Popular Articles
Model Rocket Maintenance
You've built a rocket and flown it several times and you are starting to notice some wear and tear on both your rocket and launch equipment. How do you keep your rocket gear looking good while performing at a high level and staying safe?
Gundam Model Basics
Welcome to the fun world of Gunpla. Gunpla is short for "Gundam Plastic Models" (In Japan, it's just a fad if it doesn't have some weird word to describe it's fanbase). Gundam models are perfect kits...
Filling Model Kit Seams
Let's face it. No one, and I mean no one, enjoys filling seams. It is easily the worst part of building model kits. But, it's gotta be done. Nothing ruins a model faster than a poorly filled seam. Today, I will share some pointers with you...
Model Rocket Range Boxes
You've built your model rocket and have it all ready for its maiden flight. You've watched the weather report and have a good day for launch. In order to launch a rocket, you need to gather your range box. A range box is a fancy term for...
Aftermarket Model Kit Parts
Previously, I have talked about ways to save money by using alternatives to aftermarket parts for your model kit builds. Today I will discuss the various types of aftermarket sets out there and point out their strengths and...
Building A Model Rocket
Today, I will show you how to build a model rocket. I will be using Estes Mini Max for this demonstration. This is a basic rocket that will provide a good first step and teach you all the skills necessary to complete your very own rocket.
Model Rocket Recovery
You've just spent the weekend building your new model rocket and it's time to fly. The last thing you want to do is have all that time and hard work come crashing into the ground. So, let's talk about rocket recovery.
F-100 Model Kit Review
The Trumpeter 1:32nd F-100D is the first production styrene model kit of this aircraft in the bigger scale. The kit does come with a hefty price tag, selling for $150.00, though it can be found in the $120 range from...
Model Kit Weathering Guide
Weathering can be as subtle as the discoloration from a super-heated exhaust pipe on a motorcycle or as prominent as faded paint on a plane. A good weathering job will make your model kit stand out and jump off the shelf.
Action Figures
Action figures can come in many different varieties and styles. A lot of collectors are interested in only certain types of action figures. Figures such as Star Wars, GI Joe, and Transformers are among the most popular. These can definitely make great gifts and will be sure to please. Some action figures can also become extremely valuable. Original series Star Trek action figures can fluctuate in value, for example.
Brief History of Action Figures
Action figures have a unique history for both children and adult collectors. These are usually figures based off of characters from movies, comic books , video games, and television programs. The original models were called action dolls. Some figures have molded on clothes and some others have clothes that can be interchanged along with accessories. These actions figures were originally marketed for kids. Currently there is a wide market for adult collectors as well. Some of these adult collector items are marketed for display use only and come displayed in original boxes. The availability, age, and general condition of an action figure greatly determines its worth to a collector.
In the early to mid 1960's Hasbro came up with the term "action figure" and marketed it for boys who would not play with dolls. The American company rolled out the GI Joe doll which was a military figure. This was an 11.5 inch figure with uniform outfits that could be changed. Hasbro allowed a Japanese company to market its license under the name of Takara. Due to the effects economically from the oil shortage in the 1970's, these action figures were made smaller. By 1974 these 3 3/4 inch figures also came out with interchangeable parts and were also known as Microman.
In 1971, companies began marketing Marvel and DC comic book superhero type figures. These are some of the most prized adult collections of today. In 1976, The Star Wars line lost its license due to a fluke and another American company took over named Kenner. These smaller toys were now made with special functions and a selection of characters in one toy. These action figures became a huge money market for movie studios. The 1980's showed a growth of this toy market. Soon after, The Transformer's line came out with the more robotic like actions. They have cars and animated cartoon characters that can be changed.
Places To Purchase Action Figures
The 1990's proved that action figures were not just for kids. Adults began avidly collecting these plastic resin figures. Nylon, acrylic paint and other materials are used in accessories. Some figures also come with electronic parts for effects. There is a big market for collectible action figures and there is no shortage of brands and types that the avid collector can sink his/her teeth into. Take a look at the various online acution sites and your local hobby shop for the gems. Sometimes even pawn shops can be a great resource for those rare and hard to find pieces. Expect to pay more for items in a pawn shop, however. Another good place to seek out collectible action figures are yard and rummage sales. Sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised by a super-rare find of an action figure that has just been sitting in someone's attic for the past 20 to 30 years. You can usually bargain with yard sale organizers as well.