Hello folks, happy F.E.F again and another week wraps up...too soon it will be fall. Why daytime temperatures in Texas have already fallen way down below 100 degrees, I'm looking for my parka !! Great photos everyone, strap hanger the effect of the soft pale yellow nighttime light really enhances the realism of your subway photos...great technique.
Well today, I thought I might go back quite a ways to the early 1930's. Mr. Marx was the sole distributor for the trains produced by the Gerard Model Works of Erie PA. He would later buy this company and re-tool the loco's and rolling stock into his famous 6" series of cars and CV locomotives but that would not occur until 1934-35. So here is about the last gasp of the true Girard Model Works designs, called "JOY LINE" trains.
Here is the #105 Red Sheet metal clockwork locomotive from 1932-34 getting ready to pull her consist of passenger coaches from the depot.
OK, I know its Front End Friday but I thought you might like to see the #357 coaches and the #458 observation made from 1931-1934.
You will note that all these dates terminate in 1934 and that is because in 1935, Mr. Marx and his brother acquired the Girard Model Works and formed the Louis Marx Company and modified the line of toys somewhat. The company was owned by the two brothers, although Louis owned about 51% hence controlling share, for decades. By the 1940's Marx was the largest toy manufacturer (not just trains) in the world. When train production peaked in the 1950's he was producing some 300,000 sets per year.
By the way, living up to the Marx reputation, this little fellow can still be wound up and pull his little consist around my mostly flat layout. Not bad for nearly 90 years old!
Best wishes, have a great weekend
Don
