About the McDonald's Fraggle Rock PVC Figures

Before McDonald's released the popular 1988 vegetable car series nationally, they conducted a test market in 1987 featuring a different style of Fraggle Rock toys—standing PVC figurines. These test market figures were only available in select regions, primarily West Virginia and limited Midwestern markets, making them significantly rarer than the later vegetable car toys.

The 1987 PVC figures feature the Fraggle characters as approximately 2.5-inch tall standing figures holding signature items like radishes and carrots. Unlike the 1988 toys which put characters in vehicles, these are traditional PVC figurines similar to collectible cake toppers.

Collector's Note

The 1987 test market PVC figures are significantly rarer than the 1988 vegetable car toys. Complete sealed sets in original packaging are especially valuable and hard to find.

The 1987 Test Market PVC Figure Set

The 1987 McDonald's Fraggle Rock test market release consisted of four numbered sets featuring standing PVC figures:

Set 1: Gobo Fraggle

Standing PVC figure of Gobo holding a carrot. Approximately 2.5 inches tall.

Set 2: Red Fraggle

Standing PVC figure of Red holding a radish. Approximately 2.5 inches tall.

Set 3: Mokey Fraggle

Standing PVC figure of Mokey in a characteristic pose. Approximately 2.5 inches tall.

Set 4: Boober & Wembley

Dual figure featuring both Boober and Wembley together.

1987 Test Market Vehicle Toys

In addition to the PVC figures, some 1987 test markets also featured Doozer construction vehicle toys. These are even rarer than the Fraggle PVC figures:

1987 Doozer Construction Vehicles

  • Bulldozer: Doozer-themed construction bulldozer toy
  • Forklift: Featuring Cotterpin Doozer and Friends
  • These Doozer vehicles are among the rarest McDonald's Fraggle Rock items

Under-3 (U3) Figures

Both the 1987 test market and 1988 national release included special "Under-3" figures designed for children under age 3. These U3 toys were larger, simpler, and had no small parts:

  • Red U3: A larger, simplified Red Fraggle figure
  • Gobo U3: A larger, simplified Gobo Fraggle figure

Complete sets that include both U3 variants command higher prices among collectors. Some rare complete sets include all 4 main figures plus both U3 toys.

Current Market Values

The 1987 test market PVC figures are generally worth 2-3 times more than the common 1988 vegetable car toys due to their limited regional release.

Price Guide (2025)

$8-$15
Individual Loose Figure
$15-$35
Sealed in Package (NIP)
$40-$75
Complete Set of 4 (Loose)
$75-$150+
Complete Set NIP + U3s

Doozer vehicle toys can sell for $50+ individually

Identifying Authentic 1987 Figures

  • Copyright Date: Look for "© 1987 Henson Associates" or "HA!" markings on the figure base
  • Figure Height: Approximately 2.5 inches tall for standard figures
  • Standing Pose: 1987 figures stand freely; 1988 figures are in vehicle seats
  • Paint Quality: Original figures have clean, vibrant paint with minimal bleeding
  • Package Style: Test market packaging may have "Regional Test" or West Virginia store markings
  • Accessory Items: Gobo holds carrot, Red holds radish (if applicable)

Comparing 1987 vs 1988 McDonald's Toys

Feature 1987 Test Market 1988 National Release
Style Standing PVC Figurines Vegetable Car Vehicles
Characters Gobo, Red, Mokey, Boober & Wembley Gobo, Red, Wembley, Mokey
Boober ✅ Included (with Wembley) ❌ Not included
Distribution West Virginia & limited markets Nationwide USA
Rarity Rare Common
Value 2-3x higher Standard

Alternative Uses

The McDonald's Fraggle Rock PVC figures have become popular for uses beyond standard collecting:

  • Cake Toppers: The standing figures make perfect Fraggle Rock themed birthday cake decorations
  • Diorama Building: Create Fraggle Rock cave scenes with multiple figures
  • Display Collections: Pair with other Fraggle Rock PVC figures from Schleich or Applause
  • Nostalgia Gifts: Perfect gifts for fans who remember getting them as kids

Historical Context

The 1987 test market release of Fraggle Rock toys came during the show's final season on HBO. Fraggle Rock was at the peak of its cultural influence, and McDonald's was testing whether Fraggle merchandise would resonate with Happy Meal customers.

The test was successful enough that McDonald's proceeded with a national release in 1988, though they changed the toy design from standing PVC figures to the more interactive vegetable car concept. This decision may have been influenced by the popularity of vehicle-based toys and the desire for kids to have something they could "play" with rather than just display.

Interestingly, the 1987 set is the only McDonald's Fraggle Rock release that includes Boober—he was not featured in the 1988 vegetable cars. This makes Set 4 (Boober & Wembley) particularly desirable for collectors wanting representation of all five main Fraggle characters.