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I know nothing about Dinky and need some information. I have a 25D petrol truck, and would like some help trying to come up with an approximate year of manufacture. This apparently was a long lived series and it appears that the mounting base is useful in helping pin down this particular model. It has one small hole in a flat base. What other information do I need to provide?

I bought some replacement tires. They fit the rim alright but the diameter is smaller than what's on there. I have no guarantee that what is on it now is original equipment. What should I be asking for?

It looks like the model originally had headlights. What's the consensus on whether I should get a repro grill or leave this one? Was the original plated or was it black oxide?

I've seen some mention of a 20mph placard transfer on the back of the tanker. Mine does not have that. Was it on all issues?

My Ramsay's guide puts your baseplate at 1947-8. Chris Warr is the forum expert on this type of model - I'm sure he'll be able to sort all your questions without looking up any of the answers

Hi all,
SORRY! I didn't pick this up earlier, mad busy here.
Yep as Ewan says that's a lovely type 3 25 Tanker, basically the same body as the Pre War type 2 except on a Post war type 3 chassis with the hole.
The grilles on these were originally bright silver finish, but have tarnished over time, personally I have no issue with replacing a grille on a Postwar 25 once the headlamps have been broken off. Never on a Pre war though.
Those tyres are correct in black, but should be smaller, it should have a 20 mph decal, they are very delicate, there may be a black line right rear 1/4.
Cheers,
CW.

starni999 wrote:Hi all,
SORRY! I didn't pick this up earlier, mad busy here.

No problem, I have many pots stewing and wasn't in need of an immediate answer. This one has disappeared back into storage unfortunately but I'll apply your recommendations when next I see it. The decal will be no problem to replace but there's always some fear when trying to replace an originally fitted grille. I generally try a good long soak in lemon juice for replacement grilles so that they don't look so shiny. As I stated in a previous post, I have no objection to repro parts and some repaints. Nearly every other antique is game for restoration so I have no compunctions as long as the paint is a very close match, the replacement parts are good quality, and the original detailing techniques are followed.

I've also ordered up some paint to re-do a French Dinky Studebaker stake truck. It had been sloppily repainted in model enamels by a previous owner and I was unable to remove that without destroying whatever remained of the original red & yellow paint. I've got some repairs to do on my airbrush setup before I tackle that though.