Posted 12 years ago
Dr_Rambow
(88 items)
Walbert Manufacturing Company in Chicago made this wonderful 14" tank out of pressed steel with wooden wheels and rubber-on-canvass tracks. I've only ever seen a handful of other pieces made by Walbert, so I can only guess they were short lived. Further proof of this is the near-exact copy of this toy made by Wolverine (a Pittsburgh company): http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/5466743
When I fist got it, it wasn't running. I had to file down a lump of solder on on the drive axle (leftover from an old repair), but most of the work was done by the miracle worker known as WD-40. I was so excited to see it run!
This thing puts a smile on my face every time I see it, by far one of my most treasured pieces.
Many thanks for the love folks!
Love the graphics on box too ! Very Nice ! Love it . Thanks for sharing this vintage tank and box !
Thanks Manikin! This is one of my all time favorites, I just wish it was easier to find cool stuff like this!
Hi Just found the tank at a garage sale and it is in really great shape. The paint is faded and minor scratches. The windup works but is slow although I think a good cleaning and lubricant will take care of that. It is missing the treads. I am planning on selling this but I would like to have the treads. Any ideas for treads? Thanks Ed
The treads on these things are very fickle. There has to be a very particular amount of tension on the tread for the wooden wheels to get any traction. Too little and the wheels spin. Too much and the spring cannot overcome the tension. Rubber coated cloth seems to be the best solution.
alanhuth made me a very generous offer. My tank collecting has slowed these days, but this is still one of my favorites so I couldn't part with it.
Thanks for the info. I am new to this site and I am excited to have found it. It is so much easier than going thru eBay's individual auction sites.