Frank Hornby established Meccano in 1901 to make metal erector construction sets and produced these at the Binns Road factory in Liverpool, and later also produced Hornby Train sets and accessories named Modelled Miniatures, which later became Dinky Toys in December 1933. The Binns Road factory closed in November 1979 which signalled the end of the ‘proper’ Dinky Toy. This book features, in numerical order, the sets issued by Meccano Ltd as Dinky Toys or earlier as Modelled Miniatures. The sets cover the majority of the range of models produced, including aeroplanes, model figures, trains, army vehicles, commercial vehicles, railway signals, road signs, racing cars, emergency vehicles, Star Wars spaceships, motor cars, television vehicles and even doll’s-house furniture. Many of the boxes that the models were originally sold in are also pictured and captions detail wherever possible the dates of production, length or height of the model as relevant, particular features, price at the time of issue and reissuing number information.

Packed with rare and interesting examples, this is an essential read for both enthusiasts and those who are nostalgic for the Dinky Toys of their youth.

Alan Spree is the great-grandson of the postcard publisher John Henry Spree. Alan was born in Nottingham and went to school in Bilborough before moving to Portsmouth and growing up there. His first job was at Portsmouth Dockyard then he gained a degree in Civil Engineering and became a professionally qualified Civil Engineer. He worked with the Department of Environment and Preston City Council before retirement in Spain.