The Fighting 1:18th! » 1:18 Scale Reviews

Pursuit of Cobra: Shock Trooper

Ron Blehm — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:49:53 +0000

Tieka “OurWar” – Squad Leader Review

Paul Ernst — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:48:05 +0000

One of our Forum members, Custer7thCav was kind enough to do a review on the upcoming Tieka “OurWar” Squad Leader figure that he got from China a little while back.

These figures are being imported by Merit International and should be available stateside sometime next month from your trusted online retailers like Foxhole Toys etc.

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Tieka OURWAR Squad Leader Figure Review

Forums were abuzz a few months back with the advent of the OURWAR line of U.S. Modern military figures representing the 101^st airborne in the ACU pattern camouflage. These figures are available online via eBay from China at around 12 dollars per figure and available for pre-order in the US via retail outlets for around 8 or 9 dollars per figure. The series so far has 7 figures that include a Squad leader, Squad Appointed Marksman, Radioman, Medic, Grenadier, Anti Tank Weapon/rifleman, and Squad Assault Weapon operator.

I plan to review each figure in the line, but right now, time permits me the opportunity to review the squad leader figure.

Squad Leader: I have opened the squad leader and will assess it based on packaging, accessories, articulation, compatibility with other 1:18 figures and general impression and observations. I will rate on a scale of 1 (Fodder) to 10 (Fantastic).

Packaging: The packaging is attractively designed and functional. I like the graphic work on the card and the plastic is sturdy. It is a bit smaller than a GI JOE ROC package.

Accessories: Upon opening the packaging and removing the figure identification card stock in the bottom of the plastic, one will discover additional knee/elbow pads. The pads are flexible and are easy to place upon the figure. The helmet, camel-back hydration pouch and combat vest are all removable with ease. The figure comes with a dark tan base with subtle texture to represent sand or rocky earth as would be found in current theaters of operation for US troops. An M-4 and 9mm Beretta (held in the figures hand but able to be placed in a working holster –though prone to falling out if moved too quickly) are included weapons.

Articulation: The figure can stand without the assistance of the base. It has good articulation and a nice feature is the wrist articulation. It can be placed in running and crouching positions easily.

I did find the arm articulation when fully geared up was okay but I would like it to have a better and tighter to the chest ability to hold weapons in a shooting pose. I will need to play a bit more to see if I can have it assume the poses I desire.

Kneeling poses are okay and again I may be a bit demanding in poses that are realistic but understand the limitations of the figures. The foot articulation is similar to a JOE 25^th Anniversary which I like. The head swivels well but has the sunglasses molded on which would have been a nice separate accessory but I can live with it.

The head does not swap easily with Joe figures or star wars figures and vice versa. I suppose those with a dremel and patience could modify it. I am not one of those people. Overall it is a very good articulated figure.

McFarlane’s Arbiter —Ripa ‘Moramee

Ron Blehm — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:56:05 +0000

What is this?

Halo figures on a 1:18 scale site?

I’m writing a few more Halo figure reviews over the next few weeks to see if and how they can be integrated into our 1:18 collections.

This is review number two, McFarlane’s Arbiter from Series 8.

Read on to see how nasty this mythic Elite is.

“Do you enjoy the slaughter?”
—Prophet of Regret
“I feel the joy of doing what I was born to. I have no regrets… save that I will not die fighting.”
—Ripa ‘Moramee

Ripa ‘Moramee was a Sangheili Commander of the Covenant Army during the Harvest Campaign and other Outer Colony campaigns until his demise in 2531. After being punished for leading a coup against his clan leadership and failing on Decided Heart he was given the rank of Arbiter by the Hierarchs, mainly at the urging of the Prophet of Regret.

-Halopedia

The Arbiter being my first action figure based on the Elite mold, I was immediately blown away by the sculpt. The figure stands roughly 6” tall, casting an imposing shadow on any human, Spartan or not. His legs are digitigrade (walks on toes) in design, giving the perception that Elites are powerful leapers. Arms are mainly human in design, ending with 4 thick fingers to grasp weapons with. Elites have a long neck that tapers into a snake head with quad jaws reminiscent of Predator.

Intricate detail is carved into every surface of this figure and then layered to double the pleasure. The skin is reptilian in appearance, textured over the entire figure with vein-like straps that must be part of the armor. The details in his face and mouth are realistic, especially the eyes. Only the back of the throat, visible since his mouth is molded open, diminishes the realism. They really should have done something to add depth, but I’m not sure what.

Speaking of the armor, it is fantastic. The Arbiter’s armor is ceremonial and holds great meaning in the Halo universe and thankfully McFarlane gave it the attention it deserves. Every piece of the armor is a separate piece glued to the body except the upper chest, upper back and the toes. These parts are molded as part of the body, but maintain the level of detail of the individual pieces. The carving on the armor panels is exquisite, enhanced by the silver and gold paint.

This armor would fit right in with the best of our medieval knights.

McFarlane’s Halo Marine Infantry

Ron Blehm — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 05:10:53 +0000

What is this?

Halo figures on a 1:18 scale site?

Have we lost our minds or does McFarlane’s Marine Infantry actually have a place in our collections?

Please read on to find out!

For those of you familiar with the campaign portions of the Halo games, you might recognize the lowly Marine as an object that gets in your way, takes his sweet time climbing onto your Warthog or as a mobile weapons crate.

Only in Halo Wars did the Marine become an asset and he has now earned his very own action figure to cement his place in history.

As with most McFarlane Halo figures that I have seen, the sculpt seems to be their #1 priority. The Marine Infantry continues this tradition for better or worse, offering an attractive and highly detailed figure. From the helmet, to the backpack and all the way down to the shin guards, this infantry man sports enough details to attract the ladies, or in this case, the grown men that haunt toy aisles late at night.

The helmet is a separate piece that is glued onto the head. As much as I want to tear it off and peak underneath, I’ll have to wait until I find a few more incase the removal destroys the figure. Nice little details are sculpted onto the helmet including rivets, earpieces and a mic that fits so snug, I thought it too was glued to the face.

The backpack appears to be that of a radioman with a flexible antenna, LCD display, 18-button keypad and an old-fashioned handset. The detailing continues with various knobs, switches and what appears to be a hard bedroll at the bottom.

The armor has many rivets, straps, buckles and molded body panels. All of these panels fit well, none of them deformed or useless. It certainly fits the part of any generic Space Marine from Aliens to Starship Troopers.

Under the armor is the best sculpted uniform I have yet to see on a figure of this size. (I forgot to measure him, but he stands just over 4” as you can see in the pictures.) The seams of his uniform are all double-stitched, mimicking the pockets and pouches expected on any modern military uniform. The baggy folds of the fabric are also captured perfectly and the boots even have laces.

Spylounge Agent Annika

Justin Daniels — Thu, 20 May 2010 08:24:17 +0000

One of the cool things I picked up at this year’s Joecon was this non mass market 3 3/4″ action figure. I stumbled across it while browsing and was taken aback by its detail and accessories. She came in a nondescript clear plastic bag filled with six different heads and multiple weapons… all for $5!

I had never heard of Spylounge, Guru Toyz Inc, Sub Five or Agent Annika but after I got home I did some digging with the help of my girlfriend who had seen the character while searching for hot, female custom fodder. And hot, female custom fodder she is. Not that she doesn’t work as a stand alone, black-clad female commando. A couple of the heads have beautifully sculpted and painted faces and a couple are downright horrific. A talented customizer could probably repaint these and make them great.

She lacks the articulation to get into any realistic hard-core battle poses, especially in the hips and legs. Her arms are decently put together with rotating wrists, bending elbows, rotating upper arms and ball-jointed shoulders. Her waist and head both swivel 360 degrees. 12 points of articulation in all.

On top of the six distinct heads, Annika came with a pistol, an assault rifle, an RPG launcher, a katana, a pair of sunglasses, a tactical vest, a neck wrap and a figure stand. Everything is well detailed and the katana and RPG launcher are well painted.

I got a lot of bang for my buck here. The six heads alone would cost me upwards of $20 to $30 bucks on most aftermarket custom fodder websites. She fits in perfectly with Modern Era GI Joes and other 1:18th military toy lines. In my opinion, there is a severe lack of decent female figures and although Annika seems to be a bit Baroness-esque, she stands apart by looking more tactical than fashionable (when she’s wearing her vest and covering up her Rodeo Drive chest, at least).

Spylounge Action Figures

To further discuss Agent Annika please click here!

General Dynamics Light Armored Vehicle LAV-25

Paul Pratt — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:57:14 +0000

In 2008 modern era 1:18 scale fans were sent into a flurry after it was confirmed that Unimax was going to release a 1:18 scale IAV Stryker under its Forces of Valor: Bravo Team brand. Collector’s began speculating when the Stryker would be released.

When Unimax finally commented on the situation they reported that they were having issues in China and the vehicle would be delayed until the first quarter of 2009. In the fan community unsubstantiated rumors began surfacing about licensing issues with General Dynamics and even China’s refusal to continue building toy versions of American weapons of war. Earlier this year Unimax did finally release a 1:32 scale version of the vehicle, fueling fan’s hopes that the 1:18 scale version would eventually become a reality.

However, a few months ago, the unexpected happened. On the Unimax website the 1:18 scale promotional image disappeared from their site and was replaced with a 1:18 scale General Dynamics LAV-25. Unimax’s first original 1:18 scale vehicle was now replaced with yet another rehash of a vehicle done by another company, in this case BBi.

Disappointment aside, some held out hope that Unimax would do something to improve or, at least, differentiate itself from the BBI release. Unimax’s Tiger Tank was given a Zimmerit Coating and the M16 Quad .50 Halftrack’s bed area was more accurate, and the turret was actually able to traverse unhindered.

Fast forward to today.

A member of The Fighting 1:18th! Sewing Circle, art2614, surprisingly discovered the Unimax LAV-25 at Toy’s R’ Us under a new Unimax branding called “Assault Force.” Unimax’s 1:18 scale offerings were originally a Target Exclusive under the Forces of Valor “Bravo Team” branding. With art2614′s timely reporting, I went out to my local Toy’s ‘R Us and managed to pick one up.

I have the LAV in hand and I can now officially tell you about my disappointment. This version of the LAV was a complete and utter failure. The piece provides no upgrade or change from the original BBI version and has even compromised Unimax’s own formula for success.

(Excerpt from Wikipedia)

Powered by a 6V53T Detroit Diesel turbo-charged engine, they are 4-wheel drive (rear wheels) transferable to 8-wheel drive. These vehicles are also amphibious, meaning they have the ability to “swim”, but are limited to non-surf bodies of water (no oceans). While engaged in amphibious operations, the maximum speed is approximately 12 km/h. The current SLEP (Service Life Extension Program) modifications will hinder/eliminate amphibious ops.

Typical land speeds are approximately 100 km/h (62.5 mph) in either 4 or 8-wheel drive, however fuel economy decreases in 8-wheel drive. The vehicles operate on diesel fuel, and require 3 weights of lubricants to remain in running condition. They are equipped with a M242 Bushmaster 25 mm cannon, two M240 7.62 mm machine guns, and two 4-barrel grenade launchers usually loaded with smoke canisters and located on the forward left and right sides of the turret. The crew is three; Vehicle commander (VC), gunner and driver, and four passengers (scouts) with combat gear.

The vehicle has been through many changes through the late 90s. The new modification or SLEP has changed the LAV-25 to the LAV-25A1 standard and has been completely fielded. Funding has been approved for continued upgrades to the LAV family to bring them up to the LAV-25A2 standard. Phase I improvements include increased external and internal ballistic armor upgrades, improved fire suppression equipment, and upgrading the vehicle’s suspension to the Generation II standard. Phase II upgrades include replacing the turret hydraulics with an electric drive system and replacing the thermal sight with an improved model incorporating a laser range finder.

The LAV-25 is a wheeled amphibious armored personnel carrier based on the Swiss Mowag Piranha series of wheeled armored fighting vehicles. The most well known user of the LAV-25 in the United States is the Marine Corp Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalions.

The Unimax version has a C/1 marking on the vehicle, which has been a pain trying to identify, but I can only assume this particular vehicle being represented is part of Charlie Company, First Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. But again, that is simply a guess. Any help with this is appreciated.

The primary mission of the Marine LAR battalions is recon in force. These units go ahead of the main fighting units and swiftly penetrate enemy lines to provide vital intelligence such as location, size, and strength of the enemy forces.

Cadillac Gage M41 Walker Bulldog Light Tank

Paul Pratt — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 03:28:32 +0000

When I talk to people about the M41 Walker Bulldog Light Tank from 21st Century Toys I usually get a collective “huh?”. The Walker Bulldog is one of those tanks that seems to have slipped through the cracks of history. Most casual fans in this hobby didn’t even know the tank existed in real life, let alone in the magnificent scale of 1:18.

If someone, by chance, has seen the Walker Bulldog immortalized in plastic they are usually unimpressed by pictures on the internet. Again, the tank was forgotten by the military rather quickly. Hell, the tank never saw combat with the US Army, so why the would anyone care about buying it in 1:18? The tank is even small to boot. Put to shame by its more powerful, massive, and battle tested cousin, the M48 Patton Main Battle Tank.

Well kids, I’m here to tell you’ve missed the boat entirely. If you don’t own this piece, I do pity you. You have missed out on a true 1:18 scale treasure. Forget its history, forget that in real life it was troublesome, this tank is the reason why we are all collecting 1:18 scale toys.

I discovered this tank when I was searching for some alternative pieces of armor for my Cobra army (Yes, that is GI Joe). Without getting into too much detail, I scoured the existing 1:18 scale pieces for anything that might make sense in a modern combat arena. I wanted to give Cobra some real firepower. I found the M48 Patton and The M41 Walker Bulldog. After educating myself on the history of the tank and discovering the Bulldog was still in service today, used to great effect in the Republic of China Army, I knew I had to get a few of these.

I expected the tank to be nice and unique, but I didn’t expect to fall in love.

(Excerpt from Wikipedia)

The M41 Walker Bulldog was an American light tank developed to replace the M24 Chaffee. It was named for General Walton H. Walker who died in a jeep accident in Korea. On 07 November 1950, the US Ordnance Committee Minutes (OCM) issued item #33476, redesignating the heavy, medium, and light tank classifications to classifications according to armament; the 120mm (heavy) Gun Tanks, 90mm (medium) Gun Tanks, and the 76mm (light) Gun tanks.

The M41 was a very agile tank that was designed to be air-transportable and provide air dropped infantry with a support vehicle. When the design was finalized the goal of being air transportable by current 1950′s aircraft was impossible.

Along with not having met its original design goal, the Bulldog was plagued with problems since it’s entrance into the United States Army such as excessive engine noise and it’s uncanny ability to consume gasoline. These problems, along with a cramped interior made it unpopular in the Army and a replacement was quickly sought (The M551 Sheridan Light Tank eventually replaced the Walker Bulldog). Due to the problems, the M41 Walker Bulldog Light Tank never saw real combat with the US Army.

Several tanks were given to the Republic of Vietnam, but due to its light gun the tank was relegated to internal defense duties. When it did see combat however, the incredibly accurate and reliable 76mm gun and the tanks overall agility proved to be quite effective against the communist T-55 tank. The tank earned a great reputation amongst the ARVN and 200 units were in service at the end of 1973.

Although the Walker Bulldog is a footnote in American military history, the tank was exported heavily to foreign countries where it still serves today in part to numerous engine and technology upgrades that have made this vehicle a force to be reckoned with.

The Republic of China Army (Taiwan) in particular has found the tank to be quite capable in an anti-amphibious role against the looming threat of invasion from The People’s Republic of China. The updated M41D Walker Bulldog has been updated with a new 76mm locally produced gun, a new 500 HP Detroit diesel engine, thermal targeting, digital ballistics computers, laser rangefinder, and reactive armor.

Henschel & Son Tiger I Heavy Tank

Paul Ernst — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 09:10:33 +0000

A 1:18 scale Tiger I Heavy Tank review? Didn’t we do that already you might ask. Well, yes and no. We have already reviewed 21st Century Toys “Eastern Front” Tiger I, which you can read Here. This review is for the brand new JS International version of the Tiger I Heavy Tank, though it uses the same base tooling as the previous version.

The 21st Century Toys version was one of the best 1:18 scale tanks released, getting an A- from our review staff. How does JSI’s version stack up?

(Excerpt from Wikipedia)

The Tiger I was a German heavy tank used in World War II, produced from late 1942 as an answer to the challenge of facing the unexpectedly formidable Soviet armor encountered in the initial months of Operation Barbarossa. The Tiger I design gave the Wehrmacht its first main battle tank that was capable of using its most formidable piece of ordnance, the 88 mm gun, which had previously showed its convincing effectiveness against both aircraft and other tanks.

The tank was given its nickname Tiger by designer Ferdinand Porsche, and the Roman numeral was added after the later Tiger II entered production. The initial official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausführung H (’Panzer VI version H’, abbreviated PzKpfw VI Ausf. H), but the tank was re-designated as PzKpfw VI Ausf. E in March 1943. The tank also had the ordnance inventory designation SdKfz 181.

Unlike the 21st Century Toys version of the Tiger I, the JSI Tiger does not come with any identifiable unit markings or decals. In fact there are no markings of any kind, besides paint and weathering, on the JSI Tiger I. Unfortunately this makes “placing” the Tiger in history somewhat of a problematic endeavor. I believe the Tiger’s 3-tone paint scheme is from the late war period, most likely on the eastern front or used during the defense of Germany.

The lack of unit markings or even country markings is somewhat disappointing, as it detracts from the realism aspect. It does, however, allow you to add your own markings if you see fit, which could be a boon to customizers who no longer need to remove the existing markings.

COBRA EEL with Wave Crusher – Target Exclusive

Paul Ernst — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:43:13 +0000

Another one of the “fan favorite” figures from the “A Real American Hero” line of G.I. Joe action figures is the COBRA EEL.

For the Rise of Cobra movie line of figures, Hasbro came out with a “re-imagining” of the classic Cobra Diver, however many fans felt like the new figure did not fully capture the greatness of the original sculpt, or the newer 25th Anniversary figure that was released in 2008.

With the Target Exclusive line of “deluxe figures”, Hasbro is adding a small vehicle to previously released figures, and giving them a new paint job. They arrived on shelves recently with a price point of $9.99.

Does this new, old EEL sink or swim?

The COBRA EEL is generally one of the top 5 most sought after figures in most Cobra fans collections. From the “A Real American Hero” days to the present, the COBRA EEL has been iconic and popular.

When originally released, the COBRA EEL was the only real seaborne threat to the G.I. Joe team. Hasbro later added additional aquatic forces to the Cobra team, but the COBRA EEL remains a fan favorite to this day.

(Excerpt from file card)

COBRA EEL troopers are demolition experts who work for M.A.R.S. Industries. They specialize in aquatic environments, testing weapons systems that are in development. COBRA EELS are skilled in marine engineering and underwater combat techniques.

PREFERRED WEAPONS:

Aquatic vehicle with A42-D torpedo and twin laser cannons

PIT Commando – “Covert Military Force”

Paul Ernst — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:35:35 +0000

The PIT Commando is another highly anticipated addition to the Rise of Cobra figure lineup. Ever since this figure was announced, and pictures started showing up online, people have been clamoring to get their hands on this figure.

Why?

For starters, this figure comes with enough guns and equipment for a small militia. The figure design is also based off the fan-favorite Dusty from the 25th Anniversary line, making it a seemingly win-win situation when it comes to purchasing the PIT Commando.

Does the figure pull it off? Or does this Commando fail it’s mission?

The idea behind the G.I. Joe’s secret base, codenamed: “The PIT”, goes back to the 1980′s with the Marvel comic series. Numerous cartoons and other comic series have referenced the “PIT” as the main headquarters for G.I. Joe in the United States of America. The “PIT” is a multi-level underground structure, capable of housing many of the G.I. Joe team’s vehicles, weapons and other necessities of battle.

With Rise of Cobra, Hasbro is taking the Joe team international, locating the “PIT” somewhere in the Sahara desert. The basic premise for the “PIT” stays mostly the same, with the G.I. Joe teams secret headquarters being located underground.

Guarding the base, is an elite staff of “PIT Commandos” who are well trained and well versed in numerous military specialties. These commandos are every bit a part of the new G.I. Joe as the rest of the named characters.

(Excerpt from file card)

G.I. JOE PIT COMMANDOS ARE RIGOROUSLY TRAINED FOR ANY SITUATION THAT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. DECISIVE ACTION AND OUTSTANDING EXPERTISE. THESE ELITE SOLDIERS ARE SPECIALISTS AT COMBAT, RECONNAISSANCE AND COVERT MISSIONS.

G.I. JOE

PIT COMMANDO

GRADE: SPECIALIST (E-4)

PREFERRED WEAPONS: 820 SELECTIVE-FIRE, LONG-RANGE FULLY AUTOMATIC ASSAULT RIFLE