1983 G.I. Joe APC

Back in the day, The Joe APC was an enigma to me. I have never seen it on retail and all I got was a sketchy drawing on an 80’s catalogue. It claimed to be able to transport 30 people and that was something I wanted badly, as a kid. Imagine, no more walking plastic!

When the Marvel comic series showed up, it showed it in more detail and in everyday use. The most memorable would have been the APC and ice cream truck car chase. I find it weird that an ice cream truck could be as armoured, though. The next memorable scene was when it ferried troops and the Manta Ray to Coney Island in New York. Classic. Surfing the Manta Ray all the way from Malibu, eh?

Well, fast forward a decade later and I was finally able to get one. Actually, two. Rather, three if you count the ‘Cuda. It was an accident, really. Blake asked if I wanted another APC in green and still sealed in its unmarked box, save for one monochrome and a smaller gold sticker.

Sure, I could use more. Can you just make it loose to save on shipping, I said. I had a lengthy reply stating its market value. Sure enough, it was an oddity. And an investment. Whatever that means…

I was just glad to have more than one of the APCs and it did not let me down in terms of fun factor. The ‘Cuda, despite EagleEyeJoe’s plea, remained sealed. I was entering the corporate world and I guess it is better protected that way. At the very least, I got to see what it looked like when EagleEyeJoe opened his sealed ‘Cuda. It was better than I thought. It was actually dark green!

Another decade later, I got one of the APC and the still sealed ‘Cuda from storage. I was wondering if it could serve the 25th Anniversary collection I got and it did. Looking back, I still prefer the tan camo top over the green one. It was its classic signature!

A pity that it has yet to be re-released as part of the modern era line. It could use some improvement like realistic cover support like in the comics. However, it could also use some upgrades, as well.

While I wait for my customised Rolling Thunder parts, I have been experimenting with upgrading its firepower by adding a manned turret. It will most probably be an anti-aircraft gun as I have always remembered the APC being assaulted from the air. The only time it was able to fight back was when it was towing a gun so it is time it could defend itself on its own.

I have already figured it out and I have the turret ready but, unfortunately, it will be appropriated for the Rolling Thunder custom project. At this rate, my customs project management will end up very bureaucratic. I can almost imagine my vehicle projects resorting to politics just to get the funding and spare parts!

I may have to setup an oversight committee for this. In the meantime, I will have to scour some more parts out there.

Special thanks to yojoe.com for the images.

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