From time to time we feature SPACE SAFARI by Miniflex. An oddity really, as pointed out recently by reader Andy B. It's really hard to place. It's seems at first derivative with its Major Mat Mason space crawler - type vehicle but the other vehicles seem all their own. Not knowing it's scale does it sit neatly alongside SpaceX, Golden Astronaut, Apollo Moon Exploring or SWORD? What do you think?
As far as I can gather there are two box art versions, painted [above] and photographic [below]. Miniflex, however, remain a mystery to me. The word Safari suggests an animal hunt. I know there are aliens in the set but are they to be rounded-up safari style? If so I can't think of any other set like it. Does anyone own Space Safari who might shed some light on it?
Wotan Wades with special report direct from Marsbase Central
The Space Safari set is a really nicely made toy. I recall first seeing it about 1968 in a Marshall Ward catalogue, right next to the Apollo Moon Exploring set. I never saw either of these two toys at retail, so I wonder if they were primarily sold via home shopping catalogues which were always a rich vein of obscure toys at xmas. Here is my set, which is probably a later release than the nicer, painted cover.
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| Astro Prime Mover |
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| Computer Motivator MK II |
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| Ten Hoof Space Crawler |
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| Solar Generator and Lunar Personnel Carrier |
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| Psychedelic moire effect as the trailer rolls along |
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| Space Security Modules |
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| Spaceman and Aliens |
Judging by the height of the seated astronaut in the prime Mover, id say it was on a scale with SWORD Moon Ranger/Scramble Bug. The cool cone shaped wheels are also a little reminiscent of the Prospector. The box is well packed, with an inner card cover and the toys stacked neatly on top of each other, so there was lots to find at xmas!
I own a set in yet another box: no pictures at all, just "space safari" in large green and red stars & stripes lettering on a silver background.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I think the idea is to go capture aliens. In the open box you can see the trailer for transporting them, while the box top photograph shows the bubble stands (at front right and left back) also intended to hold an alien.
Best -- Paul
Ive got the lower version, its probably scaled the same as the moon ranger, judging by size of the pilot. Its a lovely set, very imaginitive. Photos to follow...
ReplyDeleteLovely pics Bill.
ReplyDeleteI had a Safari set as a child, so in Holland at least they were available in toy or department stores.
Aliens came in different colours btw.
Best -- Paul
I have one in the box and know nothing about it. The light powers on, but motor does not turn. Any help would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI bought one, it's a dutch issue. it has a painted design but again different than on the photo's you placed.
ReplyDeleteI have the no picture box (except on the box sides). It says Space Safari in green, white, red star bangles banner style). Picked it up at auction today.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What a brilliant set to get hold of. Hours of fun and will look great on the display shelf!
DeleteA friend of mine had one of these when I was a kid. The implication really does seem to be that the astronauts were gathering up the aliens, despite the fact that at least one of them wore clothing. The aliens even then struck me as "cartoony" when compared to the astronauts and the space vehicles. This is in Canada. I don't know where his parents got it from. It was the only one I recall seeing, so it was sort of "off-brand," unlike, say Major Matt Mason or Johnny Apollo or Billy Blastoff, which we'd all heard of or had.
ReplyDelete