JuDee’s Collectibles, LLC Helms Bakery Truck

1:24-scale Helms Bakery Truck
JuDee’s Collectibles, LLC
PO Box 385
El Segundo CA 90245
Price: $125 + s&h
Website: www.judeescollectibles.com

Ready-to-use model of a Helms Bakery truck; die-cast construction; operating side doors and vent windows; full interior; rolling wheels (not steerable). Dimensions: length, 67/8″; width, 3″; height, 39/16″. In 1:24 scale, this works out to 13’9″ x 6′ x 7’1″, respectively

Pros: Attractive model of an unusual vehicle; well made; excellent finish and graphics

Cons: Vent windows a little tricky to open

This delivery truck is also a little bit of Southern California history. The Helms Bakery existed in the Los Angeles area from 1931 through 1969. Its products were not sold in stores. Instead, the bakery’s fleet of these unusual trucks would take baked goods into neighborhoods, where customers would buy direct.
This model is marketed as a 1931 Divco Twin Coach delivery truck. In fact, the Twin Coach company, owned by the Fageol Brothers, did not merge with Divco (Detroit Industrial Vehicle Co.) until 1936, after which the trucks were sold as Divco Twins. By 1934, Helms had 148 of these vehicles and they became part of daily life in the LA area.

The model has a die-cast-metal body, with a plastic underbody, interior, windows, and details. It closely resembles prototype photos. The truck is finished in pale yellow and dark blue, with silver (chrome) trim. Graphics appear to be a combination of pad printing and neatly applied decals. The overall effect is excellent. The wheels roll but are not steerable. The side doors open via little handles under the floor, revealing interior detail, including controls and banks of drawers for baked goods. The front-corner vent windows can be opened but are a little difficult to get at. You might be able to do it with a sharp implement from the outside. I was able to open them by carefully sticking a finger through the side door.  

This charming vehicle could be a great addition to your railway if you model the 1930s through the ’50s. If you don’t live in Southern California, you could always repaint it.