ACTION MAN

SAS Beachead Attack (Beach Head Assault) c1982

Period: Eagle Eye

Dates:c.1982-83

Cat No: 934880

Action Man Beachead Attack / Beach Head Assault Contents:

Black assault craft

Reversible PVC tent

2 x paddles

Outboard motor - black

Yellow Rope

SIG 50 Machine gun with Infrared sight and bi-pod

Flare fun

Black life vest

Entrenching Tool

Sextant

Blinker light

Sticker Sheet

Information Leaflet L1105

SAS Beachead Attack / Beach Head Assault Description:

The Action Man SAS series was popular in the early 1980s and made possible by the SAS's successful operation to end to the hostage situation at the Iranian Embassy in 1980. This boxed set first appeared named the SAS Beachead (sic) Attack, but was later renamed Beach Head Assault. The earlier Beachead Attack packaging style suggests it was out as early as 1982 as the chevron themed packaging was launched in 1983. The PVC tent has 4 press studs that connect into four small holes in the assault craft. The reversible tent has encapsulated fluorescent orange card panels on the reverse, and when flipped inside out, changing its use into search/rescue role. The tent could also be used stand-alone as suggested on the packaging. The sextant is a later version - of the type with no additional silver detailing as found on the earlier. The paddles do not have yellow tips on this set unlike the earlier sets and Assault Craft on which this set is based. The flare pistol typically has a brown handle, but it is likely (in line with later cost cutting conventions) to be unpainted and all silver. The machine gun has a detachable sight with elastic tether (often broken) and Bren type bi-pod. A three point harnessed life vest is also included. The entrenching tool is the familiar green handle / black tool head version from other sets and Special Operations Kit. Replacement stickers for this are available from the Actionmanhq Shop.

Notes:

The stickers can become damaged by water and are often missing. This set has two box variations. The black assault craft in this set is the same mold as previously in green, but has 4 holes for the tent poppers. The inner orange tent cards can be damaged by water ingress. The outboard motor was powered by a single HP11 battery (not included), and worked when tilted toward the water. The tabs, like many SAS items made from PVC, can easily break or be missing. The instructions sheet contains the 'Night Attack' cartoon strip. The life vest is rare. Replacement SAS stickers are available here

Action Man SAS Secret Mission 'Pod' components