Post by Bear on Dec 2, 2004 13:32:22 GMT -5
Enemy Vehicle Analysis: SWITCHBLADE
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Mrbear/000_0139.jpg)
If the Thunder Hawk was the token vehicle representative of M.A.S.K. that would make the Switchblade V.E.N.O.M.’s top ride. The Switchblade , as I remember, was in most all the M.A.S.K. episodes from the first 2 seasons.
The Switchblade was in my opinion one of the oddest combinations around. A sleek helicopter which transformed into a fighter jet. Talk about your air superiority. According to the M.A.S.K. product catalog it is equipped with an armorment of dual laser cannons, wing-mounted launchers, and a torpedo missile.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Mrbear/000_0140.jpg)
The Switchblade was somewhat unusual for a first season vehicle. Unlike most of the other rides when transformed into a jet it was a little more difficult to determine its original form.
Enemy Profile
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Mrbear/000_0141.jpg)
If Matt Tracker was the classic 80’s hero that would make Miles Mayhem the classic 80’s villain. Mayhem was always 5 minutes away from a huge victory in a 30-minute episode. Much like today’s Democrat party either he or his bumbling associates would screw it up. Unlike today’s cartoon villain there is no question about Mayhem’s agenda. His name itself embodies his evil nature. Even his uniform reminds one of some kind of Dictator from a third world nation. What the heck is he a General of anyway.
Mayhem’s main driving force behind his schemes has always been financial in nature. Unlike most 80’s villains he seemed to have little interest in world domination. Many of his crimes had somewhat of a historical nature.
According to the toy mini-comics Miles Mayhem stole many of the M.A.S.K. designs. During the theft Matt Tracker’s brother was killed. It was never mentioned how he died or who did it, but the definitely give you an idea. There have been several slight references to a Master Mind behind V.E.N.O.M. other then Miles Mayhem. That would make Mayhem more of a field general. However, that has never been confirmed.
Expertise: V.E.N.O.M. leader, Crime pattern leads one to believe he has a background in history or archeology.
Mask Power: Viper (according to the M.A.S.K. comic it shot a very potent acid, however the cartoon made it more of a laser.)
Toy
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Mrbear/000_0142.jpg)
The Switchblade really did not imitate any real helicopter at the time. It had a definite design all its own. The transformation took a little more hand eye coordination then most M.A.S.K. items at the time. One had to flip the rotor blades together and push them down into the tail section. From there you need to flip up the tail to lock the rotors in place. Flipping up the tail would also release the wings. Be careful you hands don’t get in the way or your Switchblade will take a nosedive down to the floor. The wings will release the side guns near the thingypit. The helicopter skies push up under the wings. The last step is to release the spring-loaded guns in the skies.
The Switchblade has the classic helicopter action feature. Push in the side button to turn the rotors. There is also a small lever underneath that drops the torpedo missile.
There are 6 different Miles Mayhems in the toy line. Most of them feature Mayhem dressed in some kind of Military dress uniform. The character that comes with the Switchblade should be primarily blue. (see picture)
When looking for a Switchblade for your collection keep these things in mind.
1. Is it complete with 1 orange missile and the correct Miles Mayhem with Mask.
2. Do the rotor blades stay down when converting to jet
3. Check the windshield for scuffs as they scuff very easy
4. Do the wings release when the tail is brought up and does that also release the side cannons
5. Does the rotor spinner work.
6. Is the orange missile snug under the toy, yet release easy when the lever is pulled
7. Underneath the tail it should be marked with a 1985 date from the Kenner Company.
The Switchblade can be scarce at times on ebay although lately it has been in good supply. When I purchased mine (complete in great shape with box) they were selling for between $22.00 and $26.00. Now, just a week later they are up to $35.00 to $40.00. 6 months ago you were looking at $60.00 to $75.00.
If you are going to have a Thunder Hawk in your collection you better pony up the cash for a Switchblade. You can’t have one without the other.