Popular Articles
Model Rocket Maintenance
You've built a rocket and flown it several times and you are starting to notice some wear and tear on both your rocket and launch equipment. How do you keep your rocket gear looking good while performing at a high level and staying safe?
Gundam Model Basics
Welcome to the fun world of Gunpla. Gunpla is short for "Gundam Plastic Models" (In Japan, it's just a fad if it doesn't have some weird word to describe it's fanbase). Gundam models are perfect kits...
Filling Model Kit Seams
Let's face it. No one, and I mean no one, enjoys filling seams. It is easily the worst part of building model kits. But, it's gotta be done. Nothing ruins a model faster than a poorly filled seam. Today, I will share some pointers with you...
Model Rocket Range Boxes
You've built your model rocket and have it all ready for its maiden flight. You've watched the weather report and have a good day for launch. In order to launch a rocket, you need to gather your range box. A range box is a fancy term for...
Aftermarket Model Kit Parts
Previously, I have talked about ways to save money by using alternatives to aftermarket parts for your model kit builds. Today I will discuss the various types of aftermarket sets out there and point out their strengths and...
Building A Model Rocket
Today, I will show you how to build a model rocket. I will be using Estes Mini Max for this demonstration. This is a basic rocket that will provide a good first step and teach you all the skills necessary to complete your very own rocket.
Model Rocket Recovery
You've just spent the weekend building your new model rocket and it's time to fly. The last thing you want to do is have all that time and hard work come crashing into the ground. So, let's talk about rocket recovery.
F-100 Model Kit Review
The Trumpeter 1:32nd F-100D is the first production styrene model kit of this aircraft in the bigger scale. The kit does come with a hefty price tag, selling for $150.00, though it can be found in the $120 range from...
Model Kit Weathering Guide
Weathering can be as subtle as the discoloration from a super-heated exhaust pipe on a motorcycle or as prominent as faded paint on a plane. A good weathering job will make your model kit stand out and jump off the shelf.
GI Joe Action Figures
GI Joe action figures are some of the most popular types of action figures still searched for today. The original hit cartoon show from the 1980s is still around today and the 2009 hollywood movie release (The Rise Of Cobra) revitalized these cool old army action figures.
G.I. Joe has captured the imaginations of adolescent boys since the early 1960's. Hasbro, the parent company of the G.I. Joe toy line, redeveloped the aging line in 1982 from the original 12 inch action figure down to the current 3 3/4 inch figurine to allow the company to compete with the Star Wars action figures. It also allowed them to develop and release various vehicles and accessories. The story line that was designed with the relaunch of the toys was one of adventure and specially trained forces that were brought together to oppose the evil C.O.B.R.A., a terrorist organization led by the insidious Cobra commander.
The original launch of G.I. Joe was in 1964 with the 12 inch figures. The original four figures included one for each branch of service. The term "G.I." became popular during the first world war, as the troops began shortening the term Government Issue to simply "G.I.". The term "Joe" was a general reference to all soldiers which was believed to have begun prior to World War II as a central Asian reference to American soldiers. The Hasbro corporation used these two terms and designed a product that has endured for over 50 years.
Some individual action figures have been more popular than others, but the rarest G.I. Joe figures would be the original 12 inch figures produced in 1964-65. Recently one figure sold at auction for over $200,000. The most popular character of the G.I. Joe line, and the most readily recognized, is Snake Eyes. His background has remained "classified" since his inception in 1982. His nondescript appearance, along with his secretive background, makes him an ideal character for many young imaginations worldwide.
Surprisingly, Cobra commander did not make the top ten list for the most popular G.I. Joe figures. Cobra commander was pivotal in the reincarnation of the toy line. His 1982 appearance in both the animated cartoon and comic book, gave the "Real American Heroes" an authentic enemy to pursue. Cobra commander has continued to elude the "Joes" for over 25 years, making him the most notorious character in the G.I. Joe line.
The release of the 2009 movie, G.I. Joe The Rise of C.O.B.R.A., marked a culmination of all that is G.I. Joe. The simple action figure designed for adolescent boys in the 1960's had become a major motion picture, which opened at the top of the box office and grossed over 300 million dollars worldwide. This pinnacle of achievement may only be seen as a plateau in the long running saga that is G.I. Joe.