LEGO and Star Wars Prepare for Stardom

Lightsabers and Flashlights Show Off on Video

By Julie L. Jones
May 2010

There's no shortage of Star Wars toys and novelties this year — lightsaber chopsticks, anyone? Mattel gets WWE figures into the ring to fight, while Bachmann Trains hits the tracks with large-scale sets featuring the beloved Thomas. Watch these products and more in the following TDmonthly Magazine videos from early 2010 exhibitions.

STAR WARS Science: Mini Lightsaber™ Tech Lab by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

Children discover the science of light and optics as they build their own miniature, 8.25”-long version of the lightsaber used by Anakin Skywalker. A choice of four different colored crystals customizes the lightsaber. There are two lenses (focusing and wide-angle) to demonstrate the principles of optics. ( Watch Video) 2/14/2010 (MSRP: $12.99; Age: 6 and Up)

Peterbilt Truck with Tracking Trailer & Cat Load by NORSCOT COLLECTIBLES

The Norscot Peterbilt Model 389 Tri-Axle Replica with Trail King Lowboy Trailer with Cat D8R load features realistic detail in 1:50 scale. The trio package includes the Peterbilt 389 Day Cab configuration with rolling wheels, clear windows, interior cab detail, and lowboy trailer with detachable gooseneck. The Cat D8R Series II Track-Type Tractor die-cast scale model is included. ( Watch Video) 3/30/2010 (MSRP: $144.99; Age: 14 and Up)

STAR WARS Science: Remote Controlled Lightsaber™ Room Light by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

The final challenge in becoming a Jedi Knight is to build one’s own lightsaber. With the Remote Controlled Lightsaber Room Light, young Padawans can construct their own Jedi lightsaber and mount their creation as a room light on the wall. Eight color effects let kids personalize their lightsaber, and a wireless remote control turns the light on and off. During construction, kids learn about the electronics that make a lightsaber work. ( Watch Video) 2/14/2010 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 6 and Up)

WWE Money in the Bank Ladder Match Ring by MATTEL INC.

Achieve the ultimate WWE battle in the WWE Money in the Bank Ladder Match Ring. The nearly 2-foot vertical ring playset allows for WWE action figures to jump off the top of the rafters, battle with 3 action ladders and a scaffolding which flip, blast and tilt, and grab the briefcase to win a championship match destiny. ( Watch Video) 3/24/2010 (MSRP: $49.99)

STAR WARS Science: Clone Trooper™ Recon Kit by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

The Clone Trooper Recon Kit helps kids find bugs and more, using the included tools — a soil sifter, a magnifier and a special reconnaissance tool. They can even explore in the dark with the built-in searchlight. Once an interesting life form has been found, the kit transforms to an insect viewer to examine the specimen. ( Watch Video) 2/14/2010 (MSRP: $12.99; Age: 5 and Up)

Thomas with Annie and Clarabel Large Scale Garden Railway Set by BACHMANN TRAINS

This set features Thomas the Tank Engine with moving eyes, Annie and Clarabel coaches, a 5'4" x 4'3" oval of track, wall pack and controller, instruction manual and DVD format video instructions. It's the "largest version of Thomas & Friends™ available in an electric train set," Jack Lynch, Communications Manager, Bachmann Industries, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2009. ( Watch Video) 2/4/2010 (MSRP: $385.00; Age: 8 and Up)

LEGO® Head ZipBin® Toy Tote & Playmat by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

Zipped, this small-sized tote looks like a LEGO mini figure’s head. Unzipped, it’s a landscaped designed specifically for building and playing with LEGO bricks. "ZipBin products unzip to transform from toy tote to playmat in an instant," Dee Farrell, SVP, Neat-Oh! International, LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 30, 2010. ( Watch Video) 12/28/2009 (MSRP: $12.99; Age: 3 and Up)

WWE® FlexForce™ Action Figures by MATTEL INC.

Now your favorite WWE® action figures can deliver match-ending finishing moves! Just pull your FlexForce™ figure’s arms or legs back and release to execute a famously devastating signature move. Come out of nowhere to take down your opponent with John Cena’sPower Slam, CM Punk’s Elbow Strike, ReyMysterio’s 619 and more! Reenact these moves and more with FlexForce™ action figures! ( Watch Video) 2/17/2010 (MSRP: $64.99; Age: 16 and Up)

Star Wars Light Saber Chopsticks Set by KOTOBUKIYA / KOTO INC.

An innovative and fun addition to Kotobukiya's Star Wars line of products: Lightsabers merge with Japanese culture and “Chop Sabers” emerge! Suitable for eating sushi or defending the galaxy, the Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader lightsabers measure over 9” long, with the blades cast in translucent material. The smaller “children’s size” Yoda saber measures approximately 8” long. As a special bonus each set includes translucent Star Wars logo chopstick rests.
Awards: 2009 IGN Collectible Toy Award the Year; 2010 Creative Child Award ( Watch Video) 12/23/2009 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 13 and Up)

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