666 Missile Erector Vehicle with Corporal Missile Launcher (195964)

This is a press photo dated 9th June 1957 and the text on the back reads: 'Shown during a test near Longview, Texas, this carrier for the Corporal guided missile is being made by R.G. LeTourneau Co. Inc., for the British Government. All wheels are driven by separate motors.' The statement I find fascinating is the one that reads: '...being made by R.G. LeTourneau Co. Inc., for the British Government.'Were the British the only users of the Corporal Missile that had the LeTourneau vehicle, if so it must have been a very short production run.

Here are the 666 Erector Vehicle and the 667 Servicing Platform vehicles. Dave

Nice combination that is, Dave. New acquisition? I wonder, is the green of the turning base of the Service Vehicle different from the green of the rest of the vehicle, or is that just a matter of different light reflection? Kind regards, Jan

Hi Jan I have owned them both for some time now but I like this photo so I uploaded it. The different colour green on the Sevicing Vehicle is because it is plastic rather than diecast and the plastic is not an exact match to the paint. Dave

Lovely model, wouldn't be allowed now, you could have somebody's eye out with that! :laugh: Chris Warr.

Whilst I am sure it is still fully operational I have not had the nerve to try it in case I damage the missile. Dave

Amazing how time flies! Hard to believe that it is almost four years since anyone added to this Topic! I am about to correct that observation! This model was a most welcome recent addition to my collection, a 666 Missile ERECTING Vehicle with Corporal Missile and Launching Platform. As mentioned in the New Arrivals topic, this model arrived in a far better condition than I was expecting. From that Topic, I had this to say: As can be seen by the above photograph, the model and box are in virtually mint condition. The box has no damage to any of the corners which usually suffers from knocks and bangs but it does have an unusual end spot in red!.One of the original rubber bands that firmly secured the Missile to the vehicle, placed there by the factory is still intact and untouched although the rubber appears to have become hardened. So there goes any plans of firing the missile!!! As a number of photographs previously uploaded into this Topic during the days of the old website have somehow missed the cut with the new website, I am taking the liberty of uploading some images of the real vehicle in both the US and British Army service. The first picture is taken from the May 1956 issue of the British Army Magazine, Soldier which bears the caption: At Fort Bliss, Texas, Captain T G Ellis of the Guided Missile School, introduces British gunners to the Corporal. Now comes the 64,000 dollar question. Exactly when was the 666 designation changed from ERECTOR to ERECTING and why was this necessary? Although the description of the model on the exterior of the box does change during its production, an item packed inside throughout its production remains constant the instruction leaflet. This shows the model being termed ERECTOR, the leaflet has the print code of October 1959, one month prior to the release of the model with this particular leaflet having been found inside the box for my latest acquisition - a box that was labelled ERECTING and has an inspection stamp of September 1960. Perusing my records for quality inspection stamps, reveals that the model was referred to as ERECTOR on its box from November 1959 through to at least February 1960. It became ERECTING in June 1960, although this may have been earlier as I do not have any quality stamp details for March to May. The strange thing with its title is that all the Meccano print media such as price lists, catalogues and dealer order forms always referred to the model as ERECTOR. This is also the name that is displayed on a picture of the real vehicle, below. So, why the change? Has anyone documentary material that can explain this? One further matter concerning the box ends, neither has any other language except English, when Meccanos normal practice was to incorporate several translations of the item itself. The same applies to the 665 Honest John, so the assumption can be that no translation was out of respect for what the real item can do. Finally I am taking the liberty of uploading some of the above images in the usual manner that allows for enlargements as well as others, including my 667 Missile Servicing Platform that formed the partnership with the 666 Missile Erector/Erecting Vehicle with Corporal Missile and Launching Platform. Bruce (150) 20160909/974/2355

Bruce---A very nice write up on this most interesting model, along with some great period photos of the real thing. Your example appears to be pristine.....that is amazing that the rubber band is still intact! I would bet that there was still original Dinky air in that box from Binn's a Road as well. Thanks for sharing an unusual and interesting model.Best regards, Terry

i have read elsewhere (somewhere on this site?) that the change from Erector to Erecting was made at the behest of A.C. Gilbert, manufacturer of the Meccano-like Erector building sets. I don't know if there's any documentary evidence to support this, but it seems likely enough. ironically of course Gilbert was to become the U.S. distributor for Dinky Toys in 1963-64. And today, Meccano sets are sold under the Erector brand in the U.S.

Johnny....that certainly sounds plausible, and makes just one more interesting connection between these two famous toy makers. By the way, do you still collect Dinky's? I never seem to see any new additions from you.Best regards, Terry

Terry, thanks for asking. Yes, I still squeeze a few additions into my bursting display case. My collection is mundane compared to so many here, so I don't post new additions, but I think the most recent received was a Pool petrol tanker. I also have a Ford Model T and Morris Bullnose on the way, belatedly filling in the small old-timers series. Best regards from the Monterey Bay area!

Johnny--Well, good to hear you are still in 'the game' of collecting. I have also long ago outgrown a nice built in display case, made over 30 years ago. I have resorted to adding more shelves, and squeezing the models together as closely as I dare. I have also had to remove from display all of my aircraft and farm vehicles. The answer is to build some brand new, much larger display cabinets, which my better half and I are discussing. We have the room.....just need to commit to re-doing our bonus room area. Hope all is well & good to hear from you!Best regards, Terry