Mini-Dinky

@david-green 

Were all these 1/65 scale?

@ed-davis 

No Ed.  Cars were slightly larger than 1/65, maybe closer to 1/60 scale but trucks etc. were as high as 1/150. Intent was to have them all fit in the garage packaging.

This is very strange but I do not recall ever seeing these or being  aware of them.  How the heck did I miss these???  

Link to https://www.maronline.org.uk/the-mini-dinky-story/  Karl was referring to.

BTW list of five Top Gear models based on Mini-Dinky's:

111 Jaguar E Type - photos on the net show model in a blister pack https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vtg-top-gear-tri-ang-64-diecast-1890615402 and with a box https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/top-gear-111-tri-ang-hong-kong-jaguar-407837295

112 Corvette - personally own this model with the box

113 Ferrari 250LM - personally own this model with the box

122? Oldsmobile Toronado never seen box

136? Ford Thunderbird never seen box - I have seen this model in the metal. Although never available in the Mini-Dinky range this was issued as a Top Gear model.

Boxes/packaging from first three indicate a 1 prefix for Tri-ang Top Gear models differentiating these from Mini-Dinky. 

@chris-sweetman 

Thanks for the forward Chris. This is a great comprehensive article on Mini-Dinky that fills quite a few of my knowledge holes. Thank you to the writer Kevin Bailey and Karl Schnelle, and MAR for publishing it.

Posted by: @david-green

@chris-sweetman 

Thanks for the forward Chris. This is a great comprehensive article on Mini-Dinky that fills quite a few of my knowledge holes. Thank you to the writer Kevin Bailey and Karl Schnelle, and MAR for publishing it.

Thanks David @david-green Please note I have added some information since your reply. This is regarding what I know about the Top Gear releases.

There is some excellent information regarding the link between Tri-ang and Topper Toys (Johnny Lightning) on this site which commenced in June 2014:

https://www.hobbytalk.com/threads/johnny-lightning-jet-power-screamer.418647/

The MAR 'Mini-Dinky' article mentions 'Car Lines'. This was the original name for 'Mini-Dinky' before the Lines Brothers 'Tri-ang' takeover of the Meccano Empire - including the Dinky Toys brand in February 1964. Hence there are some examples where 'Mini-Dinky' toy cars have 'Car Lines' on their base. These are escapees before the 'Mini-Dinky' brand become formally adopted. This fact is mentioned years ago in an article published in Model Collector magazine written by the late Mike Richardson.

Just to point out the maybe obvious but 'Car Lines' is a play on the Lines name and the three brothers who owned and formed the Tri-ang Company. 

@chris-sweetman Thanks for the extra info - I'll add a reply to the MAR Online and I'll be sure to include it. 😀 

Posted by: @karl

@chris-sweetman Thanks for the extra info - I'll add a reply to the MAR Online and I'll be sure to include it. 😀 

Thanks Karl. BTW I met Maz tonight on a CDMC Teams meeting and informed him that I am preparing an article for MAR based on Tri-ang's Top Gear range. This will include photos of the two Top Gear models I have in my collection.

@chris-sweetman That will make a good companion piece to the recent Mini Dinky article.  I found the Mini Dinky Jag in the US as a kid but don't remember any Top Gear!  I still want to come over to the UK again and meet you and Maz in person -  maybe next year!

@karl Sent the Top Gear article to Maz today along with images.

It would be great to see you too Karl and you would be able to see those two Top Gear models I have in the metal.