MUNCLE MIKES · CASTING GUIDE
Battle Tank and Command TankBlack and olive camouflage versions
The Battle Tank family was also sold as Command Tank. Its enclosed turret and sloping front distinguish it from the open gun mount on Shell Shocker. Black and olive camouflage releases belong together here, with the package details kept alongside the photographs.
Start with the body and camouflage
The original Battle Tank entry is a tan camouflage release from 1984, item 4920. South Texas Diecast lists black and olive Command Tank entries for 1985 under 9371, while the Newsletter labels its black 1985 entry Battle Tank, item 4920.
The photo shows the black-and-gray appearance. The naming and item-number difference is a reason to preserve a readable package label, not to choose a number from the paint alone.
The olive #27 comparison
South Texas Diecast records the later olive camouflage Command Tank as collector number 27, item 9371, with a green Malaysia base. Earlier olive Action Command and Battleground four-pack entries also exist. An unboxed olive tank cannot establish its original package on color alone.
The old blog’s 1989 address was not evidence of a distinct 1989 issue. Keep that year unassigned unless a package or other reliable record supports it.
Look underneath the turret
Check the barrel tip, turret rim and the gap where the turret meets the hull. Glue and cracks can disappear into dark camouflage in an overhead photograph. Ask for both sides and the underside before judging completeness.
Do not force a stiff turret to demonstrate movement. The separate Aw Shoot and Shell Shocker guide shows the open-mounted gun vehicle; its parts and release details do not transfer to this tank. Use the loose-car inspection checklist to record any repairs.
