Re-Assigning The Team - PYTHON PATROL

     In the same vein as G.I. Joe's Tiger Force, in 1989, Hasbro gave us a Cobra sub-group of recolored figures and vehicles - the Python Patrol.

    The purpose or concept of Python Patrol was more clear than Tiger Force.  Cobra used special camouflage paint to make these troops and their vehicles "invisible" to radar.  The process used to create this group was called "pythonizing" and the grid-pattern they used was supposed to resemble snake skin.

    Like Tiger Force, the figures' colors varied while the vehicles all shared a color scheme.  The figures primarily used a mix of greens, greys and yellow.  All of them would have the "lattice" or snake-skin pattern on their uniform somewhere.  The vehicles, however, utilized crimson red, black, yellow and some silver.  Again, they would have the "lattice" pattern, but it translated onto the vehicles better.

    The team consisted of 6 figures and 3 vehicles.  Whereas the purpose of Python Patrol was pretty clear, some of the team selections were not.  The figures issued for the team included - Copperhead, Viper, Tele-Viper, Crimson Guard, Cobra Trooper and Cobra Officer.  For the vehicles there was repainted vehicles of the Cobra Stun and ASP gun emplacement, as well as a captured G.I. Joe Conquest.

    I really liked the idea behind Python Patrol!  Unfortunately, I thought that "who and what" was selected for the team was a bit off-track.  I know that in later years there have been several additions to this Team.  I'm taking it from the perspective on when it was originally released in 1989 and what would have improved this line-up.  To "re-assign" this team, let's start with the figures, some of these guys need to get the boot!  So... who is going to stay and who is going to go?

    First of all, the Viper, Cobra Officer and Cobra Trooper all kind of had the same position in Cobra.  Of course it makes sense to make your basic field troops invisible, but we don't need all three.  I say, let's keep the Viper and lose the other two.  The Viper was the updated version of the original troops anyways.  We'll also keep the Tele-Viper!  You obviously want your radio-man camouflaged.  

    Next, we need to ditch the Crimson Guard (we will ignore, for now, his lack of "crimson").  Cobra considers these guys to be too important to put out on a battlefield.  So I don't see the need to "pythonize" them.  They are under deep cover, so they are fine doing their normal gig.

    Finally, Copperhead, the only "individual" character on the team.  I liked this figure and felt with him being the only individual, he was kind of their unofficial leader.  He doesn't strike me as the leader-type, however.  So, unfortunately, we are going to let him go too!  

    Switching to the vehicles for a moment - the Conquest, Stun and ASP were all great!  So they will all stay.  There is one problem, however, that needs to be addressed.  We will return to that later.  

    So now, all we have left is the Viper and Tele-Viper figures and the vehicles.  Who and what else could we re-assign the team with?  First of all, I think we need a proper team leader.  My suggestion is Major Bludd!  Let's finally allow him to join Cobra.  Plus, if the Python Patrol concept was to fail... I'm sure Cobra Commander wouldn't be too upset about losing him.  Bonus!!

    Next...  Since we are Pythonizing Cobra's Infantry Troopers, I think we should include the B.A.T.s in on this deal.  I always thought they could really give the android troopers a great Python Patrol paint scheme.  Obviously, someone agrees with this idea because the G.I. Joe Classified series is getting a pythonized B.A.T. soon!

    For the last two figure spots, we need some vehicle drivers!!!  I don't understand why Hasbro didn't include any back in 1989.  Weird...  Anyways, obviously if we have the Stun... the Motor-Viper would be perfect to add into the team!  I really think he would look great in Python Patrol colors.

    Last but not least... we need a pilot.  Here is my idea...  Repaint a AVAC figure and call him the Python Patrol Air-Viper.  Air-Viper pilots are mentioned on file cards, but they were never released.  The acronym, AVAC, stands for Air-Viper Advanced Class... so he is an "Air-Viper" of sorts.  So we take the figure, put him in the proper team colors, add him in the with the Conquest and life is good! 

So the final line-up ends up as:  Major Bludd (leader), Cobra Viper, Tele-Viper, B.A.T., Air-Viper and Motor-Viper.  I think that's a pretty good group!

    Finally, going back to the vehicles, there is something that has always bothered me about Python Patrol.  The Stun does NOT have a tow-hook, so the ASP gun has no way of getting to it's destination.  So here is a bonus idea for the team...  Pythonize the Stinger Jeep and boom, problem solved!!  Double bonus... add in the Python Cobra Officer to drive it!  Perfect!

    So these are my suggestions for "Re-Assigning" Cobra's Python Patrol.  Do you agree with these changes?  Who would you add or subtract in this sub-group?  Anybody got some cool customs for Python Patrol?  Share your changes or pics below!!!

Things that make you go hmmm...

---  Did you know that apparently there was plans at one point to make Tomax and Xamot the commanders of Python Patrol?  This information can be found in Mark Bellomo's Ultimate Guide to G.I. Joe!

---  What would happen if you Pythonized the Battle Armor Cobra Commander's suit???  It's an interesting idea, but I don't want him in Python Patrol...