As I do this push to catch up on a year's worth of Eaglemoss model reviews, you may notice that I will miss a few of the Bonus Edition model, or as I call them, "The Extras", in my line-up. That is on purpose.
First, let us get the XL Editions out of the way. I won't be reviewing them because of two reasons...
Reason #1 - They are too darned big. I prefer my models in my collection to be around 6 inches in length. Yes, size does matter. I actually am not a fan of the Special Edition models because of their size, however, they came as part of the subscription when I first started, so I just kept buying into those models.
Reason #2 - The XL line is too expensive for my tastes. I wrote the initial Eaglemoss vs. The World reviews to help fellow collectors find the best model for the best price. The XL series goes against that better price philosophy.
It is for the size and price reasons that I also have not bought into the Star Trek: Attack Wing or HeroClix series either. They are too small, and in some cases, too pricey.
Unfortunately, the Standard Edition series has reached a point where they are producing models that no one else has done in a pre-built and pre-painted format so the "vs. The World" part of my series just sort of hangs there waiting for something to be applied to.
Wait... I was supposed to talk about "The Extras"....
Most of the models that have been produced in the Bonus Edition line of models have been very cool additions to my overall fleet. However, there have been some models that in my opinion are redundant and perhaps a gimmick on Eaglesmoss' part to grab up as much money from us collectors as possible.
Do I as a collector, need ISS versions of all the Standard Line of models? No. Do I need five differently named TOS era Constitution class starships? No. Do I need one of those Constitution class starships that glows in the dark? NO! Do I need a version of the TOS era USS Enterprise that showed up in the pilot episode? No... but I bought it anyway because it was slightly different with those pointed bussard collectors.
I think that the one Bonus model that had me shaking my head at the most though was the "Cloaked" USS Defiant, which is nothing more than Eaglemoss pouring clear plastic into their original Issue # 9 molds. I'm sure that with it being all plastic, the molded details must be nice, but how can you tell except by feeling it up like some date in the back seat of your beat up car?
I'm sorry Eaglemoss, but I was duped into buying a "cloaked" MicroMachine Defiant many years ago for a higher price. A guess what? It wasn't worth the money then, and this one that Eaglemoss is producing isn't worth the money now. I mean really, they are going to charge us more money for a "Bonus" model that has less details than the cheaper "Standard" model? Nope, nope and a big fat NOPE to that, thank you.
And let us face it, price is still the key ingredient here. I don't make a dime writing these reviews. I don't like advertising because as a computer tech, I know that some advertisements can be hazardous to your computer's health. And I feel that they detract from the beauty of my work (LOL). And god forbid that Eaglemoss would actually send a reviewer free merchandise to review. Nope, I pay for all of these models that are reviewed. And part of my prefers it that way because it allows me to give a more honest and less tainted review where I'm not trying to please a manufacturer. My having to pay for everything is also why from time to time, I have to take a hiatus from writing. Sometime, you gotta feed the family over writing a review.
Although, my collection has grown quite a bit over the last 12 years, so perhaps one day I'll build a house out of them.
NOTE: I can't believe I actually found an image like that. LOL.
And there you have it. My reasons why you won't see certain Eaglemoss models go up for review by me.
Anyway, I am happy to be back and writing for now. I have missed creating the reviews and hearing comments from my readers both her on the blog as well in my FaceBook posts. Thank you for sticking around this last year and let us hope that the next year continues to be filled with fun reviews.
---DS Pat
