665 Honest John Missile Launcher (1964-76)

The rear platform on my launcher is made from plastic, see photo Were all Honest John launchers made like this or where any made with a diecast platform?

All the launchers I have seen recently have the plastic platform, black and army green ones. Mine is an early one with the transfer on the missile and it has the plastic rear platform.

Greetings all I was perusing my Dealer Order Forms for 1972 while looking for an answer to a question raised by Ron in New Zealand, when I noticed that the 665 Honest John Missile Launcher was still available for dealers to order as late as September 1976. See the attached image. Although the model is not listed in the 1976 Catalogue, its deletion date of 1975 should still be moved one year forward for the reason mentioned above. I will also include a Post in the 'Things to Fix' Topic. Finally, my model has a plastic tray at the rear. The price written on one major end flap is 19/11 - this price was relevant between May 1969 and May 1970. The UK went decimal after that date. So, with Jan having an early issue, and mine being a later issue, it would appear that Meccano had gone 'plastic' as a cost-saving factor when this model was being planned. Kind regards Bruce (150) 20160612/936/0137

You never stop sticking the knife in Bruce and I thought this site was about TOYS and RESPECT Sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is a shame that you have not spent the hours that other people have who developed this site. it's easy just to critisise other peoples GENUINE efforts

I photographed a real one in the Dutch National Military Museum today! I do not have the Dinky model. So I leave it to others to supply a picture of the 1:60 example! Kind regards, Jan

Have only just noticed the above Post on responding to Jan's Post immediately below. I am not certain at this stage what the problem is as I have read through what I have written in this Topic and cannot find anything offensive. Perhaps if you can enlighten me and if an apology is warranted, you will receive one. Bruce (150) 20161015/1011/0925

Jan Here are four images of my 665 Honest John Missile Launcher - taken 6 years ago. Also attached are two images of the Missile Launcher in the Land Warfare section at Duxford Imperial War Museum, taken on 20 September 2015 during the celebrations marking the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. You will note another Dinky beside it , a Ferret Armoured Car (on the box or Ferret Scout Car on the base plate) which I think was made by Daimler. (Those last few words in parenthesis refers to the Dinky model and not the one beside the Honest John at Duxford!!) Kind regards Bruce (150) 20161015/1010/1032

Thanks for the fine pictures, Bruce. Remarkable that Dinky reproduced the missile in white (and black), whereas the real one always/mostly seems to be in army green. Kind regards, Jan

Jan I ve just read this interesting piece. I believe all practice,training and 'dummy' missiles for the Honest John and Corporal Missile carriers were white with checker markings. The live ones were I think just plain khaki green. I read once that the Royal Artillery had 2 live firings a year. One with just the troops presant,and another with 'invited guests' (Politicians?). It would be interesting to know if anyone can add to this. Regards Graham

Jan I ve just read this interesting piece. I believe all practice,training and 'dummy' missiles for the Honest John and Corporal Missile carriers were white with checker markings. The live ones were I think just plain khaki green. I read once that the Royal Artillery had 2 live firings a year. One with just the troops presant,and another with 'invited guests' (Politicians?). It would be interesting to know if anyone can add to this. Regards Graham