The never-ending quest for vehicles continues! It just occasionally takes long, painful breaks.
As I have mentioned before, the last refuge of old, large playsets and vehicles has often been the thrift shop — a shopping destination as exciting as it is depressing. Sure, there’s eBay, but that can get expensive, especially if you change the suffix of that web address from “com” to “co.uk” or “es.”
Sometimes, though, the right combination of the two can give you a pretty well-rounded find. This Max Steel MX-25 jet is my most recent, and best, example.
Made by Mattel in 1998-99, Max Steel was a 1/6 scale line designed to throw down with Hasbro’s recently revived Action Man line, and G.I. Joe, of course. In another one of those bizarre cyclic eras where the focus shifted to sci-fi and superheroic away from traditional military theme, and the results were at first strong. As always, though, the sales softened, the TV shows stopped airing, and the collectors scoffed and doubled down on the traditional. The same thing happens constantly today, but it has become a somewhat cycle of diminishing returns — at least a decade ago, we got some impressive vehicles out of it. Unlike last time Max Steel tried to come back, and we were treated to very bizarre Tron-thieving smaller figures and sort-of vehicles.
Anyway, “blah blah blah old man complain-y stuff.” The point is that I came across a hulk of this MX-25 at the thrift shop late last year. I had the fuselage and canards from that, for about $4. Later, I caught another, more complete one on eBay, and that one set me back about $20, mostly in shipping. But assembled, I managed to get about 90% of this vehicle back in flight-ready condition.
Obviously, this small jet was intended for the 12-inch Max Steel figures. But, naturally, I’m thinking about half that size, and that makes the jet a little better scaled and can easily be turned into a two-seater.
Based on no real world plane that I can identify, the MX-25 does have some features that evoke the exciting heyday of the X-Planes and Parasite Fighters of the late 1950s and early ’60s. The intakes, which previously concealed a couple firing missiles, are nicely detailed set behind the cockpit, and the thin wings root to the aft, with some small canards on the front. The small rocket-pod looking pieces jutting out of the fuse actually hold the landing gear, which is a nice touch. I also appreciate the nose detail, indicating a small 20mm-ish cannon.
The interior is really well-done for mass-market, and that goes doubly so for Mattel. The instrument panel in particular adds a lot of realism.
Size-wise, it strikes a unique profile. Next to the HM Armed Forces Harrier, it is noticeably shorter, but with very sleek lines. The wings have spots for some peg-on missiles, but I’ve yet to come across any of those. It is at once retro and futuristic, again, reminding me of the cutting edge of those middle century fighter planes.
In fact, one of the best uses for this plane I’ve come across would be what the fellas at Patches of Pride, who have turned theirs into a suitable USAF X-Plane, as well as decals for a variety of others. I think that tail-fin is my next add-on, or at least something similar.
In addition to the firing missiles and droppable ordinance that I don’t have, the other main feature of this plane is the ability to release its cockpit as a sort of street-luge. Not a feature I need, but cool nonetheless.
So, how did I do? Is this find worth ordering some parts for and putting in some work? Any ideas? Let me know below!