TEXAS TOY MAN

Battery Operated Motorcycle by Hasbro 1971

One of the more interesting and unique toys is this well detailed ‘California-style’ motorcycle. Produced by Hasbro circa 1971 this battery-operated motorcycle came with jointed rider – manufactured to appear he is wearing black leather suit while the helmet is affixed to the head. This toy was manufactured in Hong Kong but sold in the U.S. market.

This battery-operated toy came in two pieces – motorcycle and motorcycle rider. As mentioned the rider has jointed arms and legs so he can be mounted or removed from the motorcycle with ease.

The motorcycle itself is brick-red in color with accents of chrome colored plastic and opaque windshield. The rider has a black suit with a helmet with yellow goggles. His hands have ‘gripper’ holes so that he can be attached to the handlebars of the motorcycle steadying him and keeping him from falling off when the motorcycle was in operation.

While this battery-operated toy was manufactured primarily of plastic parts, some metal parts were used. These metal parts are the handle bars, sissy rack bar, and small parts in the battery housing.

Two (2) AA batteries were needed to power the motorcycle. In addition, it also has an on and off switch located by the left foot of the motorcycle rider that was integrated into the design to look remarkably like a kick-start. Plastic stabilizers underneath the engine keep the motorcycle in an upright position whether it was operating or not.

This battery-operated toy motorcycle manufactured by Hasbro would be a great addition to any collection of toys – battery-operated or not.

Mighty Mike Battery Operated Robot-1984

 

 

 

 

 

From the early days of Buck Rogers and his space adventures, robots have been a favorite toy. The earliest robots were made of tin with later models being constructed of plastic and combinations of metal and plastic. The vintage robot pictures here – Mighty Mike – was manufactured in 1984 by a Japanese firm. Like most robots, he performs actions. Some of the older robots were powered by a wind-up mechanism; however, this more modern robot is battery-operated. He even ‘talks’. When the yellow button on top of his head is pressed he says, “I am the atomic powered robot. Please give my best wishes to everyone.”

 

In addition to talking, this 11 inch Mighty Mike has:

 

1. Flashing red eyes
2. Gripping hands
3. Mystery bump-and-go action

 

There are hundreds of robots that have been manufactured over the years – here in the states and around the world – as such they make a fun, challenging collectible…especially if you can find one in working order or with the original box.

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO COLLECTING TOYS?

The best kept secret to buying toys (or any collectible) with the thought of maximizing an ivestment is simple good, common sense. Always buy the best condition item you can afford. This translates to your purchasing the closest to MINT condition you can find. And, the older the toy the better you want the condition.

With the older the toy, the conditon becomes even more important when you are buying for investment. Remember buying poor condition will almost always mean a loss or lower monetary return on your investment.

This being said. . . why DO people collect toys?

1. Investment
2. Recapture their childhood
3. For their children (or grandchildren)
4. Display purposes (say, let’s decorate the play room!)
5. Collect a particular model of car, boat, plane, character
6 Just for fun!

I collect because I like wheels. Why do you collect?