Spacex GA Needle Probe

The Needle Probe is identical for both the Spacex and Golden Astronaut ranges. However, an early colour version exists (see below) which will have been exclusive to the Spacex range.

Size

Length
Width
Height

129 mm
39 mm
35 mm

5 1/16 in
1 1/2 in
1 3/8 in

Features

Wheels turn :)

Variations

Needle Probe markings

Left:
- No trademark
- Trademarked

Below, in front:
Probably the earliest variation of the Needle Probe, featuring:
- a distinct fuchsia shade of pink
- landing gear in bright blue (instead of blueish grey), showing white stress marks caused by the wheels being pinned in
- 'made in Hong Kong' marking in narrow lettering, underneath the fuselage instead of the wings.
(note that this example has lost a pair of wheels at the rear, as well as half of its tailplane).

Earliest Needle Probe variation

As a further note, the design registration document for the Needle Probe (linked below) is dated 22 August 1969 and still shows a version without a trademark.

Prototypes & Mockups

Needle Probe card-back photo

In the Spacex card-back photo, the pink fuselage appears slightly thicker than on the production model, and the landing gear has been retouched out.

Packaging

Needle Probe Spacex card
Needle Probe GA card

Spacex

Golden Astronaut



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Origin

Needle Probe origin

The Needle Probe, World Air Force stratospheric reconnaissance plane illustrated by Eric Eden in a Defence 2066 article in the TV21 Summer Extra album of 1966, subsequently republished in the Dutch Thunderbirds Extra 2 annual of 1966.

Registered Design/Design Patent

Needle Probe registered design
Needle Probe design patent

UK Registered Design

943306
19 November 1969
Toy Vehicle

 

US Design Patent

D219,285
24 Nov 1970
Toy Space Ship

Copies & Clones

link to Bullycan Needle Probe copy

Bullycan

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