prototypes
"Generation II" 3 & 3/4 from 1997 - 2001
The following gallery covers a wide range of prototypes starting with the first year of 1982, to the unreleased 1995 figures. Each figure will have a short explanation of its history. These are very rare figures. Approximately 24 prototypes are made for each figure. Many figures do not survive the testing process. Several are still locked up in a "Hasbro Vault". Below are a few that escaped.
short Fuse, 1997
Short Fuse was from the Stars And Stripes boxed collection. The one on the left is the normal production figure. The one the right is the multi-colored prototype. He has a flesh colored head, dark green body and legs, light green arms. It is a very odd. Most do not have any paint applied. However, this prototype is partially painted with black and gray on his boots. He also has brown paint on his chest harness and leg pockets. He has the number 38 written on his chest. He is the only G.I. Joe prototype that I have ever seen with a number painted on him, or any stray paint for that matter. Short Fuse was obtained from Hong Kong.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
lt. gorky, 1998 (big bear, 1992)
Lt. Gorky was made from the exact same mold as Big Bear in 1992. He is an unpainted test shot. Made close to production colors. However, the gray is a different shade of color.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
shipwreck, 1998
He is an unpainted test shot. He was created the same time as Torpedo and Wetsuit for the 3 pack Navy Assault Unit.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
snow serpent, 1998 (and 1991)
Snow Serpent is the exact same mold as the 1992 release. He is an unpainted test shot. Made close to production colors. However, the gray is a different shade of color.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
torpedo, 1998
Torpedo is an unpainted test shot. He was created the same time as Wetsuit and Shipwreck for the 3 pack Navy Assault Unit.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
viper, 1998
Viper is an unpainted test shot. Made close to production colors. However, the blue is a different shade of color.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
wetsuit, 1998
Wetsuit is an unpainted test shot. He was created the same time as Torpedo and Shipwreck for the 3 pack Navy Assault Unit.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
Cobra Commander, 2000
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
law, 2000
Law has two right arms! This just goes to prove than anything can happen in the prototype stage. He was probably put together in a hurry to make a presentation, or maybe the left arms were not produced yet at the time he was put together. He is an unpainted test shot. His helmet does not have the paint applied either.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
snake eyes, 2000
Snake Eyes has an all black body. He has marking on his body. He is almost complete. Snake Eyes was obtained from Singapore.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
undertow, 2000
Undertow is an unpainted test shot. Check out the unreleased blue flippers that were used for the test shot. They are the ones show on top, the production flippers are shown on the bottom for reference. They are of the same mold as the 85 Eels. He also has the early production release post sticking out of his chest. The majority of Undertows were produced with a hole in his chest. Made close to production colors.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
duke, 2001
Duke is a complete prototype. He has markings on his body. Duke's legs are NOT painted. The plastic is a mixture of two greens swirled to give the effect of camouflage. Duke was obtained from Singapore.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
major bludd, 2001
Major Bludd is a complete prototype. He is unpainted (purple colored rivets were used on his arms). Major Bludd was obtained from Singapore.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
side track, 2001
Side Track (AKA Ambush - version 1) is almost a complete prototype. He is only missing the camouflage net covering. Side Track's legs are NOT painted. The plastic is mixture of two greens swirled to give the effect of camouflage. Side Track was obtained from Singapore.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
Rock Viper, 2001
Rock Viper (AKA Range Viper - version 1) is a complete prototype. The prototype is not painted. Rock Viper was obtained from Singapore.
Prototype from the collection of : Ron Conner
If you own any prototypes, or would like to share information further, please contact Ron snakeeye@gte.net
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