SHORT-FUZE (v1)
MORTAR SOLDIER (straight-armed)
Year: 1982
Series: One
Short-Fuze (v1) was one of the original figures released carded in the first series (1982). Like all of the original sixteen figures, Short-Fuze was released with "straight arms."
Figure Views
Accessories
Short-Fuze came with a dark green helmet, a clear visor, a black mortar, a black mortar stand (that attached to the mortar), and a dark green backpack.
Packaging Information
Filecard Information
File Name: Freistadt, Eric W.
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Grade: E-4
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
Primary Specialty: Artillery
Secondary Specialty: Infantry Engineer
Short-fuze comes from military family (Father and Grandfather both career Top Sergeants). Enjoys abstract mathematics and can plot artillery azimuths and tribulations in his head. Specialized Education: Artillery School; Engineer School; Advanced Infantry Training. Qualified Expert: M-14; M-16; M-1911A1; M-79 (Grenade Launcher); M-2 (60mm Light Mortar); M-1 (81mm Medium Mortar).
"Short-Fuze is logical and sensitive. Has a tendency to blow his stack---hence the nick-name...Short-Fuze."
Variations
There are three versions of Short-Fuze's mortar - closed, open (thin), and open (thick).
When the new version of Short-Fuze was released in 1983, two major changes were made to his construction. The straight-arms were replaced with arms that could swivel at the bicep, and his bulky waist-piece was replaced by a slimmer one. Also, the date stamp on the figure was changed from "1982" to "82-83." While technically only a variation, the changes are substantial enough to consider this a new version. However, as many people consider this only a variation, we have chosen to list this figure as version 1.5, rather than version 2. Other than "straight-arm" and "swivel-arm" releases, no variations of the actual Short-Fuze figure are known to exist.
There are several versions of Short-Fuze's filecard. Some filecards listed Short-Fuze's name as Eric W. Freistadt, while others listed him as Mark W. Brenstan. A third variation lists him as Mark W. Freistadt. Additionally, the filecard with the Short-Fuze available from Hasbro Direct has a glossy red backing, while the filecard that came with Short-Fuze did not. Short-Fuzes included with the Sears or JCPenney's exclusive gift packs also had the red backing.
Body Construction
Most of the 1982 series figures and their swivel-arm counterparts re-used molds from each other, repainted slightly to make them seem more original.
The head of Short-Fuze was re-used with Flash, Hawk, and Steeler. Short-Fuze's arms were shared with Grunt, Hawk, Snake Eyes, Stalker, and Zap (and in 1983, Tan Grunt v2). Short-Fuze's torso was shared with Zap. Short-Fuze's waist-piece was shared with twelve of the original fifteen figures. Short-Fuze's legs were shared with Breaker, Clutch, Grunt, Hawk, Rock N Roll, Stalker, Steeler, and Zap (and in 1983, Tan Grunt v2 and in 1984 Tan Clutch v2).
Note that the figure's head only turns left and right - it does not allow the head to look up and down. The heads only turned left and right until the the swivel ball head that was introduced in 1985 (Series Four).
International Variants
In Brazil, Estrela repainted Short-Fuze tan and released him as Falcon Piloto.
Versions of Short-Fuze
In 1997, Short-Fuze was renamed "Short-Fuse," then went back to Short-Fuze in 2004. So while there are several names, they are all based on the character "Short-Fuze."
Reference Information
The below information contains information about references to various collector's guides, Hasbro references, original retail prices, and other reference material related to Short-Fuze (v1).|
Original Retail: $1.99 Hasbro Product: 6402 (Retail), 38101 (Sears 3-Pack) RAHC: n/a Lee's Guide: GIJ-82004 |
Desimone Guide: #4 Tomart's Guide: #GI5007 The Ultimate Guide: Pg. 11 (1st Ed.), Pg. 14 (2nd Ed.) Action Figure Archive Guide: n/a |
