MOONBASE CENTRAL

Sunday, 4 September 2022

SPACE: An Exploration of Objects

This is a fascinating study of the influence of space on everyday objects.

https://www.academia.edu/44555914/SPACE_An_Exploration_of_Objects

Saturday, 3 September 2022

T-Minus and Counting!

Well I'm sat watching the launch prep for the Artemis Moon Mission, despite another slight setback earlier this morning, when a leak in the fuel line was identified, things seem to be going ahead. So far the launch window will be around 6pm UK time, or perhaps a little earlier.

Even though the space race stalled back in the seventies and things didn't move as quickly as Countdown comic predicted with their give away poster, recent developments with NASA and JPL missions such as New Horizons, Juno, Perseverance and the amazing James Webb Telescope, have given me cause for excitement and anticipation for developments over the next decade or so. I am sincerely hoping I will see man on the Moon twice in one lifetime!

STOP PRESS - Launch Aborted due to fuel line leak!

16/12 RETRO UFO INTERCEPTOR

A few shots of the 16/12 Retro Interceptor which is based on their standard Interceptor , but uses the colours inspired by the old Dinky version.

This invariably prompts many people to ask the age old question why Dinky chose metallic green, rather than what we saw on screen. Over the years plenty of armchair experts have come up with plenty of theories ranging from a surfeit of green paint at the factory, to the idea that, with some exceptions, white models don't sell as well as those in attractive colours.

I think it's fair to say, your guess is as good as mine.

Personally, I've learned to live with the green Dinky Interceptor!

UFO LUNCH BOX

Here's a few shots of my UFO lunch box, complete with flask.

Toy Island's Voice Raiders: Talking Pirates Action Figures

Toy Island Manufacturing Company Limited, of Hong Kong, produced several lines of Talking Figures. Among these was a set of three pirates. The toys themselves being Made in China. The copyright date is 1991.

This time the series name is on the front of the card, while all three figures are shown on the back, along with their names.

Each figure appears to have uttered two phrases, and a gunfire sound. This time the control buttons were on the back of the figure, not on the chest. There was a cut-out in the backing card so you could try out the buttons before buying. This control panel makes the figures look as though they are wearing back-packs.

Again, a screwdriver was needed to open the battery compartment, so the three LR-44 button batteries could be replaced.

Assortment Number Asst No. 31810

31801 Capt. Claw, dressed in dark blue and white, with a tricorn hat. Phrases Dead Men Tell No Tales ! and Ha Ha Ha...!

31802 Red Beard, in striped shirt, orange trousers, and black waistcoat. Phrases Load and Fire ! Aye Aye Captain !...

31803 Evil Eye McGrub, dressed mainly in green, with an eye patch. Phrases Ahoy There Matey ! and Ho Ho Ho...! One listing mentions a gun sound effect.

As with the Monsters, they came 'Dressed for Action in Real Clothes'.

Each figure came with the same selection of three weapons: a rather modern looking rifle; what could be a bayonet; and a samurai sword ? What about a cutlass, blunderbuss, or flintlock pistol ? I assume these were standard items, common to other figures made by the firm.

I did find photos on line of one loose Capt. Claw, with a cutlass and a pistol, but these could be replacement items, and not original to the figure. The listing does not say.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/voice-raiders-talking-pirates-action-489430619

A You Tube video from The Count's Toy Dungeon, looking at all three figures. The short sword or bayonet is identified as a copy of the sword included with the Mego Planet of the Apes figures. A further three figures, and a playset featuring the deck of a pirate ship with cannon, is also shown. With links to other sites.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEAZCnanvBI

Four photographs, all from Worthpoint.

Paul Adams from New Zealand

Friday, 2 September 2022

EQUIPMENT ID PARADE: THE LAST PUZZLERS

Right, I've ID'd quite a lot of my new bundle of plastic soldier equipment [thanks folks!] and this is what's left, that stubborn bunion, all still non-ID'd.

Does anyone know if any of these bits and bobs belong to small GI Joe-type figures from Lanard, Hasbro or Chap Mei at all?

Any help gratefully received!