January's Interview 2014 REDDRAGON

Name ? Richard


Online name ? Reddragon


Location ? South Wales



First Vam/Joe/Mam or 1/6 figure ?
I did not own any Action man figures as a kid, I did have a lot of the cheap knock off figures even had a few Action man carded uniforms, the only figure I can remember clearly is an action buddy figure. I got my first Action man at the age of about 26 back in 1984, a B.P figure bought in a jumble sale for my eldest son who was about five years of age at the time. The only interest my son had in that B.P was to chew his hands off so it was put away in the loft. I still have that figure in my collection. This may paint a picture of a deprived childhood lol but nothing could be further from the truth I had a great childhood and wonderful Christmases with mostly everything I asked for, as far as action figures were concerned I think the idea was quantity rather than quality, at the time it was probably 3 cheap figures = one Action man, it looks a lot more for you money on Christmas morning lol, With four brothers and sisters I can understand this reasoning as money was very tight.



What was your favourite figure as a kid, and do you still own him?
The action buddy figure, I thought that was great at the time, a big step up from the usual cheap and nasty stuff. I don’t own that figure today as all of my childhood toys were either given or thrown away but I do have a replacement Action buddy.


Favourite figure now ?
Very difficult question to answer as I have quite a few favourites, Daks, adventurers , Royal marine and all the ceremonials but if I had to pick one it would have to be the jungle explorer, I would have loved that as a kid.


Favourite Vehicle Vam/Joe/?
It has to be my racing car .



Most desired item ?
I really don’t have a most desired item.

What will you do with your collection as you get older ?
My collection will be here for as long as I am.



What does your wife/girlfriend/partner think of your collection/hobby?
My wife thinks I am just an overgrown kid but she knows I enjoy my hobby and is ok with it, as long as I don’t glue her coffee table again or clutter the side table with figures lol.



Do you set yourself a budget ?
I have to set a budget due to personal circumstances I am a bargain hunter which is a big part of it for me.



Worst Vam/Joe/Mam or 1/6 figure ?
I do not like the mam figures but that’s just my opinion.



Views on 40th reproductions ?
I love the 40th stuff, most of my collection is 40th uniforms on vintage figures, 40th figures don’t really interest me but that again is personal choice.



Worst item of the Vam/Joe/Mam or 1/6 range ?
The only thing I really hate is the action man cowboy hat, totally useless in my opinion.



Do you think your collection will be collectible in the future ?
I have no idea.


If you did not collect Vam/Joe/Mam what would you collect ?
Probably plastic toy soldiers , that was my passion as a kid, I still have a small collection .

What AM/Joe outfit or set would you like to have seen released?
I would have loved to have seen a German U.boat commander and German sailor.


Do you have a/What is your favourite section of AMMO?
I like the collection threads, photo of the month and the kitbash section plus of course the chat.


Why do you like AMMO ?
It’s a comfortable place to be just a great bunch of like minded people who will do everything they can to help anyone out, it is wonderful that in this selfish world of ours there are still good people, long may it continue.


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Great read Richard. My great nan and nan were born in Nantymole. (excuse spelling) and my wife's parents have lived in Pobtypool for the last 50 ish years so know the valleys a bit. I'd have liked to have seen a German U boat commander. Would have been a great use for a blonde beardy. I'm one of five siblings and my dad often made or repaired toys for birthdays/Christmas. Had some great stuff as a kid :-)

Richard an excellent interview nice insight to your childhood,


at least now you have a nice collection of the real thing Action man   

Fantastic interview Richard (..,and Mark what a scoop getting the elusive Reddragon to do an interview!)
Loved your childhood reminiscences about action buddy and your first adult VAM. I knew the racing car would get a mention too!   

superb interview mate ! and wow what a choice of outfit never released !! awesome ! Looking forward to catching up soon in ammo arms (chat)   

great interview richard !

thanks for this interview,happy to discover a member

Great interview Taff! Enjoyed the read!

Great job Richard!

Good one! Gotta love Action Buddy!

Another very intresting interview!    

Also a big thumbs up for "Action Buddy" they were great fun back in the day   

Now there's a top read for you!!!         

Great to know a bit more about you.


'The only thing I really hate is the action man cowboy hat, totally useless in my opinion.'


   I really think you over estimate this set!!!!

Reddragon I'v just finished reading your interview and I really enjoyed it, that's for shearing with us your hobby.

Excellent interview Richard, a great read.

great interview . I enjoyed that