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| PLAYSET MAGAZINE ISSUE 98: MPC PRESTIGE SETS |
| There is an almost unknown line of playsets --- a subset if you will – that has never before been covered but which, like the words in a crossword or hidden code of a cypher, have been hiding in plain sight. Mysterious, intriguing and plenty of fun, we peel back the pages to a little known educational group dedicated to branding a certain select few toys as “Prestige Toys. ” These were toys that apparently had been singled out for exceptional quality, by a clandestine concern called the “Toy Endorsement Council”. Who nominated these toys to be singled out as “Educator Approved” and featured in special catalogs is our focus this issue, and why so few were chosen. Of course this “secret society” is probably not as important as some of the rascally goings-on politically these days, but it is a great opportunity to detail some terrific sets as well as present a highly attractive and unusual set called “Combat Team” in vibrant all-red carton, as well as an unusual accessory which we have never before seen, the Jungle Trading Post by MPC! Even fewer MPC playsets got the nod… and oddly, none of Marx’ that we know of – and among them one (but not all) of the Ramar of the Jungle line. This is one of the early MPC offerings and it is a splendid example of marketing as well, with its beautiful fully-set up displays in a carton which you could, if desired, simply buy, take home, and lift the lid to enjoy as long as you like. |
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| RAMAR OF THE JUNGLE The set is built around a television series with the great Jon Hall playing Ramar, as doctors were known, in the adventurous jungles and terrain not just of Africa but ranging as far as India. That MPC chose to model its early Jungle playset editions around this show will not be a surprise to many; the show was nicely produced and acted, with lots of scenes of animals and exotic environments. That’s Jon on our cover, who gets extra kudos for creating and producing the show. It really is lots of fun and so is the playset, with its sprawling action mounted in such a beautiful retail packaging. We hope you enjoy this feature as much as we did – we just kept adding to it as new sets came to light, and I say that with eyes on Rick Eber and his fabulous Combat Team set which frankly we never knew existed until this very issue. It is an awesome set and one which we know you’ll enjoy seeing. |
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| THE BMC STORY Speaking of exceptional toymakers, due to constant haranguing from many of today’s collectors, we finally begin a long-overdue series on the modern masters of toy making for complete playsets. Ron Barzso, Nick and DiAnna VerSteeg, Bill McMasters, Classic Toy Soldiers’ Jim McGough and David Payne, LODs Ken Ciak, and certainly Paragon is earning its right as well. With so many, where would we start? Well, first off, with a story by a certain very generous collector who has somehow assembled all of a makers output and who would chronicle the sets and their contents. |
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| That is the story of Bill McMasters and BMC, one of the first of the modern masters who’s recent resurgence we excitingly present to you this issue. Others will follow as we get reasonably complete information, contents and photos. We will probably break them into sections and the attempt will be to document the main lasting contributions and achievements of these fine firms, because if we don’t acknowledge them who will? We’re long overdue. GERMAN ARMY SMACKDOWN In an all-new Smackdown, Jesse Hampton explains the differences between some unique German Army figures that have tripped us up on more than one occasion. So that you too may become the master of the Wermacht, we present Matchbox VS Airfix – German Army Differences Explained. And by the way, we goofed and printed Jesse’s last name as Brown. That is his wife’s last name. Sorry Jesse! So all this is in Issue 98, on its way to you now, plus our usual assortment of news, information, and some wonderful new ads (wait ’till you see Hobby Bunker’s colorful new inside cover!) as well as a fantastic assortment of vintage playset and toy offerings from the greatest toy dealers on the planet. Issue 100 is nearly upon us and we have been working behind the scenes constantly to shape a most unique issue for you, dear readers! Take care friends, and thanks for making us a part of your collection! – Rusty & Kath |
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