[Itchweed]

SB these are all great. Snails is my favorite of this bunch...I'm mad at you now for getting to order that set of drivers. My mom wouldn't let me order it because I already had Thunder, Crankcase and Frostbite but I had the HISS and wanted the driver and the other two Cobras so bad. Just this weekend I found that old order form where I was hoping to order that figure set for 16 bucks and a Stinger and Water Moccasin. Enough about my nostalgia though. Love this round. The use of Avacs parts really compliments your figures too.

[Hit & Run]

Haha, I hear you on that Vietnam wait! On a recommendation from Flint Rocks, I placed my first order with AVAC too so can’t wait to get some stuff. Hopefully they turn out as awesome as your customs and his do!

Love the Thunder. The mail order Slugger is my favorite Joe vehicle but it didn’t come with Thunder so the only version I have is the Hasbro 25th version. Love what you did here! He looks badass with the Marauder build and casted head gear. He’s another who I either need to make or twist into my own v2.

Sea Slug is awesome. Love the use of the contractor holsters and then the cobra logo in place of his painted design in his chest. That head works perfectly on the build too.

Monkeywrench is a great build too with the casted bits. Threw a pair of painted Marauder goggles on my Hasbro one to make him more like the original figure but a full re-do is warranted so cool to see you make that jump. Your thigh wrap idea works perfectly for the Nok’s.

If I didn’t have the Club version of Ghost Rider, your version and Mr Hebime’s would have been closely copied. Seeing how awesome you both made him look, doing my own v2 / 90’s version is probably in order for him so I can attempt a similar build. That’s a great scarf idea for him.

Haha, Barricade is one that I loved so much that I had the blue and pink / peach versions! Making the second is still on my list since I have the a club figure. Great idea building him up with the yellow Exo suit! Love it topped off with the original helmet / cast too. He was such a cool design even if he was just gold Robocop. Haha. Love seeing him in custom form!

As always, love the ideas, builds and storylines you put together! Such a fun package to sit down and dig through!

[paokole]

They all look amazingly/creatively put together, Ghost Rider being my favorite of the bunch! I may have to use this recipe since I need the right pilot for the infamous Phantom X-19 I recently restored.

Again I'm so amazed at how well you've adapted in terms of sourcing the right parts for your recently added builds. First, with the addition of DNL heads and now with Avacslab custom parts. Kudos for thinking outside the box and keeping this thread live and kicking!

I couldn't agree more, being a fairly recent Avacslab customer, Coby maintains a high level of professionalism & service. He's also a great guy!

[Steel Brigade]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dod Ear

I kept seeing this thread get bumped recently - only to be disappointed that is wasn't new recruits. But it was worth the wait - love this lineup!
I really dig your Thunder. After seeing Shakka85's MTF build I ordered an AVAC helmet, but I gave up when I couldn't settle on a version I was happy. Yours is fantastic and I'll probably have to recreate it now.
Ghostrider was on of my last Joes as a kid and a personal favorite. I was inspired by Mr. Hebime to make an MTF one as well - it had just never occurred to me to make an MTF version before. Great nods to the brown gunslinger type holster and green map of Ohio!
You're right too - AVAC's lab is a great resource to the 1/18th community. Coby delivers both superior quality items and service.
Great job SB - thanks for sharing and keep 'em coming.

Ha ha! I can help you out with "New Recruits" updates buddy, they only happen on weekends as it takes me a couple of hours between taking the photos & coming up with/writing the bios, so you will only see "New Recruits" on the weekends! Thanks for the kind words & we are on the same wavelength lol!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griff

Man i love your updated Captain Jefferies. ( why is it no one remembers my codename? Haha )

LOL! Nice...and thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Itchweed

SB these are all great. Snails is my favorite of this bunch...I'm mad at you now for getting to order that set of drivers. My mom wouldn't let me order it because I already had Thunder, Crankcase and Frostbite but I had the HISS and wanted the driver and the other two Cobras so bad. Just this weekend I found that old order form where I was hoping to order that figure set for 16 bucks and a Stinger and Water Moccasin. Enough about my nostalgia though. Love this round. The use of Avacs parts really compliments your figures too.

LOL! Fun nostalgia trip there Itch! Yeah my brothers & I were all about the figures growing up. Our vehicle collection was mostly made up of 1986-latter day items, & things like that & the Terror Drome & General were mostly from Xmas gifts!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit & Run

Haha, I hear you on that Vietnam wait! On a recommendation from Flint Rocks, I placed my first order with AVAC too so can’t wait to get some stuff. Hopefully they turn out as awesome as your customs and his do!
Love the Thunder. The mail order Slugger is my favorite Joe vehicle but it didn’t come with Thunder so the only version I have is the Hasbro 25th version. Love what you did here! He looks badass with the Marauder build and casted head gear. He’s another who I either need to make or twist into my own v2.
Sea Slug is awesome. Love the use of the contractor holsters and then the cobra logo in place of his painted design in his chest. That head works perfectly on the build too.
Monkeywrench is a great build too with the casted bits. Threw a pair of painted Marauder goggles on my Hasbro one to make him more like the original figure but a full re-do is warranted so cool to see you make that jump. Your thigh wrap idea works perfectly for the Nok’s.
If I didn’t have the Club version of Ghost Rider, your version and Mr Hebime’s would have been closely copied. Seeing how awesome you both made him look, doing my own v2 / 90’s version is probably in order for him so I can attempt a similar build. That’s a great scarf idea for him.
Haha, Barricade is one that I loved so much that I had the blue and pink / peach versions! Making the second is still on my list since I have the a club figure. Great idea building him up with the yellow Exo suit! Love it topped off with the original helmet / cast too. He was such a cool design even if he was just gold Robocop. Haha. Love seeing him in custom form!
As always, love the ideas, builds and storylines you put together! Such a fun package to sit down and dig through!

Yes bro! I mean I imagine we will have the Vietnam stuff in hand by the end of 2022 at the very best, & I want to keep this thread hopefully healthy until we get there! ...Which at that point may require a new thread? I have like 30 figures in the works right now & I think a 300 count is reachable lol. OMG 300... But the 'Nam figs feel like a long way off still (from being in hand) & I want to see the friends of the thread keep coming back & hoping I can still surprise them! Thanks for all of the feedback & kind words, I always enjoy hearing from you!

More to come very soon everyone!!!!!

[Steel Brigade]

NEW RECRUITS!!!!! MGR X AVAC'S LAB Part 2!!

#226/X38. YUREI KAGE (HOKKAIDO MISSION VERSION) (based on GI Joe ARAH Storm Shadow '88)
Marauder Task Force Alliance
Hokkaido Mission Version/Version 2
Origin: Japan
Season 8

The 1st GI Joe allegiance Storm Shadow was among my top 5 GI Joe figures as a kid, sometimes reaching #1. He got a lot of playtime & is my favorite version of the ninja. I remember snatching him up at TRU and was so excited that he was with the Joes now. I knew when I finally put SS in "My MTF Universe" that the 1st one I wanted to build would be this version, put he slipped into my 2nd version slot, as I wasn't sure what to do about his signature rope sash. Enter Avac's Lab & rope solution found! I'm pretty sure I have some more figure ideas as to where I'll be using this rope cast from Coby again in the future lol. Storm Shadow was completed with the last batch of "New Recruits" but I ended up holding him over until this batch as he was a "version 2."

When the current Arashikage clan master was slain in a coup by SPIRE THE BLOOD LORD, he demanded that YUREI KAGE be captured by his newly formed BLOOD NINJA as one of the only men who survived the Armageddon War that could steal his new ninja kingdom. Sentenced to death by beheading, with the help of the MTF & rogue ninja, YUREI barely escaped with his life at the hands of the EXECUTIONER & had a final battle with SPIRE. Soon afterwards, he showed thanks for the restoration of his honor to his cousin YAKU, his old rival DEAD EYE, & the Sky Ninja leader TANBU, all while pledging a limited allegiance to the MTF. Plus keeping a promise to lead the Arashikage to their former respected glory upon his return from the West. ATHENA'S deal to commandeer additional weapons for the MTF, was only in exchange for her BLACK OUT squad (now known as the SHINOBI 7) aiding TANBA retrieve his ancestors lost samurai helmet from Hokkaido's snowy north, & was soon in effect after the rescue mission. YUREI vowed to help & thus the adventure begins anew when the the SHINOBI 7 start their quest. YUREI, now in camouflage, will be working the wintry high ground while looking for potential threats, & striking them down before they can cause harm to the others heading for the mountain top shrine that has been seized by the enemy!

[Steel Brigade]

#227/X39. EXECUTIONER (based on GI Joe Cobra Saw Viper)
Blood Ninja<---->Wrath Affiliate
Origin: ?Middle East?
Season 8

My brothers & I had the the original SAW Viper growing up, but didn't know his notorious reputation until reading more of the comics later in life. He's had some interesting versions over the years, and MGR even offered up some "Geared-Up" versions on the site that I always passed on because they were just not... um... SAW-Viperey enough for me lol. Once finding the helmet cast on Avac's Lab, I knew I had what I needed to make an "ultimate version" for my MTF Universe! I always think of this universe like how Transformers Classics started way back, as updated versions with the same visual notes but not exactly slavish to the original. Taking the most inspiration from the O.G. SAW Viper, I hope you enjoy my take!

The EXECUTIONER has been working for SPIRE THE BLOOD LORD for as long as anyone can remember, face hidden, dressed in purple and black, he always made a statement when he came out to extinguish lives at grand showings. Using heavy arms or blunt blades, he shows no remorse in his actions and barely speaks. Some have said his helmet is actually an image intensifier that helps him see his kills in more grisly details. He has killed everything from homeless beggars to high rolling politicians, but it's all the same to him, any kill is a good kill. The planned beheading of YUREI KAGE went a fowl when a surprise Ninja attack stopped his tomahawk from the final killing blow. Yet he somehow managed to survive the Ninja upheaval and escaped Asia, heading west to find work with the ever growing WRATH army. Now, one of the 4 CYBORG KING'S named SKULL HAWK - has gladly accepted him into his elite, being a fan of his previous work.

[Steel Brigade]

#228/X40. SWEEPER (based on GI Joe ARAH Lightfoot)
Marauder Task Force
Origin: USA
Season 8

Lightfoot played an important role in our playtime growing up. We used him as an avatar for my best friend (who was the biggest Joe fan)... so he was included on many of the brothers "Joe Adventures." With that said I always liked Lightfoot, his cool weird helmet, robot with holographic sticker, striking colors, etc. ...I didn't think I could do the character justice with just MTF parts alone, but with the signature helmet provided by Avac's Lab, this guy is back with his friends in the fight for freedom!

SWEEPER Is almost too careful. He's the kind of guy that cleans a seat with a wet-wipe before he sits down, looks both ways 6 times before crossing the street, & slathers suntan lotion on himself even on the cloudiest day. With that said, no one is better at their job than him. Demolitions became extremely tricky after the Armageddon Wars... so many rogue factions, so much broken earth, & so much unknown. His eye for detail in a messed up world is staggering, and he trusts himself even more than his high tech drones or equipment. When hitting the "zones" that have not been recaptured by the MTF freedom forces, SWEEPER is among the 1st soldiers in, making sure the environment is as "trap-free" as possible!

[Steel Brigade]

#229/X41. QUICK DRAW (based on GI Joe ARAH Fast Draw)
Marauder Task Force - Mecha Masters
Origin: USA
Season 8

Growing up Fast Draw was so cool looking that you didn't need official media to get him in on playtime, he just showed up and launched the bad guys into oblivion! I didn't have any "MTF Universe" plans for him initially, but Avac's Lab has both the helmet & a kit that you could get, so I went with the helmet & then designed the rest of him around the exo-suit! He was another build I completed early in my new adventures with Avac's and kept trying to decide if I should put him or Barricade out first, having designed them both together! ;-)

A fan of old westerns & classic mythology, QUICK DRAW is a volunteer member of the Mecha Masters. Being in ordinance for the bulk of his military career, he jumped at the chance to advance his familiar missile routine into a full-on robotic guided explosive experience! With his exo-suit, he is now able to launch more missiles at staggering speeds than ever before in battle upon the enemy. Nicknamed the "Natto Missile Effect," his fury unleashed is 97% inescapable once launched & nobody does it better. Considered the most skilled of the Mecha Masters team, QUICK DRAW'S "raining pain" on he enemy has become legendary!

[Steel Brigade]

#230/X42. ROAD KILL (based on GI Joe ARAH Road Pig)
Dreadnoks/Neo-Noks
Origin: USA
Season 8

We never had Road Pig growing up, but I was always surprised when he made more than 1 appearance in the Joe classic toy line (2 ...almost 3!) With that said, I always thought he was one of the better overall designed Dreadnoks, & when the time recently came to revisiting that faction for my "Neo 'Noks" gang in my MTF Universe, it was easy to see he would be making the cut... thanks to the Avac's Lab kit! I consider this build more of an update to the original's design with his signature harness & weapons, yet with some more modernized clothing underneath lol. And yes! You can fit the MGR knee pads over the MGR trooper padded knees!

Nobody likes ROAD KILL, yet nobody has the stones to tell him to leave. He smells, he's ugly, he eats too much, and his personality is non-existent. Not much is known about his past except he grew up a scrapper, had been in various gangs, & somewhere along the lines, picked up some martial arts skills. As expected, he fights like a demon & can take a beating & give one back like no other. Using his hand made weapons, (like his cinder block hammer, ridged shield, & wrist launching crossbow), he often prefers close quarter combat to distance fighting with guns, as he can usually best all opponents. Large & imposing, he survived the original Dreadnoks blowup after the Armageddon Wars & stood his ground as lead enforcer in the now "Neo 'Nok" era. The newest 'Noks member SUKEBAN likes to give him "lip" over his lack of hygiene & lackluster attitude... and she is usually met with a head-butt that leaves her unconscious.

THE DREADNOKS (NEO-NOKS)
1. POSEIDON
2. ROAD KILL
3. SCORCH (coming 2021!)
4. BITTERSWEET (coming 2021!)
5. THRASH METAL (coming 2021!)
6. SUKEBAN (coming 2021!)

[AxonRey]

That Fast Draw fucking rules all the asses.