Tonka Takes Off

Once again we look at the smallest scale of action figures available and this time we have a lineup of the pilots from the Tonka Legions of Power range.

Essentially another construction set, LOP was based around two warring factions - the Star Legions and the Tech Dynasty. Produced in 1986, the series was divided into red and blue vehicles supported by a modular base unit in grey. The majority of the parts fitted together with circular connectors about 2 cm in diameter with smaller parts fitting into 5 mm holes and pegs. The box artwork was impressively produced and the overall quality was very high. Most sets were motorised and both ranges featured some similar parts coloured to match the series.

Special parts included rocket launchers, elevator arms and a six legged walking device. The robust cockpits fitted the small rubber figures and each figure had a prominently featured name, although the inclusion of the figure seemed almost incidental. Various parts were cast in luminous whitish plastic which glowed an eerie green in the dark.