In the early 1970's Britains tried branching out with a different scale of figure, at 1:42 complete with a base and scenery. Each mini set included enough figures and accessories to make a small diorama, or to split up and combine with similar themed sets to make a larger one.
My first Mini Set was the Frogmen and Octopus set, which arrived in a neat little box with a scenic illustration to sit behind the set. Considering its age and the amount of play its had, its lasted well! One of the frogmen has lost his speargun and both have lost the orange aqualung gear, which was made of the same soft polythene that Britains made some of the tree models from. The Octopus, the star of the show for me is made of the same flexible material and can curl a tentacle around the hapless frogmans leg.
I've managed to keep the rest of the set together, but I had to replace the tanks on the figures backs.
Quite beautiful toys Wote. Really ace how you have displayed them in those neat orange boxes. Where did you get those? I recall the mini sets from childhood, particularly a mortar set and a kung fu set. there may have been Britian's DEEtails rather than Mini Sets. I also adored my Police motorbike dispatch rider!
ReplyDeleteSad times when you can't find your weed! -Mark J Southcoast Base
ReplyDeletewell I know I didnt smoke it!
DeleteI really like these action packed underwater sets, Bill. They're great!
ReplyDeleteI can't remember ever seeing them in the shops as a kid though... so another fresh vintage insight on the Moonbase Blog. I agree with Woodsy... you've displayed these little treasures brilliantly :)
Mini Sets we're only available for a couple of years, between 1970 and 74 I think, as they didn't really fit with any other lines. The Kung Fu set was a one off too, appearing in the e 1975 catalogue, as a 'souvenir' set.
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ReplyDeleteLovely to see those again! I had both the Frogmen and the Divers as a school kid!
ReplyDeleteThe first Britains Mini Sets came out in 1968 and appeared as new additions in the catalogue of that year. They were in a new scale to Britains that of 1:42nd. Twelve sets were issued which comprised of three farm related, three zoo, two wild west, two military, one knights and one underwater exploration. All these twelve sets remained in the 1969 catalogue. However, there was a major change in 1970 as all the animal related sets were withdrawn and replaced by six new sets. The underwater exploration set, Frogman and Octopus, was joined by another underwater themed set, Divers and Shark. The knight set and military sets were also augmented. There was an additional farm related set but this time it was a tractor not more farm animals. Finally there were two sets released that were loners: Federal Infantry and: Footballers. These twelve sets were illustrated until the 1972 catalogue after which the Mini Set series were withdrawn.
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