|
|
 Posted - March 23 2018 : 12:43:49 PM
|
|
I got 2 of these kits in a lot a few months ago. A Katy boxcar and a Heinz Pickle car. The Katy is complete, with box and manual. The Heinz is missing some parts, but has its manual and box. I'll add some pictures when I get home.
|
Country:  USA ~
Posts: 202 ~
Member Since: June 22 2016 ~
Last Visit: August 02 2023
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - March 25 2018 : 01:24:41 AM
|
Strombecker offered lots of different wood kits beginning as early as the mid-30s. Most were very simple and economical, intended as affordable toy kits for folks during the Depression. Originally offered in 1/4" and 1/8" scales, they offered their models in several scales over time, including HO as it became popular in the later 30s. These simple kits did not produce operating models when built with only the parts in the box--they came with wooden blocks for trucks, wood wheels to attach to axles made from nails, and crude hooks for couplers--but it was understood that with the addition of real trucks, couplers and perhaps a few detail bits, they could easily be turned from childrens' toys into HO scale models. I have yet to see any examples of Strombecker toys so converted but I have been told that it was sometimes done, at least with the freight cars.
Their prewar kit offerings included a simple set of a 2-8-2 with freight cars, a variety of historical steam locomotives including an SP Daylight with printed sides, and various freight cars sold individually. Postwar, improved HO freight cars and several very nice streamlined trains were offered, including the Rock Island Rocket. Amazingly, although no new trains were offered after the mid-50s, these simple wood kits were produced for another decade before the company ceased to exist.
I collect these! I happen to have already rescued one example of the Katy boxcar from a junk bin at a show, but the Heinz Vinegar Car (not a pickle car) is one I have been looking for and have not been able to find yet! If you don't want them, PM me, because I do.
--CRC
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 930 ~
Member Since: January 25 2012 ~
Last Visit: August 23 2023
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - March 25 2018 : 2:30:10 PM
|
 
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 11211 ~
Member Since: December 09 2013 ~
Last Visit: May 18 2024
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Forums
Events Calendar
Forum Admins & Mods
Register
