Many years ago, when I was 4 years old, I was taken to a Beales department store in Bournemouth to see Father Christmas. Whilst sat on his knee I was allowed to choose a toy, and being a 4 year old railway enthusiast I chose a wagon. But not just any old wagon, this was a Tri-ang satellite launcher from their Battle Space range. It saw plenty of use on my grandparents carpet, and I remember my Grandfather (who is wholly to blame for my love of railways and had an extensive collection) repairing the satellite with a tube of glue. Time passed and it went the way of many such toys, although never forgotten. Recently however I've started looking for a replacement. A couple of wagons minus their satellites found their way to me before this arrived in the post;
As can be seen the box insert is missing. But, not only is the satellite present but also a couple of Commandos and the trip switch;
Here's the satellite in place on the wagon;
The mechanism is simple to use. Move the side lever to 90 degrees and wind up the black knurled knob on the wagon deck. Place the satellite onto the winder, noting how the 'claws' on the winder engage inside the satellite. Place the trip switch alongside the track (it slots into the track) and put the lever in the up position. Run the wagon, cab first, past the trip switch and watch the satellite fly into the air! (Or just use your finger.)
The condition of the wagon is reasonable, however the deck is bowed and the chimney is missing. So it might get swapped for one of my others.
The two commandos;
Crude, badly painted, made in Hong Kong (the rest is British).
This is of course an exercise in nostalgia, but it has led to an interest in Tri-ang's fascinating operating models, which is no bad thing.
Paul.
It's a smashing model. Very ingenious and terrific fun. The figures are a rare(ish) find too.
ReplyDeleteThe satellite flies quite well, in fact I have to be careful in case Dog 2 decides it needs hunting and killing!
DeleteI do like the operational models. One of my favourite childhood models, after Flying Scotsman of course, doesn't go back quite as far as this but was the mail coach. I had so much fun having it collect and drop off the little mail bags.
ReplyDeleteIn an ideal world I'd have a train set in the loft, where I could run anything and everything regardless. A mail coach would be ideal for that, alongside the Hornby-Acho and Jouef that I inherited from my grandfather. Just sitting back and watching trains is relaxing and under-rated.
DeleteSuper! I want one :-)
ReplyDeleteThere was a helicopter car as well, based on the same mechanism. So far I've resisted...
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