All at Sea again!

Well, is question time again folks! Just as we manage to sort out one little toy mystery another rolls up to complicate matters! You may recall my earlier post in June of the Hydro Jet Boat - http://projectswordtoys.blogspot.com/2009/06/so-near-so-sea-sword.html , a toy I found some years ago and my musings as to whether it formed part of a series ? Amazingly, within a matter of weeks, our Man in Japan - Terry found three carded examples of the japanese originals.

Now my knowledge of kanji is non-existant and apart from a few words of english on the included decals, theres no hint on the packing as to what series they relate to. Each comes in a lavish carded blister pack, with batteries included and a small sheet of decals - these say 'Water Jet Boat' and have various 'atomic' sigils and numerals too. The three designs are all based around a common hull and motor unit with various hydroplane wing and fin configurations. They all feature the massive, Harrier-like jet intakes and a red light illuminating the tail engine.

One thing I found a little disappointing with my boxed version was the fact that try as I might, I couldnt make the engine run. Batteries light the tail, but the propellor resolutely refuses to turn, despite my incessant prodding and fiddling. The build on the toys is so good, that there isn't a crack in the bodywork to pry open and the glue is as strong as it was in the sixties, so I cant take the toy apart for direct intervention.

I am immensly delighted to say I received two of the three japanese variants yesterday courtesy of my great friend Terry. The Number 3 (blue jet - far right) sailed too far beyond my meagre budget and dissappeared once more below the waves of the Pacific).

Having pored over the gorgeous packaging and superb design, I tested each jet with fresh batteries - the included jap cells had long since begun to corrode - and the tail lights dutifully came on.... but no motor! Now im wondering if it could possibly be a special switch inside that only makes the connection when immersed in water.... as it was a bit late in the day when I got to unwrap my package, I didnt have time to head for the bath so watch this space - or inner space anyway!