Two different versions of the Octopus with chains.

The one with red hubs is mine the one with grey hubs belongs to a friend.

Dave

A scarce beast, Dave! One is enough, I would say ;)
Congratulations and best regards, Jan

Dave, a beauty.

The mix of wheel types happens on all types of hubs including Supertoys / red plastic.

This is the diagram of the periods of manufacture of the Leyland Octopussys.

Although the Esso tanker was still in the catalogue of 1964 it may not have been made that year and delivered from stock. Then the tank slots may have been filled in as soon as 1964.

The same applies to the flat truck with chains, the openings behind the cab may have been filled in in 1966 or 1967 and the Sweetener tanker made between 1966 and 1969.

The Octopus with chains with the grey hubs is owned by Graham de Chastelain who has been a member of the DTCA for some years and a keen collector of the finest examples of post-war Dinky Toys.

Sadly Graham died as a result of cancer on Wednesday of last week, I will do an obituary in the near future of the journal and this site.

As well as Dinky, Graham had a stunning collection of both Bassett-Lowke and Hornby 0 Gauge railway locomotives.

Dave

So sorry to hear of his death. Obviously I did not know him, but I know many of you did, and always sad to lose both a friend and a fellow Dinky collector. Our condolences to you and his family............

Terry

Thanks for your thoughts guys.

Graham did not have the largest collection but everything he had was absolutely the best that he could buy and he was passionate about post-war Dinky Toys.

Dave

Hi Dave, I never met Graham, saw some nice examples of his collection, however, as demonstrated by you, here and in your Dinky book. No doubt we will commemorate him this DTCA weekend in Derby. See you then, best regards, Jan