Micro Hoodman - Kit-Machines Series (c.1978)
Takara released new spin-off series from Microman toys called Micro Hoodman in early part of 1978. The series centered around space explorer from Micro Earth who shrunk themselves down to 8 cm tall as a mean to conserve their resources. Micro Hoodman was initially marketed as its own series (note the lack of any Microman reference on any of the Hoodman toys package) but the series was later fully incorporated into Microman line by the time Microman Police Keeper was introduced in late 1978. Takara released two Micro Hoodman series - H70X Type and H71X Type, along with several Hoodman vehicles called Kit-Machines in March of 1978.
Hoodman Kit-Machines were series of kit-style vehicles designed for Micro Hoodman figures. The toy was sold in kit form and must be put together. The kit was relatively cheap and the toys gimmick center around the idea of rubber band power to propel the vehicle. There were total of ten Hood Machines released by Takara. The Hood Machines were nice design but lack the compact and elegant of the early Microman Zone Kit-Machines toys. Each vehicle was pretty big once assembled and requited plenty of space for storage or display. Dead-stock of Hood Machines can easily be found in secondary market as they were not all that popular then. They made nice display piece but the lack of the interchangeability and their elongated design made them seem out of place in regular Microman toys.
Each Hood Machine toy came with large fold out poster with full color spec and story on one side and instruction on the other. The sheet detailed Micro Hoodman story and the construction of the Hoodman Kit-Machines.
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Packaging
Hoodman Kit-Machines were sold as kit and must be assembled together. The kit came in simple small long white box. Note the lack of any Microman logo on early Micro Hoodman toys.
Accessories
Close up of the Hoodman Sticker Sheet
Hoodman - Space Series Micro NASA
I don't have much back story on why Takara included this as part of the Hoodman series, other than to cash in on the nascent U.S. shuttle program, which would not launch for another few years (April 12, 1981). Still, it was a nifty tribute in anticipation, and had a little launch bay for the payload vehicle, as well as a colorful insert and sticker sheet.
These tended to yellow over time, and the one I acquired was very white, though mine was missing one of the lift arm segments. A very neat display toy if you can find one.
