by ScifiAdi
on Aug 20, 2012
According to the Dinky Toy Compendium, 368 Zygon Marauder was initially issued as the Cosmic Cruiser for Marks and Spencer in the run up to Christmas 1979. It came in special St Michael packaging and was marked only 'Made In England' on the base of the toy. These models were made in limited quantities and are scarce nowadays, especially in
pristine condition. I've never come across a St Michael boxed example. The Cosmic Cruiser was a revamped version of the 367 Space Battle Cruiser.
When reissued in late 1979 as the Zygon Marauder, painted red and white as part of the Dinky Toys range, the name Dinky Toys was added to the base and the labels were changed to reflect the 'Zygon' connection. The name Zygon was presumably chosen for a range that ran to three vehicles because it sounded suitably 'alien' therefore appealing to youngsters. Very likely also that the range was created to diminish stocks at the Binns Road factory that closed in late 1979. This version was issued in a box which featured a cut-out space station, a nice touch. It combined with the inner card on which the model was held with three white plastic pegs.
The twin red missiles (I imagine a spare was also supplied) were pushed through the barrels which compressed the springs inside and, due to the missile design, locked in place, held by a lug located on the base of the rear of the launchers. Applying pressure to this area lowered the lug which released the missiles at some speed. The barrels could be tilted upwards, the launchers swivelled left and right and the canopy removed if so desired.
As with many other Dinky Toys, a prototype all-plastic version of this model was also produced.
An example has been noted in a Space Battle Cruiser (the m
We have some great news this month; the new Ramsay's 14th Edition
Diecast Price Catalogue (for 2012) has been announced for
release on 10th July and is now available for
pre-order at www.ramsayspriceguide.com.
Better yet, a link has been set up so that our
followers can save 10% on the base price until
Sunday 3rd June (9pm GMT).
Just visit: www.ramsayspriceguide.com/#!discount/cekf and select
your postage region to check out with Paypal or by Card.
by Nobleco
on Nov 09, 2011
There is was, 6:30 am and just getting out of bed. Put the coffee on and went into the living room and turned the TV on to the morning news. Roads to the coast were bare and dry so far so my trip was a solid go. Coffee made and a cup in me I got dressed and went out to start the truck. It has been below freezing here overnight for the last couple of weeks. Isn't Mountain life grand?
by ModelCarFreak
on Jul 24, 2011
Bought this lovely book called "Car Driving as an Art", a guide for learners from the early 50s. It has lots of images and I scanned the ones with diecast. Do you know what they are?
