Post by donlock on Aug 5, 2009 0:24:13 GMT 1
Character Options First Doctor & Dalek Saucer Commander Set (Colour Edition)
The set contains a 5” plastic Dalek and a poseable action figure of the first Doctor, as portrayed by William Hartnell. Although identified on the packaging as being a 'Saucer Commander', the predominantly black Dalek included in the set is actually modelled on the 'Supreme Controller' variant seen in the 1964 serial 'The Dalek Invasion of Earth'. (Classic Dalek Collectors 3-Pack: Set #2 is advertised as being available later in the month, which actually includes the Saucer Commander version which has a skirt with alternating black and silver panels). A 'black & white' edition of the Doctor/Dalek set is also available.
The Packaging
The items come in a bubble pack which I had to split open with a pair of scissors. Inside there is a clear plastic packing piece, to which the figures are attached with a few twist ties and some low-tack Cellotape to hold the Dalek's eye and the Doctor's cane in place. The ties and tape were all easily removed to free the contents. Probably old news, but I was interested to note an unfamiliar logo and product information panel on the rear paper insert, stating that the item had been manufactured by Character Options Ltd. for Underground Toys.
The First Doctor Figure
A good facial likeness, in my opinion, and without reaching for my reference books the outfit looks right. The grey check on the trousers is a testament to what can be accomplished with modern manufacturing methods. As we have come to expect, the clothes exhibit some nicely moulded creases in just the right places. The figure is articulated at knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists and neck. As mentioned above the figure comes with a gnarled cane as an accessory, which fits firmly into either hand.
Saucer Commander (Supreme Controller) Dalek
Once again Character Options have done their research and this mini-Dalek looks to be an accurate representation of the prop used in the DIOE serial. Included are the rear-mounted parabolic 'energy collector' dish and the extended fender. The only thing missing is a scale version of the strip of wood which was used to patch-up the original's middle neck ring! The arm and gun are easily poseable, unlike the other 5" CO classic Daleks in my collection where the appendage ball joints are very stiff indeed.
Criticisms?
My example has some paint missing from one of the hemis and 2mm long nick on the face of the parabolic dish. Purist may want to add rivets to the collars, a small aerial to centre of the parabolic dish and re-paint the top of the enlarged fender in gloss black to match the original. Finally, is it just me or does the arm and plunger on these 5 inchers look a little on the small side, even in scale?.
Conclusion
The contents are very well done but at a slightly eye-watering £24.99 plus p&p (from Forbidden Planet), I think that's a bit steep for two 5" action figures. FP are advertising this set as being 'exclusive'. We shall see. Probably must-haves only for serious collectors and Doctor/Dalek completists. That said, as my Dalek obsession continues unabated, once again the manufacturers/vendors have had little trouble prizing the hard-earned from my grasp. Just don’t tell the wife…
The set contains a 5” plastic Dalek and a poseable action figure of the first Doctor, as portrayed by William Hartnell. Although identified on the packaging as being a 'Saucer Commander', the predominantly black Dalek included in the set is actually modelled on the 'Supreme Controller' variant seen in the 1964 serial 'The Dalek Invasion of Earth'. (Classic Dalek Collectors 3-Pack: Set #2 is advertised as being available later in the month, which actually includes the Saucer Commander version which has a skirt with alternating black and silver panels). A 'black & white' edition of the Doctor/Dalek set is also available.
The Packaging
The items come in a bubble pack which I had to split open with a pair of scissors. Inside there is a clear plastic packing piece, to which the figures are attached with a few twist ties and some low-tack Cellotape to hold the Dalek's eye and the Doctor's cane in place. The ties and tape were all easily removed to free the contents. Probably old news, but I was interested to note an unfamiliar logo and product information panel on the rear paper insert, stating that the item had been manufactured by Character Options Ltd. for Underground Toys.
The First Doctor Figure
A good facial likeness, in my opinion, and without reaching for my reference books the outfit looks right. The grey check on the trousers is a testament to what can be accomplished with modern manufacturing methods. As we have come to expect, the clothes exhibit some nicely moulded creases in just the right places. The figure is articulated at knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists and neck. As mentioned above the figure comes with a gnarled cane as an accessory, which fits firmly into either hand.
Saucer Commander (Supreme Controller) Dalek
Once again Character Options have done their research and this mini-Dalek looks to be an accurate representation of the prop used in the DIOE serial. Included are the rear-mounted parabolic 'energy collector' dish and the extended fender. The only thing missing is a scale version of the strip of wood which was used to patch-up the original's middle neck ring! The arm and gun are easily poseable, unlike the other 5" CO classic Daleks in my collection where the appendage ball joints are very stiff indeed.
Criticisms?
My example has some paint missing from one of the hemis and 2mm long nick on the face of the parabolic dish. Purist may want to add rivets to the collars, a small aerial to centre of the parabolic dish and re-paint the top of the enlarged fender in gloss black to match the original. Finally, is it just me or does the arm and plunger on these 5 inchers look a little on the small side, even in scale?.
Conclusion
The contents are very well done but at a slightly eye-watering £24.99 plus p&p (from Forbidden Planet), I think that's a bit steep for two 5" action figures. FP are advertising this set as being 'exclusive'. We shall see. Probably must-haves only for serious collectors and Doctor/Dalek completists. That said, as my Dalek obsession continues unabated, once again the manufacturers/vendors have had little trouble prizing the hard-earned from my grasp. Just don’t tell the wife…
