The Mechanical Horse In Miniature
Since the introduction of the Mechanical Horse in the mid 1930s it has been a popular subject for model and toy makers. In the 1950s Charbens produced a die cast model of the Mechanical Horse.
The
picture to the left shows an original Charbens model in GWR livery. They were also available
in LNER colours but these are extremely difficult to
find and will command quite a price. The more common GWR version will still cost
around £30-40. They were extremely poor quality, in both material and finish,
and they were very fragile objects.
The Mechanical Horse Club members fancied a variation to the two standards, but not at the expense of repainting or converting an original. So a damaged tractor belonging to the club editor was consequently repaired and, thus losing any value, was pressed into service as a donor pattern for a small run of castings. We had to wait until a trailer was available (again a repaired original) before we ended up with the replica we were looking for. The castings are of a much higher quality than the original, but still capture the attraction and simplicity of the original Charbens.
The picture
alongsde shows the original Charbens model on the left and our own replica, in
1950s BR Crimson and cream livery, on the right.
Models are in an unfinished condition so purchasers can paint them in the livery of their choice.
The replica Charbens Mechanical Horse with trailer, Limited numbers now available. The cost is £30. For further information please contact Ian Townell on telephone number 01226 748298. For overseas enquires please contact the Website
Other Model Mechanical Horses
The Mechanical Horse provides the model maker with a particularly challenging subject. the club gives every encouragement to those wishing to meet this challenge. The models shown below were constructed by club member Ken Millet using simple hand tools and materials available from model suppliers (Scale 1/25):
Other Model Makers
Dinky Toys made a model of the Karrier Cob and also the Morrison Electric Mechanical Horse (similar to four wheeled Jen Tug); both of these lasting a long time in the Dinky Toys range, They also produced articulating versions of the Bedford ‘O’ series, the prototype of which would have been fitted with a Scammell coupling.
Karrier Cobs
Hindle Smart lorry.
The above pictures of the Dinky Karrier Cob and Hindle Smart models were supplied by Jacques Dujardin, who has compiled a CD of Dinky Toys and this CD can be obtained at http://www.dinkyclubgold.com
Budgie Toys produced a model of the Scarab, which was
available with different trailers. This was a very realistic model with ‘good
play value’ as the model was simply constructed and sturdy. This model was still
available until quite recently.
Crescent Toys produced
a model of the Scarab which again was available with a range of different trailers, and it also featured
a working coupling operated by tilting the fuel tank.
Matchbox Toys produced the Scarab in two different sizes, both in British Railways livery. These can often be found, along with the Budgie and Crescent models, at Toy Fairs and Swap Meets.
; Airfix / Dapol An Ex-Watney Scarab A group of various Models
In recent times Corgi Classics have produced a quite detailed model of a Scarab in 1:50 scale, this was available in the livery of several companies. The biggest users of Mechanical Horses and Scarabs were the railways companies including, after 1947, British Railways. Because of this, the companies providing items for model railways have produced models of these vehicles. There are several different models on the market in 00 gauge from Langley Models, Bachmann, Canterbury Models, Corgi Trackside and Oxford Diecast as well as the larger scale models (7mm/O Gauge) from Classic Commercials.
Is it real
Mister?
Bill Mattravers is yet another model maker, but this time with a slight difference. Pictured left is his replica Mechanical Horse, which is powered by a Reliant petrol engine. Showing once more that where there’s a Mechanical Horse there’s a Model!
The Website of late, has received a lot of feedback from the models page, from those of you who make and collect models, and I have been asked by the Models section leader, to remind you, that plans and associated information for making these models are available from the Model section leader.
Telephone number 01226 748298 or write to:
Ian Townell, 17, Bevan Close, Elsecar, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S74 6DR
Overseas enquires please contact the Website