Shinsen Elite

The only Renegade I’m aiming to get. Contrary to other...

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:31:12 +0800

The only Renegade I’m aiming to get. Contrary to other Renegades, Tunnel Rat is full of accessories, though some are dubious. Unless he’s planning to camp out in a cave, somewhere, using his robot to catch rodents for dinner. Note the scoped M60 with no ammo. At least, he has a six shooter :)

We are your Friends

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:53:52 +0800

We are your Friends

New Renegades available for Pre-Order online. Doubles ?...

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:31:26 +0800

New Renegades available for Pre-Order online. Doubles ? Definitely, due to Lifeline’s accessories. Zombie army ? Maybe if they don’t look alike!

Everything sounds classier in Japanese. sarkos: 地上最強のエキスパートチーム...

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:31:47 +0800

Everything sounds classier in Japanese.

sarkos:

地上最強のエキスパートチーム G.I.☆ジョー ep-28/a (by realsaru)

You can’t appreciate GI Joe until you’ve seen it in the original Japanese

Sgt Slaughter Brocco still needs sauce

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:15:24 +0800

Sgt Slaughter Brocco still needs sauce

BBTS Exclusive 7 Packs - Slaughter's Marauders and Dreadnoks

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:24:00 +0800

Alright, I was waiting for the official announcement from Joel of Big Bad Toy Store since the day before. Just a few minutes ago, it popped up and, finally, here’s the word:

A BigBadToyStore.com exclusive! Each G.I. JOE Battle Set includes seven 3.75-inch figures in exclusive decos only available in these sets!

This set includes the evil DREADNOKS-featuring:

ROAD PIG
ZANZIBAR
GNAWGAHYDE
BURN OUT
ZANYA
ZANDAR
THRASHER

The heroic SLAUGHTER’S MARAUDERS featuring:

SPIRIT
RED DOG
MERCENARY (MERCER)
FALCON
LOW LIGHT
BARBEQUE
BULL (TAURUS)

Special Thanks to Joel of Big Bad Toy Store.

Return of BBi

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 16:37:00 +0800

Blue Box Toys International Limited, or BBi, has been very prominent in the world of 1:18 scale toys, especially during 2008, when they were prolific at retail. The attention to detail is admirable when it came to land vehicles and aircraft but it was their main weakness in action figures. Very forgivable. For once, Joes can, then, have better scaled and realistic military motor pool, from M1A1 main battle tanks, to Apache helicopters and Fighter-bomber aircraft, in the guise of F-18 Hornets and F-16 Vipers.

Then, suddenly, it stopped.
Naturally, prices sky-rocketed and their value more than doubled.

Fast forward to the present and, in 2011, BBi struck back with a vengeance.

Above photo is that of a new MH-6 Little Bird found at mass retail last 30 September 2011 priced at $68.60. Also found, though not pictured, is the BBi M1A1 Abrams main battle tank. A little pricey but definitely worth it. The Little Bird is the MH-6 variant with side seats, two Stinger missile launchers, and one Pilot in dessert flight suit with helmet.

Also available from Big Bad Toy Store, is the BBi F-16 366TFW 389TFS “Enduring Freedom”. It’s similar to the original F-16 but with structurally improved landing gear and hard plastic wing antennas. Price is at $164.99 and available at this link.

The main attraction is the MH-60 Blackhawk, which includes fast rope (though it looks a little short), two miniguns mounted on either side windows, FLIR, a pilot and one Navy SEAL. Not exactly sure how it compares to the original $50 Blackhawk but it is estimated to cost $170. More to follow.

GI Joe Gun Sale at Toycon 2011, Starbucks Megamall Atrium

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 05:22:00 +0800

Finally have the time to do a proper Gun Run this Sunday, 19 June 2011 at Megamall Atrium Starbucks to coincide with TOYCON 2011.

Will be bringing 90% of stocks including new ones like the Steyr AUG, M16A2, AK-74, Beds, and Lockers.

Should you need to reserve, please use the online shop or email me.

See you all there!

End of Year Shinsen Sealed Joe Auction

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 12:59:00 +0800

It has been a very long year and many a weekend went by without even looking up my Joe Customs or MOC Joes screaming to be free.
With Apologies to Eagle Eye Joe for not taking them out sooner, some have waited 15 years.

I may not be the one to unleash them, at all.
I will, in its stead, hold a Shinsen Online Private Auction with sealed bids.

Best private offer gets the items. Criteria will be based on:
1. Whether Bidder will treat the items well
2. Pickup/shipping arrangements
3. Price & Payment Options

Loose Items include Razorback, Despoiler, DEMON, AGP, HISS, Snowcat I & II, Brawler, ‘97 MOBAT photographed at yojoe, Wolf, and their drivers.

I am somewhat torn how to deactivate the team, so, the answer is to deactivate them as a Team. Arctic Team, EOD Team, Tracker Team, Anti Armour Team, Infantry Team, und zu weiter.

Extensive photos of the vehicles and the Team will be put up online for a few days then the Auction will commence.

As for MOC items, here they are in no specific order…
Note: Cyclonus and the MOC BAT is already deactivated.

Classic A-Team

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:50:00 +0800

*insert Huey sounds and drums*

In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit…

These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground…

Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune…

If you have a problem, if no one else can help… and if you can find them…

maybe you can hire…

…The A-Team.

In time for the A-Team reboot this year, Jazwares, Inc. has released the A-Team in the consistent 1/18 format.

The articulation is comparable to the current G.I. Joe line except for the fixed torso, which, is really not a problem. The body sculpts are superb, to the extent that the vest seemed removable.

The headsculpts, however, are too puffy. It would seem a hive of bees were thrown into the van!

However, as the bodies are perfectly serviceable, one can just improve or scratch build better heads to fit.

B.A. Baracus could have chosen a better wardrobe. A loud shirt ? Perhaps we should paint a Bull’s eye while he is at it.

His classic sleeveless denim jacket would’ve been ideal. Still, it is not so bad. AT least, he wasn’t wearing his white high socks.

And where is his Pig (M60) ? Where are all the gold bling ?

Seriously, lose the holsters if ye ain’t usin’ em!

I pity the fool!

Templeton “Faceman” Peck…what, oh what, happened?

Face is the ultimate suave social engineer, clean and all. His suit is alright but his headsculpt needs better painting. Frankly, the ‘80’s hairdo is preferable. Not too bad, though. Will have to resculpt his suit to be a closed shirt affair and we now have “suits” for your Agency Tier 1 operator customs.

Colonel Lynch — Who ?

Not sure exactly but I am guessing this must be the other Colonel who chases Hannibal’s team everywhere.

On the card, he’s from the Agency. Looks a little young for a Colonel but that is just my take.

Never did like Col. Lynch, back in the day. Now, Colonel Decker, however…definitely bad-ass.

He is the epitome of Relentless, chasing the A-Team all over.

Captain H.M. “Howlin’ Mad” Murdock

Never did get his first name. He is the only decent sculpt in the set with his trademark leather jacket and baseball cap.

Definitely a worthy buy.

and… Colonel Hannibal Smith

His sculpt is that of his work clothes. Pity, though. Very much prefer his other uniform with the trench coat.

Unfortunately, his Ruger rifle is poorly sculpted.

I believe I’ll just build my own rifles.

I find it weird that everyone is armed with the ubiquitous M4/variant but Hannibal is armed with the Ruger.

They should have made Rugers from everyone except Col. Lynch.

Well, I’ll still check out the Van but it can hold 4 figures. The entire A-team.

In the rear, is where I suspect the electronics are installed so a little bit of tweaking and it could be hollowed out.

For all you purists out there, remember that the rear of the van is where they keep their Rugers & M16A1s in a locked footlocker.

For a real toy Van, I am astonished that it had no pop up guns in the grill and other DIY weapons of mass destruction.

It was more like a model car.

No problem with me :)

I’ll do the shop work.

Get them atBigBadToyStore.com before they escape!

Range Viper version 2 and Jungle Terror Twin Battle Gun

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:48:00 +0800

I was not putting much expectations into this new wave but I was surprised how good this was. Especially, the price.

For some reason, the new wave got included in the 50% discount sale for older Rise of Cobra sets which makes this just right.

For once, Hasbro packed these vehicles in similar style with the classic Joes. The vehicles are disassembled inside a box and the driver is visible from a window.

The artwork is the best of the lot. The swirls behind the figure and vehicle is reminiscent of the blast and digital blasts of the Eighties. Nice Touch.

The only thing bad. All of them had the scars of shipping!

Inside, it is packed exactly like in the Eighties. Does it not remind you of Christmas morning? I love the smell of cardboard and plastic!

Here, they are. Economically packed to save space. Incidentally, the Twin Battle Gun is the thickest of the Four exclusive packs.

All the parts laid out, it does not take a Techno Viper to figure out how to put these together.

Just making sure that this vehivcle show its colours.

All Hail Cobra !

Equipped with a luxurious seat (by 1980’s standards)

Can I play Pong with this ?

I never had a vintage Whirlwind so I may be a little late in noticing this.

Without the steel shield, the miniguns have better maximum & minimum elevation.

Besides, if you are in a AAA field emplacement, it would not matter in this day & age.

Nobody does strafing runs unless they are desperate.

*Famous Last Words*

Sinister looking is he not ?

The second Range Viper is appropriately coloured green & gray.

Here he is, compared with his predecessor.

Still the same sculpt with better colours!

Up close and personal.

The green is growing on me.

A far better paint quality!

Now, the only thing with this version is that, all he has is an unloaded M60 and a Pistol.

BUT, true to form, Range Vipers are supposedly adept at raiding enemy supplies, hence Tunnel Rat’s M60 and the Joe Pistol. The first Range Viper even had General Hawk’s backpack.

So, yes, it is not bad. A better painted Range Viper and a Cobra AAA gun for the Stinger jeep to tow. Of course, an ASP would have been better but this is Good.

In fact, this is Great!

If you see these, buy it.

Or someone else will ;)

Pursuit of Cobra Target Exclusive Vehicle Assortment on Retail!

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:08:00 +0800

Pursuit of Cobra Vehicles release at Retail 50% Discount !

Chinese New Year 2010 started right with the release of Pursuit of Cobra Vehicles at 50% off!

Included in the set are:

Ram Cycle with Sandstorm
Air Assault Glider with Capt. Ace
Jungle Terror Twin Battle Gun with Range-Viper
Trubble Bubble with Viper

Reviews and pictures to follow ;)

Polar Sharc and Ice Storm Review

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:04:00 +0800

This seems to be the sequel to the SHARC minus the flying ability. I got this on sale at 50% off along with the Tiger Claw so I figured I should go take a look what the hype is all aboot ;)

Not much accessories included, just the firing Torpedo and F2000 with the backward ACOG.

Beautiful Poses:

This should have been in Battlestar Galactica:

UPDATE:Apparently, the pilot is positioned similar to the original SHARC, laying face down. The floor window also includes detailing for three multifunction displays (MFDs) similar to those used in modern combat aircraft. The pilot’s head is exactly at the floor window’s level. Again, very novel.

At this configuration, its wing armaments are rather ineffective. We will have to rotate that later.

It’s a little obvious it is too small. Guess who is piloting, instead ?

Bottom part with firing Torpedo atatched and armed.

The bottom is interesting, in that, there seems to be a peg just aft of the Torpedo station. More on this later.

Do note that the Torpedo is an excellent piece of equipment. Its trigger is a raised panel, making it sleek. No fugly dimple triggers!

As for the earlier mentioned peg, I tried it out with Shipwreck. It is a fit!

Shipwreck Oscar Mike!

Ice Storm is an excellent repaint of a ~~Snow Serpent~~ Snake Eyes V35 (Arctic Snake Eyes, Thanks WildWeasel!) with a new headsculpt. The first thing that comes to mind is Eminem. You decide.

I do have some issues with paint quality on the elbow joints. The new Leatherneck had similar issues especially with his mustache. Not so bad, just that one was expecting more.

Also, I would not recommend using his pouch. Ice Storm came with a different rifle, the F2000, so the magazine size is different. Besides, a grenade in an underwater craft? Lots of pressure from piloting already without worrying about the grenade.

Ever wondered how it looks from the inside?

In summary, I would recommend this. A repainted figure but nicely designed with the new headsculpt. Should you have extras, it is perfect for a WW2 / Korean War G.I. Just paint it in Olive Green.

The Polar SHARC is a beautiful sculpt but terribly under scaled. Nonetheless, these are must-haves.

Rise of Cobra: Tiger Claw Review

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:20:00 +0800

I have been waiting for a decent Leatherneck and, finally, it is here!

For the doubting Thomas in everyone, here is a close up of the price tag and code. Obviously, KZ did not waste time getting these out. In hindsight, they could also do away with the tag had they known that I was passing by ]:)

Nice Art. Notice something peculiar? Does Leatherneck rely on his being mean enough to steer through the bars?

This has got to be the best mugshot Leatherneck ever had. It is a pity that the write up is sparse. .Mil people can be more creative than that in as few lines ]:)

Straightforward but something new here.

Hasbro used twisted paper instead of twist ties. Clever.

Too bad for me as I have a use for those.

Lest you forget, the accessories are taped to the bottom.

Vorsicht! This bar easily pops off and I almost lost this. A little blutac and the job is done. Another problem is the peculiar observation in the box art. These bars interfere in turning.

If you are familiar with the original Ferret, the handle bars turn in unison with the small guns up front. With the lack of the said forward guns, the handle bars just turns rather loosely. It is quite annoying as it rattles. The square part is where it attaches to the traversing guns.

..and this, is the firing missile launcher with obvious reference to the contemporary TOW, albeit a little small. It resembles an insect with it fold up legs.

With the TOW missile launcher installed, it is half-decent. Throw in Physics, however, and the shock of launching will over turn the ATV. Probably even break off a sizeable section. I’ll look for a better weapon system for this station.

I will have to put up a separate second part of this review for Leatherneck in a few hours.

In conclusion, the Tiger Claw is Highly Recommended!

If you have trouble getting this, just head on over to online stores like Big Bad Toy Store to reserve one or two online.

I was going to do just that, anyway.

Rise of Cobra Vehicles: Lava Pod, Tiger Claw, Polar Sharc at retail stores!

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:28:00 +0800

Without further ado, I bring to you the Rise of Cobra Alpha Vehicles Wave 3 found at Retail!

I was just doing my usual walks and I stumbled upon these by accident. Needless to say, I quickly took them home!

It was the last store I usually visit and, mind you, it was a totally uninspired visit as the previous 10 stores produced the usual variety.

They will soon be opened so I can finally get this rolling with this long weekend. I was going to do it today but I was waylaid by work and Voyager reruns.

Did I forget to mention that these are 50% off ?

It is like buying the figure and getting the vehicle for free!

And, yes, I visit 10 toy stores on average every 48 hours ;)

Yeh, I be hardcore…

25th Anniversary Indian C.O.B.R.A.

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:21:00 +0800

I was busy making new covers when this unusual bending occurred so, now, I have a new custom head.

His name is Sandeep and he is a member of India’s COBRA (Commando ;Battalion for Resolute ction).

These are the good guys!

According to Wikipedia.org: ”Cobra is the best-equipped paramilitary unit in the country, set up with a grant of Rs 1300 crore from the Central government. They have been armed like a regular infantry platoon with light mortars, machine guns, rocket launchers, INSAS rifles, FN 35 and Glock pistols, Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine guns and Carl Gustav recoilless rifle.

Cobras also have hi-tech electronic surveillance equipment and well-trained sniper teams, armed with Dragunov SVD, Mauser SP66 and Heckler & Koch MSG-90 sniper rifles”

Sandeep, however, is armed with an L1A1 as he is definitely old school and believes in closing the distance to give no good evil doers cold steel!

Known among his peers and terrorists for his derring-do, Sandeep is every terrorists’ nightmare!

So goes my tribute to Funskool :D

Rise of Cobra Stormshadow modification

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:40:00 +0800

Thanks to mickeyrdj of TS118, a subtle modification can be done to G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra Stormshadow to make him more articulate.

Simply incise down the trench coat seams!

Before and After.

Minor Custom: 25th Anniversary Wetsuit

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:44:00 +0800

Wetsuit was not one of my favourites but soon became one only because of his daring exploits in Marvel Comics.

His original gear was sparse and he was not even armed. Later on, he was re-released in a manner befitting his personality. Mines on his shoulder and a gun, finally.

The 25th anniversary Wetsuit is what he ought to be in the first place. Interesting colours with the teeth to boot.

Of course, I could not resist making his helmet more accurate so…

In addition, I issued to him the Stoner LMG from ROC Ripcord as it is distinctly a SEAL weapon. A little out of scale, I admit. I may end up letting Wetsuit use an MP5A4, instead.

That, and a Kabar. I have mental images of the rightful mess Wetsuit could do with a Kabar in shallow water with Cobra Eels.

See that ?

That is a face you do not wish to trifle with…

I have encountered problems using golden yellow so I am still not satisfied. I will have to try Vallejo next.

Incidentally, the helmet is from Rise of Cobra’s Flash.

You would think that it was really meant for Wetsuit in the first place…

Minor Custom: 25th Anniversary Ripcord

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:17:00 +0800

Ripcord has been one of my favourite Joes of all time. He was all green, had a helmet with a facemask and hose. Best of all, he carried a real battle rifle, the FAL. In the comics, it had a night scope and it was awesome!

Yes, he was impulsive in ejecting from a perfectly good airplane but he was one of the few Joes who fought it out 1-on-1 with Zartan! He may have lost but he impersonated the impersonator, himself!

Now, he is given the 25th Anniversary treatment. I actually bought 5 of these!

You may have noticed, Ripcord has a very different helmet from the Assault on Cobra Island 7 pack.

That is my custom :)

Originally, he came with a simple black helmet similar to Blowtorch’, however, I found it too big for his head. The way it was shaped, it was more like a skater’s helmet rather than something used for HALO jumps.

I based my new helmet off what USAF Pararescue Jumpers use but with the complete Oxygen hose setup.

It was a pain to make the face mask fit with this helmet which, by the way, came from Pilot Scarlet / Glenda. It was the most accurate mold I could find.

I know it may look unusual, the colours not matching the uniform but that is how the real world operates. If Ripcord was dressed for dessert action, then, I can adjust accordingly.

I am saddened by the fact that he has no FAL, this time around. He was, however, issued a new G36 with grenade launcher. I can forgive Hasbro for this.

I was concerned he would be issued another M4-gery like what happened to Airborne.

Ripcord’s style is European… also das ist richtig!

This gives me more work as I will definitely will have to convert it to be able to fold its stock. I mean, that jumping off aeroplanes is the main reason why such a feature exist!

If you have not gotten your Cobra Island 7 packs, I would recommend getting these before they disappear!

New Stuff has Arrived!

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:57:00 +0800

Finally!

My shipment has come to port. Excessive ? Maybe. Some are orders from a buyer or two but most is mine.

I am looking forward to the Defense of Cobra Island sets. My Cobra staffing problems are solved!

As for the Assault on Cobra Island set, I have a use for the extras. I am conceptualising new characters for my own line using G.I. Joe parts. Something I have always wanted to do I mentioned earlier.

This is to make up for my 3 Cobra Morays still in storage.

Albeit reflagged for G.I. Joe

I really can’t wait for the long fun-filled weekend to come :D