Action Soldier (1966, 1970 & 1983) – Vintage Action Man
1966 Key Features
The first Action Man Action Soldier was based on the 1964 G.I. Joe for the US market. As you may know, Palitoy’s Action Man figures are licensed copies of Hasbro’s G.I. Joe for the European market. When released, the 1966 Basic Soldier was a great success.
Accessories could be added to this basic soldier figure. The original release box art was a mistaken artist’s impression and was later corrected.
1970 Key Features
In 1970, the Action Man Action Soldier figure was replaced with a new range that featured realistic blonde or brown flock hair and a British-themed uniform. This shifted the action figure away from the US G.I. Joe’s look and catered to boys in the UK.
Similar to the range in 1966, equipment cards could be used to further customize the Action Soldier. In 1973, the Action Soldier naming convention was discontinued and renamed Soldier.
1983 Key Features
This Action Soldier was the last iteration of Action Man Soldier before it was retired in 1984. This latest figure had all the improvements from earlier years, including realistic hair, movable eyes (Eagle Eyes), and hands that could grip. For collectors, take note that the last produced versions featured noticeably bluer eyes.
Action Man Action Soldier Through The Years
| 1966 to 1969 | 1970 to 1973 | 1983 to 1984 |
|---|---|---|
| Shirt | Jacket | Nylon jumper with epaulettes |
| Trousers | Trousers | Camouflage trousers with 1 pocket |
| Tall brown boots | Short boots | Short boots |
| Green cap | Blue beret | Black beret with badge |
| Metal dog tag | Submachine gun with a clip | Green scarf |
| Star card | Plastic dog tag (grey or silver) | Green belt |
| Army training manual | Star card | Black boots |
| Equipment manual | Equipment manual | SLR rifle with plastic strap |
| Star card | ||
| Instruction manual | ||
| Equipment poster |
