We’re in the final approach to Star Wars Day – May 4th – so we’re featuring this timely tip from Howard: listed here on facebook Marketplace is a Radio Flyer Star Wars X-34 Landspeeder, and sorry to all you adult would-be riders – the weight limit is 130 lbs. The price is a reasonable $280 or offer, a bargain versus the $500 off-the-lot sticker when the toy was introduced in September 2017 at Toys ‘R Us stores. The seller’s kids used it only a “handful” of times before outgrowing it. The lucky buyer can retrieve this low-mileage example from Phoenix, Arizona. At only 62″ long, it should fit in the average SUV.
The history of the “real” Landspeeder began with British manufacturer Ogle Design, famous for the Bond Bug, among other conveyances. When the producers of Star Wars needed a special vehicle for Episode IV – A New Hope, Ogle was approached, thanks to its expertise with imaginative plastic shapes. The Landspeeder was built on the Bond Bug chassis; clever use of underside mirrors created the illusion of hovering. Ogle is still in business today, making models and prototypes for all manner of companies, including Jaguar, Honda, and British Airways. Products run from conceptual architectural models to EV chargers, even a rowing machine.
Radio Flyer miniaturized the Landspeeder under license for distribution through Toys ‘R Us, just about four minutes before the toy company filed for bankruptcy. At $500, it was an expensive toy if it needed to go under that year’s Christmas tree, but those who waited paid considerably less as extra inventory was discounted. The hefty price bought a 12V battery-operated toy with two switch-operated forward speeds as well as reverse, and an interactive dashboard that plays recordings and music from the movie. Top speed is 5 mph, although since there’s seating for two, carrying a passenger might knock that back a bit. The seller notes that the windshield is missing, but everything works, and the charger is still with the toy.
The body is cracked between the left and rear thruster – probably an easy fix for the amateur restorationist, or you can leave it as is for patina. For a glimpse of a concours example, check out this video. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to explore Tatooine! Not gonna sell my Landspeeder to no Vuvrian, though, especially for only 2000 credits.
Ah, Ms. Rand, you are as predictable as 6:00 at 5:30. I knew this would get me in the door. There is an age cutoff, I’d say under 35(?) today have no connection to Star Wars, but to most others, it was huge. Buck Rogers, Superman, Mr. Ed huge. Technically speaking, computer design was in its infancy, if at all, and the Landspeeders “hovering” was accomplished with mirrors and a little Vaseline on the camera lens to hide the wheels. The film took an amazing 4 years to complete, mostly because most of the scenes were done by hand. The special effects at the time, as basic as they were, had us mesmerized. Me and my kids( age 39 and 41) watched it so many times, I can practically lip sync all 3 movies. When the Phantom Menace came out, the pod race was pretty exciting, but computer design had taken over. Vaseline on the lens was a thing of the past. The personal feeling of the original characters wasn’t the same. I never knew there was a toy like this, but I figured it would hit a nerve. Enjoy, may the force ( of BarnFinds) be with you.
Like catnip to a cat, Howard. I couldn’t resist.
Don’t forget about Jonny Quest.
A special thanks for picking this up, I suppose the “car crusher” may have been a bit much, you writers are the best!