While no complete production records exist, there are a few remaining detailed Topping Models “cost sheets” for specific orders. For example, a cost sheet dated August 1964 for 200 Lockheed Hercules C-130E models lists material, stamping, labor costs, etc. totaling $6.40 per plane, including a 10% profit margin. The price quotes included a 10% profit margin and a listing of the quotes available will be added to this site as the information is compiled.

Another cost sheet dated September 1964 shows production for 5,000 F-111’s (2,500 USAF F-111A and 2,500 Navy F-111B) at cost of $6.45 per model.  The details included the decal cost at 25 cents/model. A copy of the May, June and July 1958 summary sheet from Topping Assemblies is shown below.

On January 1, 1958, Topping entered into an agreement with the Walter J. Hyatt Company in Beverly Hills, CA. to be an exclusive sales representative and increase Topping’s sales presence and potential customers in California, Oregon, Washington and Arizona. The agreement was commission based with an annual renewal option. Hyatt went on to produce and market models such as the Apollo spacecraft.  Per Gary Schneider, Bill Topping was a  salesman and spent lavishly on customers, prospects, etc. Topping attended various trade shows with a large pegboard model display, a rotating table and Topping Models backlit sign (pictured above).  Gary had worked for Topping Models during the time his father was Topping's partner.  A pdf file of the Topping Catalog can be viewed by clicking on the 1961 Topping Catalog and is courtesy of www.collectair.com.  Clicking on these links will direct you away from this website.  Use your browser's back arrow to return to this site.

The final demise of Topping Models was the contract to produce and sell a model of the Unisphere Globe at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Topping thought he had the exclusive right to sell the model at the fair and learned too late the contract was valid only within the American Pavilion. Other foreign companies could and did sell their lower priced Unisphere.  A limited number of the original Topping Models 1964 Unisphere Globe is available.

On April 30, 1965 Topping Models filed for voluntary bankruptcy in U.S. District Court, Cleveland, OH.  Court document (no. 8652197) shows assets totaling $904,712 and liabilities of $243,256.  This seems rather odd as the records would indicate the company had equity.  Mr. Topping subsequently suffered a stroke and was inactive for a period of time.  When his health recovered in 1968 he attempted to restart Topping Models in a 2 story rented brick building located at 365 Water Street in downtown Akron, OH., producing the Piper Cherokee Arrow, Cherokee C, D, 140 and 235B. The cost for each model was $9.00 with a choice of domestic or foreign decals. A reproduction of the original Topping Models Flyer is available.

The exact date Topping closed business for the final time is unknown. A Dunn & Bradstreet report dated Nov. 23, 1971 on Topping Models shows recorded mortgages and financing statements on record.  He reported 12 employees including himself. The report notes that "cash not always adequate and suppliers reported slowness"; and  “Mr. Topping declined to provide all requested financial information.”

Most of the Topping tooling, injection molds and model inventory was purchased by Precise Models at the bankruptcy auction.  The Topping Models Inc. name and logo were buffed out of the Topping manufactured models and marketed as Precise Models Inc.  Later Precise production runs were made using the Topping injection molds and sold as Precise Models Inc.  Initially, Precise also placed a small label on the models (usually under the wing) until a manufacturer informed them it was considered advertising and made them stop the practice.

The Topping Assemblies facility (located across the street from Precise Models) was purchased at the bankruptcy auction by Mr. Joe Goldsmith, owner of Buckeye Mold & Die.  He employed approximately 30 die makers and had previously manufactured molds for both Topping and Precise.  The building was later sold to another individual and eventually purchased by the current owner and business, National Molded Products, Inc.  They currently mold high quality plastic products and will mold "almost anything" according to the owner.   

                           Former Topping Assemblies, Inc. at 147 Kenwood St., Elryia, OH.