Matchbox
Vintage Matchbox Cranes: No.11, No.30 and a Missing-Hook Faun
When buying a loose Matchbox crane, the hook and boom can matter more than a clean-looking cab. MM's catalog provides three instructive examples: the Lesney No.11 Taylor Jumbo Crane, the Lesney No.30 8 Wheel Crane, and a Faun mobile crane whose hook is explicitly missing. Choose by the exact components included and the display you want to build.
Compare the offers, not just the silhouettes
| Model | Catalog colors | Included-part statement | Other buying detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| No.11 Taylor Jumbo Crane | Yellow, red hook | Boom and hook present | Regular black wheels; playworn; no box |
| No.30 8 Wheel Crane | Green, orange boom, yellow hook | Boom and hook present | Regular black wheels; playworn; no box |
| Faun mobile crane | Bright orange, black boom | Crane hook missing | Played with; front scuffs; listed 1:90 |
The two Lesney listings describe original vintage pieces, not restored, and state that the pictured crane is the exact item offered. The Faun listing likewise identifies the photographed loose crane as the offer. A missing hook is not hidden by the fact that the boom is present.
Presence and function are different checks
A visible boom and hook establish that those components appear with the item. They do not prove smooth movement, a secure pivot or trouble-free operation. If you want to pose a working feature repeatedly, confirm its function separately. For a static shelf, visible completeness and the chosen pose may matter more.
Inspect the hook closely for visible damage, then follow the boom to its attachment area. Review the wheels, chassis and stance. Avoid assuming a crane has every accessory it originally carried simply because its most obvious parts remain. The complete product gallery and a clear included-parts description are more useful than a single thumbnail.
Choose by the scene
A yellow No.11 and a green-and-orange No.30 offer different color balances in a vintage worksite display. Give the boom room so it does not disappear behind another truck. Do not use a vintage model to lift objects: a posed miniature crane is a display piece, and an added load can strain old components.
The Faun is cataloged as 1:90. That stated scale matters if you intend to place it beside models labeled with another scale. Do not relabel it 1:64 because it is Matchbox. For any scene requiring realistic proportions, measure the models and use each one's reliable scale information.
Buying an incomplete crane for a project
The Faun can suit an intentionally incomplete display or a repair plan, provided you accept that the hook is absent. Before buying a replacement, verify its size and attachment method. A hook taken from another crane may be visually plausible but mechanically incompatible.
Document replacement parts and modifications. If your priority is a vintage crane with its cataloged boom and hook present, compare the No.11 and No.30 galleries first. If you already own a crane, preserve its current condition record before changing it. The Matchbox construction-display guide can help you plan the larger scene after the exact crane is chosen.
Find your next Matchbox project
Explore MM custom Matchbox cars and Matchbox DIY kits, checking each listing for the parts included. For original loose and vintage models, browse loose Matchbox cars or vintage Lesney Matchbox. Return to the Matchbox collector hub for more guides.
