15 May 2015
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Ramsay's British Diecast 15th Edition: Tri-ang Spot-On
A brief history of Spot-On, plus some of the most expensive models from Ramsay's. ...
Ramsay's British Diecast 15th Edition: Tri-ang Spot-On Images
Spot-On models were introduced in 1959 by Tri-ang Toys to gain a foothold in the diecast market dominated, at the time, by Dinky Toys and its recently established rivals, Corgi Toys.
Tri-ang realised that it had to offer not only a range of features similar to those of its competitors’ products but something more besides. It was decided that collectors would appreciate models that were all made to the same precise scale right across the range.
The models would thus look right together and qualify as such rather than toys. Much of the Dinky and Corgi car ranges were made to a scale of around 1/45 (with a few exceptions).
Tri-ang advertised the precise nature of its (larger) chosen scale as being ‘spot-on’ at 1/42 throughout.
A large modern factory was set up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to produce the models. A coloured picture of the real vehicle was included in the box of most early issues.
Well over a hundred different models were designed, the range being extended to include scale buildings and road signs. Production continued until the time that Tri-ang bought Dinky Toys in 1967. After the cessation of UK production, some of the Spot-On dies went to New Zealand where some interesting versions were produced for a couple of years.
All Spot-On models are highly collectable today particularly commercial vehicles, buses and the presentation and gift sets.
No. 260 Royal Rolls-Royce Phantom V (1963)
Maroon body, blue interior, two flags on roof, Queen and Prince Phillip in rear seats, driver and attendant in front. Guide price £400 to £600.
No. 106a/1c Austin Articulated Flatbed Lorry (1960)
Light blue, light green or orange cab, seven black plastic crates. Guide price £350 to £400.
No. 109/2p ERF 68g Flatbed Lorry with Planks (1960)
Yellow body. Guide price £700 to £800.
No.110/3d AEC Lorry with Oil Drums Load (1962)
Yellow cab and back, dark grey chassis, cream seats, black steering wheel. Guide price £850 to £950.
No. 110/4 AEC Tanker 'Shell-BP' (1961)
Yellow cab, white/yellow tank, silver chassis/catwalk. Guide price £500 to £600.
No. 116 Caterpillar Tractor D9 (1959)
Dark yellow/silver body, black rubber tracks, 'CAT D9'. Guide price £1,000 to £1,200.
No. 158a/2 Bedford 'S' Type 2000 Gallon 'Shell-BP' Tanker (1961)
Yellow cab, white tank. Guide price £700 to £1,000.
No. 156 Mulliner Luxury Coach (1961)
Yellow/white body, brown side flash. Guide price £800 to £1,000.
No. 2a Presentation Set (1960)
Includes Bedford S Tanker, ERF side wagon, Austin FX4 Taxi, Land Rover, Friskysport, Austin Healey, Rover 3ltr and two Vauxhall Crestas. Guide price £1,200 to £1,500.
No. 8 Presentation Set
Containing No. 157 Rover, No. 191 Sunbeam Alpine, No.211 Austin Seven, No.213 Ford Anglia, No. 215 Daimler Dart and No. 217 Jaguar E-Type. Guide price £2,500 to £3,000.
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You can order your copy of Ramsay's British Diecast Model Toys Catalogue 15th Edition online or call 01778 392006.
Tri-ang realised that it had to offer not only a range of features similar to those of its competitors’ products but something more besides. It was decided that collectors would appreciate models that were all made to the same precise scale right across the range.
The models would thus look right together and qualify as such rather than toys. Much of the Dinky and Corgi car ranges were made to a scale of around 1/45 (with a few exceptions).
Tri-ang advertised the precise nature of its (larger) chosen scale as being ‘spot-on’ at 1/42 throughout.
A large modern factory was set up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to produce the models. A coloured picture of the real vehicle was included in the box of most early issues.
Well over a hundred different models were designed, the range being extended to include scale buildings and road signs. Production continued until the time that Tri-ang bought Dinky Toys in 1967. After the cessation of UK production, some of the Spot-On dies went to New Zealand where some interesting versions were produced for a couple of years.
All Spot-On models are highly collectable today particularly commercial vehicles, buses and the presentation and gift sets.
No. 260 Royal Rolls-Royce Phantom V (1963)
Maroon body, blue interior, two flags on roof, Queen and Prince Phillip in rear seats, driver and attendant in front. Guide price £400 to £600.
No. 106a/1c Austin Articulated Flatbed Lorry (1960)
Light blue, light green or orange cab, seven black plastic crates. Guide price £350 to £400.
No. 109/2p ERF 68g Flatbed Lorry with Planks (1960)
Yellow body. Guide price £700 to £800.
No.110/3d AEC Lorry with Oil Drums Load (1962)
Yellow cab and back, dark grey chassis, cream seats, black steering wheel. Guide price £850 to £950.
No. 110/4 AEC Tanker 'Shell-BP' (1961)
Yellow cab, white/yellow tank, silver chassis/catwalk. Guide price £500 to £600.
No. 116 Caterpillar Tractor D9 (1959)
Dark yellow/silver body, black rubber tracks, 'CAT D9'. Guide price £1,000 to £1,200.
No. 158a/2 Bedford 'S' Type 2000 Gallon 'Shell-BP' Tanker (1961)
Yellow cab, white tank. Guide price £700 to £1,000.
No. 156 Mulliner Luxury Coach (1961)
Yellow/white body, brown side flash. Guide price £800 to £1,000.
No. 2a Presentation Set (1960)
Includes Bedford S Tanker, ERF side wagon, Austin FX4 Taxi, Land Rover, Friskysport, Austin Healey, Rover 3ltr and two Vauxhall Crestas. Guide price £1,200 to £1,500.
No. 8 Presentation Set
Containing No. 157 Rover, No. 191 Sunbeam Alpine, No.211 Austin Seven, No.213 Ford Anglia, No. 215 Daimler Dart and No. 217 Jaguar E-Type. Guide price £2,500 to £3,000.
You can order your copy of Ramsay's British Diecast Model Toys Catalogue 15th Edition online or call 01778 392006.
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