972 Coles 20 ton AEC Lorry Mounted Crane (1955-69)

Hi all,My question may sound silly.In which year was the 16th International Commercial Motor Transport Exhibition held in London ? This was probably between 1955 and 1962.Thanks.Jacques.

It was 1953 Dave

Thank you David.

Jacques, as you created this new 972 thread, I will post some pictures that I found in my documentation. No time now to write an elaborate account on this successful Dinky model, for others to complete ... The most common version of the Coles Lorry Mounted Crane and the combination with the 889/972 Coles camion grue 20 tonnes 3 essieux, assembled in France (1959-1960 only), below. [img] images/sites/default/files/old-forum-images/dte972_Coles_truck_1952_ramger_20T_S_6x4_02.jpg[/img] Three pictures relating to the 1:1 crane. Two pictures of promotionals (971 and 972), presents from the Dutch Van Kranenburg company of Rotterdam, importers of Coles cranes, now in the archives of the present-day heirs Van Seumeren - Mammoet. Kind regards, Jan

dinkycollect wrote: 'Hi all, My question may sound silly. In which year was the 16th International Commercial Motor Transport Exhibition held in London ? This was probably between 1955 and 1962. Thanks. Jacques.' Jacques, What is the connection between the 16th International Commercial Motor Transport Exhibition that Dave informs us was in 1953, and the 972 20-ton Lorry Mounted Crane? I have been patiently waiting (and so too many others I suspect!!!) for your next post. The suspense is killing us!!! Although I huess it has something to do with the prototype Coles Lorry Mounted Crane. Kind regards from Manila Bruce (150) #536

Hi Bruce, a Google search learns this, as auctioned by Vectis: Lot 3267 House On The Hill Collection - June 17th, 2006 Dinky - No.972 Coles Mobile Crane on AEC chassis - orange cab and chassis, orange-yellow Crane and Supertoy hubs, light blue metal driver and Crane operator, grey tyres - Good Plus in Good Plus blue striped box. This example is highly unusual in that the box lid has 3 x '16th International Commercial Motor Transport Exhibition' labels for the Commercial Motor Show at Earls Court London September 26 - October 4 'See Our Exhibit, Stand No.137 Avenue U 1st Floor', it would appear that this example was a promotional giveaway by Coles themselves during this particular Commercial Motor Show. Unusual item, the first we have seen. Estimate:

Dear Jan, Thank you for answering Bruce's question while I was away. One of your pictures of the actual 972 is very interesting as it shows the truck in 'Sparrows' livery. Meccano issued a promotional model (980 Coles Hydra truck) for Sparrow Crane Hire which today has its head office located in Bristol and are the West Country's premier crane hire company.

Richard, for comparison with yours, I show my later, last version of the Lorry Mounted Crane. Contrary to yours it has no separate handle-grips anymore, and the string supports at the rear are filled in. The hook has a different colour, but that is of minor importance. Kind regards, Jan

Yes Jan, you are right. And I will add the tyres colours : black for yours and grey for mine. I think also that the strings of mine are not originals. I will post tomorrow a photo of my other Coles, the version 'assembl en France' Kind regards. Richard

Kia Ora from New Zealand, I was not aware of the variation of the #972 20-Ton 'Coles' Lorry-Mounted Crane with the filled-in A frame for the lifting string. So I had to check my 972s and found that the two late versions were so modified, so I don't have to look any further for another variation. As to the wheel hubs, the one I have with black hubs and tyres has a mixture 3 each of styles. The box illustration shows the hub style with the inner studs only. Ron F

Dear friends. Here are the photos. 1) The one which was fitted in France with its french box.

Here it is !