Sonicon Rockets

Hardly rocket shaped, the Sonicons by Masudaya form an easily identifiable group. They are large, inflated-looking battery operated vehicles. There are acres of tinplate that need covering, and the litho of these vehicles is one of their most attractive features. There are four pieces that I am aware of, all sharing the same pressing. They can be dated reasonably accurately to the 1963 - 1968 period.

The Sonicon action is a patented steering mechanism that found its way into a range of vehicles including boats and coaches. The vehicle would move steadily forward and a shap blow on a huge blue plastic whistle (or a loud shout) would make it change direction. It must have been popular with parents on Christmas Day - not!

I eventually got to work on a dead Sonicon and discovered the complex and elegant principal behind the mechanism. When switched on the Sonicon moves off with a bump'n'go action - but a ratchet prevents the rocket turning to the right.  When the whistle is blown a diaphragm at the back of the rocket vibrates. As it vibrates the centre of the diaphragm touches a delicately poised contact which completes an electrical circuit. This in turn activates a large plastic cylinder which is capable of reversing the direction of current. This activates the rear lights and makes the bump'n'go move in reverse, but this time a locking device on a wheel prevents movement to the left . Whew!  Obvious, isn't it? Modern microchips can do the same, but they're not half as much fun. It is one of the most entertaining space toys that I know.
 

The typical Sonicon is the Sonicon Rocket. It is a designer piece from Kunishiro Designs based on a painting by Yamashita. There are at least two litho variations of this rocket: the dark blue and silver one pictured, and a patterned lighter blue version. The antennas can be either blue or grey.

The 1963 Masudaya catalog featured the bright red Moon Explorer. The box for this piece is particularly attractive.

In 1968 the green Space Patrol Firebird 3 first appeared. It's a firm date because it was featured as a new item for that season. I could easily be persuaded that there's some influence of the Thunderbird 2 in the colour and in the shape of the engines.
 
Back to 1963, and a Sonicon that I haven't seen elsewhere: this is the Super Sonic Moon Ship. Anyone got any information?