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.

All About Diaclone

The Diaclone toy line first released in 1980 and is the series that started the widely popular Transformers toys. Although toy companies released changing robots previously, Diaclone made this feature it’s central purpose. This line of toys, released by Takara Toys in Japan, include robots and vehicles that transform. The Hasbro toy company then licensed […]

Street Sharks Retrospective

Posted on July 12, 2024July 12, 2024 by Chris Ingledue
1990s Toys, Uncategorized, action figures, animated series, comics, Street Sharks, The 1990s, The 2020s, toys

This 90s animated series about four half-human half-shark teenagers aired from 1994 to 1997. Street Sharks tells the story of these four boys whose father was kidnapped and turned into a monster by the evil scientist, Dr. Paradigm. Then, when the boys try to rescue him, Dr. Paradigm turns them into anthropomorphic sharks. The story […]

The Top 10 ThunderCats Character Collectibles

Posted on May 19, 2021July 10, 2024 by Chris Ingledue
Pop Culture, Thundercats, toys

The ThunderCats is an action, adventure, family, fantasy, sci-fi animation television series that Tobin Wolf created. It originally ran from 1985 to 1989. ThunderCats was a production success, so it went on to become a media success with the production of two more television series, video games, and a comic. This blog will just be […]

Lord of the Rings Retrospective

Posted on July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 by Chris Ingledue
1970s Toys, 1990s Toys, 2000s Toys, Uncategorized, action figures, animated films, Lord of the Rings, Movies, The 1970s, The 1980s, The 1990s, The 2000s, toys

Among many fantasy films, The Lord of the Rings trilogy is the series that automatically comes to mind for people all around the world. This iconic story first began as a novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien, published in July 1954. The book series from the mid 1900s proved to be one of the best-selling book […]

Dukes of Hazzard Retrospective

Posted on July 2, 2024July 3, 2024 by Chris Ingledue
1980s Toys, Pop Culture, Uncategorized, action figures, Dukes of Hazzard, Movies, television series, The 1970s, The 1980s, The 1990s, The 2000s, toys, Video Games

In January 1979, the popular American action comedy series, The Dukes of Hazzard, first aired. This series, consistently among top-rated television shows from the late 70s to the mid 80s, drew in millions of fans. This series quickly became a big hit which spiked the launch of toys (1980), video games (1984-2004), movies (1997-2007), and […]

The Stores that Buy Ghostbusters Toys

Posted on March 9, 2021June 28, 2024 by Chris Ingledue
Tips, Ghostbusters, toys

Finding stores that buy old ghostbusters toys can be fun. Going through several options of where to sell your toys can, however, be time-consuming. So how do you clear your home of these toys and still make good cash in the process without getting overwhelmed? Wheeljack’s Lab is an online toy retailer with over 20 […]

Biker Mice from Mars Retrospective

Posted on June 27, 2024June 27, 2024 by Chris Ingledue
1990s Toys, 2000s Toys, Uncategorized, action figures, animated series, Biker Mice From Mars, comic books, Retrospective, The 1990s, toys, Video Games

Throttle, Vinnie, and Modo are the stars from this superhero story of three motorcycle riding mice from Mars. This action-packed animated series, Biker Mice from Mars, first premiered in September 1993. The series showcases these mice as they tackle many endeavors from Mars to Earth and back to Mars. Although this first series only aired […]

Top 10 Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Figures

Posted on June 25, 2024June 25, 2024 by Chris Ingledue
1980s Toys, Uncategorized, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Dungeons & Dragons, figures, toys

In 1974, the popular game, Dungeons and Dragons, was released. Earnest Gary Gygax and David Arneson created this role playing game and published it through Tactical Studies Rules (TSR). An updated version of this role playing game (RPG) was later released between 1977 and 1979 with three revised hardcover rulebooks. Then, in 1983, LJN teamed […]

Top 10 Most Expensive Rough Riders

Posted on June 12, 2024June 12, 2024 by Chris Ingledue
1980s Toys, Rough Riders, toys

Ride into the spectacular world of Rough Riders. Filled with daring and adventure, these toys are more than just a way to pass the time; they are ways to use the imagination for epic races, dangerous missions, and treacherous escapades. Each of the vehicles is battery-powered and able to cross all kinds of terrain. From […]

Top 10 Most Expensive Kenner M.A.S.K. Toys

Posted on June 2, 2024June 5, 2024 by Chris Ingledue
1980s Toys, Pop Culture, Kenner, M.A.S.K., The 1980s, toys

Throughout the 80s, interest in action figures and transforming toys were at an all-time high. Kenner sought to marry these two concepts together with their M.A.S.K. toy line (often simplified to just “MASK’). The line debuted in 1985 and featured figures that were roughly 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) tall and vehicles with secret weapons. Unlike […]