Tuesday 7 May 2019

Corgi Toys @ 60: On the farm and the big International Truck


May 1959 brought a farm tractor and trailer to the toy shop shelves. The Tractor was a Massey Ferguson 65 model and first issues had metal wheels. You'll find the model with silver, cream or a scarcer red seat but all the examples I've encountered have had the same Massey Ferguson red bonnet and a slightly pinkish cream chassis. A driver was not included at this point. He comes later in gift sets or other versions.


The trailer has no manufacturer's brand but has the same Massey Ferguson red chassis and a bright yellow load section which lifts on a 'hydraulic' arm and has a hinged rear panel. Early editions had metal wheels. The trailer was around for a very many years and remained unchanged throughout that time apart from plastic wheels being fitted at some point.

These were the first of a good few models of agricultural implements which would be added to the range.

The military range was still being developed and May saw the introduction of the big International 6 wheeled truck, initially launched as an International 6 x 6 Army Truck.

A search of this blog will show you more detailed articles about this truck which still causes confusion with the different versions that exist in its chassis style, British and Dutch insignia, a US Army version and variations in where silver paint may or may not have been applied! As if that were not enough, 1133 is issued some time later as a US Army Troop Transporter!



The British and Dutch versions had the appropriate insignia on the front and rear and no stars. The US version of 1118 had a star on the bonnet and also on the flat roof of the metal canopy. (If the canopy has an indent for the star it is from a later 1133, which also had text along the bonnet and on the tailgate).


The difference in the two types of chassis can be seen when viewed from the side, one showing clear daylight above the chassis in places.

I don't know which came first or whether the US or Dutch versions were available this early and I think it is likely that the first editions would have been solely the British one.

None of these trucks had suspension - even later in life (although the Circus version with a crane did get suspension later). You could make an interesting collection just on the varieties of these trucks which confused me a great deal at the start - and even now I struggle for remember which US version is which sometimes, especially as many may have had canopies replaced or swapped over the years!

This International truck is a very heavy, solid model with massive wheels (and a loose spare behind the cabin which often goes missing). Look out for the tin hook at the back too which should be present. These didn't sell in vast numbers but many have survived as they could withstand being sat or trodden on pretty well!


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