CONSOLES

One of the enduring memories of the Space Race is the final countdown sequence. Every child wanted to press the button. With a console, you could act out the fantasy. Consoles are the representations of space command centers. They form an interesting, if not quite main stream, space collecting theme. As usual it was the Masudaya company which produced the bulk of these toys, relying on the regular recycling of parts.

The Satellite Tracking Station

The basic elements are all present here, the "Revolving Radar Scope, Blinking Warning Lights, Telegraph Key and Light Blinker". The particularly appealing feature of this version is the rotating earth with tiny orbiting satellite in the center lighted viewing window. The tower detaches for packing. In addition there was a card label attached to the tower bearing the Morse Code equivalent of MT (Masudaya logo): ... DI DAH ... DAH DI DI DIT. Now you know!

Rocket Launching Base

The same basic features, but now the center has a ring of flashing lights and one of those great old-fashioned rockets that could put your eye out! A far cry from the feeble things on modern toys. The dial counts down to the launch moment.

There's also a Radar N Scope version of this toy, but I don't have a decent picture of it. As far as I can make out it has a radar screen in the center, onto which a picture is projected.
The Distant Early Warning Radar Station is a stark reminder of the grim days of the Cold War. The radar screen displays a slowly moving silhouette of an airplane. There's less immediate space interest in this console, but it has a curious fascination and it completes the set.

 

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Rocket Launching Pad - Yonezawa

The wonders of the Web - One day after asking, Stan sent me a picture of the box and confirmation of the name. It is called Rocket Launching Pad with Rocket & Satellite. The picture doesn't show the round tin satellite. At the flick of a lever this battery op counts down to the launch time, while the T.V. screen flashes. When launched the flint produces an enormous spark and noise.

And that box:
 
 

Two-Stage Rocket Launching Pad - Nomura

I've saved the best till last (not the rarest, but the finest!) This is a beautifully lithographed toy which carries the logo JUPITER, a vague reference to the early US rockets. There's less interaction with this piece. Remove a little plastic missile from one of the clips then force it down the central silo. The action kicks in. There's a flashing screen, frantic pulling of levers and a series of screeches that reach a crescendo as the missile is blasted out. All you one-eyed kids must remember it well.

There are a few more items that I'll add once I get decent images. Stay tuned.