My Tin Toys

This is a neat little toy jeep made in Japan by Modern Toys. Sold as the Desert Patrol Jeep. Runs on two D cell batteries and dates to the 1960s. All metal construction with a plastic GI driver. The driver reminds me of General Patton.

This is missing a machine gun and army figure that goes on the blue post on the rear. The gunner would swivel around as the jeep moved.

In operation, the jeep moves forward for a while, then goes in reverse. Lots of lazy but erratic circles. The batteries make the rear of the jeep heavy and cause the front to bounce up and down and change directions as the wheels on the front swivel.

The whole time it’s running it makes a staccato noise like a machine gun sound. The sound comes from a spring stock flapper hitting a cardboard drum.

This must have been one irritating toy for a parent to sit in the same room with. Loud and annoying.

Here’s a picture of the Modern Toys Logo on the battery box door:

There are at least two versions of this jeep. The one shown here is the earlier version with metal rear tires and a fixed windshield. Later version have soft plastic tires, and a windshield that folds down onto the hood.

Here’s a picture of a boxed Desert Patrol Jeep with folding windshield and plastic rear tires:

Here’s a link to see Modern Toys on eBay

Modern Toys (Japan) Old Time Fire Engine - Tin Friction

US $31.01 (5 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Feb-09-2010 17:09:49 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

US $22.49 (2 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Feb-09-2010 19:00:53 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

US $168.50 (3 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-11-2010 18:00:54 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

This entry was posted on Friday, August 31st, 2007 at 9:32 pm and is filed under Battery Operated. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.