-MARX Northwest Electra-

[Tone]

One of my favorite toys, and one reason why I began collecting toy planes in the 80s, is the Battery Electra with lighted propellers, a sensational 60s invention involving "sweeping contacts." Yonezawa Toys patented this feature as early as 1964 for its American Airlines Electra but Marx also used the feature on this plastic Electra from the very late 60s or even the 70s.

This toy is marked as a DC-7C and Northwest retained both the Electra and DC-7C in its fleet as late as 1968: I think the Electras served into the early 70s with Jet Set Travel Club also operating one in Northwest livery at that time.

It is made in Hong Kong. Only the upper body is tin plate, the toy is mostly plastic.

The lettering on the box is reminiscent of Braniff International titles. I've never seen a toy Braniff Electra, but what a great one it would have been !

[grwebster]

very nice!