S.T.A.R. Force 1998 Space Vehicle - Shuttle

"Space Explorer Response Team". Based on NASA/ Lockheed - Martin X-33 Venturestar project, this shuttle was a curious approach, since Hasbro also had their 1987 Defiant and 1989 Crusader G.I.Joe versions.

All in all, a winner vehicle. It has all the basics for a space story.

Included accessories.

Figures: S.T.A.R. Force astronaut team members "9" and "5". We´ll have a better look at these later.

Shuttle vertical views and engine nozzles.

The flat cockpit windows make it somewhat strange, since one can´t understand how the pilots could fly her horizontally.

Open hatches and cockpit view. A whole different deal. The inside is definitely better.

Cargo bay and clamp mechanical arm.

Action shots with included figures.

Status: Unavailable

S.T.A.R. Force 1998 Space Capsule

Back in 1998, S.T.A.R. Force was (arguably) one of Lanard´s response to Hasbro´s G.I.Joe Star Brigade. This capsule was one of their best vehicles and the only SFX equipped back then.

More recently, along with their astronaut´s mold changes, this capsule received a whole new painting to "glow in the dark". Personally, I find this one far more attractive.

Included accessories.

Figures: S.T.A.R. Force astronaut team members "4" and "8". We´ll have a better look at these later.

A mix design of Apollo´s command module and service module together with a strange propulsion system.

Detailed enough, this was a very good vehicle for your 3 3/4" space adventures.

Opening hatches/ doors revealed a complex array of printed gadgets. The seats were detailed and perfect for any 95mm figure.

On the outside, a high-gain antenna and thrusters. Again, Apollo´s. Pictured bottom left, the SFX buttons. To keep this capsule from rolling over, and mess up your dioramas, Lanard came up with these 4 "feet", making this thing look like a piggy bank!

Action shots with the 2 astronauts.

Status: Unavailable

S.T.A.R. Force Space Cowboys Patrol Set

"The Corps!" 1998 set, this was a "collector´s special edition" released in a french package.

More info reads: "Astronaut Strategic Intervention Team - weapons and space gear included!".

Although opened by the very first time in over 10 years, the insert shows its signs of time. Fortunately, the figures are immaculate!

Included items.

Included accessories.

Horses with space gear. The horses are really heavy and have the feel of "money well spent". Sort of "Schleich" kind of quality. Maybe even higher, since these are not PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) but a harder plastic composition. These horses have 1997 marks. But this is a 1998 set.

I figure these animals have the essential for fictionalized space runs: leg weights and breathing equipment. Actually, in that area, it´s quite detailed and convincing, so it kinda sells!

Figures: S.T.A.R. Force astronaut team members "9" and "3". We´ll have a better look at these later.

Status: Unavailable

Some more Indiana Jones figures

Today, we have 3 figures from the "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and 1 from the "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull".

Indy with "Ark of the Covenant". The ark is actually exceptionally well sculpted and the figure itself is good. However, not very Harrison Ford-alike. All the other figures are good enough, but not as good as the "Temple of Doom" wave. They all have their nice details, though.

Deluxe "Indiana Jones with Ark"; "René Belloq"; "Marion Ravenwood and Cairo Henchman" 2-pack; "Colonel Dovchenko".

This is "Colonel Dovchenko" from the "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" movie, but if you´re a G.I.Joe fan, by any chance... does the name "Brekhov, Ivan Nikolevich" ring any bell? - Colonel Brekhov - OKTOBER GUARD COMMANDER. And this is the figure to customize your own!

Status: Available through Amazon.com

Star Force Action Squad Set - Space Jet

Pairing with the last here presented Lanard set, comes this also great "Space Jet" set.

Also including a "Space Mobile" vehicle, comes complete with pilots/astronauts with "Glow in the Dark" feature.

Remarkably mix of design simplicity and realistic usability, these vehicles are in fact a lot more fun to hold and easy to appreciate than anticipated.

Included items.

Included accessories. Weapons cases and backpacks are actually the same used since "The Corps! Star Force".

Spotlight detail. Impressive how Lanard takes care of some details. This accessory is plain great. 3 possible positions.

Figures: Astronauts/ "Star Force" members.

Very intelligent use of flashy colors. If there´s one place to have them, let them be in astronauts and deep sea divers.

In fact, as a common place as this may seem, these can be used as space or deep sea team members. But they function flawlessly.

"Space Jet". Shuttle-type lines, but an attack vehicle nonetheless. Crew: 1.

Weapon systems. 4 detachable missiles and 2 rotating double cannons.

Action shots/ cockpit view.

The "Space Mobile".

Cannons using the same mechanics as 1983 Hasbro´s G.I.Joe Polar Bear.

This vehicle´s design is different enough to understand that the Ski Mobile was a mere inspiration. Which is great considering Lanard was the closest and commonly mistaken for G.I.Joe action figure building company.

Group action shots. A last note about some areas of the vehicles surfaces. Rough, yet shinny. Gives some sort of a "rough steel" look to it. Nice and different. Thumbs up.

Status: Unavailable

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom figures

4 more greatly crafted figures from the Temple of Doom movie.

We already had presented "Short Round" and "Mola Ram" in a previous post, and you can refer to it here. If you´re a fan of the series, you should definitely get these. If you´re a "custom artist", don´t miss them either.

Some collectors and "toy critics" actually consider "Temple of Doom" wave as the best Indy set of figures yet. Maybe they´re right. At least, it´s easy to find reasons to back up their opinion. However, the other waves are pretty good too.

Close-up shot of "Willie Scott" action figure. Personally, I found this one to be one of the greatest. Hence the spotlight.

Status: Unavailable

Star Force Action Squad Set - Space Capsule

2004 Lanard set, this "Star Force" line had some "recycled" items put into it, but some cool new figures, with a decent paint job and a very cool playset, the "Space Capsule".

Evolving with eyes put on Hasbro´s 95mm G.I.Joe line, these guys managed to keep up and present some very commercial items, and managing to keep that 80s style.

Nice box design in a 3D style. Cool colors, running away from the realistic photos.

Included items.

Included accessories.

Radar and generator details.

Refer to "The Corps! Conflict Response Mission II" for a "planetary" combat version.

Detail shots of the buggy´s accessories.

"Space Capsule". Probably more outpost-looking. And a lot more interesting than one can imagine at first sight.

Back of the Space Capsule opens to hold 2 figures inside. A side note to refer there are 2 foot pins to keep figures standing tall.

Included "Space Force" figures. With removable helmets, these guys have some design evolution from their predecessors although some collectors prefer the 90´s versions.

Including "glow in the dark" paint, these figures have a lot of detail and an 80s feel to it.

Another trooper and different details all around. Very cool.

Action shots.

Status: Unavailable