Type II sets, from 1924-1962, are characterized by their 5/8-inch wide trussed look girders. Many specialized parts designed to build specific models were introduced from 1924-1932. The Great Depression put a damper on elaborate sets during the early to mid-1930s. By the late 1930s, sets were on the increase in size again. Very few metal sets were produced during World War II, most likely sets put together from leftover parts. After WWII, sets started small again, but gradually increased starting in 1948 with the introduction of the No. 12 1/2 Walking Giant set. Sets and models remained mostly unchanged until 1958 when Musical Sets hit the scene for this year and 1959. The end of the toy was in site as the quality of the sets started to deteriorate until the final demise in 1962.
The TYPE II sets are separated into three galleries by era.
TYPE I – 1913-1923 | TYPE II – Classic Period – 1924-1932 | TYPE II – Pre-WWII – 1933-1942 | TYPE II – Post-WWII – 1945-1962 | TYPE III – 1963-1988
Type II – Post-World War II – 1945-1962
Photos appear in chronological order starting with 1945 No. 1 Erector Junior and ending with 1962 No. 10551. There are 187 photos in this collection.
I’m finding this gallery invaluable for proper display. Looking at the 1951 8 1/2, I see a lower layer including parts cans. Did the 1951 8 1/2 come with 1″ cans standard? If I put the 1 5/8″ in this location, the upper box seems to ride high requiring effort to close the lid versus just letting it fall shut.