Click for John Gay
and J-M Roulet issues
This DINKY 410 Bedford CF van seems to come in several variations - many not listed in the usual references (Dinky Toys by Dr Edward Force, Ramsay's British Diecast Model Toys Catalogue [12th Edition], Hornby Companion Series Vol 4). Manufactured in the 1970s this model has been referenced as still in production when the factory closed.
Correct classification of the model is often difficult due to the casting's popularity with Code 2 and 3 modelers and the fact that some references include Code 1, 2 and 3 models in their listings without identifying which code applies to any given model. Further confusion is generated by various so-called experts who infer their position on a model is correct and that they have the "true" story behind its production.
| Please Note: This page states my consideration of a model's status and is no more correct than any other you might come across on the internet — like many other commentators I cannot provide empirical evidence backing my position ☺ |
A large number of the variations of this van are items produced by John Gay. John Gay was a specialist model dealer in Kent who, when the Dinky factory closed down, purchased several hundred "blanks" and left-over decals. The blanks were then re-liveried with various logos and sold. These are often stated to be re-finished CODE 2 models licensed by MECCANO and distributed by JOHN GAY. I have now completed a new page with a listing of all the models issued by J-M Roulet and John Gay and have transferred some of the information previously contained on this page to the new page.
Click on any photo to see a larger version...
Item 85
This model is the Dinky 410-H-3 Bedford Van in black over red "Simpsons" livery. It was unboxed when I bought it and since I cannot locate any reference to John Gay it is accepted by me as a Code 1 model (produced fully by the Meccano company) as it is listed in several references and noted in "The Great Book of Dinky Toys" by Mike and Sue Richardson as a special run model sold by Simpsons of Canada.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grille, bumper, number plate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights are mask sprayed on to the body casting. Each side carries a small paper label in white and black lettering. The rear lights, bumpers and number plate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Bedford" badge and a white lettering on red background "Simpson's" label. The roof is a "Type R" - ribbed roof without square in the middle.
The interior is white plastic and the glazing is clear with moulded wipers and interior rear view mirror at the front and a line down each side door window. There is no glazing in the rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" 8 spoke center "hub".
The base plate appears to be black painted tin plate and is marked with Dinky Toys on two lines at the centre top, "Bedford Van" in the centre middle and Made in England at the centre bottom. It is held in place with two machined rivets.
This model was issued 1972 for Simpsons of Canada.
Item: 85
Item 930
This model is the Dinky 410-H-3 Bedford Van in black over red "Simpsons" livery. It was unboxed when I bought it and since I cannot locate any reference to John Gay it is accepted by me as a Code 1 model (produced fully by the Meccano company) as it is listed in several references and noted in "The Great Book of Dinky Toys" by Mike and Sue Richardson as a special run model sold by Simpsons of Canada.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grille, bumper, number plate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights are mask sprayed on to the body casting. Each side carries a small paper label in white and black lettering. The rear lights, bumpers and number plate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Bedford" badge and a white lettering on red background "Simpson's" label. The roof is a "Type R" - ribbed roof without square in the middle.
The interior is white plastic and the glazing is clear with moulded wipers and interior rear view mirror at the front and a line down each side door window. There is no glazing in the rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" 8 spoke center "hub".
The base plate appears to be black painted tin plate and is marked with Dinky Toys on two lines at the centre top, "Bedford Van" in the centre middle and Made in England at the centre bottom. It is held in place with two machined rivets.
This model was issued 1972 for Simpsons of Canada.
Item: 930
Item 2069
This model is the Dinky 410-H-3 Bedford Van in black over red "Simpsons" livery. It was unboxed when I bought it and since I cannot locate any reference to John Gay it is accepted by me as a Code 1 model (produced fully by the Meccano company) as it is listed in several references and noted in "The Great Book of Dinky Toys" by Mike and Sue Richardson as a special run model sold by Simpsons of Canada.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grille, bumper, number plate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights are mask sprayed on to the body casting. Each side carries a small paper label in white and black lettering. The rear lights, bumpers and number plate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Bedford" badge and a white lettering on red background "Simpson's" label. The roof is a "Type R" - ribbed roof without square in the middle.
The interior is white plastic and the glazing is clear with moulded wipers and interior rear view mirror at the front and a line down each side door window. There is no glazing in the rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" 8 spoke center "hub".
The base plate appears to be black painted tin plate and is marked with Dinky Toys on two lines at the centre top, "Bedford Van" in the centre middle and Made in England at the centre bottom. It is held in place with two machined rivets.
This model was issued 1972 for Simpsons of Canada.
Item: 2069
Item 2854
This model is the Dinky 410-H-4 Bedford Van in black over bronze "Belaco" livery. It was unboxed when I bought it and since I cannot locate any reference to John Gay it is accepted by me as a Code 1 model (produced fully by the Meccano company) as it is listed in several references and noted in "The Great Book of Dinky Toys" by Mike and Sue Richardson as a special run model given as a promotional item to customers of Belaco (manufacturers and distributors of brake and clutch parts).
This model has no working parts. At the front the grille, bumper, number plate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights are mask sprayed on to the body casting. Each side carries a small paper label in white and black lettering on a gold background. The rear lights, bumpers and number plate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Bedford" badge and another smaller label with white and black lettering on a gold background "Belaco" label. The roof is a "Type R" - ribbed roof without square in the middle.
The interior is white plastic and the glazing is clear with moulded wipers and interior rear view mirror at the front and a line down each side door window. There is no glazing in the rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" 8 spoke center "hub".
The base plate is black painted tin plate and is marked with Dinky Toys on two lines at the centre top, "Bedford Van" in the centre middle and Made in England at the centre bottom. It is held in place with two machined rivets.
This model was issued 1974 as a promotional item for Belaco.
Item: 2854
Item 3848
This model is the Dinky 410-H-4 Bedford Van in black over bronze "Belaco" livery. It is accepted by me as a Code 1 model (produced fully by the Meccano company) as it is listed in several references and noted in "The Great Book of Dinky Toys" by Mike and Sue Richardson as a special run model given as a promotional item to customers of Belaco (manufacturers and distributors of brake and clutch parts).
This model has no working parts. At the front the grille, bumper, number plate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights are mask sprayed on to the body casting. Each side carries a small paper label in white and black lettering on a gold background. The rear lights, bumpers and number plate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Bedford" badge and another smaller label with white and black lettering on a gold background "Belaco" label. The roof is a "Type R" - ribbed roof without square in the middle.
The interior is white plastic and the glazing is clear with moulded wipers and interior rear view mirror at the front and a line down each side door window. There is no glazing in the rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" 8 spoke center "hub".
The base plate is black painted tin plate and is marked with Dinky Toys on two lines at the centre top, "Bedford Van" in the centre middle and Made in England at the centre bottom. It is held in place with two machined rivets.
This model was issued 1974 as a promotional item for Belaco.
Item: 3848
Item 3023
This model is the Dinky 410-H-4 Bedford Van in black over bronze "Belaco" livery. It was unboxed when I bought it and since I cannot locate any reference to John Gay it is accepted by me as a Code 1 model (produced fully by the Meccano company) as it is listed in several references and noted in "The Great Book of Dinky Toys" by Mike and Sue Richardson as a special run model given as a promotional item to customers of Belaco (manufacturers and distributors of brake and clutch parts).
This model has no working parts. At the front the grille, bumper, number plate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights are mask sprayed on to the body casting. Each side carries a small paper label in white and black lettering on a gold background. The rear lights, bumpers and number plate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Bedford" badge but no smaller "Belaco" label as on my other model and there is no evidence of there ever having been a smaller label on the rear doors. The roof is a "Type R" - ribbed roof without square in the middle.
The interior is white plastic and the glazing is clear with moulded wipers and interior rear view mirror at the front and a line down each side door window. There is no glazing in the rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" 8 spoke center "hub".
The base plate is black painted tin plate and is marked with Dinky Toys on two lines at the centre top, "Bedford Van" in the centre middle and Made in England at the centre bottom. It is held in place with two machined rivets.
This model was issued 1974 as a promotional item for Belaco.
Item: 3023
Item 929
This model is the Dinky 410-H-5 Bedford Van in Dark Blue "John Menzies" livery. It was unboxed when I purchased it and since I cannot locate any reference to John Gay it is accepted by me as a Code 1 model (produced fully by the Meccano company) as it is listed in several references and noted in "The Great Book of Dinky Toys" by Mike and Sue Richardson as a special run model given as a promotional item available only at branches of John Menzies (a general stationers and book shop).
This model has no working parts. At the front the grille, bumper, number plate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights are mask sprayed on to the body casting. Each side carries a label (or possibly a decal) in white lettering. The rear lights, bumpers and number plate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Bedford" badge. The roof is a "Type R" - ribbed roof without square in the middle.
The interior is white plastic and the glazing is clear with moulded wipers and interior rear view mirror at the front and a line down each side door window. There is no glazing in the rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" 8 spoke center "hub".
The base plate appears to be black painted tin plate and is marked with Dinky Toys on two lines at the centre top, "Bedford Van" in the centre middle and Made in England at the centre bottom. It is held in place with two machined rivets.
This model was issued 1974-75.
Item: 929
Item 1911
This model is the Dinky 410-H-7 Bedford Van in Yellow "Danish Post Office" livery. It was unboxed when I purchased it and since I cannot locate any reference to John Gay it is accepted by me as a Code 1 model (produced fully by the Meccano company) as it is listed in several references and noted in "The Great Book of Dinky Toys" by Mike and Sue Richardson as a special run model for the Danish market only.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grille, bumper, number plate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights are mask sprayed on to the body casting. Each side carries a small circular decal in white on red background. The rear lights, bumpers and number plate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Bedford" badge. The roof is a "Type S" - ribbed roof with square in the middle.
The interior is white plastic and the glazing is clear with moulded wipers and interior rear view mirror at the front and a line down each side door window. There is no glazing in the rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" 8 spoke center "hub".
The base plate appears to be black painted tin plate and is marked with Dinky Toys on two lines at the centre top, "Bedford Van" in the centre middle and Made in England at the centre bottom. It is held in place with two machined rivets.
This model was issued in 1974.
Item: 1911
Item 461
This model is the Dinky 410-H-8 Bedford Van in white "MJ Hire + Service" livery. It is packed in standard Dinky pedestal/cellophane style packaging and since I cannot locate any reference to John Gay it is accepted by me as a Code 1 model (produced fully by the Meccano company) as it is listed in several references and noted in "The Great Book of Dinky Toys" by Mike and Sue Richardson as a special run model with a quantity being available for general sale at the instigation of MJ Hire. It was not listed in the catalogues.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grille, bumper, number plate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights are mask sprayed on to the body casting. Each side carries a paper label in Red and Black lettering. The rear lights, bumpers and number plate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Bedford" badge. The roof is a "Type S" - ribbed roof with square in the middle.
The interior is white plastic and the glazing is clear with moulded wipers and interior rear view mirror at the front and a line down each side door window. There is no glazing in the rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" 8 spoke center "hub".
The base plate appears to be black painted tin plate and is marked with Dinky Toys on two lines at the centre top, "Bedford Van" in the centre middle and Made in England at the centre bottom. It is held in place with two machined rivets.
This model was issued in unknown numbers between 1975-76.
Item: 461
Item 1067
This model is the Dinky 410-H-8 Bedford Van in white "MJ Hire + Service" livery. It is packed in standard Dinky pedestal/cellophane style packaging and since I cannot locate any reference to John Gay it is accepted by me as a Code 1 model (produced fully by the Meccano company) as it is listed in several references and noted in "The Great Book of Dinky Toys" by Mike and Sue Richardson as a special run model with a quantity being available for general sale at the instigation of MJ Hire. It was not listed in the catalogues.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grille, bumper, number plate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights are mask sprayed on to the body casting. Each side carries a paper label in Red and Black lettering. The rear lights, bumpers and number plate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Bedford" badge. The roof is a "Type S" - ribbed roof with square in the middle.
The interior is white plastic and the glazing is clear with moulded wipers and interior rear view mirror at the front and a line down each side door window. There is no glazing in the rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" 8 spoke center "hub".
The base plate appears to be black painted tin plate and is marked with Dinky Toys on two lines at the centre top, "Bedford Van" in the centre middle and Made in England at the centre bottom. It is held in place with two machined rivets.
This model was issued in unknown numbers between 1975-76.
Item: 1067
Item 1189
This model is the Dinky 410-H-8 Bedford Van in white "MJ Hire + Service" livery. It is packed in standard Dinky pedestal/cellophane style packaging where the cellophane cover has browned with age and exposure to light and is breaking apart. Since I cannot locate any reference to John Gay it is accepted by me as a Code 1 model (produced fully by the Meccano company) as it is listed in several references and noted in "The Great Book of Dinky Toys" by Mike and Sue Richardson as a special run model with a quantity being available for general sale at the instigation of MJ Hire. It was not listed in the catalogues.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grille, bumper, number plate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights are mask sprayed on to the body casting. Each side carries a paper label in Red and Black lettering. The rear lights, bumpers and number plate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Bedford" badge. The roof is a "Type S" - ribbed roof with square in the middle.
The interior is white plastic and the glazing is clear with moulded wipers and interior rear view mirror at the front and a line down each side door window. There is no glazing in the rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" 8 spoke center "hub".
The base plate appears to be black painted tin plate and is marked with Dinky Toys on two lines at the centre top, "Bedford Van" in the centre middle and Made in England at the centre bottom. It is held in place with two machined rivets.
This model was issued in unknown numbers between 1975-76.
Item: 1189
Item 480
This model is the Dinky 410-H-9 Bedford Van in red "Marley Building Supplies" livery. It came unboxed when I bought it. Since I cannot locate any reference to John Gay it is accepted by me as a Code 1 model (produced fully by the Meccano company) as it is listed in several references and noted in "The Great Book of Dinky Toys" by Mike and Sue Richardson as a special run model with a quantity being available for general sale at branches of Marley.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grille, bumper, number plate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights are mask sprayed on to the body casting. Each side carries a paper "Marley" label in Blue and White. The rear lights, bumpers and number plate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Bedford" badge and another "Marley paper label. The roof is a "Type S" - ribbed roof with square in the middle.
The interior is white plastic and the glazing is clear with moulded wipers and interior rear view mirror at the front and a line down each side door window. There is no glazing in the rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" 8 spoke center "hub".
The base plate appears to be black painted tin plate and is marked with Dinky Toys on two lines at the centre top, "Bedford Van" in the centre middle and Made in England at the centre bottom. It is held in place with two machined rivets.
This model was issued in 1975.
Item: 480
Item 2828
This model is the Dinky 410-H-10 Bedford Van in white "Modeller's World" livery. It is unboxed. Since I cannot locate any reference to John Gay it is accepted by me as a Code 1 model (produced fully by the Meccano company) as it is listed in several references and noted in "The Great Book of Dinky Toys" by Mike and Sue Richardson as a special run model with a quantity of 200 only being sold to readers of the Modeller's World magazine.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grille, bumper, number plate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights are mask sprayed in silver on to the body casting. Each side carries a water-slide decal in Dark Blue lettering, positioned to the centre top and another circular decal of an aero engine and propeller in dark blue, positioned just behind the doors. The rear lights, bumpers and number plate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Bedford" badge. The roof is a "Type S" - ribbed roof with square in the middle.
The interior is white plastic and the glazing is clear with moulded wipers and interior rear view mirror at the front and a line down each side door window. There is no glazing in the rear doors.
All wheels are of the "speed wheel" type - hollow one piece plastic with a "chromed" 8 spoke center "hub".
The base plate appears to be black painted tin plate and is marked with Dinky Toys on two lines at the centre top, "Bedford Van" in the centre middle and Made in England at the centre bottom. It is held in place with two machined rivets.
This model was issued 1976 as a limited release of 200.
Item: 2878