Conceptual Model of Kenner Snowspeeder: One of the first steps in developing a toy is the creation of a three-dimensional model representing what the final product will look like. These models are usually hand-crafted from plastic, found parts, even pieces from cannabilized model kits. They are often used for early promotional photography, product presentations and similar things that need to be taken care of prior to time at which hardcopies and first shots are available for use. Sometimes, these models even make appearances on packages and in official catalogs.

What you see here is the original model for Kenner's Snowspeeder action figure toy. Although it's constructed quite soundly, anyone familiar with the production version of the toy will immediately recognize that the front and rear guns of this model differ substantially from those that eventually were mass-produced. This particular photo comes from a retailer catalog issued by Australian toy licensee Toltoys.

Here's another photo of the same model, which comes from a Kenner slide. It's shown here in a rough, unpainted state.

This slide came from a batch of similar material, turned up by Chris Fawcett, web master of 12back.com.