Origins
Monogram was founded in Chicago in 1945 making balsa wood model kits of ships and airplanes. Seaships such as the USS Missouri battleship, the USS Shangri-La carrier and the USS Hobby destroyer were among the very first products. Meanwhile a company called Revell started making plastic kits in 1953, and Monogram responded with "All Plastic" "Plastikits" the first of which were a red plastic midget racer and a "Hot Rod" Model A - and the modeling race was on (Funding Universe webpage). These two cars, and later an Indianapolis style racer and hydroplane racing boat, were also offered with C02 "Jet Power". Early kits advertised that the models were made from "acetate parts molded to shape". The wording showed just how new the plastic industry was and not yet taken for granted.
Early airplane models were mainly balsawood, but more plastic parts were added over the next couple of years. By 1954 the airplane lineup consisted of the 'Speedee Built' series which flew under rubber band power. A few of these planes were all plastic. Also seen were the Superkits with prefabricated balsa fuselage, but more plastic parts.
As the 1950s progressed, Monogram increasingly included more automobile models and custom wheeled creations. Through the 1970s competition required increased production of a variety of fantastical custom, Hot Rod, and race cars of all types.
Read more about this topic: Monogram Models
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