In Great Britain tinplate cars were made in the first decades of the 20th century. Many of the producers were German emigrants who have learnt their job in their home country. In the mid-1930s, the era of the diecast models began: Dinky Toys introduced their range in 1934, Lesney (Matchbox) was founded in 1947, and Corgi started production in 1956 with the first diecast models featuring simulated glass windows. The British producers were predominating in the worldwide 1/43rd-market from 1950 to 1975. Other manufacturers in these days were, among others, Britains, Morestone (maker of the Budgie and Benbros models), Spot-On, Lone Star, Crescent Toys and River Series. In the meantime, Corgi and Matchbox have changed their proprietors several times, have moved to the Far East and mainly produce models of commercial vehicles with fine printings. Since the 1970s there has also been a wide range of handbuilt white metal models in 1/43rd scale made in the United Kingdom. Pioneers in this sector were, among others, John Day, Western Models und Brooklin. Apart from 1/43rd, smaller scales between 1/66th and 1/76th are very popular in Great Britain.
United Kingdom