Blood for the Baron!

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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?)

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

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.

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