With the release of the Wal Mart Adventure Team figures there has been a resurgence of interest in Adventure Team (AT) figures and accessories.  There were always the loyal AT aficionados, but for folks like me, there was never much interest.  Lack of main stream twelve inch figures forced folks like me to become interested in the adventure team as a hobby focus.

If one thing this hobby has taught me, you need to adapt to change.  Along with change comes new product.  Some embraced and some shunned from the modern-era collector.  One such figure was the Wal Mart Sea Adventurer.  His Pumpkin colored quaff repulsed may of the AT enthusiasts.  I on the other hand liked him because he was “different”.  Different does not always appeal to most and on this occasion, I am definitely in the minority.  Another thing in particular that folks disliked about this Sea Adventurer was the shoddy flock job.  That coupled with the Tennessee Volunteer Orange tint, this figure was destined for shelf warming status right off the truck.  Of all the Wal Mart figures, the Sea Adventure has received the most negative press. 

With new product, we try to get the word out or review the figures and accessories to assist collectors in seeing what is out there.  It is rare that we get to review a service.  In this case I would like to personally welcome Don Coffey and Rug Rats Flocking Service into the fold as another choice when it comes to re-flocking your GI Joe.  I have had the privilege of knowing Don personally since 1998 and can truthfully say he is one of the best guys in the hobby I have ever met. 

I had heard at the 2006 Joe Lanta show that Don was considering a business venture in re-flocking and even saw a flocked footlocker he did for Buddy Finethy.  If I recall, he flocked the locker as proof that it could be done.  It was interesting to see that is for sure.  After calling Don several times I found he had been tasked with other assorted craziness like; completely flocked figures, chests, and other oddities.  Don just laughed stating nothing surprises him anymore when it comes to requests.

I told Don that I had picked up a Sea Adventurer with little or no flocking and was going to send it in to him to repair.  He said to send it on.  He also stated he had already done an extensive amount of heads that day.  Don further related he tries to do quick turn around on figures.  That in itself is never bad for business.  I only hope that he continues to live up to his shipping standard as time goes on.  I feel once word gets out; his services will become more popular.  And with good reason.

True to his word, Don delivered my figures back in less than two weeks.  I requested one customized figure and one Sea Adventurer re-flock (shown).  The flocking is now full and closer to the original coloring.  I only had to brush a few loose bits off his forehead and eyes but all in all, I am very satisfied.  There is some shiny glue residue on the forehead but I am pretty sure that may be from the original Wal Mart flock.  It is nothing a little dab of dull coat won’t remedy.

I recommend Don Coffey and his Rug Rats Service to anyone.  Here is a copy of his ordering information. Posted with his permission.

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Rug Rats Flocking Service

16 Hamburg Lane

Weaverville, NC  28787

PH: (828) 768-1868

Thank you for your order!  Please print this form and fill out your selections.  Send the form with your heads.  It’s very important to separate the heads you send in order to match your order with the hair color.  This can be done by using small sandwich bags.  Pricing:  prestripped head:  $5.00.  Unstripped head: $7.00.  Shipping:  simply double the shipping in your payment from you to me for the return trip.  Once heads are received, they will be processed and returned to you within 4 to 5 days.  We recommend not putting the newly flocked head in water.  To replace head on the body, simply heat the head from the open neck hole using a hairdryer.  Make all money orders/ checks payable to Don Coffey.

Thanks again for your business.  We hope you will send more and tell others of our services!!

Type of head	# of Heads	Color of Hair	Flock Style Length	Price

** Type of Head: Prestripped/Unstripped    # of Heads: in each style/color   Color: Red/Brown/Blonde/Black 

     Style: MOA, Full Beard, Adventurer, MOA with mustache, Eye Brows   Flock Length:  Original or Matted (meijer type)

** Custom colors are available.  Please check with me before sending order. 

** All funds payable in US Dollars only.

Name: ______________________________________________