RADIO-GUIDED TOY SUBMARINES
Toys or radio-guided models? The question may be asked, as such models can be found in model magazines as well as toy catalogues (e.g., Joué-Club) or internet websites: museum shops, toy galleries, radio-guidance websites. I consider them toys, as:
- The items are delivered already assembled and ready-to-use, you just have to put the batteries in;
- Their range is often that of bathtub toys, or basin toys at most.
- They have in common, besides the wire they trail behind them as an antenna, an instruction manual. As a famous German actor of the 60s would say: “Effery offizer in ve Cherman Army learnss wiff ve instruktion manual!” (1) To which I would add: “Proffided you kan read it”
Who the **** is in charge of translating those instruction manuals anyway? A reality show contestant ? It often looks like pure gobbledygook... better trust the images!
No rarity rating, those toys are sold everywhere at the moment.
Here is a favourite of specialized websites and R-G magazines (2): Mr. Lobster. Length: 4”
The guidance box also serves as charger for the sub’s flash battery. Effective range: 3 to 7 feet, a few inches underwater. Easy of use, no problems, but the time range is limited because of the flash battery.
Although the marketing seems to be American, it is most probably made in Korea or China.
Another radio-guided mini-sub: the Sub-explorer, 5”. Rather more sophisticated than Mr. Lobster,
when in stand-by, it is put on a battery charger, which gives it a greater autonomy, as the guidance box has its own source. I haven’t tested it, but the instructions – nearly legible for once – claim a 9-foot range and a 15mn autonomy: not bad! Can be found in various packagings on the Internet and from mail-order companies.
This “Pigboat” (4”) is one of the oldest and most impressive radio-guided mini-subs, with an on-board battery, increasing its autonomy. Its radio-guidance is powerful, a true radio-guidance box; notice the orientable propellers. A “top of the range” mini-sub.
This very nice and impressive RC808 was bought at “Nature et découverte” (7”). Just as the “Pigboat,” it has its own on-board battery. Notice the big antenna. Rather primitive guidance, the weak point of that toy.
This really funny “BAO” (6”) is the archetype of the radio-guided bathtub sub. It also has an on-board battery; notice the lateral propellers. Sold through mail-order.
This submarine is a pure product of globalisation: Japanese brand (Nikko), Made in China, distributed from the Netherlands.
The manual is clear, but the setting-up is complex (e.g., adjusting the ballast by adding steel rings), however the manufacture is very good quality. Rechargeable batteries, easy and strong remote control: a very good product sold in supermarkets and toy shops since the spring of 2008.
Length: 7”, in quality PVC.
J/C.
There are lots of R-G. mini-subs; those shown here give a good view of the subject, which is not very original, as it is very standardized and smells of globalization. Beware, same syndrome as for the bathtub subs: “What the **** are you doing, it’s time to put the children to bed, etc.”
One last word about radio-guided toys. Whereas “classical” radio-guided models have no place here – except for SF subs – the productions of would-be mad scientists, gadgeteers and other unknown geniuses or belated adolescents are of course welcome: we are birds of a feather! I have seen radio-guided subs made from jam jars and plastic pipes: send your own, the crazier the merrier...
(1) Gert Frobe in “Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines.”
(2) R-G. = radio-guided
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