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 Post subject: 50th Anniversary Day 31: Adventure Team Headquarters
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:13 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:19 am
Location: Canada, eh?
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GI Joe turns 50 in 2014 and I have prepared a series of customs to mark the event. Check back here everyday for my month-long 50th Anniversary Tribute to GI Joe. Or, you can follow at my blog: http://oreobuildersblog.blogspot.ca/

I will focus on GI Joe’s first dozen years. My line up of customs includes homages to figures, vehicles and playsets from the 1964-76 era. Some will be pretty vintage accurate, while others will be re-interpretations. My goal with each custom was to keep the ‘’feel’’ and the fun of the original toys.


50th Anniversary Day 31: AT Headquarters

This is it, the final (new) entry for this project. The original Adventure Team Headquarters was released in 1972. The Adventure Team was at the height of its popularity. The original set was made from hard plastic and soft vinyl (for the walls). It was designed to fold up into a carrying case. Its features included a central ‘’elevator’’, a working searchlight and a sliding front door. It was divided into 4 main areas:

- The Map Room that had a table, maps and printed control stations
- The Equipment Room containing storage spaces and a rack to store clothing and gear
- A central area connecting the other three areas
- A second Story Command and Control room

My custom is made from a few different components. I kept the layout of the 4 sections. The front 2-story part is made from an Animal Planet Dinosaur compound set. I removed the outside elevator, added a few controls and repainted everything to match the original. The Map and Gear Rooms are Playmobil garages. I added the accessories and furniture and painted everything in vintage colors.

The Adventurer included with my HQ is a nod to the ‘’Life-Like Body’’ GI Joe that was released in 1975. Also, if you look closely, you’ll see an Adventure Team helicopter backpack… Ok, you don’t have to look that closely.

Enjoy!

OB

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Last edited by OreoBuilder on Fri Jan 31, 2014 7:24 am, edited 44 times in total.

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 Post subject: 50th Anniversary The Adventures of GI Joe
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:13 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:19 am
Location: Canada, eh?
50th Anniversary Day 30: Training Center

Released in 1972, the Adventure Team Training Center was a giant 36+ inch tower with a zip-line and a bunch of accessories. Properly set up, it was a base where Adventure Team member could go for physical training, target practice, medical help or just zipping down a rope really fast. It included the tower, zip-line, rifle stand and rifles, targets, survival cave, snake, tires, barbed wire and medical kit.

This is the custom that pushed me the farthest out of my comfort zone as it is completely scratch-built with wood. It’s not perfect, but I’m pretty proud of it. Going forward, I would like to improve the crane, add a rope ladder and add some details to the top of the tower to make it closer to the vintage version.

The custom Adventurer is a nod to the ‘’Jungle Survival’’ equipment set that included a camouflage shirt and khaki pants.

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 29: Big Trapper

Big Trapper was released in 1976 at the tail-end of GI Joe’s original run. By that point, The Adventure Team had grown to include characters such as Major Mike Powers and Bullet Man. That year, in an effort to increase Joe sales, Hasbro created a new enemy for Joe to fight: The Intruders. These super-smart aliens resembled cavemen and had a ‘’bear hug’’ feature that allowed them to trap Joe in their powerful arms.

Big Trapper itself was built on the same frame as the Mobile Support Vehicle and was designed as a vehicle to trap and transport the Intruders. It was equipped with a laser cannon and a cage that had bars that could ‘’bend’’ allowing the Intruders to escape.

For my custom, I used the Captain America 6-wheeled tank as a base. I attached the cage to the back, removed the main turret and re-attached the gun. Rather than making it a ‘’laser’’, I opted for a harpoon. I found scans of the original stickers online. I printed them and added the control panels in the back section as a nod to the original. The end result is more an interpretation than slavishly vintage looking. When I put together my modern Adventure Team, this Big Trapper will probably be one of their vehicles.
I opted to include the Man of Action with Big Trapper. The original Man of Action had flocked hair, so my custom is not 100% accurate. However, the original 1964 head works pretty well in a pinch.

For the Intruders, I decided to have a little fun. I used Marvel’s Puck figure as a base and swap the head with something I had in my fodder. It’s not 100% accurate in that the Intruders should be a bit taller and have some armor. Maybe these are baby Intruders?

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 28: Fate of the Trouble Shooter

Released in 1974, the Fate of the Trouble Shooter set included a vulture to fight. The original vehicle re-used parts from the 6-wheeler but had treads instead of wheels. Its main feature was the ‘’Talking Communications Center’’ that could say 6 different messages.

I started from the same base vehicle as the 6-wheeler. I changed the wheels, added the treads, added some styrene to the back and found some bits and pieces in my vehicle fodder box to build a convincing communications device. This turned out to be one of my favorites from this project.

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 27: Secret of the Mummy’s Tomb

Easily the most iconic vehicle created for the Adventure Team, the 6-Wheeler was included in several sets and was first released in 1970. The Secret of the Mummy’s Tomb included the vehicle with working winch, shovel, net, sarcophagus and a mummy to save from the Earthquake. The set also included a tan shirt and pants and the pith helmet to outfit your Adventurer in desert fatigues.

I’ve had the base vehicle for this custom in my fodder box for a few years now. Originally, it is from Lanard’s Space Force line. I was waiting for an opportunity to turn it into an Adventure Team 6-wheeler. The lines are a little edgier than the original 1970’s vehicle, but many of the characteristics are similar. I added a piece of styrene to the back to cover up the back seat and create a space for the winch. The crane boom is a lego piece.

Pluv did something very similar way before me, so thanks for inspiring this custom: http://www.joecustoms.com/customs/custo ... le&id=1024

The Adventurer is the classic desert variety made to match with the fatigues that were included in the original set.

Enjoy!

OB

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Last edited by OreoBuilder on Fri Jan 31, 2014 7:09 am, edited 11 times in total.

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 Post subject: Re: 50th Anniversary Month by OB - Action Soldier
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:13 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:19 am
Location: Canada, eh?
50th Anniversary Day 26: Palitoy Action Man

In the 1970’s, Hasbro licensed GI Joe overseas. In the UK, GI Joe became ‘’Action Man’’ and the line featured several British exclusive uniforms. One of these is the iconic ‘’Para’’, featuring a camouflaged shirt, olive green trousers and a red beret. The figure also included a replica of an FN-FAL rifle, which was in use by the British army at the time.

A second and somewhat rarer set was the UN Peacekeeper. This uniform was tan/khaki with the trademark blue beret. I plan on adding the UN sticker on his shoulder.
I included these in this project as a bit of an interlude. There are several UK-exclusive Action Man sets. I plan to make a few more customs based on these sets at a later date.

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 25: Desert Patrol Adventure

Originally an exclusive for JC Penney, the Desert Patrol Adventure was released in 1971. The set included a desert themed repaint of the original Action Soldier Five-Star Jeep and well as a tent, raft, shovel, pick axe, various tools and a crocodile.

This set was an excuse to paint a jeep in beige and a raft in orange :) Despite the fact that the usefulness of a raft in the desert can be discussed, the original was a fun little set that offered a variety of useful accessories. My custom will probably serve a similar purpose in that its components will be displayed separately to augment other sets in the project.

Enjoy!

OB

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_________________


Last edited by OreoBuilder on Tue Jan 28, 2014 7:55 am, edited 6 times in total.

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 Post subject: Re: 50th Anniversary Month by OB *Starts Tomorrow*
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:14 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:19 am
Location: Canada, eh?
50th Anniversary Day 24: Search for the Abominable Snowman

Released in 1973, The Search for the Abominable Snowman was an exclusive for Sears. The set was packed full of gear to outfit your Adventurer. This included a winter parka and pants, snowshoes, gloves, skis, poles, binoculars, rifle, crate, sled and net. Lastly, playing the role of the abominable snowman was a repainted pygmy gorilla.

This is the last of the ‘’beast hunt trilogy’’ (not an official term) – along with White Tiger Hunt and Capture of the Pygmy Gorilla – and was one of the first sets I wanted to do for this project.

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 23: Sea Wolf

Originally released in 1975, the Sea Wolf Submarine included dive gear for your Sea Adventurer. This small vehicle was packed with features. It could dive and stay underwater. It was equipped with a ‘’periscope’’ that kids could look through. Also, it included a squid to battle in the ocean depths.

When I saw the Animal Planet mini-sub, I immediately thought about the Sea Wolf. With a few modifications and a coat of paint, it is probably one of the more vintage accurate vehicles in this project.

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 22: Capture of the Pygmy Gorilla

Capture of the Pygmy Gorilla is another set for Land Adventurer released in 1970. It included a camouflage parka and pants, a hunting rifle, a flat bottom boat with pontoons, adventure crates, a camera gun, a net and the mini gorilla.

To create he boat, I found the central hull part in a generic hunting toy. I added the scratch-built pontoons and painted the whole thing to match the vintage colors. Like White Tiger Hunt, this set had to be part of this project. It took me a while to find a suitable boat. In the end, the boat is larger than the original (although, the original is undersized). Also, my gorilla is not so pygmy, but it does the job for now. If I find a good miniature version I will swap it out.

The Land Adventurer is from the GI Joe Collector’s Club. I did not modify it (except the accessories)

Enjoy!

OB
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_________________


Last edited by OreoBuilder on Sat Jan 25, 2014 8:51 am, edited 4 times in total.

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 Post subject: Re: 50th Anniversary Month by OB *Starts Tomorrow*
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:14 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:19 am
Location: Canada, eh?
50th Anniversary Day 21: The Shark’s Surprise

Originally released in 1969 under the Adventures of GI Joe line, ‘’The Shark’s Surprise’’ was rereleased the following year for the Adventure Team. The set included an orange dive suit and scuba gear as well as a blue underwater sled for GI Joe.

‘’On a dangerous search for an underwater uranium deposit GI Joe is menaced by a whirlpool and killer sharks! What is that glinting on the sea floor?’’

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 20: White Tiger Hunt

Released in 1970, ‘’White Tiger Hunt’’ was one of the first adventure sets released for the Land Adventurer. It included a tent, campfire, tiger, hunting rifle, jacket and hat.

This was one of the first sets I made for this project. I bought the tiger a few years ago planning to make this set some day. This project finally gave me the opportunity. A special thanks to the seamstress who crafted the orange tent. Thanks mom! :-D

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 19: Search for the Stolen Idol

Starting in 1970, ‘’The Adventures of GI Joe’’ became ‘’The Adventure Team’’. For the first time, specific characters were created for GI Joe. The Action Soldier became the Man of Action. Action Soldier, Action Pilot, Action Sailor and Action Marine became the Adventure Team Commander, the Air Adventurer, the Sea Adventurer and the Land Adventurer respectively.

Released in 1971, the Adventure Team Helicopter is one of its most iconic vehicles. The Search for the Stolen Idol adventure set included the helicopter, snake and idol.
For this custom, I took a bit of artistic liberty with the helicopter. It is not a perfect match for the original. However, I felt that the little bird shared many characteristics with the original to make it a credible AT vehicle.

The figure is clad in the ‘’Copter Rescue’’ uniform set. The paint did not come out as nice as I was hoping. I need to go back and touch up the face and flatten the finish on the blue.

The idol is meant as a nod to Kre-O.

Enjoy!

OB

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Last edited by OreoBuilder on Sat Jan 25, 2014 8:48 am, edited 3 times in total.

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 Post subject: Re: 50th Anniversary Month by OB *Starts Tomorrow*
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:14 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:19 am
Location: Canada, eh?
50th Anniversary Day 18: Fight for Survival

Several Adventure sets were released in 1969 and were later re-released as part of the Adventure Team line. Fight for Survival was such a set. It saw at least two different releases. Its second issue, from 1970, included a blue jacket (rather than red). The original story:

‘’On a mission to carry supplies to an arctic research team GI Joe is trapped by an avalanche! Will his canine companions dig him out in time to save the researchers?’’

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 17: Eight Ropes of Danger

Released in 1969, Eight Ropes of Danger re-used a lot of the same parts as the Deep Sea Diver released a few years before. This time, GI Joe was searching for lost treasure:

‘’GI Joe finds a map guiding him to hidden treasure, but can he retrieve it without falling prey to a mysterious threat known as "The Eight Ropes of Danger?"’’

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 16: Secret Mission to Spy Island

Certainly one of the better-known Adventure Team sets, ‘’Secret Mission to Spy Island’’ is one of the most re-interpreted through customs. For good reason, it is a very fun set that is full of play possibilities. Originally released in 1969, it saw several re-issues with different accessories and clothing. For my custom, I chose to re-create the black uniformed version from 1970.

‘’Coded documents are stolen from the Pentagon. GI Joe must head to Spy Island to recover them and thwart enemy agents!’’

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 15: The Adventures of GI Joe and Mouth of Doom

In 1967-68, with the Vietnam War on everybody’s mind, sales of GI Joe figures and accessories steadily declined. In 1969, in an effort to boost sales and reposition GI Joe in the market, Hasbro re-invented him into an explorer. GI Joe no longer fought in make-believe wars. He fought to survive the elements of nature. ‘’The Adventures of GI Joe’’ line lasted only a year and led directly to the Adventure Team being introduced a year later.

One of the first Adventure sets created was ‘’The Mouth of Doom’’ and included a crocodile, raft and other accessories. Here is the story:

‘’GI Joe decides to capture a rare crocodile while exploring the Amazon. When the tranquilizers wear off too early it chases him into quicksand! Is this the end for GI Joe?’’

Enjoy!

OB

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Last edited by OreoBuilder on Wed Jan 22, 2014 8:08 am, edited 1 time in total.

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 Post subject: 50th Anniversary Action Pilot
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:15 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:19 am
Location: Canada, eh?
50th Anniversary Day 14: German Soldier and Australian Jungle Fighter

In 1966, Hasbro launched the ‘’Soldiers of the World’’. This sub-line consisted of 6 different soldiers dressed in authentic uniforms including:
- Russian Infantryman
- French Resistance Fighter
- British Commando
- Japanese Imperial Soldier

The last two, the German Stormtrooper and the Australian Jungle Fighter, are the ones that I made as customs. To represent different ethnicities, Hasbro gave these GI Joes brand new head sculpts.

To pay homage to the originals, I elected not to use my standard vintage head for these customs. I thought the 25th Hawk head had a good likeness to the original 12’’ ‘’European’’ style head.

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 13: Crash Crew and Firetruck

Released in 1966, the Crash Crew set (7820) allowed kids to dress up their Action Pilot in a silver foil fire suit and various accessories and tools. The set included an ax, flashlight, strap cutter, and pliers.

The Crash Crew Fire Truck (8040) was released in 1967 and is probably one of the most iconic early GI Joe vehicles. It had several play features:

- Working siren and light
- Working pump and water cannon that could shoot up to ten feet
- 3 foot extendable ladder

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 12: Astronaut

Part of the Action Pilot series, the Astronaut set was released in 1967. It was a replica of the space suits of the time and included the suit and helmet, tether cord, boots, gloves, camera, oxygen chest pack and propellant gun. The Astronaut was a smash hit for the GI Joe line. The Space Capsule is still fondly remembered as one of the highlights of the entire 12’’ run.

Since it was part of the Action Pilot line, there was not a ‘’basic’’ version of the Astronaut until 1969. By then, GI Joe had become an Adventurer. The Talking Astronaut was part of the ‘’Adventures of GI Joe’’ line in 1969. I chose to include him here as I wanted to have a non-space suited figure to compliment the Astronaut. I consider this one a WiP. I still need to smooth out the putty on the belt and I would like to add the logo on the chest, if I ever find a good hi-res scan of the original.

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 11: Action Pilot and Fighter Pilot

The last of the four services, Action Pilot was a part of the original line-up released in 1964 and represented the Air Force. The basic version of the figure (7800) included the orange flight suit, blue fatigue cap, dog tags, Air Force Manual and rank insignias.

The Fighter Pilot set was released as an accessory set for Action Pilot. It included a green flight suit that could be worn over the original flight suit. The set also included a copper helmet, oxygen mask, green tinted goggles, life jacket and parachute.

Enjoy!

OB

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Last edited by OreoBuilder on Sun Jan 19, 2014 8:56 am, edited 2 times in total.

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 Post subject: 50th Anniversary Action Marine
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:15 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:19 am
Location: Canada, eh?
50th Anniversary Day 10: Medic and Tank Commander

When GI Joe was released in the summer of 1964, the product line became an instant hit. Little boys were buying up all 4 basic action figures as well as various uniform, gear and accessory sets that Hasbro released. Hasbro followed up this first year by release yet more accessory sets in 1965. Some of these were to outfit Action Marine into a field medic. This custom represents Action Marine outfitted with the First Aid (7721) and Marine Medic (7719) sets.

The Tank Commander set was released in 1967 and was one of the last equipment sets made for Action Marine. It included a brown jacket, helmet with green goggles, a 30-caliber machine gun with tripod, a jerry can and a portable radio.

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 9: Jungle Fighter and Marine Demolitions

The Marine Jungle Fighter set (7732) is very popular with collectors. It has a great selection of equipment, including jungle fatigues, campaign hat, M-16, flame thrower and machete and allowed kids to dress up their Action Marine for jungle combat.

The Demolition set (7730) for Action Marine features a working battery operated mine detector. The set also included a head set and three metal land mines.

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 8: Action Marine

The third of the four services, Action Marine represented the Marine Corps. During development, Action Marine was nicknamed Rocky. Like Action Soldier and Action Sailor, the basic Action Marine (7700) came with minimal gear. Released in 1964, the set included a camouflaged uniform, the fatigue cap, dog tags, rank insignia and Marine manual.

Like his counterparts from the other services, a plethora of different accessory sets were made available to outfit Action Marine. For this project, I decided to recreate a few of the most popular. This custom represents an Action Marine outfitted with the Paratrooper Helmet (7707), the Beachhead Field Pack Set (7713) and the Beachhead Rifle Set (7717).

Enjoy!

OB

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Last edited by OreoBuilder on Sun Jan 19, 2014 8:55 am, edited 2 times in total.

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 Post subject: 50th Anniversary Action Sailor
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:16 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:19 am
Location: Canada, eh?
50th Anniversary Day 7: Landing Signal Officer

Landing Signal Officers, or LSOs, are naval aviators that are specially trained to assist in landing planes on decks of aircraft carriers. In the 50’s and 60’s, LSOs used colored paddles to signal incoming aircraft.

The GI Joe Landing Signal Officer set (7621) was released in 1966 and included all the gear necessary to outfit your GI Joe Action Sailor: tan jumpsuit, yellow headgear, earphones, paddles, clipboard and flare gun.

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 6: Shore Patrol and Navy Frogman

The Navy Shore Patrol Set (7612) was initially offered in 1964 to dress up your Action Sailor. The set included a jumper, pants, kerchief, sea bag, armband, pistol belt, pistol and billy stick.

Also available for Action Sailor in 1964 was the Navy Frogman set (7602). This kit included a 3-piece scuba suit, swim fins, facemask, scuba tanks, depth gauge, dynamite and a knife and scabbard.

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50th Anniversary Day 5: Action Sailor and Navy Attack

The second of the four services, Action Sailor represented the Navy. In early concepts, he was named Skip. Released alongside Action Soldier in 1964, Action Sailor (7600) included a light blue Navy work shirt, dark blue pants, a naval cap, dog tags, rank insignias and a Navy manual.

The Navy Attack (7606) and Navy Attack helmet (7610) sets were sold separately and included a life vest, blinker light, binoculars, semaphore flags and the Navy helmet to equip your Action Sailor for battle.

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Last edited by OreoBuilder on Sun Jan 19, 2014 8:55 am, edited 2 times in total.

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 Post subject: 50th Anniversary Action Soldier
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:16 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:19 am
Location: Canada, eh?
50th Anniversary Day 4: Five-Star Jeep

With the success of the first GI Joe line in 1964, Hasbro released the Official GI Joe Jeep the following year. It originally retailed for 10$ (a lot of money in 1965) and included several features:
- Trailer with working searchlight
- Rocket Firing recoilless rifle
- Realistic vehicles sounds
- Could seat two figures.

I started this vehicle with a Power Team Elite (PTE) jeep and trailer. Initially, I was not going to change it much as it was going to serve as background filling to take pictures. However, I started with small changes and those led to an all-new vehicle.

First, I started by adding/modifying the hubcaps. Then, I moved the spare tire from the back to the side. After that, I removed the radio and antenna from the original jeep. I used a 30th Cobra Viper rocket launcher as a base to build the recoilless rifle. After that, I added the searchlight in the trailer. Finally, I cut and added some styrene to change the shape and size of the windshield.

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 3: Green Beret

The next figure is a homage to one of the most popular uniform and accessory kit released for Action Soldier. It was later re-used to create the Adventure Team Commander and has become the image of GI Joe himself.

In 1966, with the US increasing its involvement in Southeast Asia, the war in Vietnam was invading the nightly news broadcasts as well as the American consciousness. It seemed logical for GI Joe to go to Vietnam. So, two years after GI Joe’s introduction, Hasbro released the hugely popular Green Beret set for Action Soldier. The uniform set included the field jacket, pants, beret, M-16 rifle, belt and grenades.

Enjoy!

OB

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50th Anniversary Day 2: Military Police and Snow Troops

The next two figures are homages to more uniforms and accessory kits that were released for Action Soldier.

The Military Police uniform was part of the first assortment of GI Joe product in 1964. It included an olive green Ike Jacket, Ike Pants, duffle bag, baton, helmet and belt. I tried to reproduce the look as best I can, even if the jacket is not perfectly accurate.

The Snow Troops equipment was introduced in 1965 and was the first environment-specific gear created for GI Joe. My custom represents Action Soldier outfitted with gear from three different sets: Ski Patrol Set (7531), Mountain Troops Set (7530) and the Army Ski Troops Set (7527).

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50th Anniversary Day 1: Action Soldier

One of the four figures that started it all, Action Soldier was released in 1964. He included basic olive green fatigues, brown combat boots, an OD cap, dog tags, rank insignia stickers and an Army Field Manual. The basic nature of his uniform allowed kids to collect add-on accessory kits such as the field vest, the helmet as well as various weapons and gear. The kits that were purchased allowed kids to customize their GI Joe for specific missions.

This project has to start here. Action Soldier was the first GI Joe ever conceived of by Sam Speers and Don Levine at Hasbro in 1963. My first custom represents the basic Action soldier with fatigues, cap, dog tags and field manual (Set number 7500). The second figure is the Action Soldier outfitted with the Combat Helmet (7507) and Combat Rifle Sets (7510). The third figure features the Field Jacket and Combat Rifle with Bayonet.

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Day 0: Teasers

In 1964, Hasbro launched a new military themed product line. GI Joe, or Government Issue Joe, was not a specific person. Instead, he was meant to represent all the regular fighting ‘’Joes’’ from all branches of the armed forces.

The first series consisted of four 12’’ figures: Action Soldier, Action Sailor, Action Marine and Action Pilot. Each came with fatigues, a hat, boots and dog tags specific to their branch of the military. In addition to the four base figures, Hasbro offered a multitude of different uniforms, gear and accessories (sold separately of course) to give your GI Joe a specialty. You could change your Action Soldier into an MP or your Action Sailor into a Shore Patrol Officer.

Although it seems commonplace for us now, a line of ‘’Dolls for boys’’ was revolutionary at the time. In fact, legend has it that someone at Hasbro coined the term ‘’Action Figure’’ to fight the perception that boys would never play with dolls. Despite this perception, sales of GI Joe surpassed all expectations the first year. Little boys loved the realistic uniforms and accessories and Hasbro rushed to keep up with demand during the Holiday shopping season.

The following years, Hasbro added more variety to the line. GI Joe was available with different skin and hair colors, he added different specialties to his repertoire, he received a vehicle with his trusty ‘’Willy’s Jeep’’, he represented all the ‘’Soldiers of the World’’ and he even became an Astronaut.

Despite all these innovations, by 1969 due in part to America’s ongoing war in Vietnam, sales of GI Joe products started to decline. Still believing in GI Joe, Hasbro distanced him from his military roots and re-launched him as an Adventurer the following year. The GI Joe Adventure Team was made up of 5 characters: Man of Action, Commander, Sea Adventurer, Land Adventurer and Air Adventurer. All had flocked ‘’life-like’’ hair and later included ‘’Kung-Fu’’ grip, moving ‘’Eagle’’ eyes and sound chips that allowed them to talk. Through this new theme, GI Joe explored the World, gained new vehicles and accessories, saved relics, captured tigers and gorillas and experienced all kinds of exciting adventures.

By 1975, GI Joe was facing stiffer competition from other toy lines. Hasbro felt that he needed a bit of a facelift. New characters like Mike Powers and Bulletman made their debuts. A year later, new enemies were introduced in the form of the Intruders. By the end of the seventies, with the cost of oil reaching historic highs, Hasbro introduced Super Joe – an 8’’ version of GI Joe. However, he failed to re-ignite the magic and shortly thereafter, Joe was gone from retail shelves.

GI Joe was far from dead. In 1982, Hasbro launched GI Joe: A Real American Hero. This new line of 3.75’’ action figures depicted a team of military specialists that battle against Cobra, a ruthless terrorist organization determined to rule the World. GI Joe and Cobra have been battling in one form or another, ever since.

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Last edited by OreoBuilder on Sun Jan 19, 2014 8:54 am, edited 2 times in total.

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 Post subject: Re: 50th Anniversary Month by OB *Starts Tomorrow*
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:35 pm 
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RPG Spin Master
RPG Spin Master

Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:19 am
Location: Security. Status. Escape.
This is going to be awesome. :-D

- R

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 Post subject: Re: 50th Anniversary Month by OB *Starts Tomorrow*
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 3:23 pm 
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Moderator
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raptor wrote:
This is going to be awesome. :-D

- R



No, EPIC!!!!

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 Post subject: Re: 50th Anniversary Month by OB *Starts Tomorrow*
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 3:45 pm 
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MR FACTUALLY ACCURATE FACTSMAN
MR FACTUALLY ACCURATE FACTSMAN

Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:19 am
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And now for you to beat me to a whole passel of customs I've got on the drawing board. I'm filled with genuine anticipation, tinged with rage.


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 Post subject: Re: 50th Anniversary Month by OB *Starts Tomorrow*
PostPosted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 5:21 pm 
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Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2007 10:58 am
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I can't wait!

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 Post subject: Re: 50th Anniversary Month by OB Day 1: Action Soldier
PostPosted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 9:51 am 
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Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:19 am
Location: Canada, eh?
Happy new year guys!

Day 1 is up with the figure that started it all: Action Soldier

Enjoy!

OB

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