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Jan Oldenhuis's picture
Jan Oldenhuis
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DTCA MemberNetherlands

-521, 921 and 409 Bedford Articulated Lorry (1948-63)

The Bedford Articulated Lorry is a very lovely and attractive model with its imposing front and very detailed silver trim on the grille and headlights. It was announced in the Meccano Magazine of April 1948. It was the first big DT truck with trailer and appeared for the first time as Supertoy in Meccano price list of April 1948 and for the last time in the July 1963 UK catalogue (without images).

DT 521 announced in MM of April 1948 with image.

Dinky Toys 521 Bedford Articulated Lorry and 551 Trailer in Meccano Magazine June 1948.

Meccano price list April 1948 (without image).

DT catalogue UK July 1963 (without image).

The first colour image appeared in the universal UK catalogue of May 1952 with black painted mudguards to the rear wheels of the trailer.

Ever since the UK catalogue of October 1953, the mudguards of the trailer were painted yellow (see under d).

Bedford and Ford were throughout DT production one of the most common models in the total range of Dinky Toys.

In the literature I found the following special and general characteristics that can help us to specify the individual models because there is no number on the baseplate or cast of this model and there are much several boxes.

The Great Book of Dinky Toys  Mike and Sue Richardson p 136:

a) 521: red or yellow with black wings; 1948-54 marked Dinky Supertoys then Dinky Toys; brown box with Supertoys label, then blue box with Dinky label. (Mike forgot the green box with label!)

  

Dinky Supertoys on base                       Dinky Toys on base

b) 921: yellow with black wings only; 1954-1956 marked Dinky Toys; blue & white striped Dinky box

c) 409: yellow with black wings only; 1956-63 marked Dinky Toys c.1961 windows added; yellow Dinky box (Mike forgot the blue/white striped 409 box export USA?)

GBDT p 196 (521-921-409) :

d) 20-1-1953 mask spraying deleted from rear mudguards

  

Black mudguards <1953         Yellow mudguards >1953

e) 3-7-1957 (20) deleted

  

20 (speed limit) till 1957          20 deleted 3-7-1957

f) 14-1-1960 windows added

DT 409 with windows since 14-1-1960

GBDT p. 270:

g) A memo issued by the US distributor, H Hudson Dobson, in 1954-which indicates tires were fitted to the models then in the range: 6676/094 11 / 16in "large black" tires fitted: 521/921 Articulated Lorry. 7076/096 19 / 32in "small black" tires fitted: 521/921 Articulated Lorry trailer.

Ramsay's model toys catalogue 15th edition: (I think it is not quite complete and correct – please add comments)

h) 521: 1948-1948: red body, black wings, black or red hubs, "20" transfer, Supertoys on base, brown box.

1949-50: yellow body, black wings, black hubs, "20" transfer, Supertoys on base, brown box.

1950-54 yellow or yellowish-orange body, black wings, red hubs, "20" transfer, Supertoys or Dinky Toys on base, blue box, orange or white label.

i) 921: 1954-56: yellowish-orange body, black wings, red hubs, Supertoy.

j) 409: 1956-63: All have black knobbly tires. Deep yellow cab and back, black wings, red hubs, yellow box. As previous model but with window glazing. Lighter yellow box.

Unfortunately I could not find a drawing of this model to date the casting changes and more details. I hope there are members who can say anything about that. I am also special interested in details about the appearance of the 409 with box and all his specifics. For instance I saw on Vectis blue/white striped 409 boxes with label for the US market, but also without US labels. Where they also sold in the common market? Is there a member with such a box? And had the 409 already knobbly tyres from the beginning? I doubt about that because I saw on Vectis much 409 models with smooth tyres. Comments are welcome.

I have 4 different Bedford’s Articulated Lorry’s of which I add pictures of the colour- and casting variations and 4 different boxes.

At the end I show pictures of a beautiful real one Bedford Articulated Lorry.

Hoogvliet, 7-1-2017

Kind Regards,

Jan Oldenhuis (703)

dinkyfan's picture
dinkyfan
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Jan--Thanks for the very nice article on this most wonderful and attractive Dinky Toys model.  I have always thought it needed to be included in any nice collection of Dinky's, and I finally acquired a nice one several years ago.  In all those notes, I did not see any mention of the use of the same size, smooth rubber tires, on the articulated trailer.  On those earlier models, they always used the larger Supertoys tires, which resulted in the trailer riding at the same height as the tractor or cab, but when they switched to the smaller smooth tires, the articulated trailer is definitely lower in the rear.  Below are some photos of mine, and you can see that it has the yellow rear wings, smooth tires all around, 20 roundel on the rear, and came in a green Supertoys box, althought the base is labeled Dinky Toys.  Of course I cannot guarantee that is the original box, but it would appear so.  Both the model and the box are very nearly mint.

     Best regards,  Terry

 

 

Jan Oldenhuis's picture
Jan Oldenhuis
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Thanks Terry for the photo with the beautiful green box. It's a beautiful combination. It is not always easy to determine the model number, but yours is a wonderful combination and indeed it may not be missed in a DT collection.

Best regards, Jan O.

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janwerner
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Hi Jan, thank you very much for all the valuable information in your contribution. If we could fill all Dinky topics this way …

As the drawings is concerned, the image of the assy/complete drawing 12876 for this model is known and shown in an over 20 years old Classic Toys issue, the final one of May/June 1996, on page 8. In fact this makes part of a very interesting article written by Stewart Orr and Graham Bridges about this fascinating model. It is a well-illustrated article about the Bedford Trucks, all of them: the Articulated Lorry, the Bedford Truck, the Bedford End Tipper and the Pullmore Car Transporter. It does not mention the green label box either, but it shows besides the ones you demonstrate also the red artic with red hubs and the yellow one with windows and all silver radiator.

The illustration of the assy of the Articulated Lorry is small and full of spots, but crisp. For the research into my favourite never made Articulated Petrol Tanker, also in that period, I ‘restored’ that drawing for my own use by enlarging it and cleaning it digitally. The Tanker was to be a contemporary companion to the Lorry. I used the 'complete' drawing for the Lorry as a basis for my reconstruction of the unknown 13130 assy of the Articulated Tanker, the upper half.

As we have seen on many occasions, the Richardsons mention the ‘significant’ and easily understandable changes only. The drawing itself, however, shows more changes. When you trace the codes used, they are understandable too, and give more information about other details. One should keep in mind that casting changes for big body parts, or bodies as a whole, will only be found on the (mostly large) 4:1 design drawings. And these do not exist for this specific articulated lorry (see the GBofDT page 196), but make part of the sets of drawings to be found under the other Bedford vehicles. For instance, changes on the body of the semi trailer will have to be found on the large drawing of the Large Trailer (which unfortunately is not known). Some features have not been mentioned yet here. That is the widening of the casting where the rear mudguards and the main body of the (semi-) trailer meet. That should be/have been visible on the Large Trailer drawing. I can find no mention at all about the change from the small to the large towing hook. That change must have taken place approximately 1952. In short: all sequences of changes that took place on the Large Trailer’s body (and I have quite some variations) are likely to show as well in the sequence of versions of the Bedford Articulated Lorry.

By the way, my 409 has smooth medium large tyres. Lateron these changed over to treaded tyres. So both do occur. The assy/complete drawing shows that change - as well as the previous change of the rear tyres. It should be noted that the record of these changes necessarily exactly coincided with the actual change, but it’s well-known that the majority of the Dinky Toys got treaded tyres in the course of (August) 1957. See also the illustrations added below.

Kind regards, Jan W

Jan Oldenhuis's picture
Jan Oldenhuis
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Jan- Many thanks for the very detailed supplement with table and drawing. Very valuable.

What strikes me is comment # 4 on the drawing: Mask spraying deleted from platform mudguards. Be meant the rear or the front mudguards of the truck? For there is indeed clear difference in the spraying of the front mudguards of the truck. My two first Bedfords (red / black and yellow / black with Supertoys base) the mudguards are neatly painted black till the yellow bonnet. Of my last two Bedfords the mudguards are painted black and there is a yellow border visible between the black mudguards and the yellow bonnet, which is clearly shown in the attached photos. Perhaps this change had already taken place on 29-10-1948?

Now I have better studied the drawing, I see that the front mudguards of the truck on the drawing are shaded as being to be Hand-painted or Mask-sprayed. So we can conclude that 29-10-1948 were changed from Mask-sprayed to Hand-painted the front mudguards. Now I discover how valuable a drawing is.

It's me now also become clear by your table that in the end of the production a 409 was issued with entirely silver-colored grille and headlights. Proof of this is found in the book with pictures of the collection Gerard Dulin (see attached photo). Such one was sold by Vectis on 29-09-2009 for £ 400 !!! I always thought this was manipulated. Personally I do not like the whole silver grille and headlights. And it is easy to manipulate. I find the first painting of the grille nicer and it also looks exactly like the grille of the original genuine Bedfords.

In the table lacks the mention of (my 2nd) 521: Yellow black, red ridged hubs, red ridged hubs on trailer, 20 sign yes, with Dinky Supertoys base plate (see photo). I don't think that the second 521 in the table: yellow/black, black/ridged hubs on cab had black Supertoy hubs on the trailer. I think it should be black ridged hubs (see last picture). It also lacks the mention of the blue/white striped 409 box. So this question is not yet solved.

Kind regards,

Jan O

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janwerner
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Hi Jan, I agree that the article and table by Orr & Bridges are not perfect, but I think it was the first and best illustrated article one could produce in the 1990s. That's the nice thing about this forum, that we can continuously improve and update the knowledge we have. Nice examples of mask spraying and hand-painting you have. I believe the 'platform mudguards' are meant to be the ones on the semi-trailer, but our native English speaking and writing colleagues can perhaps comment on that. These schemes of alterations on the drawings are very interesting. Still, we will always have to be aware that the documentation of these do not always exactly coincide with the actual execution. It may have been documented either before or after introduction of these alterations. Kind regards, Jan W 

binnsboy650
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Hi Jan,

Your photos are superb and I envy your ability to produce them. You mention about the deletion of spraying of the platform mudguards and the correct interpretation of which mudguards these are. My instinct was to say those on the tractor rear and this I subsequently noticed is confirmed by the drawing above the list of jobs. If you read beneath the trailer there is an indication of where the platform pin is situated. Also, below and to the right is a centre line drawing of the 'body, platform, etc.' 

Cheers

John

Jan Oldenhuis's picture
Jan Oldenhuis
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DTCA MemberNetherlands

Hi John.

Thank you for your kind compliments and explanations.

I must confess that I have insufficient technical knowledge and lack of English language know how to explain a drawing of the Dinky Toys technicians. I base my conclusion on the cross shading on the drawing and commentary which means that cross shading. 

The only place where this cross shading on the drawing prevents is the front mudguard.

That's why I conclude that the front mudguards must be the place what is referred to # 4 of the job list. You can also turn around this question and ask: What does the cross shading of the front mudguards on the drawing mean?

Beyond that is listed under 7 of the Job list: Mask spraying on rear mudguard deleted (according GBDT p 196= trailer), but is not shaded in this drawing.

Kind Regards, Jan O.

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Andrew Lance
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Hello,

this is my first post here. I don't actively collect Dinky Toys but my interest in Dublo and Meccano Ltd products in general overlaps here. My main interest is paperwork from Binns Road. I have scanned thousands of catalogues, price lists etc and shared them on the Hornby Railway Collectors Association website. I have also got over 6000 factory drawings scanned by Chris Graebe which will also be on the HRCA website soon.

Attached is one of the drawings, not listed in the Great Book of Dinky, reduced resolution to 72dpi from 300dpi to fit here. Job No 13630 is the wheel hub.

I would be very interested to get copies of any other drawings and catalogues etc. I haven't  seen, to add to the archive.

Andrew

Porthmadog

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janwerner
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Jan, in my opinion you will look for the cross shading of the rear mudguards in vain, because it was removed from the drawing when it was decided to delete that job.

Andrew, so nice that you have scanned so many paper documents as sources of Meccano history! Would you consider to make (some of) them available for the publications corner of this website? It would be a valuable aid for many of us in studying the history of Meccano, Dinky Toys etc. 

Kind regards, Jan W

Jan Oldenhuis's picture
Jan Oldenhuis
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For a better view. Here are my close pictures of the 3 casting variations of the platform of the Bedford Articulated Lorry that I found till now. When there are more, I ask members to add pictures of these variations. And ... I ask members to post pictures of a blue/orange labeled 521 box and of a blue/white striped 409 box. These are missing in this topic till now.

I have a question about the 921 blue white striped box. My 921 box is a so called dual numbered box with both numbers 921 and 521 on the box. This was during the time of transition to the new numbers around 1954. Has anyone a 921 box without dual numbers? I wonder if this box exists.

Kind regards,

Jan O

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hoort
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Hi all,

A small contribution to this nice thread:  the first and last variation of the yellow Bedford alongside each other. The first with black hubs and the last with the unpainted radiator and windows. The color difference is striking as well, a dull yellow for the first and a much more orange yellow for the last. Both models are scarce. The unpainted radiator is a feature shared with the last issue 410 Bedford Tipper. I quite like the unpainted radiator, but perhaps its rarity enhances my feeling. I like rare Dinky Toys! The 409 with unpainted radiator was bought by me on eBay last year for GBP 115. The GBP 400 paid at Vectis for this model seems high.

Kind regards,

Rob 

 

dinkyfan's picture
dinkyfan
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Rob---Does that last version have an unpainted radiator shell, or is it painted silver? Looks pretty bright for unpainted....just curious as I have never seen one.
Best regards, Terry

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hoort
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Hello Terry,

The radiator is painted silver, it is not unpainted as I mentioned before. Thanks for bringing it to attention!

The earlier radiator units are painted black with (hand) painted silver detail on the radiator and the headlights. The reason for the change to a silver painted radiator unit is probably to reduce cost.  When painting it silver, there was no need to add silver for the headlights and other detail. That saves one paint job. Next to the Bedford Articulated Lorry and the Bedford Tipper this silver radiator is also fitted on the late issues of the 252 Bedford Refuse Wagon. I think the Bedford Articulated Lorry was discontinued before the other two models, that might explain the scarcity of the Articulated Lorry with a silver radiator.  

Kind regards,

Rob

 

Jan Oldenhuis's picture
Jan Oldenhuis
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I just received the Classic Toys magazine of which Jan Werner referred to the article by Stewart Orr & Graham Bridges about the Dinky Toys Bedford Trucks.

About the interpretation of the Meccano drawing of the Bedford Articulated Vehicle Assembly, discussed in this topic, they stated - The Meccano drawings indicate the following:

1. Mask-spraying of deck behind cab deleted October 1948 (so no red versions after this date).

2. Rear wheel hubs amended March 1954.

3. Treaded tyres specified from April 1958.

4. Plastic windows added from January 1960. 

So my conclusion about the hand painting of the front mudguards since 29-10-1948 is not correct.

Stays that the way of painting of the front mudguards visible changed in the later period of production, which can be concluded from my added pictures of two early Bedfords and two later Bedfords. The front mudguards of the early Bedfords are black painted close till the bonnet (see 1st picture), the front mudguards of the later Bedfords are black painted with a visible yellow border between the black painted mudguard and the yellow painted bonnet (see 2nd picture). The cross fading at the front mudguard on the drawing perhaps than means painting to do by mask spraying? And the front mudguards of the early Bedfords perhaps were hand painted in the beginning, as it looks on the yellow Bedford on the 1st picture. Who knows more about that, may tell it.

Kind regards, Jan O.

 

Jan Oldenhuis's picture
Jan Oldenhuis
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Bruce- I saw a very interesting share yours in the TMT 409 topic (May 26 2005) about the Bedford Articulated Lorry in which you wrote: "I will be providing a full story on the production sequence for this model soon, that will include details such as when the trailer mudguards and platform were no longer painted black, trailer tyres, hubs and axles were changed, windows and so on."

I am looking for this information that I can't find nowhere else. Bruce, I will be very pleased when you are willing to add these information to this subject.

Kind regards, Jan Oldenhuis

 

 

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Dinkinius
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Jan

Thank you for reminding me of that comment I made in the old TMT website! Actually, many members while the website was still functioning, submitted material that I was using, which was one reason I never posted my findings. Unfortunately, I experienced something we all fear - the sudden computer malfunction that turned out to be catastrophic!  I thought I was fully covered having kept a back-up on my trusty floppy discs. Then something unexpected happened, these discs for some reason or other could not be read through my replacement computer. I took them to my computer guru and he said something had corrupted them! 

However, all was not entirely lost, as I had been printing out a lot of my records on Dinky Toys, and one of these was the Bedford 25M, 25V, 25W, 521 and 582 cab-chassis. I was using the various casting changes as a dating agent, in conjunction with the release of the models.

I have not looked at these records for more than a decade. It shows that the Bedford cab-chassis experienced 32 casting changes/variations, ranging from the front axle supports, to the petrol tank changes, locations of "Made in England", with these changes not including the introduction of plastic hubs.The variations are listed numerically, which I have used to describe the models found and the date these were in use. 

As an example, in March 1948, the Bedford cab-chassis would have consisted of variation 1, 3, 5, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17. The dark green with black hubs Bedford Rear Tipping Wagon included these numerals in addition to others, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 24, 27, 29, 31. Of course to make sense of this one has to see the list I have prepared!

It was a slow, methodical process involving me purchasing a large number of Bedfords to enable me to have a broad range of models on which to base my deductions.  It took me over ten years to assemble this data.

I am trying to figure out how I can prepare the list of variations, which would involve me photographing as many Bedfords as I am able to enable a photograph to accompany each variation number. But when can I do that??!! At this stage I am uncertain whether I still have every Bedford I used for my initial investigations! At the present time, I am concentrating on other things, and needless to say, my wife has me performing other tasks around the house which seem to be never-ending.  I think it is a conspiracy to keep me away from Dinky Toys!

You may have seen my continual request for Inspection Stamp data as these, together with prices written on boxes, have become a valuable tool in determining when models were actually being on the assembly line, and as an off-shoot, when certain changes took place.

Actually, when you wrote in Post #15 above, "So my conclusion about the hand painting of the front mudguards since 29-10-1948 is not correct", you were originally quite correct!  I have a 25W with black front mudguards and one can still see on the edge of one, the definite stroke of a paint brush that shows on part of the engine frame. Having said that, I know Meccano utilised a number of ladies on the line to carefully correct these sections where the spray painting was not up to standard.

You may have noticed that I have been absent from the website for a number of months. I was going through a "senior's moment" which I will explain in my email reply to yours.

Back to Bedfords.  I have never seen a date when the rear axle for the 521 trailer was changed from being pressed into an opening to when the metal was extended to enable a hole to be drilled through which the axle passed. The following picture is a better explanation.

This system was only applicable to the first production of the 521 Bedford Articulated Lorry, although I am uncertain if all models with this feature were packaged in the plain cardboard box with label or if this was extended to the green covered boxes.

I have read with deep interest your earlier Posts, and I look forward to exchanging more information in the time ahead.

Kind regards

Bruce   (150)

20170228/1057

Dinkinius's picture
Dinkinius
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Jan

Further to my last Post, until such time as I can photograph each casting change/variation, the following will assist in identifying what each number in my last Post refers with the first type of casting for the 521 Bedford Articulated Lorry covering the period April 1948 to February 1949 when several changes were made to the casting:

1. Vertical front axle supports

3. Chassis surrounding winding mechanism apperture flat.

5. Rounded lug above rear axle to keep wheel hub away from the chassis.

7. Made in England stamped on base plate

10. Three dimensional petrol tank without added casting

11. Curving chassis on either side of rear axle from the cab to the rear

13. Casting ejector lugs underneath rear pin holding the model's non-hinged back

15. Square-cut front mudguards

17. Chassis to cab above winding mechanism flat

20. Rear mudguards in line with chassis

24. DINKY SUPERTOYS on base plate in small lettering

27. Rear body retaining pin rivet head at one end, crimped at the other

29. Small tow hook

31. Trailer axle on 521 "open" with axle pressed into opening

A further change was made circa March 1949, two more changes later during 1949, again in February 1953, and April - June 1953, 

Kind regards

Bruce H.   (150)

20170303/1061/0048

Jan Oldenhuis's picture
Jan Oldenhuis
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Thank you Bruce.

Your list of casting changes (and there are many) is very valuable to us. Supplement with pictures makes it even better to make it easier to recognize the changes and to enjoy it. It is especially fun to discover all this.

Many thanks for all your research. I myself am very curious about a photograph of 24. DINKY SUPER TOYS on baseplate in small lettering. I could not find such a base plate till now.

Kind regards,

Jan O.

 

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fodenway
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Bruce, this is an extremely interesting photograph of the Bedford Articulated Trailer rear axle location - I have never knowingly seen this variation!  I am intrigued by the small slot visible below the axle, at the division between red and black paint areas. Could this have been the fixing point for a tinplate axle retainer, in a similar manner to those used on Hornby Dublo railway wagons?

 - Kevin.

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Dinkinius
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Good Evening/Morning Jan O and Kevin

Many thanks for your kind words.

Kevin - Yes, the method Meccano used for the rear axle was unique for Dinky Toys, although I was unaware of the relationship with Hornby Dublo. I have however, seen a similar method with Hornby O guage. As can be seen with the image below, this method did prove not to be such a good idea as the strain placed on the adjourning casting resulted in some paint loss.

Jan O. - I quite agree that photographs are essential in providing a visual interpretation.  Accordingly, this has been rectified for the first casting for the 521 in yellow with black mudguards all round.

You are quite correct with No. 24, as I have encountered a problem with with it. The size of the lettering for DINKY SUPERTOYS which covered No. 22, 23 and 24 of my original list, as I no longer have access to some of the models from which I obtained these details, nor could I find any photographs, those days being before digital photography when one had to be careful with the number of images taken. I am only including it here, as eventually I will (hopefully) locate the models from which I made my original assessment.

1. Vertical front axle supports

3. Chassis surrounding winding mechanism aperture flat.

5. Rounded lug above rear axle to keep wheel hub away from the chassis. Later issues the lug is elongated.

7. Made in England stamped on base plate. (The impression was not very clear on this model!)

10. Three dimensional petrol tank without added casting

11. Curving chassis on either side of rear axle from the cab to the rear. This is only applicable with the Articulated.

13. Casting ejector lugs underneath rear pin holding the model's non-hinged back

15. Square-cut front mudguards

17. Chassis to cab above winding mechanism square cut

20. Rear mudguards in line with chassis

24. DINKY SUPERTOYS on base plate in small lettering

27. Rear body retaining pin rivet head at one end, crimped at the other

29. Small tow hook

31. Trailer axle on 521 "open" with axle pressed into opening

Of the above, No.20 may only be applicable to the Articulated Lorry. It is included here as part of the overall list of variations, as other Bedfords have a different arrangement that brings the mudguards out of line with the chassis.

The next version of the Bedford Articulated Lorry, based on my investigations a decade ago, was packaged in a green covered box, a box that is perhaps unique with Meccano, in that it has all the attributes of having been made by a company inexperienced with covering cardboard boxes.  It is of course the box displayed in Post #2 submitted by Terry.

Kind regards to you all

Bruce H.   (150)

20170503/1062/2245

Jan Oldenhuis's picture
Jan Oldenhuis
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I made it for myself as a challenge to find all the differences of this model. Therefore - Bruce - Many thanks for your very clear pictures of the casting differences and all work you have done in this topic.

In the meantime of this topic I gathered all colour versions (except the silver radiator one) and found some special base plates. I have a total of 13 Bedford Artics now that I examined. All different. Not one is equal to the other. It is amazing how much variations this model has to discover. Besides your list of casting variations I also made a list for myself and discovered the following additional casting variations of which I add full size pictures. I shall give it the missing numbers out of your listing. I hope that they cover the pictures that you lost in your archive and perhaps are thereby so far unknown variations.

The base plate 24. Is the common lettering of the Supertoys base plate. It's a pity that you lost a picture of the Supertoys base plate in small lettering. I did not found any till now. The base plate 7. "Made in England" stamped on base plate did I found on all Supertoys base plates and indeed sometimes vague and not deep pressed. I add also pictures of 2 special base plates that I acquired and never had seen before. 2a) Dinky Toys base plate with double “Made in England” pressed in the base plate and also embossed on the cast and 4) Dinky Toys base plate with text “Dinky Toys” in one line with small letters (normal is “Dinky Toys” in 2 lines with large letters). I think they are rare and hard to find.

Note the pictures 6a till 6d of 3 different castings of the front axle support and note 6d picture of 2 different rounded lug casting supports of the rear axle of the tractor.

I discovered that some casting changes that obviously first were deleted came back on later models. For instance - After the square cut out front mudguards came the rounded front mudguards, but the later issued ones of the 409 became again the square cut out front mudguards and also the rounded lugs in the trailer rear axle support.

At the end I show pictures of the colour variations, the different boxes and all 13 Bedford Artics I have acquired. Thereby are 2x red with black hubs (with open and closed trailer axle support), 1x red with red hubs (closed trailer axle support), 2x yellow with black hubs (with open and closed trailer axle support). Also a picture of a detached 409 tractor and trailer.

Summary of additional pictures of casting variations, colour variations and boxes.

2a) Base plate “Dinky Toys” with 2x “Made in England” – pressed in base plate and embossed on cast

2b) Close up base plate “Dinky Toys” with 2x “Made in England” – pressed in base plate and embossed on cast

4) Base plate “Dinky Toys” in one line in small lettering

6a) 3x different front axle support + 3x different rear axle support tractor

6d) Different rounded lugs rear axle support tractor: - left: first issues – right: last issues 409

8) Pin in rear platform with crimped ends on both side. Normal is one end head and other end crimped

9) Rear trailer mudguard support: - above small mudguard support (first) - under wide mudguard support (later)

12) different trailer rear axle – right: all Supertoys base with thin axle – left: all Dinky Toys base with thicker axle

14) different beams under loading platform: – under: all Supertoys base beams with flat square end – above: all Dinky Toys base beams with rounded end

16) different number seams/stripes loading platform: - under 521-1 till 409 with 11 seams/stripes - above 409 with 12 seams/stripes

18) Rotation stop: - under 521-1 with rotation stop (only the 1st issues 521 with “open” rear axle trailer support had a rotation stop) - above 521 without rotation stop

19a) Dinky Toys 409 tractor and trailer detached

21) 6 colour variations

22) 13 different Bedford’s Articulated Lorry

23) 7 different boxes Bedford Articulated Lorry

Kind regards to all members,

Jan O (703)

 

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The following series of pictures were intended to appear after Post #21 but my first attempt was a flop in that it appeared after #22, so here is another go!

Nope - for some inexplicable reason, please ignore the above which states"Reply to #22" as this is how it has again ended up. 

The pictures show the first issue of the 521 Bedford Articulated Lorry which together with its companion model in red, was released in March 1948.

 

Bruce H.   (150)

20171003/1069:1819

 

521 BEDFORD ARTICULATED LORRY - FIRST ISSUE

 

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Wow----What a great thread, along with superb photographs! I certainly had no idea there were so many variations of this model, and you have both done a great job in finding and documenting them. This is what makes this forum so special: the ability to share so quickly and promote further discussion.....kudos!
Best regards, Terry

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Bruce--To followup with your above comments on the "green box" that my model came in, I decided to take a few more photos, for those who may not be aware of just how shabby these boxes were.  The lower section of the box was fold in such a way as to incorporate the end pieces, but Meccano, or whomever made them, chose to use staples only on one side.....every penny counts!  A green tape was then applied, obviously by hand, to both the upper and lower section of the box, showing uneven edges that aren't seen when the box is closed.  This particular box is in spectacular condition.....only a few light smudges keep it from being virtually mint.

       Best regards,  Terry

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Terry - It is interesting how your box and mine have an identical cut and glue on its base!

Actually, stapling only one side of the base was method in their madness!  It was a carry-over from the buff boxes that also only had one side stapled.  Why might you ask?

Yes indeed.  It was done deliberately as the model was intended to be laid flat on its side of the box with the side having no staples did no damage to the cab roof of the model caused by metal staples. The boxes were in fact made so that the correct way of storing the model was on its side.  If the model was placed with its wheels on the bottom, invariably the axle heads would come in contact with the sides of the box, causing damage, with the box being extended making it harder to place the lid on top.

I hope this long-winded description makes sense!

The early blue-covered box also used this system until greater use of a very effective glue deleted the need for metal staples, the only staples being on each end.

I will be having a chat by email with your Bedford Articulated and box shortly.

Kind regards

Bruce H.   (150)

20170308/1066/1703

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Greetings all

After March 1948, Meccano made a number of changes to the casting for the 521 Bedford Articulated Lorry. These changes are listed below, and one can compare these changes with Post #21 that displays the original casting:

5A. Elongated-rounded lug above rear axle to keep wheel hub away from the chassis.

14. Casting ejector lugs more apparent closer to base plate, others below rear pin holding the model's non-hinged back less prominent.

19. Chassis to cab above winding mechanism no longer straight angle now with added curvature to strengthen the casting

30. Large tow hook

32. Trailer axle on 521 “closed”, a hole now drilled for axle, headed after insertion with hubs

A series of general views of the 2nd Issue together with its appropriate box are at the end.

Continuing the same listing as for the 1st version of this model, the following apply to the 2nd Issue.

1. Vertical front axle supports

 

3. Chassis surrounding winding mechanism aperture flat.

5A. Elongated-rounded lug above rear axle to keep wheel hub away from the chassis.

7. Made in England stamped on base plate.

10. Three dimensional petrol tank without added casting

11. Curving chassis on either side of rear axle from the cab to the rear. This is only applicable with the Articulated.

14. Casting ejector lugs more apparent closer to base plate, others below rear pin holding the model's non-hinged back less prominent.

15. Square-cut front mudguards

19. Chassis to cab above winding mechanism no longer straight angle now with added curvature to strengthen the casting

20. Rear mudguards in line with chassis

24. DINKY SUPERTOYS on base plate in small lettering

27. Rear body retaining pin rivet head at one end, crimped at the other

30. Large tow hook

32. Trailer axle on 521 “closed”, a hole now drilled for axle, headed after insertion with hubs

The following are some photographs of the model sitting on its appropriate green covered box; a box that has all the hallmarks of having been manufactured by a companuy unskilled in this operation.

Larger images of the last five together with additional images are below.

Kind regards to you all.

Bruce H.   (150)

20171003/1070:2015

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Bruce you are right about the small lettering of the Supertoys base plate. When you compare it with the Dinky Toys base plate in 1 line with small lettering, you can conclude that. See picture. I also add a picture of the Dinky Toys base plate in 2 lines with large lettering and the Dinky Toys base plate in 2 lines with large lettering and double "Made in England" on plate and cast.

But I still have a question about a missing base plate. Jaques Dujardin wrote in TMT 13 May 2005 the following:

“There were three different bases plate on this model : 

1 • Dinky Supertoys + made in England - small letters. 
2 • Dinky Supertoys without made in England - large letters. 
3 • Dinky Toys without made in England. 
On 2 & 3 the "made in England" is cast onto the chassis 

The trailers have no marking as the original "Trailer large 551 - 951 - 428" had it's marking on the front axle mounting piece. 

There were also several casting variations on the tractor and the trailer. 

All this is described with photos on the Dinky CD permanently available with the latest update.”

Base plate 1 and 3 are found in this topic, but I miss a picture of 2 • Dinky Supertoys without made in England - large letters.

Is there a member who has the Dinky encyclopaedia of Jaques who can check if there is such a picture in the encyclopaedia?

Kind regards to all,

Jan O (703)

1. Dinky Supertoys base plate with "Made in England"  on base plate in small lettering.

2. Dinky Toys base plate in 1 line with "Made in England" on base plate and in small lettering.

3. Dinky Toys base plate in 2 lines in large lettering and "Made in England" on cast.

4. Dinky Toys base plate in 2 lines in large lettering with double "Made in England" on base plate and cast.

 

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Bruce---Curious on your thoughts about Dinky's earlier use of the larger tires on the rear of the trailer. It appears that the Model sits more nearly level with those, but they also have a different appearance, being both larger and treaded. By the way, great series of photos!
Best regards, Terry

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Terry

The origins of the size of tyres for the trailer of the 521 stems from the heritage of the trailer unit itself.  It was designed as a Supertoys accessory to the Guys, Fodens and the then new Bedford Articulated Lorry, and as such always was shod with the larger Supertoys rubber tyres.  With the trailer being on the design stage at almost the same time as the 521 it was perhaps easier to design both simultaneously which meant ensuing the model stood level with the wheels for the cab keeping things correct. One can see the difference with the following pictures, the upper with smaller tyres on the trailer and the next with normal Supertoys tyres, this model currently on eBay:

The type of tyre reflected those in vogue at the time, herringbone, fine tread, thicker tread, and finally block tread.

I have owned twelve 521/921/409 boxed Bedford Articulated Lorries and a further seven unboxed examples over the years, but am now down to just three boxed examples.  I wish now I had kept all the boxed examples although at the time I was blissfully unaware of the discussions that would be taking place ten years into the future.  I need to replace my crystal ball! 

Jan O. - it is abundantly obvious that we are like peas in a pod!  Both researching the 521 and coming up with our own independent conclusions.  It is sort of nice that I am not the "odd one out"! I intend going back through all your Posts and replying to each individually, as I have been reading through these and you have some great stuff there!

Kind regards

Bruce H.   (150)

20170314/1071:2336

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Greetings all!

Although there are possibly three variations for the 521 that occured during the period when the green covered box was in vogue, with no accurate date that can be applied to these, I am moving onto the period that saw the introduction of the blue covered box, both medium and dark blue with the sole example below that carried an inspection date on the inside of the box's lid.

The first of these has an Inspection stamp of KN6 3, or JUNE 1953

By necessity as this 521 Bedford Articulated Lorry is no longer in my possession having found a new owner on 11 May 2005, so I have had to use digital images recently taken of my 25m Bedford Tipping Wagon with dark blue back for most of the following images as the 25m has identical characteristics of this 521. The only photograph I now have of this model 521 is a single side view immediately below. That was in the days before digital photography when every frame taken cost money! This does explain the quality of the image as it was scanned from a colour photograph.

2. Axle supports extended to lower bumper bar

4. Chassis surrounding winding mechanism aperture raised. 

6. Chassis projected on either side as alternative method of keep the hub away from the chassis (Image from 25m Tipping Wagon)

7. Made in England stamped on base plate.

10c. Curved flat area covering top of petrol tank

12. Straight chassis from cab to rear

14. Casting ejector lugs more apparent closer to base plate, others below rear pin holding the model's non-hinged back less prominent.

16. Cut-away front mudguards - no longer "square-cut"

 

18. Curved, raised piece , chassis to cab above winding mechanism aperture

21. Rear mudguard 1mm above bottom chassis

25. DINKY TOYS in small letters on base plate

27. Rear body retaining pin rivet head at one end, crimped at the other

 

30. Large tow hook

32. Trailer axle on 521 “closed”, a hole now drilled for axle, headed after insertion with hubs, and trailer mudguards no longer mask-sprayed black

Incidentally, the month this version came out was at least APRIL 1953, as all the various hallmarks are also applicable to the first 582 Pullmore Car Transporter, with my example having an inspection data of KT453, APRIL 1953.

Kind regards

Bruce H.   (150)

20170315/1072:0159

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