View a gallery of Tristar Collectibles
Tristar International released a line of M*A*S*H figures, vehicles, and a playbase in 1982. What follows is an in-depth look at the Tristar collectibles, written by M*A*S*H fan and avid Tristar collector Peter Kurch. The opinions expressed regarding the scarcity and pricing of Tristar items are based on his experiences in collecting and may not represent the entire spectrum of Tristar products.
All text and images copyright (©) 2008 Peter Kurch.
The Figures
Packaging definitely had a M*A*S*H feel to it. The character names were shown on “dogtags” above the plastic bubble, and a cast photo was shown on the right of the card. The backs of the card featured prototype, hand-painted versions of the figures along with pictures of the Jeep, Ambulance, and Helicopter. The figures seem to feature slightly different sculpts and articulation, most notably the Klinger in Drag figure. A special Mail-Away offer for a M*A*S*H 4077th patch also appeared on the packaging. Hawkeye, B.J., Colonel Potter, Hot Lips, Klinger, Father Mulcahy, and Winchester were all released on single-cards. Tristar also released 4-packs of mixed figures, which are extremely rare to find these days. It is unknown if the Klinger in Drag figure made it into these 4-packs.
Each of the eight figures feature ball joints, which allows for great articulation (much like Hasbro Inc.’s current figure designs). A sturdy rubber band holds the figures together, which is connected from the torso and enclosed in the hip area.
Tristar released Hawkeye with unpainted hair, which is identical to the G.I. figure included with the vehicles. The Klinger in Drag figure is one of the tougher figures to find when compared to the others. And although it’s hard to tell for sure, it’s possible that Tristar released this particular figure in smaller quantities.
Tristar did a tremendous job on the detail and likenesses on these figures, and they look very close to their on-screen counterparts. Colonel Potter and Father Mulcahy have thin glasses molded on, painted very well in gold. Tristar even included the gold medical insignias on the Colonel’s collar. His medals, however, are incorrectly painted gold and not silver. Hawkeye, B.J., Klinger, and the G.I. figure each feature the same generic body. The doctors both feature painted stethoscopes and dog tags. On Klinger, only the dog tags are accented. Margaret includes a wristwatch and dog tags which are molded on. Winchester is the only one to appear in a lab coat, which breaks up the monotony of the line. Copyright dates (1970, 1982), Twentieth Century Fox, and Country of Origin are molded on the backs of the figures.
It’s really too bad that figures weren’t produced during the Colonel Blake, Radar, and Trapper era.
The Playbase
Tristar released an absolutely amazing M*A*S*H 4077 Playbase along with the figures. This set featured an astounding 16 square foot playing area and various tents. Although not 100% accurate to the show, this playset had plenty to offer. The post-op ward allowed a few hospital beds for the wounded. Colonel Potter’s office simply featured his desk and workspace, and Klinger’s office included room for a table, radio, and typewriter. 63 accessories were included, all of which are made from a very sturdy plastic. Each tent even has “support beams” which stand pretty well outside of the doors. The tents themselves, however, are made of a paper-thin plastic which splits, snaps, and cracks very easily. Construction is weak and the tabs are easily damaged. The instructions are an eyeful to go through, but it allows for a lot of creative freedom. It’s neat that the instruction booklet is “signed” by Colonel Potter himself. The label sheet features some colorful and detailed stickers, but Tristar used an inaccurate red and yellow medical cross. And as with any vintage or modern-day playset, the words “Figures and Vehicles Sold Separately” can be seen all over the box.
The Mess Tent allowed room for two tables and benches, but none of the figures feature the proper articulation to sit down properly. A table and some benches can be placed outside of the tent, just like on the show.
The Headquarters Tent is an interesting one. This is most likely a representation of both Colonel Potters Office (in the hospital building) and his tent as well. A bed and work table fit inside, but other than that, it’s pretty much empty. A horse painting and bulletin board sticker can be attached.
The Swamp is so iconic, and really looks great once put together. This allows room for four cots, the stove heater, shelves with books and martini glasses, a chess table, and a table for Winchester’s record player. A dartboard sticker can be placed on the door. Too bad the Swamp door design wasn’t included; neither was the still (for obvious child-friendly reasons).
The Hospital Building is a decent size, and it’s too bad that it wasn’t made to full scale (it’d be about double the size seen in the photo.) There’s room for a couple of hospital beds, Klinger’s office, and Potter’s office. There is no “Post-Op” label, but a “Pre-Op” one for the outside doors. The outside lights must be attached with double sided tape or glue, which is stated in the instruction booklet.
The Vehicles
Tristar released three vehicles; the Ambulance, Jeep, and the now hard-to-find Bell Helicopter. It’s interesting to note that Tristar glued EVERYTHING together, which causes various pieces of the vehicles to just fall off these days. Each vehicle included the generic G.I. soldier, which came with a helmet for each of them.
The Ambulance was released in two colors, a lighter green and the normal dark olive drab. The back doors open up and allow room for up to 4 wounded, and the cab can fit two figures with a little work. It’s interesting to note that the numbers “4077″ don’t appear anywhere on the ambulance, but appear in the photos on the back of the box. “4084” is painted on the toy’s bumpers. What’s the deal?
It appears that the Jeep has only been released in the normal olive-drab color. The windshield can be set up or down, and several figures fit pretty well inside. This doesn’t include the number “4077” either, but instead features “4083”, different from the Ambulance. A non-removable gas can and spare tire are included on the back.
The Bell Helicopter is the toughest vehicle to find, and expensive when it does finally appear. I do know that it’s a pretty decent size and allows room for 2 wounded and 2 pilots. And although a pilot figure was never produced, the included G.I. will have to do!
Notes for Collectors
As with any vintage toy, numerous problems appear as the toys continue to age. The most important note for collectors is the fact that the plastic on these figures have become extremely brittle. I learned the hard way by turning Potter’s head which twisted right off. Plain and simple: don’t force any stubborn joints or pegs. I can assure you that the rubber band inside is extremely sturdy, but care must be taken to not overstretch the band.
Another common problem is almost always seen in online-auction pictures: limbs which have broken off. I can tell you that detached limbs are easily repairable (talk about really playing M*A*S*H.) The ball-jointed sockets on the figure have small holes which allow for the peg in the shoulder to snap right into. The white shoulder peg is held in by a small green plastic pin, which allows the shoulder to pivot. The plastic pin can be pushed out of the shoulder, and a new white shoulder peg (graciously donated by a junker M*A*S*H figure with good arms) can be used. As for the elbow articulation, the peg holding the arm together isn’t always easy to replace. If all else fails, you’re better off replacing the whole arm in this situation.
As with any white plastic, it can yellow even under the most controlled conditions. Winchester, of course, is the only figure who is usually seen with a discolored torso. The white lab coat on the figure is usually slightly discolored, even with mint figures. A dark yellow discoloring has been seen countless times, even when mint on the card. It’s also interesting to note that the gold paint, which is used on the Colonel Potter and Father Mulcahy figures, has been known to sometimes turn green over time. I’ve personally seen this on a carded figure, where the Colonel’s glasses have turned green. The discoloring is a chemical change, and is therefore irreversible. And as with all card backs, bubbles on the packaging have been known to yellow and detach, and the cards themselves can tear and bend.
Lastly, all played-with figures show the tell-tale signs of plastic wear on top of the hip area. Because the torso is free to move with the rubber band, you’ll naturally find some scratch wear right above the hip. I’ve never seen severe damage, but just know that you’ll find it.
A Final Word
As a collector of vintage collectibles, I can honestly say that the M*A*S*H line, on average, is pretty abundant and relatively cheap. Know that the Bell Helicopter, Klinger in Drag, and Margaret figure are almost always the hardest to find. It’s a great line of toys, one that’s usually overlooked. If you’re a collector who’s considering this line, get it. I promise you won’t regret it.
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Last updated June 6th, 2008