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Imperial Die-Cast Steel Screamers


In addition to Galoob and Funrise, the Imperial Toy Corporation also produced a line of micro vehicles (including military jets) in the late 1980’s. Unlike the competition, Imperial made their vehicles out of die-cast metal and called them “Steel Screamers.” But Imperial’s metal planes had one big thing in common with the competition: they’re the same sculpts as the competition. Imperial appears to have used jets from both Galoob and Funrise to create their line. I’m not sure if Imperial somehow acquired the molds the other two companies used to make the jets or if Imperial made new molds from the toys themselves, but as you can plainly see below, Imperial’s jets are identical in sculpt to those produced by Galoob and Funrise. Even the deco used is often similar to the originals. Imperial did make one significant change by altering the wheels/landing gear and adding a small, functional axle with two wheels to the nose of each jet allowing them to actually roll around.

Imperial produced 8 different military jets, 5 were Funrise copies and the other 3 were Galoob copies. (Note: Imperial produced some commercial aircraft (Galoob copies) and prop planes as well, but those will not be covered here.)

All 8 of Imperial’s “Steel Screamers” military jets

Landing gear comparison (Imperial on the left, Funrise on the right)

Landing gear comparison (Imperial on the left, Galoob on the right)

Imperial landing gear from the side

Note the “CHINA” and “Imperial” markings on tail

Note the “CHINA” and “Imperial” markings on wing

Imperial F-14 on left, Funrise on right

Imperial F-10A on left, Funrise on right

Imperial F/A-18 on left, Funrise on right

Imperial F-19 stealth on left, Funrise on right

Imperial TU-26 on left, Funrise on right

Imperial F-4 on left, Galoob on right

Imperial F-15 on left, Galoob on right

Imperial B-1B (copy of Galoob)
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