Project SWORD Make A Model Book 1

JR21 BEDFORD VAN

JR21 BEDFORD VAN

TARHEEL TALKING RABBIT HUNT SET

Tarheel are more well known to us for making the US version of PROJECT SWORD toys. This was seen on Ebay US January 2010. This is the first time I have ever seen any Tarheel paperwork - check out the factory quality slip in the box. The classic 'T with kids' logo appears on the side of the box. Unfortunately I can't make out the model number on the left hand top corner of the 2nd picture down. I've seen a Marx version of the rabbit and also the rabbit described as an Easter toy made by Johnny Tarheel of Japan.

MARX MILITARY VEHICLES

The MARX Military vehicles series really do remind me of Century /JR21 toys. We know that the C21 Mobile Bridge carrier is probably the same body as the Marx Tank (above top). I've noticed a similarity, albeit less clear, between the Marx Amphibious Vehicle  (second from bottom) and the JR21 Missile launcher (bottom). I wonder if there is a JR21 version of the Marx Armoured Personnel Carrier (second from top)?

PLASTIC TOYS USED IN THUNDERBIRDS' CITY OF FIRE AIRPORT RESCUE FLEET

In this shot from of the Thunderbirds airport fire and rescue fleet we can see that those crafty modelshop chaps have raided their local toy store near Century 21 studios in Slough! (picture borrowed from the Space 1999 Eagle Transporter Forum. Thank you.)

First up we have the tender tug

and in it's original form, the plastic AQUACAR by Marx

Next up the tender cab

and in its original toy form, which we have blogged before

but I've found what is clearly a similar toy, the ELEKTRO AMPHIBIO by SCHUCO, which came in a variety of colours

and finally the tanker car

and a similar yellow prop being displayed at Fandercon

Well it's not really a toy this time but there is a connection to PROJECT SWORD as the same shaped truck appears in the 1969 SWORD ANNUAL (there is also a slight look of the BEETLE with its heat shields up)

so stripped down of all the red paint and airport scenery a family portrait of the original toys might partly look like this

(the green DUKW-style vehicle is by Marx and has sneaked into the photo!)

Pictures borrowed from the wonderful Space 1999 Eagle Transporter Forum and VECTIS.