Playsets 1987 - 1989
Galoob released playsets concurrently with the vehicles from the very beginning of the Micro Machines line. As the popularity grew, so did the options. While a significant array of the released playsets are shown below, there were many more offered around the world that are not included. The focus for this collection is on playsets with unique vehicles separate from mainline releases. Therefore, once pictures of loose vehicles are complete, they will be added next to the respective playsets where applicable. For now, enjoy the variety, artwork, and foreign examples.
Galoob released playsets concurrently with the vehicles from the very beginning of the Micro Machines line. As the popularity grew, so did the options. While a significant array of the released playsets are shown below, there were many more offered around the world that are not included. The focus for this collection is on playsets with unique vehicles separate from mainline releases. Therefore, once pictures of loose vehicles are complete, they will be added next to the respective playsets where applicable. For now, enjoy the variety, artwork, and foreign examples.
1987 Playsets
For the first year of Micro Machines, 12 Travel City playset collections (each including a bonus vehicle) were released. Additionally, two larger playsets with a tray for holding loose vehicles was offered. These were the Airport/Marina and City Service Center playsets. A full collection of Japanese Travel City playsets is included below as well as an example of one of the larger playsets (City Service Center).
For the first year of Micro Machines, 12 Travel City playset collections (each including a bonus vehicle) were released. Additionally, two larger playsets with a tray for holding loose vehicles was offered. These were the Airport/Marina and City Service Center playsets. A full collection of Japanese Travel City playsets is included below as well as an example of one of the larger playsets (City Service Center).
1988 Playsets
In 1988, the Travel City playsets were increased to 15 different releases. The newly added ones were Body Shop, Express Freight, and Motel. 1988 sets are identified by the addition of 3 sets to the left of the original 12 on the card-back. Two UK versions of packaging and an Argentinian (Jocsa) Travel City playset are presented below. The three types of Big Rig Haulers for 1988 are shown with one as a French packaging variant. (Two additional Big Rig Haulers were added in 1989.) The Aircraft carrier was one of the most popular options offered, and a USA and German version are shown below. The City Service Center playset shows how the packaging changed for 1988 compared to 1987. The C-7 Air Cargo playset was nearly as popular as the Aircraft Carrier too. The Big Rig Collector Case was a fun addition in 1988 as well, and used to store kids' growing Micro Machines collection.
In 1988, the Travel City playsets were increased to 15 different releases. The newly added ones were Body Shop, Express Freight, and Motel. 1988 sets are identified by the addition of 3 sets to the left of the original 12 on the card-back. Two UK versions of packaging and an Argentinian (Jocsa) Travel City playset are presented below. The three types of Big Rig Haulers for 1988 are shown with one as a French packaging variant. (Two additional Big Rig Haulers were added in 1989.) The Aircraft carrier was one of the most popular options offered, and a USA and German version are shown below. The City Service Center playset shows how the packaging changed for 1988 compared to 1987. The C-7 Air Cargo playset was nearly as popular as the Aircraft Carrier too. The Big Rig Collector Case was a fun addition in 1988 as well, and used to store kids' growing Micro Machines collection.
1989 Playsets
Popularity exploded for Micro Machines in 1989, and the playsets were there to satisfy the strong demand. The Travel City playsets expanded again to include 3 more sets, however, 3 earlier ones were dropped. City Hall, Country Farm, Cycle Shop, Drive-Up Bank, Heliport, and Rent-A-Car were added, but the 3 playsets in 1988 were removed for 1989 (Body Shop, Motel, and Service Station). UK, Australia, Germany, and France packaging versions are shown as well as only the new additions for 1989. All 5 Big Rig Haulers are included below which were wildly popular. New playsets such as Emergency Centre, Transport Choppers, City Scenes, and Power Launchers were added in 1989. But that still wasn't enough, so the Secret Auto Supplies, Car Wash City, and Service City were included as well as a massive Super City playset (Italian version shown below) that closed up into a tool box. An official Display Case came out and variations to the Big Rig Collector Case were offered as well (Argentina Jocsa and UK red style shown below).
Popularity exploded for Micro Machines in 1989, and the playsets were there to satisfy the strong demand. The Travel City playsets expanded again to include 3 more sets, however, 3 earlier ones were dropped. City Hall, Country Farm, Cycle Shop, Drive-Up Bank, Heliport, and Rent-A-Car were added, but the 3 playsets in 1988 were removed for 1989 (Body Shop, Motel, and Service Station). UK, Australia, Germany, and France packaging versions are shown as well as only the new additions for 1989. All 5 Big Rig Haulers are included below which were wildly popular. New playsets such as Emergency Centre, Transport Choppers, City Scenes, and Power Launchers were added in 1989. But that still wasn't enough, so the Secret Auto Supplies, Car Wash City, and Service City were included as well as a massive Super City playset (Italian version shown below) that closed up into a tool box. An official Display Case came out and variations to the Big Rig Collector Case were offered as well (Argentina Jocsa and UK red style shown below).