Articles written in 2025
-
A Dinky Classic: The Dinky 186 Mercedes 220 SE
In the February 1961 issue of Meccano Magazine, collectors were treated to an exciting full-color announcement. A brand new Dinky Toys model was hitting the shelves: No. 186, the Mercedes 220 SE.…
-
Dinky Toys by Matchbox?
In 1987, a series of six Matchbox Toys were issued in Dinky Toys blister packs. There is an enduring myth among some collectors that Universal issued these blister packs unilaterally, in order to hijack…
-
The Mini Dinky Story
The Mini Dinky range was introduced by Meccano (owned by Lines Brothers at the time) in 1967 or 1968 in 1:65 scale. They were made by subcontractors in Hong Kong to compete…
-
Dinky Series 25 Lorries
The 25 series English Dinky Toy trucks were all originally designed and made pre-war, then again reintroduced right after the war, and then produced until around 1952. The latest versions ones even…
-
Hong Kong Dinkys
Image: HobbyDB In early 1964, Spot-On were designing six new models for their range, all based on contemporary U.S. cars; unfortunately at the same time, Tri-ang, the parent company of Spot-On, were…
-
Farm World in Dinky Toys Series 27 1948–1973
Shortly after World War II, production of a group of agricultural models began, later grouped together under the name “Farm Equipment”. It became a beloved series of agricultural models that…
-
Dinky Reconnaissance Car
The Dinky Toys 152B Reconnaissance Car was originally designed and produced by Meccano Ltd. in the pre-war years and reintroduced in 1946 for several more years. It was a wonderful…
-
John Gay Dinkys
John Gay was a career commodity broker who moved into Dinky Toys in 1975. Up to its closure in 1979, he had a strong trading relationship with the Dinky factory in Liverpool and…