Subject:
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Oxford Blocks GF 0615-3 Ocean Storm review
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.off-topic.clone-brands
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Date:
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Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:24:58 GMT
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Viewed:
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9991 times
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I can’t get in at the Bloks Forum for some reasons so let’s post this here for
now:
Oxford Blocks GF 0615-3 Ocean Storm
Guardian Force - blue figure
These look like an answer to Bionicle/8-inch figure fans that want to stick with
bricks-and-plates constructions. For the most part they fit the purpose but
there are a couple of minor drawbacks buyers will want to be aware of.
The kit comes in a tin can with firmly closing lid. Can measures right around
9.5 inches tall, about 3.5 inches in diameter. Sword elements need to be
clipped from a sprue/tree. No stickers or catalog come with the kit (I’ve yet
to find a product catalog with any Oxford kits I’ve purchased).
Once the model was completed the first inevitable comparison was to stand it up
next to a Trans Kaion model and they’re of equal size.
As a matter of fact this model is just a few pieces away from a transforming
model itself (which I may try sometime). The main difference would be the
hinged pieces used for the transformers mid-drift which allow for more dramatic
transformations. Like the transformers, there are no finger-gripping hands,
accessories snap into the hands.
The Guardian Force is made up of three models distinguished by color, subtle
helmet differences and weapons. Red “Fire Tornado” comes with gun and shield,
Green “Jungle King” comes with two swords and Blue “Ocean Storm” comes with two
shield/guns (depending on how they are inserted into the hand).
The helmet element comes in a cool chrome tint and fits over a (chiefly 2x2
round plates) head structure. I was pleased with how deceptively simple the
head structure was. Without the helmet it could easily be modified with some
1x1 plates to sport some distinct features (horns, goggles, whatever). This is
great design inspiration for modelers that have a hard time coming up with mech
heads/faces (like me).
Points are lost on the arm structures because only one set of 1x2+1x2 hinge
plates are used for each elbow. Without a second set of hinges in the elbow
there just isn’t enough strength in the arm to pose the figure lifting anything.
It should also be noted that while the ball/socket joints are very helpful with
these models, they aren’t quite strong enough to pose the model in any dynamic
one-foot pose (like a standing kick). A rotating click-hinge would be much
stronger.
Ebay seller a2zever only sells these in sets of three ($41.99 plus $25.99 for
shipping) which will leave buyers paying around $23 per figure which isn’t too
bad I guess (particularly if you can find a friend to go in on a purchase if you
only want one figure).
More images (including an instruction page showing the various ball/socket
elements) are found here:http://gonzilla.250free.com/oxford/gf06153/
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