No serial numbers
None of the Playcraft items had serial numbers on them making identification difficult at times.
Two versions (1)
There were two variations of the early series of open wagon (P632) one with one door on each side and one with two. This open wagon also came in two colours - brown and green.
Two versions (2)
There were two variations of the Heineken van both in green and white but one with SNCF on the data panel and one with NS
Two versions (3)
There were two variations of the barrel wagon (P643) which came in brown and in red
Two versions (4)
There were two variations of the Tube wagon (P631) which came in light grey and in dark grey
Two versions (5)
There were two variations of the 21 ton mineral wagon (P633) which came in grey and in brown
Different Labels
The continental wagons such as the hopper wagon originally had paper labels stuck on them to indicate the British name e.g. 'walrus' , 'bogie bolster', 'tare' etc. However it is possible to find variants of a number of wagons with odd or incorrect names. The hopper wagon (P661) has been seen with Walrus, Tare, Bogie Bolster and Boplate labels.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Wagons have also been found with duplicate labels, such as a bogie open wagon with identical weight labels at each corner.
Two versions (6)
There were two variations of the well wagon, one with a flat bed and one with four holes - for fixing the transformer load.
Bogie 'Butagaz' Tanker
This model dates from the end of the 1960's and became Jouef cat. No: 6511. I have several examples of the model but, although they have the later Playcraft couplings, none carry the Playcraft name. The model first appeared in the 1969-70 Jouef catalogue and was never featured in any of the Playcraft catalogues. A victim of the downfall of Playcraft.
Bogie Cattle Wagon
This model also dates from the end of the 1960's and became Jouef cat. No: 6531. I have several examples of the model but, although they have the later Playcraft couplings, none carry the Playcraft name. The model first appeared in the 1969-70 Jouef catalogue and was never featured in any of the Playcraft catalogues. Another victim of the downfall of Playcraft.
Fixing holes
The later 4-wheel chassis had fixing holes just behind the headstock, which appear to be intended for alternative couplings of the Tri-ang type. It may have had something to do with the fact that the Simplex type couplings had a habit of breaking the plastic movement-limiting pins which were part of the underframe at the rear of the coupling.
Primary Series
I have a couple of wagons, which are made by Jouef in the early 1970's when they were used with others in starter sets. They all have only one coupling hook and the dropside wagons have 8 small recesses in the floors which were used to fix the tractor loads. However they do have the words 'Jouef for Playcraft' underneath!
Another tank wagon
An interesting wagon has come to light, bought at a swapmeet in November 2000 in Holland. A primary-type tank wagon in grey with 'TOTAL' transfers and original Lanal couplings. It looks very similar to the early Jouef tank and these were made in the same livery (both AZUR and TOTAL). However this one is a different model entirely and it has the magic words 'Jouef for Playcraft' underneath. I don't quite know when it was made and where it figures in the catalogues. It could be a later Jouef starter set wagon of course.
A similar model in brighter colours featured in the 1970's Jouef catalogues.
Jouef Coupling
The Kangourou Piggyback set was sold only with Jouef couplings. In the 1968 Playcraft catalogue an explanation is given in that it is to enable the ramp to be positioned correctly for loading. A Playcraft coupling was provided for fitting at the outer ends of the wagon set.
Quality Control?
A close inspection of the doors on a green bogie goods van in my collection showed that the inspectors at Playcraft must have had the occasional off day. On one side, one of the doors has been fitted upside down. This is obvious since the handle in not in the centre and the strapping, which is in the shape of a vee, is opposite to its mate. This door is obviously the wrong way up!
