Hello Jan

May I ask, how do you get such good field depth in your photos? I have a hard time getting front, middle & end all in such sharp focus. I have read about moving the focus then splicing the images together using Photoshop but that just seems like such a lot of work.

Any tips greatly appreciated!

Kind regards, Stfan

Hello Jan

I need to invest in a better camera, I am still using a “baby camera”. Lovely pair of Plymouths, I can almost match them (though my 344 is unboxed).

Red & green... (sorry more Lesney contamination)

Kind regards, Stfan

Stfan--I will echo what Jan said about depth of field. With these very small models and doing closeups, it is important to maximize depth of field or, as you have seen, only small areas will be in focus. It will depend on your camera of course, but you will want to get one that you can manually adjust, in this case you want "aperture priority", meaning you can choose the aperture or f stop. On my camera I have this set to f-27 or so. This is a very small aperture opening and to use it, you will need a longer exposure setting. That is why Jan said you will need a tripod, or there will be movement and a blurred image. You should also get a cable release or shutter release cord so that you can activate taking the picture without actually touching the camera. All of this plus lots of practice taking various pictures will get you on the right track quickly. Good luck!!

Terry

Hello Jan & Terry, thanks for the tips, my camera is a basic one and therefore I can’t control these aspects (shutter time and lens opening), I sometimes get reasonable results but this is mostly through perseverance and using the few features that I have to the maximum of my abilities.

Regarding the 25p apple green Aveling Barford, I bought that one in 2007 on eBay Canada, I never will forget the day it arrived. I heard a thud followed by the roar of a motorcycle at full throttle, the South American delivery man rather than knock on the door or ring the bell just simply threw it over a 10ft high wall onto my stone drive! It was really well wrapped in a jiffy bag (with plenty of bubble wrap around it) & arrived in superb condition despite its precarious packaging & 20ft+ of free flight.

Kind regards, Stfan

Hi Stfan

I have been passionate about photography since 1962 and at one time earned my living as a professional photographer.

Jan is absolutely right in what he says, try to buy a camera with the option to control things manually and one which can be mounted on a sturdy tripod and you will be amazed at the results.

The most expensive camera in the world will only produce the best images as a direct result of the photographer. Having the most expensive oven does not make you the best chef in the world!!!!!!

Keep practising and you will see remarkable improvements.

Dave

Below are some more pictures taken along with my early 1950's American Flyer trains.....I just think they make lovely combinations to enjoy!

Terry

3 Dinky commercial trucks along with steam locomotive

A Hindle Smart Electric truck in front of the engine

An empty flat bed truck after loading....

Someone has parked right in front of the caboose

Those American Flyer trains look wonderful and go really well with the Dinky Toys. Beautiful pictures!

Jan--One of my favorite military Dinky's....just an incredible amount of detail tucked in all around on this truck....nice showing!
Terry

A quartet of Aveling-Barford Diesel Rollers.

On top of the trade box are two of the three shades of green known for the roller, a roller with an individual dual numbered box and a Meccano display aluminium price ticket.

It was only priced at 4/4 in the 1952 edition of the Dinky Toys catalogue which dates this ticket accurately.

Dave

Anybody know for certain what the red part on the front of the early roller is supposed to represent? Is it a makers plate? I seem to remember from the 1:1 examples I have seen in museums of post war Aveling Barfords that they have red plaques with white writing / horse logos (pre war versions have a gold horse, sometimes fitted to black plates).

Kind regards, Stfan

Hello Stfan,

Yes the red at the front of the roller is the manufacturer's logo whith the unicorn.

I will post a picture of that logo next year.

Seasons greetings.

Jacques,I believe the logo looks more like the Ferrari prancing horse than an unicorn.
Cordialy,
Jacques H.

Here is an Aveling-Barford preserved road roller which will be a little older than the Dinky version.

Dave

I am not a specialist but, I think that's an another one.

Sorry for the Unicorn, I did not have the encyclopaedia at hand.

Jan--Nice.....they look ready for action!! When I was a kid, the anti-aircraft unit was one of my favorites....I loved the swiveling feature and the raising and lowering of the gun barrel....pretty neat toy with lots of play value.
Terry

Here is the Mechanical Horse and Van ready for work!!
Terry

Six fabulous Dinky Toys of this famous marque from the 1950s and 60s

From left to right: 38f Jaguar (SS100) Sports Car, 157 Jaguar XK120, 238 Jaguar 'D' Type, 195 Jaguar 3.4 Litre MkII Saloon, 269 Jaguar Motorway 'POLICE' Car and 120 Jaguar 'E' Type.

Beautifiul stable, David! But where is the Mark X?... :)
Friendly,
Jacques H.

Hi Jaques

Unfortunately the Mark X is not my favourite car in the world so I may not buy it. Also you can't get many clothes into the Dinky Mark X suitcase!!!! LOL

Dave

David,

You could add the Scorpion Tank and the Striker, the both have Jaguar engines.