Skip to main content

Micro Action Jet Ring Squadron


Here are the complete contents of a "Micro Action Jet Ring Squadron" set. These sets contained the same single-axle jets available in other packs with new wheel blocks. These larger wheel blocks had sockets that allowed them to be plugged directly onto rings or onto clear plastic "flight posts" which could then be plugged onto rings. The jets could then be worn on the hand and flown around.

Based on packaging photos and online auctions all 23 single-axle jets were supposedly available in this style. To my knowledge, only 4-packs were released. Each 4-pack contained 4 jets, 4 clear plastic "flight posts" and four rings. The rings came in two different styles (2 of each in each pack) and were available in red, yellow, blue and black (colors varied).

Contents of a "ring squadron" 4-pack (note the two different ring styles) 

Jets could be placed directly onto the rings (far left) or onto a combination of "flight posts" and then onto the rings 

"Ring squadron" version on left, regular version on right 

"Ring squadron" wheel block with socket 

"Flight post" in wheel block socket 

"Ring squadron" version on left, regular version on right

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Micro Action Air Base Play Set

The "Micro Action Air Base" play set looks like a small book when closed. The play set itself is made of thin plastic and is held closed with a velcro fastener. Funrise made several other play sets in this same format (including a “Micro Action Helicopter Base”). While these different sets utilized the same pieces, the deco on the inside was changed. Front of closed play set (the back is plain white) Spine of closed play set Top of closed play set (same decal used on bottom) Opening and unfolding the play set reveals the air base... The large red plastic parking ramp can be removed and is marked "(C) FUNRISE 1988 MADE IN CHINA" on the underside (the ramp also came in blue with this play set). There were several small plastic pieces included in the play set: 1 pair of gas pumps 1 ramp/bridge 1 stop light 2 traffic cones 1 building with a door marked "NO ENTRY" 2 fence pieces (my example is missing 1)...

Identifying Funrise Micro Action Jets

Funrise "Micro Action" jets are often found mixed in with collections of "Micro Machines" toys. While similar in size and sculpting, the Funrise jets are easily distinguished from their Galoob counterparts: PAINT and DECO: While Galoob painted many of its jets in realistic color schemes they also used wilder patterns and bright neon colors to catch the attention of their target audience. Funrise did not use bright colors. Most Funrise jets primarily came in one of two realistic color schemes: green camouflage or plain gray. Galoob was also more varied and detailed in the deco printed onto their planes while Funrise jets have much simpler deco. Lastly, the tip of the front "landing gear" on Galoob jets is often painted black to represent the tire. This is never seen on Funrise jets. WHEELS: A quick and easy way to distinguish Funrise's products from those of Galoob is to look at the wheels. The wheel block on Funrise jets is always unpainted gray ...

Micro Action Packaging

The single-axle jets were sold in a variety of ways including 2-packs, 4-packs, 5-packs and a 12-pack in a reusable carry case. Two jets were featured in some of the "Micro Action Cars, Trucks and Planes" sets (along with two road signs and three human figures). In addition, two jets were included with one version of the "Micro Action Jet Aircraft Carrier" and four jets with another version, and one jet was included with the "Micro Action Air Base." Below are some packaging examples. "Micro Jet Magnifiers" 2-pack (dated 1988), front and back: "Micro Action Jet Planes Collector Series I" 2-pack (dated 1989), front and back: "Micro Action Jet Planes Collector Series II" 2-packs (dated 1989), 2 fronts and 1 back: "Micro Action Jet Planes Collector Series II" 5-pack (dated 1989), front and back: Double-axle jets, the so-called "super jets," were available in 4-packs. The card and plastic b...