Its not often I see any plastic toys by SL of Hong Kong.
They came dramatically to my attention about 10 years ago when I acquired what is probably one of my prize Project SWORD collectables, the SL Task Force No.3 Space Rocket.
Shortly after getting it I started a checklist of SL toys on Moonbase
I wanted to find the toy model numbers before and after my space rocket, which is number 121 C. I also wanted to shed some light on the letter C at the end of it. What did it mean?
Well, sometimes, indeed often, a great notion falls by the wayside and my checklist was one such project.
I never did find those model numbers or solve the C question [which we've also seen relating to LN and LP toys on Moonbase as discussed by Arto.]
I still can't.
So, in the spirit of keeping things going a little bit I will now add at least one new toy to the SL list.
Its a beautiful set I noticed recently on the Bay [seller 123pusso].
The Multi Load Truck.
SL loved Mini Mokes and issued many variations.
This is another Moke and this set gave kids the chance to put 6 different plastic loads on the back like coal, timber and big milk churns.
The model number is 112- M.
Nowhere near my space rocket's number of 121, the M is still intriguing. Could it really be as simple as M for Multi Load Truck? Or did it mean M for multiple toys to go in the box?
But why C then on my rocket box? Carded? Its boxed though. Surely it would be B?
Anyway, I've enjoyed seeing this new SL toy. I do its relative simplicity and the box art depicting different industrial settings.
The red hatching at the side of the text panel on the box reminds me of another toy box livery, the red lines on the JR21 Rocket XL9 Spaceship.
What is the origin or purpose of this red hatching on toy boxes in the Sixties? Anyone know?
Have you any SL toys?
I recently came into possession of a Task Force No 3. I presume it is the same as yours only no box. The only marking I find on it is a Made In Hong Kong on the underneath in front of the friction motor housing. I'm not sure if it is an original or knockoff as the cockpit cover is clear not blue tinted and the pained rear part of the canopy bubble is painted on both the inside and outside of it.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the M is more for Motorvehicle? Or perhaps the letters are used as a release wave designation? Or maybe just there to make it seem they have more extensive listing of toys than known?
I can send pics of mine if you wish.
Sounds like a nice white Task Force Lance. Could be SL. I think its more likely a Tarheel toy from Tarboro, NC. They released all three Task Forces, each a diiferent colour: red, yellow and white. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWq0XljI8n4/Ut_6joyaz1I/AAAAAAAAdaw/Yz2T9Th8TZ0/s1600/tarheel+taskforce+fleet+astronit.jpg Send pics yes please
DeleteGood grief -I had one of those trucks! Mine was all orange! The milk crates and the coal load outlived the truck by several years, but I recall it vividly!
ReplyDeleteYou had everything you Bill. Got any of the truck left?
DeleteI wonder if the red striping is a reference to the American flag (America presumably being the largest market for this sort of thing).
ReplyDeleteGood idea that Andy. It does have a look of an American flag. I had wondered if it was an attempt at racing stripes as well. They do stand out whatever they are and would have been noticed on a toy shop shelf.
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