Model builders delight?

It's not too often that a secondary support ship is as recognizable as the lead ship, but the Cosmo Zero from Space Battleship Yamato is one of those exceptions. In the USA we recognize this ship from the anime Star Blazers.

Today, I will be reviewing The Cosmo Zero from Space Battleship Yamato, from Taito's Super Mechanics line of UFO catcher prize toys.

Removing the ship from it nicely illustrated box and assembling is a snap. You only have to add the wings and the stand. Ship is made entirely out of plastic.

In my opinion, If you are a modeler and you like to customize your toys then this toy will be a big hit for you. As for myself I was disappointed with the lack of paint detail on this model. Unlike other releases in this line you can find this one easily and relatively cheap.

THUNDERBIRDS...are go! Thunderbird 2 is made of die cast and high quality plastic manufactured by Aoshima. It is has nice paint works, metal stilt legs, and removable container car.

THUNDERBIRDS...are go! Thunderbird 2 is made of die cast and high quality plastic manufactured by Aoshima. It is has nice paint works, metal stilt legs, and removable container car.The weathering version comes with the mole vehicle.

TB2 is around 15 inches long top to bottom and has nice solid feel.

The outside edge of the craft is all die cast, the tail section, container and front cone are all plastic. The front cone has plastic windows and you can see little seats inside.

The vehicle has metal stilts that do not collapse or retract, they are solid metal that you put in peg holes allowing you to push out container and have that classic "Thunderbirds are go" scene.

TB2 was a long crazy arduous journey for me to find and after finally buying one (which is why I am writing this)...it was like Dickens Tale of Two Cites...it is the best of chogokin and the worst of chogokin...TB2 looks incredible...the paint, the detail are great

However, it is not a toy, it is definitely just a showpiece (similar to the Anderson Space 1999 die cast collectibles), because it really does not "do" anything. The Aoshima TB1 had moving wings, trap doors, little accessories...but TB2 has none of these attributes. The other major flaw in my estimation was when ever you push out the container (I closely followed the directions), it creates a rub mark.

I carefully own and take care of everything...I even wear gloves...so you can feel my pain when at first I thought it was green paint from the container on the silver not the silver being rubbed down to the green plastic below. Therefore, the only one thing you can really do with the vehicle is the same thing that damages the paint. You may have notice the little die cast vehicles spotted around TB2, you can actually buy the three sets, sold through Hot wheels (they are actually listed on side of TB2 box). Not all the figures are correct to scale (most are but the Tracy figures would be like 15 feet tall!!!), however, they are cool and add nice display touches.

One word of caution so you don't get annoyed, the vehicles Aoshima include with either version of TB2 have better detail (like rubber treads) than the hot wheels ones(plastic treads with wheels)...but they look the same, are die cast, and do have nice feel and articulation.

There are two versions, the weathering DX (this one) and normal version, weathering comes with the mole, regular comes with the sub, I have never seen but saw pics of regular version with a different vehicle. I got so annoyed one how little it does ( I like switching gadgets, posing, etc..) that I almost sold it... but it just looks so darn cool, I had to keep it. Mine was extremely hard to find, a toy dealer told me they were everywhere two years ago marked down to like 90 USD. Me, I paid a WHOLE lot more. I recommend you buy an extra container or two and get the Hot Wheels set, a guy on eBay is selling the 3 hot wheels sets (each set contains a different Tracy) for like 26 USD plus shipping, so those are easy to get.

Bottom line is if you want a great looking piece, large, imposing, and well crafted - track one down. If you want something that you can fiddle with, pose, use many accessories, then Thunderbird Two is NOT a go for you. Maybe get one of the all plastic versions that rise up, make sounds or something like that.

The movie version Mach 5 is a little more "real" than it's predecessor. I don't see why they couldn't have just used the original design, but it's close enough.

The movie version Mach 5 is a little more "real" than it's predecessor. I don't see why they couldn't have just used the original design, but it's close enough.

In the movie Speed Racer, the Mach 5 is Speed's brother Rex's car. Unfortunately Rex dies in an accident, so the Mach 5 Becomes Speed Racer's car. The Mach 5 is an all purpose vehicle, being both street legal, and equipped to race on tracks. It is not until the Speed enters the Mach 5 into a Road Rally that the Mach 5 is outfitted with all the gimmicks that we know and love.

Unfortunately, like Jada Toys' Mach 5, this version has none of those gimmicks. The only thing you get here is opening doors, rubber tires that turn together, and diecast construction.

Mattel owns the Hot Wheels brand, so you know they know how to make a toy car, and the Mach 5 is no exception. The toy has quality construction and is in the same scale as the Jada Toys Mach 5.

Both are worth getting, and although the Mattel version is a bit more expensive, it is still a great piece.

I will survive in my Mach 5

Yeah, I liked the new Speed Racer movie a lot. While the movie was cool, what was also cool was seeing all the new merchandise out for the movie.

I was confused to find that there was more than one company making toys for the movie, and sometimes, in the same scale. A little investigation revealed the answer.

Mattel got the rights to do toys based off of the movie, while Jada Toys got the rights to the CLASSIC Speed Racer designs. When you watch the movie, the Mach 5 does not look any different from when you saw it as a kid, but comparing the two side by side reveals a host of differences.

Jada Toys' 1:24 Mach 5 is made out of diecast metal and plastic. The finish on this is pristine, and this toy is an amazing steal for only $15. The wheels are rubber, the tires turn, and the doors open. I wish it had a few more gimmicks, but at that price I really can't complain.

If only they released all the cars in this scale.

Knowing how toys from summer blockbusters go, look for these to be on clearance in a few months. Not that you SHOULD wait until then, but they will more than likely go on clearance. Its a shame - this is a fantastic toy.

This is the original inspiration for Space Battleship Yamato.

The powerful, fearsome and famous, Imperial Japanese Navy Yamato.

Some people may not know this but, this ship was the inspiration for Leiji Matsumoto's Space Battleship Yamato.

IJN Yamato’s keel was laid down on November 4th 1937. She was built under secrecy in a specially built dry-dock at the Kure Naval Shipyard. IJN Yamato, and her sister ship IJN Musashi were the largest, heaviest, most powerful battleships ever built. Both these ships bested even the famous German battleship Bismarck.

Today, I will be reviewing the IJN Yamato. This will be my fifth entry into Taito's Super Mechanics line of UFO catcher prize toys.

Like most entries in this line of toys so far, IJN Yamato does not disappoint. Packaging is the usual familiar window box. The box has a few nice illustrations of the IJN Yamato.

Unlike other toys in Taito‘s Super Mechanics line-up, IJN Yamato has no assembly, Just remove from the box and display.

Yamato is a full 35cm long. That’s almost 15 inches from the gold bow medallion to it’s stern aircraft catapults. The IJN Yamato is well made and sturdy. Comprised from quality plastic and ABS.

One of IJN Yamato’s really cool features are its five rotating adjustable turrets. Another cool feature is the details, just look at those four bronze screws (propellers). Check out the realistic looking deck planking. You can clearly see all the deck hardware down to the anchor chains.

When IJN Yamato is displayed with Space Battleship Yamato you can really see how the sleek modern profile of the IJN Yamato was an inspiration for Leiji Matsumoto.

I really like this toy. It is a really nice display model without all that pain of assembly, glue and paint. As with Space battleship Yamato, its getting even harder to believe that Taito's IJN Yamato, costs only $15.00 USD. IJN Yamato is out now and can still be bought cheaply. Get it before the price goes up.

And the hits just keep on coming!

Captain Harlock, has always conjured images of swashbuckling space pirates with facial scars and eye patches. Captain Harlock, is probably one of the most popular of Leiji Matsumoto's space operas, second only to Space Battleship Yamato.

Today, I will be reviewing, the Galaxy Express 999 movie version of Captain Harlock's Arcadia. This will be my fourth entry into Taito's Super Mechanics line of UFO catcher prize toys.

Like Taito's TV version Arcadia, this version of Arcadia does not disappoint. Packaged in the now familiar window box, you will see a striking illustration of Captain Harlock himself as well as the Arcadia.

After Arcadia is removed from its box, some very light assembly is required (wings and display stand). Then, and only then, will you truly appreciate the detail and beauty of this toy.

Arcadia is a full 35cm long. That’s almost 15 inches from it's Jolly Roger flagged stern, to the skull emblazed bow. The Arcadia is well made and sturdy. Comprised from quality plastic and ABS.

One of the Arcadia's really cool features is rotating adjustable turrets, including a belly mounted turret and a miniature pilot's helm with ship's wheel.

The included stand does not take away from the side profiles ominous upswept appearance. As you can see, the classic skull and crossbones really standout on both port and starboard sides.

Even with the above mentioned flaws I must profess that I really like this toy. As with Taito's Yamato, its hard to believe that this version of Arcadia, originally cost only $15.00 USD. Consider yourself lucky if you can acquire it at that price now.
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Queen Emeraldas or Hindenburg? You be the judge.

Anyone who is familiar with the works of Leiji Matsumoto, has surely heard of Galaxy Express 999 the movie. One of the characters in this movie is Pirate Queen Emeraldas. She appears in this movie along with Captain Harlock, another well know Matsumoto character.

Today, I will be reviewing, the movie version of Pirate Queen Emeraldas flagship, ironically named the Queen Emeraldas. This will be my third entry into Taito's Super Mechanics line of UFO catcher prize toys.

The Queen Emeraldas comes packaged in the now familiar window box. As usual Taito has done a great job on the packaging. You can always count on Taito using vibrant colors and detailed illustrations on their boxes.

After getting the Queen Emeradas out of its box, you have to install two small wings on the left and right sides, hardly a challenge.

The Queen Emeraldas ship is much smaller than Taito’s Yamato and Arcadia. It’s length being only 30cm or about 12 inches. The ship is comprised from quality plastic and ABS.

Unlike previous entries in this collection, Queen Emeraldas really lacks paint detail and gimmicks. However, it does have a small 17th century pirate ship slung underneath it's hull.

I have to say that I was expecting a little more "bang for the buck" from this toy. I know, I know, its a prize toy, but I was not impressed with it. It is really nothing more than a fixed pose model with no actual play value. I truly had high expectations after reviewing Taito's Yamato. Its hard to believe that this is from the same Super Mechanics line of toys. My opinion, at the original cost of $15.00 USD, its hardly worth it. I would pass on this “Hindenburg” unless you are a really dedicated fan of Leiji Matsumoto.

Ahoy Matey! Captain Harlock's Arcadia, off the starboard bow!

In my mind, the name Captain Harlock, always conjures images of swashbuckling space pirates with eye patches. Captain Harlock, is probably one of the most popular of Leiji Matsumoto's space operas, second only to Space Battleship Yamato.

Today, I will be reviewing, the TV version of Captain Harlock's Arcadia. This will be my second entry into Taito's Super Mechanics line of UFO catcher prize toys.

Like Taito's Yamato, Arcadia does not disappoint. Packaged in the now familiar window box, you will see a striking illustration of Captain Harlock himself.

After Arcadia is removed from its box, some light assembly is required (wings, front knife, and front 2 ailerons). Then, and only then, will you truly appreciate the detail and beauty of this toy.

Arcadia is a full 40cm long. Thats almost 16 inches from it's Jolly Roger flagged stern, to the tip of the bow mounted knife blade. The Arcadia is well made and sturdy. Comprised from quality plastic and ABS.

One of the Arcadia's really cool features, is the paint detail. Notice, the deck planking and stern, are painted to give the authentic look of wood. Other cool features included are, rotating adjustable turrets, wing mounted missiles, and a miniature pilot's helm with ship's wheel.

The included stand does not take away from the side profiles ominous appearance. As you can see, the classic skull and crossbones really standout on both port and starboard sides.

I really like this toy. As with Taito's Yamato, its hard to believe that Arcadia, originally cost only $15.00 USD. Consider yourself lucky if you can acquire it at that price now. Even if you pay a little more, it will certainly be cheaper than the Shin Seiki Gokin version made by Aoshima. If Taito keeps this up, I'll have to buy the whole line.

Arrrgh! Get this hidden treasure! Before it be gone!
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A home run from Taito? A bargain you can't afford to miss!!

Almost everywhere you go in the world, people will recognize this anime icon, Space Battleship Yamato. Here in America, we know the anime as Star Blazers, and the ship as Argo. I just know it as my first experience watching a Leiji Matsumoto "space opera".

Today, I will be reviewing Space Battleship Yamato, from Taito's Super Mechanics line of UFO catcher prize toys.

I know many people would think, that when you use the term "prize toy", you would be referring to some lame piece of garbage. Well in this instance, many people would be wrong.

As soon as you remove the Yamato from its window box, you will be impressed with its detail and size. The Taito Yamato, has real shelf presence at a whopping 40cm, thats almost 16 inches! The ship is constructed of quality plastic and ABS, making it very sturdy yet lightweight.

Unlike Bandai's expensive BPX-01 SOP Yamato, you don't have to worry about playing with Taito's version. Its not very fragile and at 1500 yen, about $15.00 USD, you wont be too upset if you drop and break it.

Despite its cheap price, you'll be surprised at some of the feature's of this toy. Such as, extendable wings, swiveling turrets, and gun barrels that can be raised and lowered.

If the price and features listed above don't impress you, the detail and classic original anime styling will.

In my opinion, a home run is the only way to describe Taito's Yamato. With its sheer size, features, and detail at only $15.00 USD. How can you go wrong? Go ahead, pick one up, while you still can.

The Big Scale SOP Yamato is an interesting piece. As a display model it is excellent. Full of detail and grandeur. But as a toy, not so much.

Sometimes I think I spent my entire youth in front of the television set. My fondest memories as a kid were spent engrossed in the adventures of Starblazers, Voltron, and Battle of the Planets.

If I could live in 1978 forever...

The ultimate irony was that for all of these shows that kids were insane for, there were hardly any toys on the market. No Child World store had the Phoenix from Battle of the Planets.

Pretty much all of those shows have shaped what I collect today. Collectors now have their choice of the nice diecast Godphoenix from UniFive, the Masterpiece Voltron from Toynami and the toy I am talking about today, Bandai’s Big Scale Soul of Popynica Space Battleship Yamato. I’m spoiled now, for sure.

But back in the day, I had no Yamato (Or Argo, as it was called in Starblazers). I was teased every day by the images of Starblazers toys on the commercial for Mr. Bigs Toyland. I actually found a piece of wood in the forest behind our apartment that somewhat looked like the Argo. Yeah, I painted that and flew it around the yard. I was Ghetto.

When Bandai announced that they were making a SOP Yamato I went nuts. This was back in 2001, when I was really hesitant about spending top dollar on toys. The thought of a diecast Yamato, all tricked out, made me tremble with excitement.

And then the facts came out. Mostly plastic, ¥20,790 pricetag. Damn, out of my reach. They sold out quickly despite the warm reviews, and prices on the secondary market climbed through the roof. I remember seeing them for as much as $400 at one time.

On my trip to Tokyo in 2003, I didn’t find ONE for sale anywhere. Fortunately my good friend Dave offered to sell me his – it was missing a small part on the back, but it was cheaper than retail so I grabbed it. Of course, shortly after that Bandai re-released it and prices on the secondary market went down.

Years later, is it worth it?

The Big Scale SOP Yamato is an interesting piece. As a display model it is excellent. Full of detail and grandeur. But as a toy, not so much.

The Yamato is loaded with gimmicks and action features. At about 17 inches long, it is a lot of ship. Unfortunately, most of the ship is plastic, with diecast being reserved for a section around the bridge and the rear cone of the engine. The toy requires 2xAAA batteries which will give you about 40 minutes of play time.

Lights and Sound

The SOP Yamato features numerous light and sound gimmicks. By pressing the buttons on the right side of the ship, you can activate the features. Effects include:

• Artillery Firing Sound
• Gun Firing Sound
• Pulse Laser
• Alarm
• Engine Ignition
• Engine Start
• Sailing Alarm

Of course, some of these sounds accompany a light up action:

• Wave Motion Gun
• Bridge Lights
• Rear Engine Lights
• Hangar Lights

All of these sound and lights are demonstrated in our video review.

Action Features

Bandai really outdid itself with some of the action features. There really is a lot going on with this piece.

The turrets on the deck each have moveable barrels and by turning a dial on the side, all three cannons move together. The base parts of the cannons are metal.

On the right side of the bow of the Yamato is a door that opens to reveal the inner mechanisms of the Wave Motion Gun. This door pops open by pushing in a button on the other side. By sliding a part on the deck the bolt can slide in to engage the engine.

The rear of the Yamato features a similar action. Pull down on the long horizontal track on the left to open the door, pull down on the right one to activate a spinning gear in the engine.

Located midway on the ship is a set of spring-loaded wings. Press a button and out they pop. I found I really have to push mine back in to get them to stay locked in.

The chimney behind the bridge houses a secret set of missiles. Slide up the oval part on the right side to lift the missiles out of the chimney.

The small cone at the ships bow is removable to reveal the ships radar, as seen in Space Battleship Yamato 2.

Underneath the Yamato is the third bridge – this features an opening door for ground landings.

The anchor on the front of the Yamato can be replaced with the Rocket Anchor, which features a real metal chain.

The Yamato features a rear hatch that can open to accommodate the included fighters. The side door of the landing bay also opens to reveal the bay lights.

Other Goodies

In addition to the Yamato itself, the set also includes several support ships.

• The Cosmo Zero can be mounted on the catapult arm on the rear of the ship
• The Black Tigers can be stored in the hangar bay
• The Cosmo Tiger 2 can be stowed on a small platform that opens behind the small guns on the left side of the ship.

Cosmo Cleaner D

The whole reason the Yamato traveled to Iscandar was to go get the Cosmo Cleaner D – the machine that will clean the radiation from Earth. Yamato included the Cosmo Cleaner D as a model kit that you have to assemble. It’s pre painted, so all you have to do is put it together.

Stand

The Yamato features a black stand that can hold the Yamato, Cosmo Cleaner D and all support ships.

SO HERE IS THE DEAL

One would think that all of these things would add up to a great toy. I mean, If I had a toy that did all of these things when I was a kid, I would have been in heaven. Unfortunately I would have destroyed it in 2 seconds. This thing is FRAGILE. There are spiny bits all over the bridge that seem to flick off without warning, never to be seen again. The small spines on the captain’s quarters just seem to vanish into thin air. Some of the parts on the rear of the bridge aren’t secured properly, and the fins around the engine don’t secure tightly at all.

Also there are a few issues with the implementation of some of the gimmicks. Pushing the button on the side to pop out the panel on the front doesn’t really work, it just nudges it out a bit, and then you have to get something sharp to pry it open. The wings pop open easily, but you really have to push in past its opening to get them to lock closed.

And then there is the lack of metal. Granted, the toy does have some heft, but it feels so plasticky. At over $200, you would think the thing would be largely made out of metal.

Don’t get me wrong, I like it a lot – it’s a fantastic looking rendition of the Yamato, It is just not what I was looking for. I want something I can zoom around the room and hand to my kids. This is not that toy. This is something you have in an executive office that gets dusted by the “help” once a week. It may be big scale but it is hardly “Popynica”.

Your enjoyment will depend on what you want to get out of this thing. I like it as a display model, but I am still waiting for a great Yamato “Toy” that won’t hurt my wallet.