There was one at Wilton House Classic car show this year, there is a photo on the internet....

Try this link, it is on a trailer behind a full size car you may need to look at the previous images in flicker.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/59166814@N02/18532977062/in/album-72157654143581785/

Location: Dorset

I have to say that photo on flicker is not the same as, nor as good as, the 'childrens chummy' by Royle Cars Ltd of the mid 80's. cheers Russell

Location: oz

Now that the subject of small Austin Sevens has been raised, may I ask any knowledgeable pedal car enthusiasts out there for help? Picture a pedal car with a radshell slightly resembling an Austin's but not exactly. Makers were Line Brothers; cast steering wheel same as spoked road wheels; old enough to have a wooden chassis; but at the same time modern enough to have electric h/lamps; plus ball bearings on the cranks. (a) If anyone recognises from this description - is it supposed to be a Austin Seven?, (b) anyone have one, or photos of one to help? Reason : seat and rear of body tub is missing. Grateful for assistance. Cheers, Bill in Oz

Bill,

Anything like it here?

http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/pedal-cars.htm

Tony.

Location: Malvern, Melbourne, Australia.

Hi Bill,

Have you seen this site below? Lines Brothers Ltd were probably better known, certainly here in the UK as the toy makers Tri-ang. I had a Tri-ang pedal car as a child, a 1955 / 56 Willys Jeep (model No. 6016) - they're quite sought after now ! I think I'm right in saying they also had a manufacturing plant in Australia ?

http://www.triang.nl/pedalcarsgeneral.htm

http://www.triang.nl/1928.htm

Another site that may be of interest.

http://www.chasingpedalcars.co.uk

Jeff.

Location: Almost but not quite, the far North East of England

Dave,

it has taken me a while to find this (and the advert is over a year old) but it may give you a lead...

Thanks for the info, Tony & Jeff. The catalogue I found most interesting. I did know a little of the Line Bros/Triang history before and was impressed by the three brothers' thinking, in deciding that as 3 lines made a triangle, their new name would be Triang. It's many years since my beast went into storage, so I've forgotten details, but from memory it looks most like the Comet 2 in the 1928-29 catalogue (similar body also on Hatcham No. 6). Although Austinish, the radshells seem to be used for your Morris versions as well. Was amused that some of their models are called Speedy, Ace, Meteor, Comet all names of Austin 7 sports cars here in Oz. Will follow up your thought re Australian manufacture, but I think it may be Africa? Cheers, Bill in Oz

Hi Bill, not sure about triang having a factory in Australia , but they did have one in Auckland NZ , so could well have. Maybe the names were chosen to suite the local markets?

Bryan

NZ

Good thought, Bryan. Thanks for your comment. Apologies to Dave for hijacking his search. Would have helped if I could. Cheers, Bill in Oz

Bill,

It seems Tri-ang didn't begin their overseas expansion until post second world war. In 1946 they acquired Joy Toys of Whangerei in New Zealand and in 1947 founded Lines Bros. (Canada) Ltd. In 1951 they purchased 50% of Cyclops Toys of Australia, trading as Cyclops & Lines Brothers (Australia) Ltd, based in Sydney - they purchased the remaining 50% of Cyclops shares in 1955. Expansion into South Africa didn't begin until 1954 with the formation of Lines Bros. (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd.

So it would appear your pedal car would indeed have been manufactured back here in the UK and most likely be one of those shown in the catalogue.

Jeff.

Location: Almost but not quite, the far North East of England

Thanks for the great fill-in, Jeff. The Lines Bros history is certainly interesting. I read years ago they were heavily involved in making ammunition boxes & other sheet-metal stuff for WW1, then when war finished they had no work. Didn't take them long for lateral thinking to use the materials into making toy cars and they were on the ball thenceforth, particular with the expansions you kindly listed. Cheers, Bill in Oz

This discussion prompted me to check my library- from my Triang Minic collecting days I have a 1988 'New Cavendish' book Triang Toys with a complete copy of the Lines Brothers 1937/38 catalogue (68 pages- no half measures here) with a copy of a related Triang poster from the late lamented London Toy and model Museum.
The catalogue has ten pages of Triang pedal cars- including aeroplanes!!
Bill - let me know when next in town and I will bring it to the clubrooms - we can copy any pages of interest.
As noted I don't think Triang manufactured overseas until after WWII. As you know Cyclops made pedal cars in Australia before the Triang takeover.

Tony.

Location: Malvern, Melbourne, Australia.

I have an update on the GRP moulds from Royle Cars, When the business was closed all assets including the scale Austin Seven items were auctioned off by Lithgow Sons & Partners. I contacted them and a very helpful Melanie spent some time finding the purchaser. He has now contacted me and still has the moulds.I copy his e-mail to me below.

Hello Mr. Clayton,

I have been approached by Messrs. Lithgow Sons & Partners regarding the moulds that I purchased some time ago from the liquidators of David A.C. Royle & Co. for making a half sized Austin Seven & I understand that you may have an interest in acquiring them.

Whilst I purchased these for a possible future business venture & therefore have little interest in disposing of them, I shall be pleased to discuss this topic with you if you care to contact me by phone on 07848 451861.

With best regards.
Steve Owen.
Richeleigh Specialist Vehicles
Tel:- 01642 300706
Should anyone wish to follow up this "project" please feel free to contact Steve Owen.

Location: Piddle valley, Dorchester.