321 Massey-Harris Manure Spreader (1949-1973) versus Joal 204 Massey-Harris Repartidor De Abonos (Spain).

Recently I bought a Joal model 204 Massey-Harris Repartidor De Abonos (Manure Spreader), made in Spain by Joal. His cast completely corresponds with Dinky Toys 321 Massey Harris Manure Spreader (1949-1973). Only the wheels and towing hook are different. I never saw such a very detailed Dinky Toys model similar to a model of another brand in the same scale.Perhaps there are more identical examples. Joal Toys company 'Juguetes JOAL' started in 1949 in Alicante Spain and specialized later on in models of construction equipment. I heard that the Joal factory some months ago is closed. I also have some very nice Joal catalogues of which I show some pictures. Kind regards to all members. Jan Oldenhuis.

Hi Jan I have found many Dinky copies, particularly in the military range from the 1950s and 60s. I hope to do some articles on these for Model Collector and the DTCA Journal over the winter. Dave

Hi Dave. I look forward to these articles. Thanks. Jan O.

Given the extreme similarities in scale, construction, etc. I would not dismiss this Joal Massey-Harris manure spreader as a Dinky copy. I believe Meccano Ltd. sold the tooling to Joal, who then made some modifications and issued their own version. I have never seen any documentation of this fact, but I base my opinion on the fact that the #117 Mercedes C111 also issued by Joal used the Dinky mould. The image below is not mine (it was taken from an old eBay listing) but I have the model and have compared it side by side with the Dinky. While Joal again did some minor modifications, the scale, construction, and opening parts are identical to the original.

[img]/images/sites/default/files/forum-images/joal mercedes.jpg[/img]

I assume Dave's upcoming articles, which I look forward to, will be covering Dinky-inspired models from other manufacturers which, while they look similar to Dinky Toys, are obviously not made from original moulds. One example I can think of is the Metosul Atlantean, which is the same size as the Dinky and looks so very similar -- until you notice the repositioned doors. There are also three or four 'shadow' models at least from Milton. Incidentally in his Dinky Encyclopaedia Jacques states that the Manure Spreader is not from a Dinky mould, but does not state how he knows that. In the case of the Mercedes C-111 the mould definitely appears to be from Meccano Ltd.; perhaps one day I will take the Joal and the Dinky apart to look at internal casting details. Regardless, we need better terminology for all this, don't we? In cases (e.g. the Nicky range) where Meccano Ltd. clearly sold its moulds to another company, I wouldn't call the results 'copies' -- they are more like ... hmmm ... 'reprints' ...

Ofcourse Jonathan. You are right. Thanks for your addition. They can never be called Dinky Toys. That's why they are marked with there own brand name. Perhaps we can call them 'Look-alikes'?

[img]/images/sites/default/files/forum-images/Dinky Toys The Favourite Collecting Hobby 1955 USA0001.jpg[/img]

It is the fun of our hobby to discover these copies. I have read in the book: Diecast Toy Cars of the 1950s & 1960s by Andrew Ralston at page 60: 'A host of Spanish diecast car ranges appeared, most of them using tooling bought from or licensed by more established companies, such as Dinky, Corgi, Tekno, Mebetoys and Politoys.' and at page 61: ' Joal branched into 1/43 scale diecast cars around 1968, using moulds from varies companies, especially Tekno of Denmark.' I have a Joal 100 Jaguar E type in red that similar was issued by Tekno 926. I have also an example that moulds were used from Corgi. The Joal 203 Massey-Ferguson/Ebro tractor that pulls my Joal 204 Manure Spreader is exactly equal to the Corgi Toys 66 Massey Ferguson 165 tractor.

[img]/images/sites/default/files/forum-images/Joal 203 Massey-Ferguson tractor front left.jpg[/img]
[img]/images/sites/default/files/forum-images/Corgi Toys 66 Massey-Ferguson 165 tractor without driver a.JPG[/img]
[img]/images/sites/default/files/forum-images/Corgi Toys 66 Massey-Ferguson 165 tractor without driver d.JPG[/img]
[img]/images/sites/default/files/forum-images/Joal 203 Massey-Ferguson back right.jpg[/img]
[img]/images/sites/default/files/forum-images/Joal 100 Jaguar E type.JPG[/img]
[img]/images/sites/default/files/forum-images/Joal 100 Jaguar E type right.JPG[/img]
[img]/images/sites/default/files/forum-images/Tekno 926 Jaguar E Type Roadster 1-43 a.jpg[/img]