Variant Accessories – Ironblood Helmet & Radio Backpack

[Hopper]

Variant Accessories – Ironblood Helmet & Radio Backpack

Got a bunch of random bits and job lots from ebay over the last few weeks, stuff I have been needing to get in order to complete certain figures. I also like to double check all the items I get, just in case there are some differences.

Yup, you guessed it! It’s time for “What’s new in Hopper’s World o’ Variants”

Well folks today we have a Q Force Radio Backpack, and a Baron Ironblood helmet.

The backpack is the standard Sonar Operator’s version, except I noticed that it is a slightly darker colour, further inspection revealed that it is in a harder plastic than the ‘normal’ version. This is almost the Second Wave type hard plastic - stiff and retains its shape. Close inspection shows that it has exactly the same casting marks and flashing as the ‘normal’ one, so the same mould was used – it is just a different plastic that has been used. Interesting, in that it might be associated with the T2 Q Force Sonar Operator, which also used the harder plastic, and that deeper red had been noticed in other T2 figures, notably the Red Wolf T2. Can anyone check this with a carded T2 Sonar Operator? And whilst we’re at it, we might need to check the Z Force Radio Operator who also has a T2 hard plastic version.
I have christened them Types 1 and Types 2 in the Hopper variant table.
Pics below.

The Baron Ironblood helmet is even more interesting.

T1 - Matt material, vaguely cross-hatched surface, longer grill, smaller eye-slot
T2 - Very Shiny material, dotted surface, smaller grill, larger eye-slot
T3 - Rubber Material, completely smooth interior & exterior – this is the ATT version.

Behold, we now have:
T4 - Rubber Material, smooth interior, detailed exterior, cheek dots.

This is not the same as the T3 ATT version, in that it has more detail, but is made
from what I assume is the same rubber material. It is odd looking and quite distinctive, especially the cheek dots. Trawling the internet I have not seen any other versions, but some of you may have example lurking in the nether parts of your collections.

Anyway, that is all… for now.

[SteveD]

Ooo - that is a new helmet! Not seen that one before!! Interesting!!

Re the backpack - could it be accessory pack era or something?

[meertoh]

Yes, that cheeky helmet is new to me too, but I've a feeling that the artist Ian Watson might have had a figure with such a helmet.

[Hopper]

This place has changed.
Two replies, but neither making any sort of joke about Hopper's strangely shaped helmet.
Not a single helmet-based gag in sight.
I am disappointed.

Meertoh - yeah, you can see the similarity. That is one of my favourite datafiles. Detail and tells you all you need to via the pictures. Awesome!

SteveD - I don't know where else to check - I didn't think the red backpack is in any of the Battle Gear packs. Any thoughts?

[SteveD]

Well Hopper - yours in the photo certainly looks redder and harder than any I have ever seen! And then that helmet really does amaze me!

(there, does that make up for the lack of helmet gags thus far mate?)

[Rogue Trooper]

Those first two helmets are all puffy and the last one is rather flat.

[wolforrest]

Sorry for the lack of filth, although my helmet is not black it is covered in spots.
If anyone asks I will tell them it's a T5 variant.

[Hopper]

Now this is more like the BFTB that I know and love.