Dinky 410 Bedford CF Van
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.
JOHN GAY CODE 2 MODELS are re-finished models of the Dinky 410 and the 412 Bedford vans. There are a number of well known Promotional models issued and some lesser known models and prototypes have made it into the Collectors' Markets. The original boxes used by John Gay are of an older Dinky style, yellow boxes with red and black printing. Two sides carry the legend:
DINKY TOYS PROMOTIONAL
By MECCANO LTD
Distributed by
JOHN GAY
7 Horsham Lane, Upchurch
Sittingbourne, Kent, England.
The other two sides have the Bedford model printed in black and red and black. Some John Gay models are known to have been issued in unmarked standard Dinky cello window boxes and the later pedestal/cello style packaging.
I do not have all of the variations in my collection ... I'm not sure if anyone knows all of the variations that were issued by the recognised Code 2/3 issuers. See the text below for details on those I have found so far.
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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) until further information comes to hand.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grill, bumper, numberplate [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 numberplate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Transit" 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 1972-79.
Item: 930
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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) until further information comes to hand.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grill, bumper, numberplate [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 numberplate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Transit" 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 1972-79.
Item: 929
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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) until further information comes to hand.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grill, bumper, numberplate [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 numberplate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Transit" 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 1972-79.
Item: 1067
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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) until further information comes to hand.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grill, bumper, numberplate [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 numberplate are cast into the body casting but are not highlighted by any alternate colour. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Transit" 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 1972-79.
Item: 1189
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Item 1203
This model is the Dinky 410-H Bedford Van in dark red "Camel" livery. It was unboxed when I purchased it and since I cannot locate any reference to John Gay having produced this model, it is accepted by me as an unattributed Code 3 model until further information comes to hand.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grill and front lights (including the side lights) are picked out in silver and orange paint. The front bumper and numberplate are in the body colour. Each side carries a decal (water slide transfer?) with Silver and Dark Blue "CAMEL" lettering plus a camel logo. The rear lights, bumpers and numberplate are cast into the body casting but only the rear indicators are highlighted in orange. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Transit" 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 without a "chromed" center "hub". The centre still has the 8 spoke pattern to the 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 and there is no indication that the model has been disassembled.
The original model was issued 1972-79, I have no idea when this Code 3 version was made.
Item: 1203
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Item 1389
This model is the Dinky 410-H Bedford Van in light blue "ebay" livery. It was made by a Code 3 specialist called "Ishimar" from whom I purchased it. I note that Ishimar produces an associated, colour printed, light cardboard, box clearly stamped with his name and bearing an image of the vehicle contained in the box. It is accepted by me as an attributed Code 3 model.
This model has no working parts. At the front the grill, front bumper, numberplate [cast lettering: AM27K] and front lights (including the side lights) are picked out in silver paint. Each side carries a decal or label with coloured "ebaY.co.uk" lettering plus red and black "Buy it NOW" lettering. The rear lights, bumpers and numberplate are cast into the body casting with the numberplate in the body colour, the rear indicators highlighted in silver and red, and the rear bumpers highlighted in silver. The rear doors (cast, non-opening) carry a cast "Transit" 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 hand painted silver center "hub". The centre still has the 8 spoke pattern.
The base plate is gloss 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 was originally held in place with two machined rivets which have been drilled out when the model was disassembled. Currently the baseplate is loosly glued in place but I may re-rivet at some stage.
The original model was issued 1972-79, this Code 3 version was produced in 2010.
Item: 1389
