Andy Yanchus collection of model kits, vintage toys on deck at Bruneau, Sept. 17

CRANSTON, R.I. – Part 1 of the Andy Yanchus collection of plastic models, diecast toys, American models and vintage toys from the 1960s through the 1990s will come up for bid on Saturday, September 17 at Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers, starting at 10 am Eastern time. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Andy Yanchus is a highly regarded hobbyist and professional within the comic, model and toy world. His plastic model collection is one of the most comprehensive ever to come to market and features an impressive and diverse selection of Japanese science fiction model kits by Bandai, Imai, Tamiya, Midori, Aoshima and Bullmark. Diecast toys are by Popy, Takara and Nomura.

Throughout all the categories in the sale, there is a clear theme: Gerry Anderson-related models and toys. Yanchus was an absolute diehard fan of Anderson and compiled one of the greatest archives of Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, UFO and Joe Mac merchandise ever seen. These, like all the items in the collection and in the auction, are in pristine, unused condition.

It was Yanchus’s habit to only open each piece once, to document and inspect the design, before sealing it away again in storage. Almost everything was purchased new and much of it was documented with a collection stamp and the date it was acquired. This is an opportunity for plastic model, American model and diecast and vintage toy enthusiasts to add to their collections.

Likely top lots include a group of seven 1967 Imai Kagaku first issue Thunderbird Series model kits, including Thunderbird 5 with Thunderbird 3 kit no. 1-722, Thunderbird Jet-Mogura Tank kit no. 729, a factory-sealed Thunderbird Excavator kit no. 736, Thunderbird 1 kit no. 733, Thunderbird 2 kit no. 1-721, and Thunderbird 4 kits no. 725 and 741. Together they carry an estimate of $300-$500.

Also destined to sell well is a complete set of 1965 Lincoln International Thunderbirds model kits (Hong Kong), including Thunderbird 1 kit no. 2001, Thunderbird 2 kit no. 2002, Thunderbird 3 kit no. 2003, Thunderbird 4 kit no. 2004, and Lady Penelope’s Fab 1 kit no. 2005, a great set that represents Yanchus’s love for the work of Gerry Anderson. This lot is estimated at $500-$800.

Equally alluring is a pair of 1968 Japanese Tamiya Super Space Apollo 1 Jupiter 2 models, including the Tamiya first issue Super Space series Apollo 1 kit no. SS101 and Jupiter 2 kit no. SS102, both with unused contents partially factory sealed, plus original paperwork. Both are in exceptional condition for models from 1968. The lot is estimated at $300-$500.

Lot 7 consists of a 1961 Tamiya Thunder Bolt motorized race car – one of only a few known and possibly the finest one in existence – and an early 1960s Japan Hobby SF series S-1 Astoro Boat Star Fire-I, both with factory-sealed contents and original paperwork, and surviving in overall good condition with vibrant graphics. These are together estimated at $300-$500.

Another standout in the September 17 sale lineup is a group that includes a 1979 Takara Microman Titan Space Knight, 1980 Microman Blizzard B-1 Paris, Death Marck (blue), 1981 New Microman Mighty Suit 2, and 1982 New Acroyear Acrosatan (green), all with original paperwork and unused sticker sheets. The group has an estimate of $500-$800.

Certain to draw attention is a three-piece American set that includes the 1979 Mego Micronauts series 5 Centaurus, Kronos and Lobros. These three characters in particular were released at the very end of the Micronauts toy line, and primarily saw release in Europe through GiG. The three are estimated at $800-$1,200.

Yet another powerful lot on offer is an eight-piece Mego Lion Rock Micronauts MOSC Figure Group (United States, 1976-1980), including a 1976 Mego Micronauts Acroyear (pink), Space Glider (gold), Galactic Warrior (green), 1977 Acroyear II (silver), Pharoid (gray), 1978 Galactic Defender (white) and two 1980 Lion Rock Time Traveler (black/blue). The eight have a collective estimate of $800-$1,200.

Rounding out the highlights is a 1985 Polish Gdansk first generation Star Wars Prune Face movable rubber bootleg action figure, estimated at $800-$1,200.

To contact Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers about consigning a single piece or an entire collection, email info@bruneauandco.com or phone 401-533-9980. To learn more about Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers, please visit www.bruneauandco.com.

 

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