Launch Progression

Progressive Plastics Apollo and Gemini Rockets

I was lucky to find an unusual sixties rocket toy this week, a simple sectional Apollo Rocket. On initial sight I assumed it was basically the same as the Titan rocket I bought a few months back, but with a different payload. Actually, the whole toys is distinctly different and in some ways, slightly more substantial. The rocket also came with two small unbranded astronauts and a tiny US flag on a wooden pole.

On closer inspection, the Apollo is trade marked 'Progressive Plastics, Aurora, Illinois' on the base, whereas the Titan is unbranded. I was under the impression that the Titan was a Park Plastics toy, now i'm unsure. 

Gemini Titan and Apollo Saturn Rockets (not to scale)

The toymakers have both gone to lengths to make each craft recognisable, the only flaw being the Titan has three boosters on the base, to enable it to stand properly. Beneath the combined Service module and LEM cowling, is a baseplate that represents the LEMS undercarriage in stowed position.

Interior of Apollo and Astronauts

The two identical astronauts are well molded and fairly accurate representations of spacefarers and the hand of one clearly shows discolouration from holding the wooded pole.

On both models, squeezing the levers either side of the nose pops off the capsule. Ive added a small acetate inlay to the Gemini, in lieu of a poper window. There no apparent branding on any of the Titan parts, so I am a little mystified as to which model is older.

Titan Breakdown