| Journal Archives from June 2012 |
|
1990 Tonka Toy Fair Dealer Catalog
New Content Time! Just as we glide into the weekend, I wanted to spend a chunk of my Friday getting this delightful 1990 Tonka catalog posted to our slowly but surely growing catalog collection here at the Preserve. As usual with these books there are oh-so-many treasures to be found. Click on the cover image below to go to the full list of all 90 photos, or scroll down a tad to see a few highlights that I felt might be worthy of your attention! 
I am, of course, a big fan of this page which includes not only the super "Space Shuttle" play set, but also their Batman play set! 
Also be sure not to miss this kid who is absolutely freaking out over his massive Tonka Truck toy chest. I would be too! 1990 was just a little too late for me to still get these sorts of things as gifts (though that didn't always hold fast as a rule!) so I never had this wonderful and massive storage unit. I do wonder if that kid was just a great actor, or if they put a puppy or a cheesesteak or something in there to get just the right facial expression. Makes you wonder what he's doing now?! I'll guess...middle management at a software company in Denver. 
Posted by charlie on June 29th 2012, 09:27 PM Leave Comment 
Share
|
|
|
|
eBay Watch - Nintendo PlayChoice 10 Countertop
Here's a delightful little machine for us all to enjoy - but given the nosebleed price that's on it, that's about the closest we're likely to get to it! I've not seen a cute little counter-top version of this pseudo-cart based Nintendo system, but it would be a great addition to the gaming center here at the Preserve! Maybe the price will normalize in a few rounds - but let's wait and see! 
Posted by charlie on June 28th 2012, 09:50 PM Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
eBay Watch - Starcom Starhawk and Shadow Blast Track
Well, I had high hopes of getting another vintage toy catalog posted tonight, since they do seem to be backing up around here, but it takes a surprisingly long time to do that sort of thing and the evening was having nothing of it! The grass is looking nicer, and the super-secret project is further along, but without a toy catalog the evening feels partly finished. However! Let's all have a look at the latest Starcom auction to grace my radar - we have a set of two Starhawks, and a Shadow Blast Track, not to mention the more common but still awesome Starmax Bomber. And all apparently sold by a person who typically doesn't deal in toys. I suspect the price will still get up there at the end, but it's pretty reasonable so far! I certainly don't have either of those more rare vehicles in the Preserve collection, so it's tempting, but you know how I am about original packaging (massive eye roll from doctorkent). 
Posted by charlie on June 27th 2012, 07:53 PM Comments(2) Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
eBay Watch - Super Naturals Collection
Are you in the mood for a massive Super Naturals lot? Well, this guy certainly was! And now it can be yours! I just liked seeing them all lined up, ready for action, and thought you might as well. The price is climbing up there - will be illustrative to see how high it goes! 
Posted by charlie on June 25th 2012, 09:22 PM Comments(4) Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
eBay Watch - The Real Ghostbusters Handheld by Remco
When I was a kid, I couldn't stand the heat. Of course, I was a terrible indolent bum so it's not like I was ever out in the heat, but I just knew I didn't like it. Thankfully, in later years I've grown to like it. Not only does it mean no snow to shovel or heating bill to pay, but it allows the expression of a gardening interest that I didn't know I had. What I'm getting at is - it's hot. It's the kind of hot where you would really like to be able to put your feet up, and go sit by a pool someplace, under a big umberella, or better yet, a thatched tiki roof, sipping on a fine cold beverage. And, of course, you need some entertainment! I posit that this handheld Real Ghostbusters game by Remco (1989) is just the ticket - and starts out at only $0.99 to boot! If you do pick it up, I just ask that you raise a glass to the Preserve, between fits of mashing on the 'Trap The Ghost' buttons! 
Posted by charlie on June 21st 2012, 08:16 PM Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
Summer Solstice 2012 - With Jazz
Today, June 20th 2012, was the summer solstice. That means that it's the longest day of the year, with the most sunshine and light, and that we begin our slow and steady decline into darkness from here on out. Did I say darkness? I meant, the Christmas season, of course! Well, I tried to do it right, and after being released by my job I spent a few precious hours of that daylight trying to keep the garden and the Preserve Property in a semblance of order, even though it hit 96 degrees today - egad! In order to celebrate in a theme-appropriate way, I thought it would be fun to have a look at Jazz - who is disguised as a Pontiac Solstice - from the 2007 Transformers line, which accompanied the first live action Bay-Fest. 
I was still sorting out a number of my processes back when I shot those pictures - how quaint! Well, it's always nice to look back from where we've come - that 2007 line checklist is actually still one of the highest trafficked areas of the Preserve - go figure! So happy Solstice - I hope everyone got to do something fun and summery today - even if it was having a Big Gulp or taking in a movie in some icy cold A/C. Posted by charlie on June 20th 2012, 09:38 PM Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
eBay Watch - Transformer G1 Venom with Ghettobeer!
I am always amused by eBay sellers who have a theme with their photos. I like to think it's why I insist on my crazy hand held catalog pictures - there's certainly no doubt where it came from, even without a watermark! So it certainly brought a smile to my face when I found eBay seller lakeportghettobeer - who seems to sell primarily Transformers, all carefully pictured with a bottle of what I figure is his local, well, ghetto beer! While he has dozens of hilarious pictures, I chose this one of Venom because I haven't seen my Deluxe Insecticons in a while and it made me all nostalgic, as just about everything does. So - go check out this auction, along with the rest of his listings, for some quality G1 Tfs and fun photography! 
Posted by charlie on June 19th 2012, 09:41 PM Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
1982 Parker Brothers Dealer Catalog!
Instead of whiling away the rest of my quiet Monday evening watching The Quest (1996) with Van Damme, I have instead drawn inspiration from Preserve regular DoctorKent and have attempted to be productive, in as much as such things are within my grasp. The results of my efforts are pictures of the 1982 Parker Brothers dealer catalog! 
I'd like to call special attention to their several Nerf pages - in particular Nerf Pong! 
As well as their short but sweet listing for Star Wars ESB and Frogger Atari carts (or, as it says - for use with the Sears Video Arcade!) 
Posted by charlie on June 18th 2012, 08:29 PM Comments(2) Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
eBay Watch - Fairchild Channel F with all games!
Here's a fun one, that somebody clearly spent a lot of time getting together - a full set of Fairchild Channel F games and a system to play them on! Now, they aren't all boxed and complete, but it is neat to see a full set all together - something I've not seen in quite some time. (ok, they are missing cart #15...but so close!) We'll end the week with this, and I hope everyone has some fun plans for what sounds like a perfect summer weekend, at least in the Northeast! 
Posted by charlie on June 15th 2012, 09:10 PM Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
Matchbox - 1985 Toy Catalog!
Another trip down memory lane - today we have the 1985 Matchbox dealer catalog! This is a particularly important one for the Preserve since it features the US release of Voltron I, II and III! Yes, that's right, the Lion Force that everyone likes, along with the oft maligned Vehicle Team and the even less popular Gladiator dudes. I've always been a fan of all three, and it's fantastic to finally have the original dealer catalog where they were offered to the very stores which sold them to my dad back in the day! Click through and check out this catalog for Voltron, and much more! 
Speaking of Much More, I also want to be sure everyone sees the insane, apparent Go Bot competitors that I certainly have never heard of - Parasites! As usual, though, DoctorKent has us all beat - with a conversation on these very sets over at battlegrip.com back in 2011. 
Posted by charlie on June 14th 2012, 08:01 PM Comments(12) Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
eBay Watch - Taste Invaders II by Genesee Beer!
This is, I feel, hilarious on a number of levels. Firstly - it is some classic 'breweriana' memorabilia from my current favorite cheap, old beer producer - Genesee. They've been around in one form or another since 1819 during which they have been a staple of hard drinking upstate New York that I know so well. As with most breweries who are worth their hops, they've had a number of hilarious and stylish promotions over the years, but this one had just the right mix of gaming influence and outright copyright infringement to make my day. And, of course, I had to share it with all of you! So - click through for your chance to bid (against actual other people!) on this classy auction, and then see if you can track down some Genesee in your area. I recommend the Cream Ale (pictured) or the 12-Horse if you can find it! 
I think George Lucas gonna sue somebody... Posted by charlie on June 13th 2012, 08:35 PM Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
Arcade Auction June 16, Greater Philly Expo Center
Ahh, arcade auctions. Such a bitter-sweet thing! I believe that in a time when there were still arcades around, such auctions would be 100% exciting and fun, where collectors or would-be businessfolk could try to score some great games for good prices, for their own fun and profit! The cycle of life! Well, that cycle is a little more grim now that each and every such auction - which are very few and far between - represents the folding of another endangered species arcade. Still, I feel compelled to point out the auction of Arnorlds Family Fun Center, taking place this Saturday June 16th at the Greater Philly Expo Center...at least according to the ad. And that's another thing - I'm pretty amused by the "eBay Advertising" and am sort of amazed that eBay hasn't removed the auction listing! But - it got the news to me, so well done! If you're in the area, and have some time, you really should go - it's a sight that you simply won't ever get to see again after several more years go by. 
(Plus, they appear to have a Baby Pac-Man - nice!) Posted by charlie on June 12th 2012, 05:08 PM Comments(2) Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
Lego Monster Fighters - Haunted House!
The new Lego line called Monster Fighters was one of the best things I saw at Toy Fair 2012, so I am delighted that they just contacted me with some news about a great new set! Behold the Haunted House - 2,064 pieces of spooky excitement! I'll let their Press Release speak for itself - what a great job they have done! 
Press Release: Coming this September as part of the new LEGO Monster Fighters line, this is the first ever official LEGO Haunted House. Featuring 3 floors of creepy creations and ghastly ghouls, the Haunted House includes details at every turn from the unexpected hidden staircase and attic gramophone to the spider webs and broken floorboards leaving no visitor safe. Builders beware, this house is home to 6 of the creepiest minifigures available – 2 glow-in-the-dark ghosts, Lord Vampyre, Lord Vampyre’s Bride, Monster and Zombie chef and butler. Muahaha.
Posted by charlie on June 11th 2012, 08:14 PM Comments(2) Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
Toys and Games Catalog - 1980 Milton Bradley
I picked up this 1980 Milton Bradley catalog some number of months ago, and as things typically go around here I'm just getting around to shooting some photos of it this week. What to my wondering eyes did appear, however, but a number of missing pages - not eight tiny reindeer! There is so much other cool stuff in what remainder of the book I do possess, however, that I had to post the partial catalog even though it rubs me the wrong way to not have it 'complete'. You can enjoy a slew of fantastically '70s board games, and the Big Trak and Microvision! Two early staples of the Preserve, of which I suspect many others have fond memories as well. So - flip through the pages that I have - I bet you'll still have a good time! 
Do be sure not to miss the Star Bird Intruder, Avenger and Command Base - how cool are those!? A Captain Power predecessor that I knew nothing about! I mean, look at the Avenger there, it is totally a '70s version of the XT-7 - remarkable! 
Posted by charlie on June 8th 2012, 08:38 PM Comments(6) Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
eBay Watch - X-Panders ATV / Missile Outpost
It seems to be only once in a blue moon that a piece from the rare X-Panders line by Galoob comes up on eBay, and today we're lucky enough to see the ATV / Missile Outpost here for the taking! Sadly it appears to be missing the original paperwork, but does have a sharp looking box, and the seller makes up for it by clearly having a great time shooting his pictures with about as much expression as you can get out of non-articulated 1" army men! Check out the auction, but be careful if you start an X-Panders collection - it will take you some time to finish it! 
Posted by charlie on June 7th 2012, 09:11 PM Comments(4) Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
eBay Watch - Gobots / Rocklords Euro Movie Poster
How would you like a Euro quad-fold Gobots movie poster from 1987? I know I'd like one just fine, thank you! Well for the right price you can add this to your very own media room, and be the envy of your friends and neighbors when they come over for an Ernest movie marathon and see this gem hanging proudly over your deluxe 1981 Zenith set! 
Posted by charlie on June 6th 2012, 08:57 PM Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
eBay Watch - Bill & Ted
I know that I could be accused of posting the same themes over and over for these here eBay Watch posts, but what can I say? I like what I like! Something I like a great deal are Kenner's Bill & Ted figures, and the delightful photo that 86regal took for his currently running auction will hopefully earn him some high bids! If you're missing these two figures, maybe consider adding them to your collection! 
Posted by charlie on June 5th 2012, 09:55 PM Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
Toy Catalog - 1984 Imperial Toy Corporation
Holy Toledo! You mean there's new content today? Why yes, that's exactly what I mean! It was time to take a break from the incesant eBay Watches, as intriguing as they are, and actually contribute something to the global hivemind, which is when I am the very most satisfied with the machinations of this existance. Boosting all our morale today, in that case, is the catalog for Imperial Toy Corporation from 1984 (The Greatest Year!). This is another of those wacky, fringe sort of books that I'm in to, so don't expect a bunch of products you immediately recognize, but I do believe a lot of your dime store favorites will be contained in these pages. The sorts of projects that make you do a double-take, and then forcibly dredge a long-forgotten memory from the depths of your banks. If that's not power in journalism, then I don't know what is! Enjoy! 
My favorite page in the book? Well there are a lot of cool products, and the Q*Bert page is really delightful, but in terms of anthropological significance and overall period specificity, I am completely delighted with the photos on the final set of pages of their "250,000 Sq. Ft. Headquarters" and "Modern Manufacturing Facilities" - if anyone wanted to get a flavor for the '80s and maybe didn't experience it in person - you're welcome. 
Posted by charlie on June 4th 2012, 08:03 PM Leave Comment
Share
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| © 2024 ParryGamePreserve |