Post by LucianG on May 23, 2014 11:55:29 GMT -6
Hi everyone,
I collect classic Colonial Viper models and recently wrote a review for my newest addition. Here, I compare the Mattel Hot Wheels 35th Anniversary Edition Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper to several others in my collection.
Pros:
In general, this Viper's physical shape is very good, much better, in fact, than the slightly smaller Titanium version of a few years ago. It's very close in size to the Konami version from some years ago, and most of the major body lines are present in fairly good form...
So-sos:
...but that's where the good comparison stops. The paint is too white (maybe it's brand new out of the Galactica's replacement stores?), with no weathering. The paint is also too thick, which obscures some of the details, and too simple, leaving off the forward intake bands and leaving the laser cannons white. The cockpit uses dark green paint to represent the canopy and hide the fact that the little Colonial Warrior pilot probably wasn't included (as he or she was in the Konami model). None of this is too surprising on a model of this size. Finally, my Viper has a small paint mark on the right side engine, and what appears to be a little scrape on the right side of the nose, probably from packaging, which is a bit disappointing. Still, I didn't dock any stars for these items since they should be readily visible through the package and you shouldn't expect anything more as a result, assuming, of course, that you see the package prior to purchase.
Cons:
The Hot Wheels 35th Anniversary Colonial Viper has two major issues that led me to deduct stars. First, the engine cooling intakes and the nosecone sensor array were barely recessed, significantly detracting from the Viper's appearance in comparison to the Konami model. The Titanium model was similar, but overcame the issue by use of black paint to represent the recess. Second, other display Vipers in recent years "for the adult collector" (as this one claims to be) have had had a small stand to simulate the Viper in flight. Unfortunately, this model has no stand, but rather, uses three, very stubby plastic landing gears fixed in the down position. When placed on the shelf for display, this allows the lower wings to clear the shelf by about 2 millimeters, making the model look very much out of place next to models by other makers. Both of these issues lead me to deduct a star.
In summary, the Mattel Hot Wheels 35th Anniversary Edition Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper is a decent model and will look pretty good as a stand-alone item. However, its painting and intake issues combined with the lack of a stand make it almost unsuitable for display next to models of other makers. If you don't mind doing some minor touch-up painting, adding some weathering, and building your own stand, it can be a great addition to your Colonial Fleet.
Note: There is a separate San Diego Comic Con version that tones down the white paint, adding a silver/gray glint, which seems to look better for display. From what I can tell, though, the other issues still exist.
I collect classic Colonial Viper models and recently wrote a review for my newest addition. Here, I compare the Mattel Hot Wheels 35th Anniversary Edition Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper to several others in my collection.
Pros:
In general, this Viper's physical shape is very good, much better, in fact, than the slightly smaller Titanium version of a few years ago. It's very close in size to the Konami version from some years ago, and most of the major body lines are present in fairly good form...
So-sos:
...but that's where the good comparison stops. The paint is too white (maybe it's brand new out of the Galactica's replacement stores?), with no weathering. The paint is also too thick, which obscures some of the details, and too simple, leaving off the forward intake bands and leaving the laser cannons white. The cockpit uses dark green paint to represent the canopy and hide the fact that the little Colonial Warrior pilot probably wasn't included (as he or she was in the Konami model). None of this is too surprising on a model of this size. Finally, my Viper has a small paint mark on the right side engine, and what appears to be a little scrape on the right side of the nose, probably from packaging, which is a bit disappointing. Still, I didn't dock any stars for these items since they should be readily visible through the package and you shouldn't expect anything more as a result, assuming, of course, that you see the package prior to purchase.
Cons:
The Hot Wheels 35th Anniversary Colonial Viper has two major issues that led me to deduct stars. First, the engine cooling intakes and the nosecone sensor array were barely recessed, significantly detracting from the Viper's appearance in comparison to the Konami model. The Titanium model was similar, but overcame the issue by use of black paint to represent the recess. Second, other display Vipers in recent years "for the adult collector" (as this one claims to be) have had had a small stand to simulate the Viper in flight. Unfortunately, this model has no stand, but rather, uses three, very stubby plastic landing gears fixed in the down position. When placed on the shelf for display, this allows the lower wings to clear the shelf by about 2 millimeters, making the model look very much out of place next to models by other makers. Both of these issues lead me to deduct a star.
In summary, the Mattel Hot Wheels 35th Anniversary Edition Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper is a decent model and will look pretty good as a stand-alone item. However, its painting and intake issues combined with the lack of a stand make it almost unsuitable for display next to models of other makers. If you don't mind doing some minor touch-up painting, adding some weathering, and building your own stand, it can be a great addition to your Colonial Fleet.
Note: There is a separate San Diego Comic Con version that tones down the white paint, adding a silver/gray glint, which seems to look better for display. From what I can tell, though, the other issues still exist.
