A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, V, W, Y, Z.

 

M
Mack
The first Mack truck was produced in 1900 by Augustus and John Mack. Operating from Brooklyn, New York, they quickly developed a reputation for both trucks and buses, and later extended this to fire engines.

The Mack AC was launched in 1916, and the B series in 1953.

Several companies offer models of Mack trucks, while the fire engines are included in the Corgi Classics range.

Maisto
Starting life as May Cheong Toys (or MC Toys) in Hong Kong in the mid 1960s, the Maisto brand name was introduced in the 1990s. Among the early Maisto releases were excellent models of sports cars, but since then the range has expanded, mainly in the larger scales of 1/18th and 1/24th, but not neglecting the 1/43rd scale market.

Majorette
French company founded in 1966, starting with die-cast vehicles to 1/50th scale. Soon they concentrated on the smaller scale toys, very much in the style of Matchbox Toys, where the emphasis was that the toys should fit standard size packaging. In the 1980s it acquired Solido (see Solido).

Marchesini
Founded in 1908 by Agonstini Marchesini, the company was responsible for many tin plate toys, including several motor vehicles, although most were rather crude.

One of the founder's sons, Luigi, established his own company, MLB, the products of which are far more realistic.

Märklin
Founded in 1859 by Friedrich Wilhelm Märklin near Stuttgart, this Germany company is best known for its model railways. However, in a manner very similar to Dinky Toys, it developed toy vehicles which could be used alongside the railways.

At one time it was producing tin plate car kits. Later, it became the first German company to produce die-cast toys, these being motor vehicles in either 1/43rd scale (OO gauge) or 1/87th scale (HO gauge). These were to include both civilian and military vehicles.

Much of the company's early work was in collaboration with Mercury of Italy, which distributed the Märklin products in Italy.

After the Second World War the company concentrated on civilian vehicles, both cars and commercials, with an understandable bias towards German vehicles. A combination of die-cast and plastic was used. The scale chosen was around 1/45th to 1/50th.

While the Märklin products showed good detailing and accuracy, the company faced much competition, and by the late 1970s had virtually ended die-cast motor vehicle model production. However, racing cars were produced for Mercedes Benz in the late 1980s to mark the centenary of the motor car.

Marusan
Japanese manufacturer of tin plate toys, including several excellent cars.

Marx
Louis Marx, after working for the major American toy maker Ferdinand Strauss, began producing toys in his own right (with his brother Dave) from 1921. He started a British subsidiary in 1932 which in 1967 was acquired by Dunbee-Combex-Marx.

Mask painting
Painting detail onto a model (such as a small area needed in a different colour). The mask covers the parts of the model not to be painted, leaving exposed that part to be painted.

Matchbox
Two school friends, Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith (not related), started a die-casting business from a former public house in Edmonton, in north London, in 1947. They called the business Lesney, or more accurately Lesney Products & Co, from their respective first names.

Leslie had previously worked for a die-casting company, while Rodney had gained experience working for DCMT, and indeed their first machinery was bought from that company.

Soon they were joined by Jack Odell, skilled in making casting tools. At first they undertook general die-casting work, but quickly found that business eased during the autumn.

The solution was to move into toys. These were marketed and sold by Richard Kohnstam. Richard was the grandson of Moses Kohnstam, who had a company in Germany called Moko. Richard came to England, and was joined by another son of Moses, Emil: Richard and Emil registered the name Moko in England. The link with Kohnstam was vital to the growth of Lesney, providing entreés to the overseas market that might not otherwise have been explored.

The first Lesney toys were launched in 1948 (see 'Lesney'.

The turning point was the production in 1953 of a Coronation Coach (originally planned for release in 1950 as a State Coach). Two basic versions were produced: large and small. The small proved exceedingly popular with over 1 million sold.

This led to the idea of developing a range of small toys, fitted into boxes basically the size of and designed to resemble matchboxes. While the trade was sceptical, and initial sales were disappointing, children quickly warmed to these inexpensive Matchbox Toys. However, as Richard Kohnstam had already registered the name Matchbox, the first products were known as 'Moko Lesney'.

Many of the early toys in the range were smaller versions of the original Lesney toys.

Some of the early Matchbox Series have been re-issued in recent years (starting with a 40th anniversary set) from new dies and with easily distinguishable features.

The Matchbox Series proved a great success, and was not only sold by toy shops, but could also be found in newsagents and other general stores. At one time some five million were being produced a week, with 60% of the production being exported to the United States.

Dissatisfaction with the arrangement with Richard Kohnstam led to Lesney buying out the Moko part of the business (Richard Kohnstam was soon afterwards to register the name Riko). In the same year, 1960, Lesney went 'public' with a share issue which was greatly oversubscribed.

Popularity meant that many of the earlier releases were improved (usually made slightly larger) and the range gradually grew until it comprised 75 different toys. At that stage it was decided to limit the series to 75: when one toy was discontinued it was replaced by another, but given the same number. This '75' policy remained for many years, although has become somewhat burred in more recent times. It did, however, result in these toys being known as the '1 - 75' series, although later the name Miniatures became more widespread.

As with the other main toy ranges, over the years specifications improved, with windows, suspension, opening features and so on. Toys came in changed colours or liveries, some of which have proved to be quite scarce.

The need for larger toys led to the introduction of the Accessory range, which included a car transporter, plus items such as a garage and fire station, plus road layouts, while still later the 'Major Packs' range was launched.

The popularity of Matchbox in the American toy market caused consternation, and resulted in Mattel developing its own range of fast moving toys called Hot Wheels. Lesney responded in 1969 with its own Superfast wheels. For many this provides a division: the early 'regular' wheels and the later Superfast wheels.

The general decline in the toy market in the 1970s saw the company go into receivership. The company was put on the market and the successful bidder was Universal Toys run from the Far East by David Yeh: not surprisingly, the production of Matchbox gradually moved to Macau and China.

For the collector of Matchbox Miniatures one or two are worth mention: a London bus was included right from the beginning. The later versions proved ideal for 'commissioned' models in a variety of liveries. Likewise the Ford A van and Model T Ford (both probably following the success of the similar items in the Models of Yesteryear series). Models of Yesteryear came into being in 1956 and are dealt with in a separate section.

Changes saw the Major Packs renamed as King Size and then SuperKings. A series of American trucks called Convoys was launched.

In 1992 Matchbox was taken over by Tyco. The Miniatures were continued - albeit the range became more complicated with releases specifically aimed at particular parts of the world. At first there was uncertainty over Models of Yesteryear, indeed the entire market for collectors.

The subsequent developments, which include the take-over of Tyco by Mattel, will be found under 'Matchbox Collectibles'.

Matchbox Collectibles
Following the acquisition of Matchbox by Tyco in October 1992, and after much deliberation, it was decided to establish a new division called Matchbox Collectibles, which, as its name implies, dealt with those items produced for the collector's market, as opposed to toys. These were essentially the 'Models of Yesteryear' and 'The Dinky Collection' ranges.

A major change followed in 1993 in that these items were not put on general sale, but were only available by direct order. However, later a few Collectors Centres were established whereby the products could be bought over the counter. More recently, supplies have been available on the wholesale market.

Subsequently Tyco was itself acquired by Mattel. At first the Models of Yesteryear designation was used for commercial vehicles, and The Dinky Collection for cars and trucks, irrespective of the age of the vehicle being modelled, or the scale adopted. However, subsequently the familiar brand names were dropped, and there has been much less emphasis placed on the collectables market, especially in the United Kingdom.

Mattel
An American company founded by Harold Mattson and Elliot Handler (the name Mattel coming from parts of their names).

The item for which Mattel has always been universally known in the 'Barbie' doll.
However, the company's real influence on the die-cast market came in the 1960s with the concern at the stronghold Matchbox was having on the American toy market. At the time Mattel was not producing die-cast toys, but wanted to compete with Matchbox, and make better use of its die-casting capabilities. Mattel developed its 'Hot Wheels' range of toys that would move at great speed thanks to their friction-free wheels. The scale chosen was 1/64th. The toys produced were an instant success.

In 1989 Mattel bought Corgi Toys, until later disposing of the company through a management buy-out.

More recently, through the acquisition of Tyco, Mattel has again found itself with a range of collectable models, namely Matchbox Collectibles.

In 1999 Mattel revealed that it was entering the Formula One market in a major way, and reached a number of licencing agreements, some exclusive, with the major Formula One teams to produce models and other memorabilia in a variety of popular scales.

Mazak
The alloy of zinc (approx 95 per cent), copper (approx 2 per cent) and aluminium (approx 3 per cent) used in die-casting. Impurities can cause metal fatigue.

Mebetoys
An Italian company which started production in 1966. At first its products were 1/43rd scale cars, although it did attempt an entry into the 'Matchbox' size market.

The company was acquired by Mattel, and diversified into larger scales, but also produced some 1/43rd scale trucks, but by the mid 1980s had retired from the 1/43rd scale arena.

Meccano
The famous construction toy devised by Frank Hornby (see Hornby).

Mercedes
Emile Jellinek had a link with Daimler Cars in the 1890s, and in 1901 he ordered from Daimler a car which was ahead of its time: he named the car after his daughter Mercedes. The name of Mercedes was to dominate the German car market. In 1923 Ferdinand Porsche became the Chief Engineer.

In 1926 Mercedes merged with Benz: Mercedes Benz has been at the forefront of car production ever since.

Mercury
Mercury was an Italian toy maker, based in Turin, which initially imported the toys of Märklin. It started making toy vehicles in 1945. It used a variety of scales, from 1/87th, through 1/40th, to the larger 1/12th, for a wide variety of vehicle types. Naturally there was a focus on Italian vehicles, but not exclusively.

In the 1950s it produced an interesting range of aircraft, selecting some unusual prototypes.

In 1962 it focused on 1/43rd scale cars, but in the early 1970s, faced with competition, started producing 1/66th scale cars with 'speed' wheels, and 1/24th scale motorcycles. It was during the 1970s that the company ceased production.

Merit
Perhaps best known for the model railway accessories, Merit did produce a series of plastic veteran cars, and sports cars of the 1930s. The items were actually manufactured by J. and L. Randall.

Metal fatigue
Some pre-war die-cast products were made of a metal compound which can disintegrate with age. If not handled with extreme care the model can crack, or indeed crumble to dust.

Mettoy
The name of Mettoy is generally associated with Corgi Toys, although the company's origins in the toy field lie with tin plate toys, many being mechanical.

MG
The initials MG come from Morris Garages. Subsequently the name formed part of BMC, BMH, British Leyland, the Rover Group and BMW.

From the 1950s the name has been associated with quality sports cars, starting with the MGA.

The notable early cars were the Midget, Magnette and the 'T' series (TA to TF), followed by the sleek MGA in 1955. Models include the MGA and MGB, and the most recent MG, the MGF, produced in 1/18th scale by Corgi Classics at the time of the actual car's launch in 1995.

Micro Models
Before the Second World War most toys in Australia and New Zealand were imported. War resulted in a cessation of supplies, but equally provided new skills in manufacturing for the war effort. As a result after the war a number of ex-servicemen formed Goodwood Australia Pty Ltd and in 1952 launched a new series of toys called Micro Models.

The range of cars, vans and trucks has seen several changes. Until 1958 production continued in Australia. From 1956 to around 1960 production took place in New Zealand by Lincoln Industries. In 1962 the business was acquired by K. F. Meates and Co Ltd of New Zealand.

In 1982 a company from Western Australia produced one toy from the range, the Holden FJ van, using plastic.

From 1983 Weico Models Australia offered white metal reproductions of some from the Micro Models range.

In 1994 a new company called Micro Models Ltd of Christchurch, New Zealand started to re-issue the toys from the original dies.

Mignon
A fairly obscure range of 1/24th scale die-cast motorcycles produced in Italy in the early 1960s.

Military
Reaction to military models has varied over the years as attitudes have changed. Such models certainly formed a major part of the Dinky Toys, Corgi Toys and Matchbox '1 - 75' Series.

Ranges such as Victoria from the Vitesse group and Armour have concentrated on military models.

Such interest extends to aircraft, and is satisfied by both Armour and the Corgi Aviation Archive range. Corgi has also provided an extensive range of models relating to the Second World War, and notably the D-Day landings.

Mini
Launched in August 1959 the Mini was a revolutionary car, designed to provide the maximum amount of passenger and luggage capacity in as small a space as possible. Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, the car was initially offered in two versions, as the Austin Se7en and Morris Mini Minor.

From 1969 the Mini was separated as a distinctive brand by British Leyland. Ownership has changed hands on several occasions, including acquisition with the Rover Group by BMW in 1994. Production of the car ceased in 2000.

Models of the Mini have been numerous, starting with a Corgi Toys version in 1960 in 1/42nd scale. Scales and quality vary enormously.

A new chapter in the Mini story has been opened with the launch of the new look car of which several models have appeared.

Minialuxe
A range of 1/43rd and 1/32nd scale cars and commercials produced from the 1950s to 1970s. The subjects chosen were exclusively French. Of note is the Somua Paris bus, in 1/43rd scale, which for a long time was a popular souvenir in Paris. It was later replaced by the Berliet bus. Other notable releases were certain Formula One cars of the 1950s.
Among the ranges produced was a series of vintage and veteran cars, in 1/43rd scale, marketed as Tacot.

Very much like the Dinky Toys of the United Kingdom, at first the toys were fairly basic, with no windows, interiors or any operating features. It was only during the 1960s that such features were added.

It is believed the company ceased production in the mid 1970s.

Miniatures (Matchbox)
The popular name for the Matchbox Series, often referred to as '1 - 75' based on the fact that for a long while the range always comprised 75 models. However, in recent years this rule has been broken, as models have been produced with specific markets in mind (ie, items intended for the United States alone), and so the term 'Miniatures' now seems more appropriate.

Minic
The range of tin plate toys produced by Tri-ang. These were highly popular and included cars, commercials vehicles and buses.

There was also a range called Minic Motorways, using the 'slot car' principle but with everyday vehicles rather than racing cars. (See Tri-ang.)

Minic Ships
A range which was launched by Tri-ang in 1959 involving transatlantic liners, Royal Navy ships, harbour parts and other accessories including a Statue of Liberty. Production of the original series ended about 1965.

A new series was released in the early 1970s, with some additional castings. However, these new models were made in Hong Kong and many believe they lack the appeal of the earlier British productions.

Minichamps
The range created under the banner of Paul's Model Art. Initially produced in Germany, but with subsequent production in the Far East, the series has become noted for its fine attention to detail.

The brand has been especially linked with models of Formula One cars, and associated products such as driver figures and helmets. Various scales have been offered, including incredible 1/8th scale models, but 1/43rd has been the most successful. The company now holds various licences, continuing to produce a wealth of excellent models.

Mint
A model which is exactly as it left the factory, with its paintwork original and unchipped, with all its decoration again original and correctly in place, and usually with a perfect original box.

Discretion often has to be used: models straight from the manufacturer can have small blemishes: it is up to the individual to decide whether such faults are still acceptable.

Minimodels Ltd
Founded in 1945, the company produced a clockwork car that reversed on hitting another object. However, the company's main claims to fame are its 'Scalex' friction-drive cars, followed in 1955 by 'Startex', operated by pulling a starter. These developed in 1958 into the Scalextric system (see Scalextric).

Models
The growth in the hobby of model collecting has seen a vast increase in the items produced specifically for the collector. These can fairly be described as models, and are usually identified as being collector's items, created for adults, and not regarded as toys.

Models of Yesteryear
The range that really demonstrated that there is a market for models, rather than just toys. Jack Odell had the idea of producing models for adult collectors and in 1956 Models of Yesteryear was born.

Just as with the Matchbox Series, the design of the boxes at first was based on a matchbox design, and the scale was not important. The size was however larger than for the Matchbox Series, so consequently the price was higher.

A range of models was developed: items would remain on sale until their sales waned, at which point an entirely new model was introduced, but given the same 'Y' number as the model it replaced.

A fire and flooding suffered by Matchbox in 1973 brought the Models of Yesteryear range to a temporary halt, until 1975 when production was resumed. A new style of box was introduced, known as the woodgrain box, and models were released in changed colours.

Throughout their life, Models of Yesteryear have come in a variety of styles of box. Equally, the practice of using existing 'Y' numbers for new models was gradually discontinued.

Perhaps the most significant model was the Talbot van. Maybe it was the publicity that surrounded the initial release in Lipton's Tea livery, for the first production run featured the Royal crest for which official permission was not granted. As the models had been distributed, their sale was allowed to continue.

The livery on the van was periodically changed, and it was found that collectors would eagerly await each new livery.

The situation was repeated with the release of the Model T Ford van. Interest in this model was enhanced by certain liveries being produced for specific markets only: Coca Cola for the USA, Sunlight Soap for Germany; Arnott's Biscuits for Australia.

As a result commercials were hereafter to feature strongly in the range.

There also developed a strong market for 'amended' models. The practice was for 'third parties' to take a standard product and amend it in some way (changed colour, livery or even casting changes). Where such changes were made with the permission of Matchbox, such models became known as Code 2. If Matchbox were not approached, the altered models were referred to as Code 3. Such Code 2 and Code 3 products became an industry in themselves.

However, it was inevitable that competition would eventually hit the sales of Models of Yesteryear. Various schemes were used to encourage sales such as limited editions and a loyalty 'Passport' scheme whereby regular purchasers had the right to buy an exclusive model.

The acquisition of Matchbox by Tyco saw a complete change of direction for Models of Yesteryear, in many ways blurring the edges for enthusiasts. The resulting arrangements are given under 'Matchbox Collectibles'.

Model T Ford
Almost a cult vehicle. The popularity of the Models of Yesteryear Model T Ford led to a similar model being included in the Lledo Models of Days Gone range. With its many different liveries sales of the Lledo model well exceeded one million. Many other companies have likewise enjoyed considerable success with toys and models of this vehicle.

Modern trucks
The interest in modern trucks was for a time satisfied by, mainly white metal, kits. However, Tekno has entered this market with superb 1/50th scale models. Lion Toys has also offered examples, while the most recent entry has been by Corgi.

Corgi's main range is 1/50th scale, although the company also produces very acceptable, but much cheaper, 1/64th scale offerings, at one time called 'Superhaulers'.

Morestone
Morestone is closely associated with Budgie. The Morestone products were first launched in 1956 as the 'Esso Petrol Pump Series': later Budgie packaging was used. Some of the toys were also packaged as 'Modern Vehicle Series' or 'Mobile Vehicle Series'.

The range was discontinued in 1970, although it had not been continuously available, and indeed there was a lull from about 1958 to 1963.
(See Budgie Toys.)

Morris
Morris Motors Limited was formed in 1913 by William Morris: its first car was the Morris Oxford. This was followed by the Cowley. The rounded radiator of Morris cars gave rise to the nickname of 'Bullnose'.

However, perhaps the most famous has to be the Morris Minor, launched in 1948. Over a million of the cars were sold: the 1/43rd scale model from Corgi Classics (and later from Lledo Vanguards) has been made available as the lilac 'One millionth edition'. A delightful version of the Minor was that included in the Matchbox '1 - 75' Series.

The company's history follows a fairly familiar pattern: it was linked with MG, Riley and Wolseley, then later Austin. It was part of BMC, BMH, British Leyland, during which time the name of Morris was discontinued.

Also having a cult status is the Morris Mini Minor, launched alongside the Austin Se7en in 1959: the 'Mini' was the brainchild of Alec Issigonis. Models of the Mini are prolific in a variety of scales.

But, of course, the Morris name is not only associated with cars. A development was to produce light commercial vehicles, and so Morris Commercial Cars Limited was formed in 1924.

Later Morris was to acquire Wolseley, while a merger with Austin created the British Motor Corporation, later to become the British Leyland Motor Corporation following a further merger, in 1968, this time with Leyland.

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear produced two earlier Morris vans: the Cowley and the Courier. Other early Morris commercials modelled are the 1931 and 1935 vans (both from Lledo Days Gone), and a Bullnose Morris, from Lledo (Days Gone) and Oxford Die-Cast.

For a long time there was a close relationship between Morris and The Post Office, with Morris vans being used by both Royal Mail and Post Office Telephones. Thus the Royal Mail vehicles that appeared from Dinky Toys were of Morris, including the unusual Royal Mail Air Services vehicle which was based on a Morris car. The Dinky Toys range also included the Morris Z van and the J type.

It has been in more recent years that models of the Morris light commercial vans have become particularly popular, with 1/43rd scale versions of the 1000 van in both the Corgi Classics and Lledo (Days Gone then subsequently Vanguards) ranges. (The Corgi version was initially produced by Vitesse in Portugal, but sold by Corgi.) Again Royal Mail has been featured (including the 1/76th scale version from Dublo Dinky Toys), along with a wide selection of other liveries.

The J type, which first appeared in 1949, has been produced by Tri-ang Minic (a poor rendition), much better by Dinky Toys, and has also been included in the Corgi Classics series, while the Z van has also appeared in toy form from Tri-ang and Mettoy, and been modelled by Lledo (Days Gone). The J2 appeared from Minic, and as a pick-up from Matchbox ('1 - 75').

The MO (virtually a larger size Minor) appeared from Minic and Dublo Dinky Toys.
The LD has been a fairly late addition in model terms (although the Wadham ambulance modelled by Tri-ang Spot-On used an LD chassis): models have appeared from City Models (Vitesse) and Lledo (Days Gone).

The Minivan is another that has only recently been widely offered as a model, from Corgi Classics, Lledo, and a larger scale version from Kyosho. Previously the only version had come from Tri-ang Spot-On.

Morris and Stone (London) Ltd
Manufacturers of Morestone (see Budgie Toys and Morestone).

Motoring organisations
A popular collecting theme is the motoring organisations such as the Automobile Association (AA), Royal Automobile Club (RAC) and ADAC in Germany.

Mould
The name given to the tooling which provides the shape of the component of the toy or model. Mould is generally used for components which are produced in plastic, or from metals requiring a low temperature such as white metal (indeed such moulds can often be formed of rubber). When longer production runs are required, involving mazak which needs a higher temperature the components are formed from dies.

 

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, V, W, Y, Z.