Also appearing in the 1950 and '51 catalogues was a new larger-scale range of vehicles, mostly plastic-bodied, but with a few (like the Jeep) made from steel plate. While Meccano Ltd.'s early Dinky Toys were were designed to be cast from a minimum number of parts and therefore tended not to change too much (since new moulds required an expensive retooling process), the early Minic range (constructed from stamped, folded and painted tinplate) was more prone to gradual evolutionary changes, as individual stamping tools became worn out and replaced, producing a range of very minor differences in physical detailing. However, it's common to crudely classify early Minics as "pre-war" or "post-war", with the definition of "post-war" sometimes stretched to include variations that might have appeared in the very late 1930s (~1939-ish onwards). Rare models: Certain Dinky Toys that were produced in limited numbers or for a short period of time are considered to be rare and highly collectible. These include prototypes, test shots, and promotional models.

The focus on correct relative scaling (so that one could assemble convincing street scenes) later became the main distinguishing feature of Tri-ang's Spot-On diecast range. Triang's range of MINIC-branded metal model road vehicles appeared in the June 1935 issue of Meccano Magazine, and continued to sell through the 1940s and 1950s. In keeping with the museum's focus on 1930s technology, the Minic road vehicles that we have in the museum are all from the classic "1930s" range, and from its post-war continuation – we don't currently keep the later plastic-bodied versions. Some camouflage - painted vehicles appeared with WW2, usually distinguished by a "CF" in the model range. Dinky Toys are a brand of die-cast miniature vehicles and models that were produced by the British company Meccano Ltd. from the early 1920s to the 1970s. The company was founded in 1919 by Frank Hornby, who also created the popular construction toy Meccano. The first Dinky Toys were produced in 1934 and were an immediate success.

Wooden Toy Vehicles & Road Tracks

Transfers, and small red folded rectangular "Shell" petrol cans attached to the sides of most vehicles, usually on one side of the running-board. The petrol cans were a nice distinctive touch, ad helped to visually unify the range, even though their presence was perhaps a little outdated. Tyres still white.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Dinky Toys became one of the most popular toy brands in the United Kingdom and were exported around the world. The company continued Many of the commercial vehicles were updated from having "long bonnets" to a newer design of cab with a flat front (introduced on real lorries for better visibility). The long-nosed ambulance announced before the WW2 shutdown didn't appear until after the war, with a flat-fronted cab. A few parts were replaced with plastic, such as the roller on the steamroller model. Racing Cars: Dinky Toys that were made with the likeness of famous racing cars, these are also highly sought after by collectors. Initially, the Minic road vehicles were produced using painted tinplate with a "tab and slot" assembly method, and although it's common nowadays to look down on tinplate cars and to expect them to be more "toyish" than models produced with more modern methods, tinplate allowed more precise scalings for very thin parts such as windowframes and wheelarch edges - areas where a designer creating for plastic mouldings or cast metal would have to make the parts artificially "fat" so that they could be produced reliably and wouldn't be prone to breakage. the MINIC cars are a line you are sure to like. They are the first to be all to scale, so that the bus is the right amount larger than the coupé, etc.Prototype models: These are the models that were never released to the public, they were made to test the design and functionality of the final product, they are rare and highly sought after by collectors.

Some new "No.1" Minics appeared with moulded plastic bodies, and some of the plastic Frog Penguin range migrated into the Minic lineup. to introduce new models and expanded its product line to include a range of accessories such as garages, gas stations, and figures. However, due to increased competition and changing consumer preferences, the company began to struggle in the 1970s, and production of Dinky Toys was eventually ceased in 1979.

Pages in category ‘Minic Vehicles’

Pre-war models: Dinky Toys produced before the Second World War are considered to be the most valuable and rare. These early models often featured more intricate designs and finer detailing than later models, and are highly sought-after by collectors. There are many different Dinky Toys that are considered to be highly collectible, and their value can vary depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and popularity. Some of the most sought-after Dinky Toys include: