Junes Interview gibri

name ?
Brian

online name ?
gibri (G. I. Bri)

location ?
Mishawaka/South Bend, Indiana; 2 hours drive from Chicago, 40 minutes to the beach at Lake Michigan

first vam/gi joe/mam or 1/6 figure ?
I was 9 years old in 1964 when I saw an ad in a magazine for “America’s Moveable Fighting Man” I had never seen anything like it before and cannot remember ever wanting anything more. I always loved toy soldiers and the military, especially WWII. I tore that ad out of the magazine and carried it around for days. I would open it up and just stare at that photo of a large size pose able army figure. Mom had no doubt what I wanted that year for Christmas and she took good care of me.


favourite figure now ?
I grew up with PH figures. I never had fuzzheads as a kid. I didn’t get my first flocked figure till I was in my 40’s. I will always love PH Joe, but I have to admit to having been seduced by Eagle Eyes and fancy flock jobs.

most desired item ?
Palitoy Action Man Land Rover

what will you do with your collection as you get older ?
I don’t think I’ll change anything, just proceed with how I approach the hobby now. Kitbash or create custom figures, vehicles and dioramas; collect some vintage figures and vehicles as I am able, take pictures, make comics and continue to share the hobby on the internet. If I were to change anything it would be to complete more of the projects I get ideas for. I would like to have a nice glass fronted display cabinet to showcase a few of my vintage figures and vehicles…someday.

do you set yourself a budget ?
Um, no…budgets have never worked for me, but I do try to show restraint and at times have stopped all spending for a period.

worst vam/gi joe/mam or 1/6 figure ?
Nope, not going to do it, it’s all good.

views on 40th reproductions ?
Nothing could ever replace vintage Action Man or Joe, but I think the 40th sets are great! What could be better than having your favorite childhood toy again and it’s brand new, inexpensive and readily available? It’s great to be able to play or customise them and not have to worry about damaging a valuable and delicate antique.

worst item of the vam/ gi joe/ mam or 1/6 range ?
Again, I have trouble with this question, sorry.

best thing about collecting vam/gi joe/mam or 1/6 figures ?
It really is a fun hobby. You can spend as much or as little as you desire or can afford and still have a great time. I have a few hundred figures of all kinds, but I believe I could still have a lot of fun with only a few figures and a camera.

do you think your collection will be collectible in the future ?
Yes I think it will still have value and there will continue to be people who are interested in collecting, playing and displaying. I have read the arguments that future generations will not have the play history with Action Man as a child and will; therefore, not have as strong an interest in it. I agree with this to a point, but I also think there will always be someone who will have a strong interest in Action Man, G. I. Joe or some of the newer 1/6th scale figures. I think just the fact that there continue to be new manufacturers producing figures leads me to believe that it isn’t over yet and won’t be over anytime soon.

if you did not collect vam /gi joe/mam or 1/6 what would you collect ?
Toy Trains/Model Railroading. I have always loved trains and train lay-outs. I think the train lay-out and the 1/6th diorama are two sides of the same coin. My son was heavily into trains so I got a lot of vicarious enjoyment by helping him.

why do you like ammo ?
I have been to many different 1/6th related Discussion Boards since I first got on the internet. One of the very first things I searched for on-line was G. I. Joe. Even considering all the different boards I have been to, AMMO stands out right away to me as one of the best boards and group of guys I have seen. I have known a few of the guys here for a number of years now, but I am just getting to know most of the fellows here for the first time. What I’m trying to say is that I have been very touched by the warm welcome I have received, thank you. I have seen boards where a group of guys that know each other well act cliquish and make it hard for new members to fit in or feel welcome. I don’t get that feeling here at all and I can see by the way you all treat one another that there is a genuine fondness and caring for each other. I felt instantly comfortable and welcomed here. Thank you very much!

Thanks so much for taking the time to do an interview for us Brian. Great to read your views and get to know you better

Great interview Brian & fascinating to get your views. I met you via here & liked you from the outset as a fellow vam collector.
Not too sure on your BP tastes my friend , But I'll cope lol.

Super interview Brian

I'v just read your interview gibri and I really liked reading it as well , I also would like to have a nice glass fronted display cabinet to showcase my mam figures and I agree with you 100% you CAN still have a lot of fun with only a few figures and a camera .


Thanks for sharing gibri

Great read, Bri - you've slotted in here seamlessly!


'......fancy flock jobs.' That's easy for you to say!

Fancy Flocks

Good name that for a new flocker in town

But i prefer the big fat flocker

Great interview i enjoyed that

gibri wrote:

I have seen boards where a group of guys that know each other well act cliquish and make it hard for new members to fit in or feel welcome.

Your input is just as valued as anyone elses Gibri and always will be

Great interview Gibri, very enjoyable read.

Good interview, Brian. We've met somewhere else but I'm at a loss as to where.

It's amazing how there are certain things that gentlemen of a certain age, such as ourselves, share. I'm sure if we sat down together we would find the parallels uncanny.

Remember the ache we felt as we pored over this equipment list?



I sooo wanted that Jeep.

Thanks very much, everybody!!!

Big Fat Flocker
Good one, Dan!!!

Thanks for the pic of that brochure, Doug. Yes, I spent many hours studying that with the ache of longing, for sure!!!

I think we met at Action Burt, but I've kind of fallen off from posting there.

Thanks, again!!!
Brian

Fantastic interview Brian. You obviously have a great attitude towards our hobby.

Great interview Brian! So you have been with Joe right from the Start!!!!

Very interesting read mate.

Joe90 wrote:

Good interview, Brian. We've met somewhere else but I'm at a loss as to where.

It's amazing how there are certain things that gentlemen of a certain age, such as ourselves, share. I'm sure if we sat down together we would find the parallels uncanny.

Remember the ache we felt as we pored over this equipment list?



I sooo wanted that Jeep.

Great pic of the equipment list Doug.........I'll take ten Jeeps please at $15 each

Great Interview Brian,

Its so cool how on some level Everyone here has something in common!

Some very interesting points and it was a delightful read.

Cheers from Edmonton

Len

Excellent read, Brian.

It's good to have you amongst us vam/Joeheads

Great interview Brian. I can almost see that little kid running around with that advert. I'm glad you got what you wanted from your Mum.

I wonder what our parents make, or would have made about our continued interest/devotion to this great hobby and the little fella. They haloed us develop our Interest and it has stayed with us. Just want to say a big thank you to my mum and dad :-)

Great interview,Brian.

Great insight Brian

a wonderful read

Sir Sid ( your northern neighbour )

Considering this section hasn't any posts in quite a while, I hadn't really
explored it.

But considering Brian's recent passing, I looked to see if he was interviewed.

His answers completely reflect the guy he was, friendly, kind and generous,
and an avid collector who enjoyed the hobby.

Years ago I won an ebay auction he had, during the transaction I mentioned
to him that I had been lurking at FHQ. He immediately asked me to join the
forum. I did and didn't regret it. He made me feel at home there. That's the
kind of guy he was. I think I have been a member there for close to twenty years.

I'm still sad about his passing.

Daryl

I had not read this before. Thankyou Daryl for bumping it up now, specially in light of Brian's recent demise.
He was indeed a most warm and generous character.

I remember when I asked Brian to take part, he was very keen on the idea and he didn't disappoint. Just like everything he did, he approached it with enthusiasm and great energy! He was such a nice guy and will be missed greatly, not only for his knowledge, wonderful personality, but also his calming effect with the Admin team.