1940s Marx DC-4 Restoration: Massive 28" Wingspan Pressed Steel Toy

Marx AA American Airlines Douglas DC4 "The Flagship" NC2100 Pressed Steel Airplane from the 1940's is restored and brought to a mirror finish.
Decals were custom made to replicate the originals, missing parts were hand fabricated, and rust was sandblasted away before everything was wire wheeled and polished
This was the largest airplane Marx made and it was used over the years as both American Airlines and Pan-Am. These came in four versions or "Marks". The early version had just propellers that would free wheel to spin. The Mark 2 had the opening cabin door and the freewheeling props. Mark 3
had a wheels-turns-props (WTP) option only. This means the props would turn when rolled on the floor. The Mark 4 which featured the WTP props and the opening cabin door.
This plane is an earlier Mark 2 version, with free wheeling propellers and the opening cabin door.
I've done this video a bit different, I tried to focus more on the work involved with the process instead of the popular "quick-cut" style where you see the first moment each step begins and then a cut to the final moment before it ends. I think a lot is lost from doing the video editing this way. The hours of labor involved is of course lost but with it the respect for the craft is diminished as people see a quick turnaround and assume this happens without your hands getting dirty, and my hands will show that is far from the truth. So with this restoration I'm showcasing not only this amazing antique toy, but the process by which it is brought back to life. If you appreciate these efforts and want to see more content, please do subscribe it makes this channel possible.

[@Toystorations]

If you have a favorite part of the restoration process, let me know in a comment.

[@BrooksMoses]

I really appreciate the effort you went to to record the original graphics and precisely recreate them including their locations. Very nice work there indeed!

[@KidYuma1880]

The whole process is amazing, making the door was great paper to metal, the unfortunate lose of the original AA insignia to making new stuff. My dad was one of test pilots in late 60’s 70’s for Douglas 8,9 &10’s. My heart is still in their A/C’s. Again great job on toy DC-4. Thanks sharing it

[@islamjawaher217]

Sandblasting is my favourite part, but your left handed blasting sucks. Well done for a good finish.

[@Toystorations]

@@islamjawaher217 Not my fault the machine is right handed :) Tell Harbor Freight. I'm working on improving it though, I just got a Skatblast gun, but my tip broke in this project, so I have ceramic tips to replace it with for next time. I appreciate you letting me know which part you like watching.

[@pasokhjoo1158]

@@Toystorations I hope you didn't mistake my jest, and was no reflection on your excellent restoration job. Keep up the good work, and count me as one your many admirers.

[@user-ff5cy9up5b]

가비지타임 보다 온 사람 없냐

[@1.172y]

저요

[@himynameis472]

가비지 타임 보고 왔으면 ㄱㅊ ㅋㅋㅋ

[@yuln3990]

욕시 나같응 사람이 한 둘이 아니였구나 소중한 우리 종수...ㅠㅠㅠ

[@user-dg3dt9zv3x]

종수야 멋져요 종수야 장해요 종수야 힘내요

[@Toystorations]

그런 친절한 말씀 감사합니다

[@davidmccann9811]

When I see these rusty old toys, I always think how a child would have once been excited to unwrap them on Christmas morning or for their birthday.

[@alanm3438]

If my CNC plasma cutter was working, I would have made the parts for you. I am glad that you cared enough to restore this old plane and give back her former glory.

[@OdeeOz]

Amazing restoration, of the 1st Transport plane I was on from Germany to the States 💯⭐&👍

[@user-dl7zo1wt8v]

할 진짜 있네 ㅋㅋ

[@wirabuanaofficial1509]

it really hit my childhood memory, there was a time that kind of toy was super awesome. thankyou for showing me this

[@Toystorations]

I'm glad! That's what I get out of these too, a connection to old memories or filling desires I had as a kid that I couldn't fulfil. Thanks for stopping by :)

[@wirabuanaofficial1509]

i remember that time im running around back yard with holding this kind of toys, well now my son just sit and playing RC plane. for me there is no fun from it

[@TralfazConstruction]

I had a toy four-engined airplane similar to this. It may have been the next generation of toy in late-'59 or early-'60. I recall getting it and being excited the next morning because I'd woken up and remembered I'd been given a new plane the day before. Life was a breeze before kindergarten started the year after that.

[@Toystorations]

@@TralfazConstruction That's awesome! I can't remember the last time I genuinely woke up simply excited for something like that.

[@TralfazConstruction]

@Toystorations Yeah. What I described was a contemporaneous memory from when I was age 4. I remember being excited about that new toy. I had a lot of those stamped-steel toy planes, cars, trucks, etc. Then, as my younger brothers came along the 'fleet' grew and grew. We moved in mid-'62 and we got a new toy box for our den. It got jam-packed over the next several years.

[@KidYuma1880]

Amazing restoration of a kids 1940’s AA DC-4 metal toy. AA would appreciate this toy restored.

[@petebard]

31:10 31:11 31:11

[@docinparadise]

Great to see someone taking on such a big project without all the super high end equipment. Bonus to see that person is not only predominantly left handed, but also wonderfully ambidextrous.

[@michaelmarcotti2470]

The aircraft aluminum finish just blew me away! Beautiful.

[@Toystorations]

It took a lot more polishing than I wanted to do, not gonna lie. Glad you enjoyed it, I'm really happy how it came out. Thanks for the kind words :)

[@NeilB.Arnold]

One thing I learned from a modelling book was soak the decals for five seconds lay them on paper towels for a minute, then slide them onto the model, that insures maximum glue on the decal, it stops them from peeling.

[@MuhammadAbyanAthar]

Amazing restoration 👏👏

[@enriquelopez9124]

Awesome restoration on a 1940s American Airlines airplane

[@TheParkAttendant]

I remember taking such toys apart. Even repairing a few. This brings back memories of more innocent times.

[@rohitshukla9756]

Awesome job!! Minute details have been taken care of. Bravo!!

[@stephenpowell5912]

Amazing Job ❤Amazing how it looked when dismantled to show how it was made ,Grandparents nowadays who grew up in the 1940s as young people would be staggered to see how a restoration project is able to bring back memories of kids having Toys like this left to rust (Sad as it was or is )To looking Beautiful once again ❤Sterling Job ❤Hello from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ricardodrumond6418]

I flew so many times in those Douglas C4, they could glide without the motors.

[@stephenmiller9124]

I enjoyed this airplane toy restoration video a great deal. You did a fantastic job! I was born in 1950. Sometime in the middle 1950s, my parents gave me a metal airliner, which was probably a DC-4 like this one. I was rough with my toys, and almost none of them survived my childhood. Your restoration brought back so many good memories from my distant past. Thank you for sharing your exquisite work!

[@Toystorations]

I'm glad this brought up some good memories! Thank you for sharing them with me, I feel like a lot of these toys ended up played with, which is fine because that's what they were made for!

[@ddilink]

Looks like it's ready to take off. Nice job.

[@Toystorations]

Thank you for your kind words they're appreciated

[@rikkus67]

Cudos on the metal work done on this model. Considering the age, and the condition of the metal to work with, you did a great job bringing back a polished finish! My only criticism is the decals. You should always cut the decals as close to the artwork as possible. The "flashing" of clear will be even more noticeable as the decals age. Also, if you have any access to a "Cricut" machine, you could cut out the NC number and American Airlines titles on self adhesive vinyl. That eliminates any excess clear. All in all, a very good restoration.

[@feisty7933]

WOW.....A testament of what is so simple yet so beautiful. That plane was damn lucky to run into you.

[@MarkJoseph-vv4pj]

Blown away. Excellent job. You, my friend, could also double as a certified master watchmaker!

[@alexbailey5081]

Nice job on the restoration process

[@neinkalando2519]

Men consider that rewarding work because you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor

[@williamstyers4264]

I love the old Marx and Tonka toys. They were practically indesructable not like the plastic junk you find today that lasts only a few hurs at most. Wonderful job of fabrication and restoration. Final result was out of this world.

[@josephsequeira8020]

EXCELLENT . EXCELLENT WORK! I loved watching your video. When I was much younger my father bought a house back in 1970 . In the cellar was the exact airplane model. You brought me back to many happy memories. thanx! Mine was as rusty but minus the landing gear and propellers and the decals. FIVE STARS

[@nanooseguy327]

Nice job, it’s a beautiful old metal model and you totally brought it back to its old glory. 👍👍

[@solitairesmith3553]

Like a mirror. It's PERFECT 🥰

[@Toystorations]

It's not perfect, but it's good enough to sit on my shelf!

[@eddielorenzosr6931]

Beautiful restoration , good job 👍

[@DarkStar-wu9nq]

Superb The Graphics sorfware is out of this world

[@williamharris8367]

Awesome! I really like the fabrication of missing parts, like the rear door and the propellers. The final product looked just amazing, from covered in rust and dirt to a mirror finish.

[@Toystorations]

Thank you, a lot of time went into this one for sure. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

[@zibbyzubb]

Beautiful job! That wonderful toy has a new life!

[@suelifreitas5109]

Your channel is addictive for the love you dedicate to this work. Few do it with such dedication. Congratulations!

[@drbichat5229]

Growing up in the 60s had an all metal DC8 battery operated that will taxi on its own , noise, lights, everything. Still in a box at my parents old home

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Strangely satisfying to see the tabs get squashed flat in the vise.

[@Toystorations]

Agreed, might be my favorite part.

[@finlayfraser9952]

OMG, astounding! Areal toy that required imagination to play with.

[@michaelaldredge-greenwell1692]

What an excellent, detailed, wonderful, awesome restoration of such a beautiful & cool classic iconic toy!! The sandblasting is most cathartic. You are a true master restorer!! I enjoy your work

[@Toystorations]

Thank you, you are too kind! I'm glad you appreciate the video, thank you for watching and thanks for your kind words!

[@MarkBrockman1956]

Totally impressed. Just amazing. 😮

[@larrykrise3609]

awsome work sir.i love aircraft,toys and full scale.thank you.

[@Toystorations]

Glad you liked it! I've mostly been a car guy most of my life, but my respect for these old aircraft is growing the older I get.

[@htrestore]

Wow, beautiful restoration, great job.

[@JiroTheOni]

Great video! Loved watching it all come together. Very relaxing.

[@Toystorations]

Thank you, I appreciate your kind words and I am glad you enjoyed watching!

[@lindawallace6750]

FANTASTIC BEAUTIFUL JOB !!!

[@Toystorations]

Thank you for your kind words. :)

[@wowdad3055]

Very Nice Job.

[@Echo3_]

Making the door out of paper and tracing it to sheet metal is a simple but genius idea because it is easy to sculpt the paper

[@francisagosh2175]

I had one of those when I was a little kid quite a few years ago in the 1950s but when you rolled it propellers return because they had it hooked up to the main wheels so it looked pretty cool when I was taxiing

[@reuben9213]

I loved every part of your restoration from start to finish 👍

[@robertmills538]

Good job👍. Imagine nickel plated 😁

[@Toystorations]

I wanted to nickel plate it, but that's a big vat to make and a lot of wasted effort if I ruin it! Maybe on the next plane.

[@adriansumner1412]

Holy moly that's amazing 😮

[@michaelfoster4355]

You did a great job on the door, mate!

[@Toystorations]

Thank you! I always like when I can make my own replacement parts!

[@dannyhenson2298]

Wonderful restoration

[@toml.1408]

I have a 1960 roller tin toy (scale 1:200 I believe) of an American Airlines 707, The tail number is:N7501A. Had it as a 4-year old child, Bought it again off EBAY a few years ago in great condition. That tail number was a real authentic tail number in the American Airlines inventory in 1960. My dad was a Captain for Western Airlines at LAX in the 1950s. He flew the DC-4s and Convairs. Mom was a flight attendant.

[@tomt373]

I hope you finished the model off with a couple of good coats of gloss clear varnish to preserve both the shine from oxidation as well as your decal markings from shrinking, peeling, fading, etc.

[@Toystorations]

I didn't want to do it on screen, in case I goofed it up, but I plan to as soon as it gets warm enough to paint outside. Thanks for the heads up!

[@richardcasey7521]

It came out beautifully!

[@CSltz]

I have memories of playing with a airplane such as this. I remember it being very big with propellers. I doubt if I was over 5 or 6. We were at Selfridge A F B in Michigan in the housing area off base nick named Splinterville. I wonder what ever happened to it. Born in 55.

[@JohnZombi88]

Great job on the decals. I cant imagine how long those take to perfect. Give me the sanding job any day

[@wayneandrus240]

What beautifully precise and sensitive work! The decals are perfect. Too bad no LED lights could not be installed or small electric motors to turn the props. What a beautiful model. Its a display piece. Something to be proud of!

[@vanpenguin22]

Magnificent work my friend.

[@Toystorations]

Thank you!

[@aky8420]

Святое дело - восстановление игрушек, тем более самолётов 👏👍👌💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@Toystorations]

Наше прошлое должно быть сохранено, особенно счастливые воспоминания, созданные этим самолетом. Спасибо, что ты здесь со мной!

[@alexbailey5081]

I would have loved to have an airplane like that in my collection

[@jimmyjimmy2865]

Very nice. A lot of hard work. Thanks for sharing.

[@outlawflyer7868]

Came out ok. Suggestion for your sandblasting cabinet. Get LED lights and use those rubber mats that u put at the bottom of your silverware draws for the inside of your sandblasting cabinet.

[@Toystorations]

I've got more LED floodlights in there than a baseball stadium. My vacuum system can't keep up though, it gets too dusty to see.

[@evitasdad]

Omg, that is…. Beautiful! Well done!

[@RestorationVideo]

*_The original is one of my favourite restorations. You guys do top work. Seriously impressive effort and results._*

[@KennethScharf]

"The High and the Mighty"! Yeah, I'd re-decal it to match the plane in the movie. One of the Duke's best!

[@markrhine5809]

Dear Toystorations, You do professional work, I really enjoy watching you bring back to life these old toys, you do excellect work, keep on wih your wonderful talant. Have a good day.

[@eskieman3948]

Some he keeps (like this one), and I would expect that he sells other (gotta support your hobby, right?). If I had one of these, it would be hanging from the ceiling in my home office in a gradual 'bank", as if it was heading in for a final approach to land. Definitely a keeper!

[@shnops]

Beautiful job !

[@Hadassah-KaquoliMReno]

I love the eyes you put on your wrench, very cool!

[@Hadassah-KaquoliMReno]

I meant pliers... silly me!

[@lilianchavez6522]

Congratulations! Amazing restoration!

[@flaviojunior8260]

Ficou incrível! Meus parabéns! 👏👏🇧🇷

[@danielblahuta3330]

Impressive restoration! Thanks for sharing.

[@Toystorations]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@martinmoore8730]

Excellent job 👏, I love it.

[@user-zj4iv3uw5s]

Nice job !

[@jake359nl]

Beautiful restoration! Just one tip: please try to keep the object more in frame cause that's too exhausting to follow...maybe a little less zoom...

[@Cradley684]

Great restoration friend, look's great, have a nice day !!!.

[@Toystorations]

Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate them, I hope you're enjoying your holidays.

[@ghostofkadesh9041]

Nice work 😃👍

[@Toystorations]

Thank you, and thanks for watching.

[@eskieman3948]

Really enjoyed this video - very nice work. I've been around quite a while, and I remember as a kid seeing these airplanes while visiting other kids' houses... and they eventually were banged up, left outside in the rain & snow, and eventually ended up rusted & hammered in their trash cans. Sigh. Well, you saved this one!

[@leslietarkin5705]

Very pretty.

[@MillwalltheCat]

A difficult item to restore from that condition, and finish as polished metal. You did it perfectly. I wonder what happened to the kid who got that as a present all those years ago? I hope it inspired him to be an airline pilot.

[@Toystorations]

Those thoughts are part of what drives me to keep these old toys around, you know the largest and most expensive toy plane on the market in the 1940s was a very special gift to some kid, it was probably the highlight of their Christmas. I know my young childhood toys have been a major influence on my life.

[@robertallen5531]

Awesome work 👍

[@Toystorations]

Thank you!

[@CeruleanTalon]

So very satisfying!

[@bgdavenport]

Nice metal work.

[@jimcrawford5603]

very nice work

[@NYC1927]

Great job!

[@Toystorations]

Thank you!

[@mcdowelltw]

superb job

[@Toystorations]

Thank you for your kind words. :)

[@DIANAHERNANDEZ-ws1ri]

Que hermosos trabajos ! Felicidades maestro, desde México !👏

[@Toystorations]

¡Gracias por sus amables palabras! Espero que hayas disfrutado el video.

[@amitmalgankar9985]

I love ur hardwork in whole video.

[@Toystorations]

Thank you! I'm happy with how it ended up.

[@RestorationAustralia]

Super cool object.👍

[@Toystorations]

Definitely an odd one to work on! Thanks for stopping by.

[@user-if3qn7hl4w]

최종수가되~

[@josemontano7767]

I always wanted one of those

[@Toystorations]

They were quite the toy in their day

[@stashyboy1]

TMNT bowl.. lol. Great work!

[@plunkervillerr1529]

Marx train guy here, I would love to create a finish on my C/V locomotive like that.

[@joguard5940]

Alors ça c'est du bon boulot, bravo !!

[@Toystorations]

Je vous remercie pour vos aimables paroles!

[@notwocdivad]

I think perhaps a small anvil and a flat faced planishing hammer might have gotten the bends and kinks out of the parts better than a sand pad and shaped mallet?

[@Toystorations]

The best tool is the one you have.

[@jrv8miniaturas459]

Parabéns meu amigo lindo trabalho muito show 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Toystorations]

Muito obrigado pela sua gentileza!

[@JJ-el9id]

Beautiful

[@0_0erz]

종수야 기특하다

[@Toystorations]

당신은 기특하다, 감사합니다

[@BR5494]

One.hell.of.a.restro.loved.ever. Bitt.of.it.10s.on.everything. BRAVO. BRAVO 👏🏴‍☠️🏆🇺🇲

[@Toystorations]

Hey, thank you so much! That truly means a lot. I'm really happy with how it turned out.