Low-light

Low-Light
E-6
Infantry/ night fighter
Marksmanship Instructor/ sharp shooter

Low-light is one of those figures I consider a part of my own "original 13" figures. This is a character that has been with me from possibly 1986 itself. Low-light, along with Sci-fi and Hawk, was one of my most often used figures from way back in the day.

The figure above is THE '86 Low-light that I've had this whole time. I've never come across another '86 Low-light figure to upgrade or swap out better parts with. Here are the original accessories that came with my Low-light figure:

One can see the play wear on the rifles handle (as well as the missing bi--pod) and the excessive wear on the uzi. The excessive wear on the uzi came from me trying to put it on that slot on Low-lights leg. I've never felt that it fit quite right, and the uzi shows my "excessive" attempts!

Over the years, I've also had the 1993 Dinohunter Low-light, and the 2001 RAHC Low-light. I had been using the 2001 version as my default since I bought it in 2001 (or so) up until about mid-2011. So about 10 years (wow!), the 2001 Low-light almost always THE Low-light I had in action. Most notably, I had Low-light as part of my former "security forces" assignment/ department.

With alternate figure versions:

The "security force" group was one of my favorite little made-up things over the last decade. I wanted that aspect to play into my new small collection, and this is where some figures simply didn't make the cut; and they were not easy decisions.

As I mulled over which version of Low-light to go with, the more I played with them and thought it out, the original Low-light really had a lot of appeal to me. I think it is the very fact that the actual figure here is so loose and play-worn, that is why I really haven't used this figure as much over the last decade.

Another aspect of Low-light that isn't really "offical," but sticks out to me is that he has a sort of commando-feel to me. Sure, he is most noted for being a sniper in the popularity realm, but considering the uzi with the '86 figure, as well as the 1991 (and subsequent) figures, well, that's why I get that commando-vibe from the figure now.


That's one of the reasons I "assigned" Low-light to my "security force." Even though THAT group of figures is mostly gone, I still wanted to have that little flavor of S.W.A.T./ police/ commando/ delta/ what-have-you.



The figure itself has a great amount of detail, and I'm not usually a fan of uzis, even though I mentioned them how many times just now. Like below, the original uzi doesn't interest me much, but the Marauder Gun-runner's version makes playing so much more fun!


Since Low-light and Sci-fi have been characters (along with Hawk) that have been in my possession for so long, I didn't want to lose these characters in my little collection team; I wanted to keep them together. The '86 Low-light with his gray uniform matches the 1991 Sci-fi fairly interestingly.



Going forward, I think Low-light will be a great asset to my little 28-man team.

Updraft : GIJoe helicopter pilot

Updraft
GIJOE Retaliator Pilot.

I put up a list "page" of the GIJOE team members that are in my (I guess I would call it...) "elite" team. As you've read along here, you may remember that I'm bringing my collecting and playing habits small by making myself have only a GIJOE team of 28 figures.

Some choices to make for my team were hard, and it was really down to the nitty-gritty-picky points of what I like more on many of these figures; it came to what qualities a figure had that I thought I would be happiest with, as I was going to have less. A lot of choices that were not easy, and even now as I look at what I have left, I question myself on some.

Updraft, however, was one of the easier figures for me to pick.

When it comes to helicopter pilots in the ARAH toyline, Wild Bill is almost always the most popular go-to choice. I've shared my thoughts on the Dragonfly and Wild Bill here. I like the 2000 "blue" Wild Bill quite a bit. Lift-Ticket is an obvious option, too. I suppose Windmill..., but..., yeah...

It really came down to what I saw as versatility in a figure. I wanted the most flexibility out of a figure that I could get. Updraft really fits what I needed the most. Not only is he a world class pilot, the figure feels like it actually fits in a non-flight seat role.

For me, Updraft is most effective as my teams Tomahawk pilot (the Tomahawk is the core of my GIJOE teams mobility). However, Updraft can keep up on foot on a mission just as well. And he doesn't feel out of place to me.
(and his "JOE" belt buckle is similar to Heavy Duty's belt buckle. Coincidence?)

Updraft isn't all "high-tech" looking, nor does his uniform seem like it is best suited (or limited) to the role of a pilot. Plus, the removable helmet helped to elevate him over Lift Ticket. (Lift Ticket would have been a stronger contender otherwise, as the rest of the body of Lift Ticket is great, as evidenced by Sky Patrol Airborne.)

(Dogfight is becoming best buds with Updraft in my imagination, too. I'll have more on Dogfight another time, for now though, Dogfight is the co-pilot. )

Also, Updraft just plain looks good on the Tomahawk.

Updraft as a figure, and considering file card information, is really kind of a blank slate for me. The chance for me to maybe get some imaginative personality out of this figure was another reason why Updraft was one of my easier team choices.

I can't remember for sure where I got this Updraft here. I'm thinking I bought this figure from the old gijoehq.com back in 2004. It might have even been 2005. Or even 2003! I don't like not remembering where my figures came from, or when I got them.

Anyway, Updraft is here to stay as my teams main pilot

Cool

This is just a cool shot on the page of the HQ in action at M6D .

Makes me want to play!!!

Add a Skystorm? Random thoughts...

While I mull over my tiny GIJoe motor pool, I will most certainly have the Tomahawk. However, currently, that is the extent of the air power for my GIJOE team. There are no big jets, and the Dragonfly has been retired-away.

I wonder if I need a gunship, though?

The Tomahawk provides for a lot of versatility, which is why it is still here. Sure it is simply plain cool. But it has the utility angle, the transport angle, and the attack angle. A good vehicle that can be used in a variety of ways. It is a "maximum" use ability, and that is what I want in every vehicle that will be in my little collection over the years.

The "need" is met for air movement, and the big jets are "on call" in my imagination. But, what about a one-man air vehicle? I mean, I could send in the Tomahawk, but, is it wise to send it into an area alone? Would the Joe team risk all moving in in one aircraft?

I'm trying out the Ghost HAWK now, but it leaves me feeling like I felt with the SkyHawk.

The Mudfighter is always there, and Dogfight is in my little 28-man team. I could pair him back up with his original craft, and give the Joes a little prop-plane with lots of bombs that can operate from dirt roads the world over (in my imagination). But, past dropping bombs and strafing runs, is there much more in regards to versatility and the Mudfighter? (However, the "low-tech" aspect of the plane is something I'm very much in favor of...)


Which is why I wonder if the Skystorm could be an option. I've never seen one of these in person, and over the years of internet forum discussions, I don't remember seeing it mentioned hardly at all.
I suppose I have overlooked it a lot because of the pilot, Windmill. But even still, it's a 1988 vehicle, but even as I look at it now it seems like it isn't part of that year. I guess, I just haven't looked THAT close at it over the years to even think of which year it belongs to. (this is the messed up association I make, like when I think Rolling Thunder, I think, "1988.")

I know the converting rotor helped to dissuade my interest (obvious action knob). The Skystorm seems like it is a lot bigger than I thought in my head, though.

And it could add to my GIJOE team in bridging the gap between a (fast!) gunship with somewhat (?) stealth-capabilities. It could be good for recon. missions. Plus, 2 bombs, four missiles, and twin nose-guns (and an engine cover!) equal what my Conquest X-30 was bringing.

This shot from Cradea2 is really neat, and I think Dogfight looks pretty good right there.

And the information from the Joe Index on the Skystorm is really neat. But, I wonder about this vehicle here.

And I found a review on youtube.


Or would I be better off with a 1990 Locust?
Or now that Yetibrew has a D.F. "upgrade," perhaps I should think about snagging the ARAHC Locust back again?

I'm also considering just waiting it out and snagging the S.K. Omega Owl, if and when that comes available.

tanks

Back in the day, I just wanted a tank. I had a Tiger Cat.

And then I had a Mobile Battle Bunker. And then a (used) Fort America. And then other vehicles, but I really just wanted a tank. Two treads under an armored platform with an armed turret, ya know what I mean?

And I have since had a tank, the Equalizer.

However, do tanks really fit in a small, more rapid-deployment force, especially one like my force which is going for the more covert, unobtrusive size?

I was just thinking about how my little elite force is going to function in the very limited vehicle department the other day. The Tomahawk is the star of the show, and the one vehicle that is going to really be the centerpiece of my mobile imaginary adventures.

The Tomahawk, in my imagination, can easily lift the VAMP MK1, AWE Striker, and Whirlwind, if the need be. But, my imagination is questioning whether or not it is too much of a stretch to pretend the Tomahawk airlifting the Equalizer around the globe? (with aerial refueling, my Tomahawk can fly around the world ;) )

I suppose it is possible after all, the Tomahawk carried the Rolling Thunder into battle in the Marvel Comic, so I have that "official" angle of technical capability to play off with my imagination.

But, even still, I wonder if I "need" the Equalizer. Heavy Duty ('91) is on the scene in my elite team, and that guy is almost a walking tank with that rig. Could Heavy Duty replace a tank?

I suppose I could consider replacing the larger Equalizer with a smaller version of any of the "Armadillo" mini-tanks. Without hatches or an interior though, I don't know if I would be happy with one of those as my team's armor. (and I really don't care for the MOBAT, and the Patriot Grizzly is way too big for me)


Looking back at the classic run, I suppose one could argue that a tank is needed. There's been one from the beginning, the MOBAT, which sat along side the VAMP and RAM. And it is that small vehicle array that I was kind of trying to simulate with what I have left here for vehicles. (I was thinking along the lines of, "back to basics," in some respects....)



What roll does heavy armor play in your GIJoe universe?

Is there a (imaginary, for now) C-130 or Galaxy helping to move your team's vehicles around the globe?

New years and holidays

All the holidays used to be a lot more fun back in the day. I'm talking Christmas vacation mostly here. In my days, it was almost always 2 solid weeks off.

Now it is one day. (work, boo! :P :) )

Not as much fun.


Not even much snow up here this year, we haven't hardly been out on the sled yet!


I hope to get to taking a closer look at how my new slimmed collection is looking as much as possible. It's insane in how just a short amount of time I really can't recall what I picked for my 28 man team right now. I have written down a lot of the "analyzing" I did when I was picking and choosing, and I think this will be interesting to see how after a busy couple months if I still think I made the right choices at this point.

I'm also wondering how my new collection needs to be written in my imaginary joeverse. I mean, I had massive departments and units with units with the Joes, and Cobra was getting very varied within the Viper legions. With all those imaginary characters and backgrounds that I had set up in my head, I think I really have to make up some make-believe background to explain what happened to all those figures that are "just gone (?)."



On the modern side of things, I'm going to get the Renegades style GIJoe figures. I liked that show, a slight diversion from the norm, and with the new figures, the "junior joe" can play, too. Perhaps the VAMP (2011) will serve as our "Coyote?"