Throughout the 70s and early 80s, American and Japanese toy companies pushed forward universes filled with robots. While most robots were vehicles for humans to ride in during this era, some were presented as sentient beings. However, a world of form-changing robots that both functioned as vehicles and battle machines was on the horizon. The […]
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 WWF Toys
Wrestling is one of the oldest sports, where contestants prove their might by pinning down their opponents. However, the sport soared to new heights of popularity in the 1980s, as the WWF set a new standard for ring matches. The WWF originated in 1953 as Capitol Wrestling Corporation and later took on the name World […]
The Top Ten AFA-Graded Toys That Have Come Through Our Doors
Since we here at Wheeljack’s Lab have bought and sold toys for decades, we have seen many rare toys, like those that are AFA-Graded. It always excites us when we see one of these toys with professional grading pass through our doors. While finding a mint thirty-five-year-old toy is rare, these are even rarer. For, […]
Top Ten Most Expensive Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys
Step back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the TMNT craze swept across the globe like a tidal wave. During this phenomenon, the action figures that captured the hearts of countless kids and collectors emerged as iconic symbols of nostalgia. The turtles became household names faster than you could say “cowabunga.” You’ll be […]
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 […]
The Top Ten Most Expensive He-Man Toys
Step into a nostalgic realm where childhood memories come to life: the world of vintage He-Man toys. These action figures, released in the 1980s, ignited the imaginations of countless youngsters, becoming an iconic part of pop culture. With their bold colors, muscular physiques, and distinctive accessories, He-Man and his cohorts transported kids to the fantastical […]
A Brief History of the Original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures
The world of action figures saw a monumental shift with the introduction of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy line. From the sewers of New York City to the top of the toy world, the story of how the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures came to life is filled with intrigue, creativity, and […]
When Were the Original Stompers Model Cars Made?
In vintage toy history, few lines encapsulate the thrill of off-road adventure like Stompers. These action figures were mini engineering marvels. Manufactured by Schaper Toys, the original Stompers model cars were the first genuinely 4-wheel drive, battery-powered, electric toys. The Original Stompers Model Cars Stompers were battery-powered toy cars that ran on a single AA […]
When Were the Original Steel Monsters Action Figures Made?
Amid the vast space of vintage toy collectibles, the original Steel Monsters action figures stand apart as timeless classics. Their birth in the mid-1980s saw the launch of a unique, Mad Max-inspired line of toys that captured the imagination of children and collectors alike. The Original Steel Monsters Action Figures Manufactured by Tonka, the original […]
When Were the Original Sky Commanders Action Figures Made?
In the world of vintage toys, there are few names as respected as Kenner. Throughout its history, Kenner has introduced countless action figures and playsets that have captured the imaginations of millions. One of these iconic toy lines, often underappreciated yet immensely impactful, is the Sky Commanders. When did the original Sky Commanders action figures […]