MOBAT
MOTORIZED BATTLE TANK
Series: One (1982)
The MOBAT [Motorized Battle Tank*] was first released boxed in U.S. toy stores in 1982. The box included the straight-arm version of the driver, Steeler.
In 1983, the action figures were re-tooled with swivel-arm battle grip. The MOBAT included the swivel-arm version of Steeler and the text on the front of the box reflected this change. The MOBAT was also sold in 1984 and was discontinued in 1985.
*Also refered to as 'Super Duty Battle Tank' and 'Multi-Ordnance Battle Tank'.
Driver/Pilot: STEELER (v1)
Steeler was one of the first figures released in the first series (1982). He came packaged exclusively with the Motorized Battle Tank (MOBAT). Like all of the original sixteen figures, Steeler was released with "straight arms."
Driver/Pilot: STEELER (v1.5)
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.
Leftover Hasbro stock of this figure was packaged with different accessories and a new filecard and sold at the 1994 G.I.Joe Convention.
Images
Easily Broken/Lost Pieces
Take extreme care to not lose the machine gun that attaches to the turret. It is very small and very easy to lose.
Also, the hand grips on either side of the turret can sometimes break off.
Also, if you're not using the toy regularly, remove the two "D" batteries out of the bottom of it. Corroded batteries can ruin the motorized function of the MOBAT.
Featured In
The MOBAT was featured in several of the various media of GI Joe through the years, including Collectibles , Comic Books , Cartoons and Commercials.
Variations
There are two variants of the MOBAT's treads . The earlier version of the MOBAT had solid tank treads, while the later version had notches in the tread to help keep the tread stay aligned. It is generally accepted that neither of these variants is more rare or valuable than the other.
In addition to the tread changes, the battery cover was modified to make it more secure.
Vehicle Construction
The vehicle mold was repainted or retooled for the following vehicles:
MOBAT (1982)
C.A.T. (1985)
MOBAT (1998)
C.A.T. II (2003)
MOBAT (2008)
International Releases
In Canada in the early 1980s, the MOBAT was recolored black and sold as a Consumer Distributing exclusive Cobra Tank.
In Europe in 1984, the MOBAT was recolored in green, red, and black and released as the Action Force Battle Tank.
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 MOBAT.|
Original Retail: $19.99 Product Number: 6000 Lee's Guide: GIJ-82053v The Ultimate Guide: Pg. 17 (1st Ed.), Pg. 22 (2nd Ed.) |
Desimone Guide: n/a Tomart's Guide: #GI5057 and GI5200 (re-release w/ swivel arm figure) RAHC/Rank & File: n/a Action Figure Archive Guide: n/a |
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