The Evolution of a Custom Team

[Fled74]

Originally seen on JoeDios, my custom Echo Team is a constant work in progress. As my painting and modding skills increase, I try to improve on the work I've already done on them.
Inspired by Rick's awesome desert figure customs, I originally conceived these guys as a small group of elite specialists within the ranks of GI Joe, operating under assumed names and not their Joe codenames.

They started off as straight headswaps with the Desert Duke bodies, but I wasn't too happy with the stock camo and decided to do my version of tri-color camo for their BDUs.

It turned out OK, and I used them in a short dio story:

I realized that I needed more variation in their gear, so I set about "personalizing" them - pouches and belts from "Bravo Team" and Atco "Combat Force" figures, and vests from Marauder.

For more variation I gave Murdock (right) a vest from a Snake Eyes figure, and Abel (left) a shemagh made from a piece of paper towel that I'd painted.

As my skills and modding resourcefulness improve, I hope these guys will look better and better. For now though, I'll leave you with this shot of them moving out.

 

[G.I.*EDDIE]

i love that 3rd and 4th repaint...very nice...i think i like the dusty looking one the best...

and your dio pics are so purdy!...i really dig the one of them loading in the transport with one flying in the background...

 

[xxxx]

impressive work and photos!

 

[G.I.*EDDIE]

went back and checked out the pics again...didn't really notice the extra pouches and stuff the first time, they're just so seemless...but they look realy good man

 

[Monkeywrench]

I love your team! Great photos

 

[Fled74]

I've done more work on Echo Team since I first shared their pics here last year.

Here's how they're looking as of today (excuse the lame-o codenames):
L-R: Tate (aka Gangster), Alison (aka LJ), Lynch (aka Spook), Spyral (real name classified), Chris (aka T-Bone), Shana (aka Scarlett), Murdock (aka Mad Dog), Helix (real name classified), and Abel (aka Preacher).

Notes:
Not much is known about Spyral, except she is apparently a genetically engineered "twin" of Helix. She has been known to assist Echo Team on occasion, but like Helix (and unbeknownst to the others) she reports directly to General Hawk.
Rumours circulated that she and Helix were one and the same person, but these rare group photos with both of them together prove otherwise.

Spyral has yet to outwardly display abilities similar to Helix's "organic battlefield awareness" but the team knows that in combat, her marksmanship is the equal of her "sister's".

 

[rds13601]

Excellent job!! I love the mixture of variety. Not all the figures look the same. The mix of females and males. An excellent team you put together Fled!!

 

[Fled74]

Thanks!

 

[CoBrAtHeEnEmY!]

looks pretty bad ass

 

[Rick]

Hey man, these guys are lifers. They just keep getting newer and better gear.

My favorite of this bunch is the 5th, Probably one of the best shots of the Our Wars, even if it is from the rear. They look like a real squad and the monotone colors help set off your team.

 

[Fled74]

Hey man, these guys are lifers. They just keep getting newer and better gear.

My favorite of this bunch is the 5th, Probably one of the best shots of the Our Wars, even if it is from the rear. They look like a real squad and the monotone colors help set off your team.

I've noticed that the OurWar ACUPAT blends in very well with the ground they're standing on.

 

[melvin]

No.4 picture, the guys are staring at the girl's hip,ha ha. Nice figures you made!