Dinky Toys - Post-war History - Dublo Dinky

Dublo Dinky

In December 1957 Meccano Ltd introduced the Dublo Dinky range of models in 1:76 scale which were designed to be used with the Hornby Dublo railway system. They were relatively cheap to produce - having a one piece die-cast metal body, a baseplate and plastic wheels. There was the added bonus of being able to compete in the small scale toy car market which, at the time was dominated by Lesney's Matchbox.

A diverse range of vehicles were available despite the small number of models issued. There were a total 14 Dublo models, although with upgrades and modifications there are possibly up to 34 variations (not including box variations) manufactured. All models came boxed. There were no colour changes throughout the short life of Dublo.

Models were well-proportioned and looked similar in style to contemporary Matchbox or Budgie Toys. For example, the Land Rover had windows, grey plastic wheels and a black base (both similar to Matchbox). Wheels, however, (the Land Rover had one on the bonnet as well) were somewhat flatter and wider than those of Matchbox and their edges were not ribbed. The small baseplate, however, was pressed steel with etched lettering (not diecast with moulded lettering as was the case with Matchbox, Budgie Toys or Lone Star vehicles. Finally, the Land Rover had a trailer hook behind - a cut and curved extension of the baseplate, just behind the rear rivet. The front and rear axles were held to the vehicle differently. The front was covered by the tube of the baseplate and held pinched on each side by extensions of the diecast body. The rear axle was exposed and run through holes in rounded sections folded over on each side of the plate.

The range met with limited success and the first model was withdrawn in September 1959 having only been on sale for 18 months, there was no replacement. Within 18 months of their launch there were price reductions to 6 models. Further models were withdrawn in October 1960, April 1962 and April 1964 until in December 1964 those models that remained were taken off the shelf exactly seven years after the Dublo Dinky line was introduced. Thus ended the production of Dublo Dinky Toys under Meccano who went into receivership that same year.

Four of the Dublo models enjoyed a new lease on life when Meccano was purchased by Lines Brothers Ltd (Tri-ang).

The range:

• 061 Ford Prefect: Introduced in March 1958 and withdrawn September 1959. Two model variations and no box variations.
• 062 Singer Roadster: Introduced in March 1958 and withdrawn October 1960. No model or box variations.
• 063 Commer Van: Introduced in March 1958 and withdrawn October 1960. No model or box variations.
• 064 Austin Lorry: Introduced December 1957; withdrawn April 1962. Three model variations and three box variations.
• 065 Morris Pick Up: Introduced December 1957; withdrawn September 1959. No model or box variations.
• 066 Bedford Flat Truck: Introduced December 1957; withdrawn October 1960. Three model variations and three box variations.
• 067 Austin Taxi: Introduced March 1959; withdrawn April 1964. Three model variations and no box variations.
• 068 Royal Mail Van: Introduced April 1959; withdrawn April 1964. Two model variations and no box variations.
• 069 Massey-Ferguson Tractor: Introduced September 1959; withdrawn December 1964. Two model variations and no box variations. Model was also issued with a low sided wagon as part of the Hornby Dublo railway system, no. 4649, boxed.
• 070 AEC Mercury Tanker: Introduced October 1959; withdrawn April 1962. Three model variations and no box variations.
• 071 Volkswagen Delivery Van: Introduced March 1960; withdrawn December 1964. Two model variations and no box variations.
• 072 Bedford Articulated Flat Truck: Introduced June 1959; withdrawn December 1964. Three (possibly four) model variations and three box variations.
• 073 Land Rover & Horse Trailer: Introduced September 1960; withdrawn December 1964. The most complex of all Dublos; six model variations and no box variations. The horse came in both light and dark tan.
• 074 This number was never used : Land Rover was to be marketed as separate but model was never produced.
• 075 This number was never used : Horse trailer was to be marketed as separate but model was never produced.
• 076 Lansing Bagnall Tractor & Trailer: Introduced June 1960; withdrawn December 1964. No model or box variations.
• 077 This number was never used : The planned model was to have been an ALC Bulker Cement Transporter but model was never produced.
• 078 Lansing Bagnall Trailer (Trade box of 6): Introduced May 1961; withdrawn December 1964. No box variations.