Action Transfers are a type of dry rub-down transfer toy that gained significant popularity, particularly from the 1960s through the 1980s. They consisted of sheets of pre-printed images (figures, objects, scenery elements) that could be transferred onto a separate background sheet or other surfaces by rubbing them with a blunt instrument like a pencil or a coin.
History and Development
The concept of dry transfers was pioneered by companies like Letraset, initially for design and drafting purposes (e.g., applying typefaces or symbols to artwork). Seeing the potential for children's entertainment, Letraset adapted the technology for toys, launching their "Action Transfers" range in the mid-1960s. These products were a major success, offering an interactive way for children to create scenes and stories without needing glue, scissors, or wet components.
Mechanism
An Action Transfer pack typically included:
- Background Scenes: One or more sheets depicting a landscape, interior, or abstract setting.
- Transfer Sheets: Transparent sheets with numerous individual images printed on their underside.
To apply a transfer, the user would:
- Place a desired image from the transfer sheet onto the chosen background.
- Rub firmly and evenly over the image using a pencil, coin, or a specialized plastic tool provided in some sets.
- Carefully lift the transfer sheet, leaving the image permanently adhered to the background.
The dry transfer process allowed for precise placement and a relatively clean application compared to traditional stickers or cut-outs. However, applying them perfectly without tearing or incomplete transfers often required some practice.
Popularity and Themes
Action Transfers were highly sought after due to their engaging play pattern and the wide variety of themes available. Popular themes included:
- Military and Historical: Battles, knights, cowboys and Indians.
- Sci-Fi and Fantasy: Spaceships, monsters, superheroes, futuristic scenes.
- Everyday Life: Street scenes, farms, schools.
- Licensed Characters: Many sets featured characters from popular cartoons, comics, and movies of the era.
The ability to arrange and rearrange characters, vehicles, and objects within a given scene fostered creativity and storytelling among children.
Legacy
While less common today, Action Transfers laid groundwork for interactive play involving visual components. Their decline coincided with the rise of traditional adhesive stickers, sticker books, and later, digital interactive entertainment. Nonetheless, Action Transfers remain a nostalgic item for many who grew up in the latter half of the 20th century, representing a unique form of tangible, creative play.