The Merchandise GuideEagle Models: Mattel
Compiled by Martin Willey
The Merchandise GuideUS 1976
Mattel released Koenig, Helena and Bergman figures, the Moonbase Alpha Control Room and Eagle 1 Spaceship and Flying Eagle (vertibird)
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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.
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Carrier [carries] three 3" TV characters 
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. |
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.
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.
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.
