Originally Posted by
Vann
There's an exception to every rule Alli. This is only the second Wadkin to show up with a serial number below 105 - but these are the only two Wadkin (out of ~400 machines). Both exceptions are MNs.
Satistically, there's a problem. Either a higher than can reasonably be expected number of pre-105 machines have been scrapped (they would be the oldest after all), or Wadkin started most models at or about #105.
One example is the RB buzzer. New Zealand Railways bought 12 of these before Wadkin had even begun production - so it's reasonable to expect the machines delivered were amoung the first. Of the twelve delivered are serial numbers #109, # 113, #116 (mine) and #117.
I think the High Priest of the Wadkin Temple got the good oil on the "numbers start at 105" theory. Unfortunately there's a disbeliever on a beach somewhere in Oz (her second name is possibly Lucy - short for Lucifer :D).
Cheers, Vann.