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MOBAT Driver
Code Name:
Steeler
version 1.5 (Swivel Arm)
Desimone Guide: #15
Tomart's Guide: #GI5200b (swivel arm)
Steeler's Filecard
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Figure Description:
A swivel-arm version was available with the Motorized Battle Tank (MOBAT) as part of the second series (1983). The swivel-arm version of of Steeler was also available in 1984 with the MOBAT. Steeler and the MOBAT were discontinued domestically in 1985.
At some point afterwards - between 1986 and 1990 - Steeler was available sealed in bags from Hasbro Direct.
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Variations:
Some mail-in Steelers came with black binoculars (the ones that came with Duke) instead of the binocular/visor that Steeler ordinarily came with.
In addition, some mail-in Steelers came with a differently colored Uzi submachine gun. The Uzi can best be described as "off-black". At first glance the Uzi looks black. But compared to a black Uzi under bright light, the uzi that came with mail-in Steelers is definitely grayer. Take caution not to confuse this Uzi with the common gray Uzi that came with the G.I.Joe Battle Gear Accessory Packs.
Also, the 1994 Convention Exclusive Steeler came packaged with a special "command ring".
When the old version of Steeler was replaced 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 substantive 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 Steeler figure are known to exist.
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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 Steeler was re-used with Flash, Hawk, and Short-fuze. Steeler's waist-piece was shared with twelve of the original fifteen figures. Steeler's legs were shared with Breaker, Clutch, Grunt, Hawk, Rock N Roll, Short-fuze, Stalker, Zap, Tan Grunt (v2), and in 1984 Tan Clutch (v2). Steeler's arms were later used with Wild Bill (1983).
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).
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International Variants:
In the United Kingdom and Europe, Steeler was given red and black highlights and released with the MOBAT as Steeler.
In India, his head was recolored and used to create Superhero.
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From the collection of: E. Son
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