ACTION MAN

German Stormtrooper 1967

Period: Painted Head / Flock Head

Dates: 1967 until c.1980

Cat No: 34111

German Stormtrooper (Soldiers of the Century) Description:

The basic Action Man Action Soldier figure from 1966, could be accessorised with one of these popular uniforms from the range entitled "Soldiers of the Century" (SOTC) that first appeared in c.1967 and appear in the 1968 Equipment Manual. They included the British Infantryman, German Stormtrooper, Russian Infantryman, Australian Jungle Fighter, French Resistance Fighter and American Green Beret. All sets were available in one complete set, or on two 'half cards'. Also included with the set was the 'Intelligence Manual' - showing line drawings of all the soldiers, their equipment and a brief summary of their exploits. The range was renamed in 1973 as 'Soldiers of the World (SOTW). The original side panels on the packaging were adorned by artwork by American Sam Petrucci of the US design agency Thresher and Petrucci.

Action Man Soldiers of the CENTURY Range:

34111:

ACTION MAN GERMAN STORMTROOPER SET: Tunic, trousers, boots (jackboots), helmet, cartridge belt, 2 x triple cartridge sections, Luger pistol, holster, field pack, 2 x 'stick' grenades, Schmeisser sub machine gun, Iron Cross, Intelligence Manual, Equipment Manual.

Equipment 'Half' Cards:

34222:

ACTION MAN GERMAN STORMTROOPER UNIFORM: Tunic, trousers, boots, helmet. Intelligence Manual, Equipment Manual.

34212:

ACTION MAN GERMAN STORMTROOPER EQUIPMENT: Cartridge belt, 2 x triple cartridge sections, Luger pistol, holster, 2 x 'stick' grenades, Schmeisser sub machine gun, Iron Cross. Intelligence Manual, Equipment Manual.

Action Man Soldiers of the WORLD Range:

34140 (and 34167):

Equipment 'Half' Cards:

34252 (and 34252):

ACTION MAN GERMAN STORMTROOPER UNIFORM: Tunic, trousers, boots, helmet. Intelligence Manual, Equipment Manual.

34247 (and 34247):

Notes:

The German Stormtrooper was a very popular set, dating from 1967, along with the British Infantryman. Helmets originally had transfers, but progressed to paper stickers (replacement German helmet stickers available here)- the Swastika from the helmet shield badge was dropped at a later stage. The eagle emblem on the tunic already appeared to be of a generic design not too similar to the one which would have more historically correct. The Schmeisser should have elastic strap for the period of SOTC - and in the mid-seventies weapons progressed to plastic straps during the SOTW range. 1st issue tunics were a heavier fabric than subsequent editions for the SOTW. A similar uniform is the Colditz German Guard of 1974. Generally uniforms got lighter in fabric and manufacture, and there are varying shades over the years from dark green to almost turquoise. (See German Staff Officer). The MP40 Schmeisser is easily damaged. The fold up stock was stuck at various angles by Palitoy and any attempts to adjust or fold it back would result in breakage. Square poppers inside uniform suggest a later issue than the earlier round ones. The Iron cross appears in other sets and therefore isn't too uncommon. A later variation of German Stormtrooper uniform with more accurate webbing and a rifle was introduced in the 1980s.