KNOCK OFFS ACTION FIGURES BOOK

My good friend Arto gave me the heads-up on this brand new book, Knock Off Toys by Brian Heiler.

Just my cup of tea, I'll be writing to Santa to put a copy in his 2022 sack!

Is it a book you would enjoy readers? Have you got it?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR TOM

Many happy returns to Tom Baker, who turns 88 today. THE Doctor, 'the original article you might say' , as Tom once said in 'Robot'!

FAB1 ICE CREAM VAN

I'm glad they cite Thunderbirds as the source for the name FAB1! They've made millions off it!

https://p50cars.com/fab1-creating-the-worlds-smallest-ice-cream-van-for-nestles-fab-ice-lollies/

Matchbox Moving Parts 1950 Chevy Suburban

Hi

Here is one of my recent Matchbox acquisitions. It is the 1950 Chevrolet Suburban, from the Moving Parts series.

In the 1960s opening doors, bonnets, and boots were a common feature of many Matchbox models, but these were later dropped. That might have saved a few pennies, but it made the models a lot less fun. In 2019 Matchbox launched a special series of models which again included opening parts. 

These are not part of the regular Matchbox line, and form their own series. The number of models in the range varies from year to year. They are about twice the price of a normal Matchbox die-cast, and are hard to find in New Zealand, as few shops stock Matchbox models these days.

A Suburban was basically a station wagon built on a pick-up truck chassis. Pick-up families often included a windowless van; and a Suburban version with windows, fold-down or removable seats, and a rear door for ease of loading. Being able to carry a mix of people and bulky equipment, they were popular vehicles for work crews. Today the term applies to a luxury SUV type.

The 1950 Chevy Suburban is a new model, number MB1254, and is part of the 2021 Matchbox range. The underside carries the copyright date 2020, as does the back of the card. 

It has a metal body; chromed plastic base (which includes the grille and bumpers); with an opening bonnet, showing off the engine, which has red and black detail painting; plastic interior; and slightly tinted windows. Made in Thailand.

Both the exterior and interior are light green. Most of the printing is black, with a little white and orange. The doors say National Parks - Forest Ranger, and Park Patrol - U.S. 1254, which is the model number. 

Matchbox have done several other models, across various ranges, in a similar light green National Parks scheme. It is unusual, and very attractive.

This year, the Moving Parts models all come on strangely shaped cards, with the model glued inside a clear plastic bubble in the centre. The bonnet is held open, to show off the opening feature.

Paul Adams from New Zealand

GIANT STEPS

I do love a good monster paw print. There are two that really had an impact on me. Both from the 1950's and both seem invisible at first.

The monster from the id stalking the ship in Forbidden Planet. Who can forget those one-toed footprints and those creepy boinging steps!

 

The Demon in Night of the Demon, that huge fire devil summoned by the runes. There is a classic scene where the monster pads its way along the forest floor.

Have you got a fave footstep?

YVETTE MIMIEUX: R.I.P.

 Sorry to read that actress, Yvette Mimieux has sadly passed away at aged 80.

Yvette was a prolific actress, and writer, but is probably best known to sci-fi film fans for her breakout  role opposite Rod Taylor, in the 1960 film, The Time Machine, and later in 1979, she starred in the Disney cult sci-fi flick, The Black Hole, a film I've blogged about several times.

Our sincere condolences to her family.

ON THIS DAY....TV CENTURY 21

Fifty- seven years ago the first issue of TV Century 21  went on sale in  newsagents around the country.

The striking masthead logo, and colour photo of Stingray being pursued by a mechanical fish was certainly a big pull for me! Here are the high points of the issue.

Inside there was a Burke's Law comic strip (drawn by Pat Williiams) I was, and still am a fan of the suave Police Captain. I did do a fairly extensive article on the series several years ago on the blog.

A colour comic-strip of Fireball XL5 (drawn by Graham Coton)   Even pre-Mike Noble I preferred the more 'grown up' look of tv21's Fireball, and it was good to see the World Space Patrol's finest in colour! 

My Favourite Martian (drawn by Bill Titcombe) 

Stingray, the 'star' vehicle of the comic (drawn by Ron Embleton) and my favourite Supermarionation series.

Supercar (drawn by Toledano) I liked Supercar on TV, and in TV Comic. I can't say I was that keen on  the cartoony look of Mercury and co. in the TV21 strip.

An introduction to 'Nosey' Parker in the Lady Penelope comic-strip, drawn by Eric Eden, twelve months before Thunderbirds would take star-billing!

Finally, The Daleks drawn by Richard Jennings, and the issue 1 free gift, an Identicode - a combined code breaker and I.D. card.

ACTION MAN TV

 Yesterday saw a lot of Action man action on TV.

First there was an Ebay advert which features a vintage figure being sent in the post. Is this the Action Sailor?

Later on, much later came Xtro.

This 80's alien gorefest features an Action Man throughout. I can't find a piccy of it but it eventually grows to full size to terrorise some poor victim.

What is that? Action Soldier?