BAYKO Sets #1 to #6 Instruction Manual
'New Series' - 1940? to 1941?
Third Version

This was the third version of this style of Instruction Manual was produced, by Plimpton, for the launch of their 'New Series' BAYKO sets, in 1939 and lasted for around two years.

There is no printers code to confirm the date for this third version, though it was probably printed in the second half of 1940 at the earliest, after set prices were increased because of Purchase Tax changes announced in late April, 1940, setting an earliest date…

…the latest date, 1941, is a little more than a guess, as wartime restrictions prevented later production.

The version shown here is courtesy of Bob Burgess.

I also own an earlier version of this manual, presumably dated 1940-ish, which has the BAYKO set price list shown in version 2, but as an oversticker, glued over the original, at the top of page 2 - right.

In sequence this would have been version 1A.

The only difference between this manual and the earlier version is in the sets and parts price list on page 2 - I'll leave you to guess which way the prices had changed!

For some reason, between the pages covered above and below this particular entry, confusion rained between the Parts List for the set contents on the inside of the front cover, and the Spare Parts price list on page 2.

The “Pinnacle Half Platform”, as it was called when launched in the 20s series in mid 1938, is called a “Bay Window Cover” in the former, and a “Bay Window Roof” in the latter. This was never corrected during the 'New Series' period.

An important detail, on the set contents list on page 2, is that the Screws for Base Links are specified as 5BA, though this is not referenced in the Spare Parts Price List on page 4!

The manual was printed by Robert Johnson & Co. Ltd. of Southport, Lancashire. It comprises 34 black and white pages, including photos of models, on glossy, white paper and the insides of the cover, with a two colour cover, printed in red and green on thicker, white paper / card.

If you would like to see the manual hot off the press, as it were…