It was fun answering the questions. Got me thinking about SW stuff I hadn't thought of in awhile.

While I was thinking of my answers I kept thinking, "Gotta mention the IG-88 focus, mention Iggy. Iggy rocks tell the world." Annnnnnnnd totally zoned out and forgot to mention Iggy.    Kinda like going to the grocery store and not taking a list. "Get milk, get milk, get milk, oooooooo candy!!!!" Get home "Did you get milk????". "Awwwww F*%K!!!"

Another great probe, very entertaining read, good job Paul/James   

Excellent work Guys, keep 'em coming   

Enjoyed reading your probe examination, Paul.
LOL about forgetting, Iggy!

A big thanks for Paul and James!   

Great probe guys, I used to 'carbon' freeze my hans as well    completely forgot about that until just now, what a nostalgic blast from the past, I might go stuff one in the freezer now   

Paul, that is a fantastic probing. James, well done as always.

Cool reading chaps. Keep the probes coming.   

A really great read Paul, thoroughly enjoyed it mate   so funny that you forgot to mention you'r Iggy focus   
I am proud to say that one of your bootlegs now has pride and place in my Vader focus, and is in fact my first bootleg  
Another great probing FX-7 keep em coming  

Great write-up Paul! I'd buy the hell out of a Dejarik Holochess set.   

The TIG Exam Room


Please welcome the next TIG victim who has bravely agreed to take the probe ...

TEST SUBJECT # 30


Screen Name: Rebojazz
Real Name: Steven Weimer
Location: Wheeling, WV
Special Powers: Brew Beer


Greetings Steven , thank you for your cooperation , let the probing begin ....


#1 What is your favorite SW memory ? (film or toy line)

Film - Seeing the original Star Wars movie for the first time . My mom , dad , sister and I rented it from a local movie rental place . We also had to rent the VCR (Beta also , remember those?) . We watched Star Wars and Annie - this was in the very early 80's or maybe '79. At this time I had already begun playing with the toys but now I could finally understand what the characters were all about and a story to go with it .

**FX-7 Edit** :




#2 Which SW character would you dress up as if you were attending a convention ?

Greedo , he's just bad ass !

**FX-7 Edit** :

and can be quite sexy too  





#3 Describe your collection in 50 words or less !

50 words , really ? Well , overall , my collection is very broad and quite extensive and for the most part has remained private . They include items such as toys , posters , artwork , movie reels , comic books , paper articles , t shirts , prototypes and a ton of just misc stuff . Even though I'm well known as a bootleg collector I have been involved in many other aspects of collecting that I have quietly amassed over the years and some line in which I've sold off . My childhood toys and my bootlegs are my most cherished .

**FX-7 Edit** :

a few of Steve's Bootlegs ...







#4 If you had to choose 3 things from your collection as your favorites , what would they be and why ?
1. A large 4" three ring binder that I made into a scrapbook from paper cartoons , stamps , artwork , scripts , misc brochures , newspaper ads and articles involving SW over the last decade or so .

2. My vintage Mellinium Falcon , it was the first ship I got as a kid and my favorite to play with .

3. A bagged yellow Mexican/SA Boba Fett bootleg w/ pink header card . Finding one loose is very hard but this header card is just too awesome ! One of the gems of my entire collection  




#5 What song would you perform at a Karaoke ?

"Wake Me Up" - Avicci

**FX-7 Edit** :

nice choice  




#6   What’s the weirdest/most fun SW item in your collection ?

Wow , I had to finish the interview then come back here and I'm still thinking... Probably my Yoda bong  

**FX-7 Edit** :





#7 Which SW characters , creatures , vehicles or play sets would you like to have seen released that was never released during the vintage line ?

Tie Bomber ship , Imperial Cruiser ship , a bigger Mos Eisley playset and more of Jabba's creatures that had cameos  

**FX-7 Edit** :

A large Mos Eisley playset would have been really cool  




#8 We know that you are a avid Bootleg collector :

That's the rumor  

Part A) What was the 1st figure (or line) that sucked you in to the world of bootlegs ?

A Logray , Gammy Guard and Chewie Mexican/SA bootleg set I bought on Ebay in the summer of 2005 .

**FX-7 Edit** :

Beware of ...


Part B) What line is your favorite now ?

Still the Mexican/SA line , however , I also have a strong interest and collection in the modern POTF2 line as well . I have spent lots of time and money on other vintage lines but the Mexican/SA line of bootlegs have always been my favorite . It is the line I've spent the most time researching and have gathered the most information on  

**FX-7 Edit** :

check out this thread for more info on the Mexican/SA line of bootlegs...

http://www.imperialgunneryforum.com/t4239-the-mexican-bootleg-thread


#9 Other than Star Wars , what other toy lines do you collect ?

None


#10 Do you have any other hobbies, and what are they ?

Old vinyl 78 rpm records , victrolas and phonographs . I have about 10,000 records in my collection ... mainly old jazz , big band , blues , race and much more from the 20's-40's (and even earlier) . I also collect modern vinyl of promo records as well ... DJ Hooligan , Tiesto , Harp... etc. .

**FX-7 Edit** :





This concludes your probe - Excellent answers Steven  

Thank you for your participation  

remember guys ...





Now get the hell out of my exam room and send the next victim , er ... Patient in  [/color]

Another nice interview probing. Thanks Steven and James!   

Steven: Based upon your signature avatar, I would have guessed you would dress up like Max Reebo if you were attending a convention.

Cheers
Marco

Great probing Steve and Jimmy, Steve love your collection, having seen pics of some of your mexi boots i have to say its outstanding and some of those early fetts you have are awesome.

Love the yoda bong, its been years off the grass for me but i still appreciate a nice bong when i see one

Thanks Steve and Jimmy for another great probing, great to see a few bootleggers getting probed.

I agree with AF, gotta love a Yoda bong.   Great probing Steve.  

Nice probe, and top tune...Avicci!!!

Great interview Steven    Keep em comin James  

The TIG Exam Room


Please welcome the next TIG victim who has bravely agreed to take the probe ...


TEST SUBJECT # 31


Screen Name: emperorburns
Real Name: Daren
Location:
Special Powers: It's a mystery ...


Greetings Daren , thank you for your cooperation , let the probing begin ....

#1 What is your favorite SW memory ? (film or toy line)

My favorite memory was first seeing the Star Wars figures hit the shelves    Being a kid and walking into a toy shop and seeing all the new star wars toys everywhere and the cool displays they had... it was better than Disneyland being in my local toy shops  

**FX-7 Edit** :

nothings better than Disneyland  




#2 Which SW character would you dress up as if you were attending a convention ?

I'd not normally dress up but , if I was going to , it would be Han Solo or something reasonably normal
To the guys who spend all day in Boba Fett or Stormtrooper suits : that's hot work... I take my hat off to you  

**FX-7 Edit** :





#3 Describe your collection in 50 words or less !

My focus at the moment is to get every variation of carded figure (or even just a cardback) from the vintage line  

and every different vintage and modern bootleg figure ever made  

**FX-7 Edit** :

When you dream you should always ...



#4 If you had to choose 3 things from your collection as your favorites , what would they be and why ?

That's like choosing your favorite child... I love all my pieces and couldn't really choose my favorites  


#5 What song would you perform at a Karaoke ?

I can't sing a note   ... whatever I chose would be a room emptier

**FX-7 Edit** :

anyone can Karaoke and most of us do it very poorly  

Here's one anyone can do  




#6   What’s the weirdest/most fun SW item in your collection ?

My wierdest and most fun items are :

My Star Knight Darth Vader on a police motorbike is probably my favorite item  

**FX-7 Edit** :


I also have a cool Mexican bootleg ship . I sold off all my regular production ships , when I decided to focus on figures only , but this Mexican ship was to awesome not to keep . It is a cross between an X-Wing and Space 1999 Eagle Transporter but it has USAF sticker decals  

Another favorite is my Te Ne Robot - which is just a wind up R2 with google eyes... it rocks  


#7 Which SW characters , creatures , vehicles or play sets would you like to have seen released that was never released during the vintage line ?

As far as I can remember , I was disappointed that Kenner made a Death Squad Commander but not a Rebel Fleet Trooper or Tarkin    
I guess most kids thought the same at the time  :scratch:

**FX-7 Edit** :

where was the love for Tarkin :scratch:




#8 We know that you are a avid Bootleg collector :

Part A) What was the 1st figure (or line) that sucked you in to the world of bootlegs ?

I cant remember the exact first bootleg I bought but it would have been some loose Uzay figures or Polish 3rd gens . I had stumbled across the collector archive and saw the write ups on Uzay and other bootlegs... I was hooked (I still love the production stuff however !)

**FX-7 Edit** :

Uzay figures are very cool  


Part B) What line is your favorite now ?

Again , I don't really have a favorite line because I collect such a wide scope range . If bootlegs are quiet , I hunt production stuff ; if a bootleg comes up that I really want then that becomes my favorite line... but they all have their charm  


#9 Other than Star Wars , what other toy lines do you collect ?

I don't currently collect any other lines but I use to buy anything sci fi related when I started work and had more money . I soon realized that it would be impossible to collect them all . At first I tried to keep to Star Wars , Star Trek and Dr Who and sold everything else . Over the years Dr Who went... then Star Trek... then modern Star Wars , vintage ships , playsets , creatures and finally the loose figures went  

I now focus on cardbacks , carded figures and bootlegs only  


#10 Do you have any other hobbies, and what are they ?

No time for other hobbies - I struggle to find enough time for this hobby sometimes  



This concludes your probe - Excellent answers Daren  

Thank you for your participation  


Now get the hell out of my exam room and send the next victim , er ... Patient in  [/color]

Great Probe Daren and Jimmy, its great to hear a bit more about you Daren, and see you on here, especially seeings im looking at many of your wonderful boots right now in my collection, not to mention you were a total pleasure to do business with and im forever thankful for your advice and help on boots.

Thanks again Jimmy for a great probe.

Just catching up on the latest probes. Well done for taking part Paul, Steven & Daren, I enjoyed reading your answers. It was really great to learn more about our bootleg collectors. Keep up the good work Jim (you could have worked for the Spanish inquisition.    ).

Nice work guys.

James I can't believe the speed you are motoring though the TIG userbase, at this rate we'll need a recruitment drive   

Super Uzay collection. Almost pickled egg award worthy.

Thanks Guys - so glad you are enjoying the probes   

cantina_patron wrote:

Just catching up on the latest probes. Well done for taking part Paul, Steven & Daren, I enjoyed reading your answers. It was really great to learn more about our bootleg collectors. Keep up the good work Jim (you could have worked for the Spanish inquisition.    ).

Section 8 wrote:

Super Uzay collection. Almost pickled egg award worthy

  

sense a probe coming your direction I do  

I'm not afraid. He can take a look at a my grapes whilst he rummages around my bomb bay door.

That is what happens...isn't it? Yes? The probing arm...the one many don't even realise moves...that one....

Oooooh. Probing questions. Best pull me kex up then*.

(Translation: *It would be beneficial if I were to pull my trousers back up forthwith**)

(Translation:** Immediately)

The TIG Exam Room


Please welcome the next TIG victim who has bravely agreed to take the probe ...


TEST SUBJECT # 32


Screen Name: Section 8
Real Name: Andrew
Location: 5 miles from the town with highest pie shop per person ratio.
Special Powers: To look like I'm listening.


Greetings Andrew , thank you for your cooperation , let the probing begin ....



#1 What is your favorite SW memory ? (film or toy line)

It's got to be going with my mother to Toy & Hobby to buy a new figure . A lot of my toys were second hand so having a new toy didn't happen too often... the only figure I specifically remember buying was an R2 sensor .

My older brother used to insist (with his fists   ) that he should always be the good guys , so I was always the bad guys (who never won   ) . No wonder my favorite figures are those on the Dark Side... still great memories   .

**FX-7 Edit** :

Brothers can be lots of fun  




#2 Which SW character would you dress up as if you were attending a convention ?

Being short limits my options... I think I answered Snaggletooth on another TIG thread  :scratch:  If I had a choice I'd tippy toe around inside a Biker Scout outfit - They simply look ace  

**FX-7 Edit** :

Biker Scouts come in all sizes  





#3 Describe your collection in 50 words or less !

Incomplete , disorganized and random ... but thoroughly enjoyable  

**FX-7 Edit** :





#4 If you had to choose 3 things from your collection as your favorites , what would they be and why ?

1st : It would have to be the figures I've kept from my childhood (Below) . They are battered but have so much sentimental value . Even though I sold my childhood Luke Stormy , it gave me the funds that kick started my collecting adventure .



2nd : If pushed to choose an individual figure it would have to be the leader of my Gamorrean Guard Army (Below) . He is a complete Lily Ledy Gam that I received from my Secret Santa that came as a great surprise ! Thanks again Nico  



3rd: I really like my signed photo's . Meeting some of the Star Wars cast has been great fun and are moments you never forget . When people ask me : "What is your claim to fame?" I proudly reply that "I've kissed the woman from Star Wars". With the gasps of jealousy, it's clear they don't realize that it was Mon Mothma / Caroline Blakiston    (It Was still a great kiss )

**FX-7 Edit** :




#5 What song would you perform at a Karaoke ?


Your the Voice by John Farnham . Being a bit of a left wing socialist and anti-establishmentarian it fits in well .



SHIT!! Killing In The Name - Rage Against the Machine !! Oh well ... I've already chosen one  

**FX-7 Edit** :

Bonus points for mentioning a bad ass fucking band and song  




#6   What’s the weirdest/most fun SW item in your collection ?

The oddest would have to be this wood Darth Vader head carved by my brother for my 21st birthday (Below)  . I suppose it's the only Star Wars thing I own that is unique . The music box is pretty unusual too .



Most fun must be to wear my 501st Stormy helmet . It made my 3 year old daughter scream and cry the first time I chased her while wearing it   (and the second time come to think of it   ) . I may not be the best father in the world but at least , for now , she's hardened to the threat of a Stormtrooper attack . (Below)



**FX-7 Edit** :




#7 Which SW characters , creatures , vehicles or play sets would you like to have seen released that was never released during the vintage line ?

I'd have loved a Dr Evazan . He played such a memorable part in ANH and his lines were often heard being quoted in my household . Evazan would have made a more worthy of a figure than any Snaggletooth or Yak . Would have also been nice to build a ANH Rebel Soldier army to fight against a Stormy army too .

**FX-7 Edit** :




#8 Flyboy question ! You have the chance to fly or drive one of Kenner's ships or mini rigs that has been made into a real full-scale working vehicle ... Which vehicle do you choose and why ?

I Would have to say a Speeder Bike ... purely on the basis of how dangerous they are   . Not being fitted with mirrors makes simple things like looking behind you a life threatening situation   .

**FX-7 Edit** :

Just don't drink while you drive one ...



I could have been a bit predictable and chose the Millenium Falcon . Being right hand drive , it's Perfect for an Englishman... you foreigners would never cope.  




#9 Other than Star Wars , what other toy lines do you collect ?

Every spare penny goes into my Star Wars collection so simply don't have the funds to collect anything else . Even if I did have funds , I don't think anything else would have the same childhood connection . This is why I have no real interest in the modern toy lines .


#10 Do you have any other hobbies, and what are they ?

I've been researching family trees professionally and as a hobby for years . It all started with my own tree which after 4 or 5 years now has around 5000 connected members.

Anyone interested in their English ancestors & heritage should message me . You can pay me in Gam Guards.    (Not joking)

**FX-7 Edit** :






This concludes your probe - Excellent answers Andrew

Thank you for your participation  

Please collect your complimentary pickled eggs as you exit ...


not only are they delicious but they're great for soothing your backside after a good hard probing  


Now get the hell out of my exam room and send the next victim , er ... Patient in

Andy, great probe mate, lol about your older bro wanting you to be the bad guys, i made my younger bro be the good guys hahaha.

Man thats a lovely wooden vader head your bro made for you, super cool and an awesome thing for him to do.

Really good probe mate, and once again thanks jimmy for another great one, cheers

 brilliant probe Andrew, you've got a great sense of humour mate    very cool Gammy army, and I liked the sneaky peak at your collection room, behind uour little clone trooper   any chance of a limelight mate?

Congrats on another exceptional probing Jim