This timeline shows the sequential order of dates for anything significant that happens with some of Lald's favorite diecast companies. The timeline isn't complete yet, as I'm still doing some research on it. Its more of a curiosity to see how everything relates to each other as well. It is building off my previous timeline.
The information in this post was found through either personal research or leads given to me. I also added a few sources, so you guys can look at the documentation. If anyone has any leads I can follow, I would love to hear them.
Todo: add Takara Tomy's history to the timeline. Perhaps add cool title image?
Sources: Ertl, Johnny Lightning, Auto World, Greenlight Toys,
1945 - Ertl Company is founded.
1958 - Auto World founded as a small mail order hobby business.
1969 - Topper Toys launches Johnny Lightning cars.
1971 - Topper Toys closes.
1989 - Racing Champions founded.
1994 - Playing Mantis was founded by Thomas E. Lowe, who resurrected the Johnny Lighting brand.
1996 - Racing Champions Corporation is formed.
1999 - Racing Champions acquires the Ertl Company.
2002 - Kevin Davey founds Greenlight Toys. The focus is on race cars and pace cars. ***
2003 - Racing Champions Ertl acquires Learning Curve, changes name to RC2 Corporation.
2004 - RC2 acquires The First Years and Playing Mantis.
2005 - Greenlight creates it's first muscle car line. ***
2005 - Round 2 is founded by Thomas E. Lowe (same guy as Playing Mantis).
2007 - Castline Inc was founded. ***
<=2010- M2 Machines is founded. (On M2's blog, the earliest entry in Sept. '10, so M2 has been around since at least then). ***
??? - Round 2 purchased the rights to the Auto World name and logo.
2011- Tomy acquires RC2. ***
2013 - Tomy decides to stop production of JL cars.
Anything with *** is new or has been added.
Leads were given to me by: carcrasher88