AT-TE TANK GUNNER Clone Army
Revenge of the Sith Collection 2
Item No.: Asst. 85174 No. 85443
Number: III-38
Includes: Blaster Pistol, scout pistol, helmet, helmet add-on, display stand, removable shoulder armor piece, harness
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $6.99-$19.99
Availability: Spring 2006, Summer 2007+
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith

Bio: These elite clone trooper specialists received advanced training under ARC troopers on Kamino. They have specialized skills to operate the AT-TE )All Terrain Tactical Enforcer) tanks and other armored vehicles. (Taken from the figure's Revenge of the Sith cardback.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' toy shelves.

Commentary: Originally solicited as the "Turbo Tank Driver," the AT-TE Tank Gunner would turn out to pilot neither vehicle in 2005... or 2006... or 2007. Rather, the figure was simply yet another Clone Trooper to add to our growing hordes. While the figure wasn't as articulated as some other figures in the line, it was fairly well designed and is notable in the line's history for being the first-ever figure to feature a special hip joint which allowed legs to swing out to the sides as well as forward and backward. G.I. Joe and Marvel Legends figures have had joints that allowed this for years, but for Star Wars, this figure was the first to feature it. Actually, aside from a late-2005 Tactical Ops Clone Trooper, this would be the only mold to have it for quite some time. (It's making a return on the 2008 Commander Gree.) Anyway, the figure has 13 points of articulation-- no waist, and iffy arm joints, but it's otherwise about what you've come to expect from Hasbro's finer Clone efforts.

The figure has a couple of flaws from the deco department. One, it has eyes which seem to be universally crossed. Two, the figure's plastic isn't that newfangled white we're seeing in 2007, so it may be prone to discoloration over time-- watch out for that. Aside from the arm articulation, it's an excellent figure. It's my hope that we see this leg construction on more clones, and maybe even the Sandtrooper some day soon. It really does add a lot to the figure's range of movement, and hopefully it doesn't cost too much more. (But if it does cost more, I expect to see it on every figure after any hypothetical future price increase.) Oh, and the display base is pretty nice too-- it's a forest design which looks quite nice, although seeing as the figure has no dirt on it, it might be better used with your other figures.

Collector's Notes: After a hugely successful first year, Hasbro reissued the figure in the Greatest Battles Collection in 2006. The figure was identical, as were its accessories, but it came in a new package with a nifty bonus holographic figure. Also, this figure has a ton of accessories, some of which are easily lost. Two guns, a two-piece helmet, a piece of right shoulder armor that comes off... it's a lot of stuff. If you don't buy a sealed one, examine it closely to be sure you get all the pieces with yours. ( MORE IMAGES )

Day 559: November 16, 2007