Registration number stickers

Factory sticker sheets

In 1964, with the introduction of the Patton tank, military jeep and the 2 ½ ton cargo truck, came the now familiar registration number (a.k.a. serial number) sticker that where applied to a long list of army vehicles from the Processed Plastic Company. It should be noted that from time to time vehicles left the factory without them being applied. A depleted inventory was most likely the reason for this. The rectangular 5/16 x 1" sticker featured rounded corners, various shades of green backgrounds, white lettering and a small white star. The number itself changed over the years. 19855 was used briefly for the initial run of the square cab truck. 31072545 was used throughout the military lineup beginning in 1964. until it was replaced by 55239326 during the 70s. The sticker was eventually phased out in the early 90s to help reduce rising production costs as it could not be added to the existing sticker sheet found in the bagged sets. The registration number sticker sheets are all but impossible to find. 

Notes: 
• The number 19855 was used briefly for the initial run of the square cab truck that featured rubber tires. The sticker was smaller (5/16 x 3/4") and featured two stars on either side of the number.

• A larger registration number sticker with 3441269 was used on the Dominator Tank. It included an American flag and two stars. 

So what sticker went with what vehicle? Here's the breakdown:

19855
• First run of the square cab truck w/ rubber wheels

31072545 
• Square cab truck w/plastic wheels 
• Cargo truck wo/ hitch and flat wheel hubs
• Patton Tank w/ antenna and metal axles
• Patton Tank w/ antenna and small black wheels
• Willys M38 Jeep w/ separate steering wheel 
• Willys MB Jeep w/ spare tire

55239326 
• Cargo truck w/ hitch and conical wheel hubs 
• Patton Tank w/ plastic wheels and axles
• Willys Jeep w/ molded steering wheel
• Scout vehicles 
• Sea King Army helicopter
• Cayuse Army helicopter 
• M41 Walker Bulldog tank (M60)
• Willys MB Jeep w/ radio 
• 1662 dump truck

Aqua Green Division

Aqua Green Division

Processed Plastics began casting their Vietnam era soldiers (minus the marching GI) along with the M48 Patton tank, Willys M38 Jeep, cannon and the Scout vehicle in a color that the company referred to as aqua green. This new division, along with the Desert Command Series, were combined in a variety of assortments and released in the Tank Division, Combat Patrol, and the U.S. Army Headquarters bagged sets.

Manaplas S.A. Cargo Truck

As reviewed in a post last week, the Venezuelan company Manaplas S.A. produced a military toy line that included very similar versions of the TimMee Patton tank, Willys MB Jeep and field cannon. They also happened to produce this M35 Cargo truck. It was shipped separately and therefore not available for the first review.
Unlike the other vehicles mentioned in that post, the cargo truck has the exact dimensions as its TimMee counterpart. However, the trucks are not from the same mold. There are very subtle differences between the two truck bodies and canopy tops. So subtle, in fact, that they're not even worth mentioning...or trying to describe, for that matter. The wider clip-on tires and rather bland wheels of the Manaplas are the only substantial differences. The plastic is pliable and has the same density as its U.S. counterpart and is said to have been cast in several colors. The applied star stickers are the same size as the ones used by Processed Plastic... as are the canvas top stickers (Marksman and Captain).

So the big question still remains. Was the Manaplas cargo truck, Patton tank, Willys MB Jeep and field cannon molds produced by Moldrite (former division of the Processed Plastic Company)?

Rescue Copter Review

The Rescue Copter was one of the last TimMee military vehicles I ever expected to get a new lease on life during these exciting times of reissues. And I certainly wouldn't have expected it to be offered in a new color, if we were to be so lucky. But here it is in desert tan for the very first time. Christmas arrived a bit early this year!

Right off the bat you'll notice that the five blades, hub, twin air intakes and rear rotor are now silver-gray in color. Gone are the classic white components we're so familiar with. Although, silver-chrome was occasionally used for these parts on other Sea King helicopters, such as the Traffic, Marine and Navy versions. There are several reasons for this change. One being that Jeff likes to differentiate the reissues a little whenever possible. Makes perfect sense. I'm sure there are a few TimMee fans who may be a bit taken back by the new look. I know I was somewhat skeptical when I first told about the change. But the silver-gray does gives it a more realistic appearance, so the trade-off works.

The quality here is quite good. Details are as crisp as the classics. The mold has no doubt held up well over the years. The blades and rotor fit easily and securely. The intake does require a bit of finesse to install. A flat head screwdriver works well to push the top tab into place. There is some flash present around certain window frames and a small section of the hull seam so have a sharp hobby knife at the ready to remove it and to cut the blades cleanly from the spurs prior to installing them. Both helicopters have the same matte finish found on the Hercules Gunship which ads more realism as opposed to the glossy finish found on the Patton tanks.

The new desert tan Sea King is a must have for any TimMee collector (especially if you're looking to expand the desert tan soldiers and vehicles). And the army green version is a cool new twist on an old classic. Quite frankly, the $26.80 price tag isn't that bad at all, especially with free shipping.

A very special thanks to Jeff Imel for bringing this classic back to life after a long absence from service.


Semper Fi!

Gallery

Now shipping!

► Tan TimMee Rescue 'Copter: 1:48 Scale Sea King Helicopter+24 Soldiers

► Green TimMee Rescue 'Copter: 1:48 Scale Sea King Helicopter+24 Soldiers

NOTICE: These and all other TimMee reissues are officially available from amazon.com, victorybuy.com and Victory Buy's Ebay store ONLY. Sellers on Ebay, Sears Marketplace or other auction sites are charging considerably more money for the same products.