Tag Archives: Ebay

Castle Grayskull

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Castle Grayskull

“By the power of Grayskull!”

In previous editions of my Toys blog, we’ve already had a look at some of the original Masters of the Universe action figures that I own. Most were bought back in the 1980s. But I never had any of the playsets for this line of toys, so their adventures were a bit limited. Niver had any playsets until recently, that is…

Castle Grayskull was re-released by Mattel a while back, to act as the perfect environment for their re-issued and re-vamped line of Origins figures. The toy itself appears to be an almost exact replica of the one released back in the 80s – though I’m not enough of an expert to confirm. However, it’s close enough to do the job.

By the power of Graskull!
I have the power!

I waited quite a while, watching Castle Grayskull’s price online. Eventually, this open but complete version turned up for a good price on eBay, so I snapped it up. It’s in great condition – I suspect it may have only been used for display and then sold on.

The castle looks pretty awesome: that formidable skull-like façade looms out, just like in the cartoon. The playset opens in half to reveal the inner sections, with the mouth drawbridge opening to permit access. This can be done by using a power sword as a key – nice touch.

Inside
Turret

Inside, the hybrid of magic and technology that was the hallmark of the original MOTU line is clearly visible – computer consoles and laser guns sit alongside a throne and ancient weapons.

Throne room
Help on the way!
Watch out!
Battle for Eternia

It was great fun setting up the figures and recreating a few scenes with them. The action included Skeletor and his band of evil henchmen capturing Castle Grayskull and imprisoning the Sorceress. Then Skeletor was free was to claim the throne, and subdue Eternia under his vile command! But wait…

  • Here comes He-Man and Battle Cat to save the day! They confront Skeletor in the throne room.
  • Look out He-Man! There’s a trap door!
  • Here come Teela and Man-at-Arms via the elevator – but will they be too late?
  • Look out for Trap Jaw up on the turret!
  • With reinforcements at hand, a historic battle ensues between good and evil!
  • Finally, Skeletor and his evil warriors are defeated and Castle Grayskull is returned to normal…

Till next time, that is!

This Castle Grayskull playset may be modern, but it ticks all the right nostalgia boxes. It seems to have all the accessories and features that I remember seeing as a kid (though this includes a limited edition Sorceress figure). Loads of fun and a fantastic way to display my action figures. But where to display them??!!

Battle!
Shipping box
Box art
Classic conflict!
Heroes

DVD Lucky Dip

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So Ben the Swede was having a party at his house.  He’s returned from the Big Smoke and had actually found a house to live in, as opposed to a cardboard box.

Mike had been selling loads of “quality items” on Ebay and was now selling batches of DVDs.  Bundles of discs, twenty five or so, that he didn’t want anymore.  Some good titles too.

As a bit of a jape, the idea was proposed for Mike to bring a load of his DVDs to Ben’s to sell.  He brought a large bag containing fifty five films.  The proposal was: each of the party goers would pay one pound a go to try their luck in the Luck Dip bag.  No peaking; just reach your hand in and pick your prize at random.  Just like at the school fair when you were a kid.

Here’s what we won:

  • Ben – Resident Evil, Deliverance
  • Jamie – Role Models
  • Janet – Deja Vu, War of the Worlds
  • Rob – Star Trek: First Contact, Body of Lies
  • Terry – Romeo and Juliet
  • Natalie – Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, Withnail & I
  • Me – Requiem for a Dream, Rambo: First Blood

All good fun, if you’re a nerd like me who likes films and buying junk.  Mike made quite a chunk of cash and still had plenty of discs to sell on Ebay.  There were a few great films picked up for next to nothing, and it added a fun little game to the house party.

There was a certain amount of tension when you paid your pound and were hoping to get a good film.  Sometimes we were lucky, sometimes not.

If you’re ever selling your DVD collection – or CDs, books whatever – why not try a Lucky Dip?  And don’t forget to invite me.

Bat Mobile and Captain Americar

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As promised, I am introducing some new topics tot the Virtual Hot Tub for 2014.  To begin, an excursion into the world of toys is presented here for you.

For this very first Toy based post, here are some pictures of the Bat Mobile and Captain Americar.  These were produced by Mego in the 1970’s.  Both are from my collection and have been in my possession since the early 80’s.

Mego were one of the leading toy companies of the 1970’s.  Amongst their most popular lines were the World’s Greatest Super Heroes: 8 inch action figures of popular comic book heroes with cloth costumes.  They produced lines of both DC and Marvel characters, meaning you could create epic adventures spanning the properties – such as Thor versus Green Arrow.  Or Hulk versus Batman.  Or anything else you could imagine.

Alas, my Mego super heroes are lost to the mists of time, scattered into broken fragments.  All I have left are these two vehicles, and some great memories.

Bat Mobile

Modelled after the Bat Mobile in the classic Adam West sixties television show, this vehicle can carry both Batman and Robin into action. IMG_2497

Front view of Bat Mobile
Rear view

Captain Americar

Captain America’s car.  See what they did there?  The cool feature on this vehicle is that Cap’s shield on the front of the car is thrust forward with the flick of the switch, to knock bad guys off their feet.  Or your sister’s Barbie dolls, whatever. IMG_2066

As I no longer have the heroes to go with these vehicles, they may well find their way onto Ebay in the future.  We shall see.

Check out the Mego Museum here.