of the chassis and was held in place by a rivet behind the cab which also held the little base at the front in place. On each side of the body were orange decals with 'Tower Glass Co.' in black lettering.
The main part of the body was shaped to enable 'glass panes' to be carried. Four clear plastic 'panes' were included with the model, these being originally held in place by a thin elastic band.
Fitted with silver plastic wheels and knobbly tyres, the Plateglass Transporter had no variations during its life.
It was sold in yellow 'Budgie Models Ltd.' boxes but without the descriptive panel on the reverse which Budgie dropped at this stage (B4). Later it was sold in blue & white open-sided window packs (C1).
For a rather dull model, the Plateglass Transporter must have been popular because it is quite easy to collect but the plastic 'panes' are often lost and missing. Also, the white paint finish is easily chipped and so complete examples in mint condition are scarce. Both the yellow box and the open-sided pack are hard to find.
Budgie No.304 Plateglass Transporter
WHITE cab & chassis
BLACK base
GREEN body
'Tower Glass' decals
Four plastic 'panes'
Silver plastic wheels (knobbly tyres)
B4 box or C1 pack
Budgie No.304 in original sealed C1 window pack