THE BASEMENT TOY BOX: Monogram’s Head Lite Skull Light Model Kit
I first became aware of Monogram’s Head Lite Skull Light model kit from an ad in FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND magazine during the 1980s. The ad actually did not do this item justice and it wasn’t until many years later when I actually got to see it in person. Let me say that this model kit was very cool and definitely deserves a re-release in modern times.
Molded in glow in the dark plastic, the light bulbs are in shiny reflectors in the eye sockets. “Flick a switch, give the skull a little wiggle, and the eyes blink on and off alternately and keep blinking until the hidden, motion-activated mechanism swings to a stop. A turn of a knob reverses the flashlight reflectors and the eyeballs become eerie dots of red glowing light centered in the blackness of the eye sockets. They can glow steadily or blink back and forth. Squeeze the trigger in front of the hand grip and the mouth opens and closes.”
Though the skull is not necessarily anatomically correct, there is no doubt as to what it is. This skull light would be perfect today to be used by trick-or-treaters or for yard haunts. The skull is life-size and the lighting effects were pretty fancy for the time. I am not sure who owns the old Monogram molds but considering how big the Halloween season is now, I believe this would sell very well.
Unfortunately I never did own one of these but sure wish I had. They are now commanding high collector’s prices, especially for those still in sealed boxes. I would love to see a video of one of these in action and if any of my readers is fortunate enough to have one, I would love to see some pictures!
When this came out it was at the tail end of the monster boom of the 1970s. In fact, many of the amazing toys of the 1970s were also being phased out which is a shame. So many of them during that time period were of great quality and had such playability. I am so thankful that I was a child when I was.
~David Albaugh
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Hey would happen to know what this is worth? I happened to just find one in an old store I was cleaning.
They seem to be on eBay pretty regularly and depending on the condition, especially the box, they are usually between $125 and $150