Twinch Squad 2001 A Space Suit Odyssey

Posted by Wheezer Society member Neil Sterett

In a few days, i will be selling (on eBay) one of my most prized possessions - my Twinch Squad Yellow Space Suit and figure! The designer J.L. Ayuso, named them ‘TWINCH SQUAD’ to avoid copyright disputes. Manufactured in Spain, it is rumored that thousands of pre-orders were placed but only approximately 600 were delivered. The exact number of suits in Yellow, Red, Silver and Blue has not been determined. Internet discussion suggests the manufacturing quality issues and the rising cost of production forced the designer to refund payments to hundreds of disappointed buyers. Some prepaid buyers waited over 4 years for a refund. I was most fortunate to have ordered a Yellow suit, receiving it with the first 50+ shipped. Take note that the Yellow suit and components are extremely detailed and accurately designed, based on the 2001 Jupiter Mission. The Yellow suit worn by the misfortunate Dr. Frank Poole played by actor Gary Lockwood.

This set comes with a 12" original GI Joe figure installed. It is the correct size/brand used during the design of the scale space suit. Sadly less expensive action figures were available, slightly larger than the quality GI Joe. Buyers saved a couple of dollars but were horrified since installing the larger figure caused damage to the suit and components. This auction figure you are bidding on was installed for me by a quality engineer to insure the safety of the delicate components. It requires the figure’s hands and feet to be removed, taken apart at the waist, both halves fitted through the back of the suit, then rejoined once successfully in place. The suit is closed in the back with hidden velcro. The hands are replaced with supplied rubber/metal gloves, the feet are inserted in the boots and reattached on the figure. There is a scale micro-zipper in the front of the suit.

Collectors and Science Fiction enthusiasts that know of this limited production realize the value and rarity of this highly sought after item. Often they are sold at auction for well over $1,000.00 The condition of the item I'll be selling is clean, all components complete, almost like new. Due to some production design problems, some work or repair was necessary on almost every shipped TWINCH SQUAD suit. I sought a quality engineer to bring this suit to higher quality than when it was received. Feedback from those who were able to procure a suit reported the same flaws or damage when they received their order. Check back in a few days to see when the auction gets posted. You can also do a search on eBay for 'twinch suit'.