CLASSIC PLASTIC 2

A few more plastics, all very collectable and definite ones to watch.

Magnor, a battery op that rolls around on wheels. It says Crackstan on the box - I don't know if it's a misspelling.

The X70 Astronaut from Hong Kong. A small, eccentric wind up robot with stepover feet. A large number of these surfaced at an English Antique fair. Most have been mopped up by collectors. It is known variously as the Thimble Robot or the Flowerpot Robot. The eyes are tiny watch dials. It sells for up to $250, though it changes hands for half that in England. The box is particularly attractive. The poor man's Rosko astronaut.

It's a case of guess-the-manufacturer on this Hong Kong astronaut: there isn't a trace of identification on the box. From a distance this is a superb looking astronaut. On closer inspection the poor build and tackiness can disappoint, but move back again and you see a stylish robot. It's a reworking of the Attacking Martian theme, though the mechanism is generally 'light' and unremarkable. Available in three colours: red, green and grey. The colour of the plastic is particularly good; the manufacturers have achieved a high gloss finish far removed from the usual plastic robot. The art work on the box is also a cut above the average.

The maker is Mortoys of Hong Kong. The name is Robbie Robot, but that's the only similarity to the original. Again, the bright colours give this battery op toy an undeniable charm.