History

Britains Space began life as a line of space-themed toys manufactured by the W Britains toy brand. The toys were composed primarily of plastic with metal (zinc-based Zamak alloy rather than lead or pewter) used in base elements that would weight the toys down and give them some heft. The toys were designed with a retro feel and although there was no lore or background supplied, catalogues named the yellow-coloured bubble-helmetted human figures as “Stargard” and the black-coloured and red-helmetted figures as “Aliens.”

The toys went on sale in 1981 and consisted of vehicles and military hardware with a science fiction theme. These were built from various parts that fit together using tube and peg connectors allowing each model to be assembled in different ways, or combined with other models. The command craft for both Stargard and Alien factions had a rotating, gyroscopic cockpit that would become a hallmark of the toy.

A later addition to the line were the “Cyborg” (local link) and “Mutant” (local link) figures added in 1983. These figures were, like the Stargards and Aliens using the same moulds, made of plastic with a Zamak base, but had rubberised heads and accessories which allowed them to have greater variation. The paint on the rubberised parts does not stand the test of time well, and at the time of writing in the 2020s it is hard to find Cyborgs or Aliens that have not become sticky or slimy to the touch.

A further addition to the line was made to include non-humanoid figures to the range. These figures were also called Mutants, but were entirely made of plastic with ball and socket joints. The same Zamak bases were used for these.

In 1985 the Britains Space line was redeveloped and renamed as “Star System.” The yellow Stargard theme was replaced with a white theme called “Forceguards” and using the same bubble-helmetted characters now coloured white. The Cyborgs also used the same moulds but were renamed as Force Cyborgs and coloured white with red highlights.The Aliens became Alien Raiders coloured in blue, orange and white, the Mutants became Mutant Raiders, and the non-humanoid mutants got a name of their own – Terror Raiders – as well as a new Orange paint scheme.

While some of the Britains Space toys and parts were retained they were recolored and re-released with nothing of the originals surviving. New sets were added to the line.but these sets used the same tube and leg connectors which allowed them to be connected and interoperated with the original sets.