Diecast toys by Ertl (USA) from the mid 1940s onwards

Ertl Company is an American toy manufacturer specializing in die-cast metal toys, plastic model kits, and other collectibles. The Ertl Company was founded in 1945 by Fred Ertl Sr. in Dubuque, Iowa, USA. a journeyman molder who was temporarily idled by a strike at his factory. Ertl began making toy tractors in the furnace of his home, using defective aluminum aircraft pistons that he melted down. In the late 1940s, Ertl began manufacturing toy replicas of farm equipment, such as tractors and other agricultural machinery. These toys gained popularity, and Ertl shifted its focus entirely to toy production.

The company's first boxed toy was a sand-cast tractor for Deere and Company, released in 1946 and during the 1950s and 1960s, Ertl became synonymous with farm toys. They produced a wide range of die-cast metal farm equipment replicas, including tractors, combines, and trailers. These toys were known more... for their attention to detail and accuracy, which made them highly sought after by collectors and farm toy enthusiasts.

In the 1970s, Ertl expanded its product line beyond farm toys. They began producing die-cast metal replicas of automobiles, trucks, and construction vehicles. The company also ventured into plastic model kits, including cars, airplanes, and military vehicles. Ertl continued to emphasize quality and realism in their products, establishing a reputation for craftsmanship. In the 1980s it acquired several other toy companies, including AMT, MPC, and Structo.

In 1999, Ertl was acquired by Racing Champions, another American toy company specializing in die-cast collectibles. The merger created Racing Champions Ertl, Inc. The company continued to operate under the Ertl name and expanded its range of products, including licensed products from movies, television shows, and sports.

In 2008, the Japanese toy company TOMY International through a subsidiary RC2 Corporation acquired Racing Champions Ertl, Inc. The acquisition included the Ertl brand. TOMY is known for its wide range of toys, including licensed products, infant and toddler toys, and preschool products.

Under TOMY's ownership, Ertl continued to produce die-cast metal toys, plastic model kits, and other collectibles. The Ertl brand maintained its reputation for quality and authenticity. less...