Dinky Toys (Meccano)
45 years in operation (1934–1979)
About Dinky Toys (Meccano)
Dinky Toys launched in 1934 as a Meccano subsidiary, beginning with miniature 'Modelled Miniatures' sold as Hornby train accessories. They quickly grew into the world's most famous die-cast toy vehicle brand, producing faithful replicas of real vehicles in exquisite detail.
Founding
Frank Hornby, already the creator of Meccano and Hornby Trains, who added die-cast miniatures to the Meccano range as accessories and found he had invented a category.
History of Dinky Toys (Meccano)
Dinky began in 1933 as "Modelled Miniatures" — small die-cast figures, vehicles and lineside items intended to populate a Hornby train layout. They sold so well independently of the trains that Meccano renamed them Dinky Toys the following year and expanded the range into a comprehensive catalogue of cars, commercials, aircraft, ships and military vehicles.
For twenty years Dinky effectively owned the British die-cast market, and its models became the reference standard: accurate enough to recognise the real vehicle, cheap enough to be a pocket-money purchase, and issued in a numbered catalogue that collectors still use as the organising framework for the field. Prewar models suffer badly from zinc pest — an alloy contamination that causes castings to swell, crack and disintegrate — which is why sound prewar Dinky is disproportionately scarce.
Corgi's arrival in 1956 with window glazing broke the monopoly and forced Dinky into two decades of feature competition it never quite won. Meccano was bought by Lines Brothers in 1964 and by Airfix in 1971, and the Binns Road works in Liverpool closed in 1979.
Timeline
- 1933Meccano introduces "Modelled Miniatures" as accessories for Hornby train layouts
- 1934The range is renamed Dinky Toys and expanded into a full catalogue
- 1940Production is suspended for the duration of the war
- 1947The larger Dinky Supertoys range is introduced
- 1956Corgi enters the market with window glazing, ending Dinky's dominance
- 1964Lines Brothers acquires Meccano
- 1979The Binns Road works in Liverpool closes
Notable & Best-Selling Toys
- Dinky Supertoys Foden flatbed truck
- Dinky Thunderbirds FAB 1
- Dinky Spitfire aircraft
- Dinky Guy van
- Dinky Ford Prefect
- Dinky double-decker bus
- Dinky 'Heinz' delivery trucks
Identifying & Dating Dinky Toys (Meccano) Toys
- Bases are cast or stamped "DINKY TOYS" with "MECCANO LTD" and "MADE IN ENGLAND", plus a model number; some early models are marked on the chassis rather than a separate base.
- Wheel and tyre type is the primary dating tool — smooth rubber tyres and one-piece castings on prewar models, ridged tyres and separate baseplates postwar, then plastic hubs and finally Speedwheels.
- A printed cardboard box with a coloured illustration indicates postwar; prewar models were largely sold loose or in trade boxes.
Collector's Notes
- Zinc pest is the first thing to check on any prewar Dinky, and it needs a close look: swelling along casting edges, hairline cracks radiating from axle bosses, a granular surface. It is progressive, irreversible and makes an otherwise attractive model worthless.
- Boxes drive postwar value to a degree that surprises newcomers — a mint model in a crisp correct box can be worth several times the same model loose.
- Repainted and restored Dinkies are common and are sometimes sold without disclosure. Check under the roof and inside the wheel arches for overspray, and be wary of colours not listed for that model number.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Dinky Toys (Meccano) founded?
Dinky Toys (Meccano) was founded in 1934, based in Liverpool, England.
Is Dinky Toys (Meccano) still in business?
No. Dinky Toys (Meccano) ceased operations in 1979, after 45 years in business.
What is Dinky Toys (Meccano) best known for?
Dinky Toys (Meccano) is best known for Dinky Supertoys Foden flatbed truck, Dinky Thunderbirds FAB 1, Dinky Spitfire aircraft, among other toys.
Where was Dinky Toys (Meccano) located?
Dinky Toys (Meccano) was based in Liverpool, England.
What kinds of toys did Dinky Toys (Meccano) make?
Dinky Toys (Meccano) is categorized under die-cast, vehicles, aircraft.
Who founded Dinky Toys (Meccano)?
Frank Hornby, already the creator of Meccano and Hornby Trains, who added die-cast miniatures to the Meccano range as accessories and found he had invented a category.
How can you identify genuine Dinky Toys (Meccano) toys?
Bases are cast or stamped "DINKY TOYS" with "MECCANO LTD" and "MADE IN ENGLAND", plus a model number; some early models are marked on the chassis rather than a separate base. Wheel and tyre type is the primary dating tool — smooth rubber tyres and one-piece castings on prewar models, ridged tyres and separate baseplates postwar, then plastic hubs and finally Speedwheels. A printed cardboard box with a coloured illustration indicates postwar; prewar models were largely sold loose or in trade boxes.
Are Dinky Toys (Meccano) toys valuable?
Zinc pest is the first thing to check on any prewar Dinky, and it needs a close look: swelling along casting edges, hairline cracks radiating from axle bosses, a granular surface. It is progressive, irreversible and makes an otherwise attractive model worthless. Boxes drive postwar value to a degree that surprises newcomers — a mint model in a crisp correct box can be worth several times the same model loose. Repainted and restored Dinkies are common and are sometimes sold without disclosure. Check under the roof and inside the wheel arches for overspray, and be wary of colours not listed for that model number.