FROM: Vinylmation 360 Published Mondays

Astro Orbiter

Kelly continues looking at some of the best work by Vinylmation artists by heading over to Park Series 4 and a look at the Astro Orbiter vinylmation. Great work Kelly!

- by Kelly Firth, Dec 19, 2011

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Over the next several weeks, Vinylmation 360 will be focusing on showcasing some of my all-time favorite vinyls. Some are oldies but goodies, while others are more recent. Most are 3”, but some are 9” vinyls. What a great way to show off some of the best work by the very talented Vinylmation artists.

Last week, we took an in-depth look at Park 1’s Kermit the Frog vinyl. Up next is another of my all-time favorite vinyls, Astro Orbiter from Park Series 4.

One of my favorite vinyls designed by Maria Clapsis, Astro Orbiter impresses me and many other collectors for a number of reasons. The attention to detail is amazing. While it is not an exact transfer of the design of the Magic Kingdom’s ride to vinyl form, it is incredibly close. Consider the fact that the design was used on a 3” Vinylmation, and it makes it that much more impressive that it is so true to life. The metallic paint also really helps make the design look like the ride, and the number of colors used is especially impressive.

My personal favorite part of this 3” vinyl? The rocketship design on the bottom of the feet!

In a Q&A earlier this year, I said that Maria Clapsis is my favorite Vinylmation designer, and the extra design on the feet of most of her vinyls is one reason why! This is one of my favorite bonus designs because it really ties the entire theme of the vinyl together. On the front and back of the body, we get to see the major structure of the ride, but the bonus design lets us see her interpretation of the ride vehicle as well. The fact that she goes that extra mile with her designs is all the more reason for me to collect as many of her Vinylmation designs as possible.

Another reason I love this vinyl so much? For me, it debunks the excuse we collectors have been given that the new mold makes intricate designs more possible than the old (and more challenging) mold. The level of detail on just about every new mold vinyl cannot come close to the level of detail on this vinyl. Because this design could be shown so beautifully on the old mold, I think it further brings into question the changeover.

Park 4’s blind boxed vinyls have been retired for over a year now, but Astro Orbiter is one of the easier gets on eBay. Prices in the past couple months have ranged from $10 to $20, so you can add this gem to your collection without breaking the bank. Remember: Park 4 series was produced with artist cards, so look for auctions or Buy-It-Now listings including the card if you want the complete “set” for this vinyl.

Do you own the Astro Orbiter vinyl? What do you love about it? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

On the last Monday of every month, I'll devote this column to your questions and my answers. You can leave questions here as comments or send them directly to me.

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