ACTION MAN

British Infantryman (1973 type)

Period: Flock Head / Eagle Eye

Dates: 1967 until c.1979

Cat No: 34114

British Infantryman Description (Soldiers of the World):

The basic Action Man figure, could be accessorised with one of these popular uniforms from the range entitled "Soldiers of the World". They were rebranded from 'Soldiers of the Century' with a few differences. They included the British Infantryman, German Stormtrooper, (new) Australian Jungle Fighter, French Resistance Fighter and (new) French Foreign Legion, and (new) German Staff Officer. Sets were available in one complete set, or on two 'half cards'. Also included with the set was the 'Intelligence Manual' - showing line drawings of all the 'Soldiers of the World', their equipment and a brief summary of their exploits. The 1973 uniform differed only slightly from the 1968 British Infantryman. This WWII based Infantryman uniform retired by 1982, when a modern day British Infantryman was launched as part of 'The Soldiers' range.

Action Man Soldiers of the World British Infantryman:

34142:

ACTION MAN BRITISH INFANTRYMAN SET: Tunic and trousers ('Battledress'), boots (lace-up), helmet, belt (with slider), gaiters (elastic), gas mask, Sten sub machine gun (plastic strap) and clip, Canteen and cover, Victoria Cross Medal, Intelligence Manual, Equipment Manual.

Action Man Soldiers of the World British Infantryman Equipment 'Half' Cards:

34254:

ACTION MAN BRITISH INFANTRYMAN UNIFORM: Tunic and trousers ('Battledress'), helmet, gaiters, boots. Intelligence Manual, Equipment Manual.

34249:

ACTION MAN BRITISH INFANTRYMAN EQUIPMENT: Gas mask, gas mask bag, belt, canteen, canteen cover, Sten sub machine gun, Victoria Cross Medal. Intelligence Manual, Equipment Manual.

Notes:

The Action Man British Infantryman was a very popular set, along with the German Stormtrooper in the Action Man Soldiers of the Century (SOTC) and Soldiers of the World (SOTW) ranges. The range ran for many years and became Soldiers of the World (SOTW) in 1973 with slight visual modifications. SOTW issue tunics were a lighter cotton fabric than the previous editions. It featured printed insignia rather than earlier woven. Gaiters generally were either khaki/green, or progressing to dark green/black. Sten gun had elastic still, but changed to plastic strap in the mid 1970s. 2nd issue gas mask had fractionally smaller aperture eye glasses with or without glazing. The Sabotage set had a similar gas mask, but had only the end filter cassette. No hand grenades were issued with this set. The Action Man VC issues with Soldiers of the World British Infantrymen and Australian Jungle Fighters had much less detail and red ribbon sticker. During the years of production many shades of color for the uniform, belt and gas mask bag should be expected. The canteen cover ended up made from plastic, and the VC gained a hooped hanger over the pin arrangement for instance. Add to this fading from UV light, and washing, it is a challenge to get a matching set.