Budgie Toys No.456/D.R.

Despatch Rider

Around 1958 Morris & Stone replaced the Morestone Motorcycles with a new casting ready for the launch of the Budgie Toys range. These were used for the AA and RAC Motorcycle Patrols and the four Solo Motorcycles. Unlike their coloured predecessors, the Solo models were issued on a bright chrome finish with plastic riders. The fourth of these was the Despatch Rider.

Series 1

Issued 1959-63

The Series 1 model was chrome-plated all over with unpainted metal wheels and black tyres. 'Made in England' was cast on the left side below the seat. The plastic rider was pale brown with a black helmet and black gloves and boots, although later the black helmet was dropped and the helmet left unpainted brown. The face was painted pink.

Boxes for the Despatch Rider utilised the old Morestone Series (Morris & Stone) design at first with the number '456/D.R.' added to the end-flap details. Later, when Guiterman took over ownership, the Morestone boxes contunued but the end-flaps were changed to read 'Made in England by a member of the Guiterman Group No.456/DR'.

Eventually the Morestone boxes were replaced by yellow 'Budgie Models' ones which carried a picture of the Series 1 model (with the rider wearing a black helmet) and the number and name on the end-flaps (B1).

Series 2

Issued 1964-66

In 1964 the model was upgraded with a new casting of a Triumph motorcycle. This continued to be chrome-plated with unpainted metal wheels and black tyres. The plastic rider remained pale brown with a brown helmet and black gloves and boots.

Boxes for the Series 2 Despatch Rider were the same yellow 'Budgie Models' boxes as Series 1 (B1), and the illustration continued to show the Series 1 model.

Series 1: Rider with black helmet, Morris & Stone box

Series 1: Rider with brown helmet

Budgie No.456/DR Despatch Rider

Variations

​Series 1

Chrome-plated M/cycle, 'Made in England' on left side, umw/black tyres

brown plastic rider with black or brown helmet

BOXES for Series 1 (all had number '456/DR' on end-flaps):

Morestone/Morris & Stone

Morestone/Guiterman

Budgie Models (B1)

Series 2

Chrome-plated Triumph M/cycle, no id., umw/black tyres

brown plastic rider with brown helmet

Budgie Models (B1) box

Series 2: Triumph m/cycle, Budgie B1 box

Budgie No.456/DR box variations