115 replies to this topic

[Jet-Mech]

Are there one-of-one figures (sculpt + color) that were not mass produced? Yes. Will this impact the MCC? Yes, that's why we have to share accurate/true information with each other and discuss possibilities (like we used to ). But that does not discredit the MCC or mean those of us cataloging the MUSCLE Master Set are chasing Noah's ark.

 

I can think of a few ways a one-of-one could come about. Was it a salesman's sample? Was it a reward for a retailer who placed a large order, as Veers has discovered? Maybe there was a mix-up at the factory, either unintentional (wrong mold at the wrong time) or intentional? As an example of the latter: "Oh, shit! Boss, we ran out of red pellets!" "The next run's gonna be green, so eff it--throw some green pellets in! Just keep the line moving!"

 

I agree that the color code is impacted. It is, however--in my eyes, anyway--a minimal impact. Even the Class A figures were produced in some quantity, however limited, and we'll never know due to the effects of attrition over almost 30 years. I cannot even remotely consider a one-off figure to be a part of a master set.

Edited by Jet-Mech, 24 February 2014 - 10:08 PM.

[Soupie]

Was it a salesman's sample? Was it a reward for a retailer who placed a large order,  as Veers has discovered? (Link: http://blog.uofmuscl...ison-interview/) Maybe there was a mix-up at the factory, either unintentional (wrong mold at the wrong time) or intentional? As an example of the latter: "Oh, shit! Boss, we ran out of red pellets!" "The next run's gonna be green, so eff it--throw some green pellets in! Just keep the line moving!"

 

I agree that the color code is impacted. It is, however--in my eyes, anyway--a minimal impact. Even the Class A figures were produced in some quantity, however limited, and we'll never know due to the effects of attrition over almost 30 years. I cannot even remotely consider a one-off figure to be a part of a master set.

 

My problem with the salesman sample and factory mix up is because I believe the mold/tree colors were due to a necessity, not a purposeful mix of colors. In other words, the colors the tree were made in are random and had to do with the colors available. (I'm not explaining it well.)

 

The bottom line is Veers, URS, and I tried in vain to find a pattern with the trees and the colors they were made in to no avail. (I don't think anyone else has tried to find a pattern.) Therefore, I don't believe a "mix up" could occur because they just didn't have the colors for those trees... I don't know why that would be, but that's my gut feeling. It's the same with the sample: why make a tree in a sample color that it wouldn't be made in for the regular line? And what are the chances of one of the 1:1 samples making onto ebay? What other toy lines has this happened for?

 

I could be completely wrong. I'm not saying its a bad/dumb idea, just that it's not one I like.

 

As to the reward idea: I think that was a special sculpt like SC, SHA, BHS, etc. Not a colored figured. There are so many figures (color + sculpt) that who could tell that 100 Green was special? Again, not a bad/dumb idea, just not one I like. But doesn't mean it's not the case.

 

How many 1:1 figures have there been? I can only think of 2. I'd like to note them on the MCIA somehow...

[Jet-Mech]

I could be completely wrong. I'm not saying its a bad/dumb idea, just that it's not one I like.

 

As to the reward idea: I think that was a special sculpt like SC, SHA, BHS, etc. Not a colored figured. There are so many figures (color + sculpt) that who could tell that 100 Green was special? Again, not a bad/dumb idea, just not one I like. But doesn't mean it's not the case.

 

I would like to thank Soupie for this response. It is a perfect example of the proper way to present a disagreement/counterpoint/what-have you.

 

I can offer up two other theories. One is that the green 100 was a factory test shot or a pre-production, and either the color wasn't right or someone didn't like the way it (they?) looked in green. (Giving credit where it's due, JMcKinnon316 proposed a similar theory in the thread that first made us aware of this figure.) The other was that some unknown employee made the green 100 for himself. Those theories, however, have some holes that require filling: if one is true, then how did the green 100 make it to California? And if the first is true, logic would suggest that a green 002, 101, and 102 were produced--what the frig happened to them?

 

Veers proposed that it was part of a set of figures made for Mattel employees, and ALLSPORTDVD suggested that it was a Mexican figure. Given the close proximity of Mattel's El Segundo headquarters--and the closer proximity of Mexico--to San Diego, those theories make more sense. Consensus seemed to be that the figure looked like a legit, albeit faded, green M.U.S.C.L.E., which seems to nullify the Mexican figure theory.

 

What became of it, anyway?

[adiy009]

i think your guide is great however incomplete

As a child here in england i had both 135r and 189g and maybe a few more 

i have also played with figures that have supposed to be not produced 

kids used to open bins in supermarkets and take out figures 

i remember looking in an open one which had a purple claw in it 

i have always believed some of the most rare class a figures 

only got produced in small numbers because they only 

got produced at the end of the life of muscle 

as around the same time we was pulling these new colour figures 

that was it muscle was over we could not longer buy 

the figures anywhere

even asked the supermarkets about them and they said no more 

that was it

[ALLSPORTDVD]

I'm sorry but I think that story contradicts everything we know about this toy line
I find it very hard to believe any of the figures you mentioned were in the UK in the 1980's.

[adiy009]

I'm sorry but I think that story contradicts everything we know about this toy line
I find it very hard to believe any of the figures you mentioned were in the UK in the 1980's.

most of the info on muscle figures at the moment comes from the north american collectors 

and muscles figures got sold in other places 

you might find it hard to believe but it is true 

and the info on muscle will change as more 

people share the info they have on muscle figures 

in order for the muscle info to grow 

[jmckinnon316]

You two should just ignore each other - you'll never agree on things!

[Strontium Dog]

FWIW, I own a solitary Class A figure, purchased in a small UK lot.

[jmckinnon316]

Yep, I have picked up Magenta's (like 134M etc - same tree), and 168DB - off the top of my head. Definitely a couple more at least (purple 41, 93, 123).

 

All are borderline Class A in my opinion, but Class A nonetheless.

 

Also a 15M and 23P - which MUST be rare since they're worth Â£9.95:

 

http://www.musclefig...nta-sunshine-d/

 

http://www.musclefig...23-purple-iwao/

[Jet-Mech]

Also a 15M and 23P - which MUST be rare since they're worth Â£9.95.

 

As Rick Harrison, of Pawn Stars, would say: is that what they're asking, or what they're getting?

[adiy009]

FWIW, I own a solitary Class A figure, purchased in a small UK lot.

 

 

Yep, I have picked up Magenta's (like 134M etc - same tree), and 168DB - off the top of my head. Definitely a couple more at least (purple 41, 93, 123).

 

All are borderline Class A in my opinion, but Class A nonetheless.

 

Also a 15M and 23P - which MUST be rare since they're worth Â£9.95:

 

http://www.musclefig...nta-sunshine-d/

 

http://www.musclefig...23-purple-iwao/

Thanks for the info guys

 

has anyone had any luck at boot sales ?

 

i think i have found 1 class a at a boot sale.

also although not a class a 1 remember turning down the chance to buy a 27s for 2pence or 10 pence 

at a  boot sale and it took me years to find the figure again on the internet

i always regretted not buying up until i finally got another

[ironmask]

I have a Class A figure... And honestly, I don't think it looks as good as the same figure in a different color (I'm being vague on purpose. I don't want to accidentally give away what I have, and be subjected to nagging)... I don't get why this Class A nonsense has gotten so bonkers.

 

It makes me seriously reconsider the community aspect of MUSCLE collecting.

[Soupie]

I believe it was determined a long time ago that Canada, the US, and the UK each had MUSCLE figures in different availabilities. Correct?

[adiy009]

I believe it was determined a long time ago that Canada, the US, and the UK each had MUSCLE figures in different availabilities. Correct?

i believe this is incorrect i have found 123,41,93 and 68db in the UK, usa and Canada 

and had class a figures as a child in the U.K i still have one from my childhood

the rare class a figures i am now sure they came at the end of production of muscle figures 

and both Canada and the U.K got them and are in a small number as not that many was made 

and some even returned to mattel.

however some shipments could have been mixed up

and the bins i got as a child was supposed to go to canada .

The only shame is i don't have any of the 10 pack wrappings they all got put in the dustbin.

still does not explain the undocumented figures i played with

Edited by adiy009, 25 February 2014 - 10:08 AM.

[jmckinnon316]

I believe it was determined a long time ago that Canada, the US, and the UK each had MUSCLE figures in different availabilities. Correct?

 

I have understood it this way - yes. 

[Jet-Mech]

Heilige Hundscheiße, this thread changed directions quickly! Maybe we need a dedicated thread for Class A theories?