Benbros Qualitoys
Express Window Service Motorcycle
Variation 2: black motorcycle with accessories, blue plastic rider, box
Variation 1: red motorcyle, metal rider
Variation 2: black motorcycle with accessories, blue plastic rider, box
The Window Service Motorcycle was the final model which Benbros issued in the Qualitoys range. It made use of the type 2 motorcycle from the AA, RAC and solo models but had a new sidecar along with extra accessories.
Features of the motorcycle included moveable forks, 'TTC 147' on both front and rear number-plates, and 'Made in England' cast underneath. It was painted red for the first issue (as depicted on the box) with silver trim on the headlight, number plates, fuel tank, and some engine parts. The unpainted wheels were spoked and had black treaded rubber tyres.
Later Benbros changed the motorcycle colour to black without silver trim or with a reduced trim application just on the headlight.
The sidecar was a new box-like casting without a lid. 'Window Cleaning Service' was cast on a raised panel at the front but like earlier sidecar models, there was no id. underneath. It was fixed to the motorcycle through the rear axle, and at the front with a pin through the engine of the bike. It was painted all over in a beige or pale creamy-brown colour including the outer mudguard.
Several early Benbros models were issued with extra accessories and their last model also came with them, in this case two plastic ladders and an unpainted metal bucket.
For the first window cleaner figure, Benbros used the same metal casting as the Police Patrol with a peaked cap. It was painted dark-blue with pale-tan face colour but no other trim. Later, this metal figure was replaced by a blue plastic one, also with a peaked cap and with pale-tan paint applied to the face only.
Benbros produced a box for the Window Cleaner with a different illustration on each side in fairly muted colours and showing the first issue red motorcycle. Interestingly there was a different registration number on the front mudguard on each picture although the one cast on the model was the usual 'TTC 147'. The decorated end-flaps of the box were printed with 'Qualitoy Benbros' and on the sides 'Scale Model' and 'Express Window Service' were included.
This final Qualitoys model is a rare one, perhaps because it was only issued for a short time. The accessories are usually lost and missing. Finally, the box with its slightly subdued colours is very hard to find, making it among the rarest of Benbros boxes.
Variation 1: red motorcycle, silver trim, blue metal rider
Benbros Qualitoy Express Window Service Motorcycle
Variations
Both versions were issued in an illustrated end-flap box
1) RED motorcycle, BEIGE sidecar, 2 plastic ladders, metal bucket, DARK-BLUE metal rider
2) BLACK motorcycle, BEIGE sidecar, 2 plastic ladders, metal bucket, BLUE metal or plastic rider
Variation 2: black motorcycle, blue plastic rider, twin ladders, bucket, box