BBi 10^th Mountain Division, Master Sergeant (MSG) Lucas

Fig 1: BBi’s Master Sergeant Lucas Boxed

Blue Box Toys (BBi) is back in 2006 with the release of its box figure set “Master Sergeant (MSG) Lucas of the 10^th Mountain Division.”  First I like to say that I am really happy with this figure.  MSG Lucas looks incredible upon completely assembly of his gear and weaponry.  MSG Lucas is very fresh and a welcome addition for several reasons; among them are:

• This is the first box figure set released featuring the Army Combat Uniform (ACU),
• It contained items specifically utilizing the Army’s universal camouflage pattern, and
• It brings to us new equipment items. 

These factors put together make Lucas a wining combination.  MSG Lucas is a squared away figure that gives us more insight into the Army’s new combat dress (both in equipment and weapons).  I purchased my copy of this figure from Monkey Depot at a special preorder price.  MSRP for this item is $48.99.  Some pictures used in this review are with the permission of Monkey Depot.

Fig 2: MSG Lucas Completely Outfitted

Body, Hands, and Head Sculpt

MSG Lucas utilizes a BBi generation 3.5 (G3) body to which we all are now very familiar with.  The G3 Body is a highly posable, very articulate, very muscular body type.  The body is well balanced and allows the figure to be placed in a variety of position natural to the human form. With little to no modification, the G3 body is interoperable with BBi generation one (G1) body. I consider the G3 body a little oversize with the beefed up chest cavity and still welcome BBi’s G1 body type as a nice balance.  My reasoning is, most soldier are very young (18 to 25) and their bodies, for the most part, are still developing.  Superman, “Arnold” types are not normal fair!

MSG Lucas comes with two sets of hands: a nude set and a gloved set.  With the nude set of hands, the right hand in a pistol grip formation and the left hand has a cupping/cradle formation.  The negative aspect of these hands is the type plastic used.  With the nude handset the plastic is hard and not very flexible.  This makes it very difficult to mount weapons without a certain amount of force, which may damage the weapon or figure.  Luckily, BBi also provided a set of black NOMEX gloved hands.  If you are a regular collector of BBi modern figures you have seen this handset configuration many times.  The gloved handset contains a right pistol/rifle hand, a left holding/cradle hand, and a left fist hand. The gloved hand set is made of soft and pliable rubber to allow for ease of gripping weapons and other objects.

MSG Lucas head sculpt has a mature, well-detailed looking face.  Given his operation environment, no additional coloring needs to be added unless you are extreme and providing a little pastel coloring will bring out certain features.  Normally, I would give a little protest on the mature look this figure has.  However, since MSG Lucas is an E-8, which means he has some ten plus years in the military, a mature look fits the bill.  On the other hand, as a master sergeant (a very senior non-commissioned officer (NCO)), MSG Lucas is more likely to be in a staff, command, or management position then on the front line patrolling.  Please keep in mind that in the US Army (Conventional forces) the soldiers who are on the front line doing the day-to-day work and fighting are eighteen to twenty-something years in age. Infantry platoon sergeants are an E-7 or E-6 (ages 25 to 34+) with section and team section sergeants as E-6s or E-5s ages (20 to 25+) giving directions to their troops.  E1s to E4s are 18 to 20+ years, which is the bulk of the military force.  MSG Lucas looks to be thirty-something, which in the US Army makes you an old man (LOL)!

Fig 3: MSG Lucas Head Sculpt

Uniform

With BBi’s release of MSG Lucas, 1:6 scale collectors now have their third adaptation of the ACU uniform.  The uniform is of sufficient size to fit the BBi 3.5 body nicely where no padding is required in the butt area (common to BBi’s G3 bodies) to make the figure look natural.  I must say here that BBi has taken the most liberty with the ACU uniform.  Attention to detail is abound in BBi’s version.  However, the uniform’s detail is not on the level of Toy Soldier (TS) or Dragon in Dreams (DiD).  This fact does not make BBi’s ACU a bad uniform, just different.  So you ask: What are the differences?  Most notably is the kneepad slot on the ACU trouser legs.  In the DiD and TS version, Velcro is add to secure the closure to the opening for the knee pad slot.  In BBi’s version, the kneepad opening is provided but there is no Velcro closure to secure the opening.  However, BBi has provided knee pad material that can be place in the slot, which is a very nice addition.  The other major things that you will notice (for those of you who have purchased a DiD or TS ACU packaged set) is that there is no slot for elbow pads, the size and shape of the lower leg pocket (which I think is correct with its pleated storage pocket), the trouser cargo pocket is not slanted, there is no Velcro on the blouse (shirt) opening flap, no functioning pockets for pins and pencils, and the shape/design of the Velcro patch on the blouse sleeve pocket is not correct.  The color and pattern of the uniform is another variation of the theme.  The color and design of the BBi ACU is somewhere in between DiD and TS models. This adaptation is not good or bad, just another variation.  When I placed all three variations of the ACU uniform side-by-side the difference between them became muted.  One of the things I did notice was the consistency of the ACU uniform material between vendors.  All three variations had the same feel to the material.  The BBi ACU is a well tailor uniform designed for the G3 body.  MSG Lucas does not come with a T-shirt.  I added a BBi Brown T-shirt to my figure to see if the pants would snap with the ACU blouse tucked in and it did so without any problem.

Fig 4: BBi’s Army Combat Uniform

The uniform belt that comes with this figure is a “Riggers Last Chance” belt.  This is the standard uniform belt that BBi has supplied with its US modern figure for the last four years.  It looks great, functions well, and works fantastically especially since BBi has increased the belt buckle bracket spacing for looping the webbing through the buckle.  Therefore making it easier to lace the belt in through the buckle. The patches that are included with this set are a 10^th Mountain with Mountain tab, US Flag (right face), and a blood type identification tape (O positive).  MSG Lucas patches come with an adhesive backing and not Velcro.  Because the patches are supposed to attach the uniform via Velcro, I used some micro Velcro (acquired from a local fabric store) and glue the patches to the corresponding Velcro piece.  I believe this procedure will work better and keep the patches from falling off as the adhesive dries over time.

Fig 5: “Riggers Last Chance” belt

The boots that come with MSG Lucas look to be the Danner Arcadia military boot, which is BBi’s substitute for the US Army’s Standard issue Belleville Desert boot.  Lets just say (my personal view) that this works with the figure but does not add a lot of bells and whistles.  This is a very good-looking boot and every since BBi has added the plastic foot insert, the boot now provides better vertical support helping to prevent the figure from falling forward.  BBi has used this same style boots with many of its figures from Gunslinger (2003) to Bobcat (2005).  Since the US soldiers are require to by their own uniform, the US Army allows soldier to choose the type boot they wear as long as it meet guidelines set forth in US Army clothing regulations.  The Danner Arcadia military boot meets this requirement.

Fig 6: The 1:1 Danner Arcadia military boot is on the left and BBi’s Version is right

Equipment

The equipment items for MSG Lucas consist of (My point of view only) the US Army Advance Combat Helmet (ACH), Bolle T-800R goggles, Wiley X SG-1 Sunglasses, the Dual Spectrum Visual Identification Projector (VIP), Multi Band Integrated Tactical Radio (MBITR) or the AN/PRC-148 with handset, new Interceptor body armor, BlackHawk Buttstock Mag Pouch M4 Collapsible, and the Blackhawk Industries (BHI) Commando Chest Harness.

The US Army Advance Combat Helmet (ACH) was adopted in 2002 and is one of the fourteen Rapid Fielding Initiative items developed in 2004 for deploying soldiers on their way to Iraq or Afghanistan. The ACH is made of a new type of Kevlar that provides improved ballistic and impact protection. Tests show it will withstand a hit from a 9mm round at close range, a test the Personnel Armor System Ground Troops (PASGT) would fail. The ACH as a platform is compatible with standard and Special Operations Forces (SOF)-unique clothing, the current night vision devices, communications packages, and NBC defense (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) equipment, although some special mounting kits are needed to achieve compatibility.

The components of the BBi ACH are of good quality and match that of the TS version in every way.  The helmet shell is made of the standard plastic consistent with that used in the company’s PASGT Kevlar and MICH helmets lines.  The ACH is of sufficient size to fit a variety of 1:6 head and comes with the ACH pad suspension system already mounted in the helmet. The TS ACH retention system (chinstrap/nape strap) is attached to the inside of the helmet with glue.

The ACH universal cammo pattern employs the same material, 100% cotton, used with the figures ACU uniform set.  What really sets this helmet cover apart is the goggle retention or holding flap in the rear of the helmet.  It functions the same as it 1-to-1 counterpart.  All that is required is to lift the flap (which is secure with the use of Velcro), place the goggles in position, and re-secure the flap to the helmet.  An NVG mount and helmet band is also provided and is affixed to the helmet.

Fig 7: BBi’s US Army Advance Combat Helmet (ACH)

BBi mimics the Bolle T 800 Tactical Goggles down to the letter.  The only difference is that BBi uses a cloth back strap instead of an elastic nylon strap.  The cloth back strap works well after adjustment and secures the goggles to the helmet without issue.  In the 1:1 world the Bolle T 800 Tactical Goggle is a Ballistic Goggle designed for long-term use and helmet compatibility. Military / Tactical Bolle T-800 Goggles design features allow for exceptional peripheral vision and comfortable fit. The Bolle T-800 Ballistic Goggles black frame is constructed of impact resistant "Zytel" and a special "bi-raw material" construction process bonds to the interior sections and allows for a soft comfortable fit without the use of foam. Interior sections of Bolle T800 frame that seal to the face are made of an anti-allergenic elastomer rubber.  The high impact polycarbonate replaceable lens of Bolle T 800R Goggles is anti-fog coated on the interior and anti-scratch coated on the exterior and provides 100% UV absorption.

Fig 8: Bolle T 800 Tactical Goggles

The Wiley X SG-1 Tactical Sunglasses are standard issue within the US Army for the Afghan / Iraqi Area of Operation (AOR) and BBi has replicated these glasses down to the letter.  Of course there are no replacement lens set or different lens coloring offered.  However, MSG Lucas SG-1 looks great.  The SG-1’s streamlined design fits under all issued helmets. The user decides the best configuration to wear the SG-1; either with standard temple pieces or with a strap (Not provided by BBi). The low profile design performs best when worn underneath the helmet. The SG-1 provides an outstandingly comfortable eye orbit seal. Protecting the user’s eyes from harmful sun, dust, wind, or ballistic fragmentation. Modular design is more functional, combining the qualities of a goggle and the all day and all night wear-ability of a ballistic spectacle.  The SG-1 provides better peripheral vision than the old 'tunnel vision' style tactical goggles of the past, by sitting closer to the users face and cheekbone. Each real SG-1 ballistic lens is layered with a proprietary anti-fog, and scratch resistant coatings providing optical clarity and protection.  The low profile design makes this a great choice for all airborne ops, staying firmly in place while cutting through the wind. The SG-1 provides the best possible eye protection from sandstorms using our exclusive 'Ultra Foam' to completely seal the user's eye orbits. 'Ultra Foam' is far more durable than traditional foam and much more comfortable than the rubber ridge used by other companies. The SG-1 is Prescription Ready (Rx).

Fig 9: Wiley X SG-1 Tactical Ballistic Sunglasses

The Dual Spectrum Visual Identification Projector (VIP) is the pinnacle of portable emergency lighting and signaling; where positive visual identification is a prerequisite for soldier safety and operational success. Tested in deserts, the arctic, in the stratosphere and hundreds of feet below the sea; the VIP has proven to hold up to the demands of extreme environmental conditions over unpredictable terrain. The VIP is the only light in the world that is a flashlight, emergency flasher and survival beacon all in one terrific palm sized package. VIPIR - DUAL SPECTRUM 3 operational modes: IR flashlight / Distinctive IR flashing signal / Green Proximity flashlight.  The one-way rotary switch to prevent accidental illumination Green light is IR night vision compatible and will not impair user's natural night vision.  When mounting this item on MSG Lucas body armor, make sure it is place in a location that will allow its visibility once his chest harness is in place.

Fig 10: Dual Spectrum Visual Identification Projector (VIP)

BBi has been using the Multi Band Integrated Tactical Radio (MBITR) or the AN/PRC-148 with its figures since the release of USN SEAL “Raptor” (product number: 21204).  BBi has done a good job duplicating this radio and has integrated the new SABER (MilSpec) handset for MSG Lucas usage.  The MBITR or AN/PRC-148 (V)(C) is a secure, hand held, two-pound radio for use by Special Operation Forces (SOF), Recon, and specified infantry units. The AN/PRC-148 is a military-ready system capable of providing military units with a standardized and maintainable hand held radio to support the communications requirements of small units (platoon, squad and team). The AN/PRC-148 operates (AM & FM) in the 30-512 MHz frequency spectrum, it contains embedded Type I communications security, and is interoperable with SINCGARS and HAVEQUICK II in the single channel mode and while in the ECCM frequency-hopping mode.

Fig 11: Multi Band Integrated Tactical Radio (MBITR) or the AN/PRC-148

BBi makes the best Interceptor Body Armor (IBA) in the 1:6^th scale market. To update their rendition, BBi has made the IBA in the Army’s Universal camouflage pattern and added shoulder protectors.  True to BBi attention to detail the IBA also comes with two small-arms protective inserts.   Interceptor Multi-Threat Body Armor System is made up of two modular components: the outer tactical vest (OTV) and small-arms protective inserts, or plates. In the 1:1 world, the new body armor, which is unisex, is equipped with removable throat and groin protectors, as well as front and back removable plates, which can stop 7.62 mm rounds. It weighs 16.4 pounds; each of the two inserts weighs 4 pounds, and the outer tactical vest weighs 8.4 pounds. The previous body armor, the flak jacket, weighed 25.1 pounds.

Fig 12: Interceptor Body Armor (IBA)

The Interceptor body armor's lighter weight provides more mobility than the older Personal Armor Systems, Ground Troops (PASGT) flak vest.  The new armor also has an outer tactical vest made of Kevlar weave that's capable of stopping a 9 mm bullet, plus the webbing on the front and back of the vest permits attaching other small pieces of equipment. The small-arms protective inserts are made of a boron carbide ceramic with a spectra shield backing that's an extremely hard material.  The BBi version of the IBA is fully adjustable, has the PALS inserts, and is MOLLE compatible.

BBi’s use of the BlackHawk Industries (BHI) Buttstock Mag Pouch for the M4 Collapsible is a sweet addition to MSG Lucas equipment package.  Given the fact that MSG Lucas is wearing a BHI Command Chest Harness capable of carrying twelve M16/M4 30 round magazine (360 rounds, that is a lot of ammo!), one more cannot hurt.  Attaching the Buttstock Mag Pouch will take a little effort and is a simple installation.  This Item attaches to the buttstock by removing the rear sling support strap and routing the sling support strap through the Buttstock Mag Pouch securing strap.  The 1:1 scale BHI Buttstock Mag Pouch M4 Collapsible fits all standard buttstocks and numerous rifle magazines. The lid is fully adjustable for 20 or 30 round Mags. The BHI Buttstock Mag Pouch M4 Collapsible is made of 1000 denier NyTaneon and abrasion resistant webbing lid, secured by hook & loop Attaches to buttstock by adjustable straps and has an elastic forward slip protection strap.

Fig 13: BlackHawk Industries (BHI) Buttstock Mag Pouch

Instead of going with a standard Interceptor ammo pouch configuration in the Army’s universal cammo pattern, BBi decided to do something different and provide MSG Lucas with a Blackhawk Industries Commando Chest Harness.  Now, for all you military buffs out there, please do not confuse this chest harness with the Eagle Industry-SF 30 AK Chest Harness. There are differences here, however small.  Most notably the type of material used for construction, the size and shape of the cargo pockets on each side of the harness, and the configuration of the support straps/braces used on each chest harness (See picture below).  This is a very nice chest harness that is well constructed and fits nicely on the figure.

Fig 14: Blackhawk Industries Commando Chest Harness

Fig 15: Left is BHI Commando Chest Harness & Right is the Eagle SF 30 Chest Harness

Fig 16: Left is BHI Commando Chest Harness & Right is the Eagle SF 30 Chest Harness

The 1:1 scale BHI Commando Chest harness is unique with each of the four pouches holds up to three AK-47, three M-16 or two M-14 magazines. Each pouch has a divider to separate the magazines, preventing noisy slapping when quiet movement is imperative. The two end utility pouches can hold numerous other items like radios, rations, compasses, etc.  Mag pouches hold (16) 37/40 MM rounds or can type munitions. Side pouches hold additional ordnances. The inside back portion is padded with 1/4" closed cell foam for extreme comfort and added flotation when river or stream crossing is unavoidable. The inside back portion also has a large utility or map pouch with its own Durasnap securing flap. Made with Blackhawk's 1000D Nytaneoness.

Weapons

The weapons items available to MSG Lucas includes the Special Operation Peculiar Modification (SOPMOD) M4 weapons system that includes:

·         Knights Armament noise suppressor,

·         EoTech HOLO Tactical Sight-NV (Night Vision Capable) scope,

·         AN/PEQ-2 Laser Designator,

·         Surefire M2 Millennium Centurion TacLight, and

·         The XM26, 12 Gauge Modular Accessory Shotgun System (MASS) Light Shotgun System (LSS)

Fig 17: MSG Lucas Weapons System

Additionally, BBi has provided MSG Lucas with the SOG SEAL PUP M37 knife w/sheath, and the Safe keeper II Push Dagger w/sheath.

The "Special Operations Particular Modification to the M4 Carbine Accessory Kit" (SOPMOD M4) dates back to September 1989, when the Special Operations Special Technology (SOST) Modular Close Combat Carbine Project was funded. Developed by the Crane Division, Naval Surface Weapons Center, the SOPMOD M4 kit allows the end-user to configure his/her weapon to individual preferences and mission requirements. It is composed of mostly non-developmental and commercial off-the-shelf accessories packaged together to support four M4/M4A1 carbines.  MSG Lucas M4 weapons system provides deadly support to CQB operations.

With MSG Lucas, BBi has provided a select set of items to allow you to configure is weapon.  Included in his kit are four: Knight Armament Company's Rail Interface System (RIS) and lower rail receiver should you choose not to use the XM26. The color of MSG Lucas M4 updates this weapon and adds a realistic color texture to the weapon.  The Knights Armament M4 noise suppressor is another item you can choose to use or not use.  The sound suppresser is easily attached / detached to the weapon.  When attached it reduces muzzle flash and decrease sound by a minimum of 28 decibels.

The EoTech HOLO Tactical Sight-NV (Night Vision Capable) scope that comes with MSG Lucas is a Holographic Diffraction Sight (HDS). It is the first electro-optic sighting system to apply holographic technology. The sight has a streamlined design with the sight's heads-up display window, encourages the shooter to keep both eyes open for a completely unobstructed and natural view of the entire target scene. This revolutionary optic delivers amazing speed and accuracy gains, provides uncompromised use of peripheral vision, and leaves no muzzle side operator signature. The sight is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. It is fully compatible with Night vision devices.  This items can be positioned anywhere on the top receiver rails and snaps on to the weapon securely.

Fig 18: The EoTech HOLO Tactical Sight-NV Scope

To maximize MSG Lucas’s weapon effectiveness BBi has provide him with an AN/PEQ-2/2A Laser Designator.  In the 1:1 world, the AN/PEQ-2 has two infrared laser emitters—one narrow beam used for aiming the gun, and one wide beam used for illuminating targets, like a flashlight. The beams can only be seen through night vision goggles. Each beam can be zeroed independently, and the illuminator's radius is adjustable. The two lasers are tied into one 6-mode switch.  The AN/PEQ-2A upgrade incorporates a safety block, which physically prevents turning the mode switch to any of the high power modes. Both variants are waterproof to a depth of 20 meters and run on two AA batteries.  Mounting the AN/PEQ-2A to MSG Lucas weapon is a matter of snapping the AN/PEQ-2A in place.  However, to secure this item to the weapon and keep it from falling off every time you look at it, I used a little glue.  With the AN/PEQ-2, BBi also mimics the wire with attaching control button for activating the AN/PEQ-2.  The wire is guided along the side of the weapon allowing the activating switch to be placed either on the XM26 or the heat cover attached to the Picatinny rail, or above the weapon’s trigger housing.

Fig 19: AN/PEQ-2/2A Laser Designator

MSG Lucas weapon can also be fitted with a Surefire M2 Millennium Centurion TacLight.  By providing an activating button and wire with the Surefire M2 Millennium notes BBi’s attention to detail.  In the 1:1 world the SureFire M2 Centurion is powered by two lithium batteries (10-year shelf life) that produces 65 lumens of light for one hour, or 120 lumens (eight times the output of a typical two D-cell alkaline flashlight) for 20 minutes using the included ultra-high output lamp. The SureFire M2 is CNC machined from aerospace-grade aluminum and coated in a military specification Type III hard-anodized finish.  The SureFire M2 utilizes an ergonomic flat-side CombatGrip™ design and a patented rubber grip ring.  Like all lights in SureFire's Special Operations Series, the M2 is shock isolated to withstand the repeated recoil of a large caliber weapon.

Fig 20: Surefire M2 Millennium Centurion TacLight

MSG Lucas’s secondary weapon for CQB support is the XM26, 12 Gauge Modular Accessory Shotgun System (MASS) Light Shotgun System (LSS), by C-MORE SYSTEMS. It is a slide-action, magazine-fed, 12-gauge shotgun system, the "21st Century MASTERKEY" that is integrated under the barrel on the M16/M4 rifles and carbines. The LSS (XM26 is its military nomenclature) is also switchable to a stand-alone weapon, simply fitting it with a proprietary rifle stock system which includes a pistol grip and a telescopic buttstock.  BBi’s version of this weapon has a sliding bolt and removable six-round magazine.

Fig 21: XM26 Light Shotgun System (LSS),

When a silent strike is needed MSG Lucas is equipment with the SOG SEAL PUP M37 knife a Kydex sheath.  SEAL Pup carries on the tradition of quality and service of the SOG SEAL Knife, the chosen knife of the Navy SEALs. To earn this honor, the SEAL Knife surpassed one of the most extensive testing and evaluation programs ever undertaken by the US Government. For those who want all of the benefits of the original SEAL Knife, but in a smaller version, the SEAL Pup was created. This stowable blade is an excellent field companion for outdoor and underwater adventures.

Fig 22: SOG SEAL PUP M37 knife

Like its big brother, the SOG SEAL PUP M37 knife has a partially serrated blade that is powder coated for low-reflection and corrosion resistance. Its lightweight, glass-reinforced Zytel handle features a raised diamond pattern for secure gripping in inclement weather. And like the SEAL Knife, it carries conveniently in a multi-mounting, all-weather military belt and jump-rated Kydex sheath.

MSG Lucas other offensive weapon is the Safe Keeper II with sheath.  The push knife was first made popular in the U.S. during the 1849 Gold Rush in California. The reason for the success of this knife was a combination of its compact size and unparalleled grip.  If you had a real Safe Keeper II it would have an overall length of 6 3/8" inches.  The “T handle” Push Dagger blade supports a 420 sub zero quench stainless double edge dagger blade that is 3 3/4" wide.  Black checkered Kraton^® handle. The Safe Keeper II comes with a Secure-Ex^® boot/belt clip sheath.

Fig 23: Safe Keeper II with Sheath

Overall, I say MSG Lucas is a very nice figure and a welcome addition to the BBi line of figures.  This is a highly detail very nice figure.

Sick, Lame, Lazy, and Airborne Crazy

T. R.