The French Dinky Salev Mobile Crane In 1955, the Meccano magazine described the SALEV mobile crane as a ‘French Beauty’, because of its elegant lines and style. The magazine repeated this view in April 1957, when French Dinky released its 1/43 scale model. The 89mm long vehicle had a 105mm long crane jib mounted above the main body. The 156mm overall length of the vehicle fell to 140mm, when the crane’s jib was raised. The SALEV mobile crane cost 720 old francs, about 14/6. The fresh colours of the model contributed to the description as a ‘French Beauty’. The upper pearl grey body had a deep red base, with 4 red wheels on concave hubs at the front and 2 red wheels on convex hubs at the rear. The black tyres were large and smooth. The yellow shield had black zebra stripes at its base and the driver wore a blue overall and cap. He was also shown with a red tie, which was unusual detail. Either side of the main body were handles, which controlled the inclination of the jib and the height of the crane’s hook.

In April 1958, model 50/1 was modified. The single internal rivet holding the crane’s jib in place was replaced by two external rivets. The model was described as 50/2 until renumbering in 1959, when it became 595, which was withdrawn in 1961. French Dinky introduced the SALEV mobile crane to compliment the Berliet container flat-bed (34B), with the purpose of lifting the container from the truck.

In reality, the SALEV mobile crane was based upon the SALEV’s BR 40 forklift. Manufactured at Boulogne-Billancourt, south-west of Paris, the 4 tonne vehicle was powered by a powerful Perkins 4203 diesel engine. Later, Renault petrol engines were made an alternative. The popular forklift, with its Michelin tyres and lifting height of about 3m, continued in production well into the late 1960s. Subsequent 4x4 versions were adopted for use by the French military.

The SALEV Grue (50) was introduced in 1957 and withdrawn in 1961.Cost 720 old fr available in red & grey finish at 1:50 scale. French Dinky in detail...