In the realm of vintage toys, few collections capture the nostalgia of the mid-1970s quite like Mattel’s original Space: 1999 action figures. In 1976, one year after the launch of the television series, these figures were brought to life, offering fans a tangible connection to the gripping story set on MoonBase Alpha. Space: 1999 Television […]
Wheeljack’s Lab – Vintage Toy Blog
Follow this blog for the new, the unusual, the rare and cool Generation 1 G1 Transformers toys. Reviews, news, toy resources, galleries, unboxing, opinions and personal reflections on vintage toys.
The Ten Most Expensive Hot Wheels Redline Vehicles
Mattel took the world by storm when they revolutionized the toy car industry by introducing Hot Wheels in 1968. While Mattel did not invent the genre, they quickly became the industry’s front-runner with their stylish, speedy cars. They also set the standard by ensuring that the Hot Wheels would grip onto their plastic tracks, allowing […]
The Top Ten Most Expensive GI Joe Toys
Step back in time and dive into the captivating world of vintage G.I. Joe toys, where action figures come to life with a rich history that sparks nostalgia in collectors’ and enthusiasts’ hearts. Introduced by Hasbro in 1964, G.I. Joe revolutionized the toy industry by presenting articulated, poseable action figures, each representing a different military […]
When Were the Original Stretch Armstrong Action Figures Made?
If you are a vintage toy enthusiast, you have undoubtedly encountered the legendary Stretch Armstrong action figure. Released in 1976 by the renowned toy manufacturer Kenner, this iconic toy has captured the hearts of collectors and children alike for decades. The original Stretch Armstrong action figures have an exciting and detailed history. The Original Stretch […]
When Were Original Six Million Dollar Man Action Figures Made?
One of the most well-received television series of the 1970s was The Six Million Dollar Man. The show, featuring the bionic government agent, Steve Austin, was extremely popular amongst children as well as adults. The show’s reception inspired the toy industry’s first successful television-inspired toy line. When were the original Six Million Dollar Man action […]
When Were the Original Shogun Warriors Action Figures Made?
The early 1970s were a time of struggle for the toy manufacturing company Mattel. A rough financial decade forced the company to rethink its strategy and take a bold, innovative risk. They decided to try licensing Japanese toys for the American market. This decision would alter the course of Mattel’s destiny and shape an entire […]
The Original ROM The Space Knight Vintage Action Figures
As we traverse the history of vintage toys, one figure never fails to intrigue us – ROM the Space Knight. ROM, an acronym for “read-only memory,” is not your average action figure. He not only ventured across galaxies in children’s imaginations but also in comic universes. The franchise all began with the creation of the […]
When Were the Original Pulsar Action Figures Made?
The 1970s brought a golden era of imagination and creativity to the toy industry, including one line that stood out for its uniqueness: Pulsar, the Ultimate Man of Adventure. Even though this small toy line did not reach a well-known status, its uniqueness and ingenuity remain inspiring today. When did the original Pulsar action figures […]
When Were the First M*A*S*H Action Figures Made?
As vintage toy collectors and enthusiasts, exploring the history behind iconic action figures is always exciting. Today, we focus on the beloved television series M*A*S*H, which captivated audiences worldwide. Join us as we explore the origins of the first M*A*S*H action figures and their impact on the toy market. The Hit Television Show M*A*S*H, a […]
10 Unfortunate Vintage Toys that Were Pulled from Store Shelves
In the last century, the toy aisle exploded to become one of the most profitable industries. While not every toy or company successfully becomes a long-lasting success, there are millions of toys produced each year. Most of these toys are played for hours on end with no negative effects. However, there have been multiple times […]