| Hoth Generator Attack Playset First Shot | |
| The first shot stage represents one of the later portions of the toy production process. They typically
serve as production mold tests to ensure the steel molds yield a viable, quality toy once full production
begins. The early mold tests are sent from the vendor, usually a factory located in the Orient, to the
toy company, in this case Kenner. It is on domestic soil that company employees from the appropriate
departments will assess the product and make recommended changes to ensure the end result toy meets all
specifications and quality measures.
The Hoth Generator Attack playset featured in this entry represents an example of a first shot. Characteritics that differentiate it from the final production version include a lack of copyright information and the presence of both molding and color variations. Also, notice that there are no triggers on this playset. The production triggers do not fit properly, nor do they function properly when they are attached to the set.
The photo above shows the first shot playset (top) and a production quality playset (bottom). This photo nicely illustrates the color differences between the two toys.
Here we view a photo of a generator accessory. It lacks the copyright information found on the production toy and exhibits molding differences compared to its production counterpart.
The final image clearly shows the location of the copyright information on the production version generators. |
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| Description by: | Michael G. Mensinger, Josh Blake |
| Photo: | Josh Blake |
| From the collection of: | Josh Blake |
| Country: | United States |
| Film: | Empire Strikes Back |
| Licensee: | Kenner |
| Year: | 1980 |
| Category: | Prototypes / Micro Collection |
