Joy Line History
Joy Line Trains were manufactured by Girard Model Works of Girard, Pennsylvania which was incorporated 1922.
In the early days Girard made patterns, machinery and strap springs. In the 1920's they began making toys which included handcars,
airplanes, pressed steel cars and trucks, Flasho, the Mechanical Grinder and other toys.
About 1929, Louis Marx became the
salesman for Girard and built their sales to levels not dreamed of before!
By the mid 1930's the depression took it's toll
and Girard was bankrupted. Louis Marx purchased the company and sealed it's fate as part of the Marx legend!
Girard began
manufacturing Joy Line trains in 1927. The early trains were notable for their curving blue frames and their sence of fancy with
names like "Eagle Eye Caboose", "Venice Gondola", "Hobo Rest Boxcar" and "Everful Tank Car". They were joyful indeed and are much
sought after today.
The latter production trains were on heavier steel, black bases and included passenger coaches and
electric engines. One of the most sought after Joy Line pieces is the Power House transformer.
In the final years before
Marx acquisition, Girard was making many toys under contract to Marx and for this reason Joy Line trains are widely seen as an
adjunct to Marx train collecting today.