Let's Discuss: Hasbro G.I. Joe Classified Series: #74 Scrap-Iron with Cobra Anti-Armor Drone

Hey there everyone, thanks for stopping by Dan's ToyBox for another G.I. Joe Classified Series figure review. Today we're looking at one that has been on the shelves for a bit. I snagged mine on clearance and, better late than never, am bringing you my thoughts on Scrap-Iron and the Anti-Armor Drone.

Scrap-Iron has an almost compulsive obsession with perfection. Due to his precise, methodical personality, he is constantly working to create the perfect weapon to destroy armored vehicles, planes, tanks... you name it. This single-minded pursuit has led to a number of heated arguments with his fellow Cobra loyalists, but he refuses to be deterred from reaching his goals. There are rumors that he honed his deadly skills developing anti-tank weapons, for Destro's company before joining Cobra. His primary specialty is in remote launched; laser guided weapons technology. His real name is classified along with any military information about him.

This is a pretty slick figure, but not without faults, unfortunately. So, let's discuss:

The Hasbro G.I. Joe Classified Series: #74 Scrap-Iron with Anti-Armor Drone Action Figure.

Accessories: 8/10

Though we could continue the drone to be an accessory, it's listed as a prominent piece on the box. Therefore, we'll break down the accessories for both Scrap-Iron and the Drone. Scrap-Iron comes with a removable helmet, pistol sidearm, and remote control for the Drone. The Drone comes with two removable missiles, two attachable smoke/fire trails for each missile, and four different explosion effects to simulate incoming fire. One of these days I may invest in an air brush, because it would be nice to add some dark color to the white smoke and I don't trust my skills with a regular brush enough to get the effect I want. Maybe with a paint wash, but even then... we'll see. For me, the explosive effects and launch trail effects really add depth to this set. Truthfully, even the small hand-held remote is done very nicely, with a great deal of detail on such a small item.

Appearance: 9/10

Scrap-Iron and the Anti-Armor drone are two of the coolest looking pieces that Hasbro has put out in the Joe Classified series line. The details in his uniform are intricately designed with a tremendous amount of sculpting throughout. I never had the original version of this figure, but compared to pictures, Hasbro has done Scrap-Iron a lot of justice. From the burns and scratches on his face to the damaged eye, the design of this character is rendered with amazing attention to accuracy. The texturing in the costume is done in such fine detail that it's kind of astonishing how much is packed into this figure. I am very impressed with the paint apps on Scrap-Iron as well. They are clean and tight, the Cobra sigils are applied extremely well and even the design of the blast shield goggles gives the illusion that they could slide right up on top of his helmet. They are, of course, sculpted in place, but the design looks incredibly realistic. The Anti-Armor drone is also stylistically well done. Though molded in black, the paint applications for indicator lights, control readouts, and tank roller axles stand out neatly against the glossy black plastic. The red heat vent louvres and tank treads do look to be separate pieces that were inserted into their respective locations. I had thought the drone was originally a dark, Cobra blue, but seeing it in hand, just makes the piece even more enjoyable.

What I really like are the explosions and launch trail effects. I did, already, discuss them in the accessories section, but why not show 'em again down here? At some point, I do think that I might try to add some gray/black highlights to the smoke though.

Articulation: 6/10

Unfortunately, though the engineering for Joe figure articulation is generally pretty solid, Scrap-Iron does have some issues. His head turns easily and can look down to a degree. The shoulders raise to a T pose and can rotate a full 360-degrees. The bicep swivel works fine, and the double-jointed elbows bend in fairly deep. The wrists rotate and hinge without issue. However, his torso joint is limited by the concussion vest. I actually can't get much movement at the upper crunch, but his waist is on a ball joint which allows for twisting, side tilting and some forward/backward movement. His legs can do decent splits, but the straps of the holster on his right thigh limit that leg. He can kick high, does have dropdown joints at the hips and has upper thigh cut which also works fine. The knees are problematic on mine. I've given him a couple of heat baths, but they are still very difficult to bend. I am, honestly, a bit concerned that I could break them if I try too hard. I'm thinking the next step is silicone oil, which I'm hoping will make a difference. He has a boot cut which turns without problem and his ankles feature stellar rocker and hinge movement. The launcher on the drone is set on a ball joint which allows it to turn, tilt, and elevate. The treads will rotate upward a bit and downward, but other than that have no motile function. I was hoping that the treads would actually "roll" but nope.

Affordability: 8/10

Scrap-Iron and the Anti-Armor Drone normally retail at $44.99 but mine was on clearance at Walmart for only $29.00. That was certainly NOT a deal I could pass up. I've been looking at this for a while so when I saw it on sale, I didn't even think twice. Once again, Hasbro has impressed me with yet another great offering in the G.I. Joe line and the accessories included continue to make the figures even better.

Overall, this is a really cool addition to the Joe shelf. I am very happy to be expanding this particular universe and really like Scrap-Iron even more than I'd anticipated. The Hasbro G.I. Joe Classified Series: #74 Scrap-Iron with Anti-Armor Drone earns a solid:

8 out of 10 ToyBoxes

This is definitely a Cobra Figure you're going to want in our G.I. Joe collection. If you can find him on clearance, so much the better! As always, I appreciate all of your support and until next time... GEEK OUT!!!