HCC788 - 1986 TERROR DROME, FIREBAT & A.V.A.C. - Vintage G.I. Joe toy review!

[@stevenoyos4537]

Excellent video I remember getting my terrordrome on clearance for $24.98 at TRU back in 87 I was 10 at the time but I loved gi joe so much I can remember where I got every figure and vehicle I own.

[@RedneckOgre]

This might be the toy that meant the most to me when I was a kid. I'll never forget getting it for my birthday.

[@sparkster1701]

Nice review HCC788; glad to see you back in action!!! I read in the collector's guide that the A.V.A.C. parachute came in both hard and soft plastic.

[@MrDeengels]

I could not believe my eyes when I got this for Christmas, this was THE gift that year!!!!

[@cronocomics]

I just got mine for a very decent price, amazingly without any broken part! I thought immediately in the HCC788 review to see how complete it was and now I can clearly see what I am still missing. Great review and it is for sure a nice guide for TD buyers to see what they are missing from the toy.

[@StationGDX]

This video came up in autoplay after another GI Joe video I watched. So glad I didn't skip this. Excellent review! Subscribed!

[@HCC788]

Thank you! You piked a great time to come aboard. There is some fun stuff coming up! I hope you enjoy it!

[@marcryan1974]

Thanks to your review, I can appreciate my Terror Drome even more now!! Thanks HCC788!!

[@tonyjackson8505]

I never had this as a kid, but was lucky with having a friend who did. it sounds silly, but i'd raise and lower the firebat over and over....it was almost hypnotic lol. great review, on the bright side you still have the Defiant, MCC, General, Thunderclap, and Rolling Thunder in the Vehicle slash playset line up, so at least five more years of big January reviews!

[@HCC788]

That launch platform really is great. It makes a very satisfying noise, and it's fun to operate. Yes, all of the vehicles you listed are potential first-of-year reviews. I honestly have no idea what next years first review will be. I have a year to figure it out. :)

[@Transfixed]

I have so many fond memories of playing with this toy. Thank you for the incredibly thorough yet concise review, as always! Loving the channel upgrades you've done too.

[@HCC788]

Thank you for watching! I hope you like the stuff coming up.

[@kenten]

I've been a GI Joe fan my whole life and thought I knew everything there was to know about it, but I gasped out loud at 2:28: the Terrordrome is HUGE! It's 50% BIGGER THAN I THOUGHT IT WAS! (Despite owning a Firebat for decades.)

[@kenten]

I glanced at this comment and thought, "hey, that's exactly how *I* felt!" and was going to thumbs-up it, until I realized this comment was left five years ago by ME, haha.

[@ipokluda]

Way to kick off 2017! I found a terror drome in 2016 when going to pick up some 1980's tanks that were Gi Joe tanks from a facebook ad for $20, it was like finding the holy grail. Got it and Hydrofoil, battle platform, and tons of other Joe stuff for $50.

[@towedarray7217]

I wish I knew anyone like this dude when I was a kid playing with these toys. Every Sat & Sun morning I'd concoct these elaborate political scenarios, I'd build Cobra & GI Joe bases and work through elaborate scenarios, sorties, missions and more. If this dude was in my neighborhood, we'd have had some sick battles. I STILL think G.I. Joe stuff is awesome and I've come to really enjoy the reviews from HCC788. I like the cut of this channel's jib and have become a fan.

[@joefan82]

This was a great playset. Too bad there'll never be another like it.

[@HCC788]

I dunno. Some of the Imaginext playsets are pretty cool. They're made for younger kids, but they are big, and they have plenty of features. The era of the big playset is not quite dead. They're just not being made for older kids.

[@hector1011]

Actually, they did make an Ultimate Batcave recently, and it's still available @ Walmart. Also, it seems that girls have been getting really big playsets such as Barbie Dreamhouse, Monster High Deluxe High School,etc. Even Lego makes huge expensive sets like the Death Star, Ghostbusters HQ & 1966 Batcave. Hasbro is the only one making bad Vehicles and no playsets (mainly for SW)

[@joefan82]

HoodedCobraCommander788 Yes, we have several of the Imaginext DC Comics line of playsets, which are quite good. I'm just unsure about the future of 1:18 scale play sets. But only time will tell.

[@guitardudeguy3139]

I have a later issue Firebat that is light bluish grey. Again the Terror Drome is just a bit too large for display in my home like the Flagg. Another very thorough review of another great toy. Come back GI Joe!

[@seandowling935]

Great review of a great play set. This was the last big play set I got for any toy line and was one of the last ones to go when I finally had to clean out my toys as I got older. Not having a ladder or elevator between levels always bothered me, lol. The Firebat was so much better than just a throw-in toy for the play set and would have been a great stand-alone vehicle/figure combo if they had sold it that way.

[@HCC788]

Thank you! It's a good thing they offered the Firebat and A.V.A.C through the mail. Otherwise, kids would have no way to get them other than buying a Terror Drome. Army building them would have been impossible for most kids. It would have been easy to make a path from the top level to the bottom level. They could have molded a ladder on the outside of the launch bay shaft. Just leave an opening in the top level above the ladder. They could have used an existing ladder, like one from the Flagg or the Battle Platform. It would have been a welcome feature.

[@jeenkzk5919]

I remember getting this on Christmas '86! My grandmother sent it to me and my brother's but it was missing some parts so we had to send it back! But a couple of weeks later we were sent a complete one! I believe she got it from Sears

[@HCC788]

That's a pretty special Christmas! Missing parts?? You couldn't play with it on Christmas Day? That's sad. Glad you got a complete one. I'm sure Cobra Commander had someone at Hasbro Quality Control shot.

[@Pegwarmers]

Wow, never saw the CLAWS mounted on the door. Kind of cool.

[@juanelorriaga2840]

Wow I never knew that very creative

[@arlenburgin2392]

I bought 4 just to put them on there. Damn, they're expensive..

[@KevinMayle1974]

This brought back foggy, three decade old memories. Love it!

[@JakeR0d31]

Wonder if that empty space in 17:32 was intended to.....maybe have a cut in the wall since the lever was in the next room, that the empty room could have been used as an elevator to the top. I mean was contemplating HOW did the people at the top get up there and how do they get down? No elevators, no stairs, or ladders to climb up LOL. All in all still a fave of mine since 1986 ended up getting one 4 yrs ago for a pretty penny.

[@Michael_Johnson_5446]

Fantastic review of an awesome playset. This is probably as close as I'll ever get to it because shipping it would be too risky. It's a shame they didn't use that empty compartment to provide a ladder up the top deck, which would have made the whole thing more logical.

[@AnthonySforza]

Oddly, if you look at the "High Drag Mk38 Snake Eye Guidance Bombs" (23:00) where while they look like "missiles" they're actually reminiscent of GBU-12 Paveway IIs. Which are a 500lb laser-guided bomb. I'm sure if you look them up on Google Images or something, you'll see that they actually make sense as a bomb.

[@MrGILBERTV]

Just bought one in a big vintage lot. Missing avac and the two turret bases are cracked. Still sweet. Agree the doors are redundant would have liked to see a throne room instead. I missed if u talked about the silo main sticker orientation. Yours is turned a little like mine. Guess I could just look it up. Epic

[@VorpalDerringer]

36:05 Nice last Crusade reference. Excellent review HCC, I'm sure this was a long time coming! I had one we got from another family somehow and unfortunately, it was missing most of the doors I believe and maybe even the fueling stations, the stickers and so on. The Firebat featured much higher on our play rotation, since we stored the "Terrordome" (as we called it) in the unreachable recesses of the Top Bunk of me and my brother's bunk bed, which was used for storage.

[@dlcvta]

thank you for this! i had so many of the toys. i remember when the FLAGG was at toys-r-us....it was insane even back then.

[@Hrizzzz]

After this review I'm inspired to keep mine. It's so big to store so I considered selling it but not now! A few things: Could you keep Serpentor's Air Chariot in the empty bay? I never had one so I don't know. I kept extra weapons in there. I wish the base was a lazy susan. You could then spin it to access each bay or have the turrets track and shoot at aircraft flying around. The orange cannon caps would always fall off of mine. Was that just my Drome? Launching the Firebat always made me cringe. It was such a hard thud it felt like something could break. Now it seems I need to track down some CLAW Gliders... Such a thorough review (as usual). LOVE IT. KEEPING MINE NOW!

[@AnthonySforza]

Yea... that empty bay had some molding there to the right, that I would have preferred that he went over. That said, yea, I never knew about the CLAW gliders fitting on there, either. Definitely seeing in these vintage reviews, that there were a LOT of things which went over my head as a kid when it came to playing with all the vehicles and bases together. I was such a turd, that I never put together the whole "ASP hooking up to the HISS or Stinger" thing. Or... all of the vehicles which fit into the motor pool bay of the original Headquarters.

[@arlenburgin2392]

Serpentor and his chariot fit quite nicely..

[@jakubbuszko3089]

Hello ! Well never had this iconic Cobra bunker/base as kid . But I remember that bases from some G.I Joe comics & movies ... Nice catch you heaved commander !

[@ccbeck]

God, I loved this play set !!!

[@Ouja]

This was my favorite playset as a kid. Best Christmas present ever. Only complaint I had was with a toy that big and expensive, they couldn't put in a pilot for the firebat.

[@zomproductions2422]

Great job on all your videos HCC788.

[@michaelvegas8398]

Awesome review!!! YoJoe!!!!

[@rtd1409]

Saw this one coming nice new intro and stuff for the new year. I feel bad seeing my Drome sitting derelict but one day will be back to the way it should be.

[@HCC788]

Thank you! Your Terror Drome will be waiting until you're ready.

[@duncanpill]

I’d love to sell Terrordromes for a living! Imagine that for a reality show!?

[@hector1011]

Awesome Review. Love the new intro and looking forward to more toy reviews. I was lucky to get a Terror Drome last year and I love it. It's in great shape and there's only 2 missing parts that are easily found. It only took me 30 years to get one, but it was totally worth it since it was my all time favorite/most wanted Joe toy.

[@BobHansenJokes]

These reviews are great; thanks so much for doing them!

[@antiquariancrafts2454]

Awesome review. The shape of it reminds me of the British Action Force base, although that was made of cardboard.

[@HCC788]

Thanks! I have seen that Action Force headquarters. I would love to get one, even though I have sworn off any international collecting.

[@soterioncoil2163]

Great review HCC788!! The Terror Drome was the only GI Joe playset I had. I think the Firebat would have been dangerous for any aircraft due to it's speed and being a smaller target, especially in numbers!

[@death2all79zx]

That is a center piece level playset. Though the pilot looks like he has squished head with that helmet. Toxic avenger level of deformity.

[@mikesmith2718]

Thanks for reviewing this! It took me three of these to complete just one lol! Can't wait for more videos

[@HCC788]

Thank you! I hope you'll like the next few videos. I wanted to start the year on a high note, so I'm reviewing a few top-tier items. Of course, there will be plenty of doom and destruction later.

[@mikesmith2718]

HoodedCobraCommander788 Yea you're starting the year off with a great playset and I'm ready for more! Also let me know if you need those flight pod missiles I'll be happy to send them to you so you can complete yours

[@TheRealNightmare9]

Hey, HCC788... Regarding your TeleVipers not fitting in the command seats, I'm pretty sure the Valor vs Venom TeleVipers will fit. I know they're not entirely vintage, but they're in the same style. I can send you a few if you're interested.

[@rickdavis32]

I had the parachute pack and got it at a yard sale. It was used with Firefly for obvious reasons.

[@samtheman274]

it's awesome your finally reviewing this

[@aaronstepien2363]

Rewatched this just for the end with the Hovercraft catching you with the Terrordrome.

[@kevharper7070]

YES! HCC788 is back...cracking review.

[@HCC788]

Thank you!

[@chrisnwi1209]

Yes great review, really awesome that you finally got the Terrordrome!! This playset holds a special place for me. It was the catalyst for me to make my large Joe display and dedicate a couple of years to getting vehicles and figures to make that happen. In my opinion the the top 3 vehicles/playsets go as this 1. USS Flagg, 2. Defiant Launch Complex and 3. The Cobra Terrordrome.

[@HCC788]

I'm glad you liked it! I did drop a hint in the Tele-Viper review, not no one noticed :)

[@mattlerch531]

HoodedCobraCommander788 who pays attention to the tele-viper with his feet proped up in those reclining seats unless someone needs to make a phone call, like cobra commander

[@michaelterrell9645]

Just an awseome review and im glad I still have this playset. I may nees some parts though. Cobra!!!!

[@willischalepah9488]

Love the avac figure one of a kind figure.

[@inmjoh]

The Firebat was based on the Bede BD-5.

[@mattlerch531]

j inmon I should have read the comments before mentioning that also.

[@inmjoh]

matt lerch No worries. I remember James Bond flying one of those little planes. Complete with fold down wings and everything.

[@bubblewrappedmemories]

AWESOME REVIEW!!!!I agree....totally worth the wait!Glad to have you back for 2017...we were all missing you!:)All the best of luck in 2017!And thank you, as always, for your dedication to your channel and G.I. Joe and your fans.

[@HCC788]

Thank you for watching! And I'm happy you thought it was worth the wait. It was kinda hard for me to not have a new video for a while. Just doesn't seem right. I hope you enjoy the rest of the 2017 schedule. There are some fan favorites coming up.

[@chiefg.i.joetoyreviewer1444]

i loved it. i paid only $175.00 for mine. and after watching i see that mine was missing the gas hose and red kick stands.you did a kick ass job on the review. i like your new opening logo .i was surpriced that you didn't do a action seen with it. but still only a true hcc788 cound only do a great job (-:

[@divadt11]

Great review! We even got a bonus after-credits scene!

[@HCC788]

Thanks for staying to the end!

[@mrcat3493]

Your reviews are really great. I loved Mail-aways, but the wait was always brutal.

[@MCDJACDC]

Great work B! Got mine in 2018, so awesome! Wish the top would turn like the commercial. Might be time to get The General? Hate that I didn't know your channel from the beginning.

[@tomservo5007]

Excellent start to the new year!

[@HCC788]

Thank you! Just think to yourself 'it's just a show, I should really just relax.'

[@redvitaminblue]

Flaccid laser cannons is a condition that effects the performance and self-confidence of Terror Dromes, and the lives of the people who love them. But there is hope. If you or a loved one is a Terror Drome suffering from FLC disorder, contact your service technician to discuss options that are right or you.

[@Seektheday]

use the pocket rocket.

[@mrdonigan]

I made my empty room into a Den, and removed a couple of the refueling stations parts to make a Rec room and bathroom.

[@theygone6962]

a new year and a new opening nice. What a good start to the year

[@HCC788]

Thank you! I hope you like the overall tone of the videos in 2017. I'm trying to keep the same basic format and information, but make a few improvements here and there. I don't want to lose the style that got me this far.

[@theygone6962]

need more funny bits...good show

[@ShannonFargo]

I always thought of the AVAC as a BAT built for flight. It was the only way I could make that head seem realistic. But young me never considered why you'd issue a flight BAT a parachute........

[@HCC788]

I would accept the A.V.A.C. as an Air-BAT. If they had gone that way, it would have been fine. It even would have made some sense, sine a BAT wouldn't be susceptible to the ill effects of high g-forces.

[@jasonklingbiel4267]

The Mk38 bombs look just like GBU12 Paveway laser guided bombs, very realistic, and the F404 is the same engine as the F-18 Hornet and the X-29.

[@400heavy]

Awesome review, as always. Keep up the great work!

[@TroySmith25]

I loved this play set and regret ever selling it. I want to add it back to my collection. I never thought or knew you could hang "claws" on the side of the wall. I loved the comments and comparison to the GI Joe prison. Cobras are such jerks, I can't believe they don't make their jail easy to break out of like GI Joe. No bed and not even a chair. Oh, and what did you tell Mrs. Hovercraft when she caught you confessing your love with a warm embrace of the Terror Dome? I would really like to hear you talk your way out of that one.

[@williamsorrells6058]

So have you heard the rumor that the next has-lab project might be an updated larger scale of this awesome hunk of plastic, to make it a bit more in scale with the Joe's TV and comic series

[@jakubbuszko3089]

Firebat reminds me in conception of rocket jet engine fighter Me 163 Comet . That World War II jet was also malfunctions problem during explanation ...

[@goose_2]

Great return and great review.

[@HCC788]

Thank you!

[@humungus3]

Those bombs on the firebat appear to be based on the GBU paveway bomb. It's a laser guided bomb hence the fins to guide it to target.

[@JoeMotionVideos82]

WORTH THE WAITE!! With the Fire Bat having so few amenaties, ejection seat and front landing gear, for instance. Maybe it was intended to be a disposible.

[@HCC788]

Thank you! I'm glad the wait paid off. I'm sorry I haven't been able to keep up with my email very well.

[@DonDiesel885]

yoo brother gotta question how many Claw Gliders would i need to fill up all the mounts on the terrordrome?

[@willischalepah9488]

the avac looks like he's wearing some kind of jordans

[@arlenburgin2392]

Great review! I have one and I love it too!!

[@jeebus2313]

Always nice when the bad guys get their own big playset. Maybe not on the same level of sheer scale or as iconic as the Flagg, but still a cool looking set.

[@affoster79]

Rocking that Air Viper tee. Awesome review! I use the empty room as a throne room for Cobra Commander or Serpentor or whom so ever is running cobra at the moment.

[@HCC788]

That's probably the best use for that space. I was going to suggest that, but I thought it would be funny to riff on the Ballad of G.I. Joe.

[@affoster79]

That was a good move that video was hilarious when it first came out

[@matthewjlee101]

I never understood the reason and purpose for all the "mail slots" next to the doorways on several of the interior walls

[@dubuyajay9964]

Portholes for firing weapons?

[@gsn331]

I used to have that playset. It is awesome.

[@BKAGOSTO]

Hello brother. Just wondering if you know were I can pick up parts for terror drone. I just picked up one that’s missing parts. Thanks in advance

[@rickdavis32]

Those walkways between rooms also seem similar to the ones on a ship for no reason. I'm supposing it's because it shared some molding with the Flagg.

[@bartdman95]

The prisoner cell is more like a "Bartolina", because the space is only for standing. :) (I can't remember from the top of my head what a "bartolina" is called in English. Basically its a very small room where people are punished and has no windows and the person inside has only a small space, where they could only stand or sit down in fetus position. Something like where Daryl in The Walking Dead was place in the compound of the Saveyers only smaller. )

[@dubuyajay9964]

I think the English version is Oubiliette. From the French word for "to forget." Basically a small dungeon cell that was standing or lying room only where you threw people to "forget" them.

[@sirkowski]

The two laser guided bombs really do look like the real deal.

[@drewkremer2609]

GBU-12 laser guided bombs

[@Kyocera-ot6hb]

Terror Drome is bad ass I never had one . It looks like you got a lot for your money back in the day. I miss my joes damn.....

[@juanelorriaga2840]

Me too and I hated that I lived in a small NYC apt so I couldn’t get these big headquarters but this one looked so awesome actually my fav joe playset and yes I miss my Joes too

[@alfonsogarcia8601]

I have my Terror Drome and my mobile command center in my bedroom. And I choose to be single.

[@aerytful]

OK... That'll be my favourite HCC788 review.

[@HCC788]

I hope I can come up with another review that will top it!

[@aerytful]

HoodedCobraCommander788 Pff. Easy. Step One: Get 2.000$ Step Two: Buy the Defiant Shuttle Step Three: Buy the extra parts (because of course parts will be missing) Step Four: Review the Defiant with your way Step Five: Success

[@HCC788]

aerytful I'm still working on step 1! I found a Defiant locally at a good price. it has broken parts, though. if I replaced and fixed everything, the price wouldn't be so great. that is a vehicle/playset that will take a lot of planning before buying. then I have to figure out where I'm going to put it. at some point, I will have to go after it.

[@aerytful]

HoodedCobraCommander788 Oh yes, the Defiant is EXTERMELY FRAGILE. Be careful with it. It needs patience, though. I think you should ask Formbx257 for advice. He has one.

[@dubuyajay9964]

17:44. I wonder if you could put a 3D printed throne there?

[@THEWATCHERISLOOKING]

Do the Main cannons have to be next to each other. Can they be placed anyplace on the top.

[@dubuyajay9964]

What scale are 3.5 in GI Joe action figures? 1:18?

[@marcryan1974]

Awesome 😎 job as usual!!! The Terror Drome is beautiful!! I will be getting one at some point because after all, it is a Gi Joe/Cobra holy grail!!

[@impossiblepie]

What no bathroom or lunch room, come on Cobra!!!

[@dennismendoza8904]

Awesome intro music and review.

[@BurlySauce]

I want this so badly but im only 11 so i cant afford many gi joe toys

[@ronienrikey]

Look into the recent Retro Wave releases. Check your local Target, Walmart, etc. Decent figures and vehicles too.

[@daveyardbird7430]

I put the Cobra Rifle Range in the empty room. It fits perfect

[@HCC788]

That would fit pretty well there. That reminds me... I need to get the Cobra Rifle Range.

[@SoundwaveNL1977]

What an awesome playset and man did you do this justice. Amazing review really love it. The gunners use the Force because they can't reach the guncontrols hahahah that was really funny. And Cobra Commander doing a bogie move hahaha a d the Baroness and Destro practise on the clarinet man hahahaha. That make up table for Zartan looks great with him lol. Again awesome just awesome and super entertaining. Thanks buddy very cool. Have a great week. Roy

[@HCC788]

If you haven't checked out 'The Ballad of G.I. Joe,' you should look it up on KZbin. I'm glad you liked the review! Have a great week. :)

[@SoundwaveNL1977]

Ill check it out. Thanks.

[@SoundwaveNL1977]

Checked out the Ballad of Gi Joe. Hahaha. Didn't know that Snowjob was an alcoholic. Very cool. The actors are celeberties aint they. Is the actor playing Destro Vinnie Jones? And man is that Baroness hot. And the Sarge at the end. Awesome. Thanks for the tip my friend. Take care. Roy

[@dubuyajay9964]

If I ever get this set, I'm getting some 3D printed thrones for that room.

[@woofan25]

Another great review!

[@HCC788]

Thank you, sir!

[@livingchutoy5422]

Searched high and low for one of these for the collection. They are difficult to find completely intact. Most were chipped In the same section of the Rampart like was shown in this vid. Great deal of them were missing parts including the Firebat or the figure. Finally bought 3 of them and parted them all into one complete playset. I did find 1 that was still in the box, but was too much $$$ for me at the time. That has to be a seriously rare find. Pained me to have to pass on it.

[@ZedKaizoku]

love the review of the terror dome...hopefully in the near future i will get one

[@HCC788]

Thank you! There are enough Terror Dromes to go around, but it is best to be patient and look for the best deal. I hope you get one!

[@jasonmaiden5026]

Omg I haven't laughed that hard in a long time! The file card, lmao!

[@PatrickLink]

Nice Cody Jarrett cameo.

[@greatrey]

You should put the Terror Drome next to Trypticon.

[@mgvillanmp478]

excellent review ..I had the 2008 version of the firebat and the plane itself was a nice reuse of that sculpt too bad that the 2008 "upgrade" has the same details as yours ... terror drome itself now can be expensive but it's a excellent piece !! congratulations on getting that complete good to see you back on too ...kinda of got boring .. LOL

[@HCC788]

Ha! Well, I don't want you to get bored. I can guarantee you, the next few videos will not be boring. Special stuff planned. I hope they will be a lot of fun. It's nice that they re-issued the Firebat, but the new one is so close to the old one that it cam be hard to tell them apart. If you're going to get one on Ebay, you really have to look closely.

[@mgvillanmp478]

HoodedCobraCommander788 I've seen them going for about 20 to 30$ I might just pick up another but I don't like the avac upgrade looks a kitbash of some other figures from that line however I DO like the vintage one that figure is a nicer looking one ..the head on the upgrade looks alot worse and he has a really skinny neck ...lol.I also dig the new theme music looking forward to more videos

[@jacenstarhunter8988]

Nicely done sir :-)

[@HCC788]

Thank you!

[@johnnahodil]

awesome video, i like the shirt, ive got a transformer with the air cobra design on it called viper, it looks like a rattler and is a decepticon ..very cool video, ive been wondering if the terrordrome rotated or not

[@kevinruble6858]

Ahh 2017, future looked so bright BOY WERE WE WRONG

[@jamesthompson2329]

Is the coffee machine next to the radar screen? The Hooded Cobra Commander always has coffee when he watches the radar. You know that. Everyone knows that.

[@mercedogre]

i think the Firebat should have been sold with a flatbed trunk to launch from like shown in the cartoon

[@donaldthompson9938]

Great Review. Hopefully I will get one some day.

[@HCC788]

Thank you! As with all collecting, patience is key!