Unfortunately, Mr. Tendril’s left arm is missing and the gaping hole present in the shoulder reveals a number of indicators of the figure’s condition and history. Firstly, 2 of the 4 pins that hold the arm in place on the shoulder are worn but still in good shape. The other 2 pins are broken and missing. Nonetheless, enough pins are present to hold an arm in place so if I were to attach a replacement arm, it would sit OK.

Also visible through the arm hole is a broken and knotted green rubber band. This indicator tells us the left arm has previously been broken, repaired and then broken free once again. This arm has since been lost. It also tells us the figure has been previously dismantled and re-assembled as this exercise is required to perform such repairs. This is important and I’ll divulge why it is so below.

Shifting our attention to Mr. Tendril’s still extant right shoulder, we find a perfect example of the problem encountered when all 4 mounting pins are broken and missing. Here, we can obviously see the arm does not sit properly in place on the shoulder and it has collapsed into the torso. I will need to fabricate and insert a custom made mounting plate for it to sit properly. While this is a simple procedure, this exercise will be entirely dependent upon the success of disassembling the figure.

Remember, as observed above, evidence suggests this figure has been previously worked on. I have not yet investigated dismantling it and I don’t know how the previous repairer has re-assembled it. If the torso halves have been screwed together as appropriate, that’s fine. It will be a cinch to take apart. If glue has been involved, however, the halves may not be separable and my approach to some intended repairs will be forced to change, bringing them to a very abrupt halt and requiring reconsideration of diminished available options. I’m yet to find out.

All the same, there is still abundant hope for Mr. Tendril and to highlight this, we see the right arm is in relatively good condition. It’s a little rough and worn around the edges but the hand is secure upon the wrist and rotates upon its spindle without too much looseness. The finger nails and the elbow spur have had minimal silver paint applied to them and it appears to be flaking away. It’s a generally good piece and in a satisfactory state,  It could probably be salvaged, tidied up and easily used elsewhere to help complete another figure that displays a lot less problems than Mr. Tendril.

For now, though, it belongs to Mr. Tendril and will remain so as part of his make over.

Finally, we investigate the figure’s legs. Once again, silver paint has been sparingly applied in small flourishes throughout both limbs. Notably, his 8 toes have been provided with a coarse application and other details on the legs have been similarly highlighted. His left leg is firmly attached, albeit a little loose. It will need some attention to tighten and restore some confidence to the joint so Mr. Tendril doesn’t topple over at the slightest vibration. Easily fixed, on the proviso I can access the interior of the figure. Actually, this particular repair is extremely easy, and one of the best things you can do to get one of these old toys standing properly once again.

Nonetheless, his right leg is of a greater concern. It’s been torn away from the hip and become free, leaving jagged edges on the damaged spindle and at best it barely supports the figure at all. Fortunately, the damage is restricted to the leg itself and not the torso. In this regard, a complete rebuild of the joint will be required to re-attach the leg properly. Once again, this is easily done and will just need some time and care to rebuild the damaged joint. It too will be heavily dependent upon my success at dismantling Mr. Tendril.

Broken hip spindles are common and I’ve successfully restored many of them now. It’s one of my favourite repairs to conduct on these figures as the relatively uncomplicated procedure can take a toy that is perpetually lying down due to this kind of disabling damage and transform it into an upright standing menace it should be, intimidating all other toys near by.

The right leg also appears to rattle. This is abnormal but broken tips from the shoulder pins can fall through the torso and make their way into the legs and make their presence known by rattling around. It’s probably just one such styrene shard. I will investigate further, later.

That’s it for Mr. Tendril’s health examination. A lot of work needs to be performed on this figure, some of it essential just to get Mr. Tendril confidently standing on his feet once again. Some of it needed to help amplify Mr. Tendril’s already unique condition. I might investigate giving him a replacement left arm as I have a few ideas I want to explore – and one in particular will suit the figure perfectly. Without a doubt, he’s a challenging little Project to take on board but there’s nothing here I haven’t done before. The trick will be to respect and retain the integrity of the bizarre customisation previously attempted by someone else. Nonetheless, it all hinges on the success of dismantling the figure.

That exercise will be next so please check in sometime soon. Fingers crossed and with some good fortune, Mr. Tendril comes apart as intended.

-Windebieste.

Part 1: Introduction.
Part 2: Assessment and Evaluation(1 of 2).
Part 3: Assessment and Evaluation (2 of 2).
Part 4: Disassembly and Cleaning.
Part 5: Loose Hip Joint Repair.
Part 6: Broken/Destroyed Hip Joint Repair (1 of 2).
Part 7: Broken/Destroyed Hip Joint Repair (2 of 2).
Part 8: Severed Arm Repair.
Part 9: Damaged Shoulder Repair.
Part 10: Improvised Replacement Arm.
Part 11: Final Assembly.