BTR-Ticles: Depth Ray
by Twitziller
The Built to Rule Depth Ray, available as part of the first series of BTR sets released in 2003, is part of the tradition of small G.I. Joe submarines such as 1984’s SHARC, Barracuda from 1992, and the Polar Shark from the Rise of Cobra film of 2009.
In its primary mode, the Depth Ray is a submarine with two torpedo launchers and four thrusters. The design is unlike other Joe submarines and, with its rectangular form, bears some resemblance to manned research submersibles.
The included figure is Wet-Suit, and his appearance his based on his 2002 G.I. Joe vs. Cobra figure. The figure is one of the few with t-crotch construction, rather than the more popular o-ring style.
The Depth Ray’s secondary mode is a dune buggy.
The Depth Ray’s weapons include a pair each of the standard spring-loaded missile launchers and the common multi-barrel machine guns.
Notable parts from the Depth Ray are the transparent blue canopy and a series of rounded blue bricks that includes two straight pieces and two corners.
Has anyone done any part-swaps between this figure and either of the 2002 versions, just to see how they look?
The head sculpt is pretty good. I don’t like the looks of the Lego pegs being on the figures themselves. It really takes away from the figures aesthetically. I think my favorite mode is the skiff/water moccasin-style boat.
I have this set. Wetsuit has a bit of a quality control issue. His elbows are really weak and tend his forearms tend to break very easily.
I like the overall design. I wouldn’t mind seeing it again without the Lego pieces.
A great head sculpt for Wet-Suit!
This is a great example of two very different modes. I still like your creations more, though. And it’s funny, in this BTR context, I don’t mind the t-crotch so much.