"Snow Serpents are Cobra's arctic specialists, a branch of the already highly-trained Eel (frogmen) division." The Snow Serpent has always been a favorite figure of mine. Though rarely seen on TV or in comics, the design of this character had a lot of attitude. Making this figure took a bit of trial and error, with colors and materials. While the Snow Serpent was quite a challenging character to re-create, it was also one of the most rewarding in terms of learning new methods and techniques for customization.
Select an image to view details and notes on the one-sixth scale Snow Serpent action figure.
Everything cloth with the exception of two ammo pouches was fabricated. The first version of the 3.75" action figure included a backpack with a mortar/rocket attachment, snow shoes and a reserve parachute. The second version of the GI Joe figure featured a snowboard but also altered the look and feel of the character in a different direction. I wanted to select the good points of each iteration of the character design and include my own ideas with this figure. I wanted the color scheme to be a little more functional for an artic environment than the original colors but still be similar enough to where the figure was instantly recognizable. My thinking behind the reserve parachute, a seemingly odd accessory, was its utilization as a wind sail in the tundra as well as emergency shelter material.
Artic conditions are not usually the focus of military subjects but weathering with frost and snow can be very fun in scale modeling. Drybrushing a hint of white can really draw out details that might otherwise go unseen.
Upon seeing Snow Serpent character art in the then new Devil's Due GI Joe: A Real American Hero comic book complete with a furry snow suit, I knew what my next project would be.
Snow Serpent Accessories:
Snow Shoes - Snowboard - Backpack with Rappelling Line and Knife - AK-47 with 75 Round Drum and 40mm Grenade Launcher - Sub-Zero Helmet and Mask - Cobra Artic Goggles - Camouflaged Cobra Arm Band - Spare Parachute/Windsail - Parachute Harness - Ammo Pouches - 75mm HEAT Rocket Launcher - Additional 75mm Rocket
I made several graphics and logos for this figure. Among them, the top half of the snowboard has a double serpent stenciled on and the other half a printed graphic.
I brought this figure to several shows and events over the years. There are not too many one-sixth scale artic action figures and it is a fun subject. Snow, ice, and insulating materials are all elements that when done right are a lot of fun to create in scale. The Snow Serpent is the perfect project for this, a subject loaded with fun and unique cold-weather gear. 
The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.