Streamlined Fire Engine (Dinky Toys 25h)
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Streamlined Fire Engine (Dinky Toys 25h).jpg) Dinky 25h, Streamline Fire Engine, 1936 advert (i)
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| location: |
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Arch Two , Area 21 Classic Dinky Toys (John Durrant Collection) |
| Shelf 4
1936 - 1954 |
Red Streamlined Fire Engine with a silver radiator, and a red ladder mounted on the roof. A large bell hangs down from the ladder directly in front of the window. At least Dinky models can safely ignore road safety!
Streamlined vehicle designs were popular at the time of the model’s release in 1937, so it could be a generic design. The Leyland Limousine B.A Pump Merryweather does have strong similarities to the model's appearance.
The detailing suggests the location of a fire hose hatch, but these fire engines aren't quite as imposing or attention grabbing as later ones.
Renumbering
This popular model was produced as 25h from 1936 to 1954, when it was renumbered to 250. It then continued being produced as number 250 up until until 1962, a total run of around twenty-five years.
Catalogue illustrations:
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Leyland
Leyland began as Lancashire Steam Motors in 1896, producing steam-powered vans, buses and even lawnmowers. By 1907, after having dealt petrol-engine vehicles for some time, the company name changed to Leyland Motors Limited. Until Rover Cars were added to the company in 1967, the company continued to primarily focus on the lorry and bus market.
A 1968 merger resulted in the formation of The British Leyland Motor Corporation. By 1974, the new company was experiencing severe financial difficulties, leading to the Ryder Report effectually nationalising and restructuring the company in 1975. A comparatively unsuccessful car division inhibited the development of the more profitable bus and lorry division, so they received greater autonomy, and soon after became independent divisions.
Splitting in 1981, the bus division was sold to Volvo in 1988, and was discontinued by 1991. Leyland trucks, however, was salvaged from the bankruptcy of its then parent company DAF, and currently exists as part of American truck company PACCAR.
