»» VALUE YOUR VINTAGE TOYS @ a A. LATEST AUCTION RESULTS INSIDE oP SAGAS) :¢ y « a pi y 1 ~~ Remembering two f wa? increasingly popular ~~ WHAT'S IN hidden gems from a YOUR LOFT? ioe CUS L aT Could a diamond anniversary mean er gold for collectors... BN aiou 3 CESS) S = 10-MINUTE Ba zero Ney.Weulron s Is TOY EXPERT AND EVENT DATES LATEST HOBBY NEWS ff All you ‘\ re need to know about ee Choppers) MEET THE MODEL CLUB Out and about with the Bayko Collectors Club yaa Should you be shelling out for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures in 2024?iL JL from all of us! hello@excaliburauctions.com 020 3633 0913 www.excaliburauctions.com}//=' CONTENTS IN THIS ISS (Gina 2D ramous ry & The tet rows FILM FACES fronhe werd ofcolecting. forenbering colestebles ‘that fund fame through the sivrscron, QA eres Ogssecrnon Save money and never rie another sue! wnar'stHe Sur YEAR? nsdn eon See ; Price quIDE at hye Qeenceau 1Osimzims icine cms eee ole pas the present and the Fete, with Mork Nolan 120m AWESOME Should you be sheling ot for Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles figures in 20247 ‘TOY STORIES. ‘Thesweet anal of {os With Ea Karswel. 39mm ‘nn Evans vite he Bayle Collectors Cub, 16s DINKIES 40 How Dinky Tos ed What gems ta ciate sles t has Oz uncovered this Chiat in 1268. 18%" )YOUR LOFT? 2 ciamond aniversary could mean gold for alector, 235 Libby Part finds ot 20°am" EXPERT ‘Ayou need to know about ‘thebig names in colecting, ‘month on his travel? EVENT GUIDE 44 iene Ser the month aad with our toy fa and auction listings. A. Spuctionesn LISTING Sale ooms fom across the county alla one place! AUCTION REVIEW Superfast sales speed away! he Danny James collection hit tome record prices at Vectis recently, especially. the models in the Matchbox category A- Superfast 9¢ Ford Escort 2000 pre: production trial in red With light amber windows and a dark tan base made £2,817; iteamewitha Type K box. The Superfast 124 Citroen CX Estate didn't hang about, either; again, 4 pre-production example in metallic emerald freen with a black plastic tailgate, clear windows and a dark yellow interior, its base had not been zine plated. With an L type box, if was bid to £2,327 As for the Superfast 675 Ford Capri Hot Rocker, this was a Brazilian issue and finished in pink with clear windows, an ivory interior and a bare metal base, Billed as Excellent Plus (with just a couple of chips to the boot and some chrome loss to the engine sir intake, it eame ina type J box. This South American oddball closed on £1,837, Dr Who fans atthe sale were spoiled: if the life size seratehbuilt Dalek ‘Above: The Matchbox Spertet Hill’ export issue hit £637, didn’t tempt (it sold for In the model figure £686), then there was 2 arena, 2 Lone‘Star lot comprising over 180 Harvey Series, early Dr Who books. Estimated 1960s issue comprising at fotching £20-40, they @ paint sample card with ten ten dismounted corboys including # rare bareheaded cowboy with 4 lasso) was contested to £2,205, while a Britains set of Snow White and ‘Seven Fellows of Restricted Growth!) were strung in an unusual bos: this lot made £1,347. Were bid all the way to 980, ‘A Dinky 280e (Type 3) Delivery “Van (from 1939140), finished in cream with silver trim fand black smooth hubs the raised £808 while a Corgi Whizawheels Cortina 313 Ford GXL. "Graham BU telat vex Nana heli pa WReLch om Un R NU Ae Bsr] e TUT ET TCE)Nae) Cutting edge yb event featured containing Greck and Mint 124 scale ‘2 good number Roman figures sold for limited edition fof lots of between £130 and £170, 22. carat. gold Miniature figurines A Corgi Ecurie Ecosse plated James ‘These included notes, were no prominent from the Aeroart, King car transporter gift Bond Aston Martin DBS. drawings and photographs _ models but a Wrenn 00 & Country and Del set with its (correct) This was complete with for reference purposes. gauge W2212 Class A4 Prado companies. complement of three a removable roof panel, Some 20 lots went under steam loco and tender Agroup of beautifully racing cars wasn't mint display case, stand and the hammer and the (Sir NigelGresley)made painted Acroart diecast but was very presentable certificate, but missing its archive material lots that £60, with @ companion mounted Crusaders nonetheless: this sold for original box. did sell made around £25- loco, a W2226 00. soldiers, comprising £250. Off beat items included 70 each, ssauge Duchess Class 128, 231 and G168 Bond devotees didn’t fascinating lots relating Hormby, Wrenn, Trix locomotive in BR produced by Grudsky! miss out, either. It took to paperwork for Palitoy, and Lima kept the railway —maroonCity of London” Grenada Studios raised a bid of £220 to secure General Mills and Airfix. contingent happy: there livery selling for £65. “Aeroat figure es found new ha Flying high How much? ‘8 nation of memorabilia or Barbie collectors, dolls, Airtsker is looking ‘as new research from for the biggest and most Airtsker reveals 68% outrageous treasure fof the population spend troves, with five UK fan average of £5500 on winners in line for top collectables. Moreover, awards. Four runner-up 32% say theyre ‘big’ finalists will receive a collectors with two thirds medal, along with £200 to (972%) considering moving help build display areas to toabiggerpropertytomake showcase their collections room for their Keepsakes, and one overall winner and 83% admitted they who will bag. a £1,000 to langue withloved ones about house their hero products ‘their items taking up too along with the “Britain's part in the last British Toy ‘Auction sae, Its recent auction featured a numberof Corgi Dragon Wings, namely a FASA Tomcat US Navy VEAL ‘Sundowners,, 8 Heinkel He 113, Boeing Verto! Chinook HC. No 18 Squadron RAF and a B2SJ Mitchell the Tour models raised £260 plus premium. Elsewhere, from Hobby pure nostlyi fora prentre much space! Best Collector’ trophy. Master, Corgi and IXO was To celebrate collectors You can email your f selection of five boxed Force jet. This aviation lot with platinum hair, a1976 and help—_prevent entry directly to: Giccest models. These made £130. soft boy Pretty Dreams further rifts) Airtasker ukcollectors@thewilful Included a Corgi DH From toymaker Mattel Barbie, two 1976 dated is launching ‘British com. Applications. are Mosquito B IV, a Heinkel came slot including Barbies and a Midge doll. Collector Awards’ calling open until 26th January He 162A Salamander by Barbie and a Pedigree Also included were some enthusiasts to enter 2024, with shortlists being IXO;and a HAOI2s Hobby Sindy. This group of unbranded clothing. Every themselves, or a loved one selected in February. The Master MIG-21 SMT vintage dolls comprised girl's dream was knocked who deserves the accolade. winners will be announced Hump Back Soviet Air a 1968 New Look Sindy down for £140. Whether you're @ on 21st February 2024. ‘CORGI MODEL CLUB LOTUS ELAN s2 Price: £3299 Seale: 1/42 Release: ot now ‘with Esso's popular ‘I've Got a Tiger in my Tank’ advertising slogan MINI GT NISSAN SILVIA - ROCKET BUNNY [Nissan's attractive Silvia loks even more so in Rocket ‘Bunny guise, featuring some lovely detail anda » wwuiclevelandsdiecest.co.uk THIS MONTH 4 * December 2023 » www.ccofgb.co.ukTrains & steam at Wessex © 5s © x caboose, a Tumigy SX comprising three TEIA Auetion remote control and two tractors and (wo steam Rooms’ lotsofbagged USA Trains rollers, all exhibiting two day figure sets. The selection play wear and rust, were sale featured over 170 raised £240, knocked down for £220, lots of railway-contric One oddity was the Two boxed Pelham collectables, with all the boxed Bver Ready 00 Puppets certainly Usual suspects present, gauge Electric Train Set attracted attention on day Buyers could choose which was dry battery one of the auction: Gerry from Trang Hornby, operated. Based on an Anderson's Mike Mercury Bachmann, Trix and Underground train, the from the Supercar series even Lone'Star. Gauges set made €48. was accompanied by Dr inchided the ever. «Over 20 Tots were Beaker, A rare. pairing popular OO but others devoted to steam toys Anderson devotees’ were also available, a Stuart Turner Sun interest pushed them to One stand-out lot was racing engine, plus s anextraerrestrial £300. and this sold for £240, 728-29. Superfortress the USA Trains G scale group of other model A large selection of Bargains? How about models and a 172 HMS EMD F3. Pennsylvania steam components, sold unmade ‘kits also went thelot comprising aboxed Iron Duke); and two 9679 diesel locomotive for £320 while a Wilesco under the hammer. In the Hornby Minic Ships Revell 1/2000 Miniships, and Pennsylvania 9680 D305 steam fire engine in larger scales, an unbuilt 1/2000 Fleet Anchorage namely the RMS Titanic Power Car; included was red, albeit unboxed, was Rivarossi 1/8 Rolls Royce set(complete), plusboxed anda Miniships USS an Aristo Craft G scale bid to £140. Finally, five Phantom ILSedanca Coupe and unbuilt plastic model Missouri? Just £38 took Norfolk Southern $5574 Mamod steam engines, 193 was a stunning model kits (two red stripe Airfix. the selection away. Model engineering show he highly em RYN competition and display Engineering Society successful classes and on the club + 2nd- Hereford Society 444th Midlands and society display of Model Engineers Model Stands, The winner of the + 3rd - Society of Engineering ‘overall best model in the Model & Experimental Exhibition took place exhibition, and the Chris Engineers during October at Deith Memorial Trophy, Outside attractions the Warwickshire was Mike Sayers with his included the Fosse Way. Event Centre, ith 1927 Delage 158.8 GP Steamers, where a wide thousands of visitors engine. selection of live steam in attendance. ‘Model Engineering scale model engines The Society of Model clubs and societies were were in action for the and Experimental well represented with enjoyment of visitors. Engineers and Model some 30 stands with 2024 dates for your Engineer/Model were also a number of and the reintroduction of hundreds of quality diary are Thursday Engineers Workshop other special attractions live demonstrations. exhibits on display. The 17th to Sunday 20th celebrated their 125th this year including a The exhibition best Society Display October, again atthe joint anniversary at lecture programme, showeased hundreds of winners were: Warwickshire Event the exhibition, There specisl exhibit displays fascinating models in + Ist - Coventry Model Centre. DID YOU KNOW WE ARE MORE THAN JUST A MAGAZINE? Piece aati www:twitter.com/CollectorClubGB AUTO WORLD 1972 ee TO WORLD Ihr Rares eee a Price: £95.00 Seale: 1/18 Release ou 07 fee yerer ict ‘More Auto World ‘American Muscle’ that demonstrates glorious precision in body interior Reece ce ‘and working features. A masterclass in affordable scale dieast Prat eu, or eee arc} www.ccofgb.co.uk »Your Collecting Bookease Irwin Allen Collectibles Author John Buse ISBN: 9783398115316 Price: £15.99 Conn ut BVADS 7, What is the appeal to Irwin Allen's shows? Well, to a sixties TV audience used toa diet of westems and hard boiled detectives, they were new and exciting compared to what had appeared before. As forthe appeal, much of this is dovn Co the groups of diverse charaeters within ‘each series. The sense of family within Last in Space was carried through into Land of the Giants, with the MONTH feed ee i JANUARY Sees oa oe a 2024 ISSUE followed by his best-known series Last in Space, before ‘moving on to The Time Tunnel and his final 1960s series, “Land of the Giants, which ran between 1968 and 1970, Bach of these series spawned huge swathes of merchandise, much of which is covered in this book, Also available in Kindle, Kobo and iBook formats. wm ij i=) = iS) <2 =| i—) Oo HOBBY NEWS New from Matrix >» WINGS & THINGS Plastic aircraft don't come any more charming than those from Palitoy. >> 10-MINUTE EXPERT All you need to know about building Meccano sets. ‘ews has Daimler prototype, built concept vehicle produced ni reached us for Daimler chairman, by Aston Martin, in 1979. from British Sir Bernard Docker, was Initially, a production >> GUIDES & EVENTS Heritage thecostliostvehicleatthe run of 15-25 cars was ~. Models of two new Matrix 1948 Farls Court show. At planned, but the project prcutions;stop.slronifor all models coming soon. £7,001 (or nearly £250,000 was deemed too costly the essential info you need! ‘The famous British ears, today) it was probably and only one was built zi = vs about to hit the paddock, the most expensive car Both’ models. will be tre the. 1983 ‘Daimler on sale anywhere inthe avaiable” from “British ON SALE 15 DECEMBER ise “Green Goddess, world to Heritage Models Go andthe 180 Aston Martin "The. unique Bulldog, britishheritagemodels www.ccofgb.co.uk Bulldog siyled by Wiliam Towns, coal) or your prefered onan aioe ee The 20-footlong green was a British one-off retailer. GREENLIGHT COLLECTIBLES 1948 FORD DE LUXE CONVERTIBLE - "GREASED LIGHTNIN” Price: £799 Seale: V4 Ralase: out ‘an excelent casting fram Greenlight Collecubles, that is on target with accuracy in detail _. SOLIDO BEETLE BAJA 1975 ‘The “Baja Bugs" are Volkswagen Beetles that have been aso Ss 6° ber 2023 > www.ccofgb.co.uk THIS MONTHVectis AUCTIONS COLLECTABLES SPECIALISTS December 2023 Auction Dates Monday 4th - Dolls & Teddy Bear Sale Tuesday 5th - Specialist Diecast Wednesday 6th - Specialist Diecast Thursday 7th - General Toy Sale Monday 11th - Retro, Action Man/Lego Tuesday 12th - General Toy Sale Wednesday 13th - TV & Film Related Sale Thursday 14th - Model Train Sale Vectis Auctions Head Office Vectis Oxford Office General enquiries - Fleck Way, Thornaby Unit 3, Hobley Court admin@vectis.co.uk Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 9JZ North Leigh Business Park Information on auctioning Tel: 01642750616 — Nurey Road Witney yer co leaves Oxfordshire, OX29 6AN collections@vectis.co.uk Catalogues & online bidding at vectis.co.uk also on Cer lee Reolit) Vectis have an extensive worldwide database of dedicated collectors & trade buyers ensuring your items reach the best auction audience. There are no hidden costs, a straight forward fixed fee will be quoted which includes valuation, research, cataloguing, photography, online fees, advertising, promotion, insurance & administration. Vectis Auctions - The World’s Leading Auction House for Collectable Toys Auctions commence online only at 10.00am unless otherwise stated - Dates are correct at time of print butare subject to changeSUBSCRIBE & SAVE! Just one payment of £41.99 for the whole year (er-ialasoyiccrem ican Unica clccciar- elena OICIES-1Ne} Cena Features from the world of vintage, nostalgic toys and models I relare Vat oy<-) a1 Mal (Oleanteli\ em Og (eo BeAU (0) BM UaloRFe\Ccihel(cllcl-l\ Bieta TCT Og uaelalVic ate Cs MOR taem el tavalecel|¥ (6) [aa @e) so Matchbox, Hornby, Airfix and LEGO 4 or go to ys & SN = ~ CLAIM YOUR FREE GIFT! __. Value your collection with over £400,000 worth RMA ccca eet M een 3 eRe NSM ool S a Noli > VALUE Your COLLECT] © : 4 THE PERFECT potas GIFT IDEA! Mice em iis ER er sine) OTe eeeIN-DEPTH What was Alwyn Brice goes back in time - but can you? {was a year to remind country’s oldest twins, May and mankind of the dangers Marjorie Chavasse, celebrated surrounding the advances their 100th birthday with, in technology, for April appropriately, a joint birthday witnessed the world's worst part nuclear disaster, when the At the movies, Top Gun, fourth reactor at the Chernobyl directed by Tony Scott and nuclear power plant exploded, starring Tom Cruise, resplendent immediately killing 31 people. in white, made its debut. Who ean Many more wouldsuffer fromthe forget the harmony episode, as effects of widespread radiation. Tom woos Kelly MeGilliss? There ‘Tragedy wasn't confined to were plenty of action films to see Russia, though, for in the US this year: Platoon, which pulled : the Space Shuttle Challenger no punches about the Vietnam exploded just 73 seconds after it wat; Highlander, and some more lifted off from Cape Canaveral. nonsense from Sly Stallone, who Alsevenerew menberepershed surrelin Cobra Porhte re, | SEY oem cagiyasom then ncty deca mous nates nthe news? In tones n Coal Dundes los myor of Carma, Caioria wih aceuct, became the Bet sigue ‘The same month’ saw Desmond tennis player to earn USS10m. Tutu appointed as the Anglican In football, Argentina defeated Archbishop of Capetown. Usain West Germany 3-2, thereby Bolt was born. And George winning their second World Cup Alan O'Dowd, also known as ttle Boy George, was reported to be In_musie, Geffen Records undergoing treatment for heroin signed up a’new band, Guns & ‘addiction. On an allied theme, Roses, but interms of established New York City passed its first entertainersthisyear, youngsters lesbian and gay rights legislation. were buying The Communards Also in the US, the first federal (Don't leave me this way), Berlin holiday honouring Martin Luther (Take my breath away) and the King Jr: took place Bangles (Manic Monday). And Social progress was being good old Madonna saw her album made, too, when the very first True Blue sit at the top of the antismoking advertisement charts for five weeks, appeared on television, featuring At the local toyshop, Care actor Yul Brynner (who died of Bears were in great demand, Tung eancer). and this year save a television ‘There were some in the UK series released based on who were very concerned over their home in Care-aLot. the fate of that great British For boys, the Omnibot institution Land Rover, which was of interest, since it looked likely to be sold to the foreshadowed realife US, The BBC was in hot water technology. And Wave § after its AIDS slogan was blasted (yes, five!) of the He-Man by church elders as being line of muscled crusaders irresponsible and encouraging became availabe. Promiscuous tivity. And the So... what was the year? co Bove sang fo svengh (pun roe) Leer i ether vrsin of Tonys COmniet The shape of hings com www.ccofgb.co.uk » December 2023 © 9Yuletide greetings are rare in the serious world of collectable trains, but this year Mark Nolan turns back the clock to bring you festive Christmas trains from the past, the present and the future. Sscr00ge J ce nv the loomy:exrailway _1twashis former train collecting Town of Beaslegh, there partner, Jace Marley esant Tied mean-spirited toy ecogible, by" the. engine trai coector by the name drivers hate used to wee ttbencter Serwoge He was swepmecte, The apparition Wes sa srastsaal ehlal Ser pd egy Carma Pointed nove and perpetuel toy tan tracks ad ocomative Sow! etched on his foce Mis wheels nce grand manson had become" "T se as my executor you sent scold dark place led with half my trans to the auction and Shots pon ‘shelves of toy Kept theres sad Marley. “No fering each one meticlouly matter 1 dont need them where Sisnayed but devoid joy. Tam now oenerer Scrooge’ session Then Marley's ghost warned with toy tains had consumed Scrooge of the ire fte that g family alte, "Ne ‘cared. Tor down is heartes pth He aka a Re cesnco onc hothing and no-one except for him that he would be visited by spre ate Go Cou on epseie ets oe maha Min priced possessions He was three spits that night, each C000) afm he acta oie da Known throughout the town as one determined to show him the "the'Tesinmastra tee wore error ot hit ways ‘n'a biter Christmas Bre, eventaly ned off Then ttn e heer the Tan Sound of bels outside hs window. Tt War the chert lauhter. of Chilren paying inthe snow, = Sound that grated on i eas ike fonge sae on a tht curve He muttered himelf, Bah, humibue! What nonsenge tis! ‘As the, evening, wore. om sorooge rained toh co dint it bedroom, Justa he was about tod off step, he thot he heard the sound of hey eats train being coupled up? Scrooge Sede cet neo ee les Mts processed food It was Sbvicunyaecting his digestion, ABOVE, Then a dhostly gue ety appeared at the'Toot ath bed. Shiney oa iterchengesble Thom 10 * December 2023 » www.ccofgb.co.ukIN-DEPTH lau rot Soto Expres tron se Sart's Sepn ngs ih ts the first spirit, the Ghost of Frightened by what he had Christmas Past, manifested and seen, Scrooge begged the spirit whisked. Serooge away to his fora chance to change his Ways childhood, He saw himself «3 4 He promised tobe generous and Tonely boy who found solace in kind, to share his. wealth, with playing with simple wooden those in need, and to find joy in train set. Scrooge was overcome more than just Rs trains with nostalgia and regret as he As the clock struck midnight, Feillsed how far he had strayed Scrooge awoke in his own bed from the innocent joy of his relieved that It had all been 4 Youth, He saw the simple Hornby dream. But he knev that he had anove M Series clockwork train with been given a second chance, and emt RE Santas Prsant Wagon "Th preset caning van ali Santa two coaches anda citele of he wasted no time in redeeming is as whie esa hem pated fom te ite at so track How happy he had been! himself He donated half his vast ees ‘What had happened to his naive collection of toy trains to the innocence? children of Beastleigh, bringing Nest, the Ghost of Christmas smiles to ther faces and warmth Present took Serooge on a tohis own heart journey through the town. He But he went a step further witnessed the poverty and Remembering the fascination suffering of thse las fortunate of the huge layouts they used to than himself, including his own putin toy shops in the run up to employee, Bob Crateht, who Christmas, Scrooge had. tables was on a zero hours contract built and puton a huge display, nd could barely afford food and the likes of ‘which had never heating, let alone toys for his been seen before, Children and children, Cratchit's son Tim was adults alike were fascinated by playing with a broken Trang the collectable trains whizzing Princess Elizabeth loco, Ithad no around the layout tenderandthe wheels didnteurn, From that day forward but Tim was transfixed, making Ebenezer Serooge. learned. 0 train noises and poshing the loco share his trains and. became by hand. "How can you enjoy a beloved ‘igure in the town, that old thing?” erfed Serooge. Known for his generosity and ‘Then hisheart begentosoftenas Kindness. He discovered that he saw the happiness that could true ‘happiness could. not. be be found in the simplest of toy found in possessions, but inthe trains, love and compassion he shared Finally, the Ghost of Christmas with others mas starter set eaubpéd yet t9 Come showed Scrooge a And 50, the tale of the mean bleak future, one in which he spirited toy train collector roo 1 yaad i amok syne died alone and unloved, his vast became a story of redemption locomative ha ci dean be retraite with a Dita Decod collection of toy trains gathering and the transformative power of ote gees dust and forgotten Christmas. €@ www.ccofgb.co.uk >> Decerr “u)> UNDER THE MICROSCOPE. Rob Burman takes a look at whether you should be shelling out for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures following this summer's blockbuster outing. eee Ca eter nails eet, Undercover Raphael is amang the mast popular Turtles figures, Bel ane Danis Zott MEROBSINAMALE-SHELL Turis and decided 1 proce a ee Sep pears eee tier rans ee Sc ee ee 12 » December 2023 > www.ccofgb.co.uk[ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT ew fhe ene figures have become opt Karate fhe UK the Nn Tres had tobe enamd ced athe Hoy Gri of Tuts Toys Sra named them sfter Renaissance artists (Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael), Fred Wolf Films added elements including the coloured bandanas, love of pizza, catchphrases like ‘owabunge” and the distinct personalities of each turtle, Most importantly though, they toned down some of the violence of the ‘original comics and gave ita more light-hearted feel, "Then again, even the toned down version was too much for sensitive European audiences. In the early 805 the British Board of Film Censorship was extremely sensitive about’ so-called "video nasties, like The Evil Dead, and the amount of violence (seemingly involving aunchucks) in martial arts films. Asa result, British politicians were nervous about ninjestyle toys being sold to kids and the turtles were swept ‘up in this paranoia. Their name ‘was changed to Hero Turtles and scenes of Michelangelo using his ieonie nunchucks were heavily adapted for UK screens - even the ‘how's intro was cut to remove a seene featuring the weapons. Still, all this censorship didn't stop the Turtles becoming a cultural icon. Between 1988 and 1997 Playmates produced around 400 figures and dazens of vehicles fand playsets, About §Ltbillion best-selling toysat the time, behind GH doe and, you guessed it, Star Wars. In fact, Playmates proudly boasts on its website that by 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had an estimated 60% of the action figure market. With all that in mind, you'd think there would be some toys worth collecting, right? PIZZA THE ACTION As you might expect, the toys tend to make the big bucks in the States, where the show and comics ‘werelare a cultural phenomenon. Some of the most popular and most valuable are the original Turtles figures produced in 1988 and originally sold for just $3.99. Leonardo and co, tend to sell for round £150-170 on sites like eEisy ‘and will occasionally erop up at However, if you're looking for the most valuable of the Turtles then keep your eyes peeled for Undereover Raphsel. Released in 1994, Raphael came dressed in 4 fabric trencheoat and fedora, similar to how he appeared in the 1990 live-action movie. Along with the snappy outft, Raphael also included the following plastic fceessories: Undercover Mutant Movie Camera, Infrared Googie Goosles, Super Sensitive Eaves: droppin’ Dish, Surveillance Spy Case, Private Bye Pistol, Spy Sais and an exclusive collector ard. A traded Undercover Raphael sold ‘worth of Turtles toys were sold in our years, making them the third goad endian Pete co 57 Hanage Auctions Collectibles’. well, at least if you believe the eBay listings. Even ut ofits packaging, Seratch sells for around $1,000 and, atthe time of writing, there's a! boxed one available on eBay for $7,498. OF course, with a new film recently in ‘cinemas there's. a ‘whole host of new toys lining the shelves. Among the more recognisable Turtles there are also alternate characters, like Leatherhead the alligstor ot Superfly, which may be worth keeping an eye on... judging by how collectible some of the weirder figures from the 90s range have become. It also doesn't teem like the “Turtles will be getting any less popular because the latest movie made fan impressive $180 million at the global box office, so you can certainly expect some sort of follow-up. In the words of the great Michelangelo: "Cowabunga, for $3,125 in 2022 at Heritage Auctions. ‘What might come as a surprise ‘though is that some of the more valuable collectables aren't ‘Turtle at all. Once the novelty of mutated amphibians wore off, Playmates looked to the rest of the animal kingdom for inspiration. Ducks, lions, moose, fish and even camels quickly got the mutation treatment, so keep your eyes out for names like Sandstorm, Halfeourt, Napoleon Bonafrog, "Sergeant Bananas, King Lionheart and Monty Moose, Many of these were produced toward the end of the Turtles’ popularity and were released from 1993 onwards and possibly in smaller numbers, compared to ‘the original figures Out of these later releases, there are two in particular that are sought after. First up is Hot Spot, a firefighting Dalmatian with a fire hydrant accessory that’s capable of squirting water According to his description, this “picbald pa realy likes to get the Foot Clan clean by dousin ‘em with hs trusty rusty squirtin’fire hydrant". The most recent Hot ‘Spot soldat Heritage Auctions in 2022 made a tail-wagging $1,375. Ironically, considering "the other rarity is a dog, another rare Teenage Mutant Ninja ‘Turtles figure is Seratch the Cat. This cat burglar is dressed in prison uniform and fcomes with a range of safe- feracking tools. Produced at the same time as Hot Spot Scratch is sometimes cited as the ‘Holy Grail of TurtlesEntries Invited for our 15th December 2023 Toys an Email: andrew@andrewclarkmodels.com Or post list to: Andrew Clark Models, Unit 1, Toller Court, Shortbank Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire. BD23 2HG All Diecast, Tinplate, Toys and Trains Top prices paid for; Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, Spot-On, Tinplate Toy, * Anything Considered All Trains, Planes, Britains, Scalextric, White Metal el collec ee pau ontnacays Models, Minichamps, Quality 1/18 scale models, | 2 a Large collections a speciality, established 1981 Plastic Kits (Airfix etc...), Modern Collectibles. Many auction prices beaten Always a brilliant selection of Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, Tinplate Toys, White Metal Models etc... With new stock everyweek on our superb website! Also listing on ebay every week Username: andrewclarkritodels2gM. Toys Lig ‘Ate Proud To Announce ‘sNo1Si MPT TOY FAIR Fair Kk Toy At: Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East ‘Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex TW16 SAQ. MB Jet I onto A308 oN SUNDAY 3rd December 10.30am - 3.00pm Adults - £5.00 Early Entry OAPs - £4.00 Children - £1.00 1 ~ £10.00 (8.30am onwards) Approx 200 tables of toy and model dealers, buying, selling and part exchanging a wide variety of collectables including Model Railways, Model Cars and Buses, Scalextric, Dolls and Teddy Bears, White Metal, Aire tio Russell Martin on 023 92 262446 or 07957 823507 Future dates: 11th Feb, 21st April, th Oct and Ist Dec WANTED)! Andrew of Miniature Autoworld is looking for all makes and seales of: * Modern & Vintage Diecast Models * White Metal & Resin Models * White Metal, Resin & Plastic Kits * Modern & Vintage Toy Soldiers Large Collections - Small Collections ~ Surplus Stock Selling{couldnytibeleasien!| We will travel anywhere in the a WS Ireland! ' it © > CHRISTMAS DINKIES. @ g g Andrew Ralston looks at how Dinky Toys tried to stimulate sales at Christmas in 1969, for most children of the RiGHT Tho Jo 90 car was types of th tend 1950s and 1960s, the foids TV nd feted ys a his te. products of Meccano mage: Vecs Auctions Limited would have been high up on their list fof requests to Santa Claus. The days of post-war austerity might have been over, but toys were still ‘comparatively’ expensive. items and many youngsters would only have their wishes granted on birthdays or at Christmas. ‘Toy shops encouraged ‘customers to. join “Christmas clubs’, the idea being to save up gradually, especially forthe more ‘expensive items like Meccano sets, Homby Dublo train sets or Dinky gift sets. Meccano could ven soppy shops with card ‘carded nu the reverse (DINKY = 3 JOR'S'CAR recorded ~ though the reverse fide carried ire warnings that ‘our choice of goods cannot De _RGMT Te sophie crac nied nconnon ther ‘ttre and “ntney cannot be ret it pesos sar Pa fetunded. During the sixes, though, the adventures of Dan Dare, and Anderson's Thunderbirds serie, Meceato| Limited. found the Llon'which hada rival character, Lady Penelope's lls Reyes and Imarket increasingly dificult Captain Condor, In 1960, these Thunderbird Th and. followed had already been ken over by twotiles merged o become Lon thee up the next year wih trio {he rival Lines Brothers (Tvang) & Eagle though sles continued of webits frm Copan Scarlet, fmandthe once dosint Dinky to dele and further mergers It was ony natural that i 190 range faced tough competition, ocurred. in the decade that Dinky would. bring ott new ‘pecially from Corgh Fatowed model fom the current Gerry ven 20, Dinky Toys stil had "On the Back page ofthe fsue Anderson television sere, plenty going for them. As had for 20 December, Diky had 2 Joe 90, One was dows ca, ited Beenthepractice for many years, fullcolour avert fora scection with a battery-powered. light new models were anounced of Kems that Meceano Limited to represent» faahing exhaust month by oath inthe Meccano hoped would be “top of your and Sans Car, with its Keyless Magazine "which, presumably, Christie stocking Tit These clockwork motor, very. much tras rend largely by thowe who relct the way things ‘were like the pall back and g0 Spe were. "slrendy enthusiastic movinginthe diecast market ten of mechanism Tater te to 0 ‘out the Companys products. yeas earien it would have been many Chineremade deat cart ‘The aivertisement pictured sports, racing and saloon cars, inthe 180s and 1950s tere However, shows Meccano but none ofthese figure amongst Equally tpial for Christmas tempting to appel to a wer themwnt pila inks of 969, in 1969 as pai of World War fuente market via the Lion & The emphasis te Instead on TV Tiara» Spite snd sunkers Engle coms Te comie market and fimclate ems Following 1078 which ad boca inadaced was st a3 compettive as the Corgis spectacular sucess wih in October, ust afer the release Gincast one in this ere and’ the Jonge Bond Aston Martin, ofthe epic fim Bare of Pritam tivary existed. between the Dinky scored a hit in 967 While fll of impressive aca Bogle, whose pages contained with two models from Gerry scthn, the fi was. hugely 16 * December 2023 > www.ecofgb.co.ukIN-DEPTH Diet tom he ei Him NN serrrine man Vices expensive to produce and proved not to be a profitable venture for its makers. It has also been suggested that anti-war feeling resulting from the Vietnam war ‘made the film less popular than it might have been, All hat, however, ‘would not have put off schoolboys for whom the Battle of Britsin still” provided the inspiration behind many a playground game. Meccano must have felt the Bagle & Lion comic was the ideal place to advertise the new planes as every ‘week it contained a story about the ‘RAF’ No.1 WIL Flying Ace’ Squadron-Leader Paddy Payne. The two nev Dinkies were full of exciting action features: a battery ‘operated propeller on the Spitfire and a dropping eap-fring bomb fon the Junkers, ensuring. that boys could have plenty of fun re enacting serial warfare ofthe past ‘with their ew Christmas gifts ‘Action features were just as important on the remaining FAR LEFT Advertisment onthe bck ape fwetng models ee Chimes ‘CENTRE The com was an amalgamation bf two carla es, Lona Eg whose LEFT n tho 1960s customers could reserve thar oal toy shop ard pay them ‘stamp of Standen’ of Askew Road, Landon Wa which he many shops of sk, ap andthe boy [ABOVE Te thee 80 model Sam's Cr nage: Vc Auctions LEFT Dinky’ Ste Mk cantate onthe ep fn ofthe atte two models, the dragster which could shoot away from a spring: loaded starter unit and the Merryweather | Marquis Fire Tender, the only everyday vehicle inthe advert which, in addition to ladders and opening parts, had a ‘ump-operated water jet. Jovs Car and the Merryweather were particularly heavy and complex models to make, a fact reflected in their selling price of 25 shillings and elevenpence each, While that sum equates to. approximately £1.30 in today’s money, which doesn't sound much, it does not reflect the effects of inflation In terms of purchasing power today's equivalent would be bout £20, so that few youngsters ‘could have afforded to buy either of these fine models out of their own pocket money. ‘Notice, too, how Dinky was trying to change its image to fit the times: the neatly-dressed schoolboys in shorts and caps seen in Meccano's adverts of the previous decade had given way to a boy in a trendy jumper ‘making a confident ‘thumbs-up’ itn gesture, accompanied by the slogan ‘leaders go for Dinky Toys’. A decade earlier Dinkies would have been described as ‘unsurpassed for realism and wealth of detail’; now they're defined as “the tough, action packed models’. In their early days, Dinky Toys consisted of little more than a. bodyshell and four wheels; the play value emerged from what the child chose to do with them, whether it involved ereating traffic jams under the dining room table or racing cars across the ground to see which one would go furthest. But by 1969 a toy car had to incorporate as many gimmicks as possible; in other words, the play value came from the design features of the toy itself rather than from the child's {imagination Tn the long-term, though, even that wasn’t enough. ‘Times and tastes were changing rapidly. But who in 1969 would have thought that, within another ten years, the famous Binns Road factory would have closed down altogether? co www.ccofgb.co.uk > 3017iven the explosion of fans wearing ink and feeling the *Kenergy" you could be forgiven for thinking that 2023 belongs to Barbie. But in the background, a less ostentatious, more realistically shaped and decidedly British icon is quietly reaching her 60th anniversary Sindy, the doll you love to dress, Sindy was ground-breaking from the moment she emerged ‘onto the catwalk, becoming the first UK toy ever advertised on ‘TV through a series of 30 second commercials broadcast across London, She was a new type of toy, not a baby but a fashion doll, figure that both looked like and, crucially, dressed like the teenager ofthe swinging “60s that airs aspired tobe, Sindy was created to be a British alternative to Barbie who had launched just four years prior. Pedigree Toys, Sindy’s creator, were initially approached by toy giant Mattel and offered the license to distribute Barbie in the UK, but market research showed British buyers just didn't relate to the all-American goddess. Pedigree decided instead to create & doll that was a relatable but wltra- fashionable version of the itl next door, who, rather than sporting an entirely unrealistic physique, mirrored the much more ‘ecessible. measurements ‘of a contemporary size 10. She ‘also had flat feet, allowing her to wear comfortable shoes in contrast to Barbie's permanent tiptoe posture! After running a street poll where little girls were shown picture of the doll and given the choice of names, "Cindy" was the clear winner; Pedigree decided Sindy’s Diamond anniversary could mean gold for collectors, as Libby Parfitt finds out. spelling it with an 'S' made the doll more memorable anda Jegend) was born, Launched in September 1963 (justin time for the Christmas rush) retailers were even sent a promotional 43 RPM record introducing. Sindy as “the free, swinging girl that every ltl girl longs tobe. Sindy was an instant smash sucess and Pedigree even had to increase factory production to meet demand. She won toy of the year in both 1968 and 1970, and at her most popular had 80% of the UK's fashion doll market, mt leaving Barbie far behind Thought Parents liked Sindy because she "onan Bs felt more wholesome than her Sindy ee eo th US counterpart; kids loved her fete ens fashions, friends, and incredible ets fer range of accessories. Many a men om lite girl of the 1970s and "80s Gncluding this one!) was denied a Barbie but would excitedly Wake up toa Sindy on Christmas Day and many current Sindy Galectors are fv ie ite OKT Toes ‘Sindy's fashions were integral VALUABLE: ; en aerate Seeing Sinay wasnt nt ep aA tmech of he tran apes ny ae Sao testo ee and accessories you could buy to “*” Pree apmeran eel 7 you sel uy Polclerseapeaen tras ned i te payee Syihuvantetoees Inrtling gonna, ie te Scipensot need try wash with toothbrush soap dolls were often reserved for tana Christmas or birthdays new st eee es ees Of cool clothes could be afforded Sar wth nse pe Simply by saving few seks ‘Toco tn ute pocketncae ‘nage twee 2 ado a And bom, did Sindy have pea fashion credibility! She rst a ee hit shelves in a trendy casual at sporing toro don Weekender outht of blue. bell Sknguce when god bod bottom jeans and striped top. conan cond 0 errs ‘vitha proud Made in England ag 18 + December 20 3 > www.ccofgb.co.uk3 Weekender Doll ABOVELEFT TO RIGHT ‘ova anced Sindy in thei 207 stamp colt ‘wn OurSindytassum com Si was updated nthe sf cok more ie he ia Barbe, butt wae Sin’ cuts erence dled ike hs 1282 radeo ute whch cluded a inged sit cowboy ha and even whe Western boos, apes wu Say useumcor, and brunette, blonde or auburn hair styled into a ‘60s bubble cut. Pedigree tasked ultra-cool “60s fashion designers Foale and Tuffin to help create Sindy's wardrobe, with @ sparkly pink party dress complete with record player and record to “make the party swing” in her Dream Date outfit and a glamorous black trench cost, red boots and red umbrella for Shopping In ‘The Rain. For collectors, these carly editions can be extremely desirable, especially if they have never been removed From the box (or NRFB as collectors 1). A good condition Shopping In The Rain outfit complete with Leer Sha) ae yh prepared for any case. heh leo age: wa uring Museu all accessories could net around £60, whilst a similar condition original boxed Weekender Sindy doll could be worth over £200. Make sure that you've got that Made in England tag, though, as some of these outfits were later reproduced when manufacturing moved to Hong Kong in 1967 and are less valuable to collectors, Sindy stayed true to her fashionable and aspirational roots throughout the 70s and ‘80s. 1971 saw Sindy remodelled into what collectors now call the Trendy Girl doll with a slightly smaller head and silky eyelashes. Sindy also gained a tan forthe frst time, moving away from the English rose colouring of the original doll. This resculpt was issued with plethora of new clothes Including the Trendy Girl outfit, comprising atypically 70s yellow and red stripy top, with red flares, red ankle boots and a headband. This generation of Sindy remains ever popular with collectors, with just the dolls retailing on internet auction sites for around £80 and desirable items of clothing fetching between £10 snd £30, One Fantastic element of collecting Sindy is also its biggest challenge: sets Were released with ‘lot of accessories that inevitably fot lost to the winds of time (or Just the back of the sofa) meaning that there's a considerable market for individual accessories from collectors wanting to complete outfits or playsets In 1985, following Princess Diana's wedding to Prince Charles, the designers of her iconic wedding dress, David and spots celebrating classe Bs ys Sindy debuted in a cas! Weckender cut iage iH eve af dtl ie his 1967 tars lok campo wth deo ty emis al. ‘nage: wnwOurSindjasaumcom Elizabeth Emanuel, released series of Sindy outfits including the flouney bright pink High Society, tiered yellow Romantica ballgown and the almost bridal ‘white Romance and Roses dress, All now valved around £30 to £60, Sauly, the 80s saw Sindy decline as Barbie resurged into British market share. In 1986 Pedigree sold the rights to toy giant Hasbro, who remodelled Sindy to Toole more like Barbie: this move didn't go dovn well with consumers and, despite Barbie's 30th birthday’ in 1993 being celebrated with @ party where she wore a bespoke Vivienne Westwood outfit, Sindy's appeal ‘continued to wane, Only two tiny Versions of this outfit were ever made, with one making £260 at ‘tion in 2017 despite the fat it ‘was missing a shoo, and the other now safely stored in the V&A ‘Museum of Childhood. Sadly, Sindy has yet to regain themarket dominance he shoved in the 1960s and ‘70s. Pedigree ‘Toys recently announced that they've got great plans for Sindy's 6th anniversary year s0 let's watch this space and hope that our favourite giel will be back following in her American rival's steps and celebrating her ‘Sindy-viduaity’ very soon! €& MORE INFORMATION you aro intrested in faring more about Pedigree Sindy vst ‘un. oursindymuseum.com www.ccofgb.co.uk > cember 2023 # 19» KNOW YOUR HOBBY adly 1 never owned 2 Raleigh Chopper myself, but 1 do remember riding the brilliant orangeones the kids next door had for Christmas in 1971. Our neighbours were fruit and vegetable wholesalers and always had a good bit of cash to splash on their lucky offspring, T made do with my old green Raleigh Superbe handed down to me by my unele Jack... Nothing flash about that! ‘Nobody on our cobbled street had ever seen such a weird looking bike asthe Chopper. 1 often ‘wonder what Raleigh founder rank Bowden would have thought of the ‘Chopper’? Bowden was a pioneer of the British eyele industry, although his personal introduction to cyeling at the age of twenty eight ‘was not for purposes of pleasure. Bowden returned to England from Hong Kong in 1887 suffering from 1a mystery illness, he thought he was dying, but @ doctor thought TOY EXPERT! Raleigh Chopper otherwise and ordered him simply to take in fresh air and exercise. He turned to cycling, buying a bieyele from the Nottingham firm of Woodhead, Angois and Ellis. The doctor was right and the eyeting did Bowden a power of good. In six ‘months he was eared, Frank Bowden immediately realised the great potential of eyeling for health purposes and bought shares in Woodhead, Angois and Ellis. He became Director in 1890 and the firm was renamed Raleigh asthe workshop ‘was located on Releigh Street. A new logo was created featuring 4 Heron from the Bowden family rest when Boviden bought the company. Growth was rapid and Raleigh built” a huge new factory on Faraday Road, in the Nottingham suburb’ of Radford, in 1896 A network of official Raleigh stockists was set up throughout the country with each retailer receiving a special framed certificate with an official seal personally signed by Frank Bowden, From its humble beginnings in ‘2 small workshop, where twelve men made three bicyeles per week Raleigh had become the world’s largest cycle factory employing 850 workers with its ovm 34 acre sports ground by the outbreak of the Great War, when Raleigh was turned over to munitions work alongside bieyeles. Frank Bowden died in 1921 atthe age of 73 alter ‘which his son Harold took the hel, In the 1920s Raleigh expanded imotheproduction of motoreycles, fears and light vans including the threewheeled Safety-Seven Which was the forerunner of the iconic Reliant three-wheeler: Tt ‘was former Raleigh Workshop Manager T. 1. Williams who purchased the car production equipment from Raleigh in ‘order to form the Reliant Motor ‘Company in Tamworth By 1942 the workforce had risen to 8 mighty 9,000 and once again munitions ineluding fuses, shells fand mortars were manufactured during World War 11, alongside 200,000 army cycles. The factory ‘also had its own Home Guard platoon numbering 346 men and a ‘Bomb Disposal Team. ‘After the war the Raleigh All: Steel bieyele was the mainstay of the company once again and was exported all over the world. They ‘were made by cold pressing high rade steel, each eyele requiring around 1,500 separate parts, all of which, other than leather fand rubber parts, were made in house. Raleigh was famed for its robust and trusty Sturmey ‘Archer gears and the frictionless "Dynohub™ which revolutionised eyele lighting. The detachable chain wheel was another design innovation that kept Raleigh ahead of the market. The signing of legendary British eyeling champion Reg Harvis in 1949 boosted the name of Raleigh and was a tremendous marketing coup which saw the Lenton sports bike become a market leader,Acvertng mater the lunch ofthe Chopper Raleigh absorbed the names fof many other eyele makers over the years via takeovers including Tamous names like Humber, Rudge:Whitworth, Robin Hood, ‘Triumph, BSA and Carlton, ‘The factory was extended to cope with increased demand and, by the early 1950s Raleigh was exporting 70% ofits output to 140, overseas markets, In 1960 Raleigh Industries was taken over by the TT Group (Tube Investments) absorbing further brands including Phillips, Hereules, Norman and Sun, Difficult times lay ahead, however, asthe eyele industry had ‘encountered a slump. More people ‘were turning towards cars and motorcycles as their regular mode of transport. There was 2 40% downturn in the cycling market ‘nd Raleigh was in trouble, despite (lst an ty whch inclu he ane ami sign weal gore. “an orga deter erate being immortalised in former Raleigh worker Allan Sillitoe’s Dox office cinema smash Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. Raleigh fought back, however, and the 1960s sav the company reach its pinnacle in terms of design and innovation, beginning with the introduction of the RSW16 and the folding RSW Compact - no doubt based on the paratrooper folding bikes it made during the war. Those versatile fat wheel (Moulton-style) eycles were not fast ut they proved ‘extremely popular with the Public. They paved the way for the bike that made Raleigh most famous and generated much needed ces... the iconic Chopper. Raleigh had attempted to ‘market a new concept children's bike in 1966 with the Mustang but it proved unpopular so the design team went in search of further inspiration, ‘The Chopper was the brainchild of Raleigh's then Design Director, Alan Oakley, a local man who had worked atthe factory since the war years when he served his time as a trainee draughtsman. He was sent to the West Coast of America in 1967 at the height of ‘Flower Power’ to take a firsthand look at the Ameriesn youth culture of the A print ote Raleigh Cycle Werks factory ces 898, diay. Oakley observed kids in do wheelies was, I suppose, California customising their pedal inevitable as the element of bikes to look like the Chopper danger was all part of the fun of ‘motoreyeles being rode by bikers being a Chopper rider. Raleigh ‘and hippies and made his first responded by printing warnings design sketch on the back of anon the seat and implemented envelope onthe long fight home. further safety measures when the Oakley's design certainly Mark Two Chopper was released ‘embraced the look of @ chopper in 1972, The seat was positioned ‘motorbike featuring ‘ape-hanger’ further forward and the rounded handlebars, chunky tread tyres on gear knob was replaced by a big rear wheels and smaller front T:bar design. The most important Wheelslikea dragster,long padded new safety feature was the Seat and tall back rest with a hoop welding of the handle bars to resembling a dragster antivoll the main stem as it had become “eissy bar’ The star feature was fashionable to angle them back the super swish racing car style as far as possible! The Chopper ‘gear shift lever mounted on the proved a great suecess and led crossbar to operate the obligatory to other innovative children’s ‘Sturmey Archer hub gears bieyeles to be developed by There was a 40% downturn in the cycling market and Raleigh was in trouble, despite being immortalised in former Raleigh worker Allan Silitoe's box office cinema smash Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, ‘The first Chopper cycles were Raleigh including the Chipper, sold in America in 1969 although Tommahawk, Budgie and Chippy. sales werenotallthatencoursging Alan Oakley then went on to to begin with. Things changed design the Grifter in 1976 which dramatically, however, following proved to be another hugely the release of the cult film Easy popularkidsbike with handle grip Rider on 4 September 1969 in gear change but it never eclipsed ‘which two hippie bikers, Wyatt the iconic Chopper. It is estimated and Billy (Peter Fonda and Dennis that around 1.5 million Raleigh Hopper) embark on an epie road Choppers were sold between 1968 journey from LA to New Orleans and 1982 and it remains the most ‘on their chopper motorbikes. The iconic bieyele ever made by the timing was perfect for Raleigh as Raleigh company. itcoineided withthe launch of the Eventually the Chopper gave Chopper bike in Britain. way to the BMX (Bicycle Motor Available in a range of bright Cross) bikes after the film ET dazzling colours the early bikes introduced kids to a new type of cost from £32 up to £55 for the de- bike and a new craze. Tis was luxe models of which there were followed by the Mountain Bike ea, ‘many variations. ‘The Chopper returned briefly Tt was not all plain sailing with the Mark 3 in 2004 although however. Safety warnings had to these were made inthe Far East. be issued as chopper accidents Alan Oakley died in May 2012, ‘were soon being reported. The but the bike that he designed is temptation for kids to ride still regarded as_ the best kids pillion on the rear carrier and bike ever tobe builtin Britain www.ccofgb.co.uk » December 2023 * 21>) AT THE MOVIES: Famous Faces STAR WARS DROIDS & EWOKS Remembering collectables that found fame through books, comics and the silver screen. fall know that Star Wars is a collecting Suegemaut. The equivalent of fan earthquake that continues to send. shockwaves throughout the collecting community. Over the past decade, its seismic auction results have toppled the great towers of diecast, the safe haven (of model railways and continues to level auctioneers with astronomical prices. With the new Star Wars spin offs hitting cinemas all the time, ‘we're reminded once again of its ‘massive socal impact. Pretty much everywhere you Took throughout December, it's likely you'll be greeted by the shadow of the ‘notorious Death tar: However, Star Wars wasnt always such a sure fire ‘success and some of the previous spinoffs weren't quite as slick. ‘Alter thereleaseof Return ofthe Jedi in 1983, it seemed like George Lucas’ money train had_pulled into the station and wasn’ going anywhere soon. After all, Return of the Jedi completed the trilogy fof films and, at that point, there ‘wasn't any suggestion of sequels, let alone prequels! In the 1980s though, Kenner’s incredible toy range was in a powerful position fand between 1978 and 1985 more ‘than 300 million of Kenner's Star Warsrelated merchandise had ‘made it to market. So there must have been some concern at Kenner HQ when the final eredits rolled after the Battle of Endor, that the profits were going to dry up! But the end was not in sight for Star Wars and there must hhave been an initial sigh of reliet| among the Kenner bigwigs when they heard ABCiLucasfiim had ‘commissioned production studio Nelvana © produce not one but two rand new Star Wars cartoons! ‘The first was Droids (released in 1985), which told the adventures of the franchise's loveable robots R2-D2 and CPO. Along the way, the robotic Chuckle Brothers Above ty version ofthe Ang Pht, ot into a series of scrapes and ended up facing off against space gangsters, pirates, criminals and even the notorious bounty hunter Boba Fett. Actor Anthony Daniels even reprised his role as C-3PO to lend the series a bit of acting sravitas, darling? Alongside roids, Nelvana iso produced Ewoks, starring the euddly space teddies that had delighted (or disgusted, depending your point of view) audiences in Return of the Jedi Bwoks centred ‘around Wicket W. Warrick and his life on the Forest Moon of Endor before those pesky Imperials arrived and set up their Force Field Generator on the planet. So, instead of facing off against the Empire, Warrick and pals fought the Duloks, an Ewokcike race who aren't anywhere near as euddly oF cute (which is probably why they fought the Ewoks all the time). Both series were simedatamuch Thi ws the fst time Kana had produced PO younger audience than the Star Wars fms aad the animation was rather crude. As a result, nether series really had much cultural impact and both disappeared from ‘TV screens the following year after just 13 episodes of Droids land 38 of Ewors, he style was once again aimed at a younger market, with brighter and bolder images to attract those toy-hungry infants. Alongside the figures, each of the so.came with a golden coin, to those included with The Power of the Force line. Kenner also produced three vehicles of ‘THETOY LINES Of course, just because the ‘cartoons weren't actually any ‘good, that didn’t stop Kenner lining up @ new range of toys. For Droids it initially had 12 characters: Jann ‘Tosh, AWing Pilot, Boba Pett, C3PO, R2-D2, Jord Dusit, Kea Moll, Kez Iban, Sise Fromm, ‘Thall Joben, ‘Tiag Fromm and " Uncle Gundy. Although packaged in ABovE Th Kanar Star Wars The Power ot the Force ok Bale Wagon sod a 22 ¢ December 2023 > www.ccofgb.co.uk