24g Sports tourer (4-seater)

Some weeks ago I was able to buy a very rare Dinky model 24g Sports tourer 4-seater. Some may know that Meccano poduced for a short period models with coloured hubs other than black, blue or silver plated. First these were described by Bob Burnett at his site 2006, a 24d Vogue saloon with green body and green hubs. I believe the model was owned by late Roger Poulet. Tony Murphy wrote a excellent article on these models in The Journal July 2013 were he showed more models. I found my model atthe famousGerman carboot sale for antique toys. The sports tourer has a yellow body and of course yellow hubs. The hubs are Tootsy style and only painted at outside. The first type chassis has all the features of these early models, criss cross, unpainted at underside etc. The chssis is fatigue and part of the rear mudgard right is broken. also the radiator is missing and untill I find a original, I placed a first type diamond grill replacement to make the model look better. The body is in prestine condition considering the age of the model. Also the 23 racers had coloured hubs. Known is a white model with white hubs and a cream model with cream hubs. I have not found any 25 model with these type coloured hubs. John.

John-A very nice and very rare model.....congratulations on finding this one. Most of us are very unfamiliar with these very early models, so great to see one and know more about them. Do you know about when this one was produced? Best regards, Terry

Hello Terry, The models 24 were introduced in Meccano Magazine April 1934. Production was untill 1940. However the early models were not made very long. I believe just during 1934. The Tootsy style hubs of course had to be changed soon after complaints of Tootsy toys USA. The chassis also gives us information. The first type had the markings Meccano Dinky Toys at the central bar and a boss behind the front axle. Second type chassis had no markings and the boss was deleted, must be 1934-1935. Third type had a flat criss cross chassis with markings at the diagonal bar. See picture of first type chassis. Unfortunately the drawing of the chassis does not exist anymore as far as I know. Otherwise we could have date the models correct. Any additional information is welcome. John.

Hi John, after your private preview, a fortnight ago, it's nice to see this rare beast has definitely settled into your collection. Once more such a special find proves that it needs many years of experience on this subject to be able to make the right choice when such a stroke of luck occurs! Kind regards, Jan

Hello Everyone, I hope you're all doing well and keep safe away from that Covid19 sh... Here's a pice of my 24g with clockwise from top left : Variant 3 with Tootsie hubs Variant 4 with smooth hubs Variant 7 with 36f body (without slot for the driver) Variant 4 Same as the blue/brown servimg.com/view/20010179/55 ]