New Book - BRITAINS HERALD PLASTIC FARM MODELS 1955-1969

[PDH]

BRITAINS HERALD PLASTIC Farm MODELS 1955-1969  a collector's guide

This book was listed on Ebay about 10 days ago and I grabbed a copy quickly at it seemed to be selling fast, about 40 + copies in the first couple of days.  The seller still has some more copies available

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRITAINS-HERALD-PLASTIC-FARM-MODELS-1955-69-NEW-BOOK_W0QQitemZ170331157515QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Toys_Games_ToySoldiers_EH?hash=item170331157515&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

My copy turned up today and after a quick look through it’s pretty good.  I’ve learnt a lot about the Herald/Britains Farm Animal Range and would recommend.  Its good value at £16-00 delivered.

Some of the blurb –

72-PAGE, A4 LANDSCAPE FORMAT on HIGH QUALITY PAPER

OVER 140 PHOTOS in FULL COLOUR

COVERS EVERY 1:32 SCALE 'STANDARD SIZE' PLASTIC FARM MODEL PRODUCED BY BRITAINS/HERALD/ZANG 1955-1969

COLOUR & MOULDING VARIATIONS, INCLUDING MANY SCARCE ITEMS

UNIQUE RARITY RATING for EACH MODEL/SET

ONLY 300 COPIES AVAILABLE

Further volumes on Britains Herald Plastic Zoo and Floral Graden are planned.

[Lady Ferguson]

Scooby Doo is Barney Brown (one of the authors) - not much he doesn't know about Britains and a nice chap too!

[ploughmaster]

I have received mine also.  I agree, a very good catalogue of the range and the principal versions of each.  I thought I knew most of the main variants, but have discovered one or two more from this book (I have also noted a couple which are not in it). 

It fits well between Peter Coles' book 'Suspended Animation' which gives the background to the designs and production methods, and the specialised study guides by Jonathan Stephens. 

[powerrabbit]

Received my copy today and thought what a brilliant book, about time someone catalogued the plastic animals and figures. Some of the figures and animals missing from it will probably be listed in the book that he will be doing on the Britains Floral Garden and then there will be the Zoo stuff. This book concentrates on the farm stuff. If I knew at the time the book was coming direct from the author I would of asked him to sign it.

[super6]

I have received mine also.  I agree, a very good catalogue of the range and the principal versions of each.  I thought I knew most of the main variants, but have discovered one or two more from this book (I have also noted a couple which are not in it). 

It fits well between Peter Coles' book 'Suspended Animation' which gives the background to the designs and production methods, and the specialised study guides by Jonathan Stephens. 

There are always going to be other variations, seeing as they were all hand painted. I have a few myself, never say never.

Well worth the money I thought, with some cracking pictures. I have never seen, or heard off, the triangular boxes before and did not expect to ever see the small live stock buildings in the bubble packs.

Received my copy today and thought what a brilliant book, about time someone catalogued the plastic animals and figures. Some of the figures and animals missing from it will probably be listed in the book that he will be doing on the Britains Floral Garden and then there will be the Zoo stuff. This book concentrates on the farm stuff. If I knew at the time the book was coming direct from the author I would of asked him to sign it.

I did  signed on a sticky label with (my) written name, printed inscription and date and stuck on to title page. Have bought from Barney a few times and seen some of his collection, did not know it was that extensive though. As noted by Lady F a very nice, and knowledgeable, person.

[ploughmaster]

......and did not expect to ever see the small live stock buildings in the bubble packs.

I was interested to see those too, having been keeping a watch for any of them for many years.  I had wondered if any existed!  I hadn't seen the lead mould Land Girl in white plastic before either,  or the white lead mould sheep, or the brown calves. 

I look forward to his next book 

[powerrabbit]

I think that the box sets are rarer because you could also buy the figures and animals seperately as they were supplied to shops in 'trade' packs of a dozen or so and its like all of it really, the further back you go in time. the harder it is now to find.

[super6]

..............or the white lead mould sheep, or the brown calves. 

I'd never heard of the white sheep, more to seek out along with the lead mould pig with open mouth or not, smoothe plastic versions and colour variations. I 've not seen any of the 6000 series sets either

Have a brown (RED) calf laying down and seen, some of, the other calves in a small photograph from Jonathan Stephens.

I think that the box sets are rarer because you could also buy the figures and animals seperately as they were supplied to shops in 'trade' packs of a dozen or so and its like all of it really, the further back you go in time. the harder it is now to find.

Aside from the fact that it would be ripped apart to get at the contents

Even the trade packs/boxes are difficult to find

Next book...............yes please

Right a question, has anyone seen the farm cart 9502 with rubber tyres in a farm range box similar to those shown on pages 61 and 62 or did it share the same box as 9500?

[ploughmaster]

Right a question, has anyone seen the farm cart 9502 with rubber tyres in a farm range box similar to those shown on pages 61 and 62 or did it shate the same box as 9500?

Very good question - As it was deleted at the end of 1963, and that style of box started in 1964, I would think it unlikely that the new style box was produced for it.  However that's another thing I have yet to see an example of in any type of box ! 

[powerrabbit]

The farm cart with rubber tyres (same wheels and tyres as on the E27N tractor) was only isuued in the duck egg box. This was one of the last 'implements' or horse-drawn equipment to be packaged in the duck egg box and was then deleted. it was thereafter that the horse-drawn eqipment appeared in the sleeve box and stand and the horses were all then produced in plastic from the lead mould. The 'farm tipping cart' raves or lades were in plastic then as well. I think that this last item was the longest produced horse item as I have seen quite a few in 'window' boxes.

[ploughmaster]

The tipping Tumbrel Cart did indeed have quite a long life. 

As 9502, in the sleeve and plinth type box, it was deleted along with the other remaining horse drawn items at the end of 1969 (the others being 9500 Horse Drawn Cart and 9503 Milk Float & Milkman), but re-appeared in the 1970 catalogue as 9567 Tumbrel Cart with Driver, packed in a long and rather flimsy window display box along with the Boy with Rope (2036).  From 1972, the Cart Horse (2109) was replaced by the new Clydesdale 2104).  This set was only catalogued until 1973.

The Tumbrel Cart had a brief re-release in the range as 9499 in 1983 and 1984 with the Clydesdale Horse (2104), packaged in a window fronted plain chevron rainbow box.

[super6]

Very good question - As it was deleted at the end of 1963, and that style of box started in 1964, I would think it unlikely that the new style box was produced for it.  However that's another thing I have yet to see an example of in any type of box ! 

Have to disagree with you there ploughmaster as this item is shown in the 1964 A5 leaflet, deleted at end of as not in the new customer catalogue for 1965. Although in Regiments of all nations it is listed as 1948-63............................hmmmm

The farm cart with rubber tyres (same wheels and tyres as on the E27N tractor) was only isuued in the duck egg box. This was one of the last 'implements' or horse-drawn equipment to be packaged in the duck egg box and was then deleted. it was thereafter that the horse-drawn eqipment appeared in the sleeve box and stand and the horses were all then produced in plastic from the lead mould. The 'farm tipping cart' raves or lades were in plastic then as well. I think that this last item was the longest produced horse item as I have seen quite a few in 'window' boxes.

Later versions used plastic wheel/tyre combination and possibly horse/pony, not sure here, would be listed on a 9502 box end flap as "WITH PLASTIC HORSE"

This seems to be the most plausible explanation, I have never even seen one in the duck and egg box. Have you one?

The tipping Tumbrel Cart did indeed have quite a long life. 

As 9502, in the sleeve and plinth type box, it was deleted along with the other remaining horse drawn items at the end of 1969 (the others being 9500 Horse Drawn Cart and 9503 Milk Float & Milkman), but re-appeared in the 1970 catalogue as 9567 Tumbrel Cart with Driver, packed in a long and rather flimsy window display box along with the Boy with Rope (2036).  From 1972, the Cart Horse (2109) was replaced by the new Clydesdale 2104).  This set was only catalogued until 1973.

The Tumbrel Cart had a brief re-release in the range as 9499 in 1983 and 1984 with the Clydesdale Horse (2104), packaged in a window fronted plain chevron rainbow box.

At crossed purposes here ploughmaster, I presume you mean 9509

Okay, another one for you............Has anyone got a BOXED four wheeled wagon with the legend "WITH PLASTIC HORSES" on the box?

I will be asking for a picture, if yes

[ploughmaster]

this item is shown in the 1964 A5 leaflet, deleted at end of as not in the new customer catalogue for 1965. Although in Regiments of all nations it is listed as 1948-63............................hmmmm

That's interesting.  I was going by the date in James Opies 'Great book of Britains' as I only have the 1963 leaflet (SA37), but sadly, not the 1964 one (SA37/64). I think Opie went by the main catalogues, and so some of his dates are slightly out and he missed the plastic 'lead mould' Land Girl and walking Shepherd altogether! (both only showed on a 1958 new lines leaflet I think).

At crossed purposes here ploughmaster, I presume you mean 9509

Just checked up and I should have put 9505 

Okay, another one for you............Has anyone got a BOXED four wheeled wagon with the legend "WITH PLASTIC HORSES" on the box?

I will be asking for a picture, if yes

I have been told that they did exist, but in over 20 years of looking, I have neither seen nor heard of one.

[super6]

That's interesting.  I was going by the date in James Opies 'Great book of Britains' as I only have the 1963 leaflet (SA37), but sadly, not the 1964 one (SA37/64). I think Opie went by the main catalogues, and so some of his dates are slightly out and he missed the plastic 'lead mould' Land Girl and walking Shepherd altogether! (both only showed on a 1958 new lines leaflet I think).

Is this the one with the lead soldiers included with it? To dear for me

I was under the impression that the SA37 leaflet was from 1964 as that is the one I have, did not know about the SA37/64 leaflet. I have versions of the Floral as both SA32 and SA32/64 and again for the Zoo as SA38 and SA38/64. The last one in French.

I believe that these were shown in the main catalogue for 1958, I only have a photocopy, from the 1958 catalogue I am sure, showing the plastic versions of the lead range. Thy are also listed in the Home Trade Price List for Jan1958. No. 812 shepherd and 813 girl with feeding bucket, not land girl for 1/3 and 1/1 respectively inc. purchase tax. The shepherd being the most expensive plastic figure to buy, dearer even than a horse or cow albeit by a penny

Just checked up and I should have put 9505 

Give you that one, I meant,and should have put 9505............................ : duhhhhhhhh

[ploughmaster]

Is this the one with the lead soldiers included with it? To dear for me

That's the one - It could be bought as just the book (expensive!), or the book in a presentation box with a set of soldiers (extortionate!!). I was offered a very good price by a friendly stockist - I think I paid £60 which seemed a lot at the time, but doesn't look bad when I see what they make now

I was under the impression that the SA37 leaflet was from 1964 as that is the one I have, did not know about the SA37/64 leaflet. I have versions of the Floral as both SA32 and SA32/64 and again for the Zoo as SA38 and SA38/64. The last one in French.

I think there were two versions of each of the four leaflets, one for 1963 and one for 1964.  I am reasonably sure that SA37 is 1963 as it shows the 2nd type Super Major which was superceded by the New Performance Super Major in early 64, and also the Herald Post and Rail Fencing which (according to Opie) was deleted at the end of 1963.

I believe that these were shown in the main catalogue for 1958, I only have a photocopy, from the 1958 catalogue I am sure, showing the plastic versions of the lead range.

The Jan 1958 Britains catalogue I have doesn't have any plastic in it, but I have a 1959 Britains pocket catalogue which shows all the plastic both lead mould and Herald- was there another catalogue in between (July perhaps?)

[super6]

That's the one - It could be bought as just the book (expensive!), or the book in a presentation box with a set of soldiers (extortionate!!). I was offered a very good price by a friendly stockist - I think I paid £60 which seemed a lot at the time, but doesn't look bad when I see what they make now

Not just lead soldiers then?

I think there were two versions of each of the four leaflets, one for 1963 and one for 1964.  I am reasonably sure that SA37 is 1963 as it shows the 2nd type Super Major which was superceded by the New Performance Super Major in early 64, and also the Herald Post and Rail Fencing which (according to Opie) was deleted at the end of 1963.

white fencing still available in 1964 retail price list

The Jan 1958 Britains catalogue I have doesn't have any plastic in it, but I have a 1959 Britains pocket catalogue which shows all the plastic both lead mould and Herald- was there another catalogue in between (July perhaps?)

My copy is of pages 6 and 7. Month and year ? are they as yours?

[ploughmaster]

Not just lead soldiers then?

It covers all the models in all ranges produced by Britains up to 1993, and has a full listing with the year they were first shown in the main catalogue, and the year they were last in the main catalogue. 

white fencing still available in 1964 retail price list

It may well have been remaining stock carried over.  According to Opie, both the Brown Fencing (1722) and White Fencing (1723) are given as deleted at end of 1963.

My copy is of pages 6 and 7. Month and year ? are they as yours?

My 1958 full catalogue (a more recent reprint), is much the same as previous ones ie. the front section is devoted to the soldiers.  Farm range runs from page 131 to page 199.  The only piece of plastic shown is 586 Plastic Fence (which had been plastic since 1955).  Might your photocopy be of pages from the New Lines catalogue?

The 1959 pocket catalogue is about two thirds of the height and half the width of the full sized catalogues, and has 160 pages and includes the full Britains range, and also the full Herald range (from page 110 to 140).  The full complement of lead mould plastic animals are shown under Herald. 

The Shepherd and Girl with Bucket are not shown individually, although they appear to be depicted in some of the boxed sets, but this may possibly be due to Britains carrying the picture over from a previous catalogue - the actual figures may well have been the Herald Shepherd (H2045) and Landgirl (H2052) ? 

The Plastic Fence (586) is still shown in the section with the Britains lead figures.  The Herald section includes H1719 Fence, which I had always assumed was the same as 586 - was this the case?

[super6]

I don't know is the short answer, but I would not have thought it worth herald making another fence section the "same", I need to compare the sections I have. See reply above as well

I've made a right old dogs dinner of these colours  .....................I think I have it now 

[ploughmaster]

In the Jan 1958 home trade price list these are numbered as 801. I have a few of these in a pale ish brown plastic, they are quite brittle compared with the soft PVC white version.

Another variation to add to my wishlist 

[THEBRITFARMER]

Can anyone give me a site where I can purchase this book. The ebay link no longer works.

Thanks

Scott

[powerrabbit]

There is an email contact for the author in the back, barney_brown@sky.com or contact Jonathan Stephens at www.britainsheraldfarm.com

There is another book that I have ordered from Amazon called 'Suspended Animation - An Unauthorised History of Herald and Britains Plastic Figures. by Peter Cole. Revised edition 2007. £19 with free postage from Amazon. £20 RRP + £5 p&p from most other sources.

[THEBRITFARMER]

Thanks for the info PR although the webaddress link doesn't work.

[PDH]

Karen at Farmmodels had them for sale http://www.farmmodels.co.uk/

[powerrabbit]

Try the authors email and if that turns up nothing I'll see if I can find any more info for you.

[THEBRITFARMER]

Thanks for the help PDH and powerrabbit

I see the book listed Karens site along with a couple of other Britains books  .