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12-12-2018, 01:26 PM | #1 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 3,026
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This is a project that is highly inspired by HissHissFangFang's amazing O13 Cobra and other Cobra projects. As GIJoe fan since 1982, I greatly prefer the "blue shirt" style Cobra soldiers over any other. I think this is mostly because from 1982 to 1986 "blue shirts" made up the bulk of the Cobra Infantry forces.
In 1986, Hasbro introduced the "Viper" style code names: Viper, Motor-Viper, Strato-Viper, Air-Viper (AVAC = Air Viper Advanced Class). I REALLY like the idea of most Cobra troops having a "Viper" code name. So, I started this Custom "Blue Shirt Legion" Project of reimagined Cobra "Vipers" wearing "Blue Shirt" style uniforms. Most of these customs are simple parts swaps and repaints. I think this just goes to show that Hasbro currently has the available body styles and accessories to put out a really successful line of modern (POC/50th) style action figures. Here's a sneak peek group shot of the customs for this project along with their stock, factory 25th and POC/50th counterparts. Can you guess the various "Vipers" in this group photo?? Since this is a custom group/team project, I wanted to create its own special thread. I will be updating this thread (and my blog) throughout the next two weeks with pics of my Custom "Blue Shirt" Legion! Once completed, I'll then post the pics to my main custom thread to have all of my customs in one convenient location here on the Tank. As always questions, critiques, and comments are appreciated and encouraged! Jason
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http://www.hisstank.com/forum/buy-se...-feedback.html https://gijoerevisited2.blogspot.com/ Last edited by jlw515; 07-02-2021 at 08:40 AM.. |
12-12-2018, 01:33 PM | #2 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 3,026
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First up is a custom I've previously displayed but is essential to this Project. You could say that this figure was the catalyst to this custom project - the Cobra Viper!
Now, if you haven't seen my main custom thread, the name "Viper" with the pictures probably doesn't make sense. Well, as explained in the first post, I love the "Viper" code names but prefer the "blue shirt" style troopers. I think "Viper" is a much better code name than "the enemy." I think Hama was having writer's block on these. I wanted to make a more accurate POC/50th style version of the 1983/84 "Cobra" action figure. I toyed around with the idea of making a removable pistol/holster on the web gear but decided against it. This is basically a Dollar General blue Cobra with the pocket and knife relocated to mimic the 1983/84 ARAH Cobra figure. I also added a custom resin cast garrote and the two bullets to the figure's arms. Questions, comments, and critiques greatly appreciated. Jason
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http://www.hisstank.com/forum/buy-se...-feedback.html https://gijoerevisited2.blogspot.com/ Last edited by jlw515; 03-23-2019 at 09:09 AM.. |
12-12-2018, 01:42 PM | #3 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 3,026
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The next figure has also previously been displayed but now has a slight update. So, I present the "Viper Officer."
I used a DG blue Cobra figure as the base with a POC Cobra head. Then removed the holster & pocket and relocated the knife sheath to the left leg. Using some nail polish remover, I erased the red Cobra logo and replaced it with a white Cobra logo sticker from TFKingdom. The main update from my previous presentation is the helmet. I had tried to customize a helmet with raised "officer's" chevron and it just did not look that great. This helmet is a custom from fellow Tanker (paraviper). It is basically the POC/50th/DG helmet with a raised chevron. The blue dye he uses is an almost perfect match to the /DG blue Cobras. I bought about 6 or 7 of these helmets from him. So, I highly recommend them. Again, comments, questions and critiques greatly appreciated! Thanks for stopping by! Jason
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12-12-2018, 01:59 PM | #4 |
Instigator of Intensity
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: California
Posts: 3,981
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They look great!
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I wear my sunglasses at night!!! My feedback thread: http://www.hisstank.com/forum/buy-se...shockwave.html My custom Shockwave army: https://www.flickr.com/photos/113336...57650753263375 My custom S.W.A.T. army: https://www.flickr.com/photos/113336...57650331942267 my BST list: http://www.hisstank.com/forum/g-i-jo...st-thread.html |
12-12-2018, 05:23 PM | #5 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 3,026
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12-12-2018, 05:26 PM | #6 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 3,026
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Next up is a spin on the Cobra Officer - the "Comic Book" Viper Officer.
I like to call this one "Marvel-esque" since the color scheme reflects a more "comic book-like" style of action figure. Of course, Hasbro has released some "Comic" book 25th version "blue shirts." I think a modern POC/50th "comic" book figure would be easy to produce. Jason
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12-12-2018, 05:28 PM | #7 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 3,026
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And then, the last one for today is the "Cartoon" or "Sun Bow-esque" Viper Officer based on the Cobra Officer's appearance in the Sun Bow cartoons. Another easy parts/accessory swap and some repainting.
Comments, critiques and questions greatly appreciated! Jason
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12-13-2018, 12:33 AM | #8 |
CG Immortal Commander
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: New York
Posts: 19,267
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Looking good
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12-13-2018, 01:03 AM | #9 |
Iron Grenadier
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Kansas
Posts: 981
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Nice work Jason! I have been anticipating these for a while--especially the filecard presentation.
Viper: Very nice call-back detail touches on the shoulders (garrote and bullets). And how did you do the knife "sheath"? Looks like the typical sheath from the boot, cut down to keep the blade exposed? It works well! All the little details to closer resemble the original vintage figure are greatly appreciated by this HHFfan. Viper Officer: The chevron helmet cast is great--I may still buy a a few, as you suggested a few months back. Outstanding version of the Cobra Officer, and one of the most definitive 50th style concept of the original. Also, I've PM'd you on a few suggestions. Regarding the comic and cartoon styles: These are always fun takes! Do these stay separate as alternates, or have you found a way to incorporate the styles into you larger canon//collection? |
12-13-2018, 01:58 AM | #10 |
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: .
Posts: 1,785
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I dig the knife sheath too! So very Cobra-like to have an exposed blade on your leg! Great little details. I like the blue-shirt concept and all the other colors. They look great! Looking forward to more.
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