The Catacombs The Merchandise Guide
Eagle Models: Mattel
Compiled by Martin Willey

EAGLE 1 SPACESHIP (Mattel)

US 1976

Mattel is an American toy company founded in 1945, which became one of the biggest toy companies in the world. The mid-1970s were a troubled time for the company, as the founding directors were dismissed in 1974 for false accounting, and a new executive in 1975 made major changes to bring the company back to profit in 1977. Evidence of these changes include the unreleased Alpha Crew figures, and the poor availability of the Flying Eagle. Mattel also released the Moonbase Alpha Control Room and Koenig, Helena and Bergman figures.

No 9548.

"It's a space vehicle! It's a headquarters and living quarters on Moon Base Alpha! With three 3" TV characters!...Command and engine modules detach! Make a mini-spaceship!...Module hatch opens, room for 2!...Over 2 1/2 feet long! With 3 characters from Moon Base Alpha!"

81 x 33 x 15 cm, white plastic with red engine bottles and grey nozzles. Engines and nose cone detachable (can be fitted together to make "mini spaceship". Each side of pod opens on a hinge along the base. Interior of pod has two chairs, "space crane" (working, operating through floor hatch), "weapon rack", and non authentic computer panels on two pillars. Hatch opens in top of nose cone so two figures can be placed in seats.

Figures are 7.5 cm tall, in red spacesuits. Four figures are standing, 2 seated. One modelled on Koenig, one Helena, one Victor. Arms, waist and head movable (detachable at waist, so legs may be swapped). Accessories: 4 stun guns, one (accurate) laser rifle, plus helmets (soft orange plastic) & "space pack" (chest and back packs in soft white plastic) for each astronaut.

Sold unassembled (all nozzles and "landing skids" separate, as is nose cone, engine bottles, side jets, weapon rack, space crane, chairs and hatch cover. 34 transfers, including 6 Alpha insignia, the black nose cone insets and side jet crosses, interior instrument panels, plus red strips to decorate fuel pods and top framework.

Detailing generally crude, though top detailing within framework is extensive.

With 48 x 31.5 cm instruction sheet.

Box 69 x 33.5 x 13.5 cm, with art of Mattel Eagle over Alpha; Koenig (with heavy laser), Helena & Victor right. Sides and back shows art of model. "For ages over 3".

Mattel also produced the Flying Eagle, and four figures with a playset.

For E. James Small's indepth description of Mattel's Eagle 1 Spaceship, click here

From the collection of E. James Small (originally owned by Paul Ettinger of Nova Scotia).

A wide range of replacement parts is available on the internet made by fans. Mint boxed toys attract high prices- one in February 2010 was sold on ebay for $750.

Carrier [carries] three 3" TV characters
Space crane
4 engine nozzles
4 steering jets
8 landing skids
Weapons rack
Hatch
2 chairs
Side panels swing open, both sides
4 stun guns, 1 laser rifle

Eagle 1 Space Set contains:
2 1/2 ft. Space Vehicle & living quarters with detachable command & engine modules. Plus 3 TV characters from Moon Base Alpha: Commander Koenig, Dr. Russell and Prof. Bergman. Characters are poseable, stand 3"
tall, wear space suits with helmets. Set includes labels & complete assembly instructions.

Above: the Mattel dealer catalogue shows unusual markings: a large "1" on the passenger pod, and the mysterious initials "WS" on the cockpit section. The Alpha insignia is barely recognisable, and the cockpit window sections look smaller. The Alpha Crew and Characters would also have been available separately.


FLYING EAGLE (Mattel)

USA, 1976. No. 9637. $19.95

Command TV's famous space vehicle! Explore Moonbase Alpha! Maneuver space hook lift-offs! Requires 2'D' batteries not included.
Eagle from side

Battery operated fairly crude model with helicopter blades. It is connected by a cord to a flight console from which it is operated. The aim is to use a hook to pick up various smaller models: Zantor's spaceship ("life systems moon capsule"), a moonbuggy with 2 figures, a gravity tower ("light mast"). Part of a series of Mattel helicopter toys called "vertibirds", produced between 1971 and 1980 (unlike the others in the series, it was not named "Vertibird" on the packaging).

Mattel also produced the Eagle 1 Spaceship, and four figures with a playset.

Pictures thanks to Dale.

Box top Box side Box bottom Box side Instructions Box end Light mast, moonbuggy and Zantor ship Control panel

The Vertibird Eagle

An unusual box variation. The standard box just has art and text on the front, but this variation has a photo (one of the photos from the side of the box), with the caption "Includes everything here.". The other text is moved around on the cover. The back art has captions in slightly different places, but otherwise box text and art are the same in both versions. Thanks to Gordon.


Copyright Martin Willey
Mattel Eagle 1 pictures copyright Jim Small