HMAF Figure Reviews

[hmaftoys]

Following pilot25dmc's excellent suggestion (thanks) here's a new place to post reviews and/or pics of the HMAF figures...

Can anyone let me know here if they're having any probs uploading images to the forum? Should be possible using URLs from the web but has anyone managed it from their PC yet?

[hmaffan]

Royal Marines Commando

I like the Royal Navy HMAF Royal Marines Commando.

Sure, you could quibble about the stitched pockets on the uniform and the non removable boots and green beret. But that would be an injustice. This is more than compensated by the life-like head sculpt and to me very realistic mini 5.56mm assault rifle (which fits neatly into the palm and trigger finger).

Having now posted the figure on active service with our young lads, the Commando has survived without injury several powerful blows from a wooden block, a simulated train crash and multiple launches from the top of the stairs.

The only incident thus far has been a foot removed just below the knee though this can be quite easily pushed back in. By the way kitbashers will be reassured to know that it looks as if several HMAF body parts could be quite easily interchanged, though in this case removing the Green Beret would leave a misshapen head.

The Commando figure has good articulation - ankle, knee, hip, waist, shoulder, elbow, wrist, neck & head. The plastic used for the fingers is pliable making the hands grip very well - a feature that seems to improve with use.

Personally I like the 10 inch format though can see the 1/6 or 12" collectors point of view. Maybe its something thats come from retailers input as opposed to collectors.

The figure comes with the assault rifle and an equipment belt with two moulded (unopening) pouches. The fabric for the uniform is decent with fastening velcro straps and two Royal Marines Commando shoulder flashes. On the actual figure the torso and midriff are khaki coloured whereas the rest is flesh toned. The paintwork on the face is impressive and the detail on the ears puts Action Man to shame.

I think its reasonably priced compared to other action figures and will stand the test of time in terms of playability.

I hope HMAF toys continue for a good long time & my boys agree.

[Britische_Soldat]

Army Infantryman

I would love to say I bought this figure for a son or a nephew or a young cousin but, what the heck, I'm just a big kid who loves the army.

At first I thought £14.99 for a soldier armed with only an SA80 and body armour was a little steep, but nonetheless as soon as I saw a poster fr them in Argos I wanted one. I eventually bought one from the same argos the day before the official release and though that was a while ago I've decided to review it now.

The toy itself is solid and surprisingly detailed, compared to my dragon miniatures ww2 Gerry which was more like a porcelain doll with a uniform and a rifle designed to fall apart. Not one part of the figure has been noticably damaged since I got it. The level of detail compared to an action man is surprising also although different heads would be nice (not just ethnic heads which only really appeal to the pc crowd in my eyes) just to make building small squads feasible (if economically reckless)

There are more complaints than things to praise but all these complaints are minor and the good things while few bear more weight by miles. The helmet and goggles cant be tampered with, which considering how often action man helmets and hats fell off may be a blessing, goggles would have been nice though. Te shoes and the feet are the same, though you can switch the boots with other figures by the look of it so not all bad. Then thees the last complaint minor but the biggest, the rifle bends slightly to the right for some reason. Other than that theres nowt wrong, I can see this figure lasting throughout the rest of my lifetime so long as it doesn't get mistaken for an actual Tommy by an Afghan with an AK47.

I just hope this range does well and expands, I would like to see RAC men, Artillery guns, Small arms weapon upgrades packs and more enemies (esp. AK and RPG armed Taliban, even if they arent PC)

I hope to buy the enemy merc and the tank next, anyone know why the merc is better armed and cooler than the infantryman?

[Pedlie]

The Mercs are always better paid then our guys, would you do this job for less than 1K per week? the best kit included etc? Depends where your loyalties lie.

The battle Tank is superb, only one missile which is easily lost only took our kids, well first firing actually. Sent out a recon and retrieved the broken arrow!
Have suggested to HM AF for a spares pack of 10 hopefully they 'll get around to it. The Harrier also only has 2 missiles again another spare pack to keep that barrage up against the Teddy ban. Not all the order has arrived so still waiting for the merc.

Affordable toys for our children then good enough to have as display items.

[magicsam]

My son has just received the tank for christmas and on the whole i am very impressed with the detail and looks compared to the action man ones i grew up with, however was dismayed to find only one missile supplied which you know is going to disappear in the first few days, thought i'd get some spares and had the shock of my life when i discovered they only come in packs of 3 and cost £7.50....! How can this price be justified for 3 pieces of plastic, if it was a pack of 10 i wouldn't mind so much. anyone know where you can get spares at a reasonable price???

[Sgt. Ben]

I recent;y purchased the Royal Marine and Canoe from Argo at £19.99, A true bargain at that pirce. The Figure is well sculptedThe The Paint on the Body Vest is Brillant. The canoe however doesn't float when the fella is inside but I can manage, it looks good regardless, and the little Cap badge is a lovely addition