Spanning the Years: Bridge Building Toy Tanks

Ace toy spotter Terry H sent me a link to an interesting US auction earlier this year for a seemingly rare vintage and boxed Puddle Jumper Mobile Armored Launcher by Multiple Toymakers. What a Christmas present it must have been!

 It's certainly a new one on me. 

See what you think. I wonder which is older?

This Multiple Toymakers tank recalls Century 21 Toys own version, which we've covered before on MC.

Here's a nice one I saw on auction years ago.

Have you got a bridge tank? 

Addendum:

Woodsy,

I was surprised to see this post regarding MPC's Puddle Jumper - aka Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge (AVLB). 

These are the first photos I've seen of a complete one with an original box. I've had a couple over the years and still retain one in the collection. Mine is missing the gun barrel, but a repo barrel from one of MPC's tanks is a good 'nuff substitute. 

While this mobile bridge works great with MPC's 60mm tanks, Jeeps, personnel carriers, etc., it also came as part of a set which included an oversized tank and halftrack. 

Attached are some photos of my MPC Puddle Jumper as well as my much smaller Boley Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge (AVLB).

From Vegas Battle Ground

Ed

One Good Turn

 Inspired by kind Timmy Toad's comprehensive photos, and playing to my strengths, I scratch-built the missing parts to the C21 Tank last night.

I left the motor/ wiring for another day when I get more (any) powers! 

The missing parts where all connected to the bridge winder and supports; a steering wheel and three rods. These allow the bridge to be 'steered' off the tank's turret and onto the ground. Timmy's photos made that clear to me for the very first time so thanks TT!

I raided the bits boxes and found these bits.

A few snips later and a steering wheel of sorts.

This old drumstick made for a perfect brace rod.

Some glue and paint and I ended up with this passable turning wheel.

The tank was ready to build bridges anywhere. 

Any good?

Next stop, Madison County!

TANKS A LOT TIMMY TOAD!

Reader Timmy Toad has come to the rescue! Actually, Timmy came to the rescue in 2021, the last time I got my Mobile Bridge tank out but I must have been asleep. Fortunately, three years later and my tank out again, I found Timmy's emails and pictures in my Gmail archive, which I will post here. So a big belated thank you Timmy!

"Woodsy,

the wheel goes on the front as shown in the following pics. As you turn it, the bridge lifts off the tank and onto the floor. I guess you put the tank into reverse to lay the bridge, then remove the rod holding bridge to tank. As you can see my rod is broken. I think its meant to be about twice as long with a stop and ball at one end. I've given the cogs a twirl to turn the motor, and checked continuity with a multimeter. Next job is to put 3V directly to the motor to see if it'll go

Yep that long rod with the ball on the end shown in one of the pics is for attaching the bridge to the tank. I've only got the bottom half of it (so only one side of the bridge is supported by the tank), so need to find something to replace it with (I shall be looking at plastic cocktail swizzle sticks, and other such stirring rods). Alternatively I could cut what I have in half and use a piece at each end (assuming its long enough to go thru both ends with a bit spare to pull back out).

I think once the bridge is in the vertical position you have to manually open it as you continue to turn the wheel to get it horizontal (I'll experiment with that once I get both sides held by the tank).

the wheel goes on the front as shòwn in the following pics. As you turn it, the bridge lifts off the tank and onto the floor. I guess you put the tank into reverse to lay the bridge, then remove the rod holding bridge to tank. As you can see my rod is broken. I think its meant to be about twice as long with a stop and ball at one end. I've given the cogs a twirl to turn the motor, and checked continuity with a multimeter. Next job is to put 3V directly to the motor to see if it'll go.

Regarding yours, you say the motors been taken out. Is that everything including the metal holding structure as well, leaving just the axles?

My fiddling around with the motor in mine has resulted in this short clip...enjoy! Timmy Toad"

HELP! I've Tanked!

OK, I can glue bits together, but for the life of me toy motors and gears have me baffled! I need help! 

Years ago I bought a somewhat embattled Century 21 Toys Mobile Combat and Bridge Tank #507. It's based on a Marx tank body I think. It's not working.

This is what a good one looks like from years ago on MC.

Although I've never seen it in action I think the toy moves along and stops to extend it's huge folding pontoon that's sat on the roof. I'd love mine to work! It doesn't.

Feeling buoyed by my Diver I got the tank out to have a look. It's a mess!

I don't think the double motor unit is from this toy. It's far too big! See what you think.

There is a switch, which I've taken off in a fit of zest. Maybe it has two actions? To start the tank and to lower the bridge? 

Having said that, the box says nothing about it lowering the bridge so maybe it's just for show.

What I really need is a picture of the inside of this toy in it's proper state. Does anyone have one?

Maybe even the inside workings of a Marx battery tank motor assembly? 

Help!

GET MOBILE

One of my favourite Century 21 toys as a collector is this.

The Mobile Bridge and Combat Tank.

A bit of a blog legend really, appearing many many times.

These fab pics were part of an old auction I saw ages ago.

Alas my own toy is nowhere near as good-looking as this example!

Have you got a toy tank readers?