User:Cebs57/sandbox/Tri-ang Minic Ships

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Product type Die-cast Toy (Model)
OwnerTri-ang Minic Ships Ltd
CountryHong Kong
Introduced2003
MarketsWorldwide
Registered as a trademark inUnited Kingdom[1]
United States[2]
Websitewww.triangminicships.com
Second Series - late 1970's
Name MINIC SHIPS by Hornby
Owner Roxex Ltd
subsidiary of Dunbee-Combex-Marx
Introduced 1976
Produced late 1970's
Origin Hong Kong
Trademarks "MINIC"
Original First Series - 1959 - 1965
Name Tri-ang Minic Ships
Owner Minic Limited
subsidiary of Lines Bros. Ltd.
Introduced 1959
Produced 1959 - 1965
Origin England
Trademarks "Tri-ang" and "MINIC"

Tri-ang Minic Ships (trademark) is the brand name for a range of 1:1200 scale die-cast waterline ship and harbour accessory models that was originally introduced by Lines Bros. Ltd. in 1959 and is now owned by Tri-ang Minic Ships Ltd, a Hong Kong company.

The original "First Series" was an extensive range produced in England by Minic Limited, a subsidiary of Lines Bros. Ltd., from 1959 to 1965. The brand name came from a combination of Lines Bros Ltd's famous "Tri-ang" trademark and Minic Limited's "MINIC" trademark.

The "Second Series", which consisted of a limited selection of the original ship and harbour accessory models complemented by four new models of "famous battleships", was produced in Hong Kong on behalf of Rovex Ltd, a subsidiary of Dunbee-Combex-Marx Ltd (DCM), in the late-1970's and marketed under the "MINIC SHIPS by Hornby" name.

The current "Third Series", which consists of modern Royal Navy, US Navy and merchant ship models together with a selection of the original harbour accessory models, has been produced in China on behalf of Tri-ang Minic Ships Ltd since 2003 and is marketed under the Tri-ang Minic Ships brand name.

History[edit]

Lines Bros. Ltd. : 1959 – 1965[edit]

The original First Series range of 1:1200 scale waterline ship and harbour accessory models was released by Lines Bros. Ltd. under the Tri-ang Minic Ships brand name in 1959.[3] The The Tri-ang Minic Ships logo comes from a combination of Lines Bros. Ltd.'s famous "Tri-ang" trademark and Minic Limited's "MINIC" trademark together with an anchor set in a triangle and a pennant (flag) containing the word "SHIPS". Lines Bros. Ltd., which was founded by William, Walter and Arthur Lines on 1 May 1919, frequently used a triangle device in their product markings to represent the three "Lines" brothers making a triangle.

The models were manufactured by Minic Limited, a subsidiary of Lines Bros, at Lines Bros. Ltd.'s "Tri-ang Works" in Morden Road, Merton, South London (claimed to be the largest toy factory in the world)[4] until 1 July 1960 when Minic Limited moved to a new factory at Market Way, Canterbury, Kent.[5] Production appears to have wound down in 1964 and to have ceased in 1965 - compare the 1963 UK Retail Price List,[6] which contained a list of thirty eight (38) individual Royal Navy ship models, to the 1965 Trade Price List,[6] which combined the individual Royal Navy models into various groups and only listed thirteen (13) items.

In the mid-1960's Lines Bros re-organised it's various subsidiary companies into two holding companies Rovex Industries Ltd registered in 1965 (re-named Rovex Tri-ang Ltd in 1969) and Tri-ang-Pedigree Ltd registered in 1970. Rovex Industries Ltd became the parent company to G&R Wrenn Ltd; Minic Limited; Minimodels Ltd.; Pedigree Dolls; Rovex Scale Models; and Spot-On Models together with the associated factories and trademarks including "MINIC" and "Hornby" while Tri-ang-Pedigree Ltd encompassed Lines Bros (Ireland) Ltd.; Lines Bros. (Richmond) Ltd.; Meccano-Triang Ltd. and its factory in Liverpool; Pedigree Soft Toys Ltd and its factory in Belfast; and Tri-ang Toys with its factories in Birmingham, Merthyr (Wales) and Merton (South London) together with the associated trademarks including "Tri-ang".[7]

In August 1971 Lines Bros. Ltd. went into liquidation as a result of accumulated losses from failing overseas business and an uncertain demand in the UK. Dunbee-Combex-Marx Ltd (DCM). purchased Rovex Tri-ang Ltd[8] (re-named Roxex Ltd) and it's factories at Canterbury, Margate and Westwood together with the associated trademarks including "MINIC" and "Hornby" but not the "Tri-ang" trademark which was acquired by Barclay Securities, who purchased Tri-ang-Pedigree Ltd.[9]

Rovex Ltd (Hornby) : late 1970s[edit]

As noted Dunbee-Combex-Marx acquired Minic Limited together with the factory at Canterbury, the tooling for the original First Series models and the "MINIC" trademark when it purchased the parent company Rovex Tri-ang Ltd (re-named Roxex Ltd) in 1972.

At least some if not all of the tooling for the original First Series of models was sent to Hong Kong in the early 1970's and a Second Series, produced for Rovex Limited by a local manufacturer, was released in 1976 under the name "MINIC SHIPS by Hornby".

The Second Series of models did not sell well and was discontinued after a few years.

Tri-ang Minic Ships Ltd : 2003 to date[edit]

The current Third Series range, produced in China for Tri-ang Minic Ships Ltd, was released in 2003 under the Tri-ang Minic Ships name.

Models[edit]

First Series - 1959 to 1965[edit]

There were a total of one hundred and twelve (112) individual models in the First Series produced by Minic Limited in England comprising twenty-two (22) individual Ocean Liner models,A nineteen (19) individual Miscellaneous Ship & Vessel models B (including HM Yacht Britannia in two guises),C and thirty-nine (39) individual Royal Navy Warship models D together with thirty-three (33) Harbour Accessory & Part models.E In addition the range included five (5) Boxed Sets (released in 1959,[10] 1960[11] & 1961[12]) and six (6) of the ship models were also made available in transparent Presentation Packs (released in 1961).[12]

There were forty-nine (49) items in the 1959 initial release, as shown in the First Edition Catalogue[10] and 1959 Retail Price List,[13] comprising four Ocean Liner models; twenty-nine individual Royal Navy Warship models; the M 731 Tug model; thirteen of the basic Harbour Accessory & Part models, including M 841 Ocean Terminal which was listed as "Av/L" (Available Later) in the Price List; and two Boxed Sets.

Additional Ocean Liner models were released in 1960[11] (six models), 1961[12] (five models), and 1962[14] (five models). The last two Ocean Liner models M 708 RMS Franconia and M 709 RMS Carmania, which replaced the models of M 708 RMS Saxonia and M 709 RMS Ivernia respectively, were released in 1964.[15] With the exception of the M 731 Tug model the Miscellaneous Ship & Vessel models were released in 1960[11] (ten models) and 1961[12] (eight models).

The majority of the Royal Navy Warship models were released in 1959. Four additional models were released in 1960[11] and four models in 1962.[14] The last Royal Navy Warship model, M 752 Commando Ship, was listed in the 1965 Trade Price List[16] but did not appear in any of the catalogues.

As noted, the basic Harbour Accessory & Part models (Breakwater models, Quay Straights, Cranes, Storage Tanks, Sheds & Warehouses) were released in 1959. Most of the other Harbour Accessory & Part models were released in 1960[11] with four more models released in 1961.[12] The final Harbour Accessory & Part model, M 880 Helicopter, was listed in the 1965 Trade Price List[16] in place of the M 880 Whale model but did not appeared in any of the catalogues.

The 1963 Fifth Edition Catalogue and Retail Price List[17] contained a total of one hundred and fifteen (115) items comprising twenty (20) individual Ocean Liner models, nineteen (19) individual Miscellaneous Ship & Vessel models, thirty-seven (37) individual Royal Navy Warship models, twenty-eight (28) Harbour Accessory & Part models, five (5) Boxed Sets and six (6) models available in transparent Presentation Packs.

The final 1964 Sixth Edition Catalogue[15] saw the thirty seven (37) individual Royal Navy Warship models consolidated into twelve (12) items grouped by types (such as Aircraft Carrier, Daring Class Destroyer and Ton Class Minesweeper) and the nineteen (19) individual Miscellaneous Ship & Vessel models reduced to eleven (11) items with the consolidation of M 722 Isle of Jersey, M 723 Isle of Guernsey and M 724 Isle of Sark as item M 722 Channel Island Steamer; M 729 PS Britannia, M 730 PS Bristol Queen and M 731 PS Cardiff Queen as Item M 728 Paddle Steamer; and the five Lightship models M 735 Light Vessel Sunk, M 736 Light Vessel Shambles, M 737 Light Vessel Cork, M 738 Light Vessel Varne and M 739 Light Vessel St Gowans as Item M 735 Light-Vessel.

In contrast, with the consolidation of various models in the 1964 Sixth Edition Catalogue, the 1965 Trade Price List only contained eight-one (81) items comprising twenty (20) individual Ocean Liner models, twelve (12) Royal Navy Warship models, eleven (11) Miscellaneous Ship & Vessel models, twenty-eight (28) Harbour Accessory & Part models, four (4) Boxed Sets and six (6) models available in transparent Presentation Packs.

Six catalogues (insert catalogue covers) ... Retail & Trade Price Lists ... compare retail prices in 1959 to 1965 to show price increases ...

Franconia / Carmania (don't know if this was new tooling or a modification of the original Saxonia mould)

The 1960 Second Edition Catalogue[11] saw the release of six more Ocean Liner models; ten Miscellaneous Ship & Vessel models; four more Royal Navy Warship models; thirteen additional Harbour Accessory & Part models including plastic "Whales" in white (cream) and grey; and one additional Boxed Set.

The 1961 Third Edition Catalogue[12] saw the release of five more Ocean Liner models; eight more Miscellaneous Ship & Vessel models including the M-727 Lifeboat which was sold with the M-861 Lifeboat Station; four additional Harbour Accessory & Part models; the final two Boxed Sets; and the six ship models available in transparent Presentation Packs. The Third Edition catalogue also depicted the M 725 Cargo Boat and M 740 Barge and both items were listed in the 1962 Retail Price List as "Av/L" (Available Later) although neither model was ever produced.

The 1962 Fourth Edition Catalogue[14] saw the release of five more Ocean Liner models and the final four Royal Navy Warship models. The back cover depicted the M 740 Barge and M 743 Train Ferry, both of which also appeared in the list of models at the bottom of the page, but they were not listed in the 1963 Retail Price List and neither model was ever produced.

The 1963 Fifth Edition Catalogue[18] saw no new models released and while the Barge and Train Ferry were still depicted on the back cover the model numbers were blanked out and they no longer appeared in the list of models at the bottom of the page.

The final 1964 Sixth Edition Catalogue[15] saw the release of the final two Ocean Liner models M 708 RMS Franconia and M 709 RMS Carmania which replaced the models of M 708 RMS Saxonia and M 709 RMS Ivernia respectively (don't know if this was new tooling or a modification of the original Saxonia mould). The thirty seven (37) individual Royal Navy Warship models were consolidated into twelve (12) items grouped by types (such as Aircraft Carrier, Daring Class Destroyer and Ton Class Minesweeper) and the nineteen (19) individual Miscellaneous Ship & Vessel models were reduced to eleven (11) individual models with the consolidation of M 722 Isle of Jersey, M 723 Isle of Guernsey and M 724 Isle of Sark as item M 722 Channel Island Steamer; M 729 PS Britannia, M 730 PS Bristol Queen and M 731 PS Cardiff Queen as Item M 728 Paddle Steamer; and the five Lightship models M 735 Light Vessel Sunk, M 736 Light Vessel Shambles, M 737 Light Vessel Cork, M 738 Light Vessel Varne and M 739 Light Vessel St Gowans as Item M 735 Light-Vessel.

The 1965 Trade Price List contained a total of only eighty-one (81) items comprising twenty (20) individual Ocean Liner models; eleven (11) Miscellaneous Ship & Vessel models; twelve (12) Royal Navy Warship models including the M 752 Commando Carrier (which did not appear in any of the catalogues); twenty-eight (28) Harbour Accessory & Part models including the M 880 Helicopter (which also did not appear in any of the catalogues) in place of the M 880 Whale; four (4) Boxed Sets and six (6) models available in Presentation Packs.

Notes:
A The total of twenty-two (22) Ocean Liner models includes the models of M 708 RMS Franconia and M 709 RMS Carmania which replaced the models of M 708 RMS Saxonia and M 709 RMS Ivernia respectively in the 1964 Sixth Edition Catalogue
B The total of nineteen (19) Miscellaneous Ship & Vessel models does not include the following three models which were never released -
  • M 725 Cargo Ship and M 740 Barge which were first depicted in the 1961 Third Edition Catalogue and listed as Av/L (Available Later) in the 1962 Retail Price List but were not listed in the 1963 Retail Price List
  • the M 743 Train Ferry which was first depicted in the 1962 Fourth Edition Catalogue but was never listed in any of the price lists
C Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia[19] was a commissioned Royal Navy ship, commanded and crewed by serving Royal Navy personnel, and should have been listed as a Royal Navy ship model rather than a Miscellaneous Ship & Vessel model.

The ship was produced as model M 721 HM Yacht Britannia, with a blue hull and white superstructure, and as model M 721H HM Yacht Britannia Hospital Ship, in an all white livery with red cross markings on both sides of the funnel, a role for which the ship was designed although this capability was never used.[19]

D The total of thirty-nine (39) Royal Navy Warship models includes the M 751 Aircraft Carrier and M 752 Commando Carrier* (* which didn't appear in any of the catalogues) models as additional items although they effectively replaced the three individual aircraft carrier models and were produced from the original tooling which was modified to remove the raised lines on the deck, which delineated the landing area, and the indented circle at the bow where the appropriate Flight Deck codes were printed.
E The total of thirty-three (33) Harbour Accessory & Part models includes the M 845 Bridge Ramps, M 850 Pier Shelter, M 851 Pier Entrance Archway and M 852 Pier Head Building models, which were not listed as separate items in the catalogues or price lists, as well as the M 880 Helicopter which replaced the M 880 Whale in the 1965 Trade Price List but also did not appear in any of the catalogues.
List of Original First Series Models[edit]
Model No Description Type Released
M 701 RMS Caronia Ocean Liner 1959
M 702 RMS Queen Elizabeth Ocean Liner 1959
M 702 S RMS Queen Elizabeth Presentation Set 1961
M 703 RMS Queen Mary Ocean Liner 1959
M 703 S RMS Queen Mary Presentation Set 1961
M 704 SS United States Ocean Liner 1959
M 704 S SS United States Presentation Set 1961
M 705 RMS Aquitania Ocean Liner 1960
M 705 S RMS Aquitania Presentation Set 1961
M 706 SS Nieuw Amsterdam Ocean Liner 1960
M 707 SS France Ocean Liner 1961
M 707 S SS Francce Presentation Set 1961
M 708 RMS Saxonia Ocean Liner 1960
M 708 # RMS Franconia Ocean Liner 1964
M 709 RMS Ivernia Ocean Liner 1960
M 709 # RMS Carmania Ocean Liner 1964
M 710 RMS Sylvania Ocean Liner 1960
M 711 RMS Carinthia Ocean Liner 1960
M 712 NS Savannah Ocean Liner 1961
M 713 SS Antilles Ocean Liner 1961
M 714 SS Flandre Ocean Liner 1961
M 715 RMS Canberra Ocean Liner 1961
M 716 MS Port Brisbane Ocean Liner 1962
M 717 MS Port Auckland Ocean Liner 1962
M 718 RMS Amazon Ocean Liner 1962
M 719 RMS Arlanza Ocean Liner 1962
M 720 RMS Aragon Ocean Liner 1962
M 721 RY Britannia Misc Ship 1960
M 721-H RY Britannia - Hospital Ship Misc Ship 1961
M 722 Isle of Jersey Misc Ship 1960
M 723 Isle of Guernsey Misc Ship 1960
M 724 Isle of Sark Misc Ship 1960
M 725 * Cargo Boat Misc Ship 1961
M 726 Pilot Boat Misc Ship 1961
M 727 Lifeboat Misc Ship 1961
M 729 PS Britannia Misc Ship 1961
M 729 PS Bristol Queen Misc Ship 1961
M 730 PS Cardiff Queen Misc Ship 1961
M 731 Tug Misc Ship 1959
M 732 SS Varicella Misc Ship 1960
M 733 TSS Vikingen Misc Ship 1961
M 734 Whale Chaser Misc Ship 1961
M 735 Lightship SUNK Misc Ship 1960
M 736 Lightship SHAMBLES Misc Ship 1960
M 737 Lightship CORK Misc Ship 1960
M 738 Lightship VARNE Misc Ship 1960
M 739 Lightship St GOWAN Misc Ship 1960
M 740 * Barge Misc Ship 1961
M 743 * Train Ferry Misc Ship 1962
M 741 HMS Vanguard Royal Navy 1960
M 741 S HMS Vanguard Presentation Set 1961
M 751 HMS Bulwark Royal Navy 1959
M 752 HMS Centaur Royal Navy 1959
M 752 # Commando Carrier Royal Navy 1965
M 753 HMS Albion Royal Navy 1959
M 761 HMS Swiftsure Royal Navy 1959
M 762 HMS Superb Royal Navy 1959
M 771 HMS Daring Royal Navy 1959
M 772 HMS Diana Royal Navy 1959
M 773 HMS Dainty Royal Navy 1959
M 774 HMS Decoy Royal Navy 1959
M 779 HMS Alamein Royal Navy 1959
M 780 HMS Jutland Royal Navy 1959
M 781 HMAS Anzac Royal Navy 1959
M 782 HMAS Tobruk Royal Navy 1959
M 783 HMS Hampshire Royal Navy 1962
M 784 HMS Kent Royal Navy 1962
M 785 HMS Devonshire Royal Navy 1962
M 786 HMS London Royal Navy 1962
M 787 HMS Vigilant Royal Navy 1959
M 788 HMS Venus Royal Navy 1959
M 789 HMS Virago Royal Navy 1959
M 790 HMS Volage Royal Navy 1959
M 791 HMS Whitby Royal Navy 1959
M 792 HMS Torquay Royal Navy 1959
M 793 HMS Blackpool Royal Navy 1959
M 794 HMS Tenby Royal Navy 1959
M 799 HMS Repton Royal Navy 1959
M 800 HMS Dufton Royal Navy 1959
M 801 HMS Ashton Royal Navy 1959
M 802 HMS Carlton Royal Navy 1959
M 803 HMS Picton Royal Navy 1959
M 804 HMS Sefton Royal Navy 1959
M 805 HMS Upton Royal Navy 1959
M 806 HMS Wiston Royal Navy 1959
M 810 HMS Turmoil Royal Navy 1960
M 817 'A' Class Submarine Royal Navy 1960
M 818 'A' Class - Reconstructed Royal Navy 1960
M 827 Breakwater Straight Harbour Accessory 1959
M 828-L Breakwater Angle - Left Harbour Accessory 1959
M 828-R Breakwater Angle - Right Harbour Accessory 1959
M 829 Breakwater End Harbour Accessory 1959
M 836 Quay Straights Harbour Accessory 1959
M 837 Crane Unit (Tan, Brown, Green) Harbour Accessory 1959
M 838 Storage Tanks (Grey, Silver/Red) Harbour Accessory 1959
M 839 Customs Shed Harbour Accessory 1959
M 840 Warehouse Harbour Accessory 1959
M 841 Ocean Terminal Harbour Accessory 1959
M 842 Swing Bridge (Complete) Harbour Accessory 1960
M 843 Ocean Terminal Extension Harbour Accessory 1960
M 844 Lock Gates (Pair) Harbour Accessory 1960
M 845 ^ Bridge Ramps Harbour Accessory 1960
M 846 Lift Bridge (Complete) Harbour Accessory 1960
M 847 Pier Centre Section (Complete) Harbour Accessory 1960
M 848 Pier Entrance Section (Complete) Harbour Accessory 1960
M 849 Pier Head (Complete) Harbour Accessory 1960
M 850 ^ Pier Shelter Harbour Accessory 1960
M 851 ^ Pier Entrance Archway Harbour Accessory 1960
M 852 ^ Pier Head Building Harbour Accessory 1960
M 853 Factory Unit Harbour Accessory 1961
M 854 Tanker Wharf Straight Harbour Accessory 1961
M 855 Tanker Wharf Berth Harbour Accessory 1961
M 857 26" Sea - Blue Plastic Harbour Accessory 1959
M 858 52" Sea - Blue Plastic Harbour Accessory 1960
M 861 Lifeboat Station Harbour Accessory 1961
M 878 Lighthouse Harbour Accessory 1959
M 880 Whales (White, Grey) Harbour Accessory 1960
M 880 # Helicopter Harbour Accessory 1965
M 882 Beacon (Red, Green) Harbour Accessory 1959
M 884 Statue of Liberty Harbour Accessory 1960
M 885 Floating Dock Harbour Accessory 1960
M 891 RMS Queen Elizabeth Set Boxed Set 1959
M 892 SS United States Set Boxed Set 1960
M 893 Royal Navy Carrier Task Group Boxed Set 1959
M 894 HM Yacht Britannia Set Boxed Set 1961
M 895 SS Nieuw Amsterdam Set Boxed Set 1961
#   M 708 RMS Franconia replaced M 708 RMS Saxonia, M 709 Carmania replaced M 709 RMS Ivernia,
     M 752 Commando Ship replaced M 752 HMS Centaur, M 880 Helicopter replaced M 880 Whale
*   These three models were never produced
^   These models were not listed as separate items in any of the Catalogues or Price Lists
Contents of First Series Boxed Sets[edit]
M 891 RMS Queen Elizabeth Set
Qty Model No. Description
1 x M 702 RMS Queen Elizabeth
2 x M 731 Tug
4 x M 827 Breakwater Straight
1 x M 828-R Breakwater Angle - Right
1 x M 828-L Breakwater Angle - Left
2 x M 829 Breakwater End
3 x M 836 Quay Straight
1 x M 837 Crane Unit
1 x M 838 Storage Tank
1 x M 840 Warehouse
1 x M 878 Lighthouse
1 x M 882 Beacon
M 892 SS United States Set
Qty Model No. Description
1 x M 704 SS United States
2 x M 731 Tug
4 x M 827 Breakwater Straight
1 x M 828-R Breakwater Angle - Right
1 x M 828-L Breakwater Angle - Left
2 x M 829 Breakwater End
3 x M 836 Quay Straight
1 x M 837 Crane Unit
1 x M 838 Storage Tank
1 x M 878 Lighthouse
1 x M 882 Beacon
1 x M 884 Statue of Liberty
M 893 RN Carrier Task Group Set #
Qty Model No. Description
1 x M 75x Bulwark Class Carrier
1 x M 76x Swiftsure Class Cruiser
1 x M 78x "V" Class Frigate
1 x M 79x Ton Class Minesweeper
M 894 HM Yacht Britannia Set #
Qty Model No. Description
1 x M 721 HM Yacht Britannia
2 x M 7xxx Destroyers / Frigates
M 895 SS Nieuw Amsterdam Set
Qty Model No. Description
1 x M 706 SS Nieuw Amsterdam
1 x M 732 SS Varicella
2 x M 731 Tug
1 x M 735 Lightship
4 x M 827 Breakwater Straight
1 x M 828-R Breakwater Angle - Right
1 x M 828-L Breakwater Angle - Left
2 x M 829 Breakwater End
3 x M 836 Quay Straight
2 x M 837 Crane Unit
1 x M 838 Storage Tank
1 x M 839 Customs Shed
1 x M 840 Warehouse
1 x M 878 Lighthouse
1 x M 882 Beacon
#  The actual ship models in these two sets varied from time
     to time but the sets always contained each of the types
     described.
Contents of First Series Boxed Sets
M 891 RMS Queen Elizabeth Set
Qty Model No. Description
1 x M 702 RMS Queen Elizabeth
2 x M 731 Tug
4 x M 827 Breakwater Straight
1 x M 828-R Breakwater Angle - Right
1 x M 828-L Breakwater Angle - Left
2 x M 829 Breakwater End
3 x M 836 Quay Straight
1 x M 837 Crane Unit
1 x M 838 Storage Tank
1 x M 840 Warehouse
1 x M 878 Lighthouse
1 x M 882 Beacon
M 892 SS United States Set
Qty Model No. Description
1 x M 704 SS United States
2 x M 731 Tug
4 x M 827 Breakwater Straight
1 x M 828-R Breakwater Angle - Right
1 x M 828-L Breakwater Angle - Left
2 x M 829 Breakwater End
3 x M 836 Quay Straight
1 x M 837 Crane Unit
1 x M 838 Storage Tank
1 x M 878 Lighthouse
1 x M 882 Beacon
1 x M 884 Statue of Liberty
M 893 RN Carrier Task Group Set
Qty Model No. Description
1 x M 75x Bulwark Class Carrier
1 x M 76x Swiftsure Class Cruiser
1 x M 78x "V" Class Frigate
1 x M 79x Ton Class Minesweeper
M 894 HM Yacht Britannia Set
Qty Model No. Description
1 x M 721 HM Yacht Britannia
2 x M 7xxx Destroyers / Frigates
M 895 SS Nieuw Amsterdam Set
Qty Model No. Description
1 x M 706 SS Nieuw Amsterdam
1 x M 732 SS Varicella
2 x M 731 Tug
1 x M 735 Lightship
4 x M 827 Breakwater Straight
1 x M 828-R Breakwater Angle - Right
1 x M 828-L Breakwater Angle - Left
2 x M 829 Breakwater End
3 x M 836 Quay Straight
2 x M 837 Crane Unit
1 x M 838 Storage Tank
1 x M 839 Customs Shed
1 x M 840 Warehouse
1 x M 878 Lighthouse
1 x M 882 Beacon


Second Series - late 1970'S[edit]

There were a total of twenty-three (23) individual models in the Second Series "MINIC SHIPS by Hornby" range, produced for Rovex Limited by a local manufacturer in Hong Kong, comprising four models of Famous Liners; six models of Fighting Ships; the original Steam Tug; and twelve (12) of the original basic Harbour Accessory & Part models.

The four Famous Liners were re-issues of four of the original First Series Ocean Liner models while the six Fighting Ships comprised two of the original First Series Royal Navy models and four new models. All of the ship models, other than the Steam Tug, were fitted with a red plastic base equipped with plastic rollers "Glidewheels"[20] which allowed them to be sent "Sailing over any smooth surface".[20]

The ten ship models were sold as individual items while the re-issued Steam Tug and basic harbour accessory models were only available in one of the two Accessory Packs or as part of the two Gift Sets.


List of Second Series Products
Model No Description Type Released
M-702 RMS Queen Elizabeth Ocean Liner 1976
M-703 RMS Queen Mary Ocean Liner 1959
M-704 SS United States Ocean Liner 1959
M-715 RMS Canberra Ocean Liner 1961
M-741 HMS Vanguard Fighting Ship 1976
M-742 KM Bismarck Fighting Ship 1976
M-743 USS Missourri Fighting Ship 1976
M-744 IJN Yamato Fighting Ship 1976
M-745 KM Scharnhorst Fighting Ship 1976
M-751 HMS Bulwark Fighting Ship 1976
M-902 Ocean Terminal Set Gift Set 1976
M-903 Naval Harbour Set Gift Set 1976
M-904 Fleet Anchorage Set Accessory Pack 1976
M-905 Quayside Set Accessory Pack 1976
Contents of Second Series Boxed Sets
M 902 Ocean Terminal Set
Qty Model No. Description
1 x M 703 RMS Queen Mary
2 x M 731 Tug
2 x M 827 Breakwater Straight
1 x M 828R Breakwater Angle - Right
1 x M 828L Breakwater Angle - Left
1 x M 829 Breakwater End
5 x M 836 Quay Straight
1 x M 837 Crane Unit
1 x M 839 Customs Shed
1 x M 841 Ocean Terminal
1 x M 843 Ocean Terminal Extension
1 x M 878 Lighthouse
M 902 Ocean Terminal Set
Qty Model No. Description
1 x M 742 KM Bismarck
1 x M 745 KM Scharnhorst
4 x M 827 Breakwater Straight
1 x M 828R Breakwater Angle - Right
1 x M 828L Breakwater Angle - Left
1 x M 829 Breakwater End
3 x M 836 Quay Straight
2 x M 837 Crane Unit
1 x M 838 Storage Tank Unit
1 x M 878 Lighthouse
M 904 Fleet Anchorage Set
Qty Model No. Description
2 x M 731 Tugs
5 x M 827 Breakwater Straight
2 x M 828R Breakwater Angle - Right
2 x M 828L Breakwater Angle - Left
2 x M 829 Breakwater End
3 x M 836 Quay Straight
2 x M 837 Crane Unit
2 x M 878 Lighthouse
M 905 Quayside Set
Qty Model No. Description
2 x M 731 Tugs
3 x M 836 Quay Straight
2 x M 837 Crane Unit
2 x M 838 Storage Tank Unit
2 x M 838 Customs Shed
2 x M 840 Warehouse

Need references - particularly 1976 Hornby Railways "00" Scale Model Catalogue XXII (22nd) that contained article introducing the models on page 59 - would be good to see if later Hornby Railways catalogues contain any reference to the models to get an idea of how long they were available search Ebay for catalogues 1974 through 1979 and ask questions of sellers

...

Third Series - 2003 to date[edit]

The initial release in 2003 comprised the basic harbour accessory models from the original First Series and two modern Royal Navy ships models with a further eight modern Royal Navy ship models released in 2004. The first merchant ship models were released in 2005 as were nine modern US Navy ship models. A selection of ten Habour Vessel models were released in 2008 followed by additional merchant ship models, container cranes and a model of the Royal Navy's Type 45 Destroyer.

...

Even the UK-made Massey-Ferguson type 65 tractor appeared, though for only one year making it worth several hundred dollars today in mint condition (Rixon 2005, p. 123).

Model Markings & Packaging[edit]

First Series[edit]

The original series of models produced by MINIC Ltd under the Tri-ang Minic Ships name between 1959 and 1965 were marked "MADE IN ENGLAND" on the bottom of the casting and the standard boxes stated that the models were "BUILT IN BRITAIN BY MINIC LIMITED"

The original First Series models were all marked EMBOSSED on the bottom with the "Model No", "Model Name", "Made in England", "PATS.PEN", and the "Tri-ang" trademark, "MINIC" trademark and anchor in a triangle logo.

Multiple models from same tooling differing only in the model no. and model name - Antilles & Flandre; Amazon, Arlanza & Aragon; Port Auckland & Port Brisbane; Saxonia, Ivernai, Carinthis & Sylvania - modifications to this tooling produced Franconia & Carmania - 3 x Isle of XXX; 3 x PS XXX; 5 x Lightships

3 x RN Carriers, 2 x RN Cruisers, 4 x RN Daring Class, 4 x RN Whitby Class, 8 x RN TOn Class - difference between RN Battle Class ships HMS ??? / HMS ??? and RAN HMAS Tobruk / HMAS ??? - also RN V Class ??? & ??? different from ??? & ???

Packaged in standard ?? sized boxes - yellow with blue log & blue text Built in Britain by Minic Ltd ?? - for individual models anme & model number stamped on the end in red ink. While all ship models could be purchased individually only the larger models were boxed - smaller models were delivered to retailers in larger boxes of 4, 8, dozen, 2 dozen ?? - with the exception of Quay Straights all harbour models were delivered to retailers in larger "trade" packaging and sold without packaging

Second Series[edit]

On the Second Series the "Made In England marking was replaced with "Made in Hong Kong" and the "Tri-ang" trademark was obliterated from the tooling (mould) - ship models were sold in clear plastic boxes with blue end caps marked with ??? - contained insert of sea background ?? - as noted QE and United Stated available in gift sets with harbour accessories - harbour accessories and tugs only available in Gift Sets or Accessory Packs ??

Third Series[edit]

The current Third Series are all marked with the "Model No", "Model Name", and the "Tri-ang" trademark, "MINIC" trademark and anchor in a triangle logo. The current models of the original harbour accessories are marked "Classic Edition" to distinguish them from the original First Series models and the Second Series "MINIC SHIPS by Hornby" models from the late-1970's.

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Early Spot-On models stated "Made in the United Kingdom" on the base, but later models, like the MG PB Midget altered that to "Made in Northern Ireland". Most had solid colour paint jobs, simple silver metal wheel hubs and rubber tyres. Usually, lights were painted on the bodies in silver (except on the models with working lights). Similar to a few other earlier diecast makers it is interesting to note that joints between bonnets and doors and other body panels were represented on Spot-On Models as raised ridges instead of indentations. Later Spot-On models had a few more lively wheel styles and tyres were sometimes a harder plastic. Whereas early models had metal bases, later ones were often black plastic.

The earliest packaging for typical Spot-On models was a box in light blue with a draughting compass 'dividers' and 'graph paper'-like grid overprinted with the typical yellow and black lettering. The feel of the graphics was that of not simply being toys, rather finely engineered pieces. The second series of boxes was similar but the 'dividers' were greatly reduced and an illustration of the car (absent on the first boxes) was added (Gardiner and O'Neill 1996, p. 37). The last boxes in the late 1960s were black and blue with cellophane window - and were possibly some of the earliest window boxes offered by any brand. Gift sets, usually of two vehicles in a diorama, featured the company's own character "Tommy Spot". He appeared with a variety of friends as family man, policeman, mechanic, sailor, fireman, and even as a member of the Royal family. Some of the rarest Spot-On models today command high prices among serious collectors. Spot-On models were supplied with number plates in transfer form on virtually all of its range and these were prone to cracking and flaking as the years advanced, also the adhesion technique and brittle paintwork formula all contributed towards paint-flaking and wear from box-rubbing as the years passed. As such, complete, unchipped models with all accessories, paperwork and undamaged boxes are rare, for example the 1964 Wadham Ambulance with patient on stretcher and 1966 Jaguar 3.4 with roof 'police' sign (undamaged) command very high prices in A1 condition as does the Tourist Caravan of 1962 and highly prized Routemaster Bus of 1963. All commercial Spot-On vehicles are today highly collectible and commonly command prices of US$100 to $200.

It is interesting that the Ford Zodiac of 1959, though Spot-On's first model, is widely available even though it is one of the oldest of the series. Many Zodiacs survive with their boxes intact. There still exist, however, rare colour combinations such as Salmon pink over grey, pale lemon, and the slightly more garish bright pink. This was one of the first models Spot-On offered with or without working lights. Despite the model's ubiquity, it is rare to find one now with all of its original battery box, bulbs, and switches in full working order – not surprising considering the model now being at least 50 years old!

Colours and other variations[edit]

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As time has passed, rare colour variations are now a specific collecting interest within the Spot-On collecting fraternity, which arguably makes Spot-on collecting more interesting than the acquisition of Dinky or Corgi. The latter are historically clear cut with virtually all rarities accounted for, but with Spot-On something regularly turns up that all Spot-On experts have never seen or heard about. Recently (April 2013) a hyper rare boxed metallic blue Renault Floride No. 166 appeared at auction and sold for £1400.

Spot-On's marketing was not always well planned. Apparently, production of some gift sets was done "on the fly" and made up nearly in a whim. A good example of this are the Set702 variations. At least 4 are known to exist but there was also a Set703. Another area of interest is the subject of models that might have been. In the early catalogues and leaflets, for example, a 109/2B ERF truck with brick load is shown diagram and all, but it was never produced.

Spare Parts & Modifications[edit]

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From this point on, Dinkys were usually made in 1:42 scale, though unlike Spot-On they were not consistent and continued to make both larger and smaller models to fit in with different market niches. Spot-On's doll house furniture line was made at 1:16 scale.

Unfortunately, many Spot-On models had artificial chrome attachments that have tended to not last as well as Dinky Toys parts of the era. However, there is a market in replacement parts, and some commercial enterprises undertake full restoration of Spot-On models. Today, Spot-On models are as collectible as Dinky Toys and Corgi Toys, generally commanding even higher prices. The Morris Minor 1000, Jensen 541, Bristol 406, and Meadows Frisky are particular favourites of collectors because they were not produced in either Corgi or Dinky ranges.

Collectibility / Popularity[edit]

Vectis auctions ...

Dinky Toys have become sought-after collectors' items. An auction of 3,500 models dating from 1937 to the early 1970s fetched £150,000 at auction in 2016 (BBC News, 15 June 2016).

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From 1956 to 1985 a catalogue was issued annually to promote the Corgi range. It was originally a small fold-out single sheet leaflet but by the late 1960s it had evolved into a 48-page colour catalogue. Corgi catalogues are notable for their illustrations and art work that are evocative of the period, and they are now collectable in their own right.

As with any other item dealing with transport, sport or similar themes, it did not take long before Matchbox models became collectable items, with rabid followings, collectors' meets, etc. The Fred Bronner Corp., American importer of Lesney toys, took a first step towards organising this movement to a small extent by creating the "Matchbox Collectors Club", which produced a polished, quarterly, 4-6 page newsletter for a small membership fee, starting in the late 1960s. The MCC was primarily aimed at younger collectors.

In the 1970s, adult collectors began to form semi-official clubs to discuss collecting at a higher level of sophistication. Variations were discussed and catalogued, swap meets organized, and new journals or bulletins began to appear, written by and for the serious collector. Not unlike stamps or coins, prices for older and/or more collectable models began to spiral upwards in a trend that continues. Collecting is, however, not limited to the models themselves. Anything related to Matchbox ― catalogues, dealer display cases, promotional literature, etc. ― is also collected. In the US, two competing clubs were both established in Massachusetts (NAMC, the National Association of Matchbox Collectors, run by Bob Brennan, and AIM, the American-International Matchbox club, run by Harold Colpitts). These clubs were the central force of Matchbox collecting in US during the 1970s and 1980s (though both have since ceased to exist), and from them, further spin-offs were formed, including UK Matchbox (run by Ray Bush), MICA (Matchbox International Collectors Association) and Matchbox USA (run by Charlie Mack), the latter of which are still in operation. Charlies Mack, as well as others, have also published books for collectors showing models, their variations and giving value/price guidance. The Route 66 Die cast collectors gathering of friends is also in existence, and happens annually in July and is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. this is the only existing die cast show to feature the Matchbox Team making an appearance, and having exclusive models made just for the advent.

Dinky collecting is centred around the UK and France, Corgi collecting in the UK, and Hot Wheels collecting in North America. Only Matchbox collecting is popular in the UK, Commonwealth countries and in North America.

Like many high value collectable items Matchbox models are now prone to faking. Rare variations can be quite easily made up using genuine parts, and then sold as a "rare" variation.

Though model choices were unique and often brilliant (who else made a Bristol or the early Jensen?), Spot-On as a diecast brand was destined to fail precisely because of its endearing qualities. Models were more expensive than the competition and more conservative. Each Spot-On model was painted in at least 8, and often 16 different colours, which was attractive to the buyer (and today's collector), but an inefficient production practice (Buising website). Appeal was limited for an expensive line of almost exclusively British vehicles in an increasingly global market. While American children may have been enamored of certain MGs, Jaguars and Rolls Royces, they probably had never heard of Jensens, Bristols, Armstrong Siddeleys, or Meadows. Meanwhile, Matchbox, Corgi, and Dinky always had a few American and other European cars in their line-ups. Perhaps it is fortunate Spot-On ceased production just as Mattel Hot Wheels were introduced as the innovation of the thin low friction axle put many more successful toy manufacturers out of business.

Unfortunately, many Spot-On models had artificial chrome attachments that have tended to not last as well as Dinky Toys parts of the era. However, there is a market in replacement parts, and some commercial enterprises undertake full restoration of Spot-On models. Today, Spot-On models are as collectible as Dinky Toys and Corgi Toys, generally commanding even higher prices. The Morris Minor 1000, Jensen 541, Bristol 406, and Meadows Frisky are particular favourites of collectors because they were not produced in either Corgi or Dinky ranges.

Revival[edit]

In 2003, the French company Norev reintroduced the Spot-On brand once made by Tri-Ang, apparently using the original tooling. Ironically, the original Spot-On Renault Floride (No 166) was the only French marque originally offered, but nevertheless, Spot-On models are once again being produced, in authentic original style packaging. These commonly sell on eBay for about US$80 to $100 a piece.

In addition, some contemporary modellers have closely copied Spot-On models. For example, one maker, English Replicars, in white metal, appears to have copied at least one Spot-On model sometime in the 1990s. The car was the Morris Minor, duplicated down to details and even the rather different 1:42 scale.

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References[edit]

  1. ^ "Record List Display: Tri-ang". United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office.
  2. ^ "Record List Display: Tri-ang". United States Patents and Trademark Office.
  3. ^ See 1st Edition Catalogue publication date at bottom left of the back page
  4. ^ "Games & Toys Magazine". Games & Toys Magazine: 79–81. August 1950.
  5. ^ See 2nd Edition Catalogue bottom of the back page
  6. ^ a b See 1963 & 1965 Price Lists on the Tri-ang MinicShips website
  7. ^ See V&A Museum of Childhood webpage about Lines Bros - section entitled Change and Consolidation (1960s)
  8. ^ Brown, Kenneth D (1996). The British Toy Business: A History since 1700. Hambledon Press. p. 190. ISBN 185285-136-8.
  9. ^ Brown, Kenneth D (1996). The British Toy Business: A History since 1700. Hambledon Press. p. 191. ISBN 185285-136-8.
  10. ^ a b "First Edition Catalogue 1959".
  11. ^ a b c d e f "Second Edition Catalogue 1960".
  12. ^ a b c d e f "Third Edition Catalogue 1961".
  13. ^ "1959 Retail Price List".
  14. ^ a b c "Fourth Edition Catalogue 1962".
  15. ^ a b c "Sixth Edition Catalogue 1964".
  16. ^ a b "1965 Trade Price List".
  17. ^ "1963 Retail Price List".
  18. ^ "Fifth Edition Catalogue 1963".
  19. ^ a b "HMY Britannia", Wikipedia, 17 July 2018, retrieved 19 July 2018
  20. ^ a b See page 59 of Hornby Railways 'OO' Scale Model Catalogue XXII (22nd) Edition 1976 from the Brighton Toy & Model Index hosted on the Brighton Toy & Model Museum website

External links[edit]


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