Multiple Toymakers also known as MPC put out a collection of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals from 1964 into the 70s. Often mistaken for Marx pieces on eBay, they usually came in bright colors. Some of the older pieces were a dark gray or brown--characteristic smell, a lot like a clay.
I have a list below of the mold part numbers that are stamped on the inside leg or side of the figure.
My observations are based on 10 years of experience working with injection molds in a toy factory.
Some recast figures have a number that was not on the ORIGINAL MPC pieces.
The stamped numbers were possibly put on the mold cavity to identify it from others in the same mold. I have noticed that the pin marks (small circles ) are on the same side as the numbers on some figures and not on others. The line around the figure is called a parting line and it is the seam between front and back halves of the mold. The mold itself consists of two halves; the front usually is the sprue side, and the back would have the ejector pins to release the parts from the mold. In a family mold there can be a number of identical figures and they might be numbered for inspection purposes.
The Figures List is sorted into possible mold groups using the following criteria.
* the name of the figure
* parting line location
* the number on the figure and location
* the location of the pin marks ( which mold half )
* the color
FIGURES LIST/ numbers
mold group A :: Numbered on Mold-Back
Allosaurus ( 5,6,19,20 ) Cynognathus++ ( 22,27,30,35 )
Ankylosaurus (11,12,13,14 ) Pteranodon++ (23,26,31,34 )
Triceratops ( 9?,10,15,16 ) Dimetrodon++ ( 21,28,29,36 )
Stegosaurus ( 7,8,17,18 ) Plateosaurus++ ( 24,25,32,33
mold group B :: Numbered on Mold-front
Brontosaurus++ ( 11,15,16 ) Kronosaurus++ ( 17,18,19 )
Trachodon++ ( 20,21,22 ) Tyrannosaurus rex++ ( 12,13,14 )
mold group C :: Cam molded areas -not numbered
C1 group} Macraeuchenia ** Megatherium Parasaurolophus
C2 group} Smilidon++ Moschops++
Wooly Mammoth - no cam, possible reverse pins also= two figures
Mold group D :: Originals not numbered
Ceratogaulus ** Dire Wolf ** Struthiomimus Glyptodont **
Mold group E :: Originals not numbered
Styracosaurus++ Diatryma **++
++ Cereal Premium ( 12 Total ) ** No Marx counterpart
--The numbering system of the figures in Group A is consistant with typical mold runner systems used in family molds. There are four (4) of each figure in the mold, 5 thru 36 . Since only half of these figures were molded in the cereal premium colors (21-36), it might be possible that there were two molds or that the runner system could have shut off some parts.
Just a speculation, but has anyone seen a silver Triceratops or any other figure from this group?
--The mold Group B information numbers 11 thru 22.These figures were made in the METALLIC, cereal premiums and most other colors
-- In this mold Group C, the cam molding area shows a third parting line.
This Cam molding referred to means that a mechanically operated cam formed part of the belly or throat, the extra parting line, another method of molding and usually involving moving parts. All of these figures were done in grays, the METALLIC colors and a rare color red. The five figures average 3 variations each-based on the pin locations observed. I'm guessing that means there were three cavities of each figure in the mold.
The Macrauchenia also has a small extra molded area on the top part of the ears. possibly made by another cam (fourth?).
The Wolly Mammoth may be part of this mold group because of colors even though it does not show a third parting line....I also found a Wooly Mammoth that was made opposite to the other Mammoths; the pin marks (circles) were reversed on this piece- the left side of the body. Recast pieces are numbered.
-- This mold Group D mostly red but also dark green. Recast pieces are numbered
One piece has the only MPC logo on the inside of the Glyptodont body shell.
-- Mold Group E was made in a number of colors (not red) including the METALLIC and cereal premium colors. Recast pieces are numbered.
All of these groups may or may not be the actual mold configurations, my speculation only.
Updated 2/1/07
