Rehashing old molds to make new toys isn’t a new idea. Long before the days of paint and deco variations common to modern-day toys, much to the dismay of collectors who insist they are forced to buy every single item released, rehashes made way for many cost efficient new toys. In fact, considering the cost of producing toy molds, it’s a wonder it isn’t done all the time. No toy company is innocent when it comes to the practice of saving greenbacks, even Kenner.

For the Star Wars line Kenner only rehashed a few figures, those being R5-D4 (original R2-D2’s body minus head), R2-D2 Sensor scope (same as original R2, with new head) Red Snaggletooth (same head and torso as his bigger, bluer brother), and C-3PO Removable limbs (same head and torso as original 3PO). Surprisingly, R2-D2 with Pop Up Lightsaber was 100% new sculpt.

In addition, Kenner also rehashed a few vehicles:

Original X-wing / Battle Damaged X-wing

Much like the ships that Hasbro releases these days, the B.D. X-wing used the exact same mold and included the exact same electronics as the original X-wing. Where as the original was molded in white plastic, the B.D. X-wing was molded in gray. Asides from color, the only distinction from the original was the battle damage stickers that could be affixed on the wings and body, creating a more ‘realistic’ Star Wars space ship.

The original X-wing (released only in SW and ESB packaging) was replaced Battle Damaged X-wing midway through the Empire Strikes Back toy line. The B.D. version saw release in both an ESB and ROTJ box.

Original X-wing: X-WING FIGHTER STAR WARS 1970'S *

Battle Damaged X-wing: STAR WARS ROTJ BATTLE DAMAGED X-WING FIGHTER!

Original TIE Fighter / Battle Damaged TIE Fighter

The original TIE fighter, released in only SW and ESB packaging, was molded in white plastic. Using the same mold, Kenner made the Battle Damaged TIE blue to better fit in with the craft’s appearance in the Empire Strikes Back. Both versions share the same sound effects and red light. Unlike the Battle Damaged X-wing, the Battle Damaged TIE Fighter, which also included battle damage decals, didn't replaced the original TIE until the Return Of The Jedi line and only appeared in the line's packaging. The cockpit portion was also reused for Darth Vader's TIE fighter and the Interceptor.

Original TIE Fighter: Tie Fighter 1978

Battle Damaged TIE: STAR WARS Battle Damaged IMPERIAL TIE FIGHTER

Imperial Troop Transport / Imperial Cruiser

Finally, the Imperial Troop Transport, technically the first Expanded Universe product, was released in both the common SW box and the very rare ESB box. The toy, though not in either films, boasted sound effects and pre-pre-pre-Commtech sound bites from R2-D2, C-3PO and Stormtrooper.

As an Empire Strikes Back Sears exclusive, the Transport was stripped of its sound and voice effects, given all new, all different stickers, and renamed Imperial Cruiser. The Imperial Cruiser was only released for a short time in an ESB box. Even though it doesn’t hold a candle to the Troop Transport, its limited production run makes it a much harder, and often a more expensive, piece to obtain.

Troop Transport: Star Wars Imperial Troop Transporter w/ box

Imperial Cruiser: Star Wars A0477 MIB Vintage Imperial Cruiser **

NOTE: Excluded from this article were the rehashed playsets. A follow up will be written when suitable references become available.

* Please note seller’s zero feedback. Remember, auctions spotlighted in eBay Today are used only for image reference. Rebelscum does not endorse either the auctions or the sellers. We are not suggesting in any way that this or any seller is suspect; just that one should use his or her own discretion whilst bidding on eBay.

** Wow! That’s pretty expensive! Looks like the bidder really wants it. Remember, when it comes to high priced pieces, patience not only provides great scores, it gives one a fatter wallet for more great scores!

566