As a kid, I never had the Defiant. It came out later in the ARAH run (1987) and I was growing up and leaving Joe behind at the time. Although I was aware of its existence, I did not really notice it until I started collecting as an adult. Like many, it is part of my list of large playsets to acquire when I have the means and the space to do so.

In the meantime, I turned my attention to the crew. One of the more obscure characters from that period was definitely Hardtop. He did not really get much media exposure at the time and he certainly was not as exciting for kids as his Astronaut partner Payload (also included with the Defiant).

Still, when a buddy of mine asked me to make him a modern version of Hardtop, I thought it would be fun. This one will soon be traveling to his new home. However, I ended up liking the result so much that I'll have to make another one for myself.

Enjoy!

OB

_________________

Great looking update and terrific parts choices, And as usual terrific paint apps.

Excellent!

_________________

so agree,What a great looking Hard top

You are seriously one of the best customizer, updater, homage guys around right now. Your AT customs inspired me to start my own. That being said, I love this update, the color/webgear/(especially) the helmet and head are perfect. My one complaint is the dataviper calf pouches, I just feel they are somehow out of place. I would still love to own this guy though, if he was an fss figure I might have subscribed.

_________________

Thanks guys. Good point about the lower legs. When I make my own, I think I'll use the Ret Firefly lower legs. It will be closer to the vintage look.

OB

_________________

Inspired parts usage here. I've never had any interest in Joe's space program or its personnel, but this is just a really well-put-together figure.

I never had a problem with the powder blue uniform of the '87 figure, but your color set is better. Nice use of the Cobra webgear, too.