This model has been designed to commemorate the 1997 production of Chester Mystery Plays, July 30 - July 16.

Mystery - or 'miracle' - plays were originally biblical dramas performed on open carriages through various English cities in medieval times. With no television, radio or press the plays were not only a source of travelling entertainment but an outlet for humour and satire cloaked in religious drama by wily, fun loving guildsmen.

Depicting the 'mystery' of life from the Bible - the greatest story ever told - Chester's original script is still being enacted some 600 years later. Now under marquee cover to protect both audience and actors from the inclemency of British weather, the theatrical spectacle is staged in the grounds of the great Norman Chester Cathedral by an amateur cast of hundreds under professional direction. Traditionally a community event, it also remains true to the original text - albeit in modern translation - and attracts visitors from all over the world.

A dramatically moving spectacle depicting the history of mankind from creation with Adam and Eve to the Last Judgement. Chester's production has been traced back to 1375 - and it was the last city in England to succumb when King Henry VIII banned such plays during the Reformation.

They were not performed again officially until the Festival of Britain in 1951, and more recently have been produced at five yearly intervals while the jocular mood of their transportation origins lives on.

Limited edition of 3,500.

This model radiated eye-catching colours within the exquisite tampo artwork. The cab roof paint shades varied slightly, ranging from "rich custard-yellow" to "lemony-yellow," which is similar to the model's wheels.
Produced soon after the YY048/SA "Pickfords", no casting alterations were made for this model.
A tiny number of models with base plate rivets and no tampo printed series number were found in Canada in 1999. This manufacturing run was short-lived since the base was typically attached to the body using screws.
The wheels on all issues were manufactured from a lemon-yellow plastic and fitted with black tyres. Wheel spacers were also installed to lessen lateral movement.
On issues 2 and 3 the series number was tampo printed on the water tank in large capital lettering.
The model was issued in a plastic former within the Q1 style yellow and blue box which was endorsed 'Y-37'.

The suffix 'SB' in the coding means that the 'S' is for Special Livery and the 'B' shows it to be the second Special Livery.
Athough the screw holes were cast the model was never intended to be fixed down.

(1992)

Scale: 1:59