TOY AND MODELS (Page one)

The first model to be introduces of a Of a Coles cranes was the EMA. This unit must have bee a familiar site up and down the country. Dinky introduced this model to its range in 1949.

Another Dinky this one manufactured between 1955 to 1970 is was a model of the L20 with a 20 ton lift. A time when this crane was widely used.

Made by the German Maker Schuco between 1964 and 1976 this rare and complete model shows that Coles were internationality known.

This model, which is more a model than a toy has 14 separate pieces, a four piece boom, supported and moved by 6 pieces of connecting rod, can lift one of three 5 ton silver weights.
Two hand cranks move and side supports extend and contract in base.

Here we have something different not so much a toy as a model that was actually commissioned by Coles. Made by the Victory toy company. This was probably used by the sales force to demonstrate what the units could do. One of these was still in use at the driver training school at the Crown works in 1972

It was unusual that it was remote controlled and had three separate electric motors inside. It was a die cast model operated by wire from a small control box. A very rare model indeed. Not certain about the date they were made but must have been early 1960s.

In 1972 Dinky updated their crane and made this toy of the new type of crane the hydraulic jib unit, The Hydra 150 - 15 ton lift unit with six wheels. The arm extends in three sections and the outriggers drop down. This was an expensive model for its time when it was brought out.

The model below is a modified unit I have upgraded from what was a battered old toy.

When doing this site I was checking around for pictures of all the versions of cranes and began to think Dinky and taken licence and added a set of wheels to a four wheel lorry to make it work as a toy. Then I eventually found photos of the real crane working for in South Africa on a heritage railway. Select here for the Photos.

The final model made of a Coles crane is this one made not by a toy company but as a souvenir item for the company.

It is of a Hydra Husky 36 ton, made some time after 1974