449 Johnston Road Sweeper (1977-80)

A promotionnal model with a casting flaw and the wrong box. This truck has obviously the opening doors and is a 451, both window posts are missing. By the way, is there a specific name in english for this post ?

I cannot think of a name for that post! This sample of the Vacu-Sweep truck is interesting not only for the unusual casting flaw, but also because it is the first I have seen that has the Vacu-Sweep sticker applied to the box. Meantime the yellow plastic hoses are not unknown, but it seems black is more common.

The promotionnal model for Johnston is a code 2. yellow cabs and rear body models with opening doors # 451 were delivered to Johnston who provided and applied the paper stickers. Meccano would certainly not have had special boxes for such a model.There is an other promotionnal for made for 'VACU-SWEEP' which is also all yellow. Although there is no evidence, this is probably also a code 2 model with stickers applied by who ever Vacu Sweep is or was. Although this model has opening cab doors and is a # 451, it has been packed in a # 449 hanging type box and yellow stickers have been applied probably by Vacu-Sweep to hide the name Johnston on the box front ends.There is a misunderstanding about this model because this model which has opening cab doors and is a # 451has been packed in a # 449 hanging box. Vectis who has not read the Dinky Toys Encyclopaedia does not seem to have noticed the difference sales this model as a # 449. Photo by courtesy of Vectis Auctions.