Dinky 661--Recovery Tractor

[cody6268]

For quite a while now, I've wanted Dinky's 661 Recovery Tractor, but just couldn't find one in my price range, which for small scale diecast is not more than $25 per model, unless it is extremely rare or a boxed Regular Wheel or early Superfast Matchbox. The seller, who had a fairly low experience number (85 I think?) on Ebay (which leads me to believe he/she was inexperienced) originally wanted $50 for it with free shipping, but allowed "wiggle room" as it was a "or best offer" listing. Yesterday afternoon, I sent an offer of $25, since there were some parts were missing or bent. A couple of hours later, I was surprised when I checked my email and read an email from Ebay with "AGREED" in the subject line, which meant I luckily got it for half price.

As you can see this was clearly well played with. The spare tire on the tailgate, a small steel release lever which keeps the winch line in place when lifting something, winch cord, and tow hook are missing. The crank for the winch appears bent ,and there's slight casting damage to the front from the toy running into things over the years? Any advice for straightening out the crank? According to Ebay, this seller takes extended time processing orders, so I've got plenty of time to get this wrecker ready to tow. Since the missing parts make it what it is, well a wrecker, I will have to save up the extra GBP 9.10 (about $14 plus PayPal conversion fees) to buy the ratchet clip and hook from Ebay UK since the parts aren't offered on Ebay USA. I think I'll need a new boom, as you can't straighten diecast without cracking the metal. I'll get the olive drab cord from the craft store.

Given the condition, was the $25 USD offer with free shipping that was agreed upon reasonable or a bargain?

My research shows that this was made from 1957-1965, and this has no window glass, indicating that it is one of the earlier ones. When did they start adding the window glass?

The attached pictures are all from the Ebay listing I bought it from. I'll try to get my own pictures after I've bought and installed the ratchet clip, spare tire, and hook.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Hello Cody. I think $25 USD is a fine price for that because in the UK it converts to around £16 (English pounds), a sum I would have been happy spending on a nice well used recovery truck and having worked in rescue and recovery, I know from first-hand experiences how so many trucks are used to within an inch of their lives...

There are times when concentrated heat can afford a successful repair on some Mazac (Zamac), made models, a heat source from a portable heat gun used in some hobbies for a limited but concentrated heat supply may well be all you need, but it is something you need to practice on first with some old wreck like another really damaged Dinky toy so the metal is almost the same.

The first Dinky Toy with Glazing was the Austin A105 car in 1958, I don't know what the first Military vehicle was to have it, but late 1950's seems to be when many models would have Glazing fitted.

Good luck with the replacement parts and do show us the results here when all is finished.

GHOSTHUNTER.

[Idris]

...English pounds..

I think you'll find they also belong to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland!

[GHOSTHUNTER]

...English pounds..

I think you'll find they also belong to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland!

Sorry Hugh...British Pounds.

Ghosty.

[toysnz]

Since the missing parts make it what it is, well a wrecker, I will have to save up the extra GBP 9.10 (about $14 plus PayPal conversion fees) to buy the ratchet clip and hook from Ebay UK since the parts aren't offered on Ebay USA. I think I'll need a new boom, as you can't straighten diecast without cracking the metal. I'll get the olive drab cord from the craft store.

There are people in the USA, Canada and UK who sell spare parts direct without the need to go through eBay for them.

I'll PM you with some further information....

Ian

[Tinman]

Make that the UK, Netherlands and Australia.

Model-Supplies.Co.Uk and Model Car Parts .Com are the two main makers/suppliers of reproduction model parts. The USA dealer (Karl Franklin) made two attempts at a parts business and called it quits for the last time. The long time dealer in Canada (Bill Zimmerman) passed away a few years back. The person whom purchased his stock and has been selling it off piece meal here and there over the last few years (some of it with a huge mark up on ebay).

Tony Howden's "RecoverToy" site (based in Australia) has recently experienced a lengthy down time. Tony has revamped his site, expanded his offerings and is back up and running.

Tony get's his replacement parts from either Steve at http://www.model-supplies.co.uk/ or from Rob at http://www.modelcarparts.com/index.php?language=en
The advantage of buying from Tony is regional shipping. Tony does offer some things the other sites don't. Tony's site is here https://www.recovertoy.com/hello-world/

Another USA based supplier, Rick's Toybox" provides a wide range of decals for Matchbox as well as decals and some (limited) parts for larger scale USA made stamped steel & diecast toy models. You can find Rick's site here http://toydecals.com/

Here is a link to an article I wrote about reproduction replacement parts.
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2510
I try to keep it updated and I'll probably look it over today and see if any updates need to be made.

[cody6268]

I actually used that last one once when I needed an exhaust stack for a 1/16? pressed steel Nylint Hough payloader. Fairly reasonable at $6 shipped, too.

I've got the parts purchased. For some reason, when I looked up the parts, that was before I realized Dinky didn't use the name Scammell, they simply called it a recovery tractor, after checking here for the exact name Dinky used, I was able to find the Ebay UK listing on the US Ebay. I've got all the parts ordered but the tire, which I'm waiting to get a quote for a single tire from a US Ebay seller who offers them.

[Tinman]

Beware of ebay sellers that simply buy parts & decals from Steve or Rob and them mark them up double the price.

[toysnz]

Make that the UK, Netherlands and Australia.

Joe - I was simply pointing out that there are dealers/suppliers in the States and Canada that are on eBay - Sent a PM to him with some further details in it as I wasn't sure about the rules on posting such information publicly... I've used all three sources you list but mainly buy parts in bulk from Model-supplies.co.uk

Ian

[Idris]

Sent a PM to him with some further details in it as I wasn't sure about the rules on posting such information publicly...

Provided it's all above board, there should be no issues with posting such information. (In fact, I think it should be positively encouraged!)