Top Gear presenter James May is back for a one-off episode of his masculine show James May's Toy Stories. The show sees May bring favourite toys of the past into the modern era, by using the toys in real life large scale enterprises.
Previous episodes have seen him build a full-sized model of a Second World War Spitfire fighter plane, using the plastic moulding and assembly technique used in the Airfix self-assembly plastic scale model range; build a full-sized garden out of the toy modelling clay Plasticene, as an exhibit in the Chelsea Flower Show; build a full-sized footbridge out of the mechanical construction toy range Meccano, to cross a canal in Liverpool; reconstruct the Brooklands racing circuit in full size using the slot-car toy racing track used by the Scalextric range; build a full-sized house in Dorking out of the Lego toy model brick range; and re-lay a railway track along 10 miles of the line of a disused full-sized railway, the Tarka Trail in Devon, using the OO gauge (1/76th) track used in the Hornby Railways model train range.
In last night's one-off special, May attempts to rehabilitate one of Britain's most derided toys by seeing if it's possible for Action Man (Britain's answer to G.I. Joe) to do what no toy has ever managed - travel faster than the speed of sound!
In an action-packed series of attempts, James battles high-speed physics, unforeseen explosions and catastrophic design setbacks that account for a large number of Action Man volunteers before settling on an experimental supersonic vehicle made entirely from scratch - a vehicle that threatens to send Action Man and the team into oblivion.
However, before long, May, Action Man and their team find themselves up against a rival group who attempt to make Sindy (Britain's answer to Barbie) the first toy to break the sound barrier.
Who will win - Action Man or Sindy? Or will they both fail?
James May's Toy Stories: Action Man at the Speed of Sound
Will Action Man be embarrassed by Sindy?
James May attempts to rehabilitate one of Britain's most derided toys by seeing if it's possible for Action Man to do what no toy has ever managed - travel faster than the speed of sound.
For decades Action Man, despite his name, has been a disappointment. He promised so much with his eagle eyes, his gripping hands and his natty outfits. But what has he ever achieved? Nothing... yet.
After half a century lazing around the back of the toy cupboard, he must prove that he has the Right Stuff, redeem his shattered reputation and boldly go where no toy has gone before.
The challenge is daunting. Breaking the sound barrier and returning Action Man safely to the earth will test James and the team to the limit.
In an action-packed series of attempts, James battles high-speed physics, unforeseen explosions and catastrophic design setbacks that account for a large number of Action Man volunteers before settling on an experimental supersonic vehicle made entirely from scratch - a vehicle that threatens to send Action Man and the team into oblivion.
In a gripping final act, Action Man must not only succeed and survive intact but also go faster and higher than a rival supersonic attempt led by his arch-nemesis: Sindy.
Will Action Man redeem himself? Will he survive Mach 1? Or will he lose out?
Watch it here: BBC iPlayer - James May's Toy Stories - Action Man at the Speed of Sound
Previous episodes have seen him build a full-sized model of a Second World War Spitfire fighter plane, using the plastic moulding and assembly technique used in the Airfix self-assembly plastic scale model range; build a full-sized garden out of the toy modelling clay Plasticene, as an exhibit in the Chelsea Flower Show; build a full-sized footbridge out of the mechanical construction toy range Meccano, to cross a canal in Liverpool; reconstruct the Brooklands racing circuit in full size using the slot-car toy racing track used by the Scalextric range; build a full-sized house in Dorking out of the Lego toy model brick range; and re-lay a railway track along 10 miles of the line of a disused full-sized railway, the Tarka Trail in Devon, using the OO gauge (1/76th) track used in the Hornby Railways model train range.
In last night's one-off special, May attempts to rehabilitate one of Britain's most derided toys by seeing if it's possible for Action Man (Britain's answer to G.I. Joe) to do what no toy has ever managed - travel faster than the speed of sound!
In an action-packed series of attempts, James battles high-speed physics, unforeseen explosions and catastrophic design setbacks that account for a large number of Action Man volunteers before settling on an experimental supersonic vehicle made entirely from scratch - a vehicle that threatens to send Action Man and the team into oblivion.
However, before long, May, Action Man and their team find themselves up against a rival group who attempt to make Sindy (Britain's answer to Barbie) the first toy to break the sound barrier.
Who will win - Action Man or Sindy? Or will they both fail?
James May's Toy Stories: Action Man at the Speed of Sound
Will Action Man be embarrassed by Sindy?
James May attempts to rehabilitate one of Britain's most derided toys by seeing if it's possible for Action Man to do what no toy has ever managed - travel faster than the speed of sound.
For decades Action Man, despite his name, has been a disappointment. He promised so much with his eagle eyes, his gripping hands and his natty outfits. But what has he ever achieved? Nothing... yet.
After half a century lazing around the back of the toy cupboard, he must prove that he has the Right Stuff, redeem his shattered reputation and boldly go where no toy has gone before.
The challenge is daunting. Breaking the sound barrier and returning Action Man safely to the earth will test James and the team to the limit.
In an action-packed series of attempts, James battles high-speed physics, unforeseen explosions and catastrophic design setbacks that account for a large number of Action Man volunteers before settling on an experimental supersonic vehicle made entirely from scratch - a vehicle that threatens to send Action Man and the team into oblivion.
In a gripping final act, Action Man must not only succeed and survive intact but also go faster and higher than a rival supersonic attempt led by his arch-nemesis: Sindy.
Will Action Man redeem himself? Will he survive Mach 1? Or will he lose out?
Watch it here: BBC iPlayer - James May's Toy Stories - Action Man at the Speed of Sound