Pseudo Sea Sword Surfaces

 

You may recall seeing this vehicle before on the blog, in various other guises. Originally flagged up as a possible contender for a sea-going member of the 'expanded universe' in the SWORD fleet, the Hydro Jet Boat has quite a chequered history. I first came upon it in a boxed version pictured at the bottom of this article, by an unknown company called Europa. Subsequently, coolhunter Terry found three carded versions in what appear to be the original japanese packaging by Gakken.

Since then and after managing to add two of the three models to the Woatn archive with Terrys help, a pair of models in yet another packaging variation appeared in the UK. These were the original Gakken toys, repackaged for the UK market by Pippin toys via Raphael Lipkin. The rebadged pack is a dumbed down version of the Europa one, in a very seventies looking style. Of the two models that surfaced in the UK, one was the last of the three different toys that I needed to complete the series and I am extremely grateful to fellow toy enthusiast Sean for the opportunity to add this to my collection!

The AX-03, pictured above is possibly the most dynamic and 'sword-styled' of the three models, looking almost jet fighter like with its large intakes and swept wings. The propellor for the motor is housed deep inside the main hull, round about where the tailfin begins. The front nose clips off allowing access for two batteries, making it quite a heavy beast. In all the incarnations that i've come across so far, one consistent flaw is the failure of the motor to work. Depite Pippins exciting description on the cover of the box, i've yet to see any of the four models I have now, work.

The Pippin box helpfully shows all three toys on the side and clearly indicates which one you would receive. Even without the motor, its still a fab toy and im very pleased to own it!