Tin toy service stations

I've always been attracted to these beautifully lithographed toys when I see them at flea markets. The Schucos from the 50s and 60s particular are pretty amazing! The varianto system was like a train set with cars. Check out the video of it in action.

Schuco Variante 3054 Service Station. These post-war German stations from Schuco were part of a whole system that included appropriately scaled cars and trucks.

Schuco Varianto 3055 Elektro Service Station. West German, 1960s via carters.com

Marx Nite & Day Service Station via ebay

Hoch & Beckmann, Shell gas station, W.-Germany, tin, functions ok, with gas pump & car lift via

Marx service center with sky-view parking

Arnold, big gas station Esso, W.-Germany, tin

This week on my drawing board

The old lemon fruit pie. Brian, this is for you!

Andy Warhol

This week on my drawing board

Erik Nitsche

Erik Nitsche (September 7, 1908 - November 14, 1998) was a Swiss-born designer who, after moving to the United States at the age of 26, had a long and successful career as a graphic designer and art director. He's most famous for the work he did for General Dynamics, the engineering company, but also created many iconic record album and book covers. I love his abstract geometric images humanized by delicate color palettes. Enjoy!