- Doepke Construction Toys
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Doepke #2007 Unit Crane
Produced from 1949 through at least 1954,
Doepke's Unit Crane was a very popular toy. It
was built to 1:16 scale.
There were basically two versions of this toy.
The distinguishing feature between the two was
the presence of a thumbwheel-control to rotate the
cab. This feature was found only on the first
version toys.
Other slight differences are noted below.
Produced from 1949 through at least 1954,
Doepke's Unit Crane was a very popular toy. It
was built to 1:16 scale.
There were basically two versions of this toy.
The distinguishing feature between the two was
the presence of a thumbwheel-control to rotate the
cab. This feature was found only on the first
version toys.
Other slight differences are noted below.
| Version #1 - 1949 |
The thumb-wheel cab-rotation control worked well but was probably deemed unnecessary and
therefore it was eliminated for the following year (undoubtedly saving money on production costs).
therefore it was eliminated for the following year (undoubtedly saving money on production costs).
| This was the first year Firestone tires were used on a Doepke toy. |
| The tread design was unique and a copy of the real thing. |
| It is reported that some of the very first Unit Cranes had brash bushings for the hand crank shafts. |
| The control cable bay did not have the cable guide as on the second version toy below. |
| There were two pins used to connect the boom halves. One had to be inserted by the purchaser. |
| A rubber bushing was used to secure the boom mounting pin. |
| Version #2 - 1950-54 |
The second version of the Unit Crane omitted the thumb wheel cab-rotation control. Other changes
are noted below.
are noted below.
| This second version toy features Good Year tires. |
| It is likely that both Firestone and Good Year tires were used throughout production. |
| Second version booms were now connected with rivets. |
| An inverted "V" shaped cable guide first appeared on Version #2. |
| Some boom pulleys were of steel, others of brass. |
| Pulley hooks were usually made of flat metal, but round hooks have been reported. |
| #2007 Unit Crane |
