Remote control toys were always the Daddies and Zero X was the Daddy of them all. But there were three other remotely-controlled SWORD toys: the spectacular Cape Kennedy Set, the phenomenal Nuclear Ferry and last but not least, the far less-well known Hover version of the Probe Force 3. Thanks to the power of modern technology, you can see the toys above and their respective packaging below.
Broadening the net somewhat and despite not having it's original SWORD name, Imai's Thunderbird 7 is also a remote-controlled plastic toy version of the Beetle [the shielded Snow Train]. OK it's a built-up kit but looking at Ferryman's cool snaps below it looks every bit the SWORD toy [please note that the JR21 box is a custom job created by said Ferryman for his TB7]. Are there any other SWORD r/c toys?
What are your memories of remote-control toys?
One word answer; Tanks!
ReplyDeleteMy memories of remote control toys are Tanks...Marx, Minic, Blue Box and a dozen other HK companies big, usually American 1950/60's tanks and the motorizable Tamiya kits.
We didn't have them, too pricy, but a lot of our friends did so we still got to play with them! Making tracks in the woods with little obstacles...and some would spark or had flashing muzzles.
There's a whole book/website to be done just on them, add pull-back motors and clockwork and you've a lifetime hobby there!!!
'Bessigh'...the noise that accompanies a nostalgic memory session!
Had the JR21 remote control Thunderbird 1. Never really liked the remote as I just wanted to fly the ship in my hand around the living room and garden really. ;D
ReplyDeleteHad fun with the battery operated toys such as the Marx Moon Grabber and pull back diecasts (Dinky's Ed Straker car, Sams car etc) as I could also play with them with other toys without using the gimmick.
The only remote control toy I had was the Lego motor. I mean the one from the sixties and seventies. A big (blue) brick with "ledges" at the front and back.
ReplyDeleteThere was a battery box to control it, but it also had studs and so could be used in constructions.
And I had Lego Lighting Bricks, which I liked much better than the motor, and included in whatever house I was building that day.
I meant that the battery box could also be included in constructions. Course the motor could - would have been pretty useless if it couldn't.
ReplyDeleteI promise faithfully to learn to rite proper this year.
As I recall, the battery box could also be clipped directly to the motor unit (ie no longer being used as a remote control) which meant I could build a vehicle that would, once activated, head off in a straight line until the batteries died, it reached the end of the universe or it hit the skirting board, whichever came soonest.
ReplyDelete(nods) that's kinda what i was trying to say, Kev. Language eludes me most of the time.
ReplyDeleteDid you have one? I bet they are quite different nowadays. Where's Lego expert Wotan?
Lego? Wotan is busy with his glory-twigs! [See the Nine Herbs Charm in Wikipedia]
ReplyDeleteohhhh ... well, I have some betony and some thyme if it will help.
ReplyDeleteWe will all run out of thyme one day said the pizza god as he took his pie from the big bang oven! Sorry, its been a long day and I'm losrening to the Pink Faeries!
ReplyDeleteI did have the motorized lego and the lighting bricks too. They were great. I used to make quite a good lego Zero X in those days too!
ReplyDelete