early models

The first Metal Lorries range was a range of bonneted types. The caps were an open,with a long bonnet and either a black or silver radiator. The wheels were very thin discs of metal with thin rubber tires. Several models had a consisted of a steel cab and chassis with a wooden caravanette body on the back. In 1930 the range of these Lorries had 22 different models. Including three General Omni- buses and three Cranes.

A. Metal Lorries

The Metal lorries were produced till 1937, except the Tipping lorry, the Van and the Breakdown lorry.

These three models were made until WW.II

All these lorries are stove enamelled red, and had steel disc wheels with rubber tyres.

Tri-ang used two different grills on this series . Let's have a look at these models.

Metal Tank Wagon 1/TW

The Tank Wagon had a filer and a brass tap and a decal : Motor SHELL spirit.

Metal Van 1/V

The Metal Van, with production no. 1/V, had an adjustable tailboard for loading purposes. Window and steering wheel in driving cab and a Smart radiator.

Metal Tipping Lorry 1/T

The Tipping lorry was designed on the same lines as the real thing. Body tipping was operated by lever from the driving cab. As said all models were stove enamelled red.

An exception was a blue/green one, produced in 1938.

This Tipping lorry got the same grill as the later Bedford series.

Metal Breakdown Lorry 1/BL

The Breakdown lorry was constructed of heavy gauge sheet steel. Working model crane swivels on chassis, chain winding gear and controlled by a non-slip ratchet and adjustable jib.

Metal Timber Lorry

The Timber lorry was loaded with planks which are held by a chain.

Metal Milk Lorry

The Milk lorry was supplied with 6 churns. Very rare is the text on these churns: Tri-ang TOIS.

Metal C.P. & Co. Van

The subscription in the 1930 catalogue: Steel and throughout almost unbreakable. Correctly painted and worded. Adjustable tailboard at rear. (see yellow arrow).

Van

Removal Van with adjustable tailboard at rear.

Metal Fire Engine

I don't have any information or pictures of this Fire Engine. (Do you?)

Ladder is detachable. Imitation extinguishers,

hose and bell make this model very realistic.

Steel Chassis Wood body Toys.

The second range of lorries Tri-ang produced in 1930 was a range of Wooden body toys.

Some models were equipped with electric lights.

Caravan

A fantastic model is this Caravan. Windows open, doors and steps at rear. Fitted interior and one electric light and switch. The battery fits in the spring holder, no wires to connect.

General Buses.

In 1930 Tri-ang produced three wooden buses. An Electric bus, the General Omnibus No.1 and No.2.On the Double Deck bus page of this site we will bring later this year an extensive description of these marvelous buses.

Bull Nose Van

The last 930 range is the Bull Nose Van range with four different wooden models:

The Evening News Van, the Daily Mail Van , the C.O.& Co Carter Paterson Van and the Royal Mail Van.

1937 - 1938

The production of the above ranges were stopped in 1937 to make place for more modern lorries and new series. The most famous and collectable new range was without any doubt the Bedford series.

Therefore we made a special page for this range "Bedfords" Besides this range Tri-ang introduced two other new series: The "Non- mechanical steel toys" , a Tractor range and a Clockwork Lorries & Vans range.

Tractors

Tri-ang produced a few tractors: There were two series:

The Tri-ang Tractor nr.1 and nr.2 which have heavy rubber bands on steel discs and a clockwork motor and the Farm Tractor nr.1 and nr.2

These farm tractors were similar to the Tractor's but

fitted with black rubber wheels in place of caterpillar bands.

There were two other Farm tractors ,fitted with a trailer.

Later on Tracor no.3 came up. It was fitted with three axles.

Very rare is a blue R.A.F. No. 1 blue tractor

Tri-ang Tractor 1 + 2