WesternOutlaw
Major
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2012
- Messages
- 6,294
Hi all-
This evening I'd like to share a review of a recent Collector's Showcase purchase, the Afrikakorps/DAK CS00444 Rommel Steyr Command Car.
A little history contained on the box:
The Steyr 1500 Command Car was produced for the Wehrmacht in Austria from 1941-1944. Used as a command and control car at the divisional level the cars design reflects the civilian styling in vogue just prior to the war. Our exact model features a removable top that is down or up. In addition the two figures included are complimented by a standing command figure sold separately. Limited to 300 of each variant this is a strictly limited edition model complete with certificate of authenticity.
First Impressions
The weight, design, and overall look of the vehicle is nicely done and in automobile terms, the Steyr certainly has nice "curb appeal". I was immediately impressed when opening the box to discover a Certificate of Authenticity indicating my Steyr was one of only 300, as mentioned in the description above. In comparison, My DAK Tiger did not contain a certificate so here's a plus for the Steyr. I also like the size of the vehicle - not too small yet not too large; and with figures inside, it seems to fit them "just right".
Assembly
A windshield piece must be attached with a small tab that fits into the vehicle. Mine was slightly bent but not too noticeable. The windshield appears to be a bit dirty, definitely an intentional design adding to the realism. I was surprised to find the steering wheel attached to the driver figure, yet placing the figure is certainly easier with this design. It just renders the figure useless for other sitting opportunities like on a tank or in another vehicle. The Steyr comes with an open top that fits in perfectly or a closed top also easy to attach. I like the open top option as this gives one the ability to see the splendid details of the figures.
Color Scheme
I must say that I find the color a bit "peachy" for lack of a better way to describe the paint. In comparison to all my Forces of Valor and Ultimate Soldier vehicles which are more of an Afrikakorps tan, the Steyr is lighter in color and has a more flat beach sand color. It's also different than that of my CS Tiger. I'm still warming up to the color but it is just different than what I'm use to. Also; in pictures, it appears to have more weathering but I think there was some attempt to add some age and wear to the sides.
Design/Mold
The overall design is well done. The front of the Steyr looks like a VW bug (rounded), and the back has a rounded trunk/engine compartment, although it does not open, a feature that would have added to the detail. I like the high doors and wheel fenders creating a nice appearance.
Paint Quality
Aside from the color/"peachiness", the paint scheme looks good and I like the green top. My Steyr has a small blotch of what looks like brown paint on the side directly behind the rear door.
Decals
I give CS credit for their authentic use of decals, in this case the Afrikakorps palm with swastika. The DAK symbol only appears on the left side of the vehicle - not sure why but if one wants to photograph without, they can always picture the right side. The Steyr also has two flags on the front; mine were a bit crooked, but were easily bent straight. The decals look good without air bubbles or other placement issues.
Details
Some nice details include the front grill, the air slits/manifold on the hood, and side rear fuel tanks (although green or another shade of tan would have helped bring attention to these tanks). The windshield, as mentioned above, appears to be clean only where the wipers have moved away the dust - a nice touch. License plate numbers appear on both the front and back, as well as another DAK symbol on the rear. Very nice is a hitch to pull that PAK 40 or other future add-on.
Figures
Two very nice figures are included but Rommel is sold separately for $33. Another set offers Rommel with Adjutant (a bit of a different pose/figure). I plan to purchase the single Rommel to complete this set. I love the faces of both figures and the paint is well done. No cut off ankles but I was surprised to discover the steering wheel attached to the driver figure as mentioned above. I can understand why this was done but it still renders the figure useless for other placement. I like how the driver has a green shirt and the rear figure is all in tan.
Playability
I was really disappointed with the fact that 1/30 scale tanks do not have movable treads, but in this case, the wheels turn. I could not have imagined the wheels not turning on this little vehicle. Mine are a bit on the wobbly side but at least they turn. The rear doors of the vehicle open and with the added closed top feature, playability is high. I can't wait to add Rommel!
Price
I was very fortunate to find this item on sale with free shipping. Normal price is $129. I suppose with two complete figures and a mid-sized vehicle, it's not too bad. Personally, I value this set around $100.
Display/Eye Appeal
Solid 5 here! The vehicle looks great, especially with the nicely detailed figures. I'll let the photographs speak to this one.
Rating
Assembly/Components: 4.5 - windshield piece a bit bent. All others attachments work well (-.5)
Color Scheme: 4 - not as weathered as I had hoped and overall color a bit "peachy". (-1)
Design/Mold: 5 - well pleased with the overall design.
Paint Quality: 4.5 - overall pretty nice. Marking/smear on side rear section near door. (-.5)
Decals: 5 - nice to see the use of the DAK symbol. Looks pretty good as well as the flags.
Details: 5 - nicely done
Figures: 4.5 - two very nice figures included. The driver has the steering wheel attached to him (-.5)
Playability: 5 - wheels actually turn, top comes off, and rear doors open.
Price: 5 - I purchased mine on sale with free shipping - not bad at all.
Display/Eye Appeal: 5 - Overall looks pretty nice and photographs well.
Overall: 47.5 out of 50 or 95% - That's a solid A in my book!
Summary
Overall, the Rommel Steyr Command Car (DAK variation) is a nice piece by Collector's Showcase. The vehicle makes a great introductory piece if you're new to Collector's Showcase and an even better add-on if you already have a few pieces, especially of the Afrikakorps variety. Would I buy again? The answer is absolutely. I'm very please with the Steyr, can't wait to purchase a Rommel figure, and am tempted to expand my Afrikakorps collection yet again. I just can't decide which item next, as I've got my eye on a few. Limited to 300 of the DAK variation, the Rommel Steyr is a nice collectible and would be fun to roll around your N. Africa diorama.
Pictures of the Steyr:
This evening I'd like to share a review of a recent Collector's Showcase purchase, the Afrikakorps/DAK CS00444 Rommel Steyr Command Car.
A little history contained on the box:
The Steyr 1500 Command Car was produced for the Wehrmacht in Austria from 1941-1944. Used as a command and control car at the divisional level the cars design reflects the civilian styling in vogue just prior to the war. Our exact model features a removable top that is down or up. In addition the two figures included are complimented by a standing command figure sold separately. Limited to 300 of each variant this is a strictly limited edition model complete with certificate of authenticity.
First Impressions
The weight, design, and overall look of the vehicle is nicely done and in automobile terms, the Steyr certainly has nice "curb appeal". I was immediately impressed when opening the box to discover a Certificate of Authenticity indicating my Steyr was one of only 300, as mentioned in the description above. In comparison, My DAK Tiger did not contain a certificate so here's a plus for the Steyr. I also like the size of the vehicle - not too small yet not too large; and with figures inside, it seems to fit them "just right".
Assembly
A windshield piece must be attached with a small tab that fits into the vehicle. Mine was slightly bent but not too noticeable. The windshield appears to be a bit dirty, definitely an intentional design adding to the realism. I was surprised to find the steering wheel attached to the driver figure, yet placing the figure is certainly easier with this design. It just renders the figure useless for other sitting opportunities like on a tank or in another vehicle. The Steyr comes with an open top that fits in perfectly or a closed top also easy to attach. I like the open top option as this gives one the ability to see the splendid details of the figures.
Color Scheme
I must say that I find the color a bit "peachy" for lack of a better way to describe the paint. In comparison to all my Forces of Valor and Ultimate Soldier vehicles which are more of an Afrikakorps tan, the Steyr is lighter in color and has a more flat beach sand color. It's also different than that of my CS Tiger. I'm still warming up to the color but it is just different than what I'm use to. Also; in pictures, it appears to have more weathering but I think there was some attempt to add some age and wear to the sides.
Design/Mold
The overall design is well done. The front of the Steyr looks like a VW bug (rounded), and the back has a rounded trunk/engine compartment, although it does not open, a feature that would have added to the detail. I like the high doors and wheel fenders creating a nice appearance.
Paint Quality
Aside from the color/"peachiness", the paint scheme looks good and I like the green top. My Steyr has a small blotch of what looks like brown paint on the side directly behind the rear door.
Decals
I give CS credit for their authentic use of decals, in this case the Afrikakorps palm with swastika. The DAK symbol only appears on the left side of the vehicle - not sure why but if one wants to photograph without, they can always picture the right side. The Steyr also has two flags on the front; mine were a bit crooked, but were easily bent straight. The decals look good without air bubbles or other placement issues.
Details
Some nice details include the front grill, the air slits/manifold on the hood, and side rear fuel tanks (although green or another shade of tan would have helped bring attention to these tanks). The windshield, as mentioned above, appears to be clean only where the wipers have moved away the dust - a nice touch. License plate numbers appear on both the front and back, as well as another DAK symbol on the rear. Very nice is a hitch to pull that PAK 40 or other future add-on.
Figures
Two very nice figures are included but Rommel is sold separately for $33. Another set offers Rommel with Adjutant (a bit of a different pose/figure). I plan to purchase the single Rommel to complete this set. I love the faces of both figures and the paint is well done. No cut off ankles but I was surprised to discover the steering wheel attached to the driver figure as mentioned above. I can understand why this was done but it still renders the figure useless for other placement. I like how the driver has a green shirt and the rear figure is all in tan.
Playability
I was really disappointed with the fact that 1/30 scale tanks do not have movable treads, but in this case, the wheels turn. I could not have imagined the wheels not turning on this little vehicle. Mine are a bit on the wobbly side but at least they turn. The rear doors of the vehicle open and with the added closed top feature, playability is high. I can't wait to add Rommel!
Price
I was very fortunate to find this item on sale with free shipping. Normal price is $129. I suppose with two complete figures and a mid-sized vehicle, it's not too bad. Personally, I value this set around $100.
Display/Eye Appeal
Solid 5 here! The vehicle looks great, especially with the nicely detailed figures. I'll let the photographs speak to this one.
Rating
Assembly/Components: 4.5 - windshield piece a bit bent. All others attachments work well (-.5)
Color Scheme: 4 - not as weathered as I had hoped and overall color a bit "peachy". (-1)
Design/Mold: 5 - well pleased with the overall design.
Paint Quality: 4.5 - overall pretty nice. Marking/smear on side rear section near door. (-.5)
Decals: 5 - nice to see the use of the DAK symbol. Looks pretty good as well as the flags.
Details: 5 - nicely done
Figures: 4.5 - two very nice figures included. The driver has the steering wheel attached to him (-.5)
Playability: 5 - wheels actually turn, top comes off, and rear doors open.
Price: 5 - I purchased mine on sale with free shipping - not bad at all.
Display/Eye Appeal: 5 - Overall looks pretty nice and photographs well.
Overall: 47.5 out of 50 or 95% - That's a solid A in my book!
Summary
Overall, the Rommel Steyr Command Car (DAK variation) is a nice piece by Collector's Showcase. The vehicle makes a great introductory piece if you're new to Collector's Showcase and an even better add-on if you already have a few pieces, especially of the Afrikakorps variety. Would I buy again? The answer is absolutely. I'm very please with the Steyr, can't wait to purchase a Rommel figure, and am tempted to expand my Afrikakorps collection yet again. I just can't decide which item next, as I've got my eye on a few. Limited to 300 of the DAK variation, the Rommel Steyr is a nice collectible and would be fun to roll around your N. Africa diorama.
Pictures of the Steyr:
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