Following the success of the now discontinued Action Man figures, toy makers the Character Group, recently made a bid for a share of the action figure market by launching its new HM Armed Forces toys range. This new military range is taking the Amazon Action Figure Bestsellers list by storm with 4 entries in the top 10 at the time of writing. So what are they all about and are they worth buying?

1. What are HM Armed Forces Toys?

The HM Armed Forces toy range includes action figures, vehicles and role play toys inspired by the modern British military. The initial range of nine action figures on sale includes three from each of the services – Army, Royal Navy and RAF. The vehicles are those used by the services and to inspire role play, realistic kit replicas are available. In total there are 32 toys in the range.

The action figures feature authentic gear and weapons:

  • The Army Infantryman comes with uniform, body armour, helmet and assault rifle.
  • The Royal Navy Diver comes with diving suit, breathing apparatus and a spanner.
  • The RAF Fast Jet Pilot comes with a flight suit, side arm and holster, a helmet and face mask.

As well as the basic HM Armed Forces figures, also on sale are deluxe versions that come with extras such as additional weaponry, a canoe or a stretcher.

2. For what age group are HM Armed Forces Toys suitable?

The range is primarily aimed at boys aged 4 to 9.

3. Are HM Armed Forces Toys any good?

Since the demise of Action Man any child who loves playing with toy soldiers has most likely been stuck with the small green plastic variety.  Fortunately for them, this new armed forces range takes army role play to a new level.

These toys are precise, scaled down versions of the real thing. They have been designed with immense attention to detail of uniforms and weapons.  The clothing and equipment are meticulous copies from real life even down to the Adam’s apple!

The fully articulated action figures are quite large at 25cm but well made and robust. The moveable parts make the figures very lifelike and enable you to pose them in all sorts of positions even down to the finger on the trigger! Most of the clothing and accessories are not removable which reduces lost parts although the hands and feet are prone to coming loose. The life like military equipment will be fascinating to any boy.

4. How much do HM Armed Forces Toys cost?

The action figures should cost between £15 and £25. The vehicles cost up to £50.

5. Which is the best HM Armed Forces Toy?

The attention to detail on the action figures makes them stand out as the best of the range so far.  Go for the ‘deluxe’ version with a few extras to save money on buying separate vehicles or equipment.

6. Which is the worst HM Armed Forces Toy?

The price of the vehicles and role play equipment seems to be a stumbling block but you may get what you pay for if these toys prove to be of superior quality and durability. With the range only having been launched during May 2009 it is a little early to say but subscribe to our free updates via RSS or email to keep up with developments.

7. What toys and merchandise does the HM Armed Forces Toy range include?

The range includes action figures, vehicles and role play toys.

The action figure range features: Infantryman, Armoured Infantryman, Royal Marines Commando, Royal Marines Commando with Stealth Canoe, Royal Navy Diver, Mortar Man and Heavy Mortar, RAF Fast Jet Pilot, RAF Falcons Parachutist, RAF Winch Man and Stretcher.

The vehicles range currently features a Fast Pursuit Battle Tank, a Royal Navy R/C assault hovercraft and a Vector Thrust Fast Jet.

The role play toys include equipment such as a Stealth Kit (including Night Vision and Compass), Walkie Talkies, Metal Detector, Tent, Camouflage Netting, Uniforms for dressing up and various other things. Unfortunately there is no toy gun in the range or any other large scale replica weapon.

There are currently no female soldiers in the range but one will be launched before the end of the year, along with a villain to complete the role play experience.

8. What educational value does the HM Armed Forces Toy range provide?

Playing with toy soldiers provides strong, positive role models for children. It helps develop their moral reasoning by identifying the good from the bad characters. When used to interact with other children, they will engage in cooperative and dramatic play. The range of toys will educate children in the exact combat uniform of our troops, what the armed forces do and show them that there are a variety of jobs and opportunities in many fields.

9. Which toy should I buy for a child that has most of the HM Armed Forces Toy range already?

Take a look at the Pop Up Field Tent or the Utility Belt.

10. Where can I buy HM Armed Forces Action Figures online?

The largest ranges can be found at Amazon, Character Online and ToysRUs.

If your child has any HM Armed Forces Toys I’d love to hear your thoughts on them. Please leave me a comment.

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