Description
Lesney (Matchbox) London Trolleybus No. 56
Series: Matchbox 1–75 Series
Model number: 56
Manufacturer: Lesney Products & Co. Ltd., England
Introduced: 1956
Scale: approx. 1:100 (display scale, not exact)
Description & Features
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Type: London double-deck trolleybus
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Body: Die-cast metal
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Colour: Bright London Transport red
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Roof: Grey
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Windows: Clear plastic
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Destination board: Usually marked “56”
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Poles: Twin rear trolley poles (plastic or metal depending on issue)
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Wheels: Black plastic wheels
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Baseplate: Black metal base stamped “Lesney – Made in England”
This model is highly regarded for capturing the distinctive shape of London’s post-war trolleybuses.
Historical Context
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London trolleybuses replaced trams and were common throughout the 1930s–1950s.
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Lesney released this model during the first decade of Matchbox, when British street scenes were a major theme.
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The real London trolleybus network was phased out by 1962, adding historical charm to the model.
