Thursday 31 January 2013

Incoming: Very Hot 1/6 scale U.S. Army EOD Uniform Set for 12-inch figures - Hurt Locker?

Before Jeremy Renner became world famous as Clint Barton / Hawkeye in "The Avengers", he came into his own as Sergeant First Class William James in "The Hurt Locker", a 2008 American war film about a three-man Explosive Ordnance Disposal (bomb disposal) team during the Iraq War. The film was directed by Kathryn Bigelow and the screenplay was written by Mark Boal, a freelance writer who was embedded as a journalist in 2004 with an U.S. Army EOD team in Iraq.

Sergeant First Class William James (Jeremy Renner), a battle-tested veteran, arrives as a new team leader of a U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit during the Iraq War, replacing Staff Sergeant Matthew Thompson (Guy Pearce), who was killed by a radio-controlled 155mm improvised explosive device (IED) in Baghdad. James' maverick methods and attitude lead Sanborn and Eldridge to consider him reckless, and tensions mount. When they are assigned to destroy some explosives in a remote desert area, James returns to the detonation site to pick up his gloves. Sanborn openly contemplates killing James by "accidentally" triggering the explosion, making Eldridge very uncomfortable, but he does nothing.


This upcoming Very Hot release of the 1/6 scale U.S. Army EOD Uniform Set for 12-inch figures Features: ACU Shirt, ACU Pants, Tan Belt, MICH Helmet (woodland camouflage), Interceptor Body Armor (woodland), Gloved Hands, Tactical / Combat Boots, Beretta Pistol with Drop Down Pistol Holster, Water Bladder Pack (ACU), Dust Goggles, Radio with Pouch, Grenade Pouches x 2 (woodland), Double M4 Magazine Pouch x 2 (woodland), Smoke Grenades x 2, Hand Grenades x 2, Water Bottles x 2, Pliers / Wire Cutters x 4, Carabiner, Wrenches x 2, Screwdriver, Hand Saw (actually a snap-off blade knife), Patch Assortment, GP (General Purpose) Pouch (woodland), Leg Subload (woodland), IED, M4 Carbine with Tac Light, ACOG Sight, Laser Pointer, Foregrip, PMags x 4. NOTE: 1/6 scale head sculpt and 12-inch Action Figure body is Not Included (used in pictures for display only)

Scroll down to see more pictures




Dragon Models Limited (DML) had released a 1/6 scale US Army EOD Squad Leader - Operation Iraqi Freedom - "William" (Sergeant First Class) 12-inch military action figure back in 2010 - see my reviews and pictures HERE, HERE and HERE.


While Dragon Models (DML) 1/6 scale US Army EOD Squad Leader William could be fully suited up in his bomb suit - a SRS-5 (Search and Reconnaissance Suit Model 5) which is considered the light suit version - this Very Hot 1/6 scale U.S. Army EOD Uniform Set has only the basic BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) that all soldiers wear and no bomb suit to show for it.


The only thing that tells you that this is an EOD figure are the patches he comes with. Remove those and he's just the basic grunt. Scroll down to see how he looks in turnaround views and also action poses with the 1/6 scale IED (Improvised Explosive Device).




Here's the Very Hot 1/6 scale U.S. Army EOD Uniform Set put into action. He is given miniature 1/6 scale tools to disarm the IED. He can carry the tools either in the GP (General Purpose) Pouch (woodland) or the Leg Subload (woodland).



Scroll down to see close-up pictures of this soon-to-be-released Very Hot 1/6 scale U.S. Army EOD Uniform Set for 12-inch military action figures.












Wednesday 30 January 2013

Kitbash 1/6 scale Chris Evans as Steve Rogers in U.S. Army Winter Officer's Service Uniform WIP

In the 2011 movie "Captain America: The First Avenger", Steve Rogers would at times be wearing the U.S. Army Regulation Winter Officer's Service Uniform when he's not out for battle or in his Captain America costume which was effectively his battle dress.

This is a quick kitbash of a 1/6 scale Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America in the World War II U.S. Army Winter Officer's Service Uniform using the Hot Toys head sculpt that came with the recently released Hot Toys 1/6 scale Avengers Captain America 12-inch figure. You can see more of the head sculpt in my review HERE


The Men's Winter Officer's Service Uniform color shading contrasted to that of the enlisted men. This was for practical identification of officers while in a group of enlisted soldiers. Officer's coats were made from a beautiful high lustrous 19oz wool elastique fabric which was always dyed in a dark shade of OD #51 sometimes referred to as "Chocolate". Trousers were usually made from the same high quality elastique but dyed in a shade of Drab #54 sometimes referred to as "Pink". This contrast between chocolate and pink was also at times referred to by the veterans as "Pinks and Greens".




However, at times dress caps, shirts, trousers, and ties were produced in both OD #51 AND Drab #54 so that contrasting or matching combinations in a uniform were sometimes authorized for officers to wear based on the whim of their commanders. Indeed many photos of officer's in dress uniform wearing a complete dress uniform with the coat, cap, shirt, and trousers all in dark OD #52.


Like I said, this is just a Work-In-Progress as the medals that Steve Rogers wore are missing on this particular set of 1/6 scale U.S. Army Regulation Winter Officer's Service Uniform. This uniform was originally from DID's 1/6 scale 101st Airborne Division, 506th PIR Officer "Albert Ross" 12-inch figure (see my December 2007 post HERE of this figure with the original head sculpt)


Scroll down to see more close-up pictures of this Hot Toys 1/6 scale Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America head sculpt now wearing the World War II U.S. Army Winter Officer's Service Uniform as seen in "Captain America: The First Avenger"




Tuesday 29 January 2013

Preview Sideshow Collectibles 40-inch (1 meter) tall Darth Maul Legendary Scale (TM) Figure

From Sideshow:
Sideshow Collectibles is proud to launch our Legendary Scale (TM) Figure line with its debut offering, the fearsome Darth Maul. Both impressive and daunting, standing at a staggering 40 inches tall and presented in approximately 1:2 scale, the Darth Maul Legendary Scale Figure depicts the vicious Sith enforcer in stunning detail. Complete with real fabric clothing and a light-up dual bladed light saber feature, each piece is individually painted and finished, each with its own unique quality and attention to detail that is the trademark of a handcrafted Sideshow Collectibles product. A truly stunning portrait of the iconic Sith, the Darth Maul Legendary Scale Figure is a spectacular addition to any collection, the centerpiece of any gallery display.

The Darth Maul Legendary Scale (TM) Figure features: Removable Fabric Cloak, Lit and Unlit Sabers for Alternate Display options. Scroll down to see more pictures. Click on them for a bigger and better view :)


Backstory:
Darth Sidious is an unparalleled mastermind. By subtle arts and quiet maneuvering, the Sith Lord has engineered a crisis of confidence between the Republic's governing body, the Galactic Senate, and the galaxy's corporate giants. Spurred to rash action by their secret benefactor, Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray and his Neimoidian associates have blockaded the peaceful world of Naboo in order to force a resolution to the taxation issue that threatens their continued profitability.




Emboldened by their alliance with the secretive Sith Lord, the Neimoidians are unaware that they are pawns in the opening move of a much larger game being played by the hooded villain. But when the skittish aliens begin to lose their nerve and fumble the operation, Darth Sidious unleashes another of his hidden weapons, one far more dangerous and efficient - one that will not fail him.


Trained in secret as a merciless killing machine, the diabolical Darth Maul is the perfect counterpart to his Lord's subtlety. Where Darth Sidious is shadowy and elusive, his scarlet and pitch-tattooed apprentice is a vivid manifestation of Sith rage.



Sharpened horns curve, scythe-like, from the skin of his shaved head and the fiery red thrumming of his double-bladed lightsaber is matched only by the blazing intensity of his venomous stare.










Armed with a deadly array of weapons and sophisticated tracking equipment, the Sith hunter is dispatched by Lord Sidious to track down Naboo's errant Queen Amidala and force her to submit to the Federation's demands. That two Jedi will stand in the killer's way only spurs Maul's eagerness and fuels his determination. With death and fire, the Sith will at last reveal themselves to the Jedi!

The cost? US$1999.99

Other Darth Maul figures featured in my toy blog:
DECEMBER 30, 2007 – Star Wars Episode 1: 12-inch Darth Maul with 1/6 scale Sith Speeder posted HERE
DECEMBER 30, 2007 – Star Wars Episode 1: 1/6 scale Darth Maul by Hasbro posted HERE
DECEMBER 30, 2007 – Star Wars Episode 1: 12-inch Darth Maul Sith Lord pose-able action figure by Sideshow Collectibles posted HERE

Monday 28 January 2013

Incoming: Hot Toys Iron Man 3 - Cosbaby (S) (Series 1) 3-inch / 7cm tall Marvel Superhero

One of the most exciting and anticipating movies of the year – Iron Man 3 is coming soon in end April 2013. In view of the popularity of the movie and our Cosbaby products, Hot Toys is proud to present the first wave of the Cosbaby Series from the Iron Man 3 movie, featuring a total of eight Cosbabies of the characters from the movie.

Each Cosbaby stands approximately 3 inches /  7 cm tall, featuring your favorite movie characters in baby form and their unique designs in special format.


Each set of Iron Man 3 Cosbaby (S) (Series 1) includes eight Cosbabies in window box (there's Tony Stark and the 7 different Iron Man armor suits), with the specially designed Hall of Armor paper backdrop and mini paper stage for fans to display them together like Tony Stark’s workshop. Scroll down to see the pictures ;p










I labelled this toy blog post under "KUBRICK" because these are very similar to the Medicom Kubrick mini-figures which were released some years ago.

Preview DAM Toys 1/6 scale MARSOC Special Ops Team - Operator 12-inch military figure

DAM Toys has already given us a sneak peek of their upcoming USMC MARSOC (Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command) Team Leader from a few weeks ago (see my post HERE). Now they have added their new USMC MARSOC Special Operations Regiment Operator to the team as well.

DAM Toys 1/6 scale MARSOC Special Ops Team - Operator 12-inch military action figure will be wearing the same Gen3 woodland camo combat pants, but this time is outfitted with the SOF-PCU Level 5 Jacket (with tan long sleeve shirt underneath). He will be armed with the SOPMOD M4 12" RISII Gl/SSC rifle with M203 Grenade Launcher, and carries a 1911 MEU(SOC) Pistol, holstered on his coyote brown Modular Body Armor Vest (MBAV), which itself is loaded with every pouch and accessory imaginable. Rounding it off is a MICH 2000 Helmet with night vision gear, and two radios (with headset) and you're good to go!


DAM Toys seem to be going into Soldier Story territory now. When DAM Toys first started out, they were in close competition with Art Figures, producing 12-inch figures from the movies that Hot Toys was not touching e.g. both Art Figures and DAM Toys released a Delta Force operator from "Black Hawk Down" but DAM Toys went on to release a total of six 1/6 scale military action figures from the "Black Hawk Down" film and are now in the process of releasing the whole SEAL squad from the "Tears of the Sun" movie (Art Figures only released the Bruce Willis as Lt AK Waters figure). And now this – something that is right up Soldier Story's alley. Scroll down to see the pictures.




DAM Toys 1/6 scale MARSOC Special Ops Team - Operator 12-inch military action figure Set includes: Real Like 1/6 scale Head sculpt, DAM 12-inch Action Body, MICH 2000 Helmet (Camo Painting), NVG Gear, SF Helmet Light, SM2000 Strobe Light, Long Sleeve Shirt (Tan), SOF-PCU Level 5 Jacket, MARSOC Woodland Gen3 Combat Pants, Rigger Belt (CB), Safety Retention Lanyard (OD), Utility Glove (One Pair), Fugitive Gtx Hiking Boots (One Pair), Modular Body Armor Vest (MBAV) (CB), Pouch Assortment, C4OPS Tactical Headset System, M.A.S.T (Modular Antenna System - Tactical), Antenna Relocation Kit, Whip Antenna with Maritime MBITR Adapter, AN/PRC-148 Radio X 2, Patch Assortment, Combat Application Tourniquet, Light Sticks (Purple, Yellow), Foretrex 401 GPS, G-Shock Watch, Sunglasses, FSBE2 SI Assault A-Frame Goggles, 1911 MEU(SOC) Pistol & Mags (X 2), 1911 CQC Serpa Holster with MOLLE Adapter, SOPMOD M4 12" RISII Gl/SSC, M203 Grenade Launcher, RM01 RMR Red Dot Sight, SOCOM LA5-PEQ Advanced Target Pointer, SOCOM SU-233/PVS Light, SOCOM Dual Button Remote, SF M600 Scoutlight (Tan), Crane Stock (Tan), Two Point Battle Sling(CB), 30-round PMag X 7, 40mm HE Grenade X 10, 40mm Smoke x 2


According to wikipedia the smallest tactical element is 4 Marines and 1 Corpsman. Two of these elements and a 4 man HQ make up a 14 man Marine Special Operations Team(MSOT). Let's see how many of these MARSOC Special Ops Team DAM Toys will be releasing ;p

















Check out the DAM Toys SOPMOD M4 12" RISII Gl/SSC, M203 Grenade Launcher, RM01 RMR Red Dot Sight, SOCOM LA5-PEQ Advanced Target Pointer, SOCOM SU-233/PVS Light, SOCOM Dual Button Remote, SF M600 Scoutlight (Tan), Crane Stock (Tan), Two Point Battle Sling(CB)



Parts of the rifle broken down to show the amount of details and parts for the weapon alone




C4OPS Tactical Headset System, M.A.S.T (Modular Antenna System - Tactical), Antenna Relocation Kit, Whip Antenna with Maritime MBITR Adapter, AN/PRC-148 Radio X 2


Check out the 1/6 scale Asolo Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots with crazy detailing work.


These look to be best miniature scale cloth boots ever made IMHO




Here's the DAM Toys 1/6 scale MARSOC Special Ops Team - Operator 12-inch military action figure with all his gear laid out. The amount of stuff this soldier is carrying blows the mind! He certainly would make a great companion to the DAM Toys 1/6 MARSOC (Marine Special Ops Regiment) Special Ops Team leader (pictures HERE)