| |
Background:
Well, it was the day after XMas and what better to do than to head to Target
for the sales? That is just what I did. While my wife was checking out the
sales at Niemen Marcus and Macy's I headed over to Target. Big disapointment.
They had a huge selection, but barely anything was marked down that intrest me
because it was either junk (Rock Raiders) or stuff I have (SW, Adventurers).
One set I did see on clearence was the Model Team set I am reviewing. Anyway,
one with my ReVUE...
--------------------------------------------------
Set Number: 5553
Set Name: Red Fury
Piece Count: 390
Theme/Subtheme: Model Team/General
Price Paid (Retail)[S@H]: $29.90 ($49.99)[$54.00]
FIGURES: None
MODELS: There are two different models you can build with this set. I have
built both of them. Here are seperate reviews:
Dragster (Main Model)-A very nice model indeed with no simplification.
However, it is a dragster so you can't really be very comple. The idea is well
executed. The V8 engine is a nice design using those tradition cups as
cylinders, however I find it to be flimsy. Instead of using two 1x2 hinge
pieces on each side, it uses one 1x2 hinge with 2x4 top for each side. Bad
move, because the are very fragile like thise. The rear tail is flexible,
thought not as flexible as I would like it. It also makes interesting use of
those Adventurers backpacks (I am amusing they hold the invisible parachutes).
Another complaint is that the sterring is very poor. It can only turn a small
angle. Also, the steering wheel could have easily been used as the method of
steering instead of a knob behind the cockpit. It would have been nice.
Despite these complaints, I am very satisifed.
Tractor-I actually built this model first. I really like it. The same
engine complaint that applies to the dragster applies to the tractor, though
on the tractor when it falls off, it is a very easy fix. Again, I wish the
steering wheel would have controled steering, it would not have been very hard
(future modification). The tractor again makes use of no simplification. It
pulls a plow that can be connected using some TECHNIC pieces and antenas.
Also, it is a small model, but makes use of about 90-95% of the set's pieces.
Overall: A good entry into the Model Team line. I don't think it is
simplified, because, after all, how complex can a dragster be? At $49.99,
though, it is overpriced. This is a $34.99 set.
--------------------JUST STUFF--------------------
Cool pieces: Large Super Car Tyres (x2); 12x6 tile with studs on three sides
(x1, red); medium-sized arches (x2, red; x4, blach)
Decals: "Top Fuel Drag Racing" (x2), Octan logos (x3), Red Fury logo (x1),
stars (x2), grille designs (x8)
--------------------RATINGS-----------------------
Value*: C
Minimal Simplification: A+
Execution: A-
Minifig and accsesory count: Not applicable
Piece assortment: B
Themeing**: A-
*-Value is based on the retail price, not price paid.
**-Themeing includes decal desgins, small details, etc.
My views on MODEL TEAM as a theme:
MODEL TEAM is one theme that keeps on giving. Unlike other collections, this
one remains tops in quality and minimal simplification and continues to bring
out some great models. I am not a huge MODEL TEAM fanatic, but this Red Fury
will join my small collection which also includes the 5571 Black Cat Rig and
5563 Big Foot 4x4. I also have two old MT sets (5510, 5580) which have been
sacrificed for parts.
|
|
1 Message in This Thread:
- Entire Thread on One Page:
- Nested:
All | Brief | Compact | Dots
Linear:
All | Brief | Compact
|
|
|
|
