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1970 Tonka Gas Turbine Trucks

1970 Tonka Gas Turbine models carrying over from 1969 were #2465 Dump, #2585 Hydraulic Dump, #2620 Cement Mixer, #2690 Sanitary Service, #2820 Pumper, #2850 Car Carrier, #2910 Bottom Dump, #2950 Snorkel Pumper, #2998 Aerial Ladder and the #3109 Construction Set.

There were a few changes in 1970 that would alter the visual appearance and help today's collector identify 1970 as the year manufactured. The Tonka logo changed with the words "MOUND, MINN" replaced with "U.S.A."

The TX-500 was replaced almost across the board with what Tonka called their floatation tire. The new tire was about 25% wider than the TX-500 tire. The TX-500 tire was still used on the 1970 Car Carrier trailer and the Aerial Ladder trailer.

There was also a design change of the front grill/bumper. From 1965 through 1969, The bumper wrapped around the front corners of the cab. Beginning in 1970, the bumper was designed to be flush with the corner of the cab. Please review the ID Guide for visual details. As of this writing, it is not known if the design change was to save material or ease a manufacturing problem or due to a child safety concern.

CHANGES FROM LAST YEAR: Model #2585 Hydraulic Dump changed colors from orangish red to bright lime green, model #2690 Sanitary Service changed color from deep blue to a brighter light blue and the Bottom Dump, model #2910, also changed colors from yellow to Euclid green.

OBSERVATION: Another Gas Turbine you may find highly collectible is the 1970 release of model #2910 Bottom Dump in Euclid green. You see, in 1971, it is deleted for good.