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General => Report & Review => Topic started by: Gis on September 13, 2010, 01:47:12

Title: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Gis on September 13, 2010, 01:47:12
So when I walked into the toyshop last Saturday I was crossing my fingers!! I was lucky the new knights were in, I couldn’t resist and got the 4873. I am planning to use the Falcon Coat of Arms for the biggest (human) city in the Nentir Vale, so yeah I just had to get some!

While looking at the back of the Falcon castle box I think it looks like the castle is done in pieces. This could mean that it might be suitable for customizing. Has anyone already bought and assembled a castle…I really want to know. But I am optimistic at the moment.

On to the review of 4873, here is the box front:

(http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a415/gorraxpb/Review%204873/IMG_2627.jpg)

I really like the scene; the mountains in the back, the lake, the dark forest and the moon really give it an ominous feeling, which suits these knights very well.

Here is a picture of the box back:

(http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a415/gorraxpb/Review%204873/IMG_2628.jpg)

For some reason I always find it annoying when they have one of the weapons in the hand of a klicky. Either showcase them all separately or put them all in the klickies hands but this half/half business annoys me. Other than that it is a fair representation of what’s inside 

Lets open this thing up!

(http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a415/gorraxpb/Review%204873/IMG_2629.jpg)

Inside we find: two bags, instructions and a new booklet with the castle on the cover.  Let’s not suffocate them.

(http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a415/gorraxpb/Review%204873/IMG_2630.jpg)

Here we see all the separate pieces. I have an extra one of those annoying sword holder thingies. Lets take a closer look what’s in the set:

It features a Grey/Black horse. I really like this colour combination. It’s going to be covered anyway so the horse cannot be ALL black and this still has that dark edge! The horsecoat is great as it features the new crest and I am very impressed with the heraldry on the new sets! The head cover is all black which is great so it can be used with 4841 (http://playmodb.org/setpics/4841.jpg). And there is also a saddle in leather brown which makes it very realistic.

The shields are very nice and I like that there are already four different designs available at this point. Great for custom armies I say!!! I am not very impressed with the new wide open helmet for some reason it just doesn’t to it for me. The closed helmet included in this set is on I really like and I will want a ton of these for various custom jobs. The arm greaves are also of new design (AFAIK) and the shoulder spikes are a very nice detail.

The klickies themselves are really nice IMO. The squire has the falconhead on his torso and has nice dark grey armoured arms. These have only been available in two sets so far. One of which is the take a long shield/sword set. So having him in such a useful set is really great! He also has a dark chainmail collar which is also very useful IMO.The Knight is really a very generic black knight, on the one hand this is great on the other hand I think it would have been nice to get some sort of printing on him. His plate armour is the same as the 3315 famous knight as are his legs. However there is no printing on the black part so these ones are much more suitable for customizing. These legs only have been in that same take along shield/sword set so it’s great to have easier access to them. What I don’t like about the knight figure is the fact that his torse is dark grey instead of black because that way the torso and legs don’t blend as well. Overall I think he’s a great klicky with lots of useful parts! Both klickies have a belt for the clip on sword holders, I like the other ones better but have had much trouble with them falling of yet.

The weapons are also great: Two great swords, a double axe and a big axe, all in dark grey. I know “someone” was waiting for these swords.

Here is a picture of them fully dressed and ready for action!

(http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a415/gorraxpb/Review%204873/IMG_2633.jpg)

I really like this set a lot and I am sure this will not be the only one I buy!

Thanks for reading!
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on September 13, 2010, 02:18:24
Wow very nice set Gis!  :knight: I like it very much!  ;D



B-W  :wave:
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Heronimus on September 13, 2010, 02:23:33
Very great review, and I love the dark feeling it gives me~~~~  :wave: :wave:
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Gustavo on September 13, 2010, 03:27:54
Lovely! :love: Me wants black swords! 8}

 :wave:

Gus
:blackhair:
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Rasputin on September 13, 2010, 05:10:11
HI

Great review, thanks. That new armor design looks great, I will be sure to stock up on this little set. The only thing I do not like is the use of the eyes, easy fix.

Thanks again  :wow:

Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Martin Milner on September 13, 2010, 05:12:49
Thanks for a great review Gis!

I agree I prefer the one-piece belts, but with the big swords the belt-plus-clip generally makes a better fit.

It feels like the arms are on the wrong klickes - the knight should not have his hands so exposed to cuts and blows. I'd switch the arms over, and possibly leave the armor off the squire's arms, and use them for a different figure. I agree the use of black arms and legs but grey body on the knight looks odd. Very nice helmet though.

What's up with the squire's eyes? He looks like he's been playing with his mum's mascara. I don't like his helmet much either, it's way too wide open. It might just work for an artillery man, but not someone likely to have blows aimed at his face.

I love the Falcon heraldry, a vast, enormous, huge improvement on the dreadful awful cringeworthy Empire Lion head.
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Heronimus on September 13, 2010, 05:27:20
Thanks for a great review Gis!

I agree I prefer the one-piece belts, but with the big swords the belt-plus-clip generally makes a better fit.

It feels like the arms are on the wrong klickes - the knight should not have his hands so exposed to cuts and blows. I'd switch the arms over, and possibly leave the armor off the squire's arms, and use them for a different figure. I agree the use of black arms and legs but grey body on the knight looks odd. Very nice helmet though.

What's up with the squire's eyes? He looks like he's been playing with his mum's mascara. I don't like his helmet much either, it's way too wide open. It might just work for an artillery man, but not someone likely to have blows aimed at his face.

I love the Falcon heraldry, a vast, enormous, huge improvement on the dreadful awful cringeworthy Empire Lion head.  
Would it be better if they make one falcon crest for the helmet?? I love the griffon ones and this new lion!! I wanna ask all you experts, in what situation did these knights have crest one their helmet??? Historically
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 13, 2010, 05:54:19
This is really really really nice!!!  :love: :love: :love: I can't wait ot get my hands in these sets... Thanks for the review and the great pictures Gis! I was wandering about those arm greaves...If they were two pieces, shoulder and bracer, but I ma glad to know that it is one!!! Love the dark colour on them!!!
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Bolingbroke on September 13, 2010, 07:14:20
A very interesting set. I hate the squire's helmet, the squire's eyes, the half armour on the knight, the molded armor on the squier and both belt holders. Apart from that, it's a great set  ;D

Were any of the klickies loose at the hips, Gis? Thanks for the review - you should've bought all the sets though - I'm curious about the rest  ;D

I'll be going to the local Bart Smith this morning to see if they have any - the PM shop at the departures area of the Malta airport had yet to stock any - the SHAME!  >:D >:D >:D

Hopefully they still have some of the crusader specials which I can't find in Malta anymore.
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Heronimus on September 13, 2010, 07:19:00
A very interesting set. I hate the squire's helmet, the squire's eyes, the half armour on the knight, the molded armor on the squier and both belt holders. Apart from that, it's a great set  ;D

Were any of the klickies loose at the hips, Gis? Thanks for the review - you should've bought all the sets though - I'm curious about the rest  ;D

I'll be going to the local Bart Smith this morning to see if they have any - the PM shop at the departures area of the Malta airport had yet to stock any - the SHAME!  >:D >:D >:D

Hopefully they still have some of the crusader specials  which I can't find in Malta anymore.
Which one are you looking for?? Crusaders are like the least purcahsed items here,,,
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: flatcat on September 13, 2010, 07:32:27
Great review, Gis! :knight:

I like the Falcon er Heraldry is it? very much :yup:

Damo :)
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: WarriorOfToys on September 13, 2010, 13:35:39
...
What's up with the squire's eyes? He looks like he's been playing with his mum's mascara. I don't like his helmet much either, it's way too wide open. It might just work for an artillery man, but not someone likely to have blows aimed at his face.

I love the Falcon heraldry, a vast, enormous, huge improvement on the dreadful awful cringeworthy Empire Lion head.

I agree, I think the helmet might be a great idea for artillery,
Or maybe archers, but it sucks for infantry.
And those eyes are horrid! :0

... I wanna ask all you experts, in what situation did these knights have crest one their helmet??? Historically

At tournaments and parades. Probably not in war. :no:
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Bolingbroke on September 13, 2010, 15:56:49
Which one are you looking for?? Crusaders are like the least purcahsed items here,,,

managed to find some at my local bart smith thanks - its the last 2 ill ever buy i swear  0)
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Gis on September 13, 2010, 16:01:03
managed to find some at my local bart smith thanks - its the last 2 ill ever buy i swear  0)

Bart Smith in Malta...or did I miss something???
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Bolingbroke on September 13, 2010, 16:05:34
im in brux at the moment  :) im sorry to say they did not have any of the new knight sets either  ::)
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Gis on September 13, 2010, 16:29:26
Till when are you in Brux for?

I live in Brux 4 days a week you know :-)
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Bolingbroke on September 13, 2010, 16:34:10
don't tell me - you work for the EU  ;D

we must meet up one of these days then ... only not this week because i have my parents in tow and i have more than my two hands full  ::) ::) ::)

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: playmofire on September 13, 2010, 16:42:14
A nice set, Gis, and a very interesting review.  Thank you.   :wave:

PS: I agree with Martin, the heavier armour on the knight.
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: playmo1989 on September 13, 2010, 16:56:13
i like this new sighn with the falcon i'll sure get a couple of these and make customs  ;)  thanks for the review gis :)
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Gis on September 13, 2010, 16:58:43
don't tell me - you work for the EU  ;D

we must meet up one of these days then ... only not this week because i have my parents in tow and i have more than my two hands full  ::) ::) ::)

 ;D ;D ;D

PM me... I am usually free to do anything on monday and Tuesday night :-)
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Gis on September 13, 2010, 17:00:18
Thanks for all the positive comments everyone. I fully agree with what people said. I will be getting more of these with the full intent of customizing them to look GREAT!!

Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Ali Baba on September 13, 2010, 21:26:20
Thanks for this review, Gis. They have black armour, right? Perhaps it was mentioned, but I´m in bed in a Agriturismo in Tuscany, but I had to reply to this one.  ;)

In my experience Intertoys has the new boxes earlier than Bart Smith (in Holland).
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Gis on September 13, 2010, 22:12:07
Thanks for this review, Gis. They have black armour, right? Perhaps it was mentioned, but I´m in bed in a Agriturismo in Tuscany, but I had to reply to this one.  ;)

Hmm, everything that is meant to resemble metal is dakr grey and everything that is cloth is black. I think thats the reason the knight has a dark grey torso as to complete the full plate look, although I think it failed :-(

Have fun in Tuscany!
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: grangel on September 14, 2010, 03:41:14
Nice set!! I 'm looking forward to have mine.It is on the way!!
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Martin Milner on September 14, 2010, 14:28:37
Hmm, everything that is meant to resemble metal is dakr grey and everything that is cloth is black. I think thats the reason the knight has a dark grey torso as to complete the full plate look, although I think it failed :-(

Have fun in Tuscany!

They've sort of painted themselves into a corner with this particular armored collar piece.

I had no problem with a figure with silver arms and legs, black or brown boots, and a colored body (often with heraldry) representing a tabard. Bolingbroke's Crusader avatar is a good example of how this works. You imagine the armor under the tabard, and if there's a silver chainmail neckpiece all is well, as knights would often push back their mail coif so it formed a metallic collar.

With plate armor, if you can see one color armor at the neck it should continue down the whole body. Knights didn't wear low-cut tabards that began under their breastbone. Thus a different colored body under this armored collar always looks wrong to me. I put up with it (often gritting my teeth), but it's not my favorite look.

In the figure in question they've tried to match the body to the armored collar, but the arms and legs should also match, thus representing full plate. They don't match. The visible black under the clip-on armor spoils the look.

My suggestion of switching the arms on these two figures would fix the arm problem, but we still have the leg problem. What does the black on the legs represent? Did the knight get too hot and tie his sweater round his waist?

In  the recent Bronze Knights 4807-4811 and Iron Knights 5886-5889 sets we did have figures with this neckpiece and with monotone leg mouldings, but they were given bright silver arms which did not match the tone of the rest of their armor. Once again, Playmobil chickened out of having a single armor color for the whole figure, be it bright silver, dark grey or bronze.

From the earliest days Playmobil have generally avoided figures with one color on body, arms and legs. It worked for the early firemen and some construction crew as overalls, but it was rare.
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Justindo on September 26, 2010, 22:07:41
Thanks for the review, Gis! :)

The new heraldry is indeed a great improvement.  There are also some very useful parts here and I think the great helm is the best one Playmobil has yet created.  I hope it comes in silver soon. :knight:
Title: Re: 4873 - Falcon Knight and Squire
Post by: Wolf Knight on October 10, 2010, 21:32:03
I had to come back and read this again...I am planning on ordering a couple of these sets and begin buiding a small battalion... Thanks again Gis for the review and Martin for his feedback!