Editor’s Note — The Action Man collection of figures and toys was produced by U.K.-based Palitoy from 1966 to 1984. The characters mirrored those of Hasbro’s G.I. Joe line that was launched in the United States in 1964. The Action Man Field Commander and Field Radio toys were introduced in 1974 with the field commander character being promoted as the “eyes and ears of his unit”. The battery-operated field radio communicated warnings and instructions central to the task at hand. The radio was activated with the press of an external button that initiated communications and inspired children to create playtime scenarios for their Action Man toys.
Dave is creator of Toy Polloi, a YouTube channel offering repair tutorials and restoration tips for vintage toy lines.