Split Fire: Truck Of Death!

Las Vegas.  Fremont Street.  I had some extra cash burning a hole in my pocket.  It was time to make that cash disappear at the Toy Shack.  You know, the guy from Pawn Stars who shows up to appraise toys on the show?  This is his store.  It is a sight to behold.  Some of the stuff is way overpriced, but I found a few things that weren't too pricey.  One little gem I found was the Split Fire.  I had no idea that this battle truck existed before, but I was impressed enough to buy it (along with a Night Attack Chopper in desert colors).  The truck came out during the GI Joe vs. Cobra era... some consider it a dark time in Joe history, but I think there are a few gems in the line, and this is one of them.  It has sound effects which is a turn-off to some, but I don't mind the idling truck sound or the machine guns.  If they bug me a month from now, I'll just pull the batteries out.  It could be the spiritual successor to the Mudbuster of the early 90s.

FIGURE INCLUDED:  RAMPAGE

This guy is basically the black version of Beachhead.  I think he is a re-mold of the Beachhead of the time.  Anyway, I am a sucker for new characters and he is new to me.  For a Joe vs. Cobra figure, he is about as tall as a modern era figure, so he fits in pretty decently.  He's not a terribly creative idea for a figure, but there's good plot potential in a guy who has a close bond with such a famous Joe.

3 out of 5 stars!

Pros:

 

- You can pick one up for pretty cheap, I don't think it was a popular vehicle at all.

- Holds modern era style figures.  I put the new GI Joe Trooper in it with no problem.

- Cool concept.  A combat pickup truck with manned machine guns on the side. 

- Built pretty sturdy, fun to play around with, give it to your kids and let 'em have at it!

 

Cons:

 

- The rack of gas cans on the back works as a joystick to aim the manned machine guns on the side.  It also activates the machine gun sound efx.  It is kinda clunky and doesn't have much range of motion.

- Instead of having the joystick, I would rather have had a real truck bed, maybe with a .50 cal mounted in the back.  The bed is shallow... but guys will still sit in the back.

- The front sticker on the hood is the dumb throwback GI Joe logo from the 60s (the one with the head that dots the "i:) that afflicts all the vehicles from this time.  It was an easy fix, I printed up a new one and replaced it.

- The engine sound efx goes from idle to 100mph full bore.  It would be neat if it switched gears more like a real motor.

 



Eaglehawk Swoops In!

On Tuesday, the new Eaglehawk arrived on my doorstep from Dorkside Toys.  It is an awesome update to the original Tomahawk!  I will post more pics later.  It is definately worth a purchase. 

4 out of 5 stars!

Pros:

- Holds a good amount of guys.  Seating for 5 in the back, but you could easily cram a few more in!
- Winch is improved
- Comes with 2x headsets for co-pilots or gunners
- Lift Ticket is fully articulated!!
- Rotor blades fold back for easy storage.  Awesome for the deck of the USS Flagg.

Cons:

- Rotor blades are a little saggy and the front rotor blades tend to hit the top of the fusillage.
- Price $39.99 MSRP in a store... even more online.
- If you put less than 5 guys in the back, they tend to wobble around... there's nothing to hold them in the seats!
- Hollow missiles.

Welcome!

This is my new blog about all things GI Joe!  I will post pictures and random thoughts and some tips and tricks I learned along the way!  Stay tuned for more!