Woodsy and Fellow Moonbaser's,
I'm glad you enjoyed the Mosquito Jeep - it has become an iconic toy design copied by several companies over the years. The Hamilton's Invaders line of toys apparently didn't sell well when it was introduced in 1964 despite the fact that bug movies were all the craze and the toys themselves were striking and wonderfully designed - to a point!
One reviewer speculated that the problem lies not with their appearance, but their construction. Most of the mechanisms were spring loaded and string activated: pull back on the string, the spring winds up, release the toy, and let 'er rip!
The problem? Cheap springs and plastic gears prone to breaking. In addition, the pincers (pinchers, jaws, mandibles - whatever), horns, and antennas on the bugs were also prone to breaking off and I personally still have at least one bug that needs replacing because of the lack of pincers.
The toys were sold through 1965, then discontinued. In today's market, any of the toys that are cosmetically in EXC shape and operate without problems commands a premium price.
The mechanisms have to work as designed, the tanks need their full complement of shells, rockets, bombs, etc. The bug's must be complete with pincers, horns, antennas, and legs, and all the nickel plating must be intact and not rubbed off. It's a tall order but not impossible, as excellent example do show up from time-to-time. All it takes is money!
On the other hand, if you're not worried about imperfections, then bargains are certainly to be had. I have two Dwarf Tanks, each having their share of condition issues but overall I'm pleased with them.
They are pull-string activated, the guns elevate and fire projectiles, and the canopy domes lift up to accept the driver figures. They measures 9.25"L overall x 4.5"W x 3.75"H
From Horrible Hamilton's Cave
Ed
USA
A very nice toy, although it appears to be a self-propelled gun rather than a tank ? Does the turret rotate, or is it fixed ?
ReplyDeleteWhile technically, it is a self-propelled gun Paul, REMCO called it a Dwarf Tank which probably sounded 'cute' to them. Other than the ability to open up, the turret is fixed in place.
DeleteThe only Hamilton toy ive found so far! I is more of an SP gun Pau, barrel elevates, but you'd have to turn the whole tank to rotate the line of fire. Bill
ReplyDeleteA toy concept ahead of its time, maybe? I was surprised to hear that it was only available in '65-'65 - I recall it being much later. I think the series would have done well about five years later, mixed in with all the Space Toy craze. Still, a remarkable attempt at something very "big." SFZ
ReplyDeleteSome parts of it were re-used as Star Trek tie ins, such as the Mosquito Jeep in garish yellow and the kids bug-eye helmet and pistol, but they may have only been a Canadian release. Bill
DeleteIt probably was ahead of its time. The designs were quite excellent when compared to other sci-fi toys from those years.
DeleteYou've accumulated some wonderful vintage gems, Ed... and treated us to a terrifying insight into this world.of Invaders.
ReplyDeleteThanx Tony! Of late, I've also been putting together a series of .GIF's showing the monster bugs taking down unwary passerby's. Those have been posted on my facebook (Meta) groups so far and I'm trying to do a whole series: bugs attack, bugs get attacked, bugs lose! - that kind of thing.
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