Review: Star Wars Micro Machines Titanium: Rebel Transport
Unless you're new to The Clearance Bin, you're already familiar with most of my collecting obsessions. There are the Super Hero Squad style figures, the DC Universe Classics (and DC Direct), and the occasional NECA figurine: all of which I've reviewed on several occasions.
Beyond these, there's only one more line I collect heavily and, in some ways, I'm more obsessive about this than any of the others.
It's the Micro Machines Titanium line: including today's review, I count twenty-six of these in my collection. And that's NOT including the three larger scale ships. These are display pieces representing the designs of various vehicles from the Star Wars universe (as well as several other properties: there are Transformers, Battlestar Galactica, Marvel Universe, and - I assume - other properties I'm forgetting immortalized as part of the line). In case there was any question, these are produced independent of scale: the Transport is longer than the Death Star.
So, why haven't I reviewed one before? Simple: this is the first I've picked up in over a year. Prior to that, I'd purchased almost every vehicle released from the original series, and I have no interest in redecoes or anything from the prequels. But the Rebel Transport is a vehicle I've been wanting to see for a while. These are most famous, of course, from the Battle of Hoth, but if I remember correctly they also showed up at the Battle of Endor. Now if I could just get them to make a medical frigate...
These are part of the Titanium line, which is produced by Micro Machines, which is owned by Hasbro, which licenses the franchise from Lucas, who watched a lot of Flash Gordon as a kid.
Beyond these, there's only one more line I collect heavily and, in some ways, I'm more obsessive about this than any of the others.
It's the Micro Machines Titanium line: including today's review, I count twenty-six of these in my collection. And that's NOT including the three larger scale ships. These are display pieces representing the designs of various vehicles from the Star Wars universe (as well as several other properties: there are Transformers, Battlestar Galactica, Marvel Universe, and - I assume - other properties I'm forgetting immortalized as part of the line). In case there was any question, these are produced independent of scale: the Transport is longer than the Death Star.
So, why haven't I reviewed one before? Simple: this is the first I've picked up in over a year. Prior to that, I'd purchased almost every vehicle released from the original series, and I have no interest in redecoes or anything from the prequels. But the Rebel Transport is a vehicle I've been wanting to see for a while. These are most famous, of course, from the Battle of Hoth, but if I remember correctly they also showed up at the Battle of Endor. Now if I could just get them to make a medical frigate...
These are part of the Titanium line, which is produced by Micro Machines, which is owned by Hasbro, which licenses the franchise from Lucas, who watched a lot of Flash Gordon as a kid.
Appearance and Construction: 8/10
While these are definitely strong points for this line, the category isn't quite a slam dunk. From a few feet off, it's pretty much perfect, capturing both the look and complexity of the original. But up close the detail becomes sloppy: the paint just isn't as detailed as I'd like on the top of the ship.
Further, the engines on the back are really inadequate: the Mon Calamari Cruiser I've got from this line has the engines painted blue. These are very disappointing in comparison.
On the other hand, a surprising amount of detail was included on the belly of the ship, which ironically may be the best area. There are a few small screws, as well, but that's life.
I generally expect vehicles in any scale to be incredibly lifelike. Depending on your level of expectation, this either passes or comes incredibly close. It's definitely a great display piece, but up close it's short of perfect.
Further, the engines on the back are really inadequate: the Mon Calamari Cruiser I've got from this line has the engines painted blue. These are very disappointing in comparison.
On the other hand, a surprising amount of detail was included on the belly of the ship, which ironically may be the best area. There are a few small screws, as well, but that's life.
I generally expect vehicles in any scale to be incredibly lifelike. Depending on your level of expectation, this either passes or comes incredibly close. It's definitely a great display piece, but up close it's short of perfect.
Packaging and Extras: ----
The packaging is fairly simple: sort of a half-tube intended to sit on a peg without taking up too much space. It strikes me as being geared towards collectors, which makes sense, given the toy's size and detail:
The back contains some decent specs for the vehicle, and, unlike almost every other toy line in existence, doesn't rub pictures of other vehicles in the series in your face. Sure, that space is taken by the absurdly long list of involved companies and conglomerates, but it's still surprising. Similarly, they don't include a pamphlet or checklist or anything: they're definitely assuming these are being bought by collectors who will check online.
 |
I don't have any real complaints about the look of the package, though I do want to mention these things aren't easy to get into. The shell is fused shut, and you'll want to have a utility blade and some patience.
You get one accessory with the ship: a small, black stand with the words "Star Wars" in reflective lettering. It's a decent design, and it does it's job well, even over time. Frankly, this isn't an optional accessory: you need it to display the toy in a reasonable manner. So, while I like the stand, there's no way I can offer any bonus. On the other hand, short of making these two packs at the same price, I can't come up with anything they could have included... so no penalty, either. |
Play and Display: +1
You can turn the ship in any direction on the base, and it will still keep it up. That's something, I guess.
Some of these actually include moving parts, but not the Rebel Transport. But then, it's not like an X-Wing, where that would make sense. All of this is academic, though, because this isn't really intended to be played with (at least I don't think it is).
These are being sold as display pieces. They're intended to be lined up on a shelf, preferably with two dozen others from the same series, and admired. I've had two dozen of these sitting still for a few years now, and they're still where I put them.
On principle, I always give statues and display pieces a bonus point unless they give me a reason not to. This offers no such reason, so +1 it is.
Some of these actually include moving parts, but not the Rebel Transport. But then, it's not like an X-Wing, where that would make sense. All of this is academic, though, because this isn't really intended to be played with (at least I don't think it is).
These are being sold as display pieces. They're intended to be lined up on a shelf, preferably with two dozen others from the same series, and admired. I've had two dozen of these sitting still for a few years now, and they're still where I put them.
On principle, I always give statues and display pieces a bonus point unless they give me a reason not to. This offers no such reason, so +1 it is.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 9/10
I didn't get this on clearance, sale, or even pay retail: I've been waiting for this to appear for a long time and the second I stumbled across one in a comic shop, I bought it without hesitation.
I paid nine bucks, by the way. Keep in mind that's not much more than retail these days: if memory serves, they're about eight at the Toys R Us I frequent.
Now, I love my Star Wars Titanium collection. I'm happy to have them, and whenever there's a new one from the original series (or an old one I passed up), I'll probably keep buying. But... nine bucks? For a die-cast ship about the size of a ninety-nine cent matchbox car? Am I out of my mind?
To be fair, these are a bit more complex and a lot cooler than any matchbox car I've ever seen. But part of me thinks they should be double packed at this price point. They are, at least in some sense, a ripoff.
I'm not saying you shouldn't buy them - actually, I'm about to suggest the opposite - I just want to state clearly I think they're overpriced.
That said, they're really nice collectibles, particularly for new collectors. These are the kind of toy you can pick up at a rate of one a week or so and build an awesome collection in a few months. Plus, because they're small and elaborate, they're perfect for the hesitant collector. If you're significant other sees a few of these, they're less likely to run for the hills than if they see you with a three-foot plastic space ship.
I paid nine bucks, by the way. Keep in mind that's not much more than retail these days: if memory serves, they're about eight at the Toys R Us I frequent.
Now, I love my Star Wars Titanium collection. I'm happy to have them, and whenever there's a new one from the original series (or an old one I passed up), I'll probably keep buying. But... nine bucks? For a die-cast ship about the size of a ninety-nine cent matchbox car? Am I out of my mind?
To be fair, these are a bit more complex and a lot cooler than any matchbox car I've ever seen. But part of me thinks they should be double packed at this price point. They are, at least in some sense, a ripoff.
I'm not saying you shouldn't buy them - actually, I'm about to suggest the opposite - I just want to state clearly I think they're overpriced.
That said, they're really nice collectibles, particularly for new collectors. These are the kind of toy you can pick up at a rate of one a week or so and build an awesome collection in a few months. Plus, because they're small and elaborate, they're perfect for the hesitant collector. If you're significant other sees a few of these, they're less likely to run for the hills than if they see you with a three-foot plastic space ship.
Did you know blog spelled backwards is golb? For more fascinating insights, along with some movie reviews and God knows what else, stop by The Middle Room, the greatest blog linked to in this sentence.
