BIG BEN (v1)
SAS FIGHTER
Series: Ten (1991)
Big Ben was released carded as part of the tenth series (1991). He was discontinued domestically in 1992.
Images
Accessories
Big Ben came with a black machine gun, a black bipod, a dark green backpack, a dark green grenade pouch with strap, and two black grenades.
Packaging Information
Filecard Information
Grade: Staff Sergeant
Birthplace: Burford, England
Primary Specialty: Infantry
Secondary Specialty: Subversive Operations
Status: On second assignment in temporary exchange program from 22 SAS.*
The British Special Air Service is roughly the equivalent of the American Special Forces and maintains an equally rigorous standard for its recruits. The combat records of the SAS* personnel are classified, but it is assumed that BIG BEN participated in the initial recon operations in the Falklands campaign and in various covert operations. He received his initial training at Bradbury Lines Barracks in Hereford and was on cadre at the NATO LRRP** School in West Germany.
"To qualify for the SAS, a candidate trooper must complete the 'Long Drag' which is a forced march over 30 miles through marshes and rough, hilly terrain, carrying 50 pounds of equipment. The march must be completed in less than 20 hours and is a grueling test of endurance and land navigation. Big Ben completed his march in 12 hours, had a bit of supper and volunteered to go back out and help search for candidates who got lost in the moors..."
*Special Air Service **Long Range Recon Patrol
Variations
No variations of Big Ben (v1) are known to exist.
Featured In
Big Ben was featured in several of the various media of GI Joe through the years, including Trading Cards, Comic Books, Cartoons and Commercials.
Body Construction
Big Ben's body is entirely original - no parts were taken from other figures.
Big Ben's entire body mold was recolored and re-used in 1993 to create Big Ben (v2), in 2000 to create Big Ben (v3), and in 2002 to create Big Ben (v4).
The chest and arms were recolored and re-used in 2001 to create Crossfire.
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 Big Ben (v1).|
Original Retail: $2.97 Product Number: 6582 Lee's Guide: n/a The Ultimate Guide: Pg. 175 (1st Ed.), Pg. 230 (2nd Ed.) |
Desimone Guide: #294 Tomart's Guide: #GI6515 RAHC/Rank & File: n/a Action Figure Archive Guide: n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
|