Structo was formed in 1908, originally named Thompson, changing to Structo with the development of a construction toy, similar to Meccano and Erector. Whilst not a toy train manufacturer, Structo did produce pressed steel toys and had connections with other well known firms. Structo made steel parts for Arcade, and Arcade made cast parts for Structo. The Structo construction system was sold to A C Gilbert of Erector and, later, American Flyer fame after Structo moved away from pure construction toys to constructor road vehicles then ready to use pressed steel trucks, cars and more, both push along and clockwork. Structo was purchased by Ertl in 1975.
The illustrations below are a series of catalog illustrations by and on behalf of Structo. Note the first is combined Structo and American Flyer.
Structo and American Flyer catalog illustration |
Structo catalog illustration, L Gould and Co, Chicago |
Structo magazine illustration, Popular Mechanics |
Structo catalog illustration |
Structo catalog illustration, 1920 |
Structo catalog illustration |
Structo catalog illustration, N Shure Co, Chicago 1938 |
Structo Instruction Manual |
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