
Dublo Dinky Toys
066 Bedford Flat Truck

Issued 1957-1960 1:76 scale OO/HO gauge
Adding to the commercial models with play value in the Dublo range, Dinky chose the Bedford Flat Truck with a large load area and a long wheelbase. It was designed to carry containers from the Hornby Dublo Low-Sided Railway Wagon No.4648. The model was based on the Bedford 'A' Series lorries manufactured between 1955 & 1957, a range which was readily adapted to several different uses.
The Dublo Bedford Flat Truck followed previous models in being a single casting without a base and with the axles being secured in extensions to the underside. Always painted grey, the model had silver trim on the grille, headlights and bumper. 'Dublo Dinky Toys Bedford Meccano Ltd.' was cast under the flat-bed and 'Made in England' was added under the roof of the cab.
With good play value in a Hornby Railway layout, the Bedford might have been a popular toy but it was withdrawn before the introduction of black plastic wheels and perhaps the dull grey colour did not appeal. Dinky issued three variations, the first having smooth grey plastic wheels and the second being fitted with grey treaded wheels.
The third variation also had grey treaded wheels but for this model Dinky re-cast the rear to enable a tinplate tow-hook to be fitted. Interestingly, as there was nothing in the Dublo range which could be towed apart from the Horsebox, the tow-hook may indicate that Dinky had plans to issue further models but none appeared before the Dublo range was withdrawn.
There were two boxes used for the Flat Truck, the standard yellow end-flap one with the model pictured on two sides, and later a red & yellow end-flap box without illustrations.
Finding good examples of the Bedford Flat Truck is not difficult but the late variation with the tow-hook is scarce and fetches a premium at auctions.


066 Bedford Flat Truck variation1: smooth grey plastic wheels, type 1 box
Dublo Dinky Toys 066 Bedford Flat Truck
All variations were painted grey including the underside
1. SMOOTH GREY plastic wheels, yellow picture box
2. TREADED GREY plastic wheels, red/yellow box
3. TREADED GREY plastic wheels with REAR TOW-HOOK, red/yellow box


066 Bedford Flat Truck variation 2: treaded grey plastic wheels, type 2 box

066 Bedford Flat Truck variation 3 : treaded gpw, rear towhook


photo David Busfield
Dublo Dinky 066 Bedford Flat Trucks with Hornby Dublo and Tri-ang railway containers

The real Bedford 'A' Series Flat Truck