If you’re friend just bought a ‘Toothpick” Spindrift, you probably think he bought a tiny model of the ship from the 1968 series, Land of the Giants. In truth, he bought a box full of cardboard and wooden sticks and he probably spent more than 150 dollars for it to boot!
Remco, the sixties manufacturer of all those cool TV toys, moved into the craft market with “Remcraft”, Creative Materials for Young People. Capitalizing on the success of their other Giants toys, Remco designed a great box for a silly product. The face of the box is a small rectangle with an extension at the top of the box. The extension features the Land of the Giants logo and a photo of a happy boy with his newly built toy. The box itself features two very nice photos from the series and a close up of the finished model. (At least they didn’t try to hide what they were selling) The ad copy on the box says, “Build the authentic space ship as seen on TV. Toothpicks, full color details, easy to follow instructions.”
Inside the box you find, as mentioned, a box of wooden toothpicks and several cardboard shapes cut from Spindrift orange. There is also a top fin for the ship done in blue with the giants logo at the tip. The “easy” instructions can only be followed by a 10 year old with a degree in engineering. “Tape the two parts of (6) together at center points (underside). Then insert piece (6) through the bottom slot in center frame (9). Insert piece (1) into the top slot in center frame (9).” The space shuttle went together with less effort.
The mere fact that this toy is so dumb is what makes it so very cool. Give this one four rabbit ears for nonsensical fun. After all, any toy that proclaims; “AS SEEN ON TV”, has to be a winner.
