Archive for the ‘Products & Commerce’ Category

So here’s a look at the current mock-up of the 1/25 snap-kit box art. This is the highly anticipated Alex Ross art, though from what we hear, they’re using elements styled in different formats for the new products. So, maybe we’ll get a more elaborate setting or treatment in the 1:25 glue kit or the slot cars etc. Obviously not the final packaging, since they’re still showing the aurora reissue car body as a placeholder in the background, but  – we’re starting to get excited here.

We’ve been wondering about the new Round 2 Batboat model and how different or similar it is from Polar Lights‘ first 1/25 Batboat release from 2003. (which was in turn based on but scaled up and otherwise modified from the 1967 1/32 Aurora Batboat) Well, Tim from TPM Customs picked up the model last week and sent us a report that it is identical in every way to the 2003 release with the exception of an expanded decal sheet.

Now that may not seem like a big deal, but the original 2003 Batboat kit only included a scaled up version of the Aurura decals, which while being fun and nostalgic – were actually very inaccurate. For some reason the oval bat signal emblem that goes on the fin was too small, cartoony and much darker than it should have been, making it hard to see on the model. Additionally, the hull flames were incorrect and Aurora never included anything to help the builder get the white parts of the hull or fins detailed.

Round 2 has changed that with this model. The decal set includes most of the original 1967/2003 art but adds corrected fin bats, white fin scallops, and much nicer flames, with or without the white hull sections. Plus, a few extras like a brand new oval base nameplate option that is pretty cool. R2 has again added pinstriping, like they did with their 1/32 Batmobile release which seems impractical as a wetslide option – but I applaud their efforts and for including the option.

I’ve always thought that one of the genius moves that R2 made was to scale up the original Batboat kit from 1/32 to 1/25 . This is particularly noteworthy this year, as they get their 1/25 Batmobile ready for production. If you’ve never built that 2003 PL Batboat kit you’ve got in your to-be-built model stack in the closet, or if you never picked it up the first time – this model is worth the $19 for these decal upgrades alone! Now, who’s got a good, retro 1/25 scale trailer?

(Thanks again to Tim from TPM for the decal scan)

If you were having trouble finding Polar Light’s original Batboat release from 2003 (they’re still pretty available on ebay etc) or you were just looking for another box version to put on your display shelf – here’s an option for you.

Re-Released without too much hoopla or fanfare for 2010 – the Polar Lights Batboat kit in 1/25 is out now. “Based” on the original Aurora Batboat kit from 1967  it differs in some significant ways. First, they scaled it up from the 60’s 1/32 to 1/25 so it’s a much bigger Batboat. Also, the interior cabin and dash details have been tweaked to reflect a better level of detail.

No news yet what differs about this 2010 release compared to the 2003 version. But for sure, the box is a different format. Instead of the long, retro box that came out in 2003, it looks to be more like the AMT squareish box. And tere are subtle changes to the printing and art as well.

Full review when we snag one!

Through an arrangement with Replicarz, PMB! is happy to offer a sale on brand new, case fresh Elite Batcycles MIB. The Batcycles will ship direct to you from the distributor, so if you’re ordering any other stuff from us, the shipping costs and  time will be separate. This is a limited time offer that will only be around until their stock runs out!

$39.00*

Our secret week-long private, members-only sale is now open to the public! Click on the SALE tab above to view whatever is left. Everything not sold this week goes up on eBay.