Toy Outboards
By Chuck Petersen
The first battery-powered motors produced to resemble classic outboards were made in the late 1940s and early 1950s by IMP (International Models, Inc.) of New York. They were not made to represent a specific brand but were very well made. Most were Japanese imports and included an adjustable steering setting to run a circle course. The all silver model I own was a gift I received last year. It still runs and looks a little like an early Mercury Hurricane. Many other firms copied the IMP design but construction and material quality often fell short.
The true climax of toy outboard design began in 1954 when a small toy importer in Van Nuys, CA called K&O, Inc. produced a scale model of the 25h.p. Evinrude Big Twin engine. Dealers loved the idea of displaying a toy replica of Dads big motor. In 1955 K&O offered both OMC (Johnson and Evinrude) and a Mercury mk55 Green and Silver beauty. The 1955 through 1957 Mercury models were extremely accurate die cast metal versions of the original motors. Details like paint color, cowling shape and even propeller design were faithfully replicated. The models pictured here belong to my friend Jerold Wienandt. They were delivered in cardboard shipping crates with a two piece white plastic motor stand. After-market metal stands are now sold to represent original factory display models. As the major manufacturers broadened their product lines, K&O followed with V-4 OMC and in-line 6 cylinder Mercury models. The most sought after version by collectors today is the 1962 Merc 1000 Black 100 h.p. model. The early 1960s also saw examples of Scott Atwater, Oliver and Gale-Buccaneer models.
Unfortunately, I missed out on the Golden Age of toy motors. My own early models were all plastic 1970s versions called Fleet Line were produced by the Craft Master Corporation of Toledo, Ohio.
K&O sold the Fleet Line name and went out of business in the early 1960s. It seems the cost of producing their high quality motors simply was not competitive with popular car racing and scientific toys of the day.
I cherish the few plastic bodied, wood decked boats that survived my youth. Many bathtub races were held during the winter months to keep my boating interest alive until summer returned. Bob Speltz was an avid collector of these little gems. Many antique outboard restorers enjoy having a few of the old models around the shop as decoration to complement their full scale versions.
Original 1955 box & motor stand by KO.
Courtesy of Jerold Weinandt, Fox Point, WI.