Fire Squad Rescue Team

"When the smoke did clear, many thousands were dead. There was much blood and gore. Their bodies lay broken and scattered across the battle field, like brown leaves blown by the wind."

Although Manowar´s lyrics refer to actual medieval battle, the world we live in is not void of dangers of the same nature of vengeance and hatred. In the constant war against death, the fire squads around the world are the soldiers many depend on, and to whom many are thankful. Always ready, always heroes. True Heroes. And Toys R Us gave these heroes a much deserved space in their True Heroes line. However, the ones pictured are the originals from Chap Mei.

Equipped with a wide array of rescuing tools, these soldiers of peace do their job for kids and grown ups.

 
Some of the included accessories are nicely detailed and to some point accurately scaled...

... the powertools are ginormous. However, all things considered, they are not that bad.

The original series even came with a search and rescue dog, "Spottie". Included with the fantastic Fire Engine playset.

Some of the figures were awesome. The only downside was the lack of articulation. They originally came in two sets of 3. Playset #1 and Playset#2. 

A decade later, these Rescue  Fire Squad figures were introduced in Toys R Us True Heroes line along with a few more new figures and vehicles. We are waiting and hoping for more...

Status: Available original Chap Mei figures, vehicles and accessories at CM Surplus Fan Mark

   

True Heroes R/C Dune Buggy - Now with Video!

It has been quite a while (just over 20 years) since a dune buggy for 3 3/4" figures was available in retail stores. Well, TRU got that covered in 2011 with another True Heroes R/C vehicle, the Dune Buggy.   

While not as complex and scaled as Hasbro´s 1987 Crossfire, this toy covers the need for speed of many 1:18 fans. Fun enough and fast enough (and heavy enough) it is meant to play rather than display.

In a cool desert camo, this DPV (desert patrol vehicle) or Chenowth LSV has amazing mold similarities with Auchan´s Tactical Vehicle Playset.  This R/C buggy only fits 2 figures.   

Full function remote control. 9V battery (not included). Top right corner has a button to remotely fire the buggy´s cannon thus activating light and sound effects. Very nice.

Gunner can easily stand gun-ready with both feet attached to a moving stand, which allows movement and surprisingly, near-impossible fall. Both sides of the buggy have a couple of spaces for extra accessories, but 4 of the 8 slots are already full with sculpted ammo boxes and extra fuel tanks.  

Included figures.

Check out the video:

Status: Available at Toys R Us

True Heroes Mobile Squad 2012

New for 2012, the repaints of Chap Mei´s Soldier Force VII (series 7) and one of the coolest, the Sand Snake repaint!

Included items.

MIB, Toys R Us, 2012.

Included accessories.

Vehicle: Sand Snake repaint. The new LSV model from Chap Mei.

Using pretty much all the removable details from the previous model, it keeps the right side clean and empty for weapons and equipment storage. Engine comes down from a 5 to a 4-cylinder, though...

Comparing this new model with the previous, here in Police Force colors.

As you can see, what they did was a new body for the vehicle. Bigger.

 
And hollow too!

Figure: "SAW Gunner".

Also included, the new great folding tent! For more details, check out the Swamp Pirana set!

Riding the "snake". Figure fits nicely, but takes up half of the space meant for the other one. So you can fit regular 3 3/4" figures there.

Status: Look for available original Chap Mei figures, vehicles and accessories at CM Surplus Fan Markt

True Heroes Mobile Helicopter Base

A great 2012 release of Soldier Force colors, including a fantastic helipad and even a plastic diorama play carpet!

Using some of the most recent Chap Mei creations, Toys R Us "carved" a great military set for their True Heroes line.

MIB, 2012. Toys R Us release of Chap Mei´s Soldier Force.

Included items for this set.

Included accessories.

Included figures: Saw Gunner, AB Mate, Col. Hawk (Stewart repaint).

Mobile helicopter Base comes with watch tower (with cool cargo net). Check out Animal Rescue Veterinary Hospital for more details on the tower!

As for the helipad itself, a great thing for 3 3/4" figures! The right balance, the right colors, the right height. Perfect thing!

And it comes with a good set of sound effects too (with flashing lights).

The jeep is yet another good taste repaint, with desert camo.

One of the best light vehicles from Chap Mei for military collectors. Not too big nor too small, the right stuff.

With the right look.

And of course, a helipad must have an helicopter. And what better bird to put on top than CM´s last creation from Serie VII, Sand Wasp?

On top of it all (under, actually), a 55cmx82cm (22"x32") plastic play carpet.

Didn´t take too long for CM and TRU to realise the importance of a diorama... 


Status: Look for available original Chap Mei figures, vehicles and accessories at CM Surplus Fan Mark

True Heroes 2Pack Military Figures

A small entry just to keep this going and present a re re re... REissue of previous series Soldier Force  figures. Sort of strange when TRU can count on the SFVII molds now. But, I can only imagine how many of these bulky figures they still have in stock to start inventing color schemes.

Figures: Major Macintyre and Col. Hawk (Stewart repaint) now with a G.I.Joe Flint look and both in desert fatigues... not bad.

Status: Available for trade

True Heroes L.A.S.E.R. Storm

L.A.S.E.R. dropship, the main command vehicle for the Rangers!

 
Capable of transporting 5+ figures, and also Rockslide!

MISB, 2011. Toys"R"Us.

With awesome lines and a huge margin for custom artists, this aircraft seems to pick up some ideas from the UD4L Cheyenne Drop Ship, the colonial marines dropship from Aliens.

But just enough. Different, nonetheless. A spider-looking guy.

The whole body and tail design, the color and raw look... great!

Wings deploy to hover.

Wings retracted.

Included figures. One of each model. No accessories, though.

Included figure detail: Corporal Felix "The Eye" Ibanez. Reconnaissance Specialist. Highly skilled in determining location, composition, disposition, capabilities and activities of enemy committed forces.

Lights and sounds can be activated via 2 buttons producing the same sounds and effect. The sounds are the same as Rockslide and Nomad.

Aircraft opens up into command station!

Aircraft comes with a handle-like tail to perform flying moves and pick up Rockslide! 

Storm can transport Rockslide (sold separately)!

The big challenge was understanding how to snap them together. Storm´s claws (landing gear) are hollow. Rockslide has 4 points to attach and you need to pull Storm´s "legs" outwards to provide room for the connection. Could be better if it was a clip movement of the touch and go sort.

As a whole, this aircraft is very cool. Fresh concept that picks Aliens and Avatar ideas and transforms them both into something new.

Rangers ready for battle! 


Status: Available for trade