Back (click to enlarge)
|
|
Back (click to enlarge)
| Catalog Entry | |
 |
Catalog Description:
STAR WARS COLLECTION Introducing the new SINGLE BODY TRANSPORT collection. The new IMPERIAL SNIPER is an intergalactic IMPERIAL vehicle. Built to navigate through tight areas at supersonic speeds, this vehicle has movable wings and wing assembly. It also features a maintenance hook which enables it to pick up miscellaneous Action Figures and other equipment for the EMPIRE.
Image Source: 1985 European Promo Booklet |
Description:
Kenner's line of "Single Body Transport Vehicles" ("Body Rigs" for short) made even the earlier mini-rigs look large. Indeed, the three of them (the One-Man Sand Skimmer, Imperial Sniper and Security Scout) were composed of little more than a few thin pieces of plastic, which, when assembled, served as mere seats or platforms for action figures. But, despite their slightness, I think the body rigs made for pretty nifty low price point toys. This is primarily due to their design, which suceeded in avoiding the awkwardness that marred some of the mini-rigs. Most of the body rigs were both visually interesting and in line with the established Star Wars aesthetic.
The Imperial Sniper seems to be one of the more popular body rigs among collectors. I'm not sure why; I've always considered it the least successful of the trio. It was composed of a seat on top of which was mounted a thing that looked a bit like a hang glider.
Loose, the Imperial Sniper seems to be a little tougher to find than its two body rig counterparts; but all three of the items can be considered tough to locate in comparison to most Star Wars toys. This is because the Power of the Force line of which they were a part was cancelled rather quickly, and thus the body rigs were not on the market long and were not produced in great quantities. Unfortunately, the body rigs were released in the States on blister cards, and today it is nearly impossible to find a packaged example that does not have a yellow bubble. Collectors can avoid this problem by seeking out the European versions of the toys, which came in tri-lingual POTF boxes.
First Issued: 1985 (POTF packaging)
Re-issues: None
