Cobra Grenadier

This is the first G.I. Joe custom I've ever done. It was done as a Christmas gift for my cousin, Joel (I hope ya like it).

The base figure was a Python Patrol Officer. I replaced his web gear and added numerous 40mm grenade pouches to the new gear. I also added a holstered pistol under his left arm. The weapon is a 40mm pump-action grenade launcher from Marauder, Inc. The backpack also came from Marauder, Inc.

I should note that Joel's gift to me was a vintage G.I. Joe Airborne figure (my favorite when I was a kid). Thanks, Joel!

2CO Jelyk Lohk (New Republic Marine)

2nd Combat Officer Jelyk Lohk is a Duros male who hails from the heavily polluted and depopulated homeworld of his species. Like most of his people, Jelyk grew up in one of Duro’s twenty orbiting cities. His decision to join the New Republic military was not a popular one with his family, who preferred that he remain home and eventually take his father’s place as a foreman in one of the planet’s orbital shipyards. Early in his career, he repeatedly distinguished himself under fire and won a rare appointment to attend the Marine Corps Officer Training Academy. A conscientious leader, Jelyk often wrestles with placing the requirements of the mission over the welfare of his Marines, a fact that is appreciated by his squad. He is armed with an M41A Pulse Rifle and DH-17A Blaster Pistol. He carries standard kit, plus electrobinoculars and a thermal detonator.

Recipe: Head (POTJ Ellors Madak), Body (Elite Force U.S. Soldier), M41A Pulse Rifle (NCM Rifle by Marauder, Inc.), DH-17A Blaster Pistol (POTJ Rebel Fleet Trooper), Helmet (Saga Endor Rebel Trooper), Holster (custom), Rucksack (Elite Force U.S. Marine).

Sgt Jak Kona (New Republic Marine)

Sergeant Jak Kona is a Human male from Prairsuno. He is one of the few career Marines who manages to have a family, despite the strain of the nearly constant deployment cycle. Like most NCOs, he views the Marines under his charge as something of a second family and it is largely because of his sense of duty to their welfare that he remains on active service. He is armed with an M41A Pulse Rifle and carries standard kit, plus electrobinoculars and a thermal detonator.

Recipe: Head (Elite Force U.S. Marine), Body (Elite Force U.S. Marine), Helmet (Saga Endor Rebel Trooper) M41A Pulse Rifle (NCM Rifle by Marauder, Inc.), Rucksack (Elite Force U.S. Marine).

Cpl Jonaye Mostrine (New Republic Marine)

Corporal Jonaye Mostrine is a Human female from the lush agricultural planet Chandrila. After losing her father, a Captain in the Alliance Starfighter Corps, during the Galactic Civil War, Jonaye never really doubted that she was supposed to follow him into military service. She serves as the squad’s communications, technology and data specialist. She is armed with an M41A Pulse Rifle. She is equipped with standard kit, plus data pad, tool kit and log-range commlink unit.

Recipe: Head (POTJ General Leia Organa), Body (Elite Force U.S. Soldier), M41A Pulse Rifle (NCM Rifle by Marauder, Inc.), Rucksack (Backpack with straps by Marauder, Inc.).

PFC Emos Datten (New Republic Marine)

Private First Class Emos Datten is a Human male from Agamar. One of the older members of the squad, he was first trained as a medic at the Imperial Academy at Carida. Realizing the low value the Empire placed on the lives of individual soldiers was the first step toward his eventual defection to the Rebel Alliance. Although he is a highly competent and fiercely loyal trooper on the battlefield, a marked inability to stay out of trouble while not in combat has prevented him from rising through the ranks over the years. He is armed with an M41A Pulse Rifle and carries standard kit, plus medical equipment.

Recipe: Head (POTF2 Endor Rebel Trooper), Body (Elite Force U.S. Soldier), M41A Pulse Rifle (NCM Rifle by Marauder, Inc.), Rucksack (Backpack with straps by Marauder, Inc.).

Cpl Jirel Wyrse (New Republic Marine)

Corporal Jirel Wyrse is a Human male from Alderaan, who was attending school on Coruscant when his homeworld was targeted by the first Death Star. Previously known for his peaceful and calm demeanor, the loss of his family and friends changed Jirel. He immediately joined the Rebel Alliance where his patience, persistence and attention to detail were channeled into new directions. He quickly became known for his amazing marksmanship. He has repeatedly turned down promotions and assignments to instructor duty, so that he can remain on the front lines, attempting to even the score. Though he often seems to be at odds with his squad mates, he has grown to think of them as his new family and will defend them with fierce devotion. He is armed with an E-17D Rifle and DH-17 Blaster Pistol. He carries standard kit and is also equipped with a spotter droid.

Recipe: Head (POTF2 Endor Rebel Trooper), Body (Elite Force U.S. Marine), E-17D Rifle (POTJ IG-88), DH-17 Blaster Pistol (TAC Rebel Vanguard Trooper), Holster (custom), Rucksack (Elite Force U.S. Marine).

LCpl Zinneb Krusik (New Republic Marine)

Lance Corporal Zinneb Krusik is a Kadas’sa’Nikto (or Green Nikto) from Kintan. His visual and olfactory senses are those of a natural predator, making him a highly skilled tracker. He is armed with an M41A Pulse Rifle and carries standard kit.

Recipe: Head (POTF2 Klaatu), Body (Elite Force U.S. Soldier), Helmet (Saga Endor Rebel Trooper), M41A Pulse Rifle (NCM Rifle by Marauder, Inc.), Rucksack (Elite Force U.S. Marine).

Pvt Milifi Capellik (New Republic Marine)

The youngest member of the squad, Private Milifi Capellik is a Human female from Ralltiir. She originally enlisted with her childhood sweetheart, both of them determined to make a difference in the galaxy. Though she is slightly built, Milifi excelled during recruit training and graduated near the top of her training company, proving herself to be made of much sterner stuff than her former beau, who washed out during the second week. She is armed with an M41A Pulse Rifle and carries standard kit.

Recipe: Head (TAC Juno Eclipse), Body (Elite Force U.S. Soldier), Helmet (Saga Endor Rebel Trooper), M41A Pulse Rifle (NCM Rifle by Marauder, Inc.), Rucksack (Backpack with straps by Marauder, Inc.).

LCpl Kellos Rijavy (New Republic Marine)

Lance Corporal Kellos Rijavy is a Human male from Tatooine. He is armed with a Merr-Sonn ES-28A Heavy Repeating Blaster and DH-17 Blaster Pistol. He is equipped with standard kit, but due to the size and operation of his weapon system, the items are distributed among a series of smaller pouches. He has nicknamed his weapon system "Bora" after a beloved pet Massiff from his childhood. Kellos is prone to over-respond to situations, sometimes decimating entire structures in order to bring down one enemy combatant. His commanders must often decide quickly whether it is appropriate to reign him in or allow him to cut loose.

Recipe: Head (SAGA Endor Rebel Trooper), Body (Elite Force U.S. Marine), Helmet (Saga Endor Rebel Trooper), Heavy Repeating Blaster (custom), DH-17 Blaster Pistol (TAC Rebel Vanguard Trooper), Holster (custom), Backpack (SOTE Dash Rendar).

LCpl Ceris Neran (New Republic Marine)

Lance Corporal Ceris Neran is a Human male from Eriadu. He is a staunch believer in rigid discipline and professionalism among warfighters and has no patience for those who he feels do not meet this standard. He is armed with an HH-15 missile launcher and DH-17 Blaster Pistol. He is equipped with standard kit and six HH-15 rounds.

Recipe: Head (Space Force figure), Body (Elite Force U.S. Marine), HH-15 Missile Launcher (TAC Rebel Vanguard Trooper), DH-17 Blaster Pistol (TAC Rebel Vanguard Trooper), Holster (custom), Backpack (Backpack with straps by Marauder, Inc.), Thigh ammo pack (Republic Commando Scorch).

PFC Kern Fralow (New Republic Marine)

Private First Class Kern Fralow is a Human male born on Nar Shadda and then raised on Ord Mantell after his mother took work there as a waitress in the famed Lady Fate Casino. He is a skilled Sabacc player who spends the majority of his free time engaged in one form of gambling or another. He serves as the squad’s demolitions expert and is also the assistant to the unit's anti-armor gunner. He is armed with an M41A Pulse Rifle and carries standard kit, plus explosives and four additional HH-15 rounds.

Recipe: Head (Elite Force U.S. Marine), Body (Elite Force U.S. Marine), M41A Pulse Rifle (NCM Rifle by Marauder, Inc.), Backpack (Elite Force U.S. Marine), Thigh ammo pack (Republic Commando Scorch).

Asa Naga (Black Sun Enforcer)

Asa Naga is an enforcer for the criminal organization Black Sun.

Parts: Head (Space Force figure), Torso (POTJ Bespin Guard), Arms (POTJ Bespin Guard), Legs (POTJ Bespin Guard), Flight cap (Tycho Celchu), Blaster (POTJ Bespin Guard).

Supplies: X-acto knife, Super Sculpey, super glue, brushes, Testors paints, Polly Scale paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: This character appeared in Dark Horse's Darth Maul graphic novel. The character was actually killed by Maul near the end of the story. Despite this, he will probably show up (with a new name) as a background figure in some future diorama. This figure was created for Yakfinities #27.

Step One: I began by removing the original head and trimming the bottom of the jacket a bit. The whole figure was then spray painted black.

Step Two: Once the base paint was dry, I added the new head. The long hair and the Black Sun medallion were made using Super Sculpey. The shoulder armor was cut from a piece of vinyl and glued to the shoulders (they do not restrict the artiuculation much).

Step Three: I re-painted the figure, according to the reference pictures.

Step Four: Once the paint was dry, I applied a coat of Testors Dull-Cote to protect the paint and remove the shiny appearance of the paint.

Dardo (Rodian Vigo - Black Sun)

Dardo is a vigo within the criminal organization Black Sun.

Parts: Head (POTF2 Greedo), Torso (POTJ Ellors Madak), Arms (POTJ Ellors Madak), Legs (POTJ Ellors Madak), Vest (COMMTech Greedo), Blaster (POTJ Ellors Madak).

Supplies: X-acto knife, super glue, brushes, Testors paints, Polly Scale paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: This character appeared in Dark Horse's Darth Maul graphic novel. The character was actually killed by Maul near the end of the story. Despite this, he will probably show up (with a new name) as a background figure in some future diorama. This figure was created for Yakfinities #27.

Step One: I began by removing the Ellors Madak head. The whole figure was then spray painted black.

Step Two: Once the base paint was dry, I added the Greedo head. The eye patch was made using a piece of thread and a dab of super glue. The super glue was applied heavily enough to hold the two ends of the thread and form a bump over the eye to simulate the eye patch.

Step Three: I re-painted the figure, according to the reference pictures.

Step Four: Once the paint was dry, I applied a coat of Testors Dull-Cote to protect the paint and remove the shiny appearance of the paint.

The Dirty Mynock (SoroSuub Light Freighter)

This project is entirely fan-fic. I got an idea in my head and just ran with it.

Parts: Battlefield Earth Psychlo Battlecraft, various other accessories.

Supplies: X-acto knife, super glue, emery board or file, butane lighter, brushes, Testors paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: None.

First, I carefully removed the decals and saved them for later use. Then, I took the whole thing apart and dremeled out the mechanism that allowed the wings to move when the engines rotated. Now the engines can rotate 90 degrees for a verticle take-off without the wing levers moving. I did this because I didn't want to keep the wings and I couldn't have the silly little levers sticking out with no wings attached. At this point, I put the ship back together (except for the clear plastic windscreen). The landing struts were made by cutting the ends off the discarded wings. They were attached with super glue. The entire ship (except for the engines) was painted light aircraft grey. Some of the edges were drybrushed with aluminum-colored paint to show where paint had been chipped off. The cockpit was painted a very dark grey. I used a two-seat cockpit piece from an unidentified G.I. Joe plane to provide seating in the cockpit. The pilot's and gunner's seats were painted an very dark grey. The frame for the two seats was painted steel and aluminum. The individual controls were carefully painted red, yellow, orange, green and blue. The entire cockpit was given an overhaul, adding more controls, wires and conduit. I think the finished cockpit is pretty darn good considering that there weren't even seats to begin with. The decals were re-applied at this point. The vents on the underside were then painted aluminum and the mechanical hoses were painted rubber. The front of each engine nacelle was painted yellow and the exhaust area was painted grey/black. All of the missiles were painted white with yellow tips. The laser cannons were painted black and steel. A butane lighter was used to make scorch marks at various points aroundon the ship. A lot of small items were added to outfit the exterior. I attached a small rader dish to the right side of the cockpit and an antenna to the rear of it. The left side of the cockpit has a swivelling red searchlight that was taken from a Space Force vehicle. The light still works and it swivels in a good range of motion. The holes where the wings are supposed to attach were plugged using the tips of some re-painted Voltron missiles. The entire ship was given several washes of very thinned out black paint to show oil leaks and general wear and tear. Testor's Dull-Cote was then applied liberally to every part of the ship, except the cockpit windscreen. After completing the ship, I liked it so much that I decided to create a crew for it. Lissa Karan is the Captain and pilot. Zurnat is her gunner.

CT42 / 66-9123 (Combat Engineer)

CT 42 / 66-9123 is a combat engineer assigned to Sarlaac Battalion A of the 41st Elite Legion, under Commander Gree.

Parts: Head (Cast from the Battlefront II Engineer), Body (Kneeling Clone Trooper from the RotS Army Builder 3-pack).

Supplies: Paintbrushes, Polly Scale paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars Battlefront II.

Step One: The basic figure, one of the troop-builders from the Revenge of the Sith Clone Trooper 3-pack, was not changed much at all. I just popped off the head and replaced it with a cast of the Battlefront II Clone Engineer (special thanks to PBarny at FFURG for the head cast). I wanted to make one of the clone Engineers from the Battlefront II video game. In keeping with my previous trend, I decided to change the Trooper's unit. In the game, all of the characters are from the 501st Legion, whereas all of mine are members of the 41st Elite Legion.

Step Two: The new paint scheme is a variation on that of the 41st Elite Legion's regular Phase II armor. Once the 41st paint scheme was finished, I modified it a bit to be similar to the 501st Legion Engineer released by Hasbro (tan colored circle markings on the helmet and at the left underarm area). After painting the armor, I also applied battle scarring using several different techniques, including drybrushing and scraping off small areas of the original armor markings. To accomplish the scuffing and scratching that is common to all military equipment, I used the edge of my X-acto knife to carefully scrape all of the armor's prominent edges. These are the areas that are most likely to brush against things and become worn or scratched.

Step Three: A light coat of Testors Gloss-Cote was applied to protect the paint and enhance the shiny appearance of the armor.

CC-7567 Captain Rex (Commanding Officer of Torrent Company - 501st Legion)

During the Clone Wars, Captain Rex was in command of Torrent Company of the famed 501st Legion. Rex and his men were assigned to patrol the sectors of the galaxy within the Outer Rim. Anakin Skywalker's second in command during the Clone Wars, Captain Rex was a freethinking, tough, and aggressive clone trooper. Rex voiced his professional opinions to even the highest-ranking Jedi.

Parts: Head (Order 66 ARC Trooper), Torso (Order 66 ARC Trooper), Arms (Order 66 ARC Trooper), Legs (Order 66 ARC Trooper), Helmet (Order 66 ARC Trooper), Shoulder Pauldron (Commander Appo), Equipment Belt & Kama (Clone Commander), Blaster Pistols (Clone Commander), Blaster Rifle (Evolutions Clone Commander).

Supplies: X-acto knife, sandpaper, file, super glue, brushes, Polly Scale paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: I actually used my son's Captain Rex figure as the reference for this (thank you, Adam). I wanted to do a realistically styled version of this character, but I felt the need to keep the detailing as close as possible to the original.

Step One: First, I used the X-acto knife and the sandpaper to remove all of the figure's hair.

Step Two: Next, I carefully sanded off all of the yellow armor markings. Once this was done, I re-painted the armor with the dark blue markings. The kama was painted black. The straps for the holsters were painted white. The jaig eyes on the helmet were done by hand with a very fine paintbrush (yes, I had to do them more than once before they were satisfactory). I may eventually decide to go back and give him some battle-scarring, but for the time being I like the clean look of the paint job.

Step Three: Finally, a coat of Testors Dull-Cote was applied to seal the paint and reduce the shine.

The Muunilinst 10 (ARC Trooper Squad)

The ARC Trooper Squad led by A-77 Captain Fordo, was instrumental in the attack on Muunilinst, infiltrating the city and disabling a massive artillery cannon. Known as the "Muunilinst 10", they also aided Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi in a surgical strike on the enemy headquarters, leading to the capture and surrender of key members of the InterGalactic Banking Clan leadership. Shortly thereafter, they helped defeat the formidable bounty hunter Durge. After the end of the Battle of Muunilinst, Kenobi reinforced the surviving members of the Muunilinst 10 with heavy gunners and deployed them to Hypori to rescue a doomed Jedi task force on the planet from the clutches of the dreaded Supreme Commander of the Droid Armies, General Grievous. Despite taking casualties, they held their ground and succeeded in driving the fearsome droid commander away with a hail of heavy weapon fire. Their efforts undoubtedly saved the lives of the surviving Jedi.

Parts: Most of the figures and parts came directly from The Hunt for Grievous Battle Pack. Additional parts were taken from a RotS AT-TE Gunner.

Supplies: X-acto knife, Dremel, sandpaper, file, super glue, brushes, Testors paints, Polly Scale paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: The Clone Wars animated series. Basically, these figures are all "improved" versions of what Hasbro released.

Step One (A-77 Captain Fordo): I was pretty happy with the Captain Fordo figure. He got a new paint job using a brighter red, and some of the details that were missed at the factory got painted (such as the webbing for his holsters, buckles on the kama straps, etc). He also got a new pair of pistols. Although the original ones were probably more accurate for the realistic sculpt, I really liked the longer barreled pistols he was seen twirling (something he seems to have inherited from Jango) in the Clone Wars micro-series. The new pistols were made by cutting the stock and part of the receiver group from a standard DC-17 rifle. The barrel and pistol grip assembly were super glued together and the barrels were hollowed out with the Dremel.

Step Two (Z-6 Rotary Gunner): I wanted this Lieutenant's legs to be more articulated, so I used the Dremel with a cutting disc to cut the pelvis and legs off the figure. I then used super glue to attach the pelvis and legs from an RotS AT-TE Gunner. Once the kama was added at the end of the process, the seam where these two major parts were joined cannot be seen at all. Next, I repositioned the right arm by a cutting wedge-shaped pieces from the inside of the elbow. I applied a small dab of super glue inside the cut and then held the arm in the desired position until the glue dried. The left arm was already positioned correctly for my purposes.

Step Three (Reciprocating Quad Gunner): This Lieutenant was already accurate except that the blue marking on his armor were a much different shade than that of the other ARC lieutenants. He was simply given a new paint job to match the color used on the others.

Step Four: The remaining figures are all ARC Lieutenants that came from The Hunt for Grievous Battle Pack. They were all given new markings with the same blue paint used on the Rotary Gunner and the Cip-Quad Gunner.

Step Five: All of the ARC Troopers received a bit of battle-damage to their armor. Finally, a light coat of Testors Dull-Cote was applied to each figure to seal the paint and reduce the shine.

Juno Eclipse (Human Pilot)

Juno Eclipse was a female Imperial pilot during the Great Jedi Purge. Following the Battle of Callos, she was tasked with piloting the Rogue Shadow, transport ship of Galen Marek, Darth Vader's secret apprentice. After being branded a traitor by the Dark Lord, Juno joined Marek on his mission to create a Rebel Alliance. During their adventures Juno and Marek fell in love but, theirs was a future not meant to be as Marek died fighting the Emperor. Juno was present at the birth of the Alliance to Restore the Republic and went on to become a pilot in the Rebel forces.

Parts: Head (Juno Eclipse), Torso (Juno Eclipse), Arms (Juno Eclipse), Legs (Juno Eclipse), Helmet, Hoses and Control Box (TIE Fighter Pilot), Gloves (TIE Fighter Pilot), E-11 Blaster Rifle (Juno Eclipse).

Supplies: Dremel, Super Sculpey, super glue, X-acto knife, file, emery board, brushes, Polly Scale paints, Testors Gloss-Cote and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: None. In the novelization of The Force Unleashed, the author states that prior to being assigned as the pilot of the Rogue Shadow, Juno was the commanding officer of an elite TIE fighter squadron.

Step One: Using the Dremel, I hollowed out the helmet. It took a while, and I had to be careful not to go too far, but it fit perfectly on her head once I was finished.

Step Two: I cut off the lower, skirt-like portion of the tunic. I sanded the belt so that it did not have such a pronounced edge where the lower tunic had been cut away.

Step Three: I also cut off the lower arms at a point equal to the size of the gloves I took from the TIE pilot figure. I then super glued the gloves onto the arms.

Step Four: I used Super Sculpey to sculpt the torso armor. I had another TIE pilot on-hand as a reference. After sculpting, I cured the Super Sculpey by repeatedly dunking it in a mug of boiling water. Once it was cool and dry, I sanded the armor smooth.

Step Five: I painted the figure to match my male TIE pilots.

Step Six: Finally, I applied a coat of Testors Dull-Cote to seal the paint and reduce the shine. Gloss-Cote was used on the torso armor to maintain the shiny appearance.

Wedge Antilles (Human Pilot - Rogue Squadron)

When Wedge Antilles' parents were killed by pirates, he set out to even the score. With the aid of long-time family friend Booster Terrik, Wedge attacked and destroyed the pirates' ship. He bought a freighter and spent some time smuggling, mostly weapons for the Rebel Alliance. Soon, he gave that up and joined the Alliance full-time. He was the only member of Red Squadron, besides Luke Skywalker, to survive the assault on the first Death Star. Following the Battle of Yavin, Luke and Wedge founded Rogue Squadron. Wedge remained with Rogue Squadron until his retirement from active service at the rank of General. At the beginning of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, Wedge returned to active duty and participated in several of the battles therein. After the fall of Coruscant, he was placed in command of the military forces assigned to cover the retreat.

Parts: Head (Wedge Antilles), Torso (Wedge Antilles), Arms (Ponda Baba), Hands (Han Solo), Legs (Wedge Antilles), Jacket (Ponda Baba), Helmet (Wedge Antilles).

Supplies: Emery board, file, paintbrushes, Testors paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: There are a number of comics from Dark Horse with good pictures of Wedge. Additionally, Michael A. Stackpole gives a pretty good description of him in his series of X-wing novels.

Step One: First, I replaced the Wedge arms with the Ponda Baba arms.

Step Two: Next, I cut off the Ponda Baba hands.

Step Three: Then, I put the jacket on Wedge. In Dark Horse's X-Wing Rogue Squadron comics, Wedge is often seen wearing an orange jacket over his flightsuit before or after missions.

Step Four: After adding the jacket, I super glued the Han hands to the arms.

Step Five: Finally, I applied a coat of Testors Dull-Cote to seal the paint and reduce the shine.

Wedge Antilles (Human Pilot - Rogue Squadron)

Periodically, the Rogues needed to blend in with the local scenery during missions. This is Wedge in his street clothes.

Parts: Head (Wedge Antilles), Torso (Ceremonial Luke Skywalker), Arms (Ceremonial
Luke Skywalker), Legs (Ceremonial Luke Skywalker), Jacket (Cantina Han Solo), Blaster (Han Solo).

Supplies: Paintbrushes, Testors paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: There are a number of comics from Dark Horse with good pictures of Wedge. This figure was based on the picture of Wedge in street clothes from Dark Horse's Rogue Squadron Handbook.

Step One: First, I replaced the Luke head with the Wedge head.

Step Two: Next, I put the jacket on Wedge.

Step Three: Then, I painted the figure according to my references (I chose to keep the jacket black, rather than paint it brown as in the picture).

Step Four: Finally, I applied a coat of Testors Dull-Cote to seal the paint and reduce shine.