BACKGROUND: The Frank Hornby Firm, that was best known for their electric trains, began to make scale models named Modeled Miniatures, as accessories for their train platforms. These models were made in 1:43 scale to match the scale of their train sets. In 1934 the name was changed to Dinky Toys and they were made both in England and in France. Production was halted during WW2 and the first post war Dinky Toy produced was a Jeep. In 1954 the British change their numbering from a two digit plus letter code to a three digit code with the 600 series dedicated to military vehicles. Early post war Dinky Toys had metal hubs with smooth rubber tires, in the mid 50's treaded tires were introduced and by 1972 plastic tire were being used.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: An olive green alloy cast replica of a Scammell Pioneer 6x6 Prototype Heavy Breakdown Tractor, which was manufactured from 1939 on. It had a powerful 8-ton winch and a 3-ton crane and with a pair of tracks that were carried in an open crate-like locker under the drivers cab it could be converted into a half track. The model, about 5 1/4" long (including the crane) by 1 3/4" wide by 2 3/4" high, consists of a truck cab and plastic driver with a six wheeled carriage to which a box with crane arm and rear mounted spare tire is riveted. The wheels are all cast alloy hubs with treaded rubber tires (which indicates mid to late 50's production). The crane is equipped with a crank to raise or lower the lifting hook. The string for the hook is broken although the hook is still with the model. To the front and back are divisional markings that are a square split horizontally into three colors, from the top blue, yellow, red, and appear to indicate Tank Repair Workshop. To the bottom of the model is a black metal plate that is riveted under the cab while embossed to the bottom of the carriage is the text "Dinky Supertoys", "Made in England", "Meccano Ltd", "Recovery Tractor", and the model number "661". The two piece box, 6 3/8" long by 2 5/8" wide by 2 1/2" high, has a blue cardboard bottom and a white with blue striped top. The top of the box has a picture of the truck and the text "Dinky Supertoys", "Recovery Tractor", the model number "661" and a small sticker with "3⁰⁰" hand written on it. One side has a description of the vehicle while the other side has a white sticker with red text "For sale in the U.S.A. by H. Hudson Dobson Incorporated P.O. Box 255-627 Boulevard, Kenilworth, New Jersey 57274". The one end of the box has the text "Dinky Supertoys", "661", "Recovery Tractor" and "Made in England by Meccano Ltd", while the other end has the text "Dinky Supertoys", "661" and Recovery Tractor translated into French, Spanish, German and Dutch. Stamped in purple ink to the inside lid is "BX557"The model is in good condition with some minor paint wear to the edges and a broken string on the crane while the box is in good condition with one corner of the lid taped together. Of Note: This model is listed in a 1950's U.S. distribut0rs catalogue for $3.00.

GRADE***3/4                             PRICE $142.00