BOXED SOLDIER 1979

1979 was a year that had lots of Variations to the boxed figures and can get quite difficult but i will try and explain as best i can. This is based on Trading catalogues, Release sheets from Palitoy, reference books and personal and collected data from dealers and collectors over the years but if you see any discrepancy or know things from personal experiences and shop stock (Untampered) then let me know and i will update accordingly. You do need some sort of evidence as i've found that childhood memory can get muddled quite a bit. But don't be shy this is how we ALL learn


1979 Started as many others did the release of a Boxed Soldier but this year started with a totally new body for Action Man known as the Dynamic Physique. This had only one change to the figure at first and that was that the rifle now came with a plastic strap. As with many of the releases this year the 1st issue had a side flap. Over the following years the flap was taken off the releases they chose to carry on with but some were dropped altogether. The Soldier had three releases the 1st and rarest was the Box with flap. The soldier version was only released with green trousers. Picture Eagleeye Actionstation where this Rare box is on sale





The second issue release saw the flap taken away and now the Soldier was issued with both Green and camouflage trousers randomly.





paperwork: Note the star card which in my opinion the rarest one to find as it had such a short run



The only other variation to this box was the added information about the sharpshooter head.

one of the best sets ever

Hi Danny.

You've gone and done it mate. I'm now going to change the way I collect VAM. My new direction is to collect all the 1979 Boxed figures. The second issue basic soldier box (without the flap) is next on my wants list. It takes me straight back to the heyday of my love of VAM.

Thanks Dan

Very nice, Dan, and very intresting info for this figure      


The Basic soldier of the 70's will always be fondly remembered by many, it's what most started out with in the exciting world of Action Man.

Nice & great info Dan!

Been reading through your posts Dan - great pictures and great info especially to a relatively new
collector like myself.

My boxed soldier also has a pretty cool star scheme news leaflet inside and an unused id tag in small
poly zip lock bag - i guess the bag is not original to the set and added later?? Can anyone confirm this?

Cheers, Lee

Hi mate the star card would be either one or the other but not both and as far as I know were very random depending on what was at hand when packing.

The dog tags are a real mystery mate as to what figures came with one and as for the one you have technically they should only be with the combat division sets but ive seen them in these later boxes before so i would say it was correct for your bixed figure

Have you put a thread up with pictures of your collection ?

Great looking soldiers! Both the EE and fixed eye versions look very nice.

-Nate

[quote a relatively newcollector like myself.[/quote] welcome you have some great stuff there palitoylee with a good pic , 1 small point the jerry para has the wrong gun he should have a mp40 what is in the box is a us grease gun , hope you dont mind me pointing this out but we are all here to learn and share in the hobby .

Thanks for your input guys..

Dan, i'm now posting up some pics of the collection elsewhere on the forum

Jim, thanks for chiming in. I put the grease gun with him as that's what is in the Kevin King book
which has been my bible and ultimate source of reference

Very nice soldiers PalitoyLee!
Will be looking forward to seeing your collection!

Love that box Lee. It's next on my hit list. I seem to remember that star card news sheet. I think that's when i sent off for my tool kit. My hunch is it came with all 79 boxed figures as an extra promotion????