24 December 2013
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Ruby Toys launches its second model range
Right at the beginning of 2013, Ruby Toys announced its first range of fantastic models. It has just released a second model, available now in 9 different liveries. ...
Ruby Toys launches its second model range Images
Right at the beginning of 2013, Ruby Toys announced its first range of fantastic models. It has just released a second model, available now in 9 different liveries.
Ruby Toys was created by John Hope, a collector of Dinky Toys for many years who also produced Code 3 designs for his own collection. John soon found that there were many prototypes of commercial vehicles from the 1940s and 1950s that Dinky didn’t produce but which would make interesting models in a Dinky-style. He considered some of these in model form would also have an appeal to other collectors, particularly those for whom mint and boxed Dinkys are now unaffordable. So, Ruby Toys was born. The name reflects the fact that, when considering a name for his new venture, John and his wife had just celebrated their 40th (ruby) wedding anniversary, plus he considers the models to be "little gems". Clever that.
Another tie to the ruby theme is that the reference numbering is in the forties too. The first model (the Albion van) was numbered 41, the new Dennis Brewer's Dray is number 42 and so on.
In the good old days, every brewery had its own fleet of drays decorated in its own distinctive livery delivering beer to local hostelries in wooden barrels. The Dennis Pax was a popular choice for this purpose. The load of barrels with each model is cast in metal and shipped in a separate carton within the box to avoid damaging the model. They are very weighty and really add a lovely feel to the finished article. These could have been cast in resin but, although this would have been cheaper to produce, John felt (and I agree) that the metal barrels really are worth the extra.
At a scale of roughly 1/50, John is producing truly marvellous models and has quite a worldwide fan club already.
We visited Ruby Toys just before Christmas to meet John and to sneak a peak at his future plans. There are two further ranges due in early 2014 and to find out more about these, other planned releases and for a glimpse behind the scenes, look out for future issues of Diecast Collector.
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Ruby Toys was created by John Hope, a collector of Dinky Toys for many years who also produced Code 3 designs for his own collection. John soon found that there were many prototypes of commercial vehicles from the 1940s and 1950s that Dinky didn’t produce but which would make interesting models in a Dinky-style. He considered some of these in model form would also have an appeal to other collectors, particularly those for whom mint and boxed Dinkys are now unaffordable. So, Ruby Toys was born. The name reflects the fact that, when considering a name for his new venture, John and his wife had just celebrated their 40th (ruby) wedding anniversary, plus he considers the models to be "little gems". Clever that.
Another tie to the ruby theme is that the reference numbering is in the forties too. The first model (the Albion van) was numbered 41, the new Dennis Brewer's Dray is number 42 and so on.
In the good old days, every brewery had its own fleet of drays decorated in its own distinctive livery delivering beer to local hostelries in wooden barrels. The Dennis Pax was a popular choice for this purpose. The load of barrels with each model is cast in metal and shipped in a separate carton within the box to avoid damaging the model. They are very weighty and really add a lovely feel to the finished article. These could have been cast in resin but, although this would have been cheaper to produce, John felt (and I agree) that the metal barrels really are worth the extra.
At a scale of roughly 1/50, John is producing truly marvellous models and has quite a worldwide fan club already.
We visited Ruby Toys just before Christmas to meet John and to sneak a peak at his future plans. There are two further ranges due in early 2014 and to find out more about these, other planned releases and for a glimpse behind the scenes, look out for future issues of Diecast Collector.
Remember, to get the latest collecting news delivered direct to your inbox every two weeks, sign up for our e-newsletter.
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