In my reference book this little gem is called by the very matter-of-fact name of "Plasticraft U.S. Army Comical Truck". Most collectors simply call it the Beetle Bailey truck or Beetle Bailey Pop-up truck because the driver pops up and down as the wheels turn (there is at least one more 'comical truck' that I know of and it is red with a figure of Santa Clause in white). Originally penned by Mort Walker, Beetle Bailey has been a staple of the comic pages since September, 1950 and other casrtoonists have since come on board to keep the strip going.. Today's toy, according to my reference, also hails from the early 1950s as Beetle's popularity began to take off. It measures 4" (10.16cm) L x 1 1/2" (3.81cm) W x 1 3/8" (3.49cm) H (head down), 1 3/4"(4.44cm) H (head up). Enjoy! Opa Fritz and Oma Bettina
What a lovely thing, it's the same mechanism as those tanks with the err....'thrusting' muzzles! I like that the pick-up body seems to have been made by Log Forts R'Us Inc.!
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hahaha I like the log fort comparison Hugh :-) To me it looked like popsicle sticks but a 'fort' is more in keeping with the army theme
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