The Scout seems to have replaced the 14W twin-channel version
of the Westminster in 1963. The changes between the two models were a
cosmetic make-over in a larger black and cream cabinet, together with a
different chassis layout (seemingly identical to later versions of the V-front
Dominator, though rated 3W less). The Westminster 10W single-channel model
remained in the catalogue alongside the Scout, but the Scout was a relatively
short-lived model which became the Custom 15 circa 1964/5, hence they are
rare today.
The Scout falls into the period when Watkins were changing into Wem. Some have
brass Watkins logos, some have the later "day-glo" orange Wem logo,
and there are unconfirmed sightings of early versions in turquoise & cream.
An even rarer version is the Mersey Super 15, a specially commissioned model made in very small quantities for Hessys music shop in Liverpool.
Charlie Watkins is quoted as saying about this rare amp - " When the
beat-boom was soaring on Merseyside, we were commissioned to build these for
Hessys in Liverpool, so that they could have their own brand as it were. At
first they wanted fifty, but in the end we only supplied them with seven or
eight." The Mersey Super 15 appeared in the Bell Catalogue in September
1964, and so it would appear that possibly the surplus left over from Hessys
were taken over by Bell
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August 1963 advertisement for the WEM Scout.
