Counter Display box, issued in 1963 and 1964 only - this well worn box is pictured without dustproof cover - the typed labels are not original

1964 was a disappointing year for the farm series with just three accessory loads and a Stone Wall accessory pack the only new lines (the accessory loads were also sold with the new 9545 Tipping Transporter used on the Fordson Super Major tractor). These vehicle loads were promoted for use on the "farm, zoo, road and railway". The horse drawn vehicles were also packaged in new boxes with a display plinth.

Sadly, a number of the farm animals, chiefly the lead mould derived animals, were withdrawn by the end of the year:

• 2187 Pig, assorted colours, 2209 Sheep, assorted positions, 2215 Lamb, in assorted colours, 2229 Collie Dog, standing, 2263 Goose, feeding, 2267 Duck, walking and 2268 Duck, feeding

2189 Piglets, assorted colours and positions, 2269 Duck and Drake, 2290 Cats, assorted and 2297 Rabbits, assorted - all remained in the catalogue.

9503 Milk Float with P.V.C. Milkman, made in Hong Kong

9503 Milk Float with Plastic Milkman

The remaining horse drawn vehicles and implements were repackaged in a new type box with an outer sleeve and card display plinth. Each box has the big B logo printed on each side of the outer sleeve and the word ‘Farm' printed in the new script style on the front of the card plinth, together with ‘BRITAINS LTD MODELS'. The new boxes were colour coded as follows:

• 9500 Farm Cart - Pink
• 9503 Milk Float - Pale Blue
• 9504 Farm Roller - Lime Green
• 9505 Tumbrel Cart - Yellow
• 9506 Farm Rake - Burnt Orange

The removable raves of 9505 switched from metal to plastic, whilst the metal Milkman in 9503 was remodelled in pvc plastic and the two churns taken from the new load pack 1740.

The pose of the somewhat stilted pvc milkman bears a close resemblance to his metal predecessor, but without the movable right arm. However, he makes up for this apparent handicap with an ‘Eyes Right' style detachable grey plastic base, with a peg to fit each leg, and a detachable pink plastic head with a brown painted cap and hair, black band around cap and bronze cap badge. Base is marked ‘BRITAINS LTD MADE IN ENGLAND'.

Milkman's body is olive plastic, painted with a dark brown satchel, buttons and boots, white apron and shirt, blue trim to jacket and red tie. The back of his left leg is marked ‘MADE IN HONG KONG'. The plastic milkman is only known in pvc. 9503 was withdrawn at the end of 1969.

Deleted: 1969 Rarity rating: D

New style packaging introduced in 1964 for the horse drawn carts and implements

FARM ACCESSORIES

1736 Stone Wall Accessory Pack

Contains 3 Stone Walls, a Gate and a Stile to make up a useful enclosure. Packaged in a white transparent window carton printed with a green and black design and the Big B logo and ‘Farm' in the new script style. Extra walls could be obtained separately (see 1726).

Deleted: 1974 Rarity rating: D (in carton)

1740 Nine Churns

Hard plastic bright silver-grey coated churns for use on the farm and with 9545 Tipping Transporter box. Packaged in a small brown/dark blue ‘wheat sheaf' printed carton with transparent window and big B logo. Later churns are a duller silver-grey plastic. Lid of churn is marked ‘BRITAINS ENGLAND'.

1741 Twelve Sacks

Drab grey-green rubber plastic sacks of grain for use on the farm and with 9545. Packaged in a small tan/brown ‘wheat sheaf' printed carton with transparent window and big B logo.

1742 Six Hay Bales

Containing six yellow rubber plastic hay bale for use on the farm and with 9545. Packaged in a small turquoise blue/black ‘wheat sheaf' printed carton with transparent window and big B logo. These early, more realistic, rubber plastic bales have marbled yellow ochre swirls. Later hay bales were produced in a hard bright yellow plastic.

Vehicle Loads Deleted: 1989 Rarity rating: E

Rare tan polythene Cart Horse, with 9504 Farm Roller - this example is missing a rear leg

9505 Tumbrel Cart, with removable plastic Hay Racks - has a card warning label attached to leg, often missing

Tags: Intro to Britains Plastic Farm Models, Figures and Toy Soldiers