POC Cobra Shock Trooper

[Kev011]

I’m working towards a possible Field Manual for the Pursuit of Cobra Shock Trooper costume. I know this figure has been under some scrutiny in the past from where it fits into the GI Joe world among other Vipers of the like but I really dig this figure and the best part is, it seemingly would be a decent costume for someone who wants to get in with limited costume abilities as much of this is off the shelf to get started.

Here’s my first stab at some of the elements of this figure. Keep in mind that they have many options to outfit because they come with a garage sales worth of equipment to draw upon.

Cobra Shock Trooper (Pursuit of Cobra version)

Boots:

Standard black combat or jungle boots will do. On the cheap:

Rothco Classic Military Jungle Boots, 10, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JZCCP1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_znCADbN9465JP

Pants Grey, check your sizing.

TACVASEN Men’s Tactical Airsoft Paintball Ripstop Combat Trousers Airsoft Pants with Knee Pads Grey Amazon.com

Rigger Belt: Black, check your sizing.

Seibertron Men’s Utility TDU 1.75-Inch Nylon Tactical CQB/Rigger’s Military Combat Duty Belt Metal Buckle 3 Years Warranty Fit Waistline 40"- 50" Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KFK6W92/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mNBADbGM265V3

Gloves:

Black Tactical gloves. The figure appears to have reinforced padding to the back side of the hand. Suggesting: New Motorcycle Biker Premium Leather Thermal Full Gloves Black L https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045G6KFO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mQBADbRQQDMVS

Shirt in Grey, check your sizing.

TACVASEN Mens Camouflage Camo Athletic Assault Long Sleeve T-Shirt Tops Gray,US XL/Tag 3XL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BW5JF1Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_krzADbYEFYSFZ

Balaclava, Black long version is preferable:

SUNMECI Balaclava - Windproof and Dust Sun Protection Full Face Mask Cycling Motorcycle Breathable Neck Cover in Summer for Men and Women https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0734PNSS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6YBADbKTTZ6DQ

Helmet black M88 style:

Modern Warrior Tactical M88 ABS Tactical Helmet - with Adjustable Chin Strap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086Y5E30/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_b1BADbBM3DR9B

Black Molle vest: NC Star or Vism Plate carrier

Plate Carrier w/External Pockets NcSTAR.com

NcSTAR CVPCVEPL2984B External Pocket Plate Carrier, 2XL - Black for sale...

Goggles: get these with orange tint:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F253947788487

Cobra Sigil (x4) both arms and chest. Recommend quality maker with hook and loop fasteners

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F174010426260

Optional added pieces:

Weapons:

Kalashnikov AK47 Tactical:

http://www.evike.com/products/59912/

HK MP5K stubby 9MM:

https://www.evike.com/products/30730/

SPAS-12 Shotgun: preferred version has folding/collapsing stock

tactical Sledgehammer prop

M26 taser prop

Long billy club style stick prop

Protective Gear:

Riot Shield:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F293088777126

Gas mask: MSA 40mm Millennium (1000) gas mask.

Check Ebay for best deals. New ones cost too much!

Walkie Talkie:

Motorola 2 way police radio.

Compatible with MOTOROLA XPR7550 portable radio.

Tactical shotgun scabbard:

Rifle Magazine Storage Gun Soft Cases for sale | In Stock | eBay

Still debating on this concept of the Tactical Shotgun Scabbard. I feel like that’s the intended livery sleeve on the back of the troopers MOLLE vest because it makes sense in a real world. The figure itself does not allow of you to put anything in there, but it does make sense to me with his SPAS-12 that many SWAT and tactical teams employ a shotgun worn on the backplate. I’m open to others interpretations on this piece too.

Load out of pouches is at the taste of costumer. Please try to have your load out make sense to the job of a riot police/swat team/door breacher

I’ll be stopping back by when time permits to drop photos in.

I know my choice of grey BDU over Navy BDU may cause a stir, but I think there will be a way to dye the grey versions closer to the figure if the consensus is they need to be closer. The navy BDUs are just too dark. I’ve seen a few people attempting this and it just looks wrong and too close to our other sea of blue troopers IMHO.

[Panzer]

Looking good. I do think Grey is a better route to go because it’s simply not a dark navy. It is a custom color hard to match but neither is exact, but as you mention the Navy is overused right now with our troopers and vipers, and going gray might be the best route to take.

[Kev011]

I know we don’t have a precedent of costume levels, like the 501st, but I’m wondering if this one might be a candidate for something like that. Having a basic core set of items that can get you approved and on the field would be the base. Level 2 might be color dyed BDUs and the additional equipment like the gas mask, radio, etc.

Has the concept of costume levels ever come up? Or already shot down?

The only other issue I can see happening with the grey BDUs is that the sizing can be an issue. One guy in my garrison was interested all the way up to the pants not being offered in his size. I did find another company that offered slightly larger pants, but I don’t think those were in his range either. Not sure how to handle husky troopers in a Field Guide. advice?

[Panzer]

Typically the costume maker works with the person who makes the field manuals and they work it out. Right now not sure whose doing any manuals at the moment. Sometimes they like to put specific brand and colors in the manuals to try and make things easy but it can also be problematic for different sized troopers and when something becomes discontinued. I think being vague is a good approach for field manuals, posting some pics and stating examples to try to follow as close as possible.

[VFS]

@HobbyViper Is the FM formater and builder!

[Recon]

I’m looking forward to seeing your finished kit.

[Kev011]

Recent progress on the upper portion of this kit.

Also: Adding this link with many great hi-res photos of the figure and details.

Cobra Shock Trooper - G.I. Joe Database

[VFS]

Wow! That turned out great! Love the red lens!

[Kev011]

Thanks! I really wanted to hit that pink color on the lens that the figure has but the paint need to go on in layers to be clear in the end.

I’m guessing that the intent was red overall for the figure so maybe it’s okay as is

[Grunt]

that is cool. wow i like it

[Kev011]

I added some details that were not listed I. My description including the NCStar molle chest rig over the vest. After much review I think that the original thought of two molle rigs is the correct look.

Adding the tactical tourniquet to the right shoulder is another detail on the figure.

[wjay]

I’m loving this build. So far it’s all great.

Remember to paint the knee pads black. I love that the pants already come with knee pads to begin with! Great find.

[Panzer]

How the visibility out of the nightshaded lense?

[Kev011]

Well, it’s really red! I’d liken it to looking through a tail light. If you wear it for too long it’s going to temporarily mess with your eyes with color overcompensating to green tones.

I did wet sand it clear and took as much of the orange peel out. It takes some work but it’s possible

[Kev011]

Quick photo shoot and first try on. A few adjustments need to be made but it’s all there

[Raynstroyk_Czar]

Wow! That really turned out great!

[Panzer]

Very nice! Coming out great

[Grunt]

wow so cool man…

[Gvenz33]

Wow this is a great itemized list. Awesome work. Simple enough. I am going to start gathering.

I do agree we need to build the finest back up. I am not sure people are just not interested in the GI Joe brand any longer or what’s the deal.

[Gvenz33]

With Dog and all! Great job!