426 Straddle Truck

While browsing in a catalogue called TOUT DINKY TOYS issued in 2002 by Guy Girod, I found this picture of a Dinky Toys mock up refered to as a transpalette. The Dinky mock-up is certainly not a transpalette as this photo shows a transpalette. Then what could that Dinky be ? It looks like a container carrier but the wheels are much too big compared to the size of a possible container. Any idea to identify this is welcomed. Very large photo avaible by email. Kind regards Jacques

Jacques, What I think this picture shows is what is called a 'straddle truck'. It is a high vehicle which is used to carry a load of timber between the frames. The driver sits above the frames and the vehicle has 4-wheel steering. I remember seeing them being used in the 1950's. If you google 'straddle truck 1950's' you will find lots of photos.

Dear Chris Many thanks for your very useful information. I did not know these trucks. The photo that you posted is exactly as the Dinky mock-up, an old type of chain driven truck with only two wheel steering. Modern straddle trucks seem to be hydraulic driven and have four wheel steering.The toy would have been loaded with wood and if functionnal with play value but it would also have been fragile and expansive, a good reason to cancel this model.