by Tone » Wed Apr 27, 2011 4:05 pm
All I know is the following:
Linemar Japanese tin Connie (made from same tooling as the Arnold and Joustra) : 1957 Sears Roebuck Co Wishbook.
This is that scarce toy with the wing and tail lights, dark blue body with "Military Air Transport" in white letters, and red plastic props.
Arnold Connie TWA: 1959 FAO Schwartz Co Christmas toy catalog.
Tipp Co Connies made in the 50s; the battery remote control version is LATER than the all-tin friction connies - it has those all-plastic engines.
But it does have that great die cast nose wheel strut!
Joustra Connie made from the late 50s into the early 60s per Frédéric Marchand who mentions it was still listed in 1963. Earlier Joustra tin planes were unrealistic, fantasy toys (i.e. three tail fins and six props!).
From Mr Marchand's research (Avions-Jouets 1945-70, p 42)
#543 (1956) friction with spinning props;
#545 (1958) battery with remote control;
#546 (1963) Cargo plane with ramp, not certain if ever produced;
#549 (1961) Friction with wingtip tanks;
#552 like #549 but with opening door and hostess.
