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Meccano Ltd was founded by Frank Hornby in 1901 as Mechanics Made Easy. Frank Hornby had left school to work for his father's business. By 1899, he was making steel toys for his own children from spare sheet metal pieces in the form of trucks, cranes, and bridges.
Initially 'outsourced products' were being packaged on James St in Liverpool, England.
Around 1903, he was selling construction play sets with instructions on how to build 12 different toys from the 16 included pieces.
In 1907, they changed there name to Meccano and the factory was now located on Duke Street before moving to Derby Road in 1909.
In 1912, Meccano France was established as a distributor located in Paris. A factory was also located in Berlin in a joint venture with Marklin as Meccano Germany.
In 1914, a new factory location was built on Binns Road in Liverpool, England. All assets of Meccano Germany were seized and transferred to Marklin.
In 1916, Meccano Magazine debuts.
In 1920, a new factory location is built in Belleville, Paris. British production evolves with the introduction of O gauge clockwork train sets.
In 1929, Standard Mechanism is published.
In 1930, a 2nd French factory location is built in Bobigny, France. A unspecified Spanish license is granted with production lasting there until 1964.
In 1931, Airplane sets are debuted.
In 1932, Car kit sets are debuted. These were tin plate and other metal car kits like the Morgan and BSA three-wheeler.
In 1933, after decades of on going success and growth around the world they debuted their X-line sets in direct competition with Trix and a series of 1:43 scale diecast cars called "Hornby Modelled Miniatures" included in a series of railway and track side accessories to compliment their O guage train sets.
Six vehicles were initially released as #22 (a-f) as a (6) car set. These were cast in lead and included a sports car, a sports coupe, a truck, a delivery van, a farm tractor, and a tank.
The first Dinky model car, was a sports car based on the MG Magic Midget. This casting was available individually and numbered 23.
A second group of cars #ed 24(a-h) was then introduced. This group included a generic ambulance (which was made until the late 1940s), a grand sport open four-seater, a grand sport two-seater, a coupe and a limousine. The 24 series was also made in France.
All of these early cars were inaccurate representations and had die-cast metal bodies and chassis, and where fitted with with rubber tired wheels.
In the April 1934 issue of Meccano Magazine, the referenced name for this series was changed to "Meccano Dinky Toys".
The # of commercial deliver van models grew with the addition of Series 28.
The heyday of Dinky ship models was between 1934 and 1939. These models, which were made in 1/1200 to 1/1985 scale, were cast from the same unstable alloy that was used across the entire pre-war Dinky range and have also suffered from the metal decay that makes undamaged survivors rare. Small metal rollers were included in the design and concealed on the underside of the hull so that the models could be moved smoothly across flat surfaces.
In 1935, Series 30 included for the first time, accurate models of specific vehicles. They were 30f) a generic ambulance, 30c) a Daimler saloon, 30d) a Vauxhall saloon, 32) and then 30a) a Chrysler Airflow saloon, and 30b) a Rolls-Royce saloon.
A smaller Matchbox sized Austin 7 saloons and tourers were also introduced. At around the same time, several models were also made and marketed in France with well known Frenc liveries used to decorate the commercial vehicles.
By August 1935, there were around 200 different products in the Dinky Toys range which also included die-cast ships, aeroplanes and small trains. Meccano name had also been deleted and the brand became known as just "Dinky Toys" until 1971. Dinky Toys (GB) were made from 1935 to 1979.
Two stories exist about the origin of the "Dinky" name. One is that it was derived from a nickname a friend gave to Frank Hornby's daughter. Another version is when one of Hornby's daughters-in-law first saw the models, she refered to them as "dinky". This is a Scottish word that means "neat" or "fine".
In 1936, Hornby passes away. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the 1:43 Diecast Scale Model Hall of Fame in 2007. The X-series is discontinued.
Starting in 1937 to 1939, military vehicles were made and numbered from 151 to 162. They were painted in army green. Models included a medium and a light duty tank, an Austin 7 military car, a six-wheeled truck, a reconnaissance car, a searchlight lorry, an anti aircraft gun, a Vickers Light Dragon artillery tractor with limber and 18 pounder guns. Of interest are several fairly detailed trailers, that included an ammunition trailer, a cooker trailer and a water tank trailer. These military offerings were made through 1941. Some models like the 16 lb anti-aircraft gun, the 151a medium tank, and some of the trailers were also made again from 1946 to 1955.
These pre-war models were fitted with thin wire axles, while the post-war axles larger. The pre-war wheel hubs were also smooth, but after the war there a raised part was added to hub center. Tank tracks on the 162a Light Dragon artillery tractor were made of a wire-link sprocket chain wrapped around the hubs. That gave a mechanical, but not very realistic, look to the tracks. The side panels of the anti-aircraft truck folded away and the gun could swivel 360 degrees and moved from level to about a 50-degree angle upward. The searchlight was also fully adjustable.
Military models continued to be made until the end of production occured in the late 1970s. A wide variety of military vehicles were eventually produced, and included the Jeep-like Austin Champ, which had not only a driver, but passengers as well.
In 1938, Series 36 debuted. Many of those models were also made after World War II ended, up to 1948. Models in this series included a Rover Saloon, a Bentley 2 seat sports coupe, an Armstrong-Siddeley limousine, a British Salmson 4 seater convertible, a British Salmson 2 seat convertible, and a Humber Vogue coupe. There chassis were cast with open holes as a cost saving expense and metal use. Some models had a place to attach metal drivers, but not many appeared with them before the war, which makes them more valuable.
Like other makers Dinky had severe problems with these early models with zinc pest. Which is often mistaken to be metal fatigue, when it is actually caused by impure alloys which allow corrosion to occure between molecules. The result being cracking within the metal and premature crumbling. This was much more common in the years between 1937–1942, and the primary reason why it is rare to find surviving toys in good condition from that period. Some early castings have survived in large amounts, while others are rare finds without some form of damage – like he 28/2 Series vans. Two contamination theories is that the metal was corrupted lead from Hornby train and Dinky Toys production, or the lead ties from raw material sacks. A 3rd theory is from the foil from cigarette wrappers workers threw into the molten metal vats.
In the early days of the Dinky Toys range, airplanes and ships formed a considerable part of the production output of the Binns Road factory. Along with model cars, vans and trucks, both civilian and military aircraft were designed by the Dinky Toys modellers. The model of the Spitfire was sold in a special presentation box between 1939 and 1941, as part of The Spitfire Fund. This effort was to raise money for the supply of a real Spitfire to the Royal Air Force.
Some models were clearly identified, while others were re-issued in 1945 with generic names such as Heavy Bomber (66a) and Two Seater Fighter (66c). The reason for that is not clearly understood, but may be that they were not true representations of particular aircraft type. However, there were rumours that some models of aircraft and ships were disguised so that enemy agents would not be able to recognise allied aircraft and shipping from the Dinky Toys models. That was of particular importance in the production of the French Dinky models, due to the political friction in Europe before the war and the fact that France was occupied by the Axis forces during those hostilities. But those theories seem invalid though, because the models with generic names were issued in 1945, after the war had ended. (Note though that design and development occurred during the War and an actual end date was not yet anticipated.)
Mirroring the aircraft range, both civilian and military ships were also issued, and again, some were disguised by name. The ocean liner France was the only Dinky Toys ship made in France after the war. It was made partly of zamac and partly of plastic in 1/1200 scale.
Dinky Toys were not made between 1941 and 1945. The French Meccano factory was occupied by the Germans, some of whom had worked for Märklin, and the British factory on Binns Road in Liverpool was on war work, but every Christmas a few models would be sold from pre-war stocks.
The remaining few 'pre-war' models that survived were sold in 1945
The first new models issued after the war, were U.S. military jeeps as #153a in April 1946 in England and # 24M in France, it was the first Dinky Toy made in 1:43 scale (?).
Production of model aircraft and ships resumed after the war with a mixture re-issues of pre-war models, along with models of new civilian airliners and recently-introduced jet-powered aircraft.
Aside from some of the military vehicles offered during and after the war, the first significant releases from Dinky in the late 1940s was the 40 series. These were all British saloons.
The first new model car issued was an Armstrong Siddeley Coupe.
These are said to be the opening chapter of the "Golden Age" of Dinky Toys in their post-war era. They represent far greater accuracy and detail than their pre-war models. These are still popular today and are often considered by collectors to be the quintessential Dinky Toys model.
The 40 series cars were made from a better quality alloy, meaning their survival rate is higher.
Originally sold in trade boxes of six, they were renumbered in 1954 and re-colored in two-tone paintwork in 1956.
The Austin Somerset #40j is probably the first model sold in its own individual yellow box.
The first two models in the 40 series were made in 1:48 scale, while the others were done 1:45 scale.
The Jowett Javelin saloon is noted as an interesting case becasue it was planned but never made. Recently, Odgi Models made the Jowett and a couple other Dinky Toys Models which were planned but never made.
In 1947, Meccano began making model lorries (trucks) made in the usual Dinky scale of 1:48. These used the name of Dinky Supertoys. Most models were based on variations of the Foden truck as a flat bed or tanker and the Leyland tanker.
In 1950, Meccano expanded the Supertoys series lineup to include several versions of the Guy Van dressed in current to the period liveries. Each metal box van was identical and featured opening rear doors.
By 1952, most car models were now available in individual boxes.
In 1955, The Guy cab from the Supertoy line was joined by a Bedford S cab,
In 1951, French Meccano operations are consolidated from Belleville to Bobigny
In November 1958, Dinky Dublo toys were issued as accessories to go with their Hornby Dublo train sets. They were cast in 1:76 (OO) scale. A few of these castings remained in the Dinky line up until the 1960s. They had a one piece body, a separate base plate and sometimes windows with plastic wheels. There were a total 15 Dublo models made, with upgrades and modifications there are up to 42 variations (not including box variations). All these models came boxed. There were no color changes during the short life of Dublo.
In 1959, Lines Bros Ltd builds a factory in Calais, France. The French Meccano Magazine stops publication.
In 1960, the new Guy Warrior cab was introduced into the Supertoy series. And later on an A.E.C. and other truck models were also added. Supertoys were most often packaged in white boxes with thin blue horizontal lines. These were also marketed on their own – not as railroad accessories. They still did not quite reach the commercial success of later diecast brands such as Corgi Toys or Solido.
WIP EDIT POINT
In 1964, Line Bros Ltd. (Tri-ang Toys) bought both French and UK Meccano. French production is moved from Bobigny to Calais. (name changed to Meccano-Tri-ang in 1966/67. From then to 1971, the French made models, but not the British made ones had the "Meccano Tri-Ang" name on their base plates and boxes.
In 1968, the Mini-Dinky line was created to compete with Matchbox. Unfortunately, the unnamed Hong Kong based manufacturer - used inferior Zamac alloys and these castings developed zinc pest. Made in 1:60 scale, most models were also available in alternate colors. The Cooper and Lotus F1 racers were made by Best Box (EFSI).
The factory in Calais was opened in 1969. (?)
In 1971, when Lines went bankrupt, the French side of Meccano was bought by General Mills and renamed Miro-Meccano. The English Meccano was bought by Airfix and renamed Meccano Ltd. Production of French street cars stopped until 1974, when the Spanish company Pilen made some of the old French Dinky Toys models for Meccano France again - #1424G Renault 12 Gordini and the #500 Citroen 2CV 1966).
Production of Dinky planes had tailed off in 1968, but rebounded in 1971 with a range of World War II airplane models complete with battery-powered propellers, as well as modern jet fighters, and even a Sea King helicopter were issued. These large-scale planes had been developed by Airfix but were made by Meccano Ltd., which had recently been bought by Airfix.
In 1976, five unnamded ship models were added to the long line of maritime releases by Dinky Toys. These were made in the larger scale of 1/180 – 1/200.
In 1979, the Binns Rd Liverpool factory was closed and all production moved to Calais.
In 1980, Dinky merged with the also struggling Airfix brand and produced a range of 1:64 scale cars to compete with Hotwheels & Matchbox, but they were bankrupt by 1981.
In 1981, Meccano Ltd (GB) was also bought by General Mills. Following Meccano's bankruptcy, the Dinky Toys name was bought by Kenner Parker. They marketed some small-scale diecast models that were made by Universal of Hong Kong and issued under the Dinky Toys name in the early 1980s.
In 1984, General Mills closes the Calais factory.
In 1985, Meccano is bought by Marc Rebibo and the Calais factory is reopened.
In 1985, Universal Group produced the same castings for British distribution that were also available in the USA, as Kidco products. They also most likely produced a line of construction equipment for Dinky that had originally been made by Mercury of Italy, then Mercury of Canada and most recently by Gibbs in the USA.
Universal ended up buying Dinky from Kenner Parker in the 1980s.
In 1987, Matchbox purchased the rights to the Dinky name. At the time they were owned by
![]()
, and issued the "Dinky Collection".
In 1988, Matchbox produced 6 castings under the Dinky name to keep their trademark ownership of the Dinky name. These were a series of 1/43 scale models issued from 1988 onward. This series eventually became the "Matchbox Collectibles" series in 1991. After Mattel bought Matchbox in 1996, the Dinky name was used only sporadically thereafter.
In 1989, Meccano is sold to Finamec (Financiere de Serbie)
In 2000, Meccano bought by Nikko.
In 2008, Mattel licensed the Dinky Toys name to Editions Atlas. They have used it for a series of vintage French Dinky Toys recreations.
As of 2013, the Meccano brand name still existed in the from of Erector by Meccano which is owned by Spin Master.
Known Dinky Series
Dinky Airplanes
Dinky Cars England
Dinky Cars France
Dinky Convoy -trucks
Dinky Ships
Dinky Supertoys England
Dinky Supertoys France - construction
Dinky Toys Farm and Garden
Dinky Toys South Africa
Kidco Mini-Dinky
Mini Dinky
Sourced references -
HobbyTalk members - @Bristol
Dinky Toys - Wikipedia
Encyclopedia of Small-Scale Diecast Motor Vehicle Manufacturers - Sahakangas, Foster & Weber (2006)
Dinky Toys | hobbyDB
Airfix/Dinky | hobbyDB
Initially 'outsourced products' were being packaged on James St in Liverpool, England.
Around 1903, he was selling construction play sets with instructions on how to build 12 different toys from the 16 included pieces.
In 1907, they changed there name to Meccano and the factory was now located on Duke Street before moving to Derby Road in 1909.
In 1912, Meccano France was established as a distributor located in Paris. A factory was also located in Berlin in a joint venture with Marklin as Meccano Germany.
In 1914, a new factory location was built on Binns Road in Liverpool, England. All assets of Meccano Germany were seized and transferred to Marklin.
In 1916, Meccano Magazine debuts.
In 1920, a new factory location is built in Belleville, Paris. British production evolves with the introduction of O gauge clockwork train sets.
In 1929, Standard Mechanism is published.
In 1930, a 2nd French factory location is built in Bobigny, France. A unspecified Spanish license is granted with production lasting there until 1964.
In 1931, Airplane sets are debuted.
In 1932, Car kit sets are debuted. These were tin plate and other metal car kits like the Morgan and BSA three-wheeler.
In 1933, after decades of on going success and growth around the world they debuted their X-line sets in direct competition with Trix and a series of 1:43 scale diecast cars called "Hornby Modelled Miniatures" included in a series of railway and track side accessories to compliment their O guage train sets.
Six vehicles were initially released as #22 (a-f) as a (6) car set. These were cast in lead and included a sports car, a sports coupe, a truck, a delivery van, a farm tractor, and a tank.
The first Dinky model car, was a sports car based on the MG Magic Midget. This casting was available individually and numbered 23.
A second group of cars #ed 24(a-h) was then introduced. This group included a generic ambulance (which was made until the late 1940s), a grand sport open four-seater, a grand sport two-seater, a coupe and a limousine. The 24 series was also made in France.
All of these early cars were inaccurate representations and had die-cast metal bodies and chassis, and where fitted with with rubber tired wheels.
In the April 1934 issue of Meccano Magazine, the referenced name for this series was changed to "Meccano Dinky Toys".
The # of commercial deliver van models grew with the addition of Series 28.
The heyday of Dinky ship models was between 1934 and 1939. These models, which were made in 1/1200 to 1/1985 scale, were cast from the same unstable alloy that was used across the entire pre-war Dinky range and have also suffered from the metal decay that makes undamaged survivors rare. Small metal rollers were included in the design and concealed on the underside of the hull so that the models could be moved smoothly across flat surfaces.
In 1935, Series 30 included for the first time, accurate models of specific vehicles. They were 30f) a generic ambulance, 30c) a Daimler saloon, 30d) a Vauxhall saloon, 32) and then 30a) a Chrysler Airflow saloon, and 30b) a Rolls-Royce saloon.
A smaller Matchbox sized Austin 7 saloons and tourers were also introduced. At around the same time, several models were also made and marketed in France with well known Frenc liveries used to decorate the commercial vehicles.
By August 1935, there were around 200 different products in the Dinky Toys range which also included die-cast ships, aeroplanes and small trains. Meccano name had also been deleted and the brand became known as just "Dinky Toys" until 1971. Dinky Toys (GB) were made from 1935 to 1979.
Two stories exist about the origin of the "Dinky" name. One is that it was derived from a nickname a friend gave to Frank Hornby's daughter. Another version is when one of Hornby's daughters-in-law first saw the models, she refered to them as "dinky". This is a Scottish word that means "neat" or "fine".
In 1936, Hornby passes away. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the 1:43 Diecast Scale Model Hall of Fame in 2007. The X-series is discontinued.
Starting in 1937 to 1939, military vehicles were made and numbered from 151 to 162. They were painted in army green. Models included a medium and a light duty tank, an Austin 7 military car, a six-wheeled truck, a reconnaissance car, a searchlight lorry, an anti aircraft gun, a Vickers Light Dragon artillery tractor with limber and 18 pounder guns. Of interest are several fairly detailed trailers, that included an ammunition trailer, a cooker trailer and a water tank trailer. These military offerings were made through 1941. Some models like the 16 lb anti-aircraft gun, the 151a medium tank, and some of the trailers were also made again from 1946 to 1955.
These pre-war models were fitted with thin wire axles, while the post-war axles larger. The pre-war wheel hubs were also smooth, but after the war there a raised part was added to hub center. Tank tracks on the 162a Light Dragon artillery tractor were made of a wire-link sprocket chain wrapped around the hubs. That gave a mechanical, but not very realistic, look to the tracks. The side panels of the anti-aircraft truck folded away and the gun could swivel 360 degrees and moved from level to about a 50-degree angle upward. The searchlight was also fully adjustable.
Military models continued to be made until the end of production occured in the late 1970s. A wide variety of military vehicles were eventually produced, and included the Jeep-like Austin Champ, which had not only a driver, but passengers as well.
In 1938, Series 36 debuted. Many of those models were also made after World War II ended, up to 1948. Models in this series included a Rover Saloon, a Bentley 2 seat sports coupe, an Armstrong-Siddeley limousine, a British Salmson 4 seater convertible, a British Salmson 2 seat convertible, and a Humber Vogue coupe. There chassis were cast with open holes as a cost saving expense and metal use. Some models had a place to attach metal drivers, but not many appeared with them before the war, which makes them more valuable.
Like other makers Dinky had severe problems with these early models with zinc pest. Which is often mistaken to be metal fatigue, when it is actually caused by impure alloys which allow corrosion to occure between molecules. The result being cracking within the metal and premature crumbling. This was much more common in the years between 1937–1942, and the primary reason why it is rare to find surviving toys in good condition from that period. Some early castings have survived in large amounts, while others are rare finds without some form of damage – like he 28/2 Series vans. Two contamination theories is that the metal was corrupted lead from Hornby train and Dinky Toys production, or the lead ties from raw material sacks. A 3rd theory is from the foil from cigarette wrappers workers threw into the molten metal vats.
In the early days of the Dinky Toys range, airplanes and ships formed a considerable part of the production output of the Binns Road factory. Along with model cars, vans and trucks, both civilian and military aircraft were designed by the Dinky Toys modellers. The model of the Spitfire was sold in a special presentation box between 1939 and 1941, as part of The Spitfire Fund. This effort was to raise money for the supply of a real Spitfire to the Royal Air Force.
Some models were clearly identified, while others were re-issued in 1945 with generic names such as Heavy Bomber (66a) and Two Seater Fighter (66c). The reason for that is not clearly understood, but may be that they were not true representations of particular aircraft type. However, there were rumours that some models of aircraft and ships were disguised so that enemy agents would not be able to recognise allied aircraft and shipping from the Dinky Toys models. That was of particular importance in the production of the French Dinky models, due to the political friction in Europe before the war and the fact that France was occupied by the Axis forces during those hostilities. But those theories seem invalid though, because the models with generic names were issued in 1945, after the war had ended. (Note though that design and development occurred during the War and an actual end date was not yet anticipated.)
Mirroring the aircraft range, both civilian and military ships were also issued, and again, some were disguised by name. The ocean liner France was the only Dinky Toys ship made in France after the war. It was made partly of zamac and partly of plastic in 1/1200 scale.
Dinky Toys were not made between 1941 and 1945. The French Meccano factory was occupied by the Germans, some of whom had worked for Märklin, and the British factory on Binns Road in Liverpool was on war work, but every Christmas a few models would be sold from pre-war stocks.
The remaining few 'pre-war' models that survived were sold in 1945
The first new models issued after the war, were U.S. military jeeps as #153a in April 1946 in England and # 24M in France, it was the first Dinky Toy made in 1:43 scale (?).
Production of model aircraft and ships resumed after the war with a mixture re-issues of pre-war models, along with models of new civilian airliners and recently-introduced jet-powered aircraft.
Aside from some of the military vehicles offered during and after the war, the first significant releases from Dinky in the late 1940s was the 40 series. These were all British saloons.
The first new model car issued was an Armstrong Siddeley Coupe.
These are said to be the opening chapter of the "Golden Age" of Dinky Toys in their post-war era. They represent far greater accuracy and detail than their pre-war models. These are still popular today and are often considered by collectors to be the quintessential Dinky Toys model.
The 40 series cars were made from a better quality alloy, meaning their survival rate is higher.
Originally sold in trade boxes of six, they were renumbered in 1954 and re-colored in two-tone paintwork in 1956.
The Austin Somerset #40j is probably the first model sold in its own individual yellow box.
The first two models in the 40 series were made in 1:48 scale, while the others were done 1:45 scale.
The Jowett Javelin saloon is noted as an interesting case becasue it was planned but never made. Recently, Odgi Models made the Jowett and a couple other Dinky Toys Models which were planned but never made.
In 1947, Meccano began making model lorries (trucks) made in the usual Dinky scale of 1:48. These used the name of Dinky Supertoys. Most models were based on variations of the Foden truck as a flat bed or tanker and the Leyland tanker.
In 1950, Meccano expanded the Supertoys series lineup to include several versions of the Guy Van dressed in current to the period liveries. Each metal box van was identical and featured opening rear doors.
By 1952, most car models were now available in individual boxes.
In 1955, The Guy cab from the Supertoy line was joined by a Bedford S cab,
In 1951, French Meccano operations are consolidated from Belleville to Bobigny
In November 1958, Dinky Dublo toys were issued as accessories to go with their Hornby Dublo train sets. They were cast in 1:76 (OO) scale. A few of these castings remained in the Dinky line up until the 1960s. They had a one piece body, a separate base plate and sometimes windows with plastic wheels. There were a total 15 Dublo models made, with upgrades and modifications there are up to 42 variations (not including box variations). All these models came boxed. There were no color changes during the short life of Dublo.
In 1959, Lines Bros Ltd builds a factory in Calais, France. The French Meccano Magazine stops publication.
In 1960, the new Guy Warrior cab was introduced into the Supertoy series. And later on an A.E.C. and other truck models were also added. Supertoys were most often packaged in white boxes with thin blue horizontal lines. These were also marketed on their own – not as railroad accessories. They still did not quite reach the commercial success of later diecast brands such as Corgi Toys or Solido.
WIP EDIT POINT
In 1964, Line Bros Ltd. (Tri-ang Toys) bought both French and UK Meccano. French production is moved from Bobigny to Calais. (name changed to Meccano-Tri-ang in 1966/67. From then to 1971, the French made models, but not the British made ones had the "Meccano Tri-Ang" name on their base plates and boxes.
In 1968, the Mini-Dinky line was created to compete with Matchbox. Unfortunately, the unnamed Hong Kong based manufacturer - used inferior Zamac alloys and these castings developed zinc pest. Made in 1:60 scale, most models were also available in alternate colors. The Cooper and Lotus F1 racers were made by Best Box (EFSI).
The factory in Calais was opened in 1969. (?)
In 1971, when Lines went bankrupt, the French side of Meccano was bought by General Mills and renamed Miro-Meccano. The English Meccano was bought by Airfix and renamed Meccano Ltd. Production of French street cars stopped until 1974, when the Spanish company Pilen made some of the old French Dinky Toys models for Meccano France again - #1424G Renault 12 Gordini and the #500 Citroen 2CV 1966).
Production of Dinky planes had tailed off in 1968, but rebounded in 1971 with a range of World War II airplane models complete with battery-powered propellers, as well as modern jet fighters, and even a Sea King helicopter were issued. These large-scale planes had been developed by Airfix but were made by Meccano Ltd., which had recently been bought by Airfix.
In 1976, five unnamded ship models were added to the long line of maritime releases by Dinky Toys. These were made in the larger scale of 1/180 – 1/200.
In 1979, the Binns Rd Liverpool factory was closed and all production moved to Calais.
In 1980, Dinky merged with the also struggling Airfix brand and produced a range of 1:64 scale cars to compete with Hotwheels & Matchbox, but they were bankrupt by 1981.
In 1981, Meccano Ltd (GB) was also bought by General Mills. Following Meccano's bankruptcy, the Dinky Toys name was bought by Kenner Parker. They marketed some small-scale diecast models that were made by Universal of Hong Kong and issued under the Dinky Toys name in the early 1980s.
In 1984, General Mills closes the Calais factory.
In 1985, Meccano is bought by Marc Rebibo and the Calais factory is reopened.
In 1985, Universal Group produced the same castings for British distribution that were also available in the USA, as Kidco products. They also most likely produced a line of construction equipment for Dinky that had originally been made by Mercury of Italy, then Mercury of Canada and most recently by Gibbs in the USA.
Universal ended up buying Dinky from Kenner Parker in the 1980s.
In 1987, Matchbox purchased the rights to the Dinky name. At the time they were owned by
In 1988, Matchbox produced 6 castings under the Dinky name to keep their trademark ownership of the Dinky name. These were a series of 1/43 scale models issued from 1988 onward. This series eventually became the "Matchbox Collectibles" series in 1991. After Mattel bought Matchbox in 1996, the Dinky name was used only sporadically thereafter.
In 1989, Meccano is sold to Finamec (Financiere de Serbie)
In 2000, Meccano bought by Nikko.
In 2008, Mattel licensed the Dinky Toys name to Editions Atlas. They have used it for a series of vintage French Dinky Toys recreations.
As of 2013, the Meccano brand name still existed in the from of Erector by Meccano which is owned by Spin Master.
Known Dinky Series
Dinky Airplanes
Dinky Cars England
Dinky Cars France
Dinky Convoy -trucks
Dinky Ships
Dinky Supertoys England
Dinky Supertoys France - construction
Dinky Toys Farm and Garden
Dinky Toys South Africa
Kidco Mini-Dinky
Mini Dinky
Sourced references -
HobbyTalk members - @Bristol
Dinky Toys - Wikipedia
Encyclopedia of Small-Scale Diecast Motor Vehicle Manufacturers - Sahakangas, Foster & Weber (2006)
Dinky Toys | hobbyDB
Airfix/Dinky | hobbyDB
Pages Meccano de Rémi : Chronologie succincte (Short Meccano Chronology)
Chronologie du Meccano, des origines à nos jours
meccrl.free.fr
