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In Summer 2006 my interest in Subbuteo was reignited after a 10 year lay off.
About three years ago I noticed that Subbuteo was readily available on ebay. I was surprised to see that some of the teams I owned were attracting high bids. As I'd not touched my collection for some time I briefly considered selling them. Happily I decided against it.
Around this time I'd also become aware of an Italian company, 'Zeugo' they were producing teams using a recasting of the classic heavyweight figure. These came unpainted with a choice of inner and outer base colours in their own Zeugo box. 'How marvellous' I thought - I was tempted to take up collecting there and then but couldn't find a good enough reason that would satisfy my wife. She had at this point hoped that the boxes in the loft were there to stay, and no doubt would have shifted them herself much earlier had she not been afraid to go up the ladder.
As my surfing became more focused so did my master plan. This time I was not to be swayed as I had been 3 years earlier. My 'new' collection swiftly began to take shape.
Being able to buy unpainted subbuteo teams with a choice of base combinations was a thrilling thought. I'd modelled for years again on and off and become reasonably proficient with a paintbrush. I confess I have found myself dreaming about how wonderful it would have been if these blank figures were available in the 70s and 80s.
I had intended to paint a selection of teams from New Zealand, and indeed the first team I ever painted was Youngheart Manawatu. My focus changed when I realised that most of the teams I intended to paint were very similar to references I already had. I then decided to paint up some of the more uncommon Subbuteo references alongside some of those teams I never managed to get hold of when I was a lad.
So here they are. I hope you enjoying looking at them as much as I have painting them.
A Zeugo Heavyweight figure.
I have painted this as Subbuteo ref 20 - Hamilton Academicals.
An unpainted Zeugo team - think of the possibilities!
Zeugo Display box
Zeugo keepers come on black rods that are longer than standard Subbuteo rods. These came ready painted.
Youngheart Manawatu
New Zealand Football Championship
My first effort! Check out that base combo - fantastic.
As Subbuteo Ref 26 - Bangor
Holland 2nd
A retro 70s look - Sock trim or no sock trim that is the question.
As Subbuteo ref 75 - Forfar (1970-80)
Don't you just dig these Scottish kits?
As Subbuteo Ref 82 - Den Haag-Ado (1972-80)
As Subbuteo ref 86 - Go Ahead (Hol) (1972-80)
As Subbuteo Ref 227 - Corinthians (Brazil) 1978-80
Rather than the usual Subbuteo base combination of black outer, white inner, I have opted for all black bases on these babies. I think they exude class, confidence, power and aggression but then I should get out more.
As Subbuteo ref 20 - Hamilton Academicals (1970-80)
