Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,531: Imperial Assault Tank Driver (The Vintage Collection)

IMPERIAL ASSAULT TANK DRIVER Jointed
The Vintage Collection Action Figures
Item No.: Asst. E0370  No. E1646
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #126
Includes: Blaster
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $7.99
Availability: August 2018
Appearances: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Bio: Imperial combat assault tank pilots, or tank troopers, were Imperial combat drivers specialized in operating the TX-225 GAVw "Occupier" combat assault tanks. Under Imperial occupation, the streets of Jedha were patrolled by Imperial combat assault tanks, which were operated by two of the pilots.  (Stolen from Wookieepedia.  Packaging has no bio.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary:  The 2018 release of The Vintage Collection has largely been like getting socks for Christmas.  It's nice, but it's not exciting.  We got one new figure in wave one, with another trio for wave two.   It's something.  The Imperial Assault Tank Driver existed in a 5-jointed format, but now we have one that can better work in vehicles - where it's enclosed, and you won't actually see it.

It's pretty much the Scarif Stormtrooper [FOTD #2,328] with a new helmet, a new belt, and new deco.   And that's OK - that's more or less what the movie did, or at least the detailing is minor enough that I don't notice.  The figure has 28 points of articulation, slathered with a nice dusting of grit to give it a little bit of weathered authenticity.  Detailing on the hard plastic armor and the sculpted softer bits is crisp, and Hasbro did a nice job adding multiple colors on the back of the figure. Had they left those black vents unpainted, or just one color, I probably wouldn't have made a fuss.

The figure fits in the recent Vintage Assault Tank, but it's worth noting that the legs are a tight fit in spots - particularly that small hatch for the driver's seat.   You can also have the driver's head poke out if he's sitting, which is charming.  If your budget allows, grab a couple of these for  your current and possibly future vehicles.   It's a great driver, so it's the kind of thing you won't want to keep on the vintage cardback.  Good luck building an army of the buggers!

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.  

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,531: November 6, 2018