695 7.2' Howitzer and Gun Tractor (196266)

Ron A very nice, no great acquisition, so congratulations!! We in Australia were not that far behind you in price for this set, as the 695 was priced at 26/- in January 1963 but that had dropped a whopping 6d (six pence) in May 1964 to 25/6!! But this was chicken feed compared with those capitalists who lashed out 85/- in 1963 for a 983 Car Carrier with Trailer. I still reckon I was very lucky (spoilt?) when Mum and Dad forked out 29/6 for my 981 Horse Box and 30/9 for my 982 with loading ramp in 1956 - all on a motor mechanic's wage and a stay-at-home Mum. Cheers Bruce

I have just posted a reply to Dave's Post on the arrival of a 695 7.2' Howitzer and Tractor Gift Set in the 'New Arrivals' Thread, so decided to make a copy for this Thread as well. buzzer999 wrote: 'I collected this yesterday: It has taken me 20 years to track one of these down, in the right condition and at a reasonable price. It came from C & T Auctioneers in Kent, it was the first time I have dealt with them and everything was absolutely right - they were very professional and friendly. Dave' Dave Two months late, but do you have anything more on C & T Auctioneers in Kent? Anyway, for what it is worth, here is a copy of the Trade Bulletin to Meccano Dealers dated June 1962, with the announcement of the release of the 695 7.2 Howitzer and Tractor Gift Set which will be available from August 1962. A sample of the 695 and the other new releases were also sent out to the Dealers, Order Forms for July, August and September 1962 together with an advice of the closure of the factory on Friday 27th July to Monday 13 August 1962 for the annual holidays. 'In order that your supplies may not be delayed, we ask you please to complete and return these Order Forms as quickly as possible.' The above provides us later-day collectors, with details that models were ready and an example with dealers months in advance, and that dealers were given the opportunity to receive their stock of new models in sufficient time when the advertising in the Meccano Magazine and other publications brought little fellows and their Dad's into their nearest dealer's shop! Kind regards Bruce (150) Here is the full copy of page 3 of the June 1962 Trade Bulletin to Meccano Dealers.

Hi Bruce I have only used C & T once but they were totally professional, good description, item delivered safely and quickly with good packaging. I will have no problem dealing with them again and they have some interesting items coming up on the 8th April. Cheers Dave

This set is wrong as the Vickers BL 7.2 howitzer was not in service in the British Army after late 1944 and the Leyland Martian was delivered to the Army in the late 50s. These two items could have met only in a museum. By the way, what does BL stand for ? Jacques.

Breech Loading?