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1975 Capsule

1975 Microman Zone Mecha-Cosmo Series

Mecha-Cosmo Series No.2 - Escargo (c.1975)

Packages

 

Escargo came package in a small cube box.  Each box panels show the Escargo in various modes.

Feature

Escargo features one of the most innovative vehicle design.  The vehicle form a sphere when not "interchange" into various modes.  Takara later retooled Escargo and released the toy as Spy Boys.

Accessories

Escargo came with the similar full-colors instruction sheet/catalog as Marine Copter. Escargo also came with a color sticker sheet that feature name brand decals similar to those found on Formula 1 race car.

 In 1975 Takara introduced the first Mecha series which consisted of two motorized toys - Marine Copter and Escargo.  The series was originally named "Mecha-Cosmo" in keeping with 1974 Microman-Zone "Man from Cosmo" theme, later the word "Cosmo" was drop in favor of just "Mecha Series" during the Command Series in 1977.

Mecha Cosmo Escargo (in chariot mode)

Like most of the Microman toys released during early part of 1975, the Escargo was design for 1974 Microman "barefoot" series.  Escargo seats lacked the 5mm peg hole for the "L" connector.  The cockpit was also very cramp for the new 1975 figures with the "shoes" since it was probably design for the shorter "barefoot" Microman.

 

In the "chariot" mode, Escargo has a rear gunner station.

Escargo, much like Marine Copter, features a very innovative design whereby the vehicle actually forms a "sphere" shape.  Escargo came with several accessories to transform the vehicle into several different modes.  Escargo is fully motorized and require two AA batteries.  When the switch is "on", the motor turn the axel located in the center of the sphere (in chariot mode, two rubber bands is needed to move the wheels.)

If you are wondering why Takara call this thing Escargo, it was because of this "snail" mode.  The two rear wheels became the snail antennae and the body form a shell.

Escargo was originally planned to be released as a Micronauts toys along with its companion piece - Marine Copter.  Mego featured Escargo in the early catalog as Micronauts Gyrotron, however, the toy to most collector knowledge and recollection was never released by Mego.