976 Michigan Tractor Dozer Question

[Francis]

I've just bought a 976 Michigan Tractor Dozer in a bubble pack type box. I noticed that my model doesn't have engine covers, as added in the earlier models. Did the company leave them out on these bubble pack versions, or are they missing? I've added an image of my model.

Thank you in advance.

[RSSierra]

Hi, welcome to the site.

Looking at Nicks Dinky listing at the link below, blister models have been sold at Vectis both with and without engine covers. Sorry, I can't be more definitive than that.

http://www.vintagebritishdiecasts.co.uk ... ky976x.htm

Cheers

Dave

[GHOSTHUNTER]

From 1976 onwards the engine covers were removed from the model. The 'Shallow Plynth' blister packaging was patented during 1972 and introduced by Dinky for use in 1973. The 'Splash' pointing out the model is DIE-CAST METAL, was moved down onto the skirt of the plynth as a later box tweak, upto this point this had been on the top surface of the plynth, not on the skirt.

Hope that is of some help.

Ghosthunter.

[RSSierra]

Now that is what I call a complete answer!

Thanks Ghosty

[Francis]

Hello, gentlemen,

Thank you for your great answers. Now I know ... and thank you for welcoming me to this great site. There is one thing I noticed and like about the later 976 Michigan Tractor 'blister pack' models, is that the plastic wheels were replaced by metal ones.

Thank you again.

All the best,

Francis

[Shane]

hmm. Usually the other way around. Pieces get cheaper not more expensive. I did not know late models had metal hubs. I have had this model on my wishlist as well. Now I think I will be specifically looking out for a later metal hub version but that still came with engine covers
Learn something new everyday here at VBD!

[dinkycollect]

This is a model for which we have some very interesting information. Refer to the May 1968 Meccano Magazine page 257.