Dinky Toys photography specials

Dear Jerry, you're right about the square, straight shape of the back of the Estate Car, which is not conform reality. In my opinion this has to do with the chosen diecasting technique. Apparently Meccano preferred to use two halve sides for the mould - with a seam in the middle top of the casting - for the more van-like models (with a box-like rear) and a more dome-like mould for the more bulbous models. For such a way of casting apparently the back has to be rather square and straight, which demands the concession for the Estate Car to lack a nice rounded rear section. I tried to photograph the two 'classes' of castings, but I hope the result is clear enough to explain: Regards, Jan

The Dinky Toys & Modelled Miniatures book mentions a second colour scheme on the Estate Car of grey and red, and this is repeated in the Great Book of Dinky (which also adds fawn and red!). The grey and red was also mentioned in an early Model Collector article as a rare recolour just before the end of production (if I remember correctly). I've never seen even a picture of either of these colour schemes, and looking at the comments here it would seem they don't actually exist? Interesting to see the photos of the real car for comparison.

Looking in my own catalogue and reviewing the article by Nigel Mynheer in Model Collector 156 of October 2001 there remains some confusion about the colour history of this model. In fact Nigel Mynheer, in his article 'Dinky's American dream', discusses the models in the Jean-Vital Remy-Meeus collection, also the Estate Car, and there is no other variant in his collection offered for auction than the ones I mentioned. Besides, Nigel Mynheer, who is very expert, states that he has never seen one with red panels. On the other hand I have a note in my own Dinky catalogue that a long-time collector friend of mine once owned no less than 12 Estate Cars with variations in wheels, base plates, shades of tan and even a cream one with red panels which (mind you:) he sold to Jean-Vital for 1000 guilders, a huge amount some 20 years ago. But apparently this model was not present in the Remi auction in September 2001. My friend is very precise in the authenticity of Dinky models, and so is his memory. This is all I can add at this moment, but some pictures: On the top of this box: 'The model in this box may be finished in colours that differ from the illustrations'. The early box with red panels an the name: (Plymouth). The early box reviewed: only one side with red panels, the other brown, and a brown colour dot. I hope others can comment, correct or share their views and experiences! Kind regards, Jan

Jan-- A belated thanks for posting that great overhead photo showing the 2 types of casting techniques that Meccano apparently used...that is very easy to see from that vantage point. Terry

Jan--Great followup on the Estate Car. I also have that early box, with the red panels shown on one side.....a very interesting model in how they handled the coloring of it. Do many or any other boxes have that legend on them stating the actual color may vary, or was that unique to this model? My boxes are all put away,, or I would look through them............Would be great to see a photo of the cream one with red panels, if it ever surfaces that is! Terry

Hi Terry I have a number of boxes (up in the loft) which contain that statement. I guess it is a kind of get out clause. Dave

With regards to the Estate Car Ramseys state a version in grey and a version with red panels, I have never seen any like this. There are cream and plated hubs versions and I thought that was about it. Here is a nice little trio of Dinky Jaguars. Dave

Dave--Nice trio of Jags for sure. When I was growing up, my dad bought a brand new 2.4 litre Jaguar sedan in 1956. It was powder blue with dark blue leather interior, and of course, lots of wood trim inside. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Jaguars ever since then, and Dinky made some nice models over the years. I am still somewhat surprised they did not produce a C-Type...it won at Le Mans in 1951 and 1953 and you would have thought that would have been automatic. I was and still am very disappointed with their D-Type effort. To me, it was a clumsy model and not very well done for such a famous British racing car. And then they chose to make it in a color that I have never seen in a D-Type before...how pretty it would have been in BRG! Thanks again for posting!Terry

Terry. I agree with you ! I don't know where Meccano found that colour ! Jaguar is my favorite car ! I have myself an S Type. On the photo here under, the dark green Jaguar is a Crescent Toy. Since this photo, a blue plastic hubs Jaguar D type with yellow driver increased my collection. Richard

Richard-Many years ago, I also had one of the Crescent D-Types, and I always thought it was a very nice one...and the right color too!Here are a couple of photos of larger scale Jaguars that I have, in this case AutoArt....hope I don't get in trouble for posting something other than Dinky, but just for you........Terry

In my opinion Meccano was always necessarily a bit ambivalent in their attitude towards the real world and the toy world, a difficult choice indeed. Have a look at those painstakingly made mock-ups and design drawings on accurate scales, made by professional designers, drawers and engineers on the one hand, and the proudness of their 'gay colour schemes' for the toys on the other hand. As models of the real world cars most of them were reflected very accurately - that is, if that was economically feasible. As toys, however, Meccano could not afford to have six red racers - so stopped at the number of two - or more than three models in British racing green. The Connaught and Jaguar got other shades of green because of that. Unrealistic, but nice as toys. The green Cooper-Bristol even got red wheels lateron in order to have a less 'dull' appearance. The green itself was also made a little brighter. Kind regards, Jan