Z Force Variants: The fruits of my project *UPDATED*

[Hopper]

Z Force – Minesweeper (2 Types)

Type 1 (Long Boot)
Shorter figure, softer plastic. The head has a moulded and painted chin strap, and a double rim on the helmet front. The legs have a long boot, or rather, the trouser leg is tucked into the boot, and the legs are widely spread. The red pain on the arms is darker than Type 2.
Immediate ID Features: Long Boot, Double Hat Rim.

Type 2 (Short Boot)
Taller figure, harder plastic. Different head sculpt, single rim on the helmet, painted chin strap, lighter red Z on helmet. The legs have shorter boots, or more properly, the trouser legs come over the boots, and the legs are close together, almost touching. The red paint on the arms is lighter than Type 1.
Immediate ID Features: Short Boot, Single Hat Rim

[Quickfire]

Blimey hopper!! You're crazy!!!

Seconded

[Quickfire]

Z Force – Minesweeper (2 Types)

Type 2 (Short Boot)
Taller figure, harder plastic. Different head sculpt, single rim on the helmet, painted chin strap, lighter red Z on helmet. The legs have shorter boots, or more properly, the trouser legs come over the boots, and the legs are close together, almost touching. The red paint on the arms is lighter than Type 1.
Immediate ID Features: Short Boot, Single Hat Rim

The 'bendy' leg vs narrower leg issue is a recurrent one. Might have some bearing on the wider variant debate.

The figures with the wider legs often wouldn't stand up ( ...) as easily as other figures and some got different legs later (tassled and ) and seemed to stand more easily. Bendier and wider leg versions seemed fewer in number by autumn 84.

So ... wondered if this was an issue due to date of production, but might suggest not, unless manufactured long before the 84 release.

Early and had similar legs to and they all were a bit more steady on their feet. Can't say were as steady.

also had some similar issues pre-doofus. But then we debated the date of the doofi at some point possibly reversing a few assumptions, still think they are 84 provenance tho'.

If it's a manufacturing issue could only figure out by ripping some apart in some drunken moment of infernal curiosity.

EDIT - Also, how does this all fit into the move towards harder plastic at a later stage? Or was it a factory issue? And how do the doofi fit in?

[Lady Jaye]

Hopper, if the guidebook on edible flora is no bullshit let me know when it is finished. I'd love to buy a copy.

[Hopper]

Quickfire.
Indeed. I have always assumed the doofi were Phase 2b (second wave) and thus harder plastic.
I had also assumed that the wide legs was a feature of Phase 2a.
What we need is a symposium... a gathering of various interested parties to drink beer and argue about the phases! Anyone fancy a pint on saturday? 'The First International Symposium on Action Force' anyone?

Jaye.
No, it's real! Honestly.
It's written, but needs proofreading, and I need half a dozen more photographs.
The Forager's Guide to The Edible Flora of the UK.
Detailing 77 plants and their uses with photos and complete descriptions.

I even have a (seldomly updated, alas) blog
foragersguide.blogspot

It's part of a series of Forager's Guides books that I'm trying to write... recipes, outdoor education, traditions and folklore, kids activities, etc...

Soon as I've proof read it I'll send you copy.

[Lady Jaye]

Cool! Thanks!

On a very limited scale I've been growing my own vegetables for quite a few years now. When I go running, I get to see so many different plants, herbs and berries, you just have to start wondering: what's edible and what's not? Started reading and, later, picked up foraging. Mainly foraging the easy to recognize plants, but slowly expanding my horizon. I am sure not all plants from the UK can be found in the Netherlands, but I would love to read the book. For knowledge's sake!

[redrage]

Hopper, if the guidebook on edible flora is no bullshit let me know when it is finished. I'd love to buy a copy.

I'll buy a copy too, maybe two as my cousin is really into foraging.

A

[Hopper]

Yeah, great stuff guys.
I'm a real evangelist about getting people into the great outdoors and, y'know, eating stuff!

Actually, Jaye, I'm sure we share a lot of fauna - the climate over with you is not that different, though a bit warmer in the summer... we'll see! Of course, you may have to skip the parts about hill plants!

Redrage. Yes indeedy, and the same applies to you - not sure there's a huge amount of difference between Ireland and UK in terms of climate.

I'll let you guys know as soon as it's done.

[Hopper]

I recieved a marvellous package this morning!
In it was the figure I seem to have been constantly missing out on - elusive beast that it is: The Type 2 Z Force Commander.

To further the cause, then, I present to you the variant description of said Commanders Types 1 & 2.

Type 1 (Plain Front)
Plain collarless front, as opposed to the zippered Type 2. The head looks straight ahead, and he appears to be wearing a rather fetching cravat or scarf type affair which protrudes forward from the figure.
Immediate ID Features: Plain (Unzippered) Front

Type 2 (Zippered Front)
Zippered and collared front, as opposed to the plain fronted Type 1, the head is pushed forward at a sharper angle, almost as though he is looking down, and he is wearing a flat t-shirt rather than a pronounced cravat/scarf.
Immediate ID Features: Zippered Front