Why Recondo?
Posted by kingphilbert | Filed under Customs
I was asked this question recently when I was offered some old RAH Joes and immediately yelled out “I call Recondo!” The answer, I really don’t know why. I barely remember him from the comics and he only had a few supporting character roles in the cartoon (rem the episode “Red Rockets Glare” about Roadblock’s uncle’s burger joint?) yet he always ended up a member of my team when I was a kid. Maybe it’s the hat. Maybe it was the mustache. Either way before we had him added to the 25th Anniversary line at the very bitter end I was intent on crafting my own. I had a Tiger Force version planned as one of my first major customs (still the influence for the final). I even started and had him near complete before abandoning him altogether when the actual figure hit in classic jungle gear.
Like any custom I make it seems to be all about the inspiration. Obviously for Recondo it was just a matter of the right parts to make him the way I wanted him and though one may not think to use the beefy lower legs from a Resolute Roadblock for a shorter character, when paired with the front pocket uppers and knee pads from City Strike Snake eyes I immediately saw what I need. For those familiar with the 25th version it was obvious to stick with the torso he already had. A quick arm swap later to short sleeves and a few custom accessories and I had all that I needed to get this one together.
Small additions I made along the way include a harness style shoulder holster made using City Strike Snake-Eyes web gear and the holster from Zap’s belt (seen on the completed figure above). I attached a canteen to his belt which was taken from the same belt as the shoulder holster. His pack was a complete rebuild of the Alice pack that came with Gung-Ho and a few others with an added sleeping bag and carry strap to look more like it’s classic counter part all topped off with some grenades and a flashlight. A field wrapped rifle courtesy of Broken Arrow Toys, revolver and a machete and he was ready to go.
This was one of the last figures I worked on this spring before taking my summer break along with a new Shipwreck and Resolute style 1986 Roadblock. He also pairs very well with the lovely Danger Girl, Abbey Chase. Another long-time-in-the-making custom who I featured in an earlier post. I was thrilled to finally finish up both of them and add them to the collection. I doubt any admirers will find these two on ebay as they had others though. I like them a little too much. More images can be seen in the Customs gallery along with my new take on Shipwreck, 1986 Roadblock and, if I may say so myself, and incredible redux of the 1991 Snake-Eyes.
As always this figure was fully paint by hand using Testors Model Master Acrylic paints and washes.
