Founded in 1945 in Chicago, Illinois, Monogram got its start in the model business through balsa-wood model kits and rubber-band-powered airplanes.
To match its competitors, the company eventually turned to plastic and plastic-injection machines to fabricate its lines of small and large-scale model cars, ships, and planes. Once the transition was made, Monogram became known for the detail, accuracy, and authenticity of its model kits, characteristics that endeared them to collectors.
The company was acquired by Mattel in 1968, where it remained until Mattel divested its non-toy divisions in 1984. This 1981 catalogue reflects a company still being parented by Mattel and presents Monogram’s entire line of model kits, including a mix of old favourites and new products. The depth of the line included cars and trucks, the Monogram air force, navy ships, military tanks, and even some dinosaur kits.
Our favourites include the company’s “no glue required” Snap Tite series and its Super Scale Kits that were 1/16 scale and ranged between 16 to 24 inches long. Be sure to check out the B-36 Peacemaker, which at the time was touted as the largest plastic model airplane ever produced at 27 inches long with a wingspan of more than 38 inches.
