During the mid-1990's I stumbled across an old toy shop at the top of a funicular railway near Bradford, Northern England, called Shipley Glen. The shop was a treasure trove of 1970's old stock. I bought about £20's worth of bits and bobs like mint plastic Archery sets, Super Hero bike decals, plastic ray guns and tons more. The prices were dirt cheap and everyone was happy. One of the toys I didn't buy but now regret [sound familiar?] was the Reconnaissance Tank pictured above [courtesy of Vectis]. Made in China and distinctly plasticy, I do like the design, a sort of space steam iron! Unlike tinplate, there aren't that many plastic space tanks and for some reason it's TB2 pod vehicle-looks remind me of the SWORD Hover Tank in a kooky kinda way! Anymore plastic space tanks out there folks?
Another great find. I remember summer holiday day trips in the 70s and 80s to Scarborough, Bridlington and Filey always spending an hour or two trying to hunt down any remaining stock of my old toys long since thrown away. I wasn't very lucky except for a few Matchbox and Dinkys. I wasn't the only one searching then! I still have a look now and again in the gift shops, but evilBay seems to be about the only place to find them now.
ReplyDeleteis that shop still going ?
ReplyDeleteNope, sadly the Shipley shop has gone. I was told years ago about an old toy shop in Micklegate, York, but I think a toy dealer bought the lot for his toy fair stands. It's years ago. Think the chap's name was Peter Leonard. Nice guy. Sold lots of SWORD and JR21 in the mid - Nineties. I once bought £80's worth of Major Matt Mason stuff off him including a boxed Space Station. All long since flogged mores the pity. Wonder if there are any old toy shops left anywhere in the world or have they all been plundered?
ReplyDeletehi mate i have that very tank inits box if you are interested in getting one still, email be back at bigols2000 at hotmail.com
ReplyDelete