Iron Knight Tank
The only tank in the line, the "Iron Knight" is totally out of scale for a 12" figure, and would be better suited for Mego sized soldiers. Still, it was nice to see some armor again, the first since the Irwin line from the 60s. The mold for the tank likely came to Hasbro via Japanese company Takara and was also used by Palitoy in England. The tank was also sold as a gift set that had an applied sticker on the box noting a figure and accessories were included. If you have an example of that box, please contact me.
Below, images shared by Jared of Joebros. detailing a variation in Iron Knight tanks. Note the one on the left is marked Hasbro (see detail shot below) and has a raised center hull. In addition the bogies that support the treads are molded directly onto the body. On the right, the hull has a flat bottom and the bogies are separate pieces plugged into
Left, the "C 1975 Hasbro Ind. Inc. Pawtucket" mark on the tank above left. The other has only the letter C in the center of the hull. Other than the marks, hull bottom, and separate or attached bogies the two tanks are identical. Thanks again to Joebros. for the pictures and sharing this information |
Above, the molded on bogies. Below the ones molded as separate pieces.
The Iron Knight was also issued with bonus Defenders accessories as a Special Value item. Image of the sticker added to these boxes provided courtesy of John T. Marshall