• Phase 3 (Late 1984/Early 1985) Description : The Cobra/AF period of Duke vs Cobra Commander. This sees Palitoy as a sub-division of General Mills producing, or just selling on their behalf, Action Force and Cobra toys. There is a great deal of overlap between what went before and the new paradigm....

• Phase 2E (Later 1984) Description : Again, not a distinct Phase as such, this time more a winding down of AF production, and as Palitoy scramble to liquidate stock, we see an increase in ‘Friday afternoon specials’ –mis-carding, figures with bad paint, bad plastic and two left legs. Sadly, the dre...

• Phase 2D (Early [April?] 1984) Description : This has been known as the Second Wave (The ‘Doofus’ Red Shadow, for example). This phase is defined as seeing all of the new figures from Phase 2C, plus many of the more popular originals from Phase 2a being made in a hard plastic, with shinier, cleane...

• Phase 2C – 2D Interface (Early 1984) Description : Not a proper Phase as such, more a slight crossover between the two. Characterised by the use of the new moulds that would later be found in Phase 2D, as well as new paint types and patterns (for example, the sharp camouflage on the Z Force figure...

• Phase 2C (Early 1984) Description : This phase sees the expansion of the range, and whilst figures of Phase 2A/B continue to be made, new figures and vehicles are added, and more figures are borrowed from the US GI Joe range of toys. The medal numbers on the card backs, numbers 45-55, allow us to ...

• Phase 2B (October 1983 – but in reality probably a bit earlier) Description : This sees the launch of Q Force and Space Force. Many of these figures in this Phase are both T1 and T2 – in actual fact one or other of them may well be Phase 2C, but it is difficult to subdivide them without more knowl...

• Phase 2A (April 1983) Description : The start of the new all new Action Force, with the launch of the first three groups: The Enemy, SAS and Z Force. Q Force and Space Force were launched later, in Phase 2B.This staggered release is clearly shown by the medal numbers on the card backs that group P...

• Phase 1B/2A Interface (Late 1982 - Early 1983) Description : Not a clear Phase as such, but a period of research and development. Whilst Series 1 was being pushed, its success meant that plans were made for a larger, more bold, toy line – Action Force. The number of Series 2 test shots, moulds, an...

• Phase 1B (October 1982) Description : Increased interest leads to simplifications/changes in the moulds. There is decreased attention to detail (decals, etc.), and changes in moulding due to their now being 2 (or more) moulds making them. This results in the Type 2 variants in several of the origi...

• Phase 1A (Early Summer 1982) Description : The first 13 AF figures (9 only oncardbacks) are based on the Action Man originals, each copying all details of the originals including helmet decals and paint highlights. That this first 13 are a homogenous group is shown by the medal numbers on the back...