I recently stumbled across two fantastic plastic knock off carded rack toys.
I immediately recognised the 'Sea Explorer' duo from my own childhood summertime inflatable paddling pool days. I think around the late '60s - early '70s.
The card art is simple and colourful, packed with the promise of underwater adventure and excitement. The illustrated character with the tuxedo and bow tie needs no intro. The futuristic plastic underwater craft offer a shamelessly unlicensed nod towards 'Thunderball'. The generic plastic frogman were familiar favourites often found in an assortment of HK rack toys from the era. A paddling pool of warm summer water and imagination set the scene.
Once, cheerfully cheap and very disposable, these vintage gems are now very difficult to find. I had endless fun with rack toys as a kid and perhaps appreciate them even more now, when I think back to the fun and value for money they provided.
Tony K
UK
Blimey what a great find. I've been racking my brain for years about this toy as I have fond memories of seeing the grey one in my local newagents when I was a kid but I've never seen a picture of it so thought I must have been mistaken. I also recall a virtually identical larger version in tne same shop that was a carded accessory pack for one of the cheap soft plastic Hong King Action Man knock off toys of the time that was also sold there. I had the figure - can't remember tne name or manufacturer but recall the hands and feet popped off easily! Anyone remember the underwater sub toy for that figure or was it just my childish imagination?
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe my luck finding these, Yorkie. Glad they're bringing back memories. But I do wonder if there are more variations to these Sea Explorer cards?
DeleteThese are FAB! Rack Toys RULE! SFZ
ReplyDeleteTotally with you, SFZ... rack toys rule 👍
DeleteExcellent find, congratulations Tony! This kind of knock offs speak to me in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteThanks Arto. I've strong recollections of playing with the toys, but I couldn't remember the card art or packaging at all.
DeleteThose are really cool!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like them, Ed. It was pure good fortune finding them. Right place, right time. 😃
DeleteThe helicopter on the card is a Bristol Sycamore, in RAF Rescue markings. Yellow was the standard colour for RAF Rescue helicopters for decades.
ReplyDeleteWell identified, Paul. I wasn't sure if it was based on a real helicopter, or just a splash of artistic licence.
DeleteI had the smaller rack toy sea sled, with the twin harpoons. Much loved, long gone.
ReplyDelete...although my frogman was bigger, with outstretched arms!
DeleteA good childhood memory, Looey.
DeleteBathtime hasnt been as much fun since Tone!
ReplyDeleteUncomplicated toys from an uncomplicated time in our lives, Woodsy. 👍
Delete