Meccano Liverpool produced several models with a tipping function. These were operated manually, such as the Muir-Hill Dump Truck, or with a turning mechanism, such as the Bedford End Tipper. In 1955, Meccano Liverpool produced the 965 Euclid Rear Dump Truck as a Dinky Supertoys model that featured a new superior tipping mechanism and they were very popular. The 965 was produced from 1955 to 1970, initially as the Euclid and from early 1969 as the Terex Rear Dump Truck. It was introduced in the October 1955 issue of Meccano Magazine with a color advertisement on the back cover, a practice that had become common since March 1955. “The Toyman” presented a comprehensive two page description with two black and white illustrations. From March 1953, “The Toyman” frequently described new Dinky Toys models in Meccano Magazine.
The Dinky 965 was introduced in the October 1955 issue of Meccano Magazine.
The 965 Euclid Rear Dump Truck shown with the 962 Muir-Hill Dumper Truck. In the 1956 UK Dinky catalog, the color of the logo on the 965 changed to red.
The Dinky 965 is a robust and solidly constructed Supertoys model that has been continuously improved over the years. The tipping mechanism is better than previous models and the the 965 is equipped with a well functioning pinion and ratchet, allowing the tipper to be gradually raised and lowered for tipping.
The first (1955) version of the Dinky 965 Euclid Rear Dump Truck compared with the first (1949/1950) version of the French Dinky 25M Ford Tipper. Both models share the same kind of tipping mechanism.
This type of mechanism was already used by Meccano Bobigny on the 25M Studebaker and Ford Benne Basculante models from 1949 onwards, but the French model is much smaller and more fragile. The French 25M Ford Tipper, for example, weighs 90 grams while the 965 Euclid clocks in at a hefty 291 grams. The difference between the two is evident in the pictures that accompany this article. The robust Euclid is a very popular model that continues to be widely available.
The pinion and ratchet mechanism of a stripped Euclid.
L: The first Euclid version. R: The last Terex version.
Image: Kevin (DTCA 965 forum via planetdiecast.com)
French Dinky Toys 25M Ford Tipper with side handle with pinion and ratchet for tipping action. Image: eBay
The 965 Euclid Rear Dump Truck prototype
Brochure on the Euclid Rear Dump Truck 15 ton model FD.
Image: eBay
On eBay I came across a brochure of a 15-ton Euclid Rear Dump Truck (type FD) that bears a strong resemblance to the Dinky 965. The dates 1953 and 1954 with a question mark are typed on the last page of the brochure. It seems this could be the prototype for the Dinky 965. The assembly drawing Job No. 13970 is dated 12–10-53. This model has the correct height of the headlights and protective headlight covers, the correct design and position of the exhaust (including the lower ring around the exhaust pipe), the three ribs on the top of the bed, and a two-step entry. The DTCA forums include a photograph of a 1951 Euclid R‑15 model B5FD with a three-step entry.
Shown above is a circa 1952 ad from the British company Blackwood Hodge with images of the Euclid Rear Dump Truck in green. Blackwood Hodge was the British distributor for Euclid and was contacted by Meccano Liverpool who were seeking information needed for reproducing the Euclid model.
The 1951 Euclid R‑15 that was used as a prototype for the Dinky 965, as discussed in the DTCA 965 forums. Note the three-step entry.
Image: Bruce Hoy (DTCA 965 forum)
The Euclid and Terex models are extensively discussed in the DTCA 965 forums, and the changes and casting variations are illustrated there. I have personally examined all the models described in my article, but a lot of supporting information in my article comes from the DTCA 965 forums, especially from member Bruce Hoy. The various changes to the model are noted on Meccano drawings Job 13970, 13971, and 13972. The most important changes are:
- 19–1‑1955
“Dinky Toys” is changed to “Dinky Supertoys”. - 14-10-1955
The color of the Euclid logo is changed from black to red. - 3-11-1955
Longitudinal reinforcement of tipper body catchment and guide. - 13–1‑1960
Addition of windows. - 1962
Three ribs reinforce the bottom of the tipper body above the cab. - 23–5‑1963
The front wheels are reversed. - 26–1‑1967
Addition of two protrusions (stops) at the end of the tilt rod’s rotating/sliding movement. - 3–1‑1969
Name changed from Euclid to Terex.
According comments in the DTCA 965 forum it should be noted that for technical production reasons, the cab windows of Model 965 were manufactured by Meccano Liverpool at a slight angle, rather than straight as in the original prototype. Probably for aesthetic reasons the sides of the model’s dump truck have three vertical beams instead of the prototype’s four. The addition of Stone-Ore-Earth transfers to the dump truck sides was a Meccano Liverpool invention. They are not found on any real Euclid Rear Dump Truck. Meccano Liverpool initially intended to use Stone-Sand-Gravel transfers but according to Meccano drawing Job No. 13970 on 28–3‑55, they changed this to Stone-Ore-Earth. I personally researched eight models, and will show details of the 6 versions listed above with descriptions in chronological order. However, be aware that more versions exist.
The different boxes
L: The Dinky 965 1st issue Euclid (sans windows) with a black Euclid logo on its type 1 blue and white striped Dinky Supertoys box with upright lettering, and reddish contour lines on the model depicted on the box.
R: The Dinky 965 type 1 Euclid box with Quality Control Stamp “O O 955” which implies the box was inspected in September 1955. “O O” are the inspector’s initials. Meccano Liverpool was therefore already releasing the model before it was announced in the October 1955 issue of Meccano Magazine. Note the two-step entry of the Euclid.
Shown above is the second issue Euclid Rear Dump Truck (also sans windows) with the red Euclid logo that was introduced on 14th October 1955, and the yellow USA export label visible on the box. The type 2 box has upright lettering and black contour lines on the depicted model.
The stamp in the box reads “11 AN 55” which indicates it was issued in November 1955. The type 1 box shown earlier is stamped in September 1955 which implies the the first version with the black Euclid logo was only produced for a few months.
Although the above model and box aren’t a correct combination, they are shown together to highlight the rarity and the uniqueness of each. The model lacks the Euclid logo and “STONE-ORE-EARTH” text. I consider this to be a factory error because there are very few examples of Euclid models that lack transfers. The type 3 box with italic text has a rare green color dot on the end of the box. This seems to imply that Meccano Liverpool planned to release the model in green to match the color of the prototype. Meccano Liverpool also received green paint from Blackwood Hodge, but it’s unknown how it was used.
Shown above is the Euclid with a later Dinky Supertoys picture lid box with italic text and a hoist scene. This was the first occurrence of a red Euclid logo on the model on the box. This type of box which was issued around 1963–64 is the first type to sport a lid after the blue and white striped Dinky Supertoys lid boxes. This was during the end of the Dinky Supertoys period, when Lines Bros took over Meccano Liverpool in 1964, ending the Dinky Supertoys run.
This picture shows the 965 Terex with the Terex GM logo on a “DINKY TOYS” Euclid picture box. It is striking that 965 now received a “DINKY TOYS” box for the first time, instead of a Dinky Supertoys box. The name Dinky Supertoys disappeared with the takeover of Lines Bros in 1964. Lines Bros only registered the DINKY name, with the addition of “TOYS” probably added for marketing purposes. Note the absence of the turning handle on the model’s illustration on this rare issue box. Although the “Terex” name adorns the radiator, the base continues to indicate “Euclid”.
Shown here is the Dinky 965 Terex with the Terex GM logo, in its newly released DINKY TOYS Terex picture box and the Terex name on the radiator and the base. A curious note appears on the box: “Color of model may differ from illustration.” According to Bruce Hoy’s comment in the DTCA 965 forum, this note can be explained by the fact that under certain lighting conditions, the model has a hint of green. The yellow color clearly differs from the first edition Euclid.
The different castings
This image is of a first issue Dinky 965 with a black Euclid logo. The model lacks the reinforcement between the lugs along the sides of the ratchet, as well as the ratchet stop and the underside of the loading platform above the cab is smooth. This model was produced without windows until 13 January 1960 and has a sleeve on the turning handle and heavy duty black treaded tires. This first version with the black Euclid logo is very scarce, because shortly after its release the black Euclid logo was replaced by a red one on 14 October 1955.
This image shows the second version of the Dinky 965 that sported a red Euclid logo since 14 October 1955. This is the USA export model that was issued in November 1955 and has the same characteristics as the first version in the previous image.
This third variation of the Euclid has a red Euclid logo and reversed front wheels with a V groove and was produced with windows since 13 January 1960 and packaged in a later Dinky Supertoys picture box as shown above. The model has reinforced sides between the cams along the ratchet, with three ribs reinforcing the bottom of the loading platform above the cab. However, it continues to lack a ratchet stop and a sleeve on the turning handle.
Here’s a factory error Dinky 965 Euclid without the Euclid logo and the legend “STONE-ORE-EARTH”, now with two cams at the end of the ratchet stop which were introduced on 26 January 1967. It has the same characteristics as the third version above, but the front wheels which should have been reversed from 23 May 1963 are still convex.
Although similar to the earlier model, this Dinky 965 Terex Rear Dump Truck with the Terex GM logo but a Euclid DINKY TOYS picture box is a rarity because it has the “Terex” name on the radiator but “Euclid” on the base.
Image: Bruce Hoy, DTCA
The image above is of a very rare Dinky 965 Terex with the Terex name on the radiator but the Euclid name on the base. Meccano Liverpool first exhausted its stock of Euclid named bases before switching to those with the Terex name. This model has another type of grooved tires.
This variation of the Dinky 965 Terex Rear Dump Truck has the “Terex” name on the radiator as well as the base, and the Terex model depicted on its DINKY TOYS Terex box.
The image above is of a Dinky 965 Terex with the Terex name on the radiator and the plinth in place of the former Euclid name on the base. This model also has a different type of grooved tires.
Here’s a pair of Euclid models with the red Euclid logo and windows. The model on the left has front wheels that were reversed from 23 May 1963, and no sleeve on the crank handle. The model on the right has the original convex wheels and a sleeve on the crank handle.
Here’s a comparison of the first type of the 1955 Dinky 965 Euclid Rear Dump Truck with the last type Dinky 965 Terex Rear Dump Truck which was issued in 1970. Note the difference in the ring around the bottom of the exhaust pipe. Under certain lighting conditions, the Terex model has a hint of green and its shade of yellow differs from the first edition Euclid.
L: The rear of the first version 965 without the two lugs for the ratchet stop.
R: The rear of the fourth version of the 965 showing the two lugs for the ratchet stop.
This first version Euclid lacks windows and has a smooth interior roof with one ejection marking in the center. Note the black Euclid logo facing the rear as also is pictured on the Euclid brochure. The right side of the model shows the Euclid logo facing forward as is the case on the real vehicle.
The third version of the Euclid has a cross hatched interior cab roof and one ejector marking, and a plastic window in the center with the EUCLID name below it. Note the red forward facing Euclid logo. The right side of the model also shows the Euclid logo facing forward, but the restored Euclid R‑15 green prototype inn the DTCA forum shows the red Euclid logo on the right facing the rear.
This fifth version of the Dinky 965 shows the Terex GM logo on the doors. The inside cabin roof is smooth and the model has a single ejection marking fastening point. In the center of the plastic window is the name “EUCLID”.
Shown above is the base of the first issue Dinky 965 with the Euclid name and a sleeve on the crank. Note the absence of reinforcement along the sides of the ratchet. The tires are heavy duty tires with block tread, and Dinky Supertoys adorns the raised plinth. Meccano Liverpool initially classified the 965 as Dinky Toys and applied the name Dinky Toys to the mold. However, during the the renumbering phase, Meccano Liverpool reclassified it as Dinky Supertoys in Meccano Magazine of March 1955. On 19 January 1955, the mold was changed to reflect Dinky Supertoys on the plinth. I described this remarkable reclassification in the April 2024 issue of the DTCA Journal.
The first version Dinky 965 Euclid models in the blue striped Dinky Supertoys boxes and picture boxes with a lid were issued with cardboard inner packaging over the handle of the truck to prevent damage to the box during transport. Note the red contour lines of the model on the box, making its edges more visible.
This is the sixth version of the Dinky 965 Terex Rear Dump Truck in its original “DINKY TOYS” cardboard end flap box with inner cardboard packaging to prevent damage during transport. This model has raised reinforcement along both sides of the ratchet and the round sliding plate. Due to the reinforcement on both sides of the base, the raised plinth with the Dinky Supertoys logo was deleted and the Dinky Supertoys name cast on the flat base. This model used a different type of grooved tires and lacked a sleeve on the turning crank.
Shown above is the first version Dinky 965 Euclid with a black Euclid logo and transfers. Note the block tread tires and the twelve wheel bolts which are also present on the real vehicle. This model has no reinforcement between the lugs on the base.
Here is the Dinky 965 with a red Euclid logo and V‑grooved tires embossed with the “M” identifier. The reinforcement between the lugs of the base is visible and the “STONE ORE EARTH” text is noticeably green compared to the black lettering of the first edition model.
This is the Dinky 965 Terex with the Terex logo on the doors, no transfers on the loading bed and a different type of grooved tires. The twelve wheel bolts which are also present on the real vehicle are visible, as is the the reinforcement between the lugs of the base.
L: Dinky 965 with convex wheels.
R: Dinky 964 with concave wheels.
The white “Tested by” control labels were usually included with models with a rotating mechanism and indicated the mechanism had been tested for proper operation. These labels are often lost.
The Dinky 965 was issued with three types of tires: heavy duty block tread, V‑groove and another type of grooved tires. Note the raised reinforcement on either side of the ratchet on the base of the second and third models. The difference in casting of the raised plinth with the Dinky Supertoys name on the first model and the Dinky Supertoys name without the raised plinth on the second and third models is also clearly visible.
The sad end of the Terex Euclid version
As mentioned earlier, during the production years 1955 to 1970 there were many very interesting casting variations that were discussed and depicted in detail in the DTCA 965 forum. The most important variation took place on January 3, 1969, mentioned under item 12 of the Meccano drawing Job No. 13971, when the name EUCLID was changed to TEREX. However, as we know, the new Terex model was only produced for a short time before it was unexpectedly discontinued. What could be the reason for that?
There’s an interesting and detailed story related to its termination that has been described by Bruce Hoy in the 965 Terex DTCA forum topic. In short, it comes down to this: Meccano Liverpool thought it was just a reorganization of the name Euclid to Terex and changed the name Euclid on the model 965 to Terex. They thought that this would allow them to continue producing and selling the model 965 as a Terex model. However, the owner General Motors, who changed the name of the earthmoving equipment division from Euclid to Terex, used a completely different model Rear Dump Truck, the more modern Terex model R‑17, shown in the forum, instead of Euclid R‑15. A legal process threatened to arise and Meccano Liverpool abruptly stopped further production of the Terex Dinky 965 to avoid legal problems.
The new model 965 Terex were issued for a short time with the Terex name on the base and Terex GM logo on the doors, as well as with its new 965 Terex DINKY toys box. However, the advertisement in the UK 1969 No. 5 catalog was notable. The 965 appeared as Euclid Rear Dump Truck depicted in UK catalog No. 5 of May 1969 up to and including its 3rd printing of 1st January 1970, but the 965 on the catalog’s price list referred to the Terex Rear Dump Truck with a price of 14/11. The Dinky 965 Terex with the Terex box is very scarce due to its short production run of less than a year. It’s a pity that production of the Terex model ended abruptly. It was a very popular — and for Meccano Liverpool — a very profitable model and could have lasted for years to come. The production of the new Terex model and its original Terex box is proof that Meccano Liverpool intended to continue producing this model for several years. This is the background story about the remarkable end of model 965 Terex, interesting enough to publish here again.
This is the last Dinky Toys catalog (UK No. 5, 1969) showing the Dinky 965 as a Euclid Rear Dump Truck instead of a Terex Rear Dump Truck.
The price list accompanying the Dinky Toys UK catalog No. 5 (1st to 3rd printing) of 1 January 1970 showing the 965 named as Terex Rear Dump Truck with a price of 14/11.
Rare 965 versions
Red (and sometimes military green) hubs can be found on both the Euclid and Terex models. This occurred when insufficient yellow hubs had been produced but there was a surplus of red hubs intended for the 437 Muir-Hill 2WL Loader or the 959 Foden Dump Truck with Bulldozer, and surplus green hubs original intended for the 666 Missile Erector Vehicle with Corporal Missile. These variations were more frequent during the final years of production, and primarily in the last two types of boxes, per Bruce Hoy’s comment in the DTCA 965 forum.
Rare Dinky Toys 965 Terex Rear Dump Truck with red hubs.
Image: Vectis Auctions
Rare Dinky Toys 965 Euclid Rear Dump Truck with dark green hubs.
Image: Vectis Auctions
Rare chrome plated promotional issue of the 965 Dinky Euclid Rear Dump Truck.
Image: Vectis Auctions
My Dinky 965 Euclid and Terex Rear Dump collection with their original boxes.
