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{{Short description|American toy company}}
{{Short description|American toy company}}
{{Refimprove|date=March 2010}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2010}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Ertl Company
| name = Ertl Company
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| successor = <!-- or: | successors = -->
| successor = <!-- or: | successors = -->
| founded = {{Start date and age|1945}}<br>[[Dubuque, Iowa]], U.S.
| founded = {{Start date and age|1945}}<br>[[Dubuque, Iowa]], U.S.
| founder = Fred Ertl, Sr.
| founder = Fred Ertl Sr.
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| hq_location_city = [[Dyersville, Iowa]]
| hq_location_city = [[Dyersville, Iowa]]
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| area_served = <!-- or: | areas_served = -->
| area_served = <!-- or: | areas_served = -->
| key_people =
| key_people =
| products = [[die-cast toy|Die-cast]] [[scale model]] [[model car|cars]], [[model commercial vehicle|commercial vehicles]]
| products = [[die-cast toy|Die-cast]] [[scale model]] [[model car|cars]], commercial vehicles
| owner = [[Tomy]]
| owner = [[Tomy]]
| num_employees =
| num_employees =
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| brands =
| brands =
| subsid = {{plainlist|
| subsid = {{plainlist|
* [[Aluminum Metal Toys|AMT]] <ref name=amt/>
* [[Aluminum Metal Toys|AMT]]<ref name=amt/>
* [[Britains]]
* [[Britains]]
* [[Ente Scambi Coloniali Internazionali|ESCI]]
* [[Ente Scambi Coloniali Internazionali|ESCI]]
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| website = {{URL|https://us.tomy.com/ertl|us.tomy.com/ertl}}
| website = {{URL|https://us.tomy.com/ertl|us.tomy.com/ertl}}
}}
}}
'''Ertl''' (formerly, the '''Ertl Company''') is an American former manufacturing company and current [[brand]] of toys, best known for its [[die-cast toy|die-cast]] [[alloy|metal alloy]] collectible replicas (or [[scale model]]s) of [[agricultural machinery]]. Other products manufactured by Ertl incude [[model car|cars]], [[model aircraft|airplanes]], and [[model commercial vehicle|commercial vehicles]].
'''Ertl''' (formerly, the '''Ertl Company''') is a former American manufacturing company and current [[brand]] of toys, best known for its [[die-cast toy|die-cast]] [[alloy|metal alloy]] collectible replicas (or [[scale model]]s) of [[agricultural machinery]]. Other products manufactured by Ertl include [[model car|cars]], [[model aircraft|airplanes]], and commercial vehicles.


The company was based in [[Dyersville, Iowa]], home of the [[National Farm Toy Museum]].
The company was based in [[Dyersville, Iowa]], home of the [[National Farm Toy Museum]].


== History ==
== History ==
Ertl has been producing farm toy replicas since 1945. For over 60 years, the company has produced farm toys for industry brands such as: [[John Deere]], [[Case IH]], [[New Holland Ag|New Holland]], and [[AGCO]]. Ertl has also, on different occasions, acquired the licenses to produce die-cast vehicles and [[figurine]]s as well as [[scale model|model kits]] for [[Looney Tunes]], [[Garfield]], [[Thomas the Tank Engine]], [[Tugs (TV series)]], [[Theodore Tugboat]], [[Super Mario Bros (film)|Super Mario Bros.]] [[DC Comics]], and [[Star Wars]]. In 1999, Ertl was purchased by [[Racing Champions]]. Ertl is currently a brand under the [[RC2 Corporation]] umbrella.
Ertl has been producing farm toy replicas since 1945. For over 60 years, the company has produced farm toys for industry brands such as: [[John Deere]], [[Case IH]], [[New Holland Ag|New Holland]], and [[AGCO]]. Ertl has also, on different occasions, acquired the licenses to produce die-cast vehicles and [[figurine]]s as well as [[scale model|model kits]] for [[Looney Tunes]], [[Garfield]], [[Thomas & Friends|Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends]], [[Tugs (TV series)|Tugs]], [[Theodore Tugboat]], [[Super Mario Bros. (film)|Super Mario Bros.]] [[DC Comics]], and [[Star Wars]]. In 1999, Ertl was purchased by [[Racing Champions]]. Ertl is currently a brand under the [[RC2 Corporation]] umbrella.


=== Timeline ===
=== Timeline ===
Important Dates in Racing Champions/Ertl Company History<ref>{{cite web|title=RC2 Company Information - The Ertl Company|url=http://www.rcertl.com/history.asp|access-date=2011-09-08|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909120614/http://www.rcertl.com/history.asp|archive-date=September 9, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
Important Dates in Racing Champions/Ertl Company History<ref>{{cite web|title=RC2 Company Information - The Ertl Company|url=http://www.rcertl.com/history.asp|access-date=2011-09-08|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909120614/http://www.rcertl.com/history.asp|archive-date=September 9, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
⚫
*1945 - The Ertl Company is founded by Fred Ertl Sr., in Dubuque, Iowa
[[File:Ertl Company, KITT, 1 to 25 scale toy model, 10.jpg|thumb|Scale model of [[KITT]], from the [[Knight Rider]] franchise]]
⚫
*1945 - The Ertl Company is founded by Fred Ertl, Sr., in Dubuque, Iowa
*1959 - The company moves to larger facilities in Dyersville, Iowa
*1959 - The company moves to larger facilities in Dyersville, Iowa
*1967 - Ertl is acquired by [[Victor Comptometer|Victor Comptometer Corporation]]
*1967 - Ertl is acquired by [[Victor Comptometer|Victor Comptometer Corporation]]
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*1974 - Ertl acquires Structo Stamped Steel
*1974 - Ertl acquires Structo Stamped Steel
*1977 - [[Kidde]], Inc. acquires Ertl with purchase of Victor Comptometer Corp
*1977 - [[Kidde]], Inc. acquires Ertl with purchase of Victor Comptometer Corp
*1981 - Ertl acquires [[Aluminum Metal Toys|AMT model kit company]] <ref name=amt>[https://www.round2corp.com/amt-4/ AMT history] on Round2.com</ref>
*1981 - Ertl acquires [[Aluminum Metal Toys|AMT model kit company]]<ref name=amt>[https://www.round2corp.com/amt-4/ AMT history] on Round2.com</ref>
*1985 - Ertl acquires MPC model kits
*1985 - Ertl acquires MPC model kits
*1986 - Ertl produces [[Thomas & Friends]] toys
*1986 - Ertl produces ''[[Thomas & Friends]]'' licensed toys
*1987 - [[Hanson plc]] purchases Kidde. Ertl acquires [[ESCI]] model kit company
*1987 - [[Hanson plc]] purchases Kidde. Ertl acquires [[ESCI]] model kit company
*1989 - Racing Champions is founded by Bob Dods, Boyd Meyer and Peter Chung
*1989 - Racing Champions is founded by Bob Dods, Boyd Meyer and Peter Chung
*1990 - Ertl releases the first Precision Series farm toy replica
*1990 - Ertl releases the first Precision Series farm toy replica
*1991-1992 - Racing Champions obtains [[NASCAR]] license
*1991–92 - Racing Champions obtains [[NASCAR]] license
*1992 - Fred Ertl, Jr. & Robert J. Ertl retire
*1992 - Fred Ertl Jr. & Robert J. Ertl retire
*1995 - Hanson plc consolidates its U.S. companies to form U.S.I. (United States Industries)
*1995 - Hanson plc consolidates its U.S. companies to form U.S.I. (United States Industries)
*1993 - Ertl begins the Wings Of Texaco die cast airplane collection
*1993 - Ertl begins the Wings Of Texaco die cast airplane collection
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*1999 - Racing Champions acquires The Ertl Company
*1999 - Racing Champions acquires The Ertl Company
*2000 - Ertl acquires [[Britains Limited]]
*2000 - Ertl acquires [[Britains Limited]]
*2003 - Racing Champions Ertl acquired Chicago-based [[Learning Curve International]], Inc.
*2003 - Racing Champions Ertl acquired Chicago-based Learning Curve International, Inc.
*2004 - [[RC2 Corporation]] acquired [[Playing Mantis]] assets and [[The First Years]] Inc. and the [[Thomas & Friends]] range was discontinued.
*2004 - [[RC2 Corporation]] acquired Playing Mantis assets and ''[[The First Years]] Inc.'', while the ''Thomas & Friends'' range was discontinued.
*2008 - [[Round 2 LLC]] signs licensing agreement to produce and market AMT, MPC, Polar Lights, and 1:24 and 1:18 scale diecast
*2008 - [[Round 2 (company)|Round 2 LLC]] signs licensing agreement to produce and market AMT, MPC, Polar Lights, and 1:24 and 1:18 scale diecast
*2009 - Ertl celebrates 50 years in Dyersville, Iowa
*2009 - Ertl celebrates 50 years in Dyersville, Iowa
*2010 - Ertl celebrates its 65th Anniversary
*2010 - Ertl celebrates its 65th Anniversary
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*2015 – Round 2 LLC obtains the rights to use Racing Champions, American Muscle and ERTL Custom and Premium tooling
*2015 – Round 2 LLC obtains the rights to use Racing Champions, American Muscle and ERTL Custom and Premium tooling
*2016 – Round 2 LLC obtains the rights to use Johnny Lighting tooling
*2016 – Round 2 LLC obtains the rights to use Johnny Lighting tooling
*2018 – Ertl sells Die-cast Promotions (DCP) company to First Gear Inc.
*2018 – The son of Fred Ertl sells Die-cast Promotions (DCP) company to First Gear Inc. - https://www.firstgearonline.com/shop/dcp
*2020 - Tomy reintroduces Johnny Lightning brand
*2020 - Tomy reintroduces Johnny Lightning brand


== Products ==
== Products ==
===Plastic model kits===
===Plastic model kits===
{{multiple image
|total_width = 370
|perrow = 2
|image1 = Ertlgmcvan-tat.JPG
|caption1 = ''[[The A-Team|A-Team]]'' [[GMC (automobile)|GMC]] van
|image3 = Ertl Company, KITT, 1 to 25 scale toy model, 10.jpg
|caption3 = ''[[Knight Rider]]'''s [[KITT]]
|image2 = 1926 Mack Bulldog Delivery Truck bank by Ertl.jpg
|caption2 = 1926 [[Mack Trucks|Mack]] truck
|image4 = John Deere 690DLC Ertl-001.jpg
|caption4 = [[John Deere]] excavator
}}
In the late 1970s, Ertl offered a series of plastic model kits of heavy commercial trucks, over-the-road trailers, tractors, plows, and farm wagons. Although these kits never achieved the hoped-for popularity, they led to the acquisition of [[Aluminum Metal Toys|AMT.]] In 1983, AMT was purchased by Ertl from Lesney, and renamed AMT/Ertl. AMT/Ertl then had a 24-year relationship until AMT was sold in 2007.
In the late 1970s, Ertl offered a series of plastic model kits of heavy commercial trucks, over-the-road trailers, tractors, plows, and farm wagons. Although these kits never achieved the hoped-for popularity, they led to the acquisition of [[Aluminum Metal Toys|AMT.]] In 1983, AMT was purchased by Ertl from Lesney, and renamed AMT/Ertl. AMT/Ertl then had a 24-year relationship until AMT was sold in 2007.


===American muscle diecast===
===Movies and TV franchises===
In the 1980s, Ertl got licenses to produce and commercialise model cars from movies and TV series, such as [[KITT]] from the ''[[Knight Rider]]'' and the Batvehicles from the ''[[Batman (1989 film)|1989 Batman]]'' film.<ref>[https://13thdimension.com/the-top-13-wonderful-batman-89-toys-ranked/ The TOP 13 Wonderful BATMAN ’89 Toys — RANKED] on 13th Dimension.com</ref> They would also make a multitude of toys for the 1993 Super Mario Brothers movie.
⚫
In the early 1990s Ertl started the American Muscle line up of diecast collectible cars and trucks. These were 1:18 scale replicas that quickly found a dedicated following of baby boomers. Limited editions of 2,500 were especially sought after. Many of the earliest releases have fetched upwards of $500.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}} The most popular and desirable is the [[1957 Chevrolet|1957 Chevy]] [[Chevrolet Bel Air|Bel Air]] known as Peggy Sue.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}}

===American Muscle diecast===
⚫
In the early 1990s Ertl started the American Muscle line up of diecast collectible cars, trucks, and motorcycles. These were 1:18 or 1:10 scale replicas that quickly found a dedicated following of baby boomers. Limited editions of 2,500 were especially sought after. Many of the earliest releases have fetched upwards of $500.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}} The most popular and desirable is the [[1957 Chevrolet|1957 Chevy]] [[Chevrolet Bel Air|Bel Air]] known as Peggy Sue.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}}


=== Airplanes ===
=== Airplanes ===
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{{Portal|Companies}}
{{Portal|Companies}}
* [[Bumble Ball]]
* [[Bumble Ball]]
⚫
* [[Thomas & Friends merchandise#Ertl Company]]
* [[Hot Wheels]]
* [[Jada Toys]]
* [[Maisto]]
* [[Matchbox (toy company)]]
⚫
* [[Thomas & Friends merchandise #Ertl Company]]
* [[Tomica]]


==References==
==References==
Line 99: Line 108:


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons cat}}
{{commons category}}
* {{official}}
* {{official}}


{{Scale model brands}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ertl Company| ]]
[[Category:Ertl Company| ]]
[[Category:Toy cars and trucks]]
[[Category:Toy cars and trucks]]

Latest revision as of 04:34, 28 July 2024

Ertl Company
Company typePrivate (1946–1999)
Founded1945; 79 years ago (1945)
Dubuque, Iowa, U.S.
FounderFred Ertl Sr.
FateAcquired by Racing Champions in 1999,[1] currently a brand
Headquarters
Dyersville, Iowa
,
U.S.
ProductsDie-cast scale model cars, commercial vehicles
OwnerTomy
Subsidiaries
Websiteus.tomy.com/ertl

Ertl (formerly, the Ertl Company) is a former American manufacturing company and current brand of toys, best known for its die-cast metal alloy collectible replicas (or scale models) of agricultural machinery. Other products manufactured by Ertl include cars, airplanes, and commercial vehicles.

The company was based in Dyersville, Iowa, home of the National Farm Toy Museum.

History

[edit]

Ertl has been producing farm toy replicas since 1945. For over 60 years, the company has produced farm toys for industry brands such as: John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, and AGCO. Ertl has also, on different occasions, acquired the licenses to produce die-cast vehicles and figurines as well as model kits for Looney Tunes, Garfield, Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, Tugs, Theodore Tugboat, Super Mario Bros. DC Comics, and Star Wars. In 1999, Ertl was purchased by Racing Champions. Ertl is currently a brand under the RC2 Corporation umbrella.

Timeline

[edit]

Important Dates in Racing Champions/Ertl Company History[2]

  • 1945 - The Ertl Company is founded by Fred Ertl Sr., in Dubuque, Iowa
  • 1959 - The company moves to larger facilities in Dyersville, Iowa
  • 1967 - Ertl is acquired by Victor Comptometer Corporation
  • 1971 - Ertl acquires Carter Tru-Scale
  • 1973 - Ertl begins manufacturing plastic model kits
  • 1974 - Ertl acquires Structo Stamped Steel
  • 1977 - Kidde, Inc. acquires Ertl with purchase of Victor Comptometer Corp
  • 1981 - Ertl acquires AMT model kit company[1]
  • 1985 - Ertl acquires MPC model kits
  • 1986 - Ertl produces Thomas & Friends licensed toys
  • 1987 - Hanson plc purchases Kidde. Ertl acquires ESCI model kit company
  • 1989 - Racing Champions is founded by Bob Dods, Boyd Meyer and Peter Chung
  • 1990 - Ertl releases the first Precision Series farm toy replica
  • 1991–92 - Racing Champions obtains NASCAR license
  • 1992 - Fred Ertl Jr. & Robert J. Ertl retire
  • 1995 - Hanson plc consolidates its U.S. companies to form U.S.I. (United States Industries)
  • 1993 - Ertl begins the Wings Of Texaco die cast airplane collection
  • 1996 - Racing Champions introduces its Mint line of non-racing vehicles. Racing Champions Corporation is formed
  • 1997 - Racing Champions completes its initial public stock offering (RACN on NASDAQ)
  • 1999 - Company produces a commercial version of the Eternity puzzle
  • 1999 - Racing Champions acquires The Ertl Company
  • 2000 - Ertl acquires Britains Limited
  • 2003 - Racing Champions Ertl acquired Chicago-based Learning Curve International, Inc.
  • 2004 - RC2 Corporation acquired Playing Mantis assets and The First Years Inc., while the Thomas & Friends range was discontinued.
  • 2008 - Round 2 LLC signs licensing agreement to produce and market AMT, MPC, Polar Lights, and 1:24 and 1:18 scale diecast
  • 2009 - Ertl celebrates 50 years in Dyersville, Iowa
  • 2010 - Ertl celebrates its 65th Anniversary
  • 2011 - Tomy acquired RC2; maintains control of Ertl, Racing Champions and Johnny Lightning tooling
  • 2012 - Round 2 LLC acquires full rights to AMT, MPC, Polar Lights tooling
  • 2013 - Tomy discontinues Johnny Lightning brand
  • 2015 – Round 2 LLC obtains the rights to use Racing Champions, American Muscle and ERTL Custom and Premium tooling
  • 2016 – Round 2 LLC obtains the rights to use Johnny Lighting tooling
  • 2018 – The son of Fred Ertl sells Die-cast Promotions (DCP) company to First Gear Inc. - https://www.firstgearonline.com/shop/dcp
  • 2020 - Tomy reintroduces Johnny Lightning brand

Products

[edit]

Plastic model kits

[edit]
A-Team GMC van
1926 Mack truck
Knight Rider's KITT
John Deere excavator

In the late 1970s, Ertl offered a series of plastic model kits of heavy commercial trucks, over-the-road trailers, tractors, plows, and farm wagons. Although these kits never achieved the hoped-for popularity, they led to the acquisition of AMT. In 1983, AMT was purchased by Ertl from Lesney, and renamed AMT/Ertl. AMT/Ertl then had a 24-year relationship until AMT was sold in 2007.

Movies and TV franchises

[edit]

In the 1980s, Ertl got licenses to produce and commercialise model cars from movies and TV series, such as KITT from the Knight Rider and the Batvehicles from the 1989 Batman film.[3] They would also make a multitude of toys for the 1993 Super Mario Brothers movie.

American Muscle diecast

[edit]

In the early 1990s Ertl started the American Muscle line up of diecast collectible cars, trucks, and motorcycles. These were 1:18 or 1:10 scale replicas that quickly found a dedicated following of baby boomers. Limited editions of 2,500 were especially sought after. Many of the earliest releases have fetched upwards of $500.[citation needed] The most popular and desirable is the 1957 Chevy Bel Air known as Peggy Sue.[citation needed]

Airplanes

[edit]

Ertl has also produced a number of die cast airplane models over the years, including some promotional items for Texaco,[4] Continental Airlines[5] and others.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c AMT history on Round2.com
  2. ^ "RC2 Company Information - The Ertl Company". Archived from the original on September 9, 2012. Retrieved 2011-09-08.
  3. ^ The TOP 13 Wonderful BATMAN ’89 Toys — RANKED on 13th Dimension.com
  4. ^ "Aircraft, Ertl Diecast - Toys and Collectibles". www.3000toys.com.
  5. ^ "Continental Airlines DC-3 by Ertl F154 with stand". Randy's Diecast. Archived from the original on July 2, 2015.
[edit]
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