Where everything started

God bless America and the Dowst industry...

Tootsietoy their toys brand was the first to produce O gauge model cars with grille, base & body assembly and rubber tyres, those where the first diecast models.

The Dinky toys resulted from this assembly system, it is said that Frank Hornby copied without the authorization which prevented the export of his miniatures to the USA until 1945.

It is in 1933 that Tootsietoys launched by agreement with Graham Paige the Blue Streak, available in several versions, four bodies were made using one or two spare wheels and three of them were also provided with a touch of tan on the roof simulating a soft convertible top.

Dinky 24g Tourer

Switzerland and Belgium despite their common boundaries with France, imported more british Dinky toys than French ones. In the fifties those countries even had special catalogues with both sides of the pond's material.

Carter Paterson covered wagon

I got both at the same period last autumn. First the black hubs one which I acquired from an eighty years old english boy on the  internet. This used to be one of the best pieces of his collection. And... indeed, it's a very nice one, really fresh with hardly minor scuffs. The decals are intact and despite a part of the hook missing and a small crack at the cabin, it's free of any fatigue...