| 1978-79 Meccano Diorama | |
| The Kenner early bird kit diorama included in the famous enveloppe is
an emblematic and very popular collectible of the vintage line.
Whereas it was available before the action figures in the U.S., the
French licensee Meccano produced a similar item to help promote /
launch the line.
Back in 1978, when the first 12 figures were released on 12-back (rectangular) cards, each card front included a proof of purchase coupon to be cut. The back of the card gave details about the operation: the diorama could be obtained by mailing 4 POPs (Luke and Leia mandatory + 2 of choice) before the end of the year 1978. The diorama was received some weeks later in an enveloppe (without any special protection). From salesman's memories, this offer was not really successful in most areas of France, and the difficulties to launch the line probably didn't helped ; adding to that the lack of playability and cheap quality helps to understand why this item has become one of the rarest production piece of Meccano history, with less than a handfull known to be in collector's hands. Technically, the item is exactly the same size and shape as its Kenner counterpart, the tabs are also cut the same ; differences are the inserts for the tabs, the absence of peg holes for the figures and no detachable coupons. nb: the luke on the picture has a repro DT saber, and was included only for photography, it has nothing related to Meccano. |
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| Description by: | Stephane Faucourt |
| Photo: | Stephane Faucourt |
| From the collection of: | Stephane Faucourt |
| Country: | France |
| Film: | A New Hope |
| Licensee: | Meccano |
| Year: | 1978 |
| Category: | Toys / Action Figure Related / Action Figure Accessories |