| Original Conceptual Models for ESB Die-Cast Vehicles | |
| 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 are the original models for three of Kenner's ESB die-cast vehicles: the Snowspeeder, Slave 1 and Twin Pod Cloud Car. Although they're all constructed quite soundly, anyone familiar with the production versions of these toys will immediately recognize that they differ substantially from the items 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 Cloud Car, this one from a Kenner slide.
And here's another of the Slave 1. These two slides come from a batch of similar material, turned up by Chris Fawcett, web master of 12back.com. |
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| Description by: | Ron Salvatore |
| Photo: | Anonymous |
| From the collection of: | Anonymous |
| Country: | United States |
| Film: | Empire Strikes Back |
| Licensee: | Kenner |
| Year: | 1980 |
| Category: | Prototypes / Product Concepts |
