THEY may have been kids stuff 30 years ago but now Dinky toys can be worth more than the real thing.

If you own a mint condition replica of a 1950s Foden wagon that's still in its original box you're holding a £1,200 investment.

Small model cars are big business in the 1990s and, if you know where to look, they can be a fine investment.

Dinky Toys started out as Modelled Miniatures in 1933, produced and marketed under the Frank Hornby name - the original manufacturer.

The very first models produced were supposed to be accessories for Hornby train sets, but eventually the Dinky franchise would eclipse even the world famous model trains.

The company even made models of cars at a factory in France.

Hot Wheels, made by Mattel, posed a serious threat to Dinky domination in 1968, forcing the company to switch production from Europe to Hong Hong.

Eventually Hong Kong company Universal, which had a licence to manufacture Dinky, bought the entire company and incorporated the brand into the Matchbox line.

Corgi die cast models began in 1934 from a small factory in Swansea, South Wales. In 1993, the brand was sold to American giant Mattel.

Today, die cast models are just as likely to be bought by adult collectors as children.

The model runs are far smaller than anyone would imagine. It's rare for more than 10,000 examples to be made of even popular vehicles.

Improved manufacturing techniques have also resulted in better models.

"The quality that's coming out of China today is amazing," said Mr Lamb.

"Decent models don't cost a fortune anymore."

Die-cast die hards who want to upgrade their collections can log on to Messenger's AuctionHunter web site and find out more about next month's Spring Dinky Drive.

Free online listings between April 1-14 make this an ideal chance for buyers to bag a bargain on the Internet. Scores of new and used models are on sale and can be accessed at the click of a button.

Sellers can also advantage of the Dinky Drive to advertise their unwanted collectables.

Access 'What's Hot' at AuctionHunter (www.auctionhunter.co.uk).

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