The Type III tugboat was never sold to the public, it never appeared in catalogues. It is very rare. Most collectors today adhere to the theory that this red version was produced to be used by salesmen to promote and sell the production version Type II to the store buyers. It is often referred to as the “salesman’s sample”.
The BUDDY “L” TUGBOAT- Type III was exactly the same as the Type I in every aspect except for the following:
1. It does not have a motor (complete propulsion system)
2. It is painted completely red (the same red as used on the caboose and other cars of the outdoor train set (catalogue number 1000-A). It must have been completely assembled then painted. All parts were painted including the screws, nuts, tiller and stay, propeller, speed control and valve stem. Only two items were not painted-- one, the search light reflector (crimped on after painted) and two, the deck railing (attached to the boat after painted).
3. The BUDDY “L”, Quality toys, TRANSPORTATION COMPANY decal on the smoke stack was added after paint along with a single stripe positioned below the rub strake. The stripe is gold with a thin black stripe on the top and bottom.
Note: The Type III pictured is restored and some of the parts were not painted red that were originally.
