Lynncraft Construction Sets

Hi folks, Doc here. In the years immediately following World War II, there was a flurry of activity in the toy industry, including the construction toy hobby. While many old, well established brand names renewed production (e.g., Gilbert Erector), some new players began to emerge (e.g., The Constructioneer). Among these newcomers was a brand called Lynncraft, first produced in 1946 in Glendale, California by the Lynn Engineering and Manufacturing Company.

The first few post-War years were influenced by a shortage of steel, and this affected many manufacturing companies. Lynn was no exception. As a result, they made their parts from aluminum. The parts, along with the sets themselves, were fairly small. As a result, models designed to be built with Lynncraft sets were also small and simple. Only two sets are known (Nos. 136 and 146), and the part inventory was limited to just 18 different types. These included strips, trunnions, flanged and flat plates, pierced disks, double angles, pulleys, cranks, and axles. Most of the parts were die-stamped from thin gauge aluminum, so the longer strips were grooved down the center for added strength. Typical part specifications are listed in the table below.

The set shown in the photos below is the larger of the two, the No. 146. It was packaged in a cardboard box that measured 16" long x 10" wide x 1" deep. The attractive artwork on the box lid featured some small Lynncraft models surrounding a futuristic city skyline. In lieu of a manual, a large label featuring 20 different models was glued to the inside of the lid. The parts were arranged on a cardboard insert that fit inside of the box; small semicircular tabs cut in the insert held the majority of parts in place. A small box held the fasteners, which were made from steel, as were the axles. A second version of the No. 146 set was also produced, although whether it was earlier or later is unclear. The box artwork was identical, but the part layout inside was slightly different, and it contained black rubber tires. On an interesting note, the two Lynncraft sets (Nos. 136 and 146) were also repackaged under the name "Mickey Mouse", and each one featured a picture of the famous Walt Disney character on the box lid.