Skip to main content

Micro Action Transport Helicopter Playset


Funrise produced this large transport helicopter "playset" for use with its line of Micro Action cars and trucks. While not really intended for or very compatible with the Micro Action jets/helicopters, I thought I would include it here as it is a Funrise aircraft itself.

The version I have in my collection was packaged in a a white box with a black and white photo of the contents on one side. While I cannot say for certain, this type of simple box was often used by companies for merchandise sold via catalog (rather than the more eye-catching packaging used for merchandise sold in retail stores).

The helicopter came with 24 various Micro Action cars and trucks (I've not photographed them as of yet but they are pictured on the box). These vehicles could be loaded into the helicopter via a variety of opening hatches and doors. There were two large hatches on either side (behind the cockpit), two smaller hatches on either side (in the tail) and a door/ramp at the rear of the helicopter. The interior is divided into an upper section and a lower section.

Also included was a simple instruction sheet detailing how the rotors should be attached. Each rotor assembly was to be capped with a black dome but the dome for the rear rotor on my example will not stay in place and is thus not shown in the photos. The rotors do rotate manually, but are very tight and do not spin well, at least not on my example. It is marked "(C) 1989 FUNRISE MADE IN CHINA" on the outside of the rear door/ramp.



Hatches open (the large front hatch and rear door allow access to both interior levels while the smaller back hatch only gives access to the upper level)

Rear door/ramp down

The rear portion of the upper deck can be lowered as well allow vehicles to drive directly onto/off of the upper deck)

Top view with Micro Action helicopter and  jet for scale

Side view with Micro Action helicopter and jet for scale

Packaging box showing black and white image of contents (including the 24 Micro Action cars and trucks)

Side of packaging box

Instruction sheet

This same helicopter was also produced in a military version. I do not own this version but it is colored green with brown camouflage spots and came with an assortment of Funrise's Micro Action military jeeps, trucks and tanks.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

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)...
Post a Comment
Read more

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 ...
1 comment
Read more

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...
Post a Comment
Read more