For those who are interested in this particular Sand Tarakava’s provenance, I had the good sense to ask for, and the very good fortune to receive, this notarized letter from the seller:
ICFTA: Sand Tarakava Addendum
For those who are interested in this particular Sand Tarakava’s provenance, I had the good sense to ask for, and the very good fortune to receive, this notarized letter from the seller:
8 Comments
I don’t know specifically to what toy Darvell was referring, although I might own that one too! Stay tuned …
This is great. Is this other toy you’re referring to a prototype Tohunga? I believe Sapphire used one to design Takua’s initial 3D model, which is indirectly preserved in Quest for the Toa and LEGO Backlot, even though the actual toy was redesigned. We only have the Faber Files footage of them from back in June 2000, so new photography of one would be amazing!
The set I was referring to is a Tohunga or Turaga, I don’t recall which right now, but probably not Takua. It is a very plain set, but primarily constructed of obviously-prototype pieces.
Thanks for the reply! What do you mean plain, like it looks identical to the released set? A Tohunga prototype from 2000 should have significantly different head and arm pieces. The left arm originally was a closed fist with an axle hole to hold tools, like in MNOG. If you do have one, I would really appreciate some photos of it. Thanks again!
Plain as in “all the pieces are gray”. I’ll see if I can dig it up in the next couple of weeks here.
Having reviewed my prototype “sets”, I believe I was thinking about either a Kopaka with a mask without a code anywhere or (more likely) a Whenua without a mask. Other prototype “sets” I possess are Lewa and Pohatu, each with masks with codes on the outside. I also have some loose prototype masks, including a red Hau and a white Hau (both with codes on the outside) and a light grey Huna, two light grey Matatu, and three light blue Rau (all without codes anywhere). I have since donated one of the loose Matatu to the Whenua prototype “set”.
Hi Mark, thank you for sharing the story behind the Sand Tarakava! Do you know what other toy Darvell was mentioning?
I have a lot of experience talking with Darvell, he’s a fun guy to talk to! Personally I haven’t heard of this one, but I can certainly ask! He’s very much still around. You may know him better for his recent involvement with the release of Legend of Mata Nui!