At Flashbak: Toys of the 25th Century (Buck Rogers!)

This week at Flashbak is a piece that was supposed to run last week.  It’s a hold-over from my Buck Rogers Week here on the blog.

Here’s a snippet and the url: (http://flashbak.com/25th-century-toys-circa-1979-remembering-buck-rogers-collectibles-365097/ )

“Thirty-seven years ago this week, Buck Rogers in the 25^th Century (1979-1981) aired for the first time on NBC TV.  Although the series only ran for two seasons, it left an indelible impact on the Star Wars (1977) generation.

For one thing, Buck Rogers helped pass the (interminable) years between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and for another, the series captured well Star Wars’ sense of humor and sense of comic-book inspiration. Before the second season, anyway, it never took itself too seriously.

Accordingly, Buck Rogers toys soon dominated toy store shelves.  Today, I want to look back at some of my favorite merchandise from the era.

First up, HG Toys “Galactic Play Set.”

This huge Buck Rogers toy came complete with "over 35 pieces.” The set included a "space station with movable ladder, 2 Draconian marauders, 2 starfighters, 8 space commandos, 10 aliens," and "fully detailed figures of Buck Rogers, Wilma Deering, Killer Kane, Dr. Huer, Tigerman, Draco, Twiki and Princess Ardala."

Also present: "a colorful diorama set-up and assembly instructions."

The toy company Mego, meanwhile, released small action figures, toy ships, and one very memorable playset: The Starfighter Command Center.  The toy box suggests: "Issue commands to Buck and monitor his flight pattern with this authentic replica of the Buck Rogers Star Fighter Command Center!"

The toy also includes "2 level deck with radar screens and railings," "Cut-out landing and launch pad for Buck's Star Fighter," and "landing control console for use with Mego Buck Rogers 3 3/4 action figures and all other poseable 3 3/4 action figures."

Please continue reading at Flashbak.