Random observations re Q Force numberings

[SteveD]

Was having a look at a few things this mornign whilst measuring the big MOC's and got we wondering - how come only Q Force seem to have numbers? The Stingray has the huge Q4 on it, and the Swordfish has the Q26 quite clearly on it (prototype is bizarrely Q62). Just find it a little bizarre - as if it's a hangover from series 1 or something.

Although, and I'm now contradictingmyself - the base has a number on the front too doesn't it? I just find it a bit weird that some do, some dont - as if they couldn't decide!

Also, I jsut got them single bubble "end of line" variants in the post this morning, and I find them a bit weird too - they are end of line ones (obviously!) includinga Dufus Shadow, but they are Commander Mail Away cardbacks, which were the very early releases from Series 2 (later one being the Skeltron). Not reading anything into it - they are clearly "what's left in the factory - parcel them up and ship them out" toys. Anyone else got any single bubblers that they can check the cardbacks of for me?

[Chopper]

inspector Clouseau at it again I have a single bubble Z trooper cardback. And guess what? Its a Commander version. When you mentioned it a cog clicked over. I had noticed that but thought nothing of it.

NOT NOW KATO........

[Monkfish]

Well they're not as distinct but the SAS line have numbers too:

Panther: SAS-148
Hawk: SAS-134
Silent Attack: SAS-8
MMS: SAS-111
Wolverine: SAS-171

But nothing on the Boat Patrol.

Some (possibly all) Z-Force vehicles have numbers (e.g. Jeep has Z-126), and the Triad Fighter seems to have dual idents (MS-1, 2 & 3 but 4-HD on all three sub-vehicles).

The strange thing about the SAS numbering is that it seems to go in rough order of vehicle size.

Maybe the larger numbering on the Q-Force vehicles reflects the large identifiers sometimes seen on the side of naval vessels?

[gung-hoeddie]

it's an interesting question, i was thinking could it be the design number?

[Sundance]

my thought would be that they're some kind of pennant code, like Monkfish said (or registry number if you wanna be 'Trekkie')

but, as he also said, some of the other vehicles have numbers too. the tank is Z-101-43, ATC is Z-101-83, Jeep's Z-126 Whirlwind's Z-101-23. The RFM has no number. lance is Z-80, Shaft is Z-70. Can't make out the number in the archive for the Dart, looks like Z-60 or Z-50. Attack Cannon's Z-101-16

[paul463]

It's a Navy thing. Big numbers on the side of boats / ships.

[Quickfire]

It's a Navy thing. Big numbers on the side of boats / ships.

Yes indeed, apart from wartime when they paint them out (or should do...)

As for the other numbers, yeah it's just 's inventory/schematics or whatever he had on the shelf before he disappeared from history and into legend.

As for , the was probably just there to incentivise buying new figures?? However, the issue does rather again beg the question of who at the mighty Palitoy was so into creating the zany & Roboskull pantheon.

[the enemy muton]

The Dart is Z-80.

[Chopper]

The Dart is Z-80.

Ohhhhh Zylog.

[the enemy muton]

The Dart is Z-80.

Ohhhhh Zylog.

Eh