29c and 290 Double Decker Bus (1938-63)

I just purchased an earlier 29c Double Decker Bus, after previously obtaining a 290 version, with the Dunlop adverts and a later 291 version with the Exide adverts. This new one is obviously older, and having done a little research, there are certainly numerous variations. As most of you are aware, Dinky made 3 basics versions after the war: the first was the old pre- war design, with the original AEC cab, and the rear stairs. Then in 1947-48 Mecanno followed with not one, but two new versions. One was an updated AEC cab and radiator, and the other was a Leyland. From what I have read, Meccano then proceeded to produce both of these versions for many years, and also apparently alternating periods of production for each. How strange that seems, at least to me, and one wonders why they felt that was necessary. The visual differences between the two are certainly there, but fairly minor and not real obvious at first glance. This model I just purchased is the Leyland without the later adverts. I have posted a few photos of it below, and you can see that it also comes with the later domed axles, has a hole in the baseplate, and has no number cast in. I have been trying to date this model, but seem to find no clear rules for that, other than some generalizations about the different versions. The earlier crimped axles were changed to the domed ones sometime in 1950, and the Dunlop adverts appeared in 1954. That would seem to leave open dates from late 1950 through 1953. I did not see any specific references to the cast-in number of 29c for the Leyland. For the AEC version, I believe it was listed as 1952. Did the Leyland versions follow this as well, or were they never numbered 29c, and just numbered 290 in 1954-55? If any of you have anything to add, would sure appreciate it. I have looked at the older threads on Talk Model Toys, and also looked at Jacques CD, and elsewhere.............. Terry And finally, here are my 3 double deck buses together

Hi Terry,
the exact history of this 29c,
290,
291 model is rather complicated.But irrespective of the Leyland,
Guy,
AEC
and whatever the various radiators may be called,
your model is rather easy for establishing the dates.The axle ends on this model (like all remaining Dinky Toys with crimped axles) turned into domed ones in 1952.So you can narrow the period to 1952 -1954 ! By the way,
you cannot rest now,
there is something more to collect in this field as the photo below (
the models of Brian Hooper in the 2009 Durham jubilee exhibition
) predicts.[img] / images / sites / default / files / old - forum - images / SL380110.jpg [/img] Kind regards,
Jan

Jan ---Thanks......that is kind of the conclusion I had also reached. I wasn't totally sure when they made the switch from flattened axle ends, but I am sure your answer of 1952 must be correct. However I am still somewhat surprised that a full chronology of this rather interesting model has not been done by the community, outlining the many changes and variations. I am not aware of another Dinky model that had at least two versions produced simultaneously over a period of many years.......just another fascinating aspect of Dinky collecting! Terry

Terry,
there are some articles here
and there but no overall
and convincing overview.Axle ends,
hubs,
advertising,
colour schemes,
several dies,
roof box
or not,
etc.In my opinion Roger Bailey,
Brian Hooper
and Nelson Twells have the most extensive collections
and best expertise in this field.Unfortunately I haven ' t seen them on this forum yet.[img] / images / sites / default / files / old - forum - images / dte29c_x5.jpg [/img] In fact the factory drawings would be of great help.See The GBofDT page 180,
on top in the right column there are remarks like: ' 10.4.39 radiator altered (to Leyland) ',
' 3.1.49 radiator changed '.But in what ? We should see ! In fact the whole casting changed,
not only for the radiator,
as the diecast base included the wheel arches
or not.Were there several cavities for one production run ? Why did the roof box disappear at some moment ? Was it polished away when finishing the seam on the roof ? Fortunately we haven ' t solved all these mysteries yet ! ! Kind regards,
Jan

Jan ---Thanks again for the additional thoughts on the buses. It is very interesting to read some of what qis out there on these buses, and there sure are lots of little items to address that were changed along the way. Do you even have a guess as to why Meccano saw fit to make two different versions at the same time? Guess I am still surprised that know one has really dissected what went on with this neat model, and you are right, if we somehow had all of those pertinent drawings, it would likely explain at least the timeline of what happened. Another great Dinky mystery!!!! Terry

Dear friends.I think that the roof - box relief (
or sizes
) depends of the dies wear ! Does any member can open a new thread on this double deck buses ? It will be easiest to find informations about it ! I have myself some buses,
as you can see on the photo

[img] / images / sites / default / files / old - forum - images / DSC01282.jpg [/img]

Richard ---Nice collection of buses, including many 29C's! Very impressive........... Terry

You have a well - provided public transport over there,
Richard ! Now only for the dating of the 29c / 290 ' s...Kind regards,
Jan

Hi all,
Of all the Dinky Toys I have collected over the years the 29 / 0 Series double deckers have always been the one
set
I could never say I really understood.I ' ve got about 20
or so post wars,
and only recently thanks to posts here answered questions like was the Type 2 issued with sloping Dunlop lettering,
' no ' being the answer ! Personally I would love someone who really knows these to put together a beginners guide to variations / dates etc,
as I am convinced there are lots I don ' t know about,
and others on my wants list that were never made.Chris Warr.

There are two Dinky folk who really know about the buses
and the colour variations,
they are Roger Bailey
and Nelson Twells.The two are jointly working on producing a book about Dinky buses
and hopefully it will be completed soon.I will check with them
and report back here when I have an
update.Dave

Dave --That should be really interesting if they put some kind of book together.....I look forward to hearing about it, and would be interested in getting a copy if possible. Terry