The Space Stations

Space Stations are not the usual subject of the toy manufacturers, mainly because they imply a size that can be daunting. It's much easier to stick with the less imposing flying saucer dimensions. When they do appear, they are usually very grand toys indeed.

 For a change it is Horikawa who lead the field. Two beautiful variations on the "2001 A Space Odyssey" spinning wheel design.

Space Station

 The earliest of the pair is the truly elegant Space Station. It has the torus, or donut shape designed to create artificial gravity. (Though in the interests of appearance rather than science, Horikawa set the system up in a way that would throw the crew against the walls.) There are five large windows revealing beautifully detailed rooms for Dining, Communications, Rest and Recreation, the Commander and the Engines. The action is bump'n'go, while the station spins and lights flash. Available in red or blue. I've seen quite a few blue ones, but far fewer red ones. Not rare, but so desirable that it's an expensive top 10 space toy.

 
 
 

New Space Station

 

Very similar in overall design is the New Space Station. The base of the space station has been replaced with a plastic molding. It makes the toy considerably easier to repair, but it detracts from the general impression of quality. There are now only four rooms. The overall look of this piece has been updated, with finer detailing in the litho bodywork and a stylish double panel antenna. The art work has also acquired a more modern, photo-style look. It's still great, but it lacks the naive charm of the older version. It is similar in value to the earlier version.
 

 
 

Planet Y Space Station by Nomura

 
 

For once Nomura don't do justice to the concept. This space station is more like a glorified flying saucer. There's a token attempt at the donut ring, but the center has been filled in and it's altogether less imposing. The more usual colour variations are red and bronze. The lavender one pictured here is clearly designed for the Japanese market. The toy has a simple bump'n'go action with flashing lights and a clicking noise. The box promises rather more than the toy delivers: it's a very impressive picture of a huge space station floating in space.

The kid's face must have dropped when he opened the box. (Mine did!) There's a nice firm date for this piece: it features in the 1968 Nomura catalog.
 


 Space Commander Station
 

The Space Commander space station, also by Nomura, is a slight variation of the Planet Y station. The main alteration is in the central hub area: the clear dome with astronaut has been replaced with a less personal lighted area surmounted by a red dome. The box retains the same ambitious space station, but this time it's viewed from the cockpit of an approaching space ship.
 

 


 

Space Refuel Station

 

Strangest of all the space stations is the Space Refuel Station by Waco. The shape is surprisingly prophetic, looking like a Space Lab, complete with activity on various decks. This huge tin cylinder, with its equally imposing antenna, moves along, rotates and rises from the ground while lights flash and a suitable whining noise is emitted. A small rocket and an a satellite are provided to dock with the mother vehicle. A stately looking toy, with another fine picture box, and a fiercely expensive one. It's a pity that Waco didn't manage any other pieces.