Fans & Collectors Celebrate “The Sweeter Side” of G.I. Joe Fandom With Custom Cakes & Treats

GIjOE fan, collector and dealer, Irving Santiago, was recently surprised on his birthday with this outstanding GIjOE hovercraft cake. The colors and details are right on, and everything you see is edible, down to the missiles, guns and logos. (Photo: Irving Santiago)

ep·i·cu·re·an  [ep-i-kyoo-ree-uhn]
adj. 1. fond of or adapted to luxurious tastes or habits, especially in eating and drinking.

“Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels be Damned! I’m having a second piece!”

This photo of Irving Santiago (center) and his two sons gives you a better idea of the massive size of his hovercraft birthday cake. (Photo: Irving Santiago)

In ever-growing numbers, typically health-conscious GIjOE fans have begun rebelling against normal dietary restrictions and succumbing instead to the increased consumption of “oh-so-sugary” custom cakes, cookies and baked treats; all under the guise of celebrating and/or commemorating the world’s greatest action figure—GIjOE!

How did this “usurption of gastronomical good sense” get a grip on GIjOE fans? The exact origins and connections remain unclear, but expert analysts believe the typical fare consumed at an average GIjOE club meeting (i.e. pizza, hamburgers, etc.) has begun to be seen as “insufficient” for the evolving epicurean tastes, palates and waistlines of discerning fans. According to one such “rich food rebel” we spoke with recently:

“Well, you know how it is. GIjOEs are all about having fun. When fans get together for a GIjOE club meeting or related event we just feel like celebrating! A lot of us can’t eat sweet treats at home without getting the ‘skunk eye’ from the our old ‘ball-n-chain,’ so we thought it would be a good idea if we ‘topped off’ our meetings with something special. Something like a cake or other sweet dessert.”

How about a GIjOE tank cake? This looks like the creation of a very talented Mom who wanted to surprise her “little man” on his birthday. (Lucky kid!)
(Photo: cakepicturegallery)

Sounds good to us! Of course, GIjOE cakes and other treats aren’t limited to just collector’s club members. Hundreds, if not thousands, of such delicacies have been created and consumed over the years by hungry fans of all ages in the form of birthday cakes, cupcakes or cookies. A quick search on the internet revealed dozens of examples in a variety of shapes, “eras” and themes. Our favorites are the ambitious ones that go beyond traditional round or rectangular shapes and endeavoured to make 3-dimensional cakes based upon GIjOE characters and vehicles (see tank cake at right).

This stylized, comparitively simple cake design features a miniature “Snake Eyes” and “Storm Shadow” preparing to do battle. Absolutely Superb! (Photo: quaintcake.com)

The baker of this “Cobra Cake” did an outstanding job rendering the Cobra logo. YUM!
(Photo: Kristy’s Kreations)

If cakes aren’t your thing, how about a GIGANTIC chocolate-chip cookie? With camoflage frosting? Just remember to keep it a “classified top secret” until your 10th birthday party—like Joey!
(Photo: gourmetgoodiesbykate)

If your club members are “all thumbs” when it comes to baking, this “General Hawk” cake pan should help speed things up. (Photo: ebay)

Clearly the work of a professional, this outstanding GIjOE cake features perfectly cut stars and logo. And the green color has that perfect RAH feel. (Photo: cakecentral)

Ho-Ho-How about a Humvee full of Christmas presents? How cool is THIS? (Photo: frostedcelebrations)

Anyone can make a “Joe Cake” with just a little imagination and some good ol’ fashioned “Joe Spirit.” On this homemade birthday cake, Joe has just taken down a bad guy and restrains with a rubber band. We love how GIjOE’s name is so much larger than poor little “Max.” Hilarious! (Photo: iheartcakes)

Another great example of a “club cake,” this one was for the Central Illinois GIjOE Collector’s Club. It was baked and then decorated by a local grocery store (Meijer), using some kind of high-tech, “edible image’ frosting. Don’t worry. It was GREAT! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Bottom Line: Whatever the occasion, whether it be a GIjOE club meeting, birthday party or just for fun, there’s no better way to “top off” the event’s festivities, than with a GIjOE-themed dessert. With that in mind, we’ve saved the very BEST GIjOE cake for last. It was created by our good friends in the Long Island Division of the GIjOE Collector’s Club. Click HERE or on the video link below and prepare to be BLOWN AWAY. Enjoy!

Goldenrod LSO Prototype Uniform Purchased From Official “Hasbro Seconds Store” in 1960s

This closeup of the unproduced Hasbro prototype “goldenrod” LSO suit, reveals it came with red striping only. This early sample was rejected in favor of a more elaborate tan suit with day-glo orange and pink striping, more closely matching actual jumpsuits worn by LSO crewmen during the Korean War and early ’60s. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Ever been to a “Day-Old Bread Store?”

They’re small, “no-frills” bread stores that sell off unsold loaves of “day-old” bread, damaged pastries and any other “defective” baked-goods considered unsellable at full retail (box of broken bear claws, anyone?). Bakeries typically operate one or more of these shops in poorer neighborhoods of nearby cities and towns, offering such “day-old” baked goods at steeply discounted prices. (I’ve tried them out. It’s actually a great deal. Taste-wise, you can’t tell the difference!)

In a similar manner, during the 1960s and ’70s, long before there was a GIjOE Collector’s Club Store or an online “buy-direct” HasbroToyShop website, fans of “America’s Movable Fighting Man” could go into a small store in Pawtucket, RI, that sold authentic factory “seconds,” direct to the public. The store was a convenient and practical outlet for a growing toy company trying to recoup some of its pre-production and prototyping expenses (i.e.”up-front” costs typically incurred when designing and testing new toys). What it couldn’t sell out of its seconds store would sadly, simply end up in a landfill somewhere. In a recent interview with The Joe Report, longtime GIjOE dealer, George Gray, provided additional insight into this little-known chapter of GIjOE history…

GIjOE Collector and Dealer, George Gray, a high school teacher from Dover, TN, holds up his authentic Hasbro goldenrod prototype LSO suit at JoeCon 2013. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

“About 12 to 15 years ago, I bought a large lot of miscellaneous vintage stuff off ebay. Right away, I could tell there was something different about the items. They were all authentic Hasbro all right, but they didn’t look ‘correct’ in many ways.

I asked the seller for more information, and she turned out to be an old lady from Rhode Island. Apparently, back in the 1960s, she would go into what she called a Hasbro ‘seconds’ store in Pawtucket and pick up ‘seconds’ and discounted Hasbro toys.

Originally, I had a lot more uniforms, boots and things, but I’ve sold or traded most of it away over the years. I wish I had kept it all together, because it would have been interesting for fans if I had photographed and recorded all of the so-called defects and differences between the ‘rejects’ and final production pieces.”

This closeup of the back of the unusual LSO suit reveals the perfect fit and finish of an intricately formed , factory-produced garment. Clearly, this is the REAL DEAL! (Photo: Mark Otnes)

Intrigued by his find, George decided to seek the counsel and second opinion of a renowned GIjOE expert, Dan McKee from Southern California. McKee studied Gray’s prototype LSO suit quite extensively, comparing its materials and construction with his own vintage pieces. Ultimately, McKee concurred with the ebay seller’s assertion that it was indeed a vintage GIjOE jumpsuit and that it had undeniably been manufactured by Hasbro. When asked whether he felt it was a real “prototype” test uniform, McKee emphatically declared:

“Absolutely, it’s real!”

But That’s Not All…

The “clincher” in this story really occurred with the revelation of one more piece of corroborating information. According to the old woman in Rhode Island, all of the Hasbro “seconds” in the store were marked in a specific way so as to indicate that they were NEVER to be sold at retail. The “mark,” she said, was a “scarlet slash” made though the GIjOE logo with a permanent (red) laundry pen. Wha…?

A closeup of the tag in the LSO jumpsuit reveals a faded red marker “slash” through the logo, confirming it as a vintage Hasbro “second,” most likely a rejected color-test prototype. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

A closeup of an actual 1:1 scale LSO uniform reveals that neither version by Hasbro was 100% correct. (Photo: Charles Bury)

Fascinated by her revelation, Gray quickly tugged at the collar tag of the old jumpsuit and discovered to his delight, that sure enough, it DID bear such a red mark! Combined with all the other indicators, there seems to be little doubt that this piece is an authentic Hasbro product, most likely produced as a color-test prototype. Once rejected, it was apparently marked and tossed into the company’s outgoing “seconds” bin to be sold from their store as such. Thankfully, Gray’s research and identification have rescued it from obscurity and provided fans with yet another intriguing glimpse into GIjOE’s history.

Bottom Line: Our sincerest thanks to all of the generous contributors to this article, including: George Gray, Dan McKee, Charles Bury, Nick Bowyer and that “little old lady from Pawtucket,” Go, JOE!

Final production version of the LSO set. (Photo: Nick Bowyer)

DC Comics Legend, Carmine Infantino, Dead at 87

Batman and Robin were elevated to the status of American entertainment icons by the exciting 1960′s artwork of DC great, Carmine Infantino. (Artwork: Infantino/Anderson)

Carmine Infantino, as rendered by another comics art legend, Neal Adams. (Art: Neal Adams)

‘Silver Age’ comics legend, Carmine Infantino, died yesterday (April 4, 2013). He was 87. I LOVED Infantino’s artwork and the comic books in which it appeared. I never met the man personally, but if you ever mention his name to me, a thousand colorful, exciting images will immediately come flooding back to my mind. That’s the “power” of any really, REALLY great artist.

If you’ve never heard of Infantino, I highly recommend you take a few moments today to acquaint yourself with some of his amazing work. You may suddenly realize that indeed, you do recognize something he’s done, if not in the realm of comics, than perhaps in the arena of toys and action figures. Fortunately, there are numerous websites, personal interviews and in-depth articles available about the man, all free and online.

In addition to his extensive comic book art legacy, Mr. Infantino was also well-known by fans of 1:6 scale action figures as the artist who was chosen to illustrate the packaging of Playing Mantis’ “retro-repro” line of Captain Action action figures. In fact, the man who originally worked with him on that line, Round 2′s Joe Ahearn, has just posted a very nice tribute to Infantino over on the Captain Action fan website. You can read that post HERE.

Captain Action’s first reappearance after 40 years was in this new box illustrated by Camine Infantino for Playing Mantis Toys. (Photo: Joe Ahearn)

Bottom Line: If you grew up in the 1960s, you may remember begging your mother for “just one more” DC comic book at your local grocery store (remember those rotating racks FULL of bright, shiny new comics?). If so, your pleas would surely have been music to Mr. Infantino’s ears.

Huge 1:6 Scale Aircraft Carrier Discovered in FL

Ricky Smith’s reports of a “1:6 scale aircraft carrier” in FL were quite intriguing. (Photo: Ricky Smith)

The Mystery of the 1:6 Scale USS Oriskany (CV-34)

Toy dealer and GIjOE fan, Ricky Smith, wrote in to The Joe Report recently to tell us about something exciting he had discovered in Pensacola, FL—a 1:6 scale Aircraft Carrier! No, we’re not talking about the 1980′s U.S.S. Flagg playset by Hasbro, we’re talking about a MASSIVE, 60-foot behemoth, currently “dry-docked” on an equally lengthy semi trailer. To better illustrate the ship’s size, Smith placed one of his Sailor GIjOEs onto its deck and took the following photo (see below):

Smith’s 12″ GIjOE Sailor is placed on the ship for a quick size comparison. Bring the hand railings up a tad and you’re good to go! (Photo: Ricky Smith)

Holy Hull Size, Batman! Ricky was right. This ship is huge! The mystery of its origins quickly deepened. Who built it and why? Why was it sitting out in a field in Pensacola? Perhaps it had been built by some enterprising Florida GIjOE club members to pose with their GIjOEs? Or as a display in a museum? Or…? Smith didn’t know, but he offered to help learn more, telling us…

“When I first saw it, I freaked out! I’d love to place a blue Panther Jet up on its Carrier deck and take a picture of that. When I have the time, I’ll try to find out more and send you another picture with a person standing next to it so you can get a better idea just how MASSIVE this thing really is!”

Closeup of the bow. Note all the painted windows, ports and handrails. (Photo: Ricky Smith)

By now, our curiosity had been seriously peaked. Though clearly not an accurate “museum-quality” 1:6 scale replica, the ship exudes a serious amount of “play value” and its incredible size was almost too big to be believed. Who would build such a colossus? To construct something this large required serious dedication and extensive construction experience. We set out to discover the ship’s secrets, and what we would find is amazing.

The carrier float was modeled after the USS Oriskany (CV-34), made famous in the film, “The Bridges at Toko-Ri,” based on the book by James Michener. (Photo: Bantam Books)

The Truth Revealed

Closer examination of Smith’s photos, coupled with our own research, ultimately solved the mystery. It turns out that this massive construction was originally built to be a parade float for the 1955 Armed Forces Day Parade in Philadelphia, PA. Sponsors of the float (and their families) were able to sit in, on, and around the float as it was towed down Main Street in the parade. According to Ted Sherman, author of a 2007 article recounting its origins:

“It was several months before Armed Forces Day 1955 in Philadelphia, and our Naval Reserve Air Group was asked to create and ride a float in the parade. Most of us had returned two years before from active duty deployment in the Korean War. We decided to make our float a replica of the USS Oriskany (CV34), the aircraft carrier many of us had served aboard in combat off the North Korean coast.

The Oriskany had also gained quite a bit of notoriety after returning to the States the previous year and starring as the fictional carrier in the movie, “The Bridges at Toko-Ri,” based on a novel written by James Michener and starring William Holden, Mickey Rooney and Grace Kelly.”

As recently as 2012, the venerable parade ship had been rigged with electric lights and appeared in the Mardi Gras night parade in Pensacola, FL. (Photo: divemasterking2000)

Construction of a Colossus

Mr. Sherman’s account of the ship’s construction revealed just how large an undertaking it would become, requiring a small army of helpers and specialists to make it a reality. Here is the excerpt:

“As for our float-building task, we started with a big flat-bed truck. With the help of many reservist volunteers, carpenters and painters, we built a flight deck and painted in all the usual carrier markings. We also made a fake bow with USS Oriskany CV34 painted in large letters. Carpenters built the superstructure, complete with all the compartments, weather decks, gun tubs and other realistic items. One clever worker took a child’s large motorized backyard spinner toy and strung on it several models of our aircraft at the time, F6F fighters and TBF torpedo bombers.”

Continually maintained by volunteers since its construction in 1955, the massive USS Oriskany parade float ship is still utilized in annual parades down in Pensacola, FL. Note how it dwarfs the extended-cab pickup truck struggling to tow it into position for a parade in 2012. This thing is HUGE! (Photo: farm6)

Great advice for Future Float Builders

In case you’re getting any ideas of your own for building giant 1:6 parade floats, especially floats supporting our military or honoring our veterans, Mr. Sherman concludes his article saying:

“When it was all completed, along with masts, lines and signal flags, the slowly spinning aircraft made our float look almost like the real thing in miniature. If there can be any tips we can pass on, it is that if you get an assignment to build a float for an Armed Forces Day parade, make it as realistic and respectful as you can. In planning and building it, you should always keep in mind that you’re not celebrating Disney characters nor Rose Bowl flowers, but honoring those who served in America’s wars.”

The CV-34 float in a recent daytime parade in Pensacola, FL, honoring USN personnel and their families. (Photo: Meyer Muse)

Bottom Line: Our sincerest thanks to Ricky Smith for bringing this amazing story to our attention and to Ted Sherman for his detailed history of the ship. Its continued maintenance is an ongoing testament to the love and support Americans share for the men and women of our beloved United States Navy. If you’d like to learn more about the “Big O” (the USS Oriskany), click HERE. For a great clip of the opening scenes of The Bridges at Toko-Ri, featuring REAL Korean War-era USN Panther Jets taking off from the deck of the USS Oriskany, click on the link below. And…GO NAVY!

“The Karma of Joe” Prompts Acts of Generosity From Thousands of G.I. Joe Fans and Collectors

“Joe Karma” in action: 100 grateful fans received free “G.I. LOVE JOES!” buttons at Joelanta 2013, courtesy of Patches of Pride. (Photo: Mark Otnes)

“The Karma of Joe” is a very real force for GOOD that grows stronger every year.

In another generous example of “Joe Karma,” GIjOE collector, David Howard, reproduces vintage packaging and offers it at cost to fellow fans in an effort, as he said, “to give something back to the GIjOE community.” (Photo: Mark Otnes)

GIjOE collecting has evolved quite dramatically over the last four decades. In its earliest phase of the 1980s, collectors and fans were left largely on their own; forced to rely on their individual wits and wherefores in order to gather new items for their nascent collections.

Most had no clue that there were even any other fans out there pursuing this peculiar little hobby. There was no internet. No ebay. No online forums or newsgroups. The only reliable sources of vintage 12″ figures were print publications like Toy Shop Magazine (remember those?), repeated trips to antique stores, flea markets and neighborhood garage sales, or searching through relative’s attics in hopes of discovering something that had been “left behind” from someone’s childhood.

There were no GIjOE clubs. No conventions. No online networks of fans brimming with the wisdom of thousands of like-minded collectors with whom you could share questions, discoveries and observations. In those early years, “Joeheads” were lonely—and disconnected. Fortunately, Things Change!

Charitable organizations such as the USO have benefited from generous GIjOE fans and “Joe Karma” over the years. (Graphic: USO)

With the introduction of the internet in the 1990s, the GIjOE hobby began to evolve. Suddenly, fans discovered they weren’t alone. Online forums and websites proliferated. The “loner” mentality of many collectors began to fade. New friendships were forged online and a community “Spirit of GIjOE” took root. THIS…was the beginning of what fans now affectionately call, “Joe Karma.”

“Joe Karma,” simply put, is ANY act of generosity given by a GIjOE fan to another person or organization. The recipient of the “karma” doesn’t have to know ANYTHING about GIjOE. In fact, over the years, acts of Joe Karma have spread out to include support for charities such as the USO, the Joelanta beneficiary Cody Lane Memorial Toy and Diorama Museum, the USMC’s Toys For Tots and many others. Over in the old Sandbox forum, collector “BDK” had this to say about Joe Karma:

“I am only repaying all the great ‘boxers who helped me when I first came to this wonderful place we call ‘The Sandbox.’ And helping each other is what it’s all about. I hope that we can hold firm to the true meaning of ‘Good Joe Karma’ and hang tough during the bad times. Fortunately, our good times FAR outnumber the bad.”

Many GIjOE fans are also Marine Corps veterans who heartily support the annual “Toys for Toys” drive with donations of new, NRFB GIjOEs. Oohrah! (Graphic: USMC)

Collector-to-collector Joe Karma goes largely unheralded on a daily basis, and includes such selfless acts as throwing in extra items with orders or trades, helping out by hosting GIjOE club meetings, assisting and setting up dioramas for local events at VFWs and/or museums, giving out “freebies” at shows, and much more. If you’ve committed ANY such act of Joe Karma, we’re all the better for your generosity.

In conclusion, let’s take a brief look back at the earliest days of Joe Karma when renowned GIjOE collector and veteran Sandboxer, Thor Sadler (son of celebrity SSgt Barry Sadler, of “The Ballad of the Green Berets” fame), penned a timeless essay entitled, “A Story of Joe Karma” (edited for length):

GIjOE fan and collector, Thor Sadler, hoisted high by his father, famed US Army Green Beret SSgt, Barry Sadler. (Photo: albertarose.org)

“To all the Sandboxers who’ve come and gone, I dedicate this post to ‘Joe-Karma.’ It’s a hundred degrees plus with the heat index today. No sign of Winter, nor even Fall as I look out my window.

There’s no merry music playing on the radio. But news of death and tragedy abounds.

There’s not a tree in my house with lights or objects that glitter. No word from a preacher about a child being born. It is not Christmas.

But there in my foyer, are several boxes full of LOVE and GOOD WILL, all destined for children I know only by their names, living in nations all around the world.

Who are these children? I’ll tell you…they’re our kindred spirits. They’re YOU. They’re me. They’re all the children we offer a small portion of our wealth to, so that THEY too, may know the JOY—of our kindred toy…G.I. Joe.” —Thor

Bottom Line: Why do so many GIjOE fans participate and believe in the power of “Joe Karma?” Well, we can’t speak for all of them, but we have to believe it’s because Joeheads are predominantly a bunch of thoughtful, generous souls. We enjoy spreading the good will of GIjOE whenever and wherever we can. “Joe Karma” is a very real force. And it’s alive and well! Go, JOE!.

Pro or Con? Using Modern RC Technology to Add Authentic Sounds, Weapon Effects and Lifelike Realism to 1:6 Scale Action Figures and Vehicles

This portion of an old Hasbro ad reveals how GIjOE fans once played with 1965′s “state-of-the-art” 5-star Jeep: They got down in the dirt! Recent advancements in RC technology have begun to change how fans play with such toys in backyards around the world. (Ad scan provided by: Mark Wright)

Consider this supposition:

Cost factors aside…What if, as a kid, your original GIjOE 5-Star Jeep had been a fully RC product, complete with motion and sound effects, a remotely rotating and elevating gun with remotely fired rocket shells and an animatronic driver and gunner that actually moved, looked around, etc. Would such high-tech, “hands-off” enhancements have made it a better toy?

Your gut reaction might be to say, “Heck yeah!” But let’s think it about it for moment. Would such a radically enhanced Jeep have been as much fun to play with? OR…would such a “superior” product have lessened the need for Andy and George’s mutual “imaginative interaction,” thereby making them mere operators of a toy with a predictable series of mechanized movements? Hmm…

Make Room for Daddy! “Backyard Battles” aren’t just for kids anymore.

Ramon Mendoza (above left), prepares to demonstrate his fully remote-operated 1:6 scale RC Tiger 1 Tank from Armortek ($8,500) to attendees of the 2012 GIjOE and Action Figure Show in Algonquin, IL Mendoza admits owning and operating such massive, high-tech toys is hardly “child’s play” as his all-metal Tiger weighs in at over 300 lbs and has numerous sharp, pointed edges, making it too dangerous for children.
(Photo: Mark Otnes) Click to enlarge.

Is it time for aging GIjOE fans to finally get up off their knees and stop playing down in the dirt? For some, the answer would be a resounding, “YES.” To such fans, recent advancements in RC technologies have opened up a whole new world of 1:6 scale collecting, customization and “play” possibilities.

By contrast, many “old-school” Joeheads continue to assert their belief that the more things a toy can do by itself, the less “hands-on” it becomes, and the lower actual play-value it possesses. According to this perspective, “Simpler…is Better!”

But regardless of your collecting preferences, it’s undeniable that 1:6 scale action figures and their vehicles have come a LONG way since the time when Hasbro’s 5-Star Jeep and its working spotlight, firing rocket shells, and (delightfully annoying) “Moto Rev” sound made it a “state-of-the-art” toy.

Playing with GIjOEs and 1:6 scale vehicles in the dirt (inside or outside) used to be commonplace and second nature to most fans, as this ’60s Hasbro ad clearly demonstrates. Are today’s tech-savvy adult fans moving 1:6-scale play too far from the past’s “hands-on,” imagination-based methods—or merely expanding upon them? (Photo: Hasbro)

Hasbro’s 1967 ad for its “Capture Hill 79″ GIjOE promotion clearly reflects the company’s awareness of how boys were playing with toys at that time; down on the ground, hands-on, and engaged. Are these innocent, imagination-fueled days gone forever? (Ad scan: Mark Wright) Click to enlarge.

Cue “Old Codger” voice here…

“Back in MY day…Before we had all these new high-tech ‘gizmos,’ kids had to use their IMAGINATIONS —and Saturday morning cartoons— to fill the hours. We played OUTSIDE, right down on the ground, like a bunch’a little monkeys! In the rain, snow, water or MUD. We didn’t care. We knew how to have FUN with our toys; ESPECIALLY with our GIjOEs!

We thought nuthin’ of pushing our Jeeps and MSVs around on our hands and knees for HOURS. Heck, half the fun was making our own sound effects like “Vrroom! Bang!” and “POW!” We used rulers, rubber bands and rocks to make catapults, and if we had any, lit REAL smoke bombs and firecrackers! We didn’t need no fancy ‘RC toys’ to have fun. We just made it up. And we LIKED it!”

This “screen grab” from a video shows two nude animatronic figures with Dragon headsculpts and how wiring connects to the electronic “guts” housed inside their chest and pelvis regions. (Photo: Ylms)

Our “Old Codger’s” dialogue is, of course, all made up. But his viewpoint is actually shared by many. Regardless, times and toys are always changing, and as the children of the past turn into today’s adults, a growing number of them now seek to improve and enhance the detail level of toys they previously believed to be perfect. They’re known of course, as “customizers.”

We’ve profiled many of these talented individuals in previous articles, and at the top of this fortunate group are the ones who are technologically (and financially) able to upscale their 1:6 scale products with advanced RC capabilities. With built-in digital sound effects, cameras, movable, recoiling and sometimes firing(!) weaponry, smoke-makers, powerful motors and drive-trains, their creations are QUITE amazing. A quick search of YouTube revealed hundreds of 1:6 scale RC, but these three videos demonstrate the advancements we’re discussing:

Video #1: Animatronic 1:6 Scale Action Figures w/RC Tank

In this first video by Wolfinger13, a German animatronic tank crew scans their surroundings for targets before firing off a shot into the woods. Absolutely real-looking and convincing. The crew moves, the turret rotates, the gun fires (with smoke and sound effect!), and the tank RUMBLES away at the end. Watch after the cannon-shot is fired. It seems as if the two crewman exchange a few words before driving away. So cool!

Video #2: Animatronic Figures w/RC Motorcycle & Sidecar

In this second video, Wolfinger13′s has built an outstanding, fully RC, 1:6 scale Zundapp KS50 WW2 Motorcycle with a scratch-built wooden sidecar and 2(!) animatronic Dragon figures. We’ve seen other WW2 RC motorcycles, but none with animatronic figures and sound effects added. With the camera mounted on a tripod, and no human hands visible, the officer and his driver take a few laps around the patio, interact with each other, and just seem so REAL. Superb work!

What happens when you combine a GIjOE, customized Mercury Space Capsule and a giant 1:6 scale Redstone rocket? The answer can only be: FUN! (Photo: mercuryjoe.com)

Video #3: The “Mercury Joe” Flights

Let’s not forget GIjOE pilots, astronauts and their assorted air and spacecraft. When I was but a wee lad of 7 years, I received a brand-new, bright blue, IRWIN Panther Jet for Christmas. I remember pushing that big blue bird across my living room floor, its built-in noise-maker going “click-click-click.” For a 7-year old, that was pretty high-tech. And the next Christmas, I received my first GijOE Space Capsule. Come on! What could be cooler than that? Such great toys!

But now, over 40 years later, my viewpoint is altered somewhat by adulthood, and in this third video, we’ll discover what happens when an RC model-rocketry experts mounts a heavily customized GIjOE Space Capsule onto to the top of 1:6 scale Mercury Redstone rocket. His resulting “Mercury Joe” missions have become legend with fans, and all been captured on video. Here’s one of the best…

What does the future hold for the way fans play with GIjOEs?

We don’t have a crystal ball, but clearly, the evolving interests of many adult GIjOE collectors, combined with an increasing consumption of sophisticated RC technology, seems to indicate that many future 1:6 scale “Backyard Battles” will be waged from the comfort of Dad’s lawn or easy chair. It may be time for some Joeheads to get up off their hands and knees, after all!

Bottom Line: How you chose to play with GIjOEs is up to you. But we wonder: How far can technology take our 12″ heroes? You have only to look at real-world developments in RC drone technology and miniaturization to conceive of a possible future scenario like the one depicted in the fantasy film, “Small Soldiers” (see trailer below). But it couldn’t REALLY happen. Right? Hmm…

“Remember the ALAMO!” Defeat of Mission’s Defenders Remembered 177 Years Later

Alamo reenactors fire a volley in honor of the fallen defenders of the Alamo who lost their lives in the iconic Texas battle 177 years ago today. (Photo: John Davenport, San Antonio Express-News)

Right up front I’ll tell you I’m a Native Texan. Born and Raised.

And if you know anything about us Texans, you know that we’re VERY proud of our state’s unique and storied history. I was born and raised in Austin, the state capital, and I’ve been to the Alamo in nearby San Antonio many times.

Each time I’ve visited has been an eye-opening, emotional experience for me. To stand on the exact spot where the horrific seige took place; where the tiny mission full of volunteer Americans fought against overwhelming odds and ultimately all lost their lives—ALWAYS leaves me speechless with the deepest respect, admiration and eternal thanks.

Today marks the 177th anniversary of that battle. Whether or not you’re a Texan, all Americans should know about these important historical events. If you have a few moments, please jump HERE to read the superb coverage of today’s commemoration. And…“Remember the Alamo!”

1960′s Television Icons Robert Clary (87) and Robert Conrad (84) Celebrate Birthdays Today

For Robert Conrad in his prime, there was probably no such thing as a “bad hair day.” Here he is as 1880′s Secret Service Agent, James West, in a scene from an episode of his very popular ’60s TV show, “The Wild, Wild West.” Conrad turned 84 today. (Photo: CBS)

Robert Clary in a scene from TV’s “Hogan’s Heroes.” Clary turned 87 today. (Photo: CBS)

Two Talented Men—Same Birthday!

When I was a kid growing up in the 1960s, television was one of my favorite windows into the adventures and historical heroes of yesteryear. Sure, I enjoyed books, comics, and movies as much as anyone else, but Saturday morning cartoons and nightly adventure programs on TV were more my thing.

Coincidentally, two of the stars of two of my favorite shows both celebrate their birthdays today. First, Robert Conrad, of CBS’ “Wild, Wild West” (WWW) and then later, NBC’s “Baa Baa Blacksheep” (BBB), turns 84 today. Likewise, Robert Clary, the last living “hero” from CBS’ “Hogan’s Heroes,” turns a healthy and robust 87 years young today.

Robert Conrad portrayed WW2 hero, Pappy Boyington, in NBC’s “Baa Baa Blacksheep.” (Photo: NBC)

Conrad is still very much in the public eye and has his own weekly talk-radio show over on CRN found HERE. Clary is now fully retired and enjoys spending his days with his family; singing, and painting. He has a very basic website which still sells his recordings and original artwork HERE.

Hogan, Schultz and Klink have all been made into 1:6 scale action figures. Can James West and Louie Le Beau be far behind? (Photo: Sideshow Toys) Click to enlarge.

Both stars also have many connections to things that interest collectors and fans of 1:6 scale, including WWII, the American West, action figures and of course, nostalgic “classic television.” Conrad’s WWW show even featured a customized GIjOE as a stand-in for one scene, playing a miniature version of James West on a chess board (see photo below). To date, Clary has not been made into an “official” action figure, but customs are sure to exist SOMEWHERE (Hello, Wayne Faucher? Rick Ratto?). Interestingly, the three “primaries” of Hogan’s Heroes (Hogan, Schultz and Klink) were immortalized by Sideshow Toys back in 2006. Perhaps a second set featuring Le Beau, Kinch, Carter and Newkirk will be forthcoming soon (keeping our fingers crossed).

Bottom Line: The staff of The Joe Report would like to take a moment today to send out a big, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” to both of these talented performers. Thank you for so many years of innocent, fun-filled adventure, comedy and musical entertainment!

In this scene from “The Wild, Wild West,” GIjOE was cast as the perfect stand-in for Robert Conrad when an actor of 1:6 scale was required. The beautiful actress seems to be thoroughly enjoying stroking Joe’s noggin’ (the first, EVER “Fuzzhead”), and Joe doesn’t appear to be complaining too much. Also note the superb custom costume created by the studio’s prop department. Incredible! (Photo: CBS)

Robert Clary and Cynthia Lynn clown around for a publicity still taken on the set of CBS’ irreverent and satirical ’60s sitcom,“Hogan’s Heroes.” (Photo: CBS)

Toy History on the Auction Block: Owners of Bankrupt 21st Century Toys Begin Long Process of Selling Off Prototypes and “One-of-a-Kinds”

This weird, WILD, super-creative 1:6 scale prototype of 21st Century Toys “Battle Suite” was built by renowned custom vehicle maker, Neville Page. Unfortunately, it was shown only at the Toy Fair in NYC and never reached final production status. This amazing one-of-a-kind vehicle is now up for auction over on ebay with an opening bid of $500. (Photo: usarules)

This closeup of a resin headsculpt prototype reveals superb sculpting and details. What a SHAME it never made it to final production! (Photo: usarules)

Piece by piece, item by item…

Heads up, 1:6 scale fans! The past, present, and vast, unfulfilled future potential of 1990′s popular toy manufacturer, 21st Century Toys (21stC), is currently being auctioned off on ebay to the highest bidders. Years after the company’s untimely and unfortunate bankruptcy, its owners are attempting to recoup some of their losses—one auction lot at a time.

Everything from 21stC’s original clay-sculpted prototypes of its never-produced “Grimsphere” line, to resin castings of new headsculpts and equipment, even full-size mock-ups of never-produced vehicles—it’s all up for sale RIGHT NOW. Let’s take a look at some of the auctions currently running…

The Weird World of “Grimsphere”

The first auction to catch our eyes includes a MASSIVE 150-bag lot of original prototypes from the pre-production phase of 21stC’s unreleased “Grimsphere” line. While it is difficult to determine EXACTLY what’s in all those little bags, according to the auction’s description by seller, usarules:

“These are from the un-released Grimsphere line that was introduced at the New York Toy Fair. These are hand-made prototypes, NOT production toys. Very very RARE! This auction is for a HUGE lot of parts. Over 150 bags. Misc parts, hats, boot, weapons, bones, heads, hands, tombstones, etc. Both wax and resin parts in various conditions! Please see the photos. These things look AWESOME!”

Closeup of the 150-bag lot of unproduced “Grimsphere” prototypes currently being auctioned ovcr on ebay. (Photo: usarules) Click to enlarge.

Fans, collectors and entrepreneurs alike realize the tremendous potential at stake with this particular auction. The 21stC Grimsphere line was sort of a futuristic, “goth-vampire killer” sci-fi line of 1:6 scale figures. Writing on the bags reveals intriguing clues about the unproduced line, with descriptions such as, “Chainsaw for the Jesse character,” “Vampire,” and “Specimen Jar.” Cool!

Now, over 10 years later, this massive, historical trove of original 21stC prototypes, if still in viable, usable condition, could provide a tremendous boost for any enterprising individual (or existing company) wishing to produce new products of their own. Just think of it! All the hard, artistic work is already done. All that remains is to find a company with the requisite infrastructure and equipment to begin mass-producing copies. (Hello, Cotswold? Hobbycrash?)

This auction lot contains FOUR resin copies of a never-produced “Detective” headsculpt, complete with molded-on wrap-around sunglasses. Superb! What a shame it didn’t get manufactured. (Photo: usarules)

It’s unclear from these prototype photos, but it’s possible the legs of the “Battle Suite” walker may have been intended to fold up, or “transform.” Shown with included figure (in shrink-wrap). (Photo: usarules) Click to enlarge.

WW2 Meets “War of the Worlds”

This second auction is a real MIND-BLOWER. It’s for a one-of-a-kind, 1:6 scale prototype vehicle of something known only as the “Battle Suite.” Created by famed vehicle designer, Neville Page, this wild contraption gives you an idea of the highly creative, “outside the box” approach 21stC was shooting for, and the type of products it was planning to build before it collapsed financially.

Visually, it’s a cross between a Star Wars “Scout Walker” and the turret of a double-barreled Sherman Tank. This thing has “bad-ass” written all over it! Standing at over 2 feet tall, it was also wired for lights and sound effects and was apparently going to include one fully outfitted figure or “driver” with each vehicle (see shrink-wrapped figure in adjacent photo on the right). According to the description…

“Ultimate Soldier Fans, here is a chance to own some real 21stC history. This is a PROTOTYPE, Sci-Fi WWII U.S. Army ‘Battle Suite.’ Designed for the 1/6th scale figures. Hatches open and close. This thing is HUGE, over 25″ Tall and 12″ Wide. It was built by Neville Page at Neville Page’s Studio. (Neville is now on the TV Show “Face Off” as one of the judges.) This is one of the most expensive prototypes 21stC EVER had built.

It had working lights & the two guns moved. These are hand-made, NOT production toys. Considering its age and how many times it was moved, it is in good shape. It will require the buyer to have model building and model painting skills to bring it back to life, as you can see in the photos. This thing is VERY Cool.”

Another intriguing unproduced headsculpt currently for auction over on ebay. This handsome character comes with a pony tail that was molded separately. Perhaps he was intended to be some sort of heroic “Vampire Slayer” character? Unfortunately, we’ll probably never know. (Photo: usarules)

Very cool, indeed! Imagine all the wild sci-fi diorama possibilities this thing could create. It’s easy to picture some cigar-chompin’ “Sarge” poking out of the hatch, scanning the wastelands with his binoculars and blasting away at a bunch of post-apocalyptic “Grimsphere” zombie-vampires walking around. “There they are, men! Blast ‘em!” Ka-CHOOMMM!

If this unique sell-off of historic, 21st Century Toys paraphernalia continues, it would bode collectors well to keep VERY close eyes on ebay during the next few months. Fans on the One-Sixth Warriors forum are already doing just that. They’re plotting to pool their respective resources, then go in together on the bidding and “divide up the spoils” if they should ultimately emerge victorious.

Bottom Line: We’d like to wish usarules all the best with their auctions. 21st Century Toys brought a lot of happiness to a lot of people and the chance to own an authentic piece of the company’s history is a rare and delightful opportunity. Whether these prototypes end up in the hands of individual collectors or enterprising companies, it will be VERY interesting for fans to see what, if anything, is ever done with it all. To get in on all the exciting “auction action,” jump over to usarules’ ebay page HERE. Best of luck and Happy Bidding!

Semper Fi! WWII “Battle of Iwo Jima” Began Today

This gripping photo shows one Marine firing his Thompson machinegun at an enemy position while another ducks out of his line of fire. These two intrepid U.S. Marines were photographed sometime during the chaos of the Battle of Iwo Jima, February, 19, 1945. A total of 6,821 Americans would be killed and 19,217 more wounded before the terrible conflict came to an end. Imperial Japanese Army troops were ordered to fight to the death, resulting in 21,844 Japanese dead, 216 captured. (Photo: USMC)

This stunning custom USMC GIjOE created by Don Hanke, features a handmade uniform, hand-casted resin helmet, hand-sewn helmet cover, harness and backpack. Only the grenades, belt and rifle are “store-bought” items. (Photo: Mark Otnes) Click to enlarge.

Please take a moment to remember all the heroes who lost their lives fighting for our freedoms during the Battle of Iwo Jima, which began exactly 68 years ago today. According to the Wikipedia recap:

“The Battle of Iwo Jima (February 19–March 26, 1945), was a major battle in which the United States Armed Forces fought for and captured the island of Iwo Jima from the Japanese Empire. The American invasion had the goal of capturing the entire island, including its three airfields, to provide a staging area for attacks on the Japanese main islands. This month-long battle included some of the fiercest and bloodiest fighting of the War in the Pacific of WWII.

The Imperial Japanese Army positions on the island were heavily fortified, with a dense network of bunkers, hidden artillery positions, and 11 miles of underground tunnels. The Americans on the ground were aided by extensive naval artillery and the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators had complete air supremacy over Iwo Jima from the beginning of the battle.

The iconic flag-raising on Mt. Suribachi by US forces was perfectly captured in this stunning 1:6 scale diorama by “HeavyGang,” currently visible on the homepage of the Patches of Pride website. (Photo: Heavygang) Click to enlarge.

American sea power and air power were capable of delivering vast amounts of fire onto the Japanese troops. This invasion was the first American attack on Japanese home territory, and the Japanese soldiers and Marines defended their positions tenaciously with no thought of surrender. The Japanese general in charge never considered surrendering to the Americans to save his men, and he and his officers had vowed to fight to the death, no matter how hopeless their battle was.

Iwo Jima was also the only battle by the U.S. Marine Corps in which the overall American casualties (killed and wounded) exceeded those of the Japanese, although Japanese combat deaths were thrice those of the Americans. Of the 22,000 Japanese soldiers on Iwo Jima at the beginning of the battle, only 216 of these were taken prisoner. Some of these were captured because they had been knocked unconscious or otherwise disabled. The rest were killed or missing and presumed dead.”