571 and 971 Coles Mobile Crane (1949-66)

Just managed to add another example of the Coles Mobile Crane to my previous ones. It is the first type - made 1950-1952 - with the early ridged Dinky Toys hubs, as opposed to the later version with grooved Dinky Supertoys hubs. This one and the other example shown must have been produced in about the same period, most probably 1952, as they have come in the same type of original box, still marked 'Dinky Supertoys', so each very close to the moment of change. It strikes me that, looking underneath, the ridged wheels show an extra little ring in between. Althought the box is not perfect, it has all packing pieces there. I thought the couple on the sides were complete, but there is an extra support for the jib. The change-over to the grooved hubs exactly coincides with the use of colour in the catalogues, as far as I'm aware. The black and white - both in Meccano Magazine and in the catalogues - show the Dinky Toys hubs. From 1952 the coloured pictures are seen, with the new grooved hubs.

Hi all, This is connection with the slewing rivet (reference to 972 Coles 20-ton Lorry Mounted crane. I have just checked my 571/971 Coles Mobile Cranes and found that the rivet for mounting the body to the chassis was changed in the same manner as 972. Note the plated jib of the left-hand version which also has plastic wheel hubs and plastic driver. Ron F

Jan Does the box contain an original price written on it anywhere? I think I may have the answer to the question you raised in Post #12 above. I presume the quality inspection stamp is on the interior of the lid? Have you had a close examination of the external part of the box's base as often a much clearer stamp can be found? Kind regards Bruce H. (150) 20170321/1076:0204

No, I'm sorry, Bruce, nothing readable or even visible showing up, neither quality control stamp, nor price! Such data would have been considerably helpful indeed as an indication for both examples' chronology. Kind regards, Jan

Jan In regard to your rersponse above, Post #16, I am uncertain as to what is going on, as your Post #12 is very clear. This is what you wrote in Post #12 above together with the image: For anyone who is able to identify the date, as stamped underneath! Kind regards, Jan The picture above is even captioned 'stamp_coles_mobile_crane' - so if it is not from a 571 then what is it from??? Kind regards Bruce H. (150) 20170321/1077/1722

After conversion to the new website something strange happened to the colours of the stamp image in post #12. The correct original image is below. I took the box in my hands anew today and with the bare eye the stamp is hard to find. Curiously that colour change gave the faint original image more contrast and made it more visible. Still, I cannot decipher it - can you, Bruce? If a stamp is present on the box of my newly added example with the Dinky Toys hubs, I cannot find it - let alone read it. Kind regards, Jan

I have had a look at the stamp and it seems to read JGYORE although I am not sure about the Y. So this is not a date and it is probaly the name or pseudo of the QC inspector.

Taking the photograph below this afternoon, showing Coles models with and without the little ring behind the wheels (like the Land-Rover and some first type no. 153a Jeeps), I became aware that the baseplate of this model, being fully symmetrical in shape, can also be mounted in a reversed way. So, as far as I am aware, after the B.E.V. Electric Truck and the Ammunition Trailer this is the third example with two alternative orientations for the base plate. Kind regards, Jan

Just before putting them back into their display, I discovered another never mentioned anomaly: one of the jibs shows a reversed, mirrored structure. I haven't checked yet if both do occur randomly, or, if the one in the middle is an uncommon exception. Apparently the flat perforated tinplate sheets could be inserted to be bent in the correct U shape in different ways. Kind regards, Jan

Jan. Very special to discover such differences in your collection. Especially if that stands out later. Nice to show this. It gives a special dimension to the possession of such models. Kind regards Jan O.

Jan W. Many thanks for spoting this new variation. I would think that the quantities of each jibs is very uneven. About symetrical base plates like the Coles mobile crane and B.E.V. electric truck, both Panhard E.B.R. (80a / 815 and 827) have also base plates which can be fitted either way. All the best Jacques

Hi Jan, Great discovery, this is why i like this forum so much. I have got 4 different versions. They all have jibs like your left and right one.