ACTION MAN

SAS Outfit c.1980

Period: Eagle Eyes

Dates: c.1980 until c.1983

Cat No: 934838

Action Man 'The Experts' S.A.S. Outfit Contents:

Jumpsuit
Bullet proof vest (plain)
Boots (short)
Gas face mask

Grey Hood

Rope and Grappling Hook

Black Cartridge Belt with Holster and Black Colt 45

Black Heckler & Koch sub-machine gun

Short boots

SAS Outfit Description:

The Action Man S.A.S. Outfit (part of 'The Experts' range) was a complete uniform with accessories - an improvement over the later boxed 'Key Figure' as it had more play accessories from the off. This outfit has also been described elsewhere as the 'SAS Trooper'. His strong consistent sales inspired the later mini-range - that of a boxed SAS Commander, 'SAS Key Figure', SAS Beachhead Attack, SAS Airstrike, SAS Parachute Attack and SAS Secret Mission.

The outfit was inspired by the successful rescue of hostages at the Iranian embassy by the S.A.S. 30th April - 5th May 1980. Palitoy were tasked with getting out a outfit for end of that year to capitalise on the impact this had with the public. The SAS Outfit was ready so late in 1980, that it missed the 1981 trade catalogue and was subsequently flagged as 'new' in the 1982 trade catalogue.

Notes:

The Eagle Eye Action Man SAS Outfit was issued in an all-in-one black jumpsuit with elasticated ankles, and breathing equipment in the form of a strapless face mask, that was held in place by the elasticated face apperture of the grey hood. The bullet proof vest was originally plain without any stamped-on detailing as found with later sets. He was armed with a Heckler & Koch sub machine gun (all black variant) and a black Colt 45 pistol (in black, rather than the standard silver and brown). The belt had 4 catridge pouches. There is no leg-tie on the bottom of the holster despite the brass eyelet that retains it being a feature. Other items were available separately within later boxed SAS Sets. Of note is that first samples of parts of this set received from Hong Kong are said to have been contaminated somewhere in manufacture with the fragrance of the 'Strawberry Shortcake' doll and in the short term had to be cured in the ovens to lose the smell.

Action Man SAS Outfit gas mask and hood