Some of my favorite toys are the pieces included in the circus set manufactured by Corgi in the 1960′s. The Chipperfields Circus crane truck pictured here is only one piece of the set and what I’ll cover today. Other pieces (which I wish I had) include :
1. Circus animal cage with animals
2. Platform trailer with elephant cage and elephant
3. Bedford tractor unit (truck with cargo case), animal cage with lion
4. Articulated truck and trailer with horse box and horses
5. Scammell Highwayman crane truck
Our truck today is described as having a chassis-cab with the rear body resting on a base that extends off the bottom of the cab. The rear body section contains a working crane with a yellow base. The crane actually works by way of manual crank.
Other features of this truck are clear windows, silver grill, headlights, case wheels (rubber with light blue metal hubs), ‘silver’ sheet metal boom, raised lettering on either side (Chipperfields Circus). The truck also came with a die cast hook attached to the cord on the crane, however, it is missing off this truck.
The bottom of this toy is marked: International, 6 x 6 Truck, Corgi Major Toys, Made in GT Britain. According to my reference book – The Unauthorized Encyclopedia, Corgi Toys – this particular style of truck has the designation 1121 A1…. meaning the wheels are free on the axle.
Overall length (including crane) is 8-1/2″; truck length is 5-1/2″.
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago at 6:53 pm. Add a comment
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.
Posted 3 months ago at 5:29 pm. Add a comment
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:
- Flashing red eyes
- Gripping hands
- 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.
Posted 7 months ago at 7:02 pm. Add a comment
Thanks !
