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M3 or Marla’s Movable Men offers customized pieces using the 1960s Bonanza Action or Movable Men that were produced as toys in the 1960s, as well as other handmade items to complement the figures.

 

The Bonanza action men and their horses were made by the American Character Co. in the United States and the Palitoy Co. for the European market.  These figures came with horses and tack and other accessories such as rifles and lariats.  As with most toys, the figures are well made but lack that certain ‘something’ that makes them distinctively the Cartwrights.  M3 offers a unique twist on these old toys, turning them from simple playthings into figures you can proudly display and enjoy.  Each piece is unique in its own way and one of a kind or OOAK. All action men and horses are hand-painted and customized to match certain seasons, episodes, and moments in the lives of TVs much loved Cartwright family.  Most of the action figures have added acrylic or mohair to make them more realistic and all have hand-painted features. 

 

Each customized piece starts with a 1960s Bonanza Movable Man or action figure.  The figure is hand-painted with a primer followed by three coats of paint.  The top coat is chosen to match the ‘look’ of a particular season, episode, or moment from TVs Bonanza.  The figure is then fixed with several layers of varnish. Each base is individually created before the figures are mounted.  Custom painted horses are glued to the base.  Depending on the piece, the action figures may be glued in place or fixed with screws or both.  Accessories are added, and a M3  creation is born!

 

A note on the figures: These action men are over fifty years old. They were created as playthings using various plastics and therefore are not perfect.  Figures may have small bits of plastic loose or extra on bodies and seams, and there may be slight discoloration of the vinyl ‘skin’.  There are bolt-heads, etc. that show on the legs and arms, and there may be other small imperfections visible through the paint. These unique features have been left as they are a part of the authenticity of the figure. 

 

Note: These items are for display not play.  If you play with them there may be loss of paint to the surface.

 

Thank you for checking out M3  or Marla’s Movable Men.  In time I will be taking custom orders for pieces and individual action men without bases. Right now suggestions for pieces are welcome.  If there is a particular episode or scene you would like to see recreated using the Bonanza action or movable men, please email me at dfair@woh.rr.com and it will be taken into consideration.

 

The Custom Cartwrights are waiting to hit the trail. They want to go home with YOU!