Continuing my series of pictures of Anderson collectables on loan to me, here is a quality item and one I have certainly never seen before in the flesh: the superb and original issue model kit of the Imai Zero-X called THUNDERBIRDS MARS EXPLORER OX from the 1960's.
I first came across this kit listed in Dennis Nicholson's brilliant Anderson Merchandise Guide in 1994. I never thought I would get to see it. If its not the biggest model kit of the OX it must be close!
From the 1960's, the kit's box is BIG and the box art is simply superb and compares with any that Centurry 21/ JR21 released in the UK. It is also a huge model kit, nearly twice the size of the Century 21 Zero-X toy, which I have shown here, along with my small carded Bandai OX for comparison.
The 3 boxed OX's lined up, the big Imai kit in the middle. Note the similar box art on the two boxes.
Both box lids removed
The pale blue Imai wings next to the Century 21 OX wings for comparison.
The two basic OX bodies next to each other, the bigger one being the Imai. The small carded one is the Bandai.
and finally, the Imai OX box alongside its contemporary, the Century 21 Toys Nuclear Ferry box. Both toys are being returned to their owner soon so its the last chance I have of blogging them. Hope you enjoyed it.
The OX never looked as good in my collection as it does at Moonbase with Woodsy.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm sure all readers will already know the history of how the name came about for the OX, 'Zero' was translated as the alphabetical 'O'
I reckon this OX is the ultimate item from the Gerry Anderson collection.
Thanks SWORDGHopper, it is a super fine model and must look stunning when built up with all its decals in place. I shall have to see if I can find an image of one. It certainly is the ultimate OX!
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