Matt black finished tin base plates

To all- This is a most interesting discussion, and certainly new to me. I had never noticed or heard of these different baseplate finishes, so it will be interesting to see where this goes. The theory of having 2 different suppliers certainly seems to make sense, and would explain it. Bruce, thanks for finding and re-opening this older topic! And Jacques, are you going to include these photos showing the different bases in your Encyclopedia?Regards, Terry

Terry, I certainly include all the different base plates for each model when I know about them and can obtain a picture good and large enough. In the Encyclopaedia, I try to find pictures of every single variation and there are many. I must admit that you guys members of the TMT and DTCA forums have contributed a lot by providing information and pictures. I hope that TMT will come back soon. 822 Half track M3. What about this one with a yellow baseplate which is probably dichromated ? It is the first such base plate that I have seen, in fact I have only seen this picture and the model is under investigation 300 miles from here. More about it later.

dinkycollect wrote: 'Terry, I certainly include all the different base plates for each model when I know about them and can obtain a picture good and large enough. In the Encyclopaedia, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What about this one with a yellow baseplate which is probably dichromated ? It is the first such base plate that I have seen, in fact I have only seen this picture and the model is under investigation 300 miles from here. More about it later.' Jacques I have not seen an 822 with that type of base plate - all those that have come and gone through my hands have been the normal gloss plates, although one does appear to have a satin finish although that could have been as a result of how I photographed it at the time as well as the lighting conditions. I am aware that this thread is all about MATT base plates, but thought I would throw in an image of the 181 Volkswagen with a plain/silver base plate and no sales number. (Would I be correct in saying that the 181 was the only Dinky to have an unpainted base plate?) The 181 Volkswagen has both gloss and matt base plates, as well as the unpainted base that came with the light blue with spun hubs version only, although there may have been other colours with an unpainted base plate, as nothing with Dinky Toys is definitive! I have not seen a matt base plate on a 181 either for that matter but that does not mean there are none 'out there'! Bruce

Jacques Thanks for the explanation on how the base plates are manufactured. Meccano would have had the making of these down to a fine art considering all the tin-plate products the company has manufactured for Hornby and Horny Dublo trains and their associated accessories. No need to change the title of this thread as the 181 is reported to have matt base plates as well. I am hoping that members who have examples of the 181 with matt bases would submit a picture or two to add to this thread. I do not have a matt finish 181 in my collection - just the unusual bare metal base plate, so I decided to share this with the readers of this thread. The below is of the 822 that I think might have a satin finish - but you no doubt can tell me one way or the other if this is correct! Unfortunately I am unable to examine it as it has gone to a new owner! Bruce

Jan, Does your limber have plastic hubs ? Jacques.

The best thing to do when you do not know the answer to a technical question is to ask a specialist. So yesterday, I packed some Dinky and drove 10 miles away to an electro plating compagny. The technical manager is a very nice guy whom I have met before. He took me to the lab and tested some dinky with some electronic analyser. This confirmed what I knew that the gloss base plates are painted with electrostatic powder paint. The analyser shows the thickness of the coating. The finish of the base plates of models similar to Jan's picture above does not have a thickness, there is no coating. In French, this finish is known as 'brunissage' and is an oxydation of the metal done in a solution of soda and some additives at 140 c. This treatment can give both finishes as on Jan's picture depending on the temperature, time in the solution, concentration of the solution, drying etc... This finish is not an electro plating. Google and Wikipaedia do not return anything for 'bruno finish' or 'brunofix'.

Jacques Did the technical manager provide you with costings for both processes. In other words which was cheaper that could determine the reason for Meccano introducing this later process? Bruce

Bruce,I have seen that VW before, a late issue with spun hubs, no reference number and no bump above the Y of DinkY on the base plate.The use of the bump has still not been explained. It is probably a positioning device for positioning the base plates at each step of the stamping.The stamping is made in several actions on the same completely automatic machine. A reel of tin plate already lackered, varnished, brunofix or what ever treatment is fed into a stamping machine.1) The first pressing emboses the marking and cuts most of the plate which is still attached to the steel reel. On raising the tool, the reel is moved one step.2) The second stamping folds the plate and does operation 1 for an other base plate and on raising the tool, the reel is moved one step.3) The third stamping cuts the base plate loose from the reel and does operation 2 for an other base plate and 1 for a third plate. on raising the tool, the reel is moved one step.I suppose that the base plate of your VW is not made of bare steel, there must be some sort of anti-rust treatment.I can not change the title of this thread to 'Base plates finish' as all the messages would be lost.I am sure that other members will apreciate your VW. This is my 822 with satin (not enameled) base plate.

Hello Bruce There may be at least two reasons for changing the type of finish. The price for both is probably the same but different suppliers may have slightly different prices and of course the lowest wins the order or contract. Also Meccano may need the material before one supplier can deliver so the order will go to an other supplier. It must be known that Meccano France did not make the base plates. they were subcontracted and there may have been two or more suppliers which is standard practice in industry.