Explorers
This fun series was added by Galoob in 1996 and ran with releases through 1999. Unfortunately, Hasbro did not continue it. The vehicles are larger than the traditional Micro Machines, but this was to account for the floating actions or size similarities for the Earth vehicles to match the series.
This fun series was added by Galoob in 1996 and ran with releases through 1999. Unfortunately, Hasbro did not continue it. The vehicles are larger than the traditional Micro Machines, but this was to account for the floating actions or size similarities for the Earth vehicles to match the series.
1996 Explorer Collections
This series was an intriguing addition to the Micro Machines line using vehicles that could float, but keeping the intricate details in place. Only four collections were released, but they were popular. They are not found in loose lots too often since non-collectors do not recognize them typically. A foreign variation purchased in Poland is shown below for comparison.
This series was an intriguing addition to the Micro Machines line using vehicles that could float, but keeping the intricate details in place. Only four collections were released, but they were popular. They are not found in loose lots too often since non-collectors do not recognize them typically. A foreign variation purchased in Poland is shown below for comparison.
1997 Explorer Collections
The series was continued in 1997 with 5 different collections and fun subject matter for kids. 4 of the 5 collections are shown from Spain for comparison.
The series was continued in 1997 with 5 different collections and fun subject matter for kids. 4 of the 5 collections are shown from Spain for comparison.
1998 Explorers Collections
In addition to the Exploration Sea series, 4 collections of Exploration Earth were added in 1998 for a combined total of 10 Exploration collections for the year. Mini-packs of a single vehicle were also offered, but in regional markets outside the USA it appears. A pre-production packaging set is shown below including a test shot Rescue Copter and a Canadian version (labels only) is included as well. A Sea Adventure pack is also added which was only regionally released as well. Only a handful are known, but the vehicles are repeats of the 3-vehicle packs offered.
In addition to the Exploration Sea series, 4 collections of Exploration Earth were added in 1998 for a combined total of 10 Exploration collections for the year. Mini-packs of a single vehicle were also offered, but in regional markets outside the USA it appears. A pre-production packaging set is shown below including a test shot Rescue Copter and a Canadian version (labels only) is included as well. A Sea Adventure pack is also added which was only regionally released as well. Only a handful are known, but the vehicles are repeats of the 3-vehicle packs offered.
1999 Explorers Collections
In 1999, the series was continued for the final year, but with very limited production excepting for the free 5-vehicle bonus packs which were still sold in the USA. Some of the bonus cars in this series are unique and not found in the mainline 1999 sets with bonus cars it appears. Only 2 collections were released with the bonus cars making collections #2, #4, #5, and #6 extremely difficult to find. These collections were also sold in Spain with some examples shown.
In 1999, the series was continued for the final year, but with very limited production excepting for the free 5-vehicle bonus packs which were still sold in the USA. Some of the bonus cars in this series are unique and not found in the mainline 1999 sets with bonus cars it appears. Only 2 collections were released with the bonus cars making collections #2, #4, #5, and #6 extremely difficult to find. These collections were also sold in Spain with some examples shown.