Playmates Toys

[CommanderTrip]

We sent out messages on the old Playtrek listserv, which is rarely used these days, and the Facebook page, which is more active. We had about 16 members chatting at the last Zoom.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Playtrek/



Rick ran a very helpful physical and online comic book store, recently interrupted by a hurricane. Lots of Playtrekkers availed ourselves of his mail order services, especially when waves or single figures became hard to find at decent prices.


Flashback Janeway promo banner by Ian McLean, on Flickr

This was the advertising banner for an exclusive Playmates action figure, the result of an online competition, held by Rick of NewForce Comics. In 2000, members of the Playtrek listserv were asked to suggest a popular character that could be easily assembled/customised from existing Playmates' sculpts, and would be interesting enough to sell well. I suggested the winning figure: "Captain Kathryn Janeway as seen in the 'Star Trek: Voyager' episode, 'Flashback'." My reasoning was that Janeway was quite tricky to find, and the only captain figure at the time that had only one costuming iteration. The Saavik torso was popular with customisers, and the episode "Flashback" would broaden the appeal of a VGR figure to TOS collectors as well.

So I have you to thank for having Capt Janeway in TWOK outfit on my wall now?

Thank you sir! She looks great next to the Seven in purple outfit that I snagged for $5. I really like the packaging on the NFC Janeway because you the cover opens like a book and you can view the figure without removing from the box.

 

[Astra]

Finally Chakotay has arrived as well. He is very - pale.
And that blackbird wing is a disaster. Not even repainting can save that.

 

[fireproof78]

And that blackbird wing is a disaster. Not even repainting can save that.

It looks like pine needles.

 

[Michael]

Finally Chakotay has arrived as well. He is very - pale.
And that blackbird wing is a disaster. Not even repainting can save that.

He does look kinda pale, but other than that he looks pretty nice in your photos, to be honest.

 

[Astra]

It looks like pine needles.

That's what I was thinking! I looked at the wing in the episode, and the feathers should all go more or less into the same direction. I'll have to sculpt it myself probably.

He does look kinda pale, but other than that he looks pretty nice in your photos, to be honest.

He does look nice indeed. I'm not complaining about the face (now Tom Paris on the other hand...)
I just wish he was a bit darker. I recently customized my own 7" Chakotay and took great pains in getting the skintone right. (if it looks wrong in these pictures it's because of the lighting)



We also played billiard at the holodeck!



"Eight ball in the side pocket."

 

[Michael]

He does look nice indeed. I'm not complaining about the face (now Tom Paris on the other hand...)
I just wish he was a bit darker. I recently customized my own 7" Chakotay and took great pains in getting the skintone right. (if it looks wrong in these pictures it's because of the lighting)

Pretty sweet customization! Great job!

Reminds me that I always wanted to try to customize/build my own Archer Playmates action figure to go with the other captains. Not sure if I have the skills, though.

 

[Astra]

Pretty sweet customization! Great job!

Thank you very much!
Many have told me that you really can recognize Robert Beltran (and the smirk), I'm really happy about that.

I have customized other figures before but this is the first time that I did actual face sculpting. Filled in the cheeks a bit, changed the nose, and the hair of course.
I had to use a needle to work in this small scale. Penny for size reference.

Reminds me that I always wanted to try to customize/build my own Archer Playmates action figure to go with the other captains. Not sure if I have the skills, though.

The face would be the most difficult thing. Finding a different head that looks similar and just do headswapping might be easier than actual sculpting, especially in this small scale.

The white stuff you see in my pictures is Milliput. It comes in several colors but I prefer the fine white kind. It's sticky, can be formed and after a few hours hardens.

 

[Michael]

The face would be the most difficult thing. Finding a different head that looks similar and just do headswapping might be easier than actual sculpting, especially in this small scale.

The white stuff you see in my pictures is Milliput. It comes in several colors but I prefer the fine white kind. It's sticky, can be formed and after a few hours hardens.

Honestly, this is marvelous craftsmanship! Milliput, you say? Maybe I should take a closer look. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Astra]

Honestly, this is marvelous craftsmanship! Milliput, you say? Maybe I should take a closer look. Thanks for the tip!

Thanks again!
Milliput comes in two rolls, and you need to kneed together a similar amount, that will make it sticky. After it hardened, you also can cut and file and paint it. I really love it!
I got a new box now but the first one I got has lasted me for a long time.


Yesterday I watched the obligatory World War II episode "The Killing Game". Apparently every series needs to have one. Hadn't expected to hear German words in there!
It inspired me to this scene - Tuvok as a bartender in the simulation (did we ever get his name?) and Chakotay as Captain Miller from the 5th Armored Infantry, coming to the rescue!

 

[publiusr]

It is green

 

[Astra]

It is green

Tuvok's name? Thanks!

So Tuvok woke up all alone in sickbay... where is everyone?

 

[fireproof78]

Where did you get the bed? I've seen it before but can't find it now.

 

[Astra]

Where did you get the bed? I've seen it before but can't find it now.

Here: https://triple-fictionproductions.n...d-Class-4-5-Scale-Sickbay-Bio-Bed/p/189655480

You're lucky, it's still in stock! I also got the bridge chairs, but they sold out within the hour.

 

[The Rock]

I always thought it was hilarious how the VHS cover for the TNG series finale "All Good Things...." used the Playmates Enterprise-D on the cover. They didn't even try to hide it. You could see the little buttons on the back of the neck too! Worst VHS cover ever!

 

[fireproof78]

Here: https://triple-fictionproductions.n...d-Class-4-5-Scale-Sickbay-Bio-Bed/p/189655480

You're lucky, it's still in stock! I also got the bridge chairs, but they sold out within the hour.

Thank you!

 

[Astra]

Thank you!

You're welcome! Did you get one?

He does look kinda pale, but other than that he looks pretty nice in your photos, to be honest.

Wow, it's even worse than I thought. Yesterday I was taking some shippy pictures with Kathryn and Captain Miller, before I put Chakotay back into his real uniform. When you have the two close to each other you realize that her face is actually darker than his. If it was the other way around I would be happy. Also her face does not match her hands at all.





The shippy pictures came out nice - even though they are very stiff and I could not get them to do a proper hug. I also had to stand Chakotay on a pedestal so he would be a bit larger.








And while I was minding my own business the figures took over and this happened:

 

[Astra]

I recently got the Playmates Val Jean Maquis Raider. Who knew that Janeway likes to play with action figures as well? Isn't little Chakotay cute? LOL

 

[NCC-73515]

Innerspace was great! I have the D, the BoP, and the Apollo CSM and LM

 

[Admiral Archer]

Innerspace was great! I have the D, the BoP, and the Apollo CSM and LM

Random trivia: I named my main youtube channel "Innerspace Pictures" after this exact toy line.

 

[Tomalak]

When I was a kid I loved the Innerspace line - I recreated the Enterprise-D sets out of cardboard and sellotape! All much more affordable than the 4.5" figures and took up a lot less space too. My bridge was way more accurate than the official version.