The full-size Jeep CJ-3B was frequently used as a fire engine (see Jeep CJ-3B Fire Engine 1955-1961), and there have been a few toys based on fire service versions of the 3B.
This unusual tin toy, with front-wheel friction drive and folding windshield, was made in Japan by "TN". The dramatic illustration on the box correctly shows it as a "Command Jeep" rather than an actual fire engine. See also the picture on the side of the box (retouched 25K JPEG).
The Jeep is from the collection of Jarek Skonieczny, who says, "Much larger than the common Japanese tin Jeeps, this one is almost Tonka sized. The box clearly depicts a 3B so there is no question about the intent of the manufacturer to make it a 3B, even though the windshield has a split in it, perhaps just for strength."
Thge windhsield and several other details suggest that the prototype is actually the Mitsubishi version of the 3B made in Japan, despite the "FD" graphic on the hood and the illustrations on the box.
The CJ-3B is one of several Japanese tin fire Jeeps (30K JPEG) in Jarek's collection, including a Forward Control truck and an MB. "The little MB is marked Japan on its plastic base. There is also a high amount of plastic throught the jeep so this must be one from just about the end of the tin era. Plastic proving itself cheaper! The FC is in really sad shape. There was a drive shaft to turn the top light, which also made the driver's arm go up and down as the Jeep drove. It's also made by TN -- the MB does not have a manufacturer indicated."
This tinplate fire engine from Japan is smaller -- approximately 3-3/4 inches long. It's a nice example of Tinplate Lithography on Jeep Toys.
A more recent example is a Tomica 1/43 model of a Mitsubishi Jeep, seen in this photo from Peter Pearson's collection.
I would love to see Tomica release a model of the Mitsubishi Jeep J32 fire engine of the 1960's.
Another recent toy fire service Jeep based on a Mitsubishi prototype, is notable mostly for the artwork on its packaging (40K JPEG). With CJ-3B high hood and dog-eared front fenders, it has only a "Fire Dept" decal on the hood to distinguish it from other bargain-store diecast Jeeps made in China.
The Tonka Pumper, which appeared in 1963, is one of the most in-demand Tonka Jeep toys. Since I have argued that the design of the Tonka pressed-steel Jeep was at least partially based on the CJ-3B (see Tonka Jeeps Are CJ-3B's) I have included it on this page. This example is part of a collection of Tonka Trucks on display on the web. For more photos, see The Tonka Jeep Pumper.
Hamilton fire truck pedal Jeeps aklso appear to be based on the CJ-3B.
Thanks to Jarek and Pete for their photos. -- Derek Redmond
See more Fire Service Jeep Toys on The CJ3B Page.
Return to the Toy Jeeps Pages.
Also on The CJ3B Page, see some full-size Fire Service Jeeps.
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