Windup Disney train...too cute for words!

[agnes!]

I am subscribed to some EBay favorite sellers and got a notice about an auction. OMG, this is the cutest thing! I have no connection with this auction, but a Casey Junior Circus Train! with Mickey! Minnie! Dumbo! Pinocchio! & the whole gang! Do a search for "Casey Jr. Disneyland Express Marx train", "captain insano" is the seller. While the set is obviously played-with the graphics on the cars look really good and clear, and the set is not horribly dirty. The engine is a little beat-up - wheels need replaced, axle needs some work/replaced - but it is SO cute! And no-one's bid yet....oooooo, so tempting...hmmmmm.

There are apparently different versions of a Marx-Toys Casey Jr train, I've found some more recent from the '50s with a plastic engine and differently rendered characters. This train looks much older (older-style Mickey/Minnie, etc plus I think the engine is either all-wood/metal or possibly bakelite (that old composite plastic that telephones used to be made from). I think it looks like it is from the 30s and probably before WWII when so many materials were rationed.

Here's a picture of an almost-identical toy:

enjoy ,
agnes!
PS - Would have posted a direct link to the EBay auction but didn't want to possibly run afoul of DIS guidelines because of my imperfect understanding of them.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The movie didn't come out until 1941, and since it refers to Disneyland in the middle car it was probably 1955 or more recent.

 

[flyinglizard]

This was the first Marx version of the "Disneyland Express" train, and the loco is metal. Later versions were litho tin, and then plastic.

The generic term "Disneyland" was used for toys earlier than the opening of Disneyland in 1955. However, I', not aware of it being used at any time during the 40's. My guess is that this was probably produced and sold in 1952- 1953.

Try searching for "Marx Toys" either on the net or find someone who owns the "Marx Toys Book".

 

[agnes!]

As to the general timeframe this train was manufactured, I was wrong about the possible manufacture-date and everyone else was right. I did look up whatever I could find on the train & its characters, etc. to try and maybe pinpoint a year.

About the engine, Worthpoint says that the engine in this sale is old black plastic...
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/casey-jr-disneyland-express-tin-wind-up-train-mar
BargainJohn website also has it being made from a hard/black plastic...
http://www.bargainjohn.com/t102cDisneyTrain.htm
From the limited research I was able to do online, the engine seems to have been made from different materials (heavy Bakelite, metal, pressed tin, thin colorful plastic) depending on the manufacturing-date.

Jose Carioca('born' 1945) is present, so this set is at least later than 1945. And an EBay Guide to Marx Toys says that:
1950-1951 Marx produces its version of the popular Disney train. Still a favorite today. Made in Marx's 7 inch scale, it would use a mechanical engine and cars that were decorated with Disney characters.
http://reviews.ebay.com/MarX-Trains...oy-King-Louis-Marx_W0QQugidZ10000000004057543

According to http://www.classicmarx.com/pages/religiousmain.html
the "MAR" (with the "X" through it) logo dates from around the mid-1950s.

As Mike said, "Casey Jr" dates from 1941, first appearance in June of 1941 in "The Reluctant Dragon" with a subsequent appearance in October of 1941 in the classic "Dumbo".
http://www.bcdb.com/cartoons/Walt_Disney_Studios/Feature_Films/

I forgot that the cartoon preceded the attraction, I've always associated the name "Casey Jr" with Disneyland, but found out the first train incarnation could have even been manufactured before 1955 (pre Disneyland-opening).

Disneyland construction was started in May 1954.
The first "Davy Crockett" show aired in the fall of 1954.
The first use of the "Disneyland" record label name was for a promo record of "Davy Crockett" that was mailed to television and radio stations in December 1954.
("Billboard" Magazine, March 27, 1971...Page "D2")
http://books.google.com/books?id=4AgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA34-IA2#v=onepage&q&f=false

So, I didn't find a firm date, but it looks to me like the timeframe for the train's first appearance could possibly be anywhere from 1950-1955/6.

And I *still* think it's cute!
agnes!