MIDGETOYS CLASSIC TRAIN SERIES

     MIDGETOY'S series of 4 trains are not merely toys, but are a part of our
Country's history, depicting famous trains of their time, and have become
cherished by collectors.
     The 1860 Western Train (the locomotive with the funnel stack) was named
the William Crooks, and was the first train in Minnesota.  It was brought there
in 1862 by the Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad, the predecessor line of the
Great Northern, which in turn merged into the Burlington Northern in the 1970's.
The William Crooks traveled only the 10 mile run between Minneapolis and
St. Paul.  The last time it ran under it's own power was to the New York Worlds
Fair and back in 1939.   It was then completely refurbished and is now on
display in a train museum in Duluth, Minn.
     The 1920 Steam Passenger Train from the 1920 era is the New York
Central Twentieth Century Limited.  This train traveled between Chicago and
New York City.  Note the open platform on rear of the observation car.

     The 1940 Diesel Train is the Santa Fe Super Chief which traveled
between Los Angeles and Chicago.  This combination of the diesel powered
Super Chief, along with it's companion train, the El Capitan, and the New
York Central Twentieth Century, which was powered by the famous Hudson
steam engine, created the fastest mode of cross country travel before the
start of air travel.
     The 1950 Freight Train was modeled after photos furnished by the
Pennsylvania Railroad, which later merged with the New York Central,
forming the Penn-Central System.  Penn-Central went bankrupt in the
1970's.  It was acquired by the U.S. Government, the passenger division
being absorbed by Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp. - started
May 1,1971) and the freight division by Conrail, Inc. (started April 1,1976).

MIDGETOY trains were introduced in the late 1940's and early 1950's.  Each
train measures approximately 18" in length.  They are mounted on non-marring
wheels, and require no track.  All trains are made of die-cast metal, are all in
mint condition, and are packaged under a blister on the original cards.
MIDGETOY trains are available in both the civilian and military version.
     There is a very limited number of these trains available, so don't delay and
miss this opportunity to acquire this valuable collection, if not for yourself,
how about for your children and grandchildren who will cherish these and
thank you forever.

     Midgetoy also offered a wide variety of Military die-cast toys.  These toys
included the late 1940's Army howitzer, Army utility trailer and Army 6x6 truck.
Midgetoy also produced a number of Military Airplanes including the Wing
Span  4 inches, F-86 Sabre Jet (1948), Wing Span 3 3/4 inches, Army
B-57 Jet Bomber (1950), Wing Span 3 3/4 inches, Navy Cougar Jet Plane
(1952), Wing Span 3 3/4 inches, Navy Cutlass Jet  Plane (1949) and the
Wing Span 4 5/8 inches, Army 707 Jet Cargo Plane (1955).   Midgetoy
sometimes produced sets that were available in both Military and Civilian versions.
    The 1971 Ford Torino was available in many styles including Army M.P.
Car, Police Car, Fire Chief, Taxi and the "Dukes" car with the Confederate
Flag.   Midgetoy now offers many of their sets in Beautiful Displays.
Midgetoy calls these assortments "Showcase Sets".

     By the late 60's through the early 70's a bit of irony was coming into play. 
The A & E Tool & Gage Co., which got it's start in the defense industry during
World War II would now suffer because of the Vietnam War.
     The price of zinc alloys had increased sharply during the Vietnam War and
Midgetoy was forced to cease production of much of their established lines.  It
was during this period they introduced the "Mini" line.  Much smaller "about
two inches long", these simpler die-cast toys used much less metal and could
be sold at a lower price.  During the 70's the company concentrated on the Mini
line and the marketing of Sets.  These products were packaged on blister cards
and were available in a variety of sets.
     In 1981, Al & Earl Herdklotz decided to retire.  They sold the Company to a
group of investors.   Over the next two years no new products were introduced
and the company suffered severely.  The number of employees dropped from
more than a hundred to 5 part time workers.
     In 1983, Al & Earl bought back the company.  After examining the companies
facilities, they determined that some of the equipment had fallen into a state of
disrepair and it would be difficult to restart production.
They determined that it would be best to sell off the remaining inventory.  They
found that quite a large number of toys had been put into storage and were in
very good condition.  This of course is a great opportunity for a collector to
obtain some very nice Midgetoy products in great condition.

     Please let Earl and his family know how much Midgetoy has meant to
you or a loved one by sending them an e-mail, letter or give them a call.  I
know that they would love to hear from you.  I believe Midgetoy will live on
with a little help from Midgetoy collectors, friends and family.