Chinese Three-Kingdom Themed Playmo-like toy from Tomy

[Timotheos]

http://www.sanguo-tt.com/war-map.php

Japanese company Tomy has produced a three-kingdoms themed (1st century China) Playmo/Lego like toy series.

These guys are more fantasy-like than historical, but the some of their weapons and the ShuBing (low-ranking officers) are real-ish enough.

I have the two "big box" sets (109 RMB each, about 14 euros, a little pricey, but in range for imported toys in Beijing) and I can take pics of the figures if anyone is interested.

Playmobil is available in Beijing--but I haven't located any, and have been to most major mall toy stores (haven't been to TRU, if there is one).  Have found PM off Chinese web-stores.  PM costs about 10% more in China than in US.

PS.  On the subject of China's notorious fakes, I've only found fake Schleich smurfs at a few fly-by-night hallway shops.  China is all legitimate at brand-name stores.

[Richard]

These are very cool figures from TakaraTomy, Timmy!

Are they closer to Lego or Playmobil in size?

Thanks for posting,
Richard

see attachment

[Justindo]

Hi Tim,

Very interesting figures.  It really makes you wish Playmobil would come out with an Asian theme soon.

[WarriorOfToys]

I agree, very interesting figures!
They look more lego then Playmobil though.

[Timotheos]

I agree, very interesting figures!
They look more lego then Playmobil though.

Yes, these are presumably lego-inspired toys.  Would you prefer I had not posted them?    (joking)

I'm hoping to tease Cheng (or somebody, myself included) to customize a Playmobil equivalent.
These are the first quality, historical-Chinese themed toys I've found in China.

[WarriorOfToys]

Well I would love to see your chinese equivilants Tim!
Or Chengs as well!
I myself probably don't have the nessesary parts... but I could try.

[cheng]

ok you guys....I'm going to make a 'PlaymoTomy' ala gardenwargaming and put it here if its ok with Tim! 

and Tim, you have to make 1 too! agreed?

and Tim...if the Tomy helmets (and whatever can be dismantled but not arms and legs unless its meant to be 'swoppable'), please show us some close-ups of your new find when you find the time! 

[Richard]

and Tim, you have to make 1 too! agreed?

Sounds like you've been "challenged", Timmy ...

[Martin Milner]

Tim, I'd love to see some more pictures of the big boxes you bought, both the outside and the contents! A picture to compare the size vs Playmo and Lego would be very interesting.

The inclusion of the hex bases seems to suggest that these toys could be used for tabletop wargames. Do you know if that is the intention, and if China encourages Wargaming?

 

[cheng]

Sounds like you've been "challenged", Timmy ...

So Tim & Richard, do I now say "here be my gauntlet!"

[WarriorOfToys]

I am probably too young to understand that joke...
but I like your chinese figures Cheng!!!
That catapult doesn't look Playmobil...
I am curious as to where it came from.
It looks Lego, and lots of lego thinks can fit well with Playmobil...
Is that correct?

[cheng]

I am probably too young to understand that joke...
but I like your chinese figures Cheng!!!
That catapult doesn't look Playmobil...
I am curious as to where it came from.
It looks Lego, and lots of lego thinks can fit well with Playmobil...
Is that correct?

hey and thanks WoT!
to throw down one's gauntlet is to issue a challenge to somebody...in this case, a friendly challenge to our good friend, Tim 

Very observant! its a working catapult from one of those MegaBloks-type-of-toys (not meant to be taken apart) and the PM fire pot fits in perfectly. 
 

[WarriorOfToys]

Wow!
They fit perfectly? Hmmm...
Might be nice to get one myself as they are not as big and bulky as the Playmobil ones...

Thanks for explaining Cheng!