Preproduction Samples and Mock-ups

dinkycollect wrote: 'Bruce, If you want me to transfer a picture, please either send me the picture or tell me on which thread it is. Jacques.' dinkycollect wrote: 'Bruce, If you want me to transfer a picture, please either send me the picture or tell me on which thread it is. Jacques.' Actually, I am doing it now on your behalf. The following came from the 39e Chrysler Royal thread which I have taken the liberty of editing. It was submitted by Jan four weeks ago: janwerner wrote: ' And as an extra this wooden prototype, described for the first time by Julien Loffet: Dinky designs. In: Modellers

Some other interesting pictures of the mysterious fire truck belonging to the above mentioned collection. It was designed on the Dinky Toys scale of 1' to 13/64', ca. 1:60, so not intended as a Supertoy. I know of not any basic documentary information about this project. Who does? Kind regards, Jan

Wonderful pictures Jan, Slots in the roof suggest a fixed ladder? So what was on the back? A hose reel? Any idea on dates for this one? Chris Warr.

Hi Chris, as you can see the original condition of this mock-up in the suitcase on the first page of this thread, shows a ladder attached, which seems to be the familiar one for the Streamlined Fire Engine, the tabs of which seem to fit snuggly into the holes in the roof. The models in this set cover the period ca. 1950-1955, so presumably this one fits that era too. It is very probable that some kind of hose real should have been attached at the back, which is now gone. Another uncertainty is the identity of the prototype modelled here. Possibly it was intended to replace the Streamlined Fire Engine, which, introduced in 1936, was rather old-fashioned in the early 1950s. Notwithstanding that the Streamlined Fire Engine remained very popular and well-selling as a toy, which may have made Meccano reconsider this possible new introduction. Besides, the Fire Engine with Extending Ladder was bound to be issued after all! it's just a guess ... others may continue guessing (or have firm unveiling information?) Kind regards, Jan

59051 SAFARI VAN in the SUPER-VALUE CHAMPS Range This is a preproduction sample, in thin plastic with metal wheels. This was the first in a series of large scale 'chunky' die-cast vehicles that were intended to be launched in 1980. In the words of the Trade Catalogue, the range was being developed for ruggedness and play value and the new bigger size means unbeatable value-for-money. I acquired this example from Vectis many years ago, and sold it again through Vectis last year. Included below is a page from the MECCANO AND DINKY 1980 Trade Catalogue

janwerner wrote: 'Some other interesting pictures of the mysterious fire truck belonging to the above mentioned collection. It was designed on the Dinky Toys scale of 1' to 13/64', ca. 1:60, so not intended as a Supertoy. I know of not any basic documentary information about this project. Who does? Kind regards, Jan' Hello Jan I am wondering if the mock-up is based on an Austin? Although this Austin is different at the rear, perhaps what Dinky modelled was a prototype which ultimately ended up as, the above, used by the Hungerford Fire Brigade. This is about the only similar item to the Dinky mock-up, and being an Austin, it falls within the usual modelling company. But perhaps it was some other manufacturer! Kind regards Bruce (150)

That is really a nice find, Bruce! Although there are plenty of differences, the overall design similarity is striking. The general appearance of the mock-up seems slightly cruder than many others, which allows for some liberty as the original vehicle modelled is concerned, which indeed could be an Austin. Anyway, the scale of approx. 1:60 is the same as for the 30 series Austins and related commercial Dinky Toys vehicles (so not meant to become a large format / large scale Dinky Supertoy). I think it would produce a fascinating and desirable replica of a 'Dinky that never was'. Kind regards, Jan

Hi all, Here's one a bit closer to home Liverpool Fire Brigade:

Chris Warr

When this mock-up was uncovered,I searched the net for a similar vehicle but did not find any. I also wrote to the Liverpool Fire Brigade who answered me kindly that no such engine had ever been part of the brigade. Bruce's pictures show the nearest engine to the Dinky mock-up, Fire engines have never been mass produced, they are made to a local county or brigade specification so very few identical engines were made and this is why it is extremely difficult to find pictures of a specific engine. This applies to the Streamlined fire engine, the fire engine with extending ladder, the Delahaye and most of the other. Jacques.

Hello Chris Ah, you stole my thunder! I was about to post the same picture after I came home from work. (Yep, still working at 70+!) Jacques You are indeed quite correct in that fire engines were not mass produced to the same design, but the basic design was changed to suite a particular region, county, etc. Still it is fun trolling The Net to see what is out there. In the meantime, I have some feelers out to see if there was a design similar to the Meccano mock-up. Watch this space but do not hold your breath! Bruce (150)

My profile image is the Mock-up of the presidential Citro

Hi all, A diversion from the topic I know, but for anybody interested in Fire Engines I can recommend this wonderful volume from Olyslager, I've had this since the early 70's, and would spend hours poring over it, and the many other volumes in the series as a kid. Still available through Ebay....

it's got loads of great pictures like the Leyland Streamlined Fire Engine...

Chris Warr.