Post by Bear on Nov 27, 2004 21:16:58 GMT -5
Vehicle Codename: THUNDER HAWK
One of the most recognizable vehicles from the M.A.S.K. line. The Thunder Hawk has always been a mainstay in every mission. Looking back as a kid watching M.A.S.K. I only recall 2 episodes out of 65 that did not utilize the Camero like sports car.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Mrbear/000_0124.bmp)
The Thunder Hawk always seemed to be matched against the Switchblade in every Episode. Though smaller, it always seemed to have the upper hand against V.E.N.O.M. According to the M.A.S.K. product catalog it is equipped with an armorment of 2 wing blasters and 2 stun bombs. Although I do remember the stun bombs magnetically attaching themselves to enemy vehicles and launching them out of control.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Mrbear/flight.jpg)
As with most of the first season vehicles the Thunder Hawk’s transformation is fairly elementary. The doors open vertically and act as wings. The door-mounted exhausts retract to expose the blasters. Finally the rear spoiler raises the back end to expose the dual jet engines.
Agent
Matt tracker is the leader of M.A.S.K. and the driver of the Thunder Hawk. He also co-pilots several of the larger vehicles on occasion. Tracker is the classic 80’s toon leader from looks to leadership ability. No matter what he always came out on top within a 30 minute episode. Matt seemed to be knowledgeable in most areas.
According to the toy mini-comics Matt Tracker and his brother jointly developed M.A.S.K. His brother was tragically killed when Miles Mayhem stole several of the designs. It is not known whether or not M.A.S.K. is government funded.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Mrbear/Tracker.bmp)
Expertise: Knowledgeable in most areas, M.A.S.K. Leader
Mask Power: Utilizes Spectrum Light to give Tracker the dual ability of Spectrum Laser (Laser Beam) and Spectrum Hang Glider. (Flight)
Toy
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Mrbear/box.bmp)
One of the great things about M.A.S.K. toys is the scale of the figures compared to the vehicles. The Thunder Hawk is no exception. Although I don’t think it was ever official the car represents a Chevy Camero pretty closely. The transformation was pretty much a simple push of a button located on top of the car. That released the doors into the wing position and also released the Spoiler to expose the Engines. From there all you needed to do was pull out the wing blasters and you were ready for flight. The bombs were stored underneath the car in plain view. To release them all one needs to do is push the back jets forward.
There are 7 different Matt trackers in the toy line. The Thunder Hawk comes with his familiar gray and red flight suit. The earlier Thunder Hawks have a smaller more authentic looking Mask. Later ones were made bigger do to choking hazards. (See the picture)
When looking for a Thunder Hawk for your collection keep these things in mind.
1. Is it complete with 2 bombs, the Wing Blasters, and Matt Tracker with Mask.
2. Do the doors and spoiler release easy when the button is pushed
3. Make sure the seat belts are strongly attached in the center of the console.
4. Early Trackers have a smaller Mask (see above)
5. On the bottom rear it should be marked with a 1985 date from the Kenner Company.
The Thunder Hawk is readily available on Ebay in good quantities. M.A.S.K. as a whole is an odd duck in the collectors market. I have seen the Thunder Hawk in good complete condition go anywhere from $10.00 to $40.00. The One I purchased came with the original box. It still had a price tag from K-mart attached for $11.49.
Love it or Hate it. The Thunder Hawk is a must have for any M.A.S.K. fan. 60 some episodes can’t be wrong.