There is a fairly long history of craftsmen building detailed miniature replicas of transport vehicles and machinery, but it was not until nineteen thirty four that diecast model cars and lorries arrived on the scene in any great numbers.

At that time model cars and lorries were not regarded as collectable items in their own right – they were produced to lend added realism to model trainsets.

Since the early 1920s Frank Hornby had made ever more complex train sets. One of these sets, Meccano Set No 21, came complete with six die-cast models, consisting of a sports coupe, a motor truck, a sports car, a delivery van, an army tank and a farm tractor. These were the very first Dinky models, issued under the Meccano Modelled Miniatures label, as Set No. 22.

These early die cast models were fairly simplistic by modern standards, as they were cast from an alloy containing high lead content which did not lend itself to a high level of detail. What is more they did not attempt to depict genuine automobiles, although the sports car bore a resemblance to the SS1, a popular make of the period and a precursor of the Jaguar.

In terms of scale, they were not well suited to the trainsets which they were intended to complement.

It soon became clear, however, that there was a healthy market for models like this, and it was not long before individual diecast replicas based on real cars and lorries were produced and sold separately. Dinky Set 30 was based on the Rolls Royce, Set 36A on the Armstrong Siddely, 36B a Bentley, and 36F was a Salmon sports car.

With the passage of time the quality of detail and reproduction greatly improved. The Dinky sets came with die-cast alloy bodies and tinplate radiators and rubber tyres. The later models also sported drivers and passengers. The Armstrong Siddely had a footman and chauffeur. Just prior to World War Two some excellent military models were produced, including tanks with catterpillar tracks and rotating turrets.

Few replicas from that period have survived in acceptable condition, and items in acceptable condition are extremely collectible – pre-war Dinkies can fetch prices up to $1000 at auction.

In the nineteen fifties, new production methods heralded a new era in the history of die-cast replica cars. Lesney, famous for their splendid Coronation Coach, and Corgi, (the ones with the windows), came into the market to compete with Dinky.

This new generation of die cast vehicles, with better detail, better running gear, and better colour finish, brings us to the present day, where millions of exquisitely detailed die-cast replica models are produced, at quite reasonable prices for collectors. For example, just take a look at these batmobile diecast models.. The die-cast model car industry has come a long way since the nineteen thirties.

And, better not forget, eBay can be a good source for those hard to find die cast replicas: classic diecast auctions.

For detailed, precision-built die-cast motor car replicas, visit classic diecast.

Filed under: Opinion

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