Today is Veteran's Day here in the U.S. and we pay homage and tribute to those who have served thoughout the years. Just two days ago three of the four surviving Doolitlle Raiders held what has been called their last reunion in Dayton, OH and toasted their comrades with an 1896 cognac reserved for the occasion.
At the time of the raid, 18 Apr 1942, the raiders themselves didn't feel it would be that important, but it was a blow to Japanese morale and a huge boost to American morale. The high risk mission itself inflicted little damage on Tokyo but it caused the Japanese to change their strategy. There's been far too many write-ups, movies, and what-not for me to do the subject any more service and so I leave it to you readers to pursue the subject more in-depth should you wish. But as this is post about toys I thought it would be nice to feature a vintage toy bomber and chose the Marx U.S. Army No.6 Bomber. The Raiders who took off on that fateful morning from the deck of the U.S.S. Hornet aircraft carrier did so flying twin-engine B-25 Mitchell bombers. The Marx toy featured today has similarities to the B-25 but the lines are generic. I've included photos of B-25's that I took at various Aviation Nation air shows for comparison.
To everyone who served and to those who paid the ultimate price our country thanks you!
North American B-25 Mitchell Bomber
From the 2006 air show, a Heritage Flight with the B-25 at the top
Two B-25's parked on the ramp at the 2007 show
From the 2009 airshow
From the 2010 show
Marx No. 6 U.S. Army Bomber
The Marx toy measures 13 3/4" (34.9cm) L x 18 1/4" (46.4cm) wingspan x 3 3/4" (9.5cm) H
The toy was available from at least 1951 and here's an extract from the 1951 Sears Christmas catalog.
The tail on my sample had been repainted by a previous owner
The spring wound feature on the landing gear was a common feature for Marx airplanes and vehicles
