Hi Woodsy,
This was a Christmas present to myself, a modern Chinese copy of a 1950-60s tin toy "Moon Rocket", which now sits in my workroom.
Having looked on the 'net, I think the original was Japanese, by Masudaya.
It's not a bad copy (I could never afford the original version), although some of the metal parts are now plastic, and there is a paper sticker on the fin bearing the name.
I suspect the original was rather larger, and that the body shape was designed to hold batteries. The lights on the side have now become just coloured hemispheres.
It came with a large chromed plastic radar dish, on a long (and damaged) stem - I shortened the stem when repairing it, which I think gives a better appearance.
Surprisingly, one old toy has the figure of a spaceman (looking rather more like a diver) looking through a periscope here - not sure if this is authentic, it certainly doesn't make much sense!
The Chinese regularly make copies of older Japanese toys, I'm not sure if this is because it saves them having to create a new design, or because having the appearance of an old toy makes their products more attractive to the 'nostalgia' market -maybe both!
all the best,
Andy B.
UK
Its a cool thing Andy. A classic design. It nrings to mind the T in a Circle Space Vehicle, a relative of the SWORD moon Bus. Theres a small all-plastic version of your Moon Car I think. Seen it on Ebay. I like the big silver radar too. It could almost be a fold down cover for the windscreen!
ReplyDeleteTheres even a Santa version Andy! https://goo.gl/images/ReovMR
ReplyDeleteI've now found a picture of the box lid with the figure and periscope, so it's original!
ReplyDeleteThe version with a spaceman peering through the periscope is authentic indeed. its full name is Non-Fall Moon Rocket
ReplyDeletehttp://www.danefield.com/data/displayimage-search-0-2604.html#top_display_media
and one of the tinplate favourites in my collection, just for its plain goofiness!
Really like the spaceman at the controls. It has a fab look. A great piece to have in your collection, Andy :)
ReplyDelete