The name 'Dinky Toys' belongs to the world famous range of toy cars produced by one of the world's most famous toy manufacturers, Meccano Ltd. The factory in Binns Road, Liverpool, made high quality metal construction sets, model railways in 0 and 00 gauges, clockwork boats, chemistry sets and many other educational toys. the toy cares were first produced as lineside effects for the Hornby Trains and were added to the Modelled Miniatures' range of figure sets. By 1934 the vehicles had taken over and the range was renamed to reflect this. Dinky Toys were the most prolific and diversified range of toy vehicles ever made, so much that the name 'Dinky' has been taken into common usage to denote any small toy car much as we often refer to the vacuum cleaner as a 'Hoover'. Dinky Toys have the greatest number of aficionados of any make of toy and are collected throughout the world. In 1981, Mike and Sue Richardson's world-renowned book on the subject of Dinky Toys and Modelled Miniatures was published by New Cavendish Books in 1981 as part of the unique nine-part Hornby Companion Series. Since that time, however, more and more fascinating casting variations and colour combinations have come to light, as well as archive information and original factory drawings. Rarity and condition have had a significant effect on prices, and the original boxes have become an important part of the picture. Rather than update the original book, it was decided that a new approach was needed to codify all the significant and accurate information about Dinky Toys to enable collectors, whether novice or expert, to enjoy their hobby in the twenty-first century.