#473 MATCHBOX - MICRO CONNECTABLES (1990)

 
As an example of one of the sub-lines explained in the previous entry, I have selected these "Mini Connectables". One of the best-selling toylines between 1987 and 1993 or 1994 were the Micro Machines, that are a reference for many other toy companies, that started producing similar toys in small scale, like Transformers with the Micromasters (some of which, by the way, could be splitted and combined too) or other types of toys, but also in a very small scale, like for example Mighty Max. 

 

  

In the Connectables case, those little vehicles were roughly half of the bigger ones, but nevertheless very similar, not only technically (the connecting pegs are the same, only smaller) but also in their designs.

 

Size comparison Connectable vs. Micro Connectable

 

There were a first release in 1990 consisting in 4 sets, each of them with 3 vehicles and 8 parts (also 3+3+2). The next year, the line was expanded with 6 new models, and repaints of all the previous ones. In 1992, the Micro Connectables disappeared from the catalogue, probably didn’t sell as expected, or at least worse than their bigger brothers.

You can see the catalogue images in the previous two entries.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Name: Micro Connectables
• Scale of the cars: 1:120 aprox.
• Year: 1990 - 1991
• Company: Matchbox (Great Britain)
• Size: approx. 7 cm (2-part vehicles)

#472 MATCHBOX - CONNECTABLES (Part 2) (1991)

After the great success of the line during its 2 first years, Matchbox had to keep it running and invented new features. Since it was the nineties,one of the first tries was to release the same cars, only with more appealing colours, like in this example, or some “remixed” vehicles, which were combined forming similar but different vehicles.

The other new feature from 1991 were the “Light & Sound”.

And there was still another playset, called the “Power Bloc” which was some kind of tractor rig to push your connectable-build with some accessories, like a fork lift or a crane.

Comparison between first version and recoloured version

From here on, the Connectables line expanded even more, since the line splitted in two themes: the normal line (again with new features, like the Crazy Limos) and the Rescue Force line, with far more futuristic vehicles. These futuristic vehicle-parts included light, sound and also engines (I think pull-back engines), to make them even cooler. Take a look at the catalogue. As in the previous entry, I put here Matchbox catalogues from 1991 to 1993.

Matchbox Catalogue 1991

Matchbox Catalogue 1991

Matchbox Catalogue 1992

Matchbox Catalogue 1992

Matchbox Catalogue 1993

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Name: Connectables
• Scale of the cars: 1:64 aprox. (cars), 1:100 (tucks)
• Year: 1989 - 1993
• Company: Matchbox (Great Britain)
• Size: approx. 7 cm (2-part vehicles)

#471 MATCHBOX - CONNECTABLES (Part 1) (1989)

I was never attracted to this plastic cars. I have seen them many times from the 90s on, but until a few months ago, I never bought any. They are a nice concept, quite revolutionary at its time. These cars and vehicles can be splitted in 2 or three parts, and later recombined forming strange hybrids. The line was quite successful in many European countries, and even today, they are easy to find for very
little money.

These cars are completely made of plastic, and the only thing in common with the die-cast Matchbox are the wheels. Since the concept is quite different, these cars were sold in blister packs and bigger boxes. Those blister packs included in most cases a three-part vehicle and a two-part vehicle, or the boxes included 5 vehicles or even 12, if you were lucky enough to get the “big” box.

The catalogue from 1989 shows fifteen vehicles: 6 of them are formed of 3 parts each, the other 9 of two parts each.

Matchbox Catalogue 1990

Matchbox Catalogue 1991

Matchbox Catalogue 1991

Some incomplete vehicles I have

The next year, the Connectables line was expanded notably, with the release of new boxes (although with the same contents), some extra features (like the 5-part long themed vehicles or the Motorized Connectables), new alternative lines (like the Micro Connectables and the Convoy Connectables), some extra bigger vehicle/playsets, like the Truck Transporter, the Connectables Copter, the Connectables Mini Playsets or the extender sets.

These “extenders” are some kind of bars that allowed to connect several vehicles in parallel, creating very strange forms. At some point they were included in the blister packs as a bonus. I was experimenting myself with two bars I own, and I created two vehicles. The bars have some pegs to which we could attach different plastic accessories, but unfortunately, I don’t have any of these.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Name: Connectables
• Scale of the cars: 1:64 aprox. (cars), 1:100 (tucks)
• Year: 1989 - 1993
• Company: Matchbox (Great Britain)
• Size: approx. 7 cm (2-part vehicles)