Comments on: Matchbox Models by Lesney

By: Jason Collins

Jason Collins — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 12:54:54 +0000

Lesney’s had 3 Hackney sites in close proximity to each other. They were not all demolished at the same time but over quite a few years. I *think* the first to be demolished was on Lee Conservancy Road (now a housing estate) then the site on the Eastway (now a car park/media centre – post-Olympics) and finally the site on Homerton Road (now Flats)
The first site that closed was Eastway, many took redundancy and the rest relocated to Lee Conservancy Road.
When the Lee Conservancy Road closure was announced (moving manufacturing to the Far East) it’s rumoured many of the moulds were thrown into the river Lee or were damaged.

By: Joseph Enoch

Joseph Enoch — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 21:57:29 +0000

I know that the Lesney factory was demolished 13 years ago, and I still love collecting old matchbox vehicles, do you know if any of them still exist?

The numbers I want are 18- 24- 25- 58.

By: Martin

Martin — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 14:10:25 +0000

Started in August 1966 aged 13. First model was 75B Ferrari Berlinetta. Still collect till today aged 65. Can’t stop, though sometimes tried to. Now own about 45oo models including YY, Convoys, MajorPacks, Skybusters and so on. Seeing these pictures bring back memories of childhood days. Had several holiday-stays in England, met some friends like Geoff Leake and some more and visited many swapmeets mainly in the southwest region around Bristol and the Cotwolds. Will never miss one of those memories. I’m afraid both of my children are not very interested in Matchbox but ask for their worth only.

By: Mick Flack

Mick Flack — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 01:21:59 +0000

Collected these all my life and still looking for models. I would lve to hear from anybody who either worked or had relatives working there and have any info/paperwork from those days as I am trying to compile a history of the company to post on my site but sadly fewer each year are left now so getting hard to do.
If you would like to check it out I have photos on the site of the blue buses and the factory units that were spread around as well as lots more like the above ones
regards
Mick

By: Hector Farrugia

Hector Farrugia — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 12:40:22 +0000

Does anyone know from where I can purchase the following Matchbox models as detailed in this Matchbox Collectors 1966 Collectors’ Guide?

The Numbers I am interested in are: 14 – 29 – 54 – 55 – 57 – 59 -63.

By: Kids Nook

Kids Nook — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 21:54:02 +0000

I do not have anything too old but I do have a Lesney from England from the year 1971 I believe. I can not believe it but even though it is bumped as hell and partially broken the suspension still works and it can bounce around. Now days I practically switched solely to matchbox and hot wheels for my 4 year old cause he can not dismantle them whereas he can break apart most of other brands of die cast toy cars. Wrote an article about our experience called Matchbox vs Hot Wheels vs Majorette. He is I believe still way too young for me to buy him SIKU toy cars.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 13:05:18 +0000

The building demolished in 2010 was the one on the Bridge at Marsh Hill the only bit left after the main factory in LCR was demolished in the 90s after staying empty and derelict for decades. Don’t forget Lesney also had buildings in Eastway too and many of them. It was a huge place of work for Hackney people. The Eastway buildings were only demolished when they started building the Olympic park All the buildings went up to Waterden Road from the BOC company opposite the school.
My Nan and Mum both worked here for years and Mum is the blonde lady in the photo above number 6 on the left of the conveyor, head down.
I used to get free cars and other stuff and have a few rare items still to this day. I don’t know about being told they can take what they want but think most ladies had loose knickers elastic more like. They did have security and if they did spot checks ladies would chuck the cars out the windows and pick them back up once they had passed the security guards.
One bloke told me the canal must be full of old cars.
John Surtees visited the place in 1970 when the Lotus racing car was launched I have a signed Lesney sticker plus visitors guide and ashtray and lighter. Happy days Friday nights were great for me as a lad as nan tipped her bag out and all the cars fell out. What memories

By: Richard D Frisch

Richard D Frisch — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 14:26:01 +0000

hi i live in USA IN IOWA I AM IN MATCHBOX I LIKE TO FINE SOME BODY CLOSE TO TOWN HAVE MATCHBOX I DO NOT HAVE SHIPS YES
PLEAS WRIGHT ME BACK
Thank you

By: Carol

Carol — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:34:16 +0000

Outstanding post from expert. Thank you a lot for writing this
helpful info for all of us.

By: sprite

sprite — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:28:07 +0000

The factory was a landmark on the way from the East End to the M11 before it got extended. I remember it mainly with all the windows broken down, the building completely abandonned. I thought it had been demolished much earlier than 2010, when the banks of the canal became desirable to build new properties.

chilhood museum –
a matchbox pick-up truck parked
outside a doll house

sprite