24q Ford Vedette 49 (1950-1954)

Here are some details on one of my favorite Dinky, the number one of my top ten choice.2 base plates : one with small and one with big letters.4 colours : Mastic grey (with some variants of tints) Metallic blue with red hubs Green and the uncommon one : Dark blue with red hubs Kind regards

Here are the dark blue model and an another photo of the metallic blue which is for me the finest ! [img]/images/sites/default/files/old-forum-images/Ford_Vedette_24Q_Vert_argent.jpeg][img]/images/sites/default/files/old-forum-images/Ford_Vedette_24Q_Vert_argent.jpeg]

The dark blue

Those French Dinkies are certainly very nice, and I wish I had more of them! The metallic blue is very attractive, although the close-up shots seem to show that common problem of over-scale flakes (which still continues to affect some models today). It seems Bobigny were ahead of Binns Road with their use of metallic paint - were there any British Dinkies with metallic paint (apart from silver) before the 1962 Cadillac 62 with its 'polychromatic' finish? it's interesting that this fastback was superceded by a 'notchback' saloon version, as was the case with the similar-looking British Standard Vanguard. At least French Dinky modelled the new version - I don't think anyone has modelled a Vanguard Phase 2 in diecast.

The close-up shots was not made with my toy. My metallic blue has a very 'clean' paint with no over-scale flakes.

Here under my two metallized light bue shade ! there is a big difference ! And now, the two different baseplates I have :

Here under my two metallized light bue shade ! there is a big difference ! And now, the two different baseplates I have : Cheers Richard

Richard, There must be three different base plates for the 1949 Vedette : 1) small letters with 'DINKY TOYS' in inverted comas 2) small letters with 'DINKY TOYS' without inverted commas 3) large letters with 'DINKY TOYS' without inverted commas Unfortunately, the picture is not very good, too small and without the whole length of the model. Now you must look out for this third variation. Can you please post a large photo of the base plate of your Vedette with small letters and 'DINKY TOYS' ?

Between the front rivet and the lettering there is hole in the baseplate, what was this put there for, or has it been added later for some reason? Dave

David, This hole and also one behind the rear axler are both present on the type 1 and 2 base plates with small lettering although we do not know which is the earliest. 1) small letters with 'DINKY TOYS' in inverted comas 2) small letters with 'DINKY TOYS' without inverted commas 3) large letters with 'DINKY TOYS' without inverted commas These holes may have been used for positioning the metal strip in the stamping tool. The front one has been deleted from the type 3 base plate.

Which in English is : Sir and dear client, For some time, we heve not been able to provide the 'Vedette' Ford No. 24Q. In fact, we have had to stop their production momentarely in order to install a new manufacturing device. So we will be able to deliver the 'Vedette' Ford at a much reduced price compared to that used since May 1951, and now you will be able to sale it for 210 frs. instead of 240 frs. The Peugeot '203' No. 24 R Which has just been launched will also take advantage of the improvements that we have just described. Contrary to what J.M. Roulet writes in his book of 2012 (page 134), Meccano's letter to the dealers (Collection Robert Goirand) does not state in any way that the important reduction in price of this model and the Peugeot 203 is due to the change of base plate. However, the letter states that it is the installation of a new manufacturing practice. The price of the new base plate was exactly the same as the previous one, a cost reduction would have been possible by deleting the clip a la Vanguard used to attach the rear axle which has no apparent use. Once more, J.M. Roulet indulges in wishful thinking and this without any clues, proofs or evidence. P.S. I would be pleased if someone could put this post in good English for me. Thanks. Jacques.

Yes Jacques : 3 different base plates. Here are my different Ford. The two fawn ones have two different base plates. Richard