vehicle: Fire Engine

Meccano launched Dinky Toys, a brand of diecast toys, in 1934. Dinky Toys sports cars, coupes, and commercial vehicles proved popular in England. However, the line fell susceptible to metal fatigue. During World War II, the Germans occupied the French Meccano factory and production of Dinky Toys halted. Dinky Toys continued to flourish after the War, but two major competitors hit the market. Lesney launched Matchbox in the late 1940s. Corgi entered the market and introduced clear windows and aluminum hubs. Dinky did not add windows to their cars until 1958. By the 1960s, the company released models intended to appeal to the U.S. market.