Tri-Ang Minic Ships display

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Tri-Ang Minic ships harbour display and box, island cabinet.

These accurately detailed waterline models were only available in the shops from about 1958 to 1964, and thus had a comparatively short life. However, from the collector’s point of view, production figures must have been high since, coupled with the factor of their comparatively low play value (they could not be raced like Dinky toys) they have survived in reasonably large numbers in good condition.

Six sales catalogues were produced, and are nowadays quite hard to find. No single catalogue shows the full range, since additions, deletions and alterations were regular occurrences.

"Minic ships" were reintroduced in 1976 and those are known as the "second issues". They were painted in slightly different colours and wheels were put on their undersides. They did not sell well and are not as collectable as the original "first" series. The range was limited to the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, United States, Canberra, Vanguard and Bulwark, with some new models in the shape of the Missouri, Bismarck, Scharnhorst and Yamamoto.

Presentation sets were also produced, including some harbour parts and accessories. All second issues have "HONG KONG" stamped on the base.

See also:

• Blog entry, 2011