This Death Star playset was released in the UK, New Zealand and Canada, but it was Palitoy that released the UK version.
This Death Star was completely different to the plastic version widely available in the States. Being made of cardboard it is extremely difficult to find in mint conditionor complete. The one pictured here is missing its gunner station plastic canopy which should sit atop the central section. Interestingly, the guns for it are exactly the same ones supplied with the vintage X-wing vehicle.
Above:Hanger Bay
Below:Control Room
Below Left:
Bottom of the playset showing the original 12 figures released at the time.
Below Right: View of the escape chute and working trash compactor
The playset offered lots of play opportunities with key areas of the Death Star recreated in cardboard form. These being a working trash compactor. This was accessed via an industrial looking port which figures could squeeze down a chasm to swing across and a observation platform overlooking the hanger bay. The playset also came with many of the vintage imperial figures (Death Squad Commander and Stormtrooper drawn onto the walls (see control room for example). This meant that you didn't need many figures to get a real sense of it being a busy space station.
All in all this is a fine addition to any collection and should be snapped up if seen. Expect to pay highly for this (a minimum of £100+ or $150+ for a playset in non-mint condition within Europe, perhaps much higher with US collectors due to its absense from stores in that region at the time of release).
Do look out for this for spare parts. With the fragile nature of the piece -replacement sections are always desirable if in good condition.
The US market were gifted with an entirely different Death Sta, and whilst this too was scaled for the vintage figure line, it was made of plastic, making it much more durable.
My thanks to guest contributor, good friend and collector DJ for the photos of the American playset.
