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1969 Tonka Gas Turbine Trucks

Tonka began to replace the TX-500 tire with what was called their "floatation tire". The tire was made of injection molded plastic just like the TX-500. The difference was in the tread width, an increase of about 65%. The #2585 Hydraulic Dump, #2820 Pumper and #2950 Snorkel Pumper are listed in the 1969 Tonka dealer catalog as being fitted with the floatation tire.

1969 Tonka Turbine models carrying over from 1968 were the #2620 Cement Mixer, #2690 Sanitary Service, #2910 Bottom Dump, #2998 Aerial Ladder and the #3109 Construction Set. There were several new additions to the Gas Turbines in 1969. Model #2465 Dump, model #2585 Hydraulic Dump in a bright orangish red, model #2820 Pumper, model #2850 Car Carrier and model #2950 Snorkel Pumper made their debut. Deleted in 1969 were the #2840 Car Carrier and the #2926 Pumper. All in all, quite a growth spurt.

OBSERVATION: Another Gas Turbine truck you may want to consider for your collection is the one year only model #2585 Hydraulic Dump in orangish red.

OBSERVATION: Technically, the #2840 Car Carrier from prior years was deleted for 1969 but was immediately replaced with #2850 Car Carrier. A new and more updated trailer replaced the trailer that had been used on Regular series trucks since 1959. The new trailer sported tandem rear axles with a combination tailgate and ramp. The trailer had larger side panel openings reducing child pinch points and finger entrapment thus meeting newly enacted Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. One red Mustang and one light green Ranchero came with the #2850 Car Carrier.