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tmuir · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 1:37 pm Post subject: Toys made from war time surplus

We all know a lot of war surplus brass sheet was used to make toy steam engines.
But how many toys can you think of that have identifiable war time surplus parts in them.
I started this topic as I mentioned in another thread that Robilt made an O gauge water tower from a gas mask part.

Here is my list of toys using identifiable war time surplus parts
I've even got a Scorpion steam made from a 2.5 inch shell casing.

here is my list of Australian toys with identifiable war surplus parts in them.
See if you can add others.
Engine left most in the photo is an early scorpion made from a 2.5 inch shell casing.

Robilt O gauge water tower using gas mask parts

Cyclops Tricycle using Willys Jeep suspension spring for the frame and the footplates were the foot plates were originally plates to hold the jerry cans on the jeep.

The most interesting toy that has a long story to go with it is a little lead toy submarine.

Can be seen here
http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/REL/21193.010

This toy submarine was cast from the lead recovered from the two Japanese mini subs that made their way into Sydney harbour in an attempt to sink US navel vessels.
The attack was a complete failure, three mini subs attempted to sneak into Sydney Harbour.

One got caught in the submarine net and rather than be captured they blew themselves up.
The second sub managed to fire a torpedo at USS Chicago but missed and instead hit a converted ferry killing 19 British and Australian sailors.
This submarine made it out of the harbour and it was not known what happened to it until 2006 when it was found.

The third submarine was spotted and when depth charges were dropped at it the two man crew shot themselves, whether to avoid drowning or capture is unknown.

Full story can be read here.
http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/underattack/sydharbour.html

Can you add any other toys
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A nice example of an Australian made Scorpion Donkey Engine

MrDuck · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 1:46 pm Post subject:

Not right now but what you show there is very interesting

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The Denying Dutchman · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 1:53 pm Post subject:

The gas mask water tower is very creative.

An interesting part of history, if only they had made toys in the first place instead of weapons...
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robertosala · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 2:46 pm Post subject:

Nice...! thanks for sharing!

I still have a 105mm empty case from our 10 year war here in my country.

i am saving it so use it in a project like that.
Too bad I do not have proper power tools but one day will do

Rob
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magpie38 · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 4:26 pm Post subject:

what a great thread tony thanks for sharing

angus · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 6:35 pm Post subject:

Very intriguing indeed

colin · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 8:15 pm Post subject:

I had heard about this attack
from my dad years ago but thought
nothing more of it until now he had
heard of it from Aussie sailors he
had served with.

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Dean W · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 10:19 pm Post subject:

Pretty interesting thread, Tony.
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Les · Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2012 1:10 am Post subject:

Apparently the Burnac is made from shell casings but no-one can positively confirm this.

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