Special Operations Kit 1972

Notes:

The Action Man Special Operations Kit primus stove has a solid burner on earlier issues, and hollow on later. The knife originally had a gold handle (as seen in other sets) but ended up with the silver handle variety. Earlier Sterlings would have elastic straps, and later plastic. The entrenching tool is two part - the handle should have a plastic strap which often goes missing. The bag itself varies in colour and print thickness and design over a long period. The earliest bags had a metal pin that went through all the eyelets around the bag and a hook on the strap would connect to the looped end. The bags progressed to having a notched plastic tie a bit like an open zip-tie. Earlier knives and forks are harder than later which bend easily. Earlier radio sets have a proper pin hinge, and later had a softer plastic folding hinge. Early canteen had the black top and solid build, later all silver with hollow body. The first binoculars would have a thin elastic strap, progressing to plastic strap connected to lugs. Earlier sets were all packed within the bag itself and stacked in a display box - some feat! The last 'Equipment Centre' carded version had the softer plastic American M1 helmet with the plastic chin strap (the type seen within the Secret mission to Dragon Island set). An Australian version produced by Kenbrite, who named their range 'GI Joe Man of Action'.