Issued 1955-1956    Length 117mm

 

The Aveling-Barford Diesel Road Roller was a solid model and probably designed to be able to actually roll sand and earth effectively. It was one of the heaviest toys to be included in the Morestone range.

 

The Diesel Road Roller was made by Modern Products and as was often the case with their designs, it was cast in two halves and carried nice detail. There was only one casting change to the model during its life. To start with there was no identification but later 'Aveling-Barford' was added to panels on each side, and  'Made in England' added to the right side. Some versions are known with only the left side carrying id. so the change was gradual as older castings of the right half of the model were utilised.

 

The Road Roller was painted red without change but it is thought that a yellow variation might have been issued although this has not been authenticated. Yellow was the colour which the real vehicles were painted. The metal rollers were unpainted but the centres were painted green. The front one fitted into a holder which, being fixed to the body by a central pivot, was able to turn. A separate driver was included dressed in pale-blue overalls and cap, with skin-colour trim on face and hands. 

 

Boxed in a colourful blue & white striped box, the Diesel Road Roller was identified on the end-flaps  as 'A Modern Product'. The box also carried the Aveling-Barford logo of a horse.

 

The Morestone Diesel Road Roller is hard to find in mint condition and the man is often lost. The box is especially scarce.

 

In 1983 the Road Roller was re-issued in different colours as Budgie No.701 Aveling Barford Road Roller