#282 TOMICA – MASERATI MERAK SS, LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH LP500S, DETOMASO PANTERA GTS and FERRARI BB 512 (1976, 1978, 1979 and 1993)

This will be a short entry with a few more Tomicas. The first three are cars I own since the early 80s. My father used to buy them in Portugal during his business trips and brought them to me. He loves cars, so it’s no surprise he chose Tomica over Matchbox or Majorette, when he had the chance.

I have selected these, since they’re Italian supersport cars: Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini and DeTomaso. They were even made at the same time, and they’re quite somehow similar, with those flat bonnets.

They’re all played, and some have painted head and rear lights. This is something my father used to do for me. An interesting fact is that the Ferrari and the grey DeTomaso have not the ordinary Tomica wheels. They’re wider and show a ring. Similar models are being used nowadays in many models from the same manufacturer.

Another thing I wanted to remark here is the difference between the 1978 original DeTomaso and it’s reedition from the early 90s (probably 1993). The first one (grey) was made in Japan, while the second one (blue) was already made in China. They’re almost identical, except for the number (F55 and 10) and Made in China instead of Made in Japan. The wheels, as just said, are also different, and the tampographies are much better in the older model.

You can check more Tomicas from the 90s here.

In that entry there’s a (card-)catalogue image in which the model is shown. And it is not surprising that Tomica chose this model and not another one, because the car was in production until 1990. Reference number of the newer DeTomaso Pantera GTS was T10.

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: MASERATI MERAK SS, LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH LP500S, DETOMASO PANTERA GTS, FERRARI BB 512 and DETOMASO PANTERA GTS (newer release) (Nrs. F45, F50, F55, F57, T10)
• Scale: 1:61 (DeTomaso, Lamborghini) / 1:62 (Maserati, Ferrari)
• Year: 1976, 1978, 1978, 1979 and 1993
• Company: Tomica (Japan)
• Size: approx. 6 cm

#281 HOT WHEELS! –MINI AUTOMAGIC / MICRO COLOR RACERS (1990)

Like many other die-cast manufacturers, Hot Wheels decided by the end of the 80s to launch a new line with very small cars. Needless to say, that the market trend at that moment were Micro Machines and other smaller cars. For example, Matchbox made something similar to these at the same time, in a very very rare series I expect to show here soon.

Promotional image (Italy) - Picture taken from: docmanhattan.blogspot.com

The new line comprised very small cars, much smaller than the classic 1:64. These are more or less 1:87, the “classic” H0 scale. The new series was named “Micro Racers”, but there were some sub-series that I will now enumerate and describe:

Micro Color Racers: Sets of cars with temperature change paint that could change colours when put in cold water. We can consider this one as the "basic" series, because they're by far the most common.

pic: eBay

Race ‘n Show: Sets with two cars in a small diorama

pic: eBay

Mini Race Timers: A digital watch, which is a car. The car can be removed from strap to play with it. Hour is displayed on the windshield. If you want to know more about these, click here.

Pic: mismotus.blogspot.com

Mini Light Racers: Sets of two cars whose headlights can be switched on and off by means of a cell battery.

pic: hwcaforum.mforos.com

Micro Park ‘n Plates: One car with a garage case, whose cover is a license plate.

Pic: iOffer

Chroma Racers: Silver-coloured (chromed) cars

Pic: eBay

Plus a few accessories, for example, the “Micro Big Rigger” or the “Speed Blaster”.

Some of these series were already successful in 1:64 scale, specially those with changing colours. The Colour Racers were sold, depending on the country, with the names “micro” or “mini”. The names of the series also vary. For example, The “Micro Color Racers” were renamed in Europa “Mini Automagic”.

At least in European packs, “Mini Automagic” cars were sold in blister packs with 4 cars each. The models are great sport cars: Ferrari, Chevrolet, Porsche… as well as some pick-up van, a hot rod and other cool vehicles. Some were offered with “monster truck” wheels, making the model more appealing for children.

By the way, the cars shown in the pictures are:

Row 1: Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari Testarossa and Ferrari 308

Row 2: Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Corvette 80s, Porsche 911 Carrera

These cars tend to be in bad condition since they were intended for rough play. To change colours for a longer time, it was sometimes necessary to put the car in the refrigerator, so I guess many got frozen sometime. The decoration is rarely complete and in good condition, and they do not look very good anymore.

A very interesting fact is that, although all series were released around 1990, each car has a different copyright year, ranging from 1974 to 1987. Probably Mattel already had the licenses to make these cars because it had already made them in other scales. All Micro/Mini series were manufactured in Malaysia.

In the last years Hot Wheel has another line of “micro” cars, which resembles a lot more Micro Machines than those in this entry. The new line is called “Planet Micro”.

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: Hot Wheels! Micro Color Racers / Mini Automagic (several cars)
• Scale: Approx. 1:87
• Year: 1990
• Company: Mattel (U.S.A.)
• Size: approx. 3 cm

#280 CORPS – WAVES 2 and 3 (III) (1990 and 1992)

This is the last entry of this series, and includes the last 8 figures from waves 2 and 3. Remember that figures from wave 1 are available in older entries. You can visit them by clicking here and scrolling down.

There is not much more to say about these. I will write again about them sometime. There are still those "last 6" to be commented, plus some more waves that are not so modern that they're excluded from this blog.

Maybe short about this pack: It was bought around 4 or 5 years ago somewhere in Asia, I can’t remember if the eBay seller was from China, Malaysia or Hong-Kong… the thing is that after a few units of this packs were sold, I never saw it again. Around three or four months ago, I saw this packs again on eBay, but the seller wouldn’t ship the box as it is, but would open it and send the contents of the box. I don’t know how many of you have this box, but it is a great piece, huge and rare, grab it if you can.

Flashfire (v2)

Flashfire has been repainted in bright red and yellow… maybe somebody thought these colours are ok for a flamethrower… for me, one of the weakest repaints compared to v1. The backpack is orange instead of green and the gun is dark blue instead of black.

Whispering Willie (v2)

There was a difference between the figure and the artwork used in the cardboard, and it is that the character in the artwork was wearing trousers, while the figure was wearing only shorts. In v2, they gave Whispering Willie red trousers, and the jacket was changed to green. Weapons are the same grey pistol and chainsaw as in v1.

John Eagle (v2)

John Eagle v1 is on my top 2 list of corps characters, but what did they do to v2? For what is that uniform intended. V2 figure is completely bright red with some bright yellow lines. Worst repaint in the collection. Same weapons as in v1: black crossbow and grey quiver.

Bengala (v2)

This one is for me one of the nicest repaints. Although v1 had in my opinion very realistic colours for a desert troop, version 2 came with a greyish uniform with green-ish diamonds, somehow similar to snake or reptilian skin. As it happened with other figures, the backpack turned dark blue, while the rifle remained black.

Crowbar (v2)

An almost unchanged figure from v1 to v2. The only differences are the colours of the small details on his legs and chest: chains, knives and so on. Second version came with a blue missile launcher and a green/yellow backpack. In this case, both accessories differ in their colours from those of v1.

Junkyard (v2)

The uniform changes from completely grey to light blue, and also the accessories: the missile launcher changes from black to dark blue and the backpack from green to orange. Not a very fortunate change.

Chopper (v1)

Chopper is the Corps! policeman. His uniform doesn’t really look like a real one, but it’s still ok. He looks more like a motorbiker with helmet and sunglasses. His accessories are brand new, and are a yellow whip and a yellow nightstick. Here’s his “filecard”:

Tactical Profile: Former Highway Patrol Officer and SWAT Team Commander. Can drive any vehicle even in the worst conditions.

Dossier: A Pursuit & Apprehension specialist, he is often called on to hunt down dangerous criminals.

A larger description was available in single packs:

Name: Chopper

ISF No.: 00851

Equipment Specialty: Bullwhip (leather, braided stainless steel and vulcanized nylon).
Tactical Specialty: Apprehension and containment. Specializing in high-speed pursuits through uncharted terrain.

Service History: Former C.H.P officer, Laguna Seca Superbike GP champ, swat team task force manoeuvres specialist. ISF was the only organization for him.

Professional Profile: Has an eerie ability to know when and where the action is. Known for getting into places that no one else can, or should. Doesn’t have many friends, and prefers to keep it that way.

The Gasman (v1)

The Gasman is quite similar to Toxic Waster, another figure specialized in chemical weapons. I imagine that green uniform as a neoprene rubber suit, but strangely without sleeves. His accessories are all bright red: a backpack, some other device and a shield.

Name: Gasman

ISF No.: 00609

Equipment Specialty: Tear gas, mustard gas, paralyzing gas, K.O. gas, he knows gas.
Tactical Specialty: Crowd attitude adjuster, enjoys crashin’ a get-together of the slimeball variety.

Service History: Tried them all, Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, they weren’t tough enough for him.

Professional Profile: His streak of cynicism keeps him on his toes, and ready for adversaries at every corner. Once on his good side, though, he’s more loyal than an old hound dog, and as dedicated as the day is long.

 

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: FLASHFIRE, WHISPERING WILLIE, JOHN EAGLE, BENGALA, CROWBAR, JUNKYARD, CHOPPER and THE GASMAN.
• Toy Line: the Corps! (waves 2 and 3)
• Year: 1990 and 1992
• Company: Lanard (Hong-Kong)
• Size of the figure: 3 ½¨ or 8 cms.

#279 CORPS – WAVES 2 and 3 (II) (1990 and 1992)

We will now continue with the last article and take a look at the different blister types, designs and artworks for these two waves. 

Single cards:

Yellow card blisters from wave 2 (credits: figurerealm.com)

Black card blisters from wave 3 (credits: Ebay, seller: reinascalet2003)

Wave 2 blister cards were identical to those in the first wave, but with a yellow background instead of blue.

The packages were new designed for wave 3 in many aspects. First and most notably, the colour of the blister was changed to black, and the blister card shrank quite a bit. The artwork does not depict anymore the figure which is being sold, but Steve Wyoming.

In the pictures above, I have selected three characters: a new one (Chopper), an old one in v1 version (Boomerang Billie) and an old one in new "clothes" (Whipsaw). In the backcard are 30 figures depicted ("last 6" are missing because they were not released yet).

Double and triple packs:

Black card blisters from wave 3 (taken from eBay)

Similarly to single packs, yellow double and triple packs (2^nd wave) include the artwork of the figures in each pack, while black packs (3^rd wave) are all the same and include the artworks of Steve Wyoming and Brickwall (in an interesting green “variant”) (doubles) or Steve Wyoming, Lightning Mobutu and Sensei Kabuto (triple).

Something new in wave 3 are the “action packs”, in which some kind of accessory/ small vehicle is included. There are a motorbike, a jet sky and a strange cycle, each of them in two colour variants, each of them including a different figure. These had nice artwork depending on the vehicle, that’s three different illustrations.

Black card "action" blisters from wave 3 (credits: mialbum.com.mx)

VEHICLE       COLOUR       FIGURE

Motorbike       Red                 Chopper

Motorbike       Grey                Fox

Jet Ski             Yellow             Shark

Jet Ski             Orange            John Eagle

Cycle               Yellow             Crowbar

Cycle               Blue                Whispering Willie

Additionally, there were some gift packs including more than one figure, or figures plus one of those action accessories… there were at least gift packs including 3 figures plus one accessory, 6 figures, 9 figures, 24 figures.

Gift Pack (image taken from: YoJoe forum)

It is interesting to mention that some of the “new” figures in wave 2 were re-released in wave 3 and, although the figure remains unchanged, the weapons’ colour vary from one to the other. In the yellow packages, most figures (and most notably the 6 new ones) have black accessories, while in black packages, these accessories turned red or yellow/orange.

Weapons variant. Yellow card wave 2, black card wave 3 (credits: Ebay and  figurerealm.com)

And to finish the article, 8 more figures: 

Whipsaw (v2)

This figure was recoloured to be some kind of desert trooper while v1 was more a jungle trooper. Both versions come with bare chest and both with camo trousers. Camo pattern in v2 is one of the strangest I have seen.

Large Sarge (v2)

Large Sarge is another character whose uniform has changed from jungle camo to desert camo. V2 is now light brown with dark brown camo and silver details. His bazooka is dark blue and his backpack orange, the usual change of colours from v1 to v2.

Jones (v2)

Another figure whose v2 came with different colours, although this time, these colours are not bright. Green jacket and light brown trousers with dark brown camo. The first version came with a brown jacket, as if it was Indiana Jones. The weapons are the grey gun and the rifle available with v1, only the rifle is dark blue instead of black.

Croc (v2)

Although it doesn’t look much like the first version, v2 came with very militaristic colours, including green camo over brown trousers and shirt. It is a slightly different approach. The figure came with a black missile launcher and a dark blue backpack. The same weapons were available with v1, but the backpack was black instead of dark blue.

Boomerang Billy (v2)

This figure is surely intended as a night trooper. First version came in orange uniform with black sleeves, while this one is blue with black camo and also black sleeves. The accessories (three boomerangs and a rifle) are dark blue instead of black and the backpack that keeps the three boomerangs is yellow/orange instead of light green.

Tony Tanner (v2)

This figure came originally with a jungle camo uniform that has now been changed to a greyish light blue with pink camo. I guess it is some kind of sailor troop uniform, or maybe a night force commando, who knows. The change however looks great and the figure seems to be a different one. Same weapons as v1: black rifle and two-pieced mortar.

Dragon Han (v2)

Ninjas and martial artist can wear what they want! This time, the grey kimono has been replaced by a purple one with yellow details. I think it is not a bad repaint. Weapons are the grey sai and a black nunchuk, just like v1.

Toxic Waster (v1)

This new figure introduces a new concept in the game… maybe influenced by the eco and environment care trend, corps designed a figure would also fit in the Captain Planet series: some kind of nuclear power plant worker, with some strange devices to clean radioactivity. The figure comes in purple, and include great accessories: a purple helmet, an orange backpack, a black cable and an orange device. The last three attach together. Great Figure.

Name: Toxic Waster
ISF No.: 00198
Equipment Specialty: Toxic waste neutralizer and reclaimer, chemical analysis backpack.

Tactical Speciality: Access and evaluation of hazardous chemical situations. Pathfinder for the elite group of toxoids.

Service History: Trained as a chemical engineer, specializing in neutralization processes. He was working as a nuclear physicist when ISF recruited him for an unusual mission. He decided to stay.

Professional Profile: One of the hardest Working guys in the security business. He is a walking library of chemical and technical data. The professor type, but when a situation occurs, it’s knuckles and knowhow.

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: WHIPSAW, LARGE SARGE, JONES, CROC, BOOMERANG BILLY, TONY TANNER, DRAGON HAN and TOXIC WASTER
• Toy Line: the Corps! (waves 2 and 3)
• Year: 1990 and 1992
• Company: Lanard (Hong-Kong)
• Size of the figure: 3 ½¨ or 8 cms.

#278 CORPS – WAVES 2 and 3 (I) (1990 and 1992)

The Corps! figures are since 1986 available in many toy-shops worldwide. They’re one of the longest-live toy lines I know, and this is especially impressive for such a small toymaker like Lanard.

The first wave was launched in 1986, profiting of the huge popularity of Hasbro’s G.I.Joe: ARAH. Selling the figures much cheaper than its competitors, they got a great success.

And so were more figures manufactured and released: the second wave followed 4 years later, in 1990, and comprised 12 figures. Those 12 figures were a perfect mixture of 6 old repainted figures plus 6 new figures (casts).

WAVE 2:

• Avalanche (new cast)
• Chopper (new cast)
• Croc (v2)
• Cybor Trooper (new cast)
• Flashfire (v2)
• Hammer (v2)
• Large Sarge (v2)
• Night Lazer (new cast)
• The Gasman (new cast)
• Tony Tanner (v2)
• Toxic Wastor (new cast)
• Whipsaw (v2)

We know that casts are very expensive, so this might have been quite an investment for Lanard, but it was surely a positive investment, because in 1990 the G.I.Joe line was still very popular. The next wave came just 2 years later, in 1992, and comprised 18 figures. These were the 12 figures from wave 1 that were not repainted for wave 2, plus, again, 6 new casts. These six new casts are often considered as the most difficult figures in the toy line, because they were never ever used. This is quite rare since the rest of the casts have been used a lot of times. A theory that would explain this, is that the casts for the figures were probably damaged or destroyed very soon.

WAVE 3:

• Bengala (v2)
• Boomerang Billy (v2)
• Brick Wall (new cast)
• Crowbar (v2)
• Crusher McCloskey (new cast)
• Dragon Han (v2)
• Fox (v2)
• Gunner O'Grady (v2)
• Hat Trick Lamonde (new cast)
• Hiro Yamata (v2)
• John Eagle (v2)
• Jones (v2)
• Junkyard (v2)
• Lightning Mobutu (new cast)
• Sensei Kabuto (new cast)
• Shark (v2)
• Steve Wyoming (new cast)
• Whispering Willie (v2)

The six new figures in wave 3 are not present in my figure set, so maybe they were released shortly afterwards the rest of wave 3… it is very curious that exactly these six are not included in the 36 figure pack, although the artwork depicts Steve Wyoming. They will be shown in a future entry, as soon as I get all of them complete with weapons.

So here are the first 8 figures in this box, and in the next two entries, I will present 8 figures more each time. Since the box remains unopened, I will be following the order in the box, that’s first row today, second and third rows next.

Shark (v2)

Corps' frogman comes now in bright green colour with black and pink details, what gives the figure a completely different personality compared to v1, which was almost completely grey. Shark v2 came with the same accessories that were available with v1: oxygen tanks, cables, googles and harpoon, even in the same colours.

Fox (v2)

Fox figure was also re-released in much brighter colours than v1. Instead of the elegant uniform in grey, this time the figure wears green trousers and brown jacket. The figure came with two grey rifles, the same that were available with v1.

Hiro Yamata (v2)

Black ninja’s v2 is almost identical to v1: same colours (black and red), same weapons (black crossbow and grey quiver). The only difference are the strange logo on his right leg, and the round Yin and Yang logo on his chest.

Cybor Trooper (v1)

One of the new guys, should represent some kind of Hi-tech soldier with body armour. Their grey suit and helmet give him a very nice look. This figure came with a red backpack and a red pistol. This figure has a variant without sleeves. Since this figure didn’t appeared in old entries, I copy it’s filecard here:

Tactical Profile: Specializes in top secret close range combat tactics and technology

Dossier: Graduated at the top of his Marine Combat Training class. Developed advanced combat body armor and battle field equipment.

Larger description in single pack:

Name: Cybor Trooper

ISF No.: 00864

Equipment Specialty: Infra-red life form analyzer with sequential time relay activator.
Tactical Specialty: Control of and communication with complex machinery and unidentified life forms. Hyperstrength.

Service History: Originally joined ISF as an anti-terrorist operative. Following a near-fatal explosion he was “reassembled” with high tech computer and machine parts.

Professional Profile: Known as the “Spearhead”, a real professional from the word go. His ability to maintain a keen awareness of every situation has proven invaluable in every adverse confrontation.

Avalanche (V1)

The second of the new figures is a skier and a medic. I think the snow outfit is great, but the head sculpt could be better. This figure came with 5 accessories: 2 yellow skies, 2 yellow poles and a red backpack. Again, the filecard:

Tactical Profile: Specializes in top secret close range combat tactics and technology.

Dossier: Graduated at the top of his Marine Combat Training class. Developed advanced combat body armor and battle field equipment.

Hammer (v2)

This figure got a complete change of look, v1 had a jungle camo uniform, while v2 comes with a yellow shirt and bright green trousers and beret. In my opinion an unfortunate change. The weapons were all recoloured from version 1: the backpack became yellow and both the rifle and the gun became dark blue.

Gunner O’Grady (v2)

My favourite figures (this one and John Eagle) had maybe the worst v2 versions in the whole range of figures: From the very cool brown jacket and grey trousers, we arrive to a bright red jacket and dark green trousers, with details in bright yellow (helmet, belt). Terrible. Same weapons as in v1: two grey rifles.

Night Laser (v1)

Night Laser reminds my a lot of Sci-Fi the G.I.Joe figure. Maybe that green colour was intended to copy somehow the Hasbro figure. This figure comes with brand new accessories: a helmet in the same shade of green as the uniform, plus three red accessories: a pistol, a rifle and a backpack.

Tactical Profile: ??.

Dossier: ??.

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: SHARK, FOX, HIRO YAMATA, CYBOR TROOPER, AVALANCHE, HAMMER, GUNNER O’GRADY and NIGHT LASER
• Toy Line: the Corps! (waves 2 and 3)
• Year: 1990 and 1992
• Company: Lanard (Hong-Kong)
• Size of the figure: 3 ½¨ or 8 cms.