What's your current project?

[GeekDragon]

Looking good!!!!

[Myles_Falworth]

I never heard back from the guy on the Trenches. So this evening I used the Cotswold thigh, and finished the assembly of the Land Adventurer I have been working on for so long. I put him in a nice LA uniform and issued him some "new" boots. He'll get a sidearm after he requalfies at the range tomorrow. Here he is at long last! Next up is the headless AT Commander figure I bought with my Capture Copter from the English website (no longer active). He talks, but the voice is high pitched, but steady. I'll try cleaning the tape tomorrow, and then work on refitting the shoulders with new pieces from Cots. I also have a head which needs reflocking which I'll send off soon. I have a uniform waiting for him too. This one came from none other than Derryl DePriest. Super nice guy, author and former Hasbro employee.

[Myles_Falworth]

I mailed the head off for reflocking today. I'll try to have a go at cleaning the audio tape inside the talker unit today too. I have Q-tips and alcohol, and a vise, so it shouldn't be too difficult.

I have a talker kit from Cotswold which will supply the hardware for the arms. I feel more confident about doing this now after my installation of the Cotswold thigh. I had to drive the rivet in place for the repro thigh just like I would need to for an original. I know how to secure it now. I'm very glad to have the same tools the Toy Tinker Tim uses. The ball peen hammer was especially effective.

I'll post an update after one or both of these tasks are complete. Then I'll post some more pictures of the figure in progress. I'm wondering whether he's not actually a commander. The phrases sound different, and he was sporting a metal dog tag like a Talking Man of Action or Astronaut would wear. We'll find out

[Myles_Falworth]

I replaced the hardware on both arms with the Cotswold kit. The rivets fit perfectly and the arms are ready to reattach. First I'll try cleaning the talking mechanism and see if I cam improve the sound. I tried a new speaker but that didn't help. Here is a photo of the arms with the new hardware installed. Enjoy!

[Myles_Falworth]

I cleaned the tape - which really didn't have much dirt, and I got rid of all the residue of the old sponge padding. I replaced it with new sponge and permanent tape - which didn't hold much at all. And I've reassembled the figure now. He speaks in a high pitched voice which is much louder now, and only part of the first phrase so far. "Gi Joe US Army Reporting for duty!" So he is a Talking Man of Action and not a Commander as I had thought. I do have a head being reflocked as a MOA, and it should be here in a week or two. Then I'll find a uniform for him. I need to look at the instructions for talkers and see what to do about a high pitched voice. I'll post pics once the head arrives and he's suited up in a uniform.

[GeekDragon]

What would we ever do without Cotswold? He's looking good so far.

[Myles_Falworth]

I've done all I can with my Talking Man of Action. He's in a minty MOA uni now just waiting for his boots and head. My next project is easy. The blonde MOA i just bought a few days ago. He has Kung fu grip, and perfect flocking, but his uniform is very faded from many outdoor adventures. I may let him keep that uni just to show the years on the Adventure Team. Here are some closer photos.

[Myles_Falworth]

Cotswold and a couple other sites have kept me in business for sure. So have the generous collectors on the Trenches. So much has been given to me, and so much advice has come from Trenchers. I am truly grateful for them and this wonderful hobby I enjoy so much.

[Myles_Falworth]

Yesterday I fixed his floppy left arm by putting it on the "anvil" and hammering the rivet in a little tighter. It worked! I put a set of boots from the same owner on him last night, and today he'll get new Geyperman Action hands to replace the old KFG hands. I also washed his face yesterday. It's much nicer now. Pics to follow later today/tonight.

[Myles_Falworth]

He's now ready to rejoin the Adventure Team.

He hit the showers and washed his face and got a fresh shave. His boots are on his feet, and his left elbow was fixed at the surgeon's office. He now has Geyperman Action Hands (type 2) which are my favorite hands. Ready for action once again.

[Myles_Falworth]

The next project I will tackle is going to be a broken Joe I bought back in 2021. I posted these photos (from the Ebay ad) back then. I just secured the parts I need (I think) and can restore the upper arms. Wish me luck!

[Myles_Falworth]

Today I've been working on decluttering my study. I still haven't found the older slotted shoulder Joe, however I did find the Joe I posted about on 1/21/23 . I could not remove to marks from his face. So today I replaced his head with a redhead and I restrung his arms. He's in better shape now, and ready for a uniform. Here he is as of today.

[Myles_Falworth]

Here he is in Fight for Survival gear. I have the sled and dogs, harnesses etc, in another box. These will display nicely. I also have the AT version of the uniform. Looking forward to building a winter scene with a lot of Joes in winter gear.

[GeekDragon]

I believe I have the Timeless version of this set somewhere. It is a great set and would love to have a vintage version.

[Myles_Falworth]

I'd love to have the Timeless version too. I have the sled from it.