After Woodsy's recent Spacelink post, I did a bit of research about Capsenauts and whether there was any link to Takara's Diaclone toy line...
It turns out, no. But I did learn the little figures with plastic fronts, arms and legs and diecast backs with magnetic feet, are called "Dianauts".
Here are a few from my collection. The original multicoloured crew of five, from the Great Robot Base, still in their blister pack.
The aforementioned Great Robot base.
My Battle Convoy robot with two Dianauts inside.
And last, a "tell 'em they're dreaming" eBay offering - at least it's free shipping!
Anyone else out there, with some of these lil' fellas, Moonbasers?
Looey
Oz Base
Diaclone never really made it to Europe, so we missed out. Some Transformers had tiny cockpits in them from the original japanese releases, but never had any figures. Takara Tomy re-launched Diaclone a few years back, with some awesome models, but again, not in Europe, so prices were silly for imports. Bill
ReplyDeleteAn amazing collection Looey. So unusual too, I've not seen much Diaclone at all. Fantastic! Where did you get them?
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that with all his jet setting, my Dad the Photographer didn't bring me much back, except...
DeleteIn 1976 he brought me a small sofubi vinyl figure of Great Mazinger. I'd never seen anything like it and the design blew my mind, kickstarting my giant robot obsession!
Next was 1979, when a visit to Singapore brought me an original Big Chap Kenner Alien.
Finally in 1980, he blew me away with the Takara Great Robot Base, which is one of the crown jewels of my collection!
So I definitely can't say he never got me anything!
Superb travel prezzies those Looey! So the Xenomorph was on a plane? Blimey! That's asking for trouble! 😂
DeleteAs an addendum to your question about the toy Woodsy, here's some info scraped from Google...
ReplyDeleteThe Takara Diaclone Great Robot Base (1980) was the pioneering, 45 cm tall, flagship toy of the vintage Diaclone line. A massive, transformable base/mech featuring magnetized, 3 cm "Dianaut" pilot figures, it was influenced by feudal Japanese armor. Modern revivals include the intricate 2022 Robot Base GX (Gran Cross) project
Vintage 1980 Great Robot Base Details:
Design & Size: Known as the first major Diaclone toy, it stands approximately 45 cm tall, often referenced as the tallest vintage release.
Included Components: The set featured two fists, a large rocket/laser cannon, two hip rockets, two small scout ships, one larger ship, an escalator mechanism, and five Type 1 Dianaut figures.
Play Features: The toy was designed as a central command hub, featuring launching capabilities, boarding ramps, and intricate, armor-inspired detailing.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Diaclone/comments/1aobq1a/the_original_diaclone_great_robot_base/
I looked during my recent trip to Japan for one of the new Diaclone redesigned versions. But even as a cashed-up retiree, the going price of A$1,500 was beyond my limit!
Suddenly I felt like a denied teenager all over again!
So many old sci Fi stalwarts were influenced by Samurai armour. Darth Vaders helmet and get up and now the Dianauts. How superb. Ta for the extra info Looey! I doubt I'll ever see any at UK car boots!
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