ACTION MAN

Soldier 1973

Period: Flock Head

Dates: 1973 until c.1977

Cat No: 34052

Action Man Soldier (1973) Contents:

Jumper (woollen until c.1975)
Trousers
Boots (short)
Beret (green elasticated material until c.1975)

Muffler (widthways weave)

Belt (no slider)

SLR Rifle (elastic strap)
Plastic ID Tag (light grey, grey or silver)
Star Card L259 or L513

Instruction Leaflet L345

Hand Cup (metal, quickly progressing to plastics)
Equipment Manual 1973, 1974, or 1975

Soldier Description:

The basic Action Man Action Soldier figure from 1966, was replaced by a flock haired Action Soldier figure in 1970, and then a 'Gripping hands' version arrived in 1973. Bill Pugh (Director of Design, Research and Development, Palitoy) had been frustrated by Action Man's hard hands at the 1971 Toy Fair - he had difficultly making Action Man hold onto anything placed in his hands whilst on display. Alec Langton (Process Manager, Palitoy) suggested that 'Kraton' (a new thermoplastic that returned to its original form when stretched) might be used for the hands to get round this issue. Bob Brechin (Chief Designer, Palitoy) sculpted a scale model of his own left clunched hand (with his right hand) for the tool pattern. The result was revolutionary - Action Man could now grip his vast range of accessories tightly, and also hang onto the vehicle he was in charge of. It was announced on the new boxes. An information card/leaflet (of progressing design) gave tips on using the hands, and dressing the figure successfully as the new hands did not slide through sleeves and cuffs as easily as the hard hands, and metal thimbles (later nylon) were included with the figures. The new figure could be accessorised further by equipment card sets. Price when new c. £2.75

Notes:

Unfortunately the early figures suffer from the hands going orange, hardening and eventually failing. One suspects the original formulation was not ripe for longevity. The early Action Man Soldier jumpers are prone to stretching, becoming mis-shapen or shrinking. The Action Man Soldier muffler had a horizontal weave across its width (not length) and therefore and frayed easily when handled excessively or stretched. Both these flaws were addressed mideway through 1975 with a new nylon jumper and mufflers with lengthways weave. The belt had no adjustment slider. The Action Man SLR Rifle would still have had the elastic strap, but would progress to plastic by the mid 1970's.

Action Man Soldier of 1973 - now with gripping hands

Action Man Soldier of 1973 rear view

Action Man Soldier of 1973 - note hardened early hands

Action Man Soldier of 1974/75 with paperwork

Action Man Soldier of 1973 beret

Action Man Soldier trousers - one side pocket. Colours and grades of material vary.

Action Man Soldier dog tag from 1973

Action Man Soldier box variations by year:

1973: New box 'Now with Gripping Hands' (1) Note word 'Gaitors' in contents list although not included.
1974: (2) word 'Gaitors' disguised by black amendment on at least one side
1975: (3) 'Gaitors' text removed, (4) Gaitors edited from trousers, (5) pouch edited out, (6) Beret badge removed, (7) Soldier replaces retired 'Commander' illustration. Also 'Head, clothes and Accessories made in Hong Kong added to foot of box.
1976: (8) National Association of Toy Retailers Award sticker (of 1975) applied to boxes
1977: (9) Oversticker announcing new 'Eagle Eyes' feature.
1978 - totally new box

Action Man Soldier Box Variations