THE DRUM OF ALL SEARS

I was really taken with this online snap of the Sear's Robot Space Lab.

Looks like it was a carry case full of neat space vehicles and bots, maybe for pre-school astronauts.

Is this something you've seen before readers?

NEW FLYING GETTY

https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/illustration/flying-saucer-in-outer-space-royalty-free-illustration/532204515 

This is the box art for the JR21 New Flying Saucer! How can Getty Images charge for it?

SWAPPING CARDS

I saw a student organising his Pokémon trading cards t'other day.

It was fascinating to see and brought back memories of me doing the same in the late Sixties and Seventies.

I'd like to say I collected iconic Topps sets like Mars Attacks and Civil War News but I didn't. My big brother did so I know I saw them in the house. Oddly enough I have owned both complete sets since!

I did collect ABC Batman and Captain Scarlet cards. I also swapped football cards. Maybe Shoot comic had something to do with this.

I remember little folded Super Hero cards as well. I think they were called folders.

Ah, the meek freedoms and simple pleasures of being a kid!

Did you collect and swap trading cards readers?

ROBOT WET PLAYTIME

It's back to heavy rain showers in planet Southport today which means Zeroid Zerak can't go out to play on his Solar Cycle, so it's back to his Control Station and clean his battery terminals.

 

Painting by Numbers

I still see lots of Painting by Numbers kits in toy and stationary shops. They really have stood the test of time. 

There were always one or two sets on Christmas morning in the Sixties. I can't recall specific designs but nature was always a staple. 

I'd like to think I had some Gerry Anderson sets but I just can't remember!

Did you get Painting by Numbers sets readers?

This Morning's Catch

A meagre haul at the boot sale today but very enjoyable browsing and buying in the sunshine nonetheless. 

Lots of toy stands and many fine items. Mego Star Trek reissues. Tons of Corgi and Dinky. Loads of old annuals. The summer brings them all out for the outdoor sales.

Have you been to any car boot sales or any sales of late readers?

MONKEEMOBILE FEATURED IN SISTERS OF MERCY MUSIC VIDEO

'Black Planet' by the English rock band, Sisters of Mercy, written by Andrew Eldritch and Wayne Hussey and taken from the 1985 album, First and Last and Always. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EunWH1VbpA

The song is dark, but surprisingly catchy -'Black Planet, Black World!' , - and the interesting, if not inspired use of the Monkeemobile in the video denotes a complete antithesis to the custom car's original purpose, promoting an optimistic comedy/musical series about an aspiring pop group.

The Monkeemobile in the video has small alterations to how it was in the TV series - raised yellow detail around the main headlights, and tinted side windows. Apart from that, still looking as cool as ever!

My grateful thanks to reader Dave C for bringing this video and the song to my attention.

MATSUSHIRO TOYS

Following on from the spy toys post this is a search I did for more Matsushiro toys, of which there are many more than I thunk.

Have you any of these?

 https://www.google.com/search?q=matsushiro+toy&sxsrf=APq-WBvSFuPbjiK6OulwlwUCa7bNWhBCAQ:1647093446102&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiP55Ce3cD2AhWGX8AKHS-CDGUQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1536&bih=664&dpr=1.25