There is quite a long history of craftsmen building detailed miniature models of transport vehicles and machinery, but it wasn’t until 1934 that die-cast model cars and lorries arrived on the market in any great numbers.
In those days replica cars and trucks weren’t looked on as collectable in their own right - they were produced to lend extra realism to model trainsets.
Since the early nineteen twenties Hornby had been making increasingly complex train sets. One of the sets, Meccano Set No 21, came with six diecast models, consisting of a motor truck, a sports coupe, a delivery van, a sports car, a farm tractor, and an Army tank. These were the very first Dinky models, issued under the “Meccano Modelled Miniatures” label, as Set No. 22.
These early diecast cars were fairly simplistic by modern standards, because they were cast from an alloy with high lead content which didn’t lend itself to a high degree of detail. Also they didn’t try to depict real vehicles, although the sports car looked somewhat similar to the S.S.1, a popular make at the time and a forerunner of the Jaguar.
In terms of size, they were not very well suited to the railway sets which they were intended to complement.
It soon became clear, however, that there was a healthy market for models like this, and it wasn’t long before individual die cast models based on real cars and lorries were produced and sold separately. Dinky Set 30 was based on the famous Rolls Royce, Set 36A on the Armstrong Siddely, 36B a Bentley, and 36F was a Salmon sports car.
With the passing of time the quality of detail and reproduction hugely improved. The Dinky sets came with diecast alloy bodies and tinplate radiators and rubber tires. The later replicas also came with drivers and passengers. The Armstrong Siddely had a footman and chauffeur. Just before World War Two some excellent military models were produced, including tanks with rotating turrets and catterpillar tracks.
Few models from that era have survived in good condition, and examples in acceptable condition are extremely collectable - pre war Dinky models can fetch prices up to one thousand dollars at auction.
In the 1950s, new production methods introduced a new era in the history of die cast model cars. Lesney, famous for their splendid Coronation Coach, and Corgi, (”the ones with the windows”), came into the market to provide competition to Dinky.
This new generation of die cast vehicles, with better detail, finer running gear, and better colour finish, brings us to the present day, where millions of precision die cast replica models are produced, at quite affordable prices for the collector. For example, just take a look at these batmobile diecast models.. The diecast model car industry has come a long way since the nineteen thirties.
And, don’t forget, eBay can be a source for those hard-to-find diecast replicas: classic diecast auctions.
For detailed, precision-built diecast motor car replicas, visit classic diecast.
Comments are closed.