Revealed at last... Action Force HQ

[Hopper]

So, not having enough to do in my life, I did a bit of digging into the fanclub side of Action Force. Suitably murky results will follow, obviously!

However, I was wondering about the HQ and Major Munro-Deighton's office at 28 Newman Street (this is where the Fanclub application was sent). Lo and behold, gaze upon the HQ of Action Force! A lovely Georgian affair, low key and appropriately official looking.

The address is now the home of an TV editing suite that rents out studio space. Perhaps this is just a front... surveillance anyone? However, at the time it was the home of the Parker Videogames Club, and as Parker Videogames were owned by General Mills, and thus connected to Hasbro and Palitoy, this makes sense. (I still think it's a front, but that's just me!)

[The Kraken Wakes]

Fantastic!

[Chopper]

So that is where my letters went. You don't know how cool that is, Hopper. Thanks.

[The Kraken Wakes]

I want to go there now.

[Hopper]

Thanks lads.
It is weird, and yet brilliant that we all wrote to join 33 years ago, and that our letters all ended up there!
Yes, I'm going to go next time I'm in London.



And yet, it gets more interesting... (told you!)

Sometime in October 1984 (according to BAF, and as the Palitoy toy line was starting to be wound down), the address changed, and all fan club correspondence was sent to:

Major Munro-Deighton
Action Force Recruitment Centre
5 Langley Street
London
WC2

This is a considerably more down-market, brick-built affair, hidden in a back street. Why the move took place is unknown, but may be related to threats received from you-know-who! I can't imagine Munro-Deighton was best pleased!
Interestingly, the address is now the home to Cafe Pacifico, which offers "fresh, homemade, Mexican food".
Maybe Air Force Officer Cordobes retired here and opened a restaurant?

And that grey door on the right looks very official, very 'secret base-y'.

[Hopper]

Incidently, all other offers and competition entries were mailed to:

PO Box 534
Erdington
Birmingham
B24 0QS

This postcode is no longer in use, but was attached to 185 Springthorpe Road, Birmingham. A PO box registered to a 1930s built semi-detached house in the suburbs of Birmingham? Has to be a safe house of some sort.

[Hopper]

And yes, I'm well aware that I have waaaaay too much time on my hands (just don't tell the missus!)

Actually, I'm trying to avoid doing the decorating.

However, if anyone fancies a BFTB meetup, I know a great Mexican...

[paul463]

Tim,

Outstanding mate, truly outstanding

[Thundershot]

Great detective work

Kind of related... a friend of mine, who used to work in London, was based in the building that was once the home to Marvel Comics U.K. head office.

[Chopper]

Sometimes you amaze me, Hopper.