Saturday, March 12, 2011

Dad's Personality Card

Just a couple more to go before I have posted a complete collection of personality card pictures on my blog!  Today I give you... Dad at Work.

Front of card:


Back of card:


And here's what the back of the card says:

Dad at Work
Meet Dad! He teaches fifth grade math. Many nights he brings home papers to correct. He puts stickers on all the papers that get A's. In the evenings dad coaches our soccer team. We don't always win, but we have a lot of fun. Dad often brings home a bunch of violets for Mom and fun books for us. Dad also like to take us out for ice cream. He always orders a large chocolate soda - that's his favorite flavor.
Birthday: March 28
Favorite Sport: Soccer

What a great Dad, huh?  Again, I'm not totally clear who the 'we' is who wrote this glowing description of Dad, but since I'm assuming Dad at Work is married to Mom at Work, the 'we' must be the same group who lovingly penned Mom's personality card.  Rollerskating Sara and Skateboarding Andy look like they could be siblings, maybe they're Mom and Dad's kids?  

I probably shouldn't work too hard at figuring out the genealogies of plastic playthings, but I do have just one more question... 

What is a chocolate soda anyway?

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Instruction Sheets: The Magic Key Mansion - Page One

As I'm sure you already know, the website ThisOldToy.com is a fantastic resource for all things Precious Places.  There is no way I could ever have put together the database of parts that they have so kindly published for all of us collectors out there.  However, one thing they are lacking is pictures of all the different instruction sheets for PP sets, so I thought I'd start a  new series of posts and give you as much information as I can get a hold of regarding those instruction sheets.

I do not yet have all of the instruction sheets, but I have a couple, and most importantly, I recently acquired the instruction sheet for the Magic Key Mansion.  Because it is a large, four page document, I'm going to split up the instructions into a mini-series of four posts (one for each page).

So, without further ado, here is the Magic Key Mansion Instruction Sheet, page one:


And because I know it's hard to read such tiny print, I've taken close-ups of the top and bottom halves of the page.  Here's the top (click on the picture to view a larger image):


Since it's still hard to read, here's what the top of the page says:

Fisher-Price
Instructions                                                            Magic Key Mansion

ADULT ASSEMBLY REQUIRED
(2 "D" batteries are required, alkaline recommended.)
CAUTION: This product contains small parts which may pose a choking hazard to children who still put objects in their mouths.  Keep all plastic bags out of children's reach.

PARENTS, PLEASE READ THIS FIRST!
No tools are required for assembling the Magic Key Mansion; however, the assembly instructions are very specific and need to be read carefully and followed exactly.  Because there are many pieces we suggest using a large clear work surface.

DO follow the steps in order.  Use the check-off boxes as you progress from step to step.  The pictures will help you recognize the various pieces.  DO take time to make sure all the snap-fits are secure.  When you have completed the mansion you should be able to lift it by the floors or by the base, but not by the roof!

IMPORTANT! FOLLOW STEPS IN ORDER!
Check off steps as you complete them.
IMPORTANT! APPLY LABELS BEFORE ASSEMBLY!
Labels are to be applied to the GREEN BASE (not bagged) and to the BEDROOM and BATHROOM FLOORS (found in Bag 5).

Step-By-Step Assembly Instructions
Find Label Sheets.
Find Green Base (Not Bagged).
Apply Labels To Base.
(Bedroom And Bathroom Floors Also Require Labels.)

To Apply Labels:
Refer to label diagrams to apply labels correctly.
Be sure the areas where labels will go are clean and dry.
Remove labels from sheet and apply as indicated.
Carefully position each label and press in the center, smoothing outward toward edges to get air bubbles out.

Okay, me here again.  This is what the diagram on the bottom of the page looks like closer up (click on the picture to view a larger image):


Besides the amusingly schizophrenic use of bold, CAPITALS, and even an occasional underline, the most interesting part of this first page to me is that there is no mention of a label (or litho) for the Magic Key.  You would have to assume that with these "very specific" instructions, they would have mentioned the litho if there was one.  I'd like to be wrong, but it seems to me that it is yet another strike against my hope of ever finding the Magic Key Mansion's Magic Key litho.

I really am disappointed that the instructions don't say anything about a litho, I was so hoping they would, but I am still excited to share more of these and other instruction sheets with you.  So, stay tuned for more posts in my Instruction Sheets series!