I owned seven Castle Grayskull's as a kid. I used to buy them for a few bucks at yard sales. Then I'd take any parts off them I needed and then flip the leftover shell and parts. I never knew about the cardboard parts as a kid but wondered about the tabs on the floor. I like what you did with the banner sticker. That's a great solution.
I've waited some time for that Video. Thanks a lot. MOTU seems to capture my interest a whole lot more than it used to be. I started adult collecting with Star Wars during the end of the 90s, since I missed out on them as a kid. I was fully invested in Masters toys back in the 80s... but my nostalgia towards MOTU only grew in recent years. It's videos like this that make me long for these. Maybe I get one again... and repaint it, or something.
I found scans of the original Castle Greyskull instructions and they suggested hanging the pennant sticker exactly how you did it. :) Judging by the instructions, it looks like the entire thing had to be assembled yourself: stickers applied, cardboard inserted, weapons cut off the plastic thingeys like model parts, floors put in, and even the elevator string attached. In regards to the elevator string, they had it threaded through the back so the gargoyle hung in front. And as another commenter mentioned, this was so you could hook the gargoyle on the floor to keep the elevator up, which I only vaguely recall doing as a kid. Wow.
They sure don't and now more than ever are very sought after...look on ebay and you'll pull your hair out...they're more expensive than the new MOTU releases...I just spent over $400 bucks in a few days buying vintage MOTU...nostalgia is priceless...
Such a great 2 part restoration video. I learned so much watching your other TMNT sewer playset video and it helped me finally get mine together except for a few small pieces. I cant wait to get started on my castle grayskull and now with your help and another great set of videos I am able to do so a little easier. Thanks for all the info and great content you continue to put out.
Thanks for doing these videos. I was able to restore my Castle Grayskull recently and watched this as I did it. There are great repro stickers on eBay from user ZacParis in Australia for most of the MOTU playsets and vehicles.
Long time subscriber.....Look forward to every RB video. My favorite channel of all! Thank you both for your tireless efforts in expressing your passions in a language that everyone can understand. Keep up the great work in the future!
Just scored one on ebay almost completely just missing the sword and spear...and the eagle/bird sticker..I used this video for reference before bidding...I still can't believe I won the bid...I never win..of course I was the only bidder but for $50 bucks it's worth it...I'm stoked...great tutorial thank you..
I saw a mint in opened box example that had been mostly unassembled recently, and the string did not come already tied to the elevator and rail. It was sealed in a baggie with the rail and elevator, so I don't think your brother's example came already tied. The gargoyle piece was attached along with the turret, weapons, and shield mount to a plastic sprue. I mean a running change is possible, but I'm not sure. You are right on the placement of the banner. It is to be hung from the bottom notch of the turret floor, it does have its placement described in the instructions.
Just an FYI, for many vintage toys and especially playsets there are usually PDF scans of the instructions for them on fan sites everywhere. I used them when putting together my Castle Greyskull. Never had it either as a kid, so I had no idea where it all went. I also got scans of the stickers as well.
The gargoyle hooks to the floor when it's level with the floor. It locks the elevator on the second floor. That's how you know how long the string needs to be. Great video, I always look forward to your new posts.
+donovansart Exactly. and when the elevator's down, it's supposed to be about an inch from the lower floor. And, of course, the gargoyle is not supposed to go round the back of the slide but come out at the front. Easy to find scans of the original instructions online.
What's this? My girlfriend went to a great local comics convention, met Casper Van Diem, got lots of free swag, and then come home to a new Retroblasting video? Best. Sunday. Ever. I think your hunch with the pull cord is correct. It makes sense that they used a dark green color just like the castle, and it just faded after 30 years. Too bad about the elevator floor though, despite your best efforts I guess its either the plastic's age itself or that it's the kind of plastic that once stretched it wouldn't return to it's original shape, or maybe both.
I remember seeing several Eternia playsets at Children's palace around 1988-89 on clearance for 79 bucks! If only I'd known what they would be worth in the future...
I personally like the greenish tinged string more as it blends in better. I recall with my set that my older brother assembled the elevator and had to tie the string off. He built all my sets. Never had any issue with the sticker / standard behind the throne.
I just acquired a castle grayskull earlier this week and one thing I noticed is that the smaller tower floor piece I have doesn't have the tabs for the turret, it's smooth like the other one. Just thought you'd like to know about that variation.
Yours is first run production...they all came flat at first...I been reading so much about the history of this toy line...and the original figures/vehicles/playsets..the orange cheek skeletor, battle cat with stripes on the tail, he man with a belly button, so much info I've attained these last few weeks..
A little bit of "poster tak" (the blue clay-like stuff used to hang posters) can be used to keep the smaller floors in place. Just put a tiny bit in the slots. Also, some game-piece stands (for older board games) might be useful to stand up the weapons rack. I'd love to see someone actually embroider that banner, I'd pay for one of those!
well, i watched the 80's commercial for this play set and didn't see any second pennant, but in another video featuring the new castle there appears to be a pennant right about where you placed yours, so i would say good job on that. :)
The original Castle Grayskull was the best Masters of the Universe play set and better than the 2002 Castle Grayskull. Mattel should have brought back Grayskull when they made the reissued Masters of the Universe figures in 2001.
For the cardboard weapons rack, it would be cool to get two game piece stands, such as the ones from board games that hold a player's cardboard game piece vertical.
$25 for that pistol is the whole reason that although I love the toys of my childhood, I'm totally prepared to not bother re-collecting them now. My brother had this set, but I was always a Transformers and lego kid instead. Great to see all these old parts though!
It was 31 years ago when I got my Castle Grayskull at christmas 85, but I'm pretty sure you had to attach the elevator chord youself to the elevator and the gargoyle. And I remember hateing the cardboard pieces and losing them pretty early. Sold my castle in 88 or 89 together with other stuff to get the money to purchase the Rhino truck from MASK. Now I think that was a shame because motu was way cooler than MASK (and still is).
I'm a little old to have owned one, but while watching this I think something was missed. I believe if the cord is left a tiny bit longer, the gargoyle could be placed atop the lift. He would be tilted forward slightly but the cord and elevator would keep the tilt in check and keep him from toppling forward. Pretty sure he's meant to rest in a perched posture. Would love to see this fact checked.
Just looked at the instruction sheet for Castle Grayskull on He-Man.org. It shows to hang the pennant exactly where you put yours. Also it shows having the cord run around the back of the elevator stand and go through the backside of the hole out the front. I like how you ran yours better though. Looks better running straight up towards the hole.
I wonder in the four years since this video and the rise of 3D printers, if it is easier to get pieces for this and other playsets. For that matter I wonder when someone will just print an entire vintage playset.
Wow I owned Grayskull as a kid, but I honestly don't remember the elevator.... I think mine might've come through a garage sale, so either mine was incomplete or my memory is just incomplete.
Is the Astronaut considered an Ancient Astronaut? I’m not very familiar with HE-MAN, my best friend was all into it, and I remember him playing with the castle while I was at his house but I preferred Star Wars. He had almost every Star Wars toy and even the art/sketch books. From what I am familiar with that sometimes those crazy ideas (Ancient Aliens) are present in the background-ROBOTECH is the one that I like most!
You are awesome! Just curious, anyone know some ways to get a jet injector/mold to make new toys? I remember (as a little kid) way back there were desk sized machines for small operators making their own toys and model kits. Haven't been able to find any. I'd like to make toys (Fantasy toy soldiers) based on stories I'm working on, along with various "Jungle Temple", "Fortress of Woe" stuff like that. Without ordering from China if possible.
HELP! I just got a castle grayskull and it does not come with the elevator pole. Is there anything I can use as a replacement without having to buy a new pole?
+Chuck Campbell (Jotunar) Umm...because we haven't made a video about it yet? You know there are thousands of cartoons and toy lines to discuss. We've only been around since 2012 and our production values are high. It takes time.
Fair enough. Was just watching the (excellent) Grayskull restoration, and it just popped into my head. Had seen several of the Voltron videos, and they were kind of 'companion cartoons' in my kid-years. Thanks!
Paying $25 for a tiny unpainted plastic ray gun is the reason why I could never do this kind of thing. I'd just do without or throw in a gi-joe laser pistol and be done with it. I take issue with paying more than $1 a piece for vintage fantasy toy soldiers.
25 bucks for the pistol wtf.....i dont need to complete mine that bad....but thanks for the info.....im so upset my parents through away all my castles and weapons
i bought the Dark Horse compilation of the MOTU mini comics. It is fun to read and i really like those comics. I went on to watch some episodes of the MOTU animated series from 198x. Wow, the show is so horrible. It is so stupid and ... and... just horrible. How coukd something that bad be so successful? But alas, maybe i' m just too old for it. I'll stick to those comics and rebuild my Castle Grayskull for use with Playmobil...
I grew up with my dad watching home restoration videos. Now as a grownup I watch Castle Grayskull restoration videos. :D. Great job!
I owned seven Castle Grayskull's as a kid. I used to buy them for a few bucks at yard sales. Then I'd take any parts off them I needed and then flip the leftover shell and parts. I never knew about the cardboard parts as a kid but wondered about the tabs on the floor. I like what you did with the banner sticker. That's a great solution.
Just Great restoration !. It brought me back some memories of special playing afternoons witn friends. Thank you .
I've waited some time for that Video. Thanks a lot. MOTU seems to capture my interest a whole lot more than it used to be. I started adult collecting with Star Wars during the end of the 90s, since I missed out on them as a kid. I was fully invested in Masters toys back in the 80s... but my nostalgia towards MOTU only grew in recent years.
It's videos like this that make me long for these. Maybe I get one again... and repaint it, or something.
I found scans of the original Castle Greyskull instructions and they suggested hanging the pennant sticker exactly how you did it. :)
Judging by the instructions, it looks like the entire thing had to be assembled yourself: stickers applied, cardboard inserted, weapons cut off the plastic thingeys like model parts, floors put in, and even the elevator string attached. In regards to the elevator string, they had it threaded through the back so the gargoyle hung in front. And as another commenter mentioned, this was so you could hook the gargoyle on the floor to keep the elevator up, which I only vaguely recall doing as a kid. Wow.
I have a complete Grayskull with stickers ready to go. This video has been extremely helpful!
They certainly don't make toys like this anymore. So grateful I was around for this era.
they do, and some are even better, take a look on imaginext Ultra T-rex.
They sure don't and now more than ever are very sought after...look on ebay and you'll pull your hair out...they're more expensive than the new MOTU releases...I just spent over $400 bucks in a few days buying vintage MOTU...nostalgia is priceless...
Great job on this restoration, and that's a brilliant idea regarding hanging that pennant sticker, looks great.
Been waiting patiently for so long for this thanks Retroblasting :)
Such a great 2 part restoration video. I learned so much watching your other TMNT sewer playset video and it helped me finally get mine together except for a few small pieces. I cant wait to get started on my castle grayskull and now with your help and another great set of videos I am able to do so a little easier. Thanks for all the info and great content you continue to put out.
awesome! worth the 2 month wait to see this finally complete. great job!
Thanks for doing these videos. I was able to restore my Castle Grayskull recently and watched this as I did it. There are great repro stickers on eBay from user ZacParis in Australia for most of the MOTU playsets and vehicles.
This was extremely helpful! I just ordered some repro stickers for my Castle Grayskull.
You're truly the Bob Vila of Eternia! I love this video, Grayskull's my favorite of all time.
Long time subscriber.....Look forward to every RB video. My favorite channel of all! Thank you both for your tireless efforts in expressing your passions in a language that everyone can understand. Keep up the great work in the future!
Great improvisation with the banner.
LOVE this, more restoration videos please
I CANT GET ENOUGH OF YOUR THEME SONG!
youre the best...i subscribed on my phone and laptop....so now i can watch your videos anywhere and everywhere...
Pretty cool...RB is awesome
a new rb video makes my night at work a little better! awesome!
+phillip powers agreed
Just scored one on ebay almost completely just missing the sword and spear...and the eagle/bird sticker..I used this video for reference before bidding...I still can't believe I won the bid...I never win..of course I was the only bidder but for $50 bucks it's worth it...I'm stoked...great tutorial thank you..
I saw a mint in opened box example that had been mostly unassembled recently, and the string did not come already tied to the elevator and rail. It was sealed in a baggie with the rail and elevator, so I don't think your brother's example came already tied. The gargoyle piece was attached along with the turret, weapons, and shield mount to a plastic sprue. I mean a running change is possible, but I'm not sure.
You are right on the placement of the banner. It is to be hung from the bottom notch of the turret floor, it does have its placement described in the instructions.
you can use the gargoyle wings to hook to the floor so when you pull up the elevator it stays up. then unhook the gargoyle and the elevator lowers.
Awesome episode guys!
Just an FYI, for many vintage toys and especially playsets there are usually PDF scans of the instructions for them on fan sites everywhere. I used them when putting together my Castle Greyskull. Never had it either as a kid, so I had no idea where it all went. I also got scans of the stickers as well.
The gargoyle hooks to the floor when it's level with the floor. It locks the elevator on the second floor. That's how you know how long the string needs to be.
Great video, I always look forward to your new posts.
+donovansart Exactly. and when the elevator's down, it's supposed to be about an inch from the lower floor. And, of course, the gargoyle is not supposed to go round the back of the slide but come out at the front. Easy to find scans of the original instructions online.
Yes!!!! Been waiting for part 2. Love this channel =)
What's this? My girlfriend went to a great local comics convention, met Casper Van Diem, got lots of free swag, and then come home to a new Retroblasting video? Best. Sunday. Ever.
I think your hunch with the pull cord is correct. It makes sense that they used a dark green color just like the castle, and it just faded after 30 years. Too bad about the elevator floor though, despite your best efforts I guess its either the plastic's age itself or that it's the kind of plastic that once stretched it wouldn't return to it's original shape, or maybe both.
Clearly RetroBlasting has the Power!
Great Video Thank you!
The people selling the laser pistol should be happy for the many vacuum monsters that swallowed them whole over the years.
I remember seeing several Eternia playsets at Children's palace around 1988-89 on clearance for 79 bucks! If only I'd known what they would be worth in the future...
Well done.
I personally like the greenish tinged string more as it blends in better. I recall with my set that my older brother assembled the elevator and had to tie the string off. He built all my sets. Never had any issue with the sticker / standard behind the throne.
Love seeing these vids from my childhood. Well I was 13 in 82 but still lol. Great stuff.
I just acquired a castle grayskull earlier this week and one thing I noticed is that the smaller tower floor piece I have doesn't have the tabs for the turret, it's smooth like the other one. Just thought you'd like to know about that variation.
Yours is first run production...they all came flat at first...I been reading so much about the history of this toy line...and the original figures/vehicles/playsets..the orange cheek skeletor, battle cat with stripes on the tail, he man with a belly button, so much info I've attained these last few weeks..
A little bit of "poster tak" (the blue clay-like stuff used to hang posters) can be used to keep the smaller floors in place. Just put a tiny bit in the slots. Also, some game-piece stands (for older board games) might be useful to stand up the weapons rack. I'd love to see someone actually embroider that banner, I'd pay for one of those!
well, i watched the 80's commercial for this play set and didn't see any second pennant, but in another video featuring the new castle there appears to be a pennant right about where you placed yours, so i would say good job on that. :)
The original Castle Grayskull was the best Masters of the Universe play set and better than the 2002 Castle Grayskull. Mattel should have brought back Grayskull when they made the reissued Masters of the Universe figures in 2001.
Truth...I barely got the battle armor he man from the commemorative release in 2001...
For the cardboard weapons rack, it would be cool to get two game piece stands, such as the ones from board games that hold a player's cardboard game piece vertical.
$25 for that pistol is the whole reason that although I love the toys of my childhood, I'm totally prepared to not bother re-collecting them now. My brother had this set, but I was always a Transformers and lego kid instead.
Great to see all these old parts though!
It was 31 years ago when I got my Castle Grayskull at christmas 85, but I'm pretty sure you had to attach the elevator chord youself to the elevator and the gargoyle. And I remember hateing the cardboard pieces and losing them pretty early.
Sold my castle in 88 or 89 together with other stuff to get the money to purchase the Rhino truck from MASK. Now I think that was a shame because motu was way cooler than MASK (and still is).
Wonderful childood
I'm a little old to have owned one, but while watching this I think something was missed. I believe if the cord is left a tiny bit longer, the gargoyle could be placed atop the lift. He would be tilted forward slightly but the cord and elevator would keep the tilt in check and keep him from toppling forward. Pretty sure he's meant to rest in a perched posture. Would love to see this fact checked.
Just looked at the instruction sheet for Castle Grayskull on He-Man.org. It shows to hang the pennant exactly where you put yours. Also it shows having the cord run around the back of the elevator stand and go through the backside of the hole out the front. I like how you ran yours better though. Looks better running straight up towards the hole.
Remember kids, you still have to put the castle together.
You should do a comparison with Greyskull and the Eternia Playset! I never had the Eternia set as a kid, but it looked cool in the catalog.
+TVfanfanatic yeah that's an extremely expensive item and rare
I wonder in the four years since this video and the rise of 3D printers, if it is easier to get pieces for this and other playsets. For that matter I wonder when someone will just print an entire vintage playset.
I checked ebay...20 bucks for all of them..
Could u do a video on the cobra terror drone
Thx ur the best
where did you purchase the sticker paper? for the reproduction decals.
what Web page did you use to print off the stickers?
Where did you get the stickers please?
what brand of inkjet printer do you own. the decals came out great.
I may be remembering wrong, but I could have sworn my Castle Greyskull had fishing line on the elevator.
For the repro floor sticker, which paper did you use to print it on from you ink jet? Thanks, and love your videos!
+psychoklown66 a matte finish paper
Wow I owned Grayskull as a kid, but I honestly don't remember the elevator.... I think mine might've come through a garage sale, so either mine was incomplete or my memory is just incomplete.
Is the Astronaut considered an Ancient Astronaut? I’m not very familiar with HE-MAN, my best friend was all into it, and I remember him playing with the castle while I was at his house but I preferred Star Wars. He had almost every Star Wars toy and even the art/sketch books. From what I am familiar with that sometimes those crazy ideas (Ancient Aliens) are present in the background-ROBOTECH is the one that I like most!
You are awesome!
Just curious, anyone know some ways to get a jet injector/mold to make new toys? I remember (as a little kid) way back there were desk sized machines for small operators making their own toys and model kits. Haven't been able to find any. I'd like to make toys (Fantasy toy soldiers) based on stories I'm working on, along with various "Jungle Temple", "Fortress of Woe" stuff like that. Without ordering from China if possible.
HELP! I just got a castle grayskull and it does not come with the elevator pole. Is there anything I can use as a replacement without having to buy a new pole?
This is the best option for buying but I can’t think of any other way for the pole I might be able to find another way
Could the armor cut-out be Queen Marlena's Astronaut Suit? I kinda remember the show doing a flashback of how she got to Eternia
+ranwolf76 That's one of the rumors, but the castle toy came out a few years before the filmation cartoon, but who's to say it might be inspired?
Are we just going to ignore the fact that Michael apparently has a hydraulic freaking press?
Just a QQ; Why can't I find anything about G-Force on your channel?
+Chuck Campbell (Jotunar) Umm...because we haven't made a video about it yet? You know there are thousands of cartoons and toy lines to discuss. We've only been around since 2012 and our production values are high. It takes time.
Fair enough. Was just watching the (excellent) Grayskull restoration, and it just popped into my head. Had seen several of the Voltron videos, and they were kind of 'companion cartoons' in my kid-years.
Thanks!
*steals brother’s lift cord*
Paying $25 for a tiny unpainted plastic ray gun is the reason why I could never do this kind of thing. I'd just do without or throw in a gi-joe laser pistol and be done with it. I take issue with paying more than $1 a piece for vintage fantasy toy soldiers.
25 bucks for the pistol wtf.....i dont need to complete mine that bad....but thanks for the info.....im so upset my parents through away all my castles and weapons
i bought the Dark Horse compilation of the MOTU mini comics. It is fun to read and i really like those comics. I went on to watch some episodes of the MOTU animated series from 198x. Wow, the show is so horrible. It is so stupid and ... and... just horrible. How coukd something that bad be so successful?
But alas, maybe i' m just too old for it. I'll stick to those comics and rebuild my Castle Grayskull for use with Playmobil...
It would be funny if at the end he took a giant hammer and smashed it into pieces
This made me laugh out loud 😂
wow $25 for that little gun lol cant wait till 3d printing is cheap enough for building these toys lol