The GI Joe Electric Train and Battle Set was a collaboration between Tyco Toys and Hasboro Toys to create the ultimate GI Joe play set that combined the dynamic action of a Tyco HO Scale model railway, and the thematic universe, action figures, vehicles, and imaginative play opportunities of GI Joe. Manufactured by Tyco, it was released in the US, UK, and other countries worldwide in 1983.
Concept
G.I. Joe is a military themed toy action figure and film/media franchise launched by Hasbro in 1964.
Typically attributed to inventing the modern day "action figure", as opposed to regular dolls, the original 12 inch figures represented different branches of the U.S armed forces, yet it's the revitalisation of the brand in 1982 that many remember these days. This began with the launch of modernized 3.75 inch figures in 1982, called G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.
Together with an animated cartoon of the same name which began in 1983, the same year this set was released, comic books, and toys, the franchise created a rich creative storyline of characters and worldbuilding involving our titular heroes facing up against the evil Cobra organization their attempts to take over the world, as evil dudes often do.
Artwork
Previously I've covered the beautiful artwork of Ken Smith, who did many of the Tyco RC and Dino-Riders product paintings, however the incredible image for the GI Joe Electric Train and Battle Set is one isn't by Ken. It's attributed to Bart Doe, who was known for painting many different commercial products such as film poster, model kits, and yes Tyco Model Train sets. However Bart Doe did not exist - it was a pseudonym used by comic book artist Peter J. Alvarado Jr. Read more about this, and G.I. Joe artwork at 3DJoes.com, a truly excellent site that, like TycoCollectors, aims to preserve the history of these wonderful toys.
Features
The train set
Based around a generously sized 36" x 45" (91.5cm x 114cm) oval track layout with a 5 piece Tyco HO Scale train and carriage set that included a diesel G.I. Joe locomotive, a 40' fuel tank car, 50' flat car, and caboose holding up the rear. All were appropriately decorated in green with G.I. Joe livery, they look pretty darn good to me.
The Battleground Play Mat or "PlayScene"
My favorite part of these Tyco Battle Sets and the awesome US-1 Electric Trucking sets has to be the "PlayScene" mats.
These were thick cardboard printed with a detailed photograph of a proper 'professional' hobby grade landscape, just like a serious model railroad enthusiast would create, but this one you can fold it out of the box ready to go!
Sure, it's not as good as the real thing, but gosh its not bad!
The Helicopter, Tanks, Jeeps, Bridge, Soldiers, Parachutes, oh my!
This is where the fun happens. Also included is the Action Figure / Play Set elements, including 20 x G.I. Joe Infantry Troopers, Paratroopers, Commandos, Machine Gunners, and of course... Laser Riflemen! The good guys are also equipped with a Vietnam-war looking Helicopter, 2 x Tanks, 1 x Jeep, an Assault Boat, and 2 parachute dudes!
Heading over to the bad guys, the Cobra Command Enemy Army includes Communications Officers, Rangers, Bazooka Soldiers (hah!), and Infantry Troopers. No air support for these guys, but they do have a bridge - presumably an evil bridge of dubious structural integrity, two tanks, two parachute dudes, and a Jeep and Tanks which are suspiciously of the exact same design as our All American Heros vehicles... somebody ought to look into that!
Collectability and Availability
Obviously there is absolutely no question as to the collectability of a set like this. Could something be more collectable?! Negative. If you have not already, I highly recommend that you stop right now and check out 3DJoes.com who covers this set, and all other G.I. Joe sets in far greater detail than I can, and does an absolutely superb job of it.
As for availability, despite being super popular, this set is widely available, though can get expensive for a complete set in good condition. Thankfully there's many people selling bits and pieces, so you may be able to build it up as you go, until you have a complete one. In any case, it's a collectors dream, no doubt due to many being produced and the ongoing popularity of these kinds of toys, not so many going into landfill perhaps.
