HCC788 - 1987 TUNNEL RAT - E.O.D. - Vintage G.I. Joe toy review!

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William J. Stelmack, Philip Hanks
Todd Humphrey, Kurt Kesler
Information and Sources:
Tunnel Rat on YoJoe.com:
www.yojoe.com/a...
Tunnel Rat on YoJoe.com:
www.3djoes.com/...
EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL (EOD) SPECIALIST (89D):
www.goarmy.com...
Tunnel rat:
en.wikipedia.o...
Images:
Public Domain,
commons.wikime...
Howard C. Breedlove, SSG, Photographer; US Army Signal Corps
National Archives and Records Administration
Operation "Oregon," a search and destroy mission conducted
by an infantry platoon of Troop B, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron,
9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), three kilometers
west of Duc Pho, Quang Ngai Province. An infantryman is
lowered into a tunnel by members of the reconnaissance platoon.
Bomb disposal:
en.wikipedia.o...
Explosive Ordnance Disposal - 3E8X1:
www.af.mil/Abou...
7.62×51mm NATO:
en.wikipedia.o...
M1919 Browning machine gun:
en.wikipedia.o...
Image:
By first uploaded by user:Vida sopheap in the en.WP
en:WP, Public Domain,
commons.wikime...
Machine gun:
en.wikipedia.o...
Barrel shroud:
en.wikipedia.o...
M60 machine gun:
en.wikipedia.o...
Image:
By Polanksy kolbe - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,
commons.wikime...
Night vision device:
en.wikipedia.o...
Satchel charge:
en.wikipedia.o...
C-4 (explosive):
en.wikipedia.o...)
Tunnel Rat on G.I. Joe wiki:
gijoe.wikia.com...)
Tunnel Rat on Halfbattle.com:
www.halfbattle....
Nicky Lee:
en.wikipedia.o...
Ranger School:
en.wikipedia.o...
DIRTY SECRETS of VIETNAM: The Tunnel Rats (720p):
• DIRTY SECRETS of VIETN...
GI Joe - BeachHead Training (1987):
• GI Joe - BeachHead Tra...
Tunnel Rat on JMM's G.I. Joe Comics Home Page:
www.myuselesskn...
Larry Hama:
en.wikipedia.o...
Images:
By Alex Lozupone - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,
commons.wikime...
By Luigi Novi, CC BY 3.0,
commons.wikime...
Larry Hama:
gijoe.wikia.com...
Interview with Larry Hama:
www.geocities.w...
That which does not kill us makes us stronger.
Read more at:
www.brainyquot...
Real Military Patches Used on GI Joe Figures:
wiki.joecustoms...
Trinidad Golden Palace, Brooklyn, NY
What, Me Worry? from Mad Magazine
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero by Marvel Comics
G.I. Joe issue 59 commercial:
• G.I. Joe issue 59 comm...
Music:
Tied Up, by Silent Partner
G. I. Joe is (c) Hasbro.
All copyrighted material is used for the purpose of
comment and criticism, which constitutes a fair use
of such material.
This video is (c) Bryan Lower.

[@emilcorday]

I met Larry Hama, and he mentioned that the original head sculpt was actually a much more faithful likeness, it just lost detail in the manufacturing process. Hama actually gave a shout out to the sculptor in the comics, too: he sculpted Destro's chess set.

[@HCC788]

That's interesting. I'm assuming the sculptor was Bill Merklein. He's an excellent sculptor. I also know the originals are sculpted at 2x the size of the figure, so I wouldn't be surprised if some of the subtlety of the sculpt is lost in translation.

[@trentavery3821]

Tunnel Rat is my number one G.I.JOE. 1987 Is the same year my sister got her driver's license. And she took me up to King Soopers in new car a Honda Civic and bought me Tunnel Rat and Outback to celebrate. It was a good day for both of us

[@nealg6810]

Outback is my favorite Joe. And you have a cool sister. My sister wouldn't do that for me. Haha.

[@RhinoRobM]

Tunnel Rat was my favorite too, and I always like how he had on what looked like black jeans and cowboy boots, good legs for figure bashing

[@HCC788]

That sounds like a fantastic day. Those figures are fitting for a celebration. They're awesome!

[@ZBR_ProXP]

@trent how do you feel about Night Force Tunnel Rat?

[@christianbrix5211]

@@nealg6810 Outback has always been my favourite too, though none of my friends agreed. I always thought I was the only one, until 20 or so years late the internet told me otherwise.

[@Barada73]

I remember seeing Tunnel Rat in stores a few months after reading The 'Nam #8, from July 1987 (which would have been on shelves sometime around March or April of 1987), which was an entire issue devoted to Tunnel Rats in Vietnam. Since Larry Hama worked for Marvel and The 'Nam was published by Marvel, I've always wondered if the release of that comic, introducing kids to the concept of Tunnel Rats, and the release of the Tunnel Rat action figure were related or if it was all just a coincidence. I agree that his accessories don't really fit his job, but at least accessories are interchangeable. What really bugs me about his design is the fact that his pants aren't tucked into his boots. Seems like he's just begging for a rat to climb up his leg.

[@Dreadpirate46]

Great video! When I played with my Joes, I usually gave Tunnel Rat the M-60 machine gun that came with the original Rock N Roll. I always thought he looked better with that weapon.

[@mikesmith2718]

what a great figure and amazing character! you did an amazing job covering this one and its really great that you got to meet and get a drawing from Larry Hama. i hope to meet Larry one day just to show my appreciation for his work and how hes impacted my life in such a positive way.

[@HCC788]

Thanks, Mike! Larry still comes to conventions, so there's a chance to meet him! He does sketch commissions, too!

[@magnuslauglo5356]

My all time favorite Joe! I loved how they portrayed Tunnel Rat in the comic and he has one of the most kick ass outfits of all the Joes. I'm glad you love him too, but your points about his accessories not matching his MOS/code name are well taken.

[@josiahalcorne7568]

Spot on review. Thank you so much for doing what you do and thank you to the patreons who help make it happen. This was my brothers favorite Joe of all time. This figure got so much playing time when we were kids. You can make a case that this was the best action figure of all time. I just can't say enough good things about this figure. He looks awesome. He was a great avatar for smaller kids who made smallness a strength. His cartoon persona was top notch, I grew up in a city in Florida with tons of Buffalo transplants so his accent was pretty common here. His specialty in the tunnels made for awesome play ideas. His character was so well written. He was Asian badass without being a martial artist which was unheard of at the time and still is special. Being able to project yourself into a figure is what crosses the line from plastic to magic and this figure did that for my brother. Because it was so well created I am sure it did that for many other kids of many different backgrounds. 87 was my favorite year for Joes for the reasons you said. Thanks again for this review it is your best yet. If the universe ends tonite I will rest a little easier for having watched it.

[@HCC788]

Thank you, Josiah! Your brother has good taste. I can easily see how Tunnel Rat would some kids' favorite Joe. You make a good point. Most Asian characters tend to be martial artists, ninjas, etc. Tunnel Rat was more down-to-earth (no pun intended.).

[@woofan25]

One of the greatest figures of the original run.

[@racerxgundam]

its interesting that as a kid i never got his combat role...all these years i thought he was a saboteur/sniper. barring my confusion on his role....TOP TIER ALL THE WAY! one of the best joes plain and simple...

[@papishow]

Tunnel Rat was always one of my favorite figures growing up. I’m Trinidadian so it was great to see a fellow Trini as a Joe!

[@LOVEinThisUsername]

Great video Hoodie! My father loved exploring caves, so I grew up playing in a basement full of ropes and lamps and other caving gear. Of course Tunnel Rat was one of my favorite joes to play with in that setting!

[@HCC788]

Cool! Thanks for sharing your story.

[@travismoore7938]

Awesome review! I really enjoyed the historical video on Tunnel Rats. I never had this figure, but always wanted him.

[@HCC788]

Thanks, Travis!

[@ZBR_ProXP]

87 might be my personal fav year, or maybe my most nostalgic

[@ZBR_ProXP]

crazy how popular this figure was

[@christianhafer9819]

Definitely a top tier figure. Awesome figure and review. I like Boa, Croc and Raptor too, to be fair.

[@troysappersaucestrom2492]

Tunnel Rat inspired me to spend 8 years as a combat engineer. I did get to serve in combat but never been in a tunnel.

[@jamalamirihamed442]

TR is one of my all-time favorite action figures.

[@JediJunkie247]

Now we have Tunnel Rat in the Classified Series. And the figure is amazing. In addition to all the bells and whistles of the vintage figure, he comes with a removable revolver and knife for his appointed role.

[@tonywilliams6428]

I had gotten out of the line (and toys in general) by '87, but I was aware of the silly direction it was headed. Getting into collecting I was pleasantly surprised to find post '86 gems like Tunnel Rat, Outback, Shockwave etc. Great review HCC. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

[@HCC788]

Thanks, Tony! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!

[@Michael_Johnson_5446]

Fantastic analysis as always. Always wanted to get Tunnel Rat and make a tunnel diorama for him to crawl through, but was never able to find him.

[@HCC788]

Don't give up! You can still do it! There are Tunnel Rat figures out there.

[@mattleuty5285]

Another great review and it looks like the grown up HCC was not disappointed meeting Larry Harma!!! Anyway have a fantastic week off and see you when you get back.

[@HCC788]

Thanks, Matt! I'll see you after (U.S.) Thanksgiving!

[@soterioncoil2163]

yep I had version one Tunnel Rat. top tier figure fer certainly.

[@joachimmeier7318]

I loved my Tunnel Rat! He had a german MG with nightvision! Take this Cobra, let's go GI JOE.

[@gazz_N7]

I remember when I got this figure, I switched out his waist and legs with Outback's, thought it was a better fit. Great review HHC

[@nzz6063]

If only I had that t-shirt in college! Tunnel Rat was one of my fave figures!

[@glennrobbins2372]

Great review of a great figure. My son had all 3 versions although whoever we got them from had customized v1 and v2 and swapped the lower halves so one was all olive drab and the other was all black. The olive drab one was part of the group that were his jungle fighters. The book we had gotten to identify all his Joes had said that Tunnel Rat was based on Larry Hama. Did you know that he did an episode of the show MASH. He plays one of the North Koreans who come to the 4077th looking for medical supplies. They wind up taking Maj. Burns along to help get them through check points then kick him out of the jeep because he's driving them nuts.

[@HCC788]

Thanks for sharing your story! An all-black Tunnel Rat would be wicked awesome. I did know about Larry's appearance on MASH! As I recall it was mentioned in his profile in Bullpen Bulletins. After that I would always watch MASH hoping I would see him. But I didn't know what episode he was in, and I didn't really know what he looked like. I found the episode later on DVD. :)

[@glennrobbins2372]

As I've said before there were over 100 Joes plus vehicles in the box I bought at a yard sale. A great find for 20 bucks. My son is now 21 but there were many a day when he was younger that we'd be on the floor playing with them or the 12" Joes I bought him as well. He had out grown the Lincoln Log set until I gave him the Joes. He used the logs for many different things. Your reviews are great and remind me of all the ones he had or hope he still has.

[@commandonigward573]

Here's a fun fact about tunnel rats they had to use suppressors because if they fire the normal gun it would blind the tunnel rat and tunnel rats were only armed with an M1911, combat knife ,explosiveness and a handheld flashlight

[@commandonigward573]

And here's another fun fact about tunnel rats they used to send in dogs but they realize how useless they were because it couldn't sense out most booby traps

[@TroySmith25]

As a kid, I wondered why the guy who was supposed to go through tunnels had such a big gun. But on the other side, Tunnel Rat’s gun was one of my favorites.

[@HCC788]

The accessories are fantastic, and I loved that big machine gun.

[@VolkXue]

an experienced nam era tunnel rat would go with a suppressed 38 special. Most of them hated the 45 because it could damage your hearing

[@Warhawkx]

The machine gun is closer to being a post-WWII German MG3. Also, Tunnel Rat is outfitted more like a sapper to me.

[@NerdGasims]

HCC when I was in the army some units I was in would have telescopic night vision scopes mounted on machine guns like the 240B or M2 50 cal at guard post. Did that because the machine guns were more heavy duty than a M16 and the person at the guard post didn’t have to have extra weight on their M16.

[@JoeMotionVideos82]

Toki Warbeast Thank you for your service!

[@HCC788]

Thank you for the info!! I wasn't able to find a reference for that. I appreciate it.

[@NerdGasims]

HoodedCobraCommander788 welcome. It’s just one those things that would be up to unit leadership and operation procedures

[@wesbelt]

Tunnel Rat is one of my all time favorites for sure.

[@agenttexx]

I have an original Tunnel Rat with his gear. I also have one I kit bashed from the Sonic Fighter and original version where he is essentially wearing an OD top and bottom. I was going to try to find a Night force figure and use that head so he was wearing all OD, but the night force figure is expensive compared to the other two. He was always one of my favorite characters and I'm awaiting the Classifieds figures for more kit bashing fun and an unopened one for my collection.

[@williamjubi]

Great review as always! Have you thought about acquiring/reviewing any of the "battle command sound effect pack" figures from the 90's? I have no doubt they'd make for a funny vid. Plus, some of those sound effect pack figures had nice paint schemes.

[@HCC788]

Thank you! Yeah, I'll eventually get those sonic fighters/super sonic fighters/talking battle command figures eventually. I have a couple of them already. I will enjoy reviewing them.

[@joshcarrico6534]

Tunnel Rat was my favorite Joe. It's cool to see that he had a similar impact with other fans.

[@cyberfrank-bx2nv]

I totally agree with your review. good show Commander!

[@marim8798]

I am a 23 year old guy still in love with GI Joe figures...

[@mattlerch531]

One of my top 10 Joe's. Great figure. It's hard to tear this design apart.

[@joefan82]

I also love Tunnel Rat, but unfortunately, never had the vintage figure.

[@corypatenaude2144]

I really enjoy watching your videos. Thank you HCC

[@nealg6810]

Fantastic video!!!! Tunnel Rat is one bad ass Joe!!!

[@HCC788]

Thank you!

[@robertlogan5354]

I never got the original tunnel rat, but he was one of my favorite characters from the sunbow stuff, so i was probably more thrilled to get him as a sonic fighter than any other joe figure, except maybe tiger force duke. I could accept the repaints, as at least i had a couple of my top guys.

[@delvis7842]

Great review! Would have liked the figure more with camo, and boots like It Falcon. Never understood why he had all that bulky stuff to sneak through tunnels. Which led me to never really wanting the figure as a kid! Thanks for sharing!

[@georgenoriegajr]

Man, I would love to see that Stalker sketch inked by Steve Leialoha. Hama and Leialoha did 2 issues together in the old Marvel series, 2 of the more important issues in the entire run: #21 (Silent Interlude) and #26 (Snake-Eyes: The Origin). Next to Russ Heath's #24, those were probably my 2 favorite issues from an art standpoint.

[@HCC788]

Those issues also stick out in my mind for having great artwork.

[@christianbrix5211]

Leioloha is amazing, in my opinion only outdone by one other inker, Kim DeMulder who did #57.

[@BobHansenJokes]

This was heartfelt and humorous. Outstanding review.

[@uhhuhhuh100]

I owned this figure as a kid. I always like the character.

[@michaelterrell9645]

Luv me some Tunnel Rat!!!

[@MadMark2006]

Tunnel rats machine gun is a mix of both the Barrel of the German WW2 MG34 and body/Stock Of the US M60 Pig.

[@marcelmoreau2733]

I always thought Tunnel rat was the one that came with the grapplehook duffle. I guess my cousin and I got misprint or mixed package figures.

[@QUANK321]

Thats Hit & Run you're thinking of

[@zorpoxthedestroyer]

I got this guy loose when i was younger did not know his file card referenced Trinidad that's really kool I'm Trinidadian

[@HCC788]

Hey, that's a happy coincidence, then!

[@benblow3821]

Feeling moved enough by this review and the comments to fess up. I loved Tunnel Rat so much, I stole him! He was discontinued in the uk when I came across him and there was no ebay back then. But my friend had him. He was one of those kids who just had everything, so much I felt he couldn't possibly miss him. Later I would be shamed in the best tradition of Eastern philosophy when the kindness of the person I had wronged led him to gift me ALL of his Joes (probably 50 + in all). I never told him about the Joe that got away and sadly my whole collection went to the dump sometime after I left home but Tunnel Rat old survivor that he is escaped the cull by hiding in some Lego and would be found later. He remains with me to this day, all that is left of a once sizable collection. Sometimes I dream I'm searching through a landfill in Lincolnshire desperately scrabbling for that beloved plastic. Obviously I wake in cold sweats screaming Noooooooooooooooooooooo! but he's always there safe on the shelf silent sentinel of my war books. He's seen things, man! A true survivor. Indispensable cold warrior. Although I wish he'd had a pistol and flashlight too, beyond that surely one of the best.

[@donaldthompson9938]

Great Review. One of my favorite Joe action figures.

[@HCC788]

Thank you!

[@n_explosion8199]

There was a tiger force version to with a red shirt, blue pants and a tiger striped orange bandana

[@Mlopez_602]

One of my favorites. However, I am guilty of changing out the legs with that MP Law figure.

[@HCC788]

That's not a bad idea. Those legs work work great with the top half of Tunnel Rat.

[@bjrn-jakobbenonisen3497]

I allso LOVE Tunnel Rat

[@humungus3]

Tunnel Rats gun looks like it has the action and stock of an m-60 and the barrel kinda looks like an MG34.

[@xavierprotocols]

They should have given him a WWII Grease Gun which is a submachine gun that did see service in 'Nam or a sawed off shotgun both were also great for the tight confines of a tunnel.

[@edwinaramirez6063]

My son complained that GI Joe comics focused more on ninjas, and was more martial Arts than military.

[@KevinMayle1974]

Tremendous video!

[@HCC788]

Thank you!

[@sergiodemartinez1415]

Its so true by 87 the Joe line was weak but Tunnel Rat was probably one of the best figures all around.

[@jakubbuszko3089]

This MG is like A6 1918 xal . 30*06 ...

[@jakubbuszko3089]

There was Tunnel Rat Tiger Force version from 93 in Europe . Pity I sold all my collection . All accessories are the same like original .

[@HCC788]

Tiger Force Tunnel Rat must have been interesting.

[@jakubbuszko3089]

Maybe Timmy from Belgium could help ...

[@shermanvermin76]

(comment is also in response to HoodedCobraCommander788) I like *this* version of Tunnel Rat (from 1987) *and* the Tiger Force version (yes, you - Jakub Buszko - are right that the Tiger Force version was only available in the UK and Europe, but it was made in 1991). Despite the character's code name, he's a Joe (since it's merely a nickname for someone who has the ability to squeeze through tight spaces - it has nothing to do with rodents).

[@bingolos9063]

5:44 This kinda look like the german MG34 used during ww2, tho it has a m60 body with the mg34 barrel itself My theory here someone in hasbro saw the weapon that was used by stormtrooper in star wars, which make sense becasue mos star wars blaster in the movie are based on ww2 weapons

[@mgvillanmp478]

I never got this one ...but yea he is definitely a top tier figure nice review man

[@HCC788]

Thank you!

[@jackywhipet]

Fav gi Joe with Quick kick next.

[@OldManOutback]

The mystery posed by this video was solved by Carson's latest video. (Why does Tunnel Rat's head not look like Larry Hama?). We now know that it was *initially* sculpted to look like him but was later revised by Hasbro, giving Tunnel Rat his current visage.

[@antiquariancrafts2454]

Great review. But I kind of want to know the story behind the t-shirt.

[@Mecha82]

I do hate what they did to him in Sigma 6. It was so disrespectful not just towards character but also man that he was based on.

[@kurtirving643]

Must say; I do also LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Tunel Rat. :)

[@danielspencer582]

I was tunnel rat for Halloween in 1989.

[@MrFennstar]

Not sure why but I get the feeling you love tunnel rat

[@white-dragon4424]

I think an Uzi or MAC-10 would've been more appropriate for his function as a troop who has to scour confined underground spaces.

[@ivan363]

Larry the Legend 🏆

[@JoeMotionVideos82]

I didn't quite get that, do you love Tunnel Rat or not?

[@HCC788]

Oh, I don't know. I'm undecided.

[@deadsweetheart1]

My favorite figure who sadly was stolen from me when I was 12

[@TechnoGolem]

I love G.I. Joe and Transformers. I always hated when they crossed over.

[@demgutts]

I'm Jamaican/ Chinese

[@HCC788]

Cool!

[@MiKeMiDNiTe-77]

What can I say about T-rat ddnt have him as a kid but liked him now I think he's more awesome than ever definate top 10 Joe

[@jasonmaiden5026]

Cobra must have bigger tunnels than the Viet Cong

[@jameswhite4370]

But you got to think they're supposed to have advanced technology Weaponry vehicles of course some of the weapons are going to look different then they originally would because they're supposed to

[@ShannonFargo]

I wonder if you like Tunnel Rat?

[@HCC788]

I'll have to think about it some more.

[@jakubbuszko3089]

Knives ? :( Sir I want shake your hand on real one day if we survive ...

[@HCC788]

Thanks! Just make sure there isn't a knife in your other hand!

[@haroldcarfrey4381]

M1919A4

[@marlonmcbean6071]

Hi big guy i like cobra boxer big boa he's pretty hot piece give him a break.

[@gxbouncer1]

G I joe and transformers in the same comic got stupid

[@matthewneufer1758]

I dont believe you love tunnel rat

[@KylieSilver-o8q]

Why don't you marry him?