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SMART BODY TEST; A test of Action Figure Articulation
Topic Started: Sep 7 2009, 01:10 PM (77 Views)
Superiorraw
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Hey,
I thought up a concept to test out some action figures. This isn't strictly an assault course per se, think of it as just basic figure testing with points awarded for completeness. It features a lanard corps figure, eversparkle figure and Unifighters Animal Anders (Galoob) as well as G.I.JOE Greenshirt!
So with that in mind, that's why I posted it here in this section, I wasn't sure of a better place to post it up, however mods if this is in the wrong section/thread, please do move it to where you think it be best displayed. :)

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The Smart Body Test has 1 to 4 stages of varying difficulty.
Each Stage has a couple of tests that require the contestant or in this case, Action Figure to complete. They will then be awarded points by the judge based on their completeness.
For example if a character has to sit down and raise their arms, they might get 1 point for raising their arms instead of two points for being able to complete both!

There are 6 Contestants and they are:
Joe Greenshirt
Viper (A-Team Bad Guy)
Unifighters Animal Anders
Lanard Corps Junkyard
Microman Red
Eversparkle Eddie

So now you know the contestants, here is how they will earn their points...
Stage 1 (4points)
Test 1 - Look left and look right. (2points awarded)
Test 2 - Raise Your arms (1point awarded)
Test 3 - Kick Your Legs (1point awarded)

Stage 2 (4points)
Test 1 - Touch Your nose/face (1point awarded)
Test 2 - Sit Down (1point awarded)
Test 3 - Bend Arms (1point awarded)
Test 4 - Bend Legs (1point awarded)

Stage 3 (4points)
Test 1 - Kneel down (1point awarded)
Test 2 - Crouch down and look around the corner (2points awarded)
Test 3 - Jump over the guard rail (1point awarded)

Stage 4 (6points)
Test 1 - Fold Your Arms (1point awarded)
Test 2 - Bend down and touch your toes (1point awarded)
Test 3 - Sit down and cross your legs (2points awarded)
Test 4 - With your feet placed firmly to the ground, swivel round and pick up the box from the table. (2points awarded)

Stage 1 to be completed and posted up soon. Stay Tuned!
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Superiorraw
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Stage 1 - Test 1
First we have a simple test, can a figure or character look left and right, this will test their head/neck articulation and ability to spot danger approaching from either side.
Looking Left #1
Looking Left #2
Looking right #1
Looking Right #2

Scoring as follows Unifighter and the Lanard Corps Junkyard score 1/2 a point for each turn, they can't quite get their head round the test where as the others seem perfectly able to look left and right respectively, earning each of them 2 points.

Stage 1 - Test 2
Now we have another simple test, raising of the arms, this will aid in heavy lifting. It can also be used to test a figures reach.
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I think it's safe to assume any heavy lifting or reaching of items any of these figures are more than capable. 1 Point scored for each character on this test!

Stage 1 Test 3
The final test of this stage is to assess the figures ability to perform a kicking motion. Whilst this might look an odd test, it certainly helps the figure during unarmed hand to hand combat, as we all are aware a quick kick to the family planning area usually renders a foe inactive for a short period of time.
Kick legs #1
Kick Legs #2

Again. I think it is safe to assume that any one of these 6 contestants could aptly defend themselves by dismantling a foes crotch with a soccer kick to 'where it hurts' in this instance they are awarded 1 point each.

With Stage 1 complete. Here is how the leader board looks.
On 4 Points we have - Joe Greenshirt, Viper, Microman Red and
Eversparkle Eddie.
On 3 Points we have - Unifighter Animal Anders and Junkyard.
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WWCD
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What Would Cap Do?

LOL, this contest is hardly fair. Red's got the odds stacked GROSSLY in his favor. LMAO!!

-Jim
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Superiorraw
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WWHD
Sep 7 2009, 02:43 PM
LOL, this contest is hardly fair. Red's got the odds stacked GROSSLY in his favor. LMAO!!

-Jim
Your not betting on Viper (A-Team bad guy) winning this then?? :D
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Superiorraw
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Stage 2
As the stages progress the tests will become more difficult and literally challenge the figure, this may be too much for some of them.

Test 1
Quite a simple task, not only will it test co-ordination for the character it also tests the articulation in the shoulder and arms, however those that dont have added articulation and movement may have problems? Lets see how they get on..
Stage 2 Test 1 Pic 1
Stage 2 Test 1 Pic 2

Despite a positive start by Eversparkle Eddie he's struggled to touch his face here, he only gets 1/2 point for this effort whilst Junkyard and Animal Anders both score max points on the test. As you can see Joe and Microman red are quite able to touch their nose/face earning them a point each. However Viper isn't able to touch his face at all :-/

At this point Microman Red leans over to Viper and says:
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''I now understand why you havent shaved''

Test 2
a simple sitting down test, which is often neglected. never underestimate the ability to sit down or as we say in england ''park one's a$$"
This tests out the figures movement in the top of their legs.
Stage 2 Test 2 Picture

As you can see all of the figures score a point each in this test. It is completed quite easily.

Test 3
Here we test the figures bending arm ability, helpful with holding of weapons and climbing activities as well as operating controls in vehicles.
Test 3 Picture 1
Test 3 Picture 2

As you can see Microman Red has it down, scores 1 point, as does Animal Anders. Viper again struggles to complete the task.
the remaining 3 participants here have it sorted, Joe, Eddie and Junkyard all score a point each.

Test 4
A good test of a figures sitting ability at desks, or in vehicles. Certain combat scenarios will also involve advanced leg movement!
Test 4 Picture 1
Test 4 Picture 2

We can see that Joe Greenshirt displays his leg bending ability by placing his foot firmly on the box. Animal Anders has no problem scoring himself points, yet again Viper is left trailing as he's unable to complete the test. Junkyard, Microman Red and Eversparkle Eddie successfully complete the test, scoring themselves a point each.

With Stage 2 wrapped up lets have a look at the leaderboard for the Testing.

Joe Greenshirt - 8
Microman Red - 8
Eversparkle Eddie - 7.5
Junkyard - 7
Unifighter Animal Anders - 7
Viper - 5

Be sure to check back tomorrow where hopefully we'll have the 3rd stage of the event - can Viper come storming back and who will take the initiative from the front runners between Microman red and Joe Greenshirt
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the_punisher
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the watchmen

this is very neat rich .u got the perfect action figure test of mobility
what happen to the american dream your looking at it
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Superiorraw
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Stage 3
We are just moments away from beginning stage 3 and it is worth a total of 4 points. The figures have done remarkably well to keep up with scoring standards. Unifighter Animal Anders and Junkyard have both pulled themselves back into contention again with some impressive displays of test completeness.
Now that we approach Stage 3 it looks inevitably like Viper will struggle with any advanced movements. He is now 3 points behind the two test leaders.. lets get on with Test 1.

Test 1
We ask the figures to Kneel down, this represents a great demonstration in the figures ability to take part in a scene of execution. Again in this scenario balance and knee/leg articulation definately play a part, the torso will also come into play as those leaning too far forward will fall flat on their faces!!
Kneel Down Picture
Joe Greenshirt, Eversparkle Eddie and Junkyard score well earning themselves 1 point a piece.
Kneel Down Page #1
Kneel Down Page #2
*note click on the image to enlarge it for easier reading of the text if it is too small*

Microman Red & Animal Anders also pick up a point, Viper again loses out!

Test 2
This is a great test of the figures ability to perform two seperate articulate actions at once, one is to kneel or crouch, the other is to twist their torso or head enabling them to take a look around the corner. Retaining balance and getting a good sight of the enemy. Note: This particular exercise is great for base infiltration techniques.

Joe Greenshirt has definately managed the test, he's got a good peek around the corner whilst being in a kneeling position and therefore scores 2 points.
Viper is an InstaFAIL and gets 0 points for this paltry effort.
Animal Anders manages to get the first part right, however his persistent neck problems are hindering his ability to look around the corner. He scores +1.
LC Junkyard doesn't seem to grasp the test at all, he's neither crouching or looking around the corner. FAIL and gets 0 Points
Microman Red does brilliantly, placing his feet to the ground he manoeuvres to look around the corner, retaining balance by placing one hand on the can he's leaning against. He scores +2 points.
Eversparkle Eddie gets his feet into position, but can't manoeuvre enough to get a look around the corner, a good effort by him and it earns him +1.

Test 3
Here we test a figures agility and his ability to avoid objects, potentially in a foot chase scenario, the object in this case is a guard rail.

A great approach by Joe Greenshirt and... he clears the rail! +1
Now we get to see if Viper can claw back some points..
Page 1
Page 2

Onto the Unifighter Animal Anders! Another good approach, good leap and he clears it, +1
Junkyard looks confident going into this attempt..
Eversparkle Eddie looks to add to his points totals, placing his right hand onto the rail, he throws himself over for the point.

Microman Red he stands with his back to the rail..
looks over his shoulder, a moment of uncertainty is he to drop points?
what the??
Oh WOW! That is.. truely fantastic. A brilliant execution by Microman Red! a true example of exercising a smart body system!

What a fantastic end to Stage 3 lets total up the points and see the leaderboad then..
Joe Greenshirt - 12
Microman Red - 12
Eversparkle Eddie - 10.5
Unifighter Animal Anders - 10
Junkyard - 8
Viper - 5

The Smart Body Test is completed at the end of Stage 4. With Joe Greenshirt yet to drop points its tied at the top, closely followed by Eversparkle Eddie and Unifighter Animal Anders. Seemingly Junkyard and Viper are out of the running surely. However with 6+ points available during Stage 4 Junkyard could still make an impressive late run.
Join us again soon for a Smart Body Update, when we complete the final Stage, thanks for viewing and any additional comments.
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the_punisher
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the watchmen

wow this was cool
what happen to the american dream your looking at it
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viper commander
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Mercenary, Assassin

Hey Rich have you posted this anywhere else? You should make a standardized form so anyone wanting to perform the test can download and print it out. Very cool idea and something to try with a 25th style, and Star Wars figures too!
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Click here to view my photostream on FLICKR!
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Superiorraw
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Stage 4, the final stage coming later on today, I just got a picture I need to take care of and leave some feedbacks ;)

Yeah Mike, I actually posted this over on the Terrordrome, i also posted it at Yojoe, but nobody seems to be that interested in it there?? :/

I tried to think of as many different leg and body/arm tests to perform on a 3 3/4 action figure as possible, and yeah I reckon a test with a 25th Anniversary figure is due too! :D

The formula is actually posted up above in the first post, from Stage 1 Test 1 to Stage 4 Test 3. This has enabled me to test various figures construction and articulation. You also have to keep in mind that each figure although of similar scale, are made by different companies at different stages of year. So its interesting to see the improvements and/or Decline in articulation dependant of the budget or design of the figures.... now I'm just sounding totally geeky! :lol:
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Superiorraw
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Stage 4
This is it.. Stage 4.. we've seen some terribly bad mistakes that have cost figures points.. . and in some cases their future family-hood ;-)

All of the figures will still be putting alot of effort in, this particular stage offers 6 points up for grabs with only 4 points seperating 5th spot in the leaderboard and 1st spot anyone of the 5 from 6 could still win this competition. Lets see how the contestants get on.

Test 1
Maybe used in a conversation scene, or maybe if the character ever gets arrested and has to fold his arms, granted this would be at the back of the character but still it tests to use articulation in the characters shoulders, arms and hands.

Test 1 Pic 1
Joe Greenshirt & Eversparkle Eddie both secure a point, Unfighter Animal Anders struggles with this task, that will be the wide torso preventing his arms from reaching across properly and he doesn't collect anything this round.

Test 1 Pic 2
Unfortunately Viper doesn't get any points again for his effort.
Junkyard manages to score some points and Microman Red keeps pace with Joe Greenshirt by completing the test successfully.

Test 2
A good test here of a characters reach and the articulation in their torso and waist.

Test 2 Picture 1
As we can see from the attempts by the contestants, Joe Greenshirt and Animal Anders pick up a point each. Eversparkle Eddie because of his waist and torso design cannot touch his toes, so he loses out by not completing the task.
Test 2 Picture 2
Junkyard & Microman Red pick up a point each whilst Viper fails... again!

Test 3
The characters Sit down and cross their legs, this not only tests the leg articulation but the hip joint and waist as well.
Test 3 Picture 1
Test 3 Picture 2
Junkyard, Animal Anders, Viper and Joe Greenshirt all score 1 point for being able to sit down, however they struggle to complete the second phase of the test and lose out, Microman Red seizes his chance and by completing this test along with Eversparkle Eddie they both score 2 points.

This means that in the overall Leaderboard Microman Red holds the advantage!

Test 4
With their feet placed firmly to the ground, they have to swivel round and pick up the box from the table.

Viper goes first and with this attempt he scores 1 point for being able to pick up the box.
Junkyard does well and scores 2 points with this effort.
Animal Anders also manages to complete the test and scores 2.
Eversparkle Eddie scores 2 points with this attempt and regains 3rd spot.

It has come down to this...just 1 point seperating Joe Greenshirt and Microman Red. First up Joe Greenshirt.
OH! He does this task remarkably well and secures himself 2 points!
He moves onto a finishing position of 17 points, He's temporarily in front, if Microman red fails here, he all but hands the Smart Body Test Win to Joe Greenshirt...
And Red's done it! Fantastic Turn and pick up by the Takara figure!
Two Points secured and a total of 18 Points!
Microman Red Is the WINNER!
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Lets look at the final Leaderboard.
Smart Body Test - Final
Microman Red - 18
Joe Greenshirt - 17
Eversparkle Eddie - 15.5
Unifighter Animal Anders - 14
Junkyard - 13
Viper - 7
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