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

Friction Diamond Electric Trolley Car-Modern Toys-Japan

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This Silver Mountain Train Loco was made by Modern Toys in Japan. Dates to early to mid 1960s. It’s battery operated- runs on two D cells. The engineer figure moves back and forth as train runs across the floor. While he looks like Popeye, I don’t think that is intentional.

This is a noisy toy. I got this with a bunch of Lionel trains, and on the way home I stopped to visit my dad in the hospital. I thought it would make a nice gift so I got some batteries in the gift shop, and gave it to him.

Turned out to be a great gift for a reason I hadn’t considered.

You see, he shared room with a guy who was loud and obnoxious keeping my dad from being able to sleep. Whenever his roommate started being loud, my dad would turn the Silver Mountain loco on and set it on the floor. Neither of them could get out of their hospital beds so the train would just keep going until a nurse came in.

Most Silver Mountain trains are found with battery damage, or are just beat up. But, these aren’t rare, or even desirable. They are fun to play with though.

Here’s a link to see the Silver Mountain trains listed on eBay.

Vintage "Modern Toys" Japan Tin "Silver Mountain" Train

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This is a cool little Bandai Volkswagen. This is brand new in the original box from the late 1960s. It’s remote control, but not like you’d see today.

This Bandai VW runs on two AA batteries, and there is a cable from the battery box to the front wheels. Turning the steering wheel on the controller turns the wheels. It also goes backwards and forwards.

A neat little toy. The box is probably harder to find than the VW.

Here’s a link to see these on eBay

1984 BANDAI YELLOW VW "BUMBLEBEE" CEETLE TRANSFORMER

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