Dinky, Corgi, et al

Thanks, John!! I've been meaning to write about these innovations for years and finally did!  

Posted by: @karl

Thanks, John!! I've been meaning to write about these innovations for years and finally did!  

@karl Hi Karl I started a thread about innovations on the old Legacy site. Now all lost so glad that you have started this again. In the MAR article you ask:

"Did the Solido 100 Series (1957-1981) have working steering anywhere?"

They did it was one of the features on their 161 Lamborghini Miura. Guess the mechanism was similar to the one that Tekno used. The Miura was the only Solido in the 100 series that had steering. Must dig this Miura out and compare with one of the Tekno models I have with steering.

However, some of Solido's tractors had steering operated from the roof rather like some Corgi Toys models but these were in a totally different series.

@chris-sweetman Chris - I also have this one and responded to Karl on the MAR FB site. I thought, but was not sure, that no other Solidos had steering. So you confirmed that.

@karl Re: "Headlights – Corgi seems to have led the way with jeweled or rhinestone headlights, again with the Bentley Continental Coupe in ’61. It took Dinky two more years to come out with their Holden Special with jeweled headlights."

There was a tinplate copy of a Dinky Toys Austin A40, produced from 1949 to 1960, made by Dibro who also operated in Liverpool. This had jewelled headlights whilst the DT only had painted headlights. I cannot find the exact date of manufacture of the Dibro version but it could predate Corgi Toys.

Dinky Toys, France 1415 Peugeot 504

 This model had opening four doors with the rear on the B-pillar and was issued in late 1968. 

Posted by: @chris-sweetman

@karl Re: "Headlights – Corgi seems to have led the way with jeweled or rhinestone headlights, again with the Bentley Continental Coupe in ’61. It took Dinky two more years to come out with their Holden Special with jeweled headlights."

There was a tinplate copy of a Dinky Toys Austin A40, produced from 1949 to 1960, made by Dibro who also operated in Liverpool. This had jewelled headlights whilst the DT only had painted headlights. I cannot find the exact date of manufacture of the Dibro version but it could predate Corgi Toys.

Photo of the Dibro Austin A40 in my collection - note jewelled headlights. 

How about this as an innovation. Detachable clear plastic body.

Yonezawa Diapet Toyota Soarer Turbo number H1 scale 1:40th.

Not a first in modelling as clear bodies were provided by some plastic kit manufacturers in the USA to display the interior of a model without reverting to opening panels. However, in the world of diecast a unique feature?

@karl

Karl, your comprehensive article brings back so many memories of the ‘50’ and early ‘60’s when I collected mainly Dinky Toys and a few Corgi models.  Each summer our family spent our vacation on an island in Georgian Bay off Lake Huron. Just before we arrived at Pointe au Baril to take the taxi boat to the island we would stop in Parry Sound to shop. There was a toy shop that sold Dinky Toys. Behind the display case were shelves of yellow boxes many of which were new models not yet available in the States.

Your article, Karl, reminded me of my fascination with the developments such as glazing in the windows, steering and suspension. I remember the Triumph Herald that had windows, steering and suspension. It came in blue and white and green and white. I got them both. Oh, if only I had cared for them like I treat my Brooklins.  I wonder how many of us started our collecting by acquiring those wonderful little cars by Dinky.  I rember when a Hillman Minx went from $.75 to $.85. Great article, Karl, and thanks, John for posting it so. we all could enjoy it!

I recall when I was a kid and avid Dinky collector how cool I thought it was when Corgi came out with their "suspension" and jewelled headlights!!

@david-knight Did you happen to see the article on the Dinky Herald in MAR Online - Chris really dug deep into it!  https://www.maronline.org.uk/dinky-toys-189-triumph-herald-saloon-part-1-standard-issues/