Rewrites: NONE YET
It has been a while since I reviewed a Special Edition model from the Eaglemoss Star Trek collection. I am thankful to say that once again we are treated to something that IS NOT a NewTrek vessel. For this Special Edition model, we have been given the Planet Killer, which is also known as the Doomsday Machine to some folks.
Per Memory Alpha and Beta, "The "planet killer" was an informal name given by Spock in 2267, based on a description given by Commodore Matt Decker, to an automated, self-propelled doomsday machine capable of destroying entire planets. This robot was encountered by the Federation starships USS Constellation and USS Enterprise. Its origins were unknown, but based on its apparent trajectory, it was believed to have come from a galaxy other than the Milky Way."
If you would like to read more official stuff on this type of ship, feel free to check out the following links:
Planet Killer Information: Memory Alpha LINK and Memory Beta LINK
Normally I would lament on how Eaglemoss is wasting material producing a model from the TOS era in a Special Edition size, but this particular model has something special about it and I don't think they could have replicated it in their standard Edition size.
For the first time since the Borg Cube subscriber Gifts, Eaglemoss has added lighting to one of their models. When activated, the Planet Killer's maw is lit up with that scary yellow light that we all know so well.
The sculpt and mold work on the model is simple yet very effective. The entire hull has a pitted texture across it, making it feel ancient.
The paint work is consistent across the entire model as well, except for the battery cover. Eaglemoss did a fine job of giving the ship a worn look, with streaks and blast marks covering it from front to back. Unfortunately, it looks like the battery cover was painted after the rest of the ship, so the streaks and blast marks do not match up and makes it stand out.
These very visible join seams run down both sides of the the entire length of the ship.
With the basics out of the way, let us now talk about the "new" feature. As I stated, this model lights up. This is done with the use of single yellow LED that can be turned on and off via a small push button. Strangely, Eaglemoss chose to NOT include the necessary batteries.
Luckily, you can buy the correct SL41 Watch Batteries from Amazon for around $6 which will give you 20 of the required 2 batteries. My recommendation is that if you buy this model, buy the batteries right away so that you can enjoy the full effect as soon as you get the ship in your hands.
Installing the batteries requires a small Phillips head screw driver and the removal of two screws.
Once you remove the light assembly, you will need to CAREFULLY install two L41 batteries. In the picture below, the flat part of both batteries is facing up.
To help with the sinister look of the Maw, Eaglemoss chose to line the interior with clear yellow plastic. With the light shining through it, it definitely create the glowing effect that we see in the episode.
And that is all the pictures and comparisons I have to share on this ship at this time. As for pricing, I will continue with the tradition of rounding up the most inexpensive Buy-It-Now prices from eBay at the time of this article's writing (June 2020).
Eaglemoss = $65
NOTE: Prices were researched last on June 20th, 2020. Unfortunately, at the time that I am re-writing this, Eaglemoss does not have this ship in stock on their US WebStore, so we are at the mercy of the eBay sellers.
I feel like I didn't do a lot of talking in regards to this model. Honestly, there isn't a lot to talk about. Unless you are a super fan of the TOS era series, and really love the episode, then what you are getting here is an evil looking, glowing (if you buy batteries) cornucopia.
I don't dislike the model. I suppose there is a certain "cool" factor to it as well. The join seam issue and battery cover issue detracts from the overall value of the model in my opinion. Even if Eaglemoss had the model in stock, you are looking at $55 for it there, which is why it disappointed me that they could not include 60 cents worth of batteries. Overall, I think that the model is too expensive for what it is and what you get.
BONUS ROUND!!!
Every once in a while, I'll have a little extra stuff to share with you that sort of fits in with my comparison articles.
I was trying my hardest to find an Enterprise model in my collection to stage the "stare down" image above. Eventually, I decided upon using one of the Hallmark models that were made for their Deep Space Nine model.
As always, I hope you found this article useful and informative. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to comment below.
So for now, "Live long and prosper!!!"
Additional Links To Photos Of My Collection:
That's very cool. I never thought I'd see an official model of that!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the review.
Delete---DS Pat