From September to December 1980 my Star Wars toy collection grew by leaps and bounds. That years Christmas brought on an awesome score of action figures, playsets, and vehicles from a galaxy far, far, away. Not only were the sure number of toys impressive, but it also brought not only my first die cast Star Wars vehicle, it gave me one of the rarest...the Tie Bomber.
The Tie Bomber was one of the last of the die cast vehicles produced by Kenner, but it was also the least produced. Not just because Kenner pulled the line shortly after its release, but because Kenner only sold them mainly in Ohio and in certain test markets. Only about 10,0000 units were produced of the ship that had its one and only appearance in The Empire Strikes Back.
There wasn't much play value with this toy. It did have the same break away wings like it's larger Tie Fighter counterpart, but that's about it. You can also see a Stormtrooper in Hoth battle gear in the cockpit. The TIE fighter pilot had not been produced yet. It would have been cool if Kenner produced a larger size Tie Bomber to go along with its action figure line, but we would have to wait about 25 years for that.
I was never really a fan of the die cast vehicles, even though I loved Kenner's Micro Collection, so I never really played with it much. Mine has a few nicks and scratches and the wings have discolored. The discoloration is common and can be seen on action figures too. Especially, figures molded in white like Stormtroopers. With the lack of play this one received, I really wish I had kept it mint in the box. This is definitely a rare one.
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