ACTION MAN

Action Soldier 1977/78

Period: Eagle Eyes

Dates: c.1977/78

Cat No: 34071

Action Man Soldier 1977/8 Contents:

Action Man (original body with new head)

Jumper (nylon)
Trousers
Boots (short)
Beret (black Tank Regiment.)

Muffler (nylon)

Belt (no slider)

SLR Rifle (plastic strap)
Star Card L513

Eagle Eyes leaflet L406 (head lever instructions)

Nylon Hand Cup

Gripping Hands Leaflet (L575 and L406 was replaced by L487)
Equipment Manual

Soldier Description:

"Go into action with the modern army. They're the stuff that heroes are made of". The basic Action Man Action Soldier figure from 1966, was replaced by a flock haired Action Soldier figure in 1970, and then a 'Gripping hands' version in 1973. The all new Eagle Eyes head shown was developed in the US by Hasbro and arrived on the original figure's body in 1977 making a rare 'hybrid' figure for a year or so. The new head had a small lever to the back of the neckline that would shift the figure's eyes left and right at will. It was available in blond or brown, and as bearded figures too.This new redesigned box was already on the cards for 1977/78 with the 'new' Palitoy Logo'. Another key improvement was round the corner in 1979 - the all new 'Dynamic Physique.'

Notes:

The 1978 figure was to be the last iteration for the Action Man Soldier with the body dating from 1964. He would go on to gain a new 'Dynamic Physique in 1979 and 'Sharpshooter Head in 1981'. Beret is a flatter version of the first type of black plastic beret and looks quite different. Beret badge is susceptible to partial damage - top or bottom quarter often missing. The woolen material Jumper stretches and or shrinks and its hard to find a stable version. Single popper trousers feature the long side pocket used heavily at the time for popular figures. The boots will be of the 1977/78 period (there are numerous versions throughout production). The small included 'Eagle Eyes' instruction leaflet eventually became part of the larger 'Gripping Hands' leaflet shown - making another variation of several.

1977/8 Action Man Soldier box