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.
Star Wars Figures
Most of the fans of the movie "Star Wars" are interested in the collectible items pertaining to this big hit. Figurines of Star Wars major characters are available along with figurines of the spaceships and vehicles of the Star Wars universe such as Han Solo's Millenium Falcon. Many collectors today like to purchase other items from the same category as their collectible item such as comic books and trading cards.
History of Star Wars Collectibles
I am more than certain that Star Wars action figures were on the mind of producer George Lucas before he ever began filming his first Star Wars film in 1977. These small figures made of hard plastic helped turn his movie concept into an empire.
Star Wars action figures have always been set at a 3.75 inch scale. This is important to note, because up until this time most action figures were around 12 inches. There are two reasons for the small size of the Star Wars figures: scarcity of resources and an eye for profit.
Some of you reading this are old enough to remember the oil crisis of the 1970's. During this time not only were oil and its by- products skyrocketing in cost, they were also being rationed. The material action figures are made of is one of these by-products, so the oil crisis made the smaller scale models much easier to produce in a larger quantity.
Star Wars Action Figures, Too Many to Count
Star Wars action figures have been in production since 1977 and see no sign of stopping. For each of the films, the original trilogy (Star Wars Episode IV- New Hope, Star Wars Episode V- The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars Episode VI- Return of the Jedi), the prequels (Star Wars Episode I- The Phantom Menace, Star Wars Episode II- Attack of the Clones, Star Wars Episode III- Revenge of the Sith), and especially the cartoon film (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) there have been figures of nearly all of the characters who make even a moment's appearance on screen.
In addition to the films, there were also numerous made for television movies, television shows and specials which spurred action figure production. These include The Star Wars Holiday Special, Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, The Great Heep, Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV version, Lego Star Wars: The Quest for R2-D2, Star Wars: Droids, and Star Wars: Ewoks.
Collecting Star Wars Figures as a Hobby
When the figures first hit the shelves in the late 1970's, they were not seen as special edition "collectors items," they were seen for what they really were and are: toys. This doesn't mean they weren't in hot demand. They were! Kids found them under the Christmas tree and in birthday boxes, and once their appetites were whetted they begged for them at the store and stowed away allowance money to get their favorite characters.
While this is, by definition, collecting, children did not treat the figures as something to keep pristine and in mint condition. Luke Skywalker was frequently found exploring mud holes and flying from tree houses. Nowadays, the most avid collectors would kill to have the toys that ten year old boys in the late 70's and early 80's merely tossed under their bed after a long day's play.
The Most Popular and Rare Star Wars Toys
Perhaps the most rare, and therefore most highly sought after figure, is the original Anakin Skywalker action figure. He was available as a mail-away item in 1985 with five proofs of purchase from Kenner Action Figures. This character has been veritably outted from the Star Wars universe due to the creation of the prequel movies. The prequel features Hayden Christenson, a young man, in the role as the pre-Darth Vader Anakin, and this figure is well into middle age. Thus, he has remained out of production and the value of the original figure has sky-rocketed.
The original Darth Vader figure with removable helmet is always at the top of Star Wars collectors' most wanted list. This one is extra cool because not only do you get the standard Vader toy, you also get a peek at what lies beneath the shiny black hood. However, every fanboy still dreams of Leia in her slave girl costume and wants to own the action figure version of Slave Girl Leia.
There are many other figures that will fetch a pretty penny on e-Bay or at your local comic shop, the more rare, the higher the price tag. If you are serious about collecting Star Wars figures then be prepared to pay top dollar for the most coveted versions of the toys.