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General => Report & Review => Topic started by: Wolf Knight on September 28, 2010, 16:30:25

Title: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 28, 2010, 16:30:25
Hello to all playmofriends!!!  :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

Well, some of you might have waited to see this but it will take some time as I just got back home with 4866 castle!!! Straight from ebay germany!!! :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee:

I had a long day at work... and quite tired to really enjoy a full detailed review so I'll work on it as soon as I can.... :-[

For the time being here is the box, front and back!!!

 ;) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmo1989 on September 28, 2010, 16:43:41
i knew this thread would come waiting to see how this castle looks opened....... ,as i see it i like the gate ,but the rests is nonono for me  :hmm: :hmm: :hmm: :hmm:   we'll see.....
 

thanks pano  :)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: tonguello on September 28, 2010, 17:27:53
Envy is eating me alive!  >:D  :lol: :lol: :lol:

Can't wait to see what it looks like!

BTW your helmet is on it's way. Hope you get it fine, was not that easy to send. They didn't want to accept it as a letter and wanted me to post it like a package!
anyway..   :wave:
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Justindo on September 28, 2010, 18:09:15
Panos, I can hardly wait for your review and pictures of this set! :)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Andy R on September 28, 2010, 18:30:16
I might have to pick this one up.
Thank you Wolf Knight for this info. ;)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: WarriorOfToys on September 28, 2010, 19:34:57
AWESOME!
I love the anvil and the forge!!! :love: :love: :love:
I can't wait 'till the parts become available through DS. ;D

The Knights look great,
and the Great Helm is as great as ever! :D
I don't like the looks of the new Plated-Hoarse Armor though... :-\
It just doesn't look right. :hmm:

Some ok civilian items, like the hay and chair(s?).

Dislikes?
The castle is ok, the keep looks cool,
But there is no separate room or anything...
Just an open space with a roof. :(

And it's not steck. ;)

I dont like the helmet on the second Knight.
And the arms on the Knight
with the Great helm look... off.

But all in all a good set,
With nice Klickies and an awesome forge setup! ;D
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 28, 2010, 19:52:01
Warrior, you are right its not steck...Its steck/system-x hybrid!!! Just a few teasers....until the real fun begins....  ;)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Gis on September 28, 2010, 19:56:50
Thanks for the pictures sofar....we need more, really we do!!!!

Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 28, 2010, 20:01:36
Thanks for the pictures sofar....we need more, really we do!!!!



I will get to it as soon as I can.... I need good lighting, its 23.01 and I am about to go to bed! I need some sunlight and good rest to make this good! Sorry if I keep you all waiting long  :-[ I promise you it will make worth your while
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmo1989 on September 28, 2010, 22:24:46
I will get to it as soon as I can.... I need good lighting, its 23.01 and I am about to go to bed! I need some sunlight and good rest to make this good! Sorry if I keep you all waiting long  :-[ I promise you it will make worth your while



take your time pano  :)  wanted to ask: the steck parts fit strongly together like old steck or do they get apart easily like the system x previous king castle?? 
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: skypurr on September 28, 2010, 22:27:22
Looking forward to seeing your review.  One thing I am wondering is whether the plastic is the same as the steck plastic or is it a softer or poorer quality plastic?

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Andy R on September 28, 2010, 23:09:06
Dislikes?
Everybody’s a critic…
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Justindo on September 29, 2010, 01:00:45
Take your time, Panos. :)

AWESOME!
I love the anvil and the forge!!! :love: :love: :love:
I can't wait 'till the parts become available through DS. ;D

The Knights look great,
and the Great Helm is as great as ever! :D
I don't like the looks of the new Plated-Hoarse Armor though... :-\
It just doesn't look right. :hmm:

Some ok civilian items, like the hay and chair(s?).

Dislikes?
The castle is ok, the keep looks cool,
But there is no separate room or anything...
Just an open space with a roof. :(

And it's not steck. ;)

I dont like the helmet on the second Knight.
And the arms on the Knight
with the Great helm look... off.

But all in all a good set,
With nice Klickies and an awesome forge setup! ;D

I agree with you on all counts, WarriorOfToys!  There are some great parts and new part colors in this set.  I really hope the great helm becomes available in silver, as it would be great for my crusaders.  Also, the plate horse armor looks like something out of Mad Max!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 04:57:29



take your time pano  :)  wanted to ask: the steck parts fit strongly together like old steck or do they get apart easily like the system x previous king castle?? 

The steck sides fit very strongly together Alex! Don't know about the system-x sides but I think that they fit strongly together too as finaly the small connectors are what most system x supporters wanted to see... same side small connectors... not like the flat in one side, round in the other...
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 05:00:13
Looking forward to seeing your review.  One thing I am wondering is whether the plastic is the same as the steck plastic or is it a softer or poorer quality plastic?

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)

The plastic, Elaine, is actually the same quality as system-x plastic.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 16:49:02
Ok too much excitement!! I took the pictures and I am about to edit them... Hopefully I'll post them later tonight...if not tomorrow evening!!!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 17:48:50
Lets get to it then!!! (I'll be attaching the same images for those who cannot see the pictures in the post)

Once you open the box you see this attachment 1:
(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4sy7m_069fb0b.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
a really tightly packed box...

What was curious to me was the numbers 1,2,3 in the box attachment 2
(http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tqtm_ed05c5c.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
what I discovered later in the instuctions, was a system like lego, puting each part of the set in seperate numbered bags,in our case into different compartments in the box...playmobil may be introducing a new pattern for the big boxes to make it easier for children to build the set.

Unfortunately, and despite the fact that everything is so tightly packed, some castle pieces are still loose and, as we have already pointed out in other reviews, this could result in scratches to the loose parts... attachment 3
(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4sy9m_0ee4f9f.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 18:02:59
So, lots of nice pieces in compartment 1.... attachment 1
(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4syam_4afbb50.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
a big poster of the whole theme of course and system x connectors...These are the same red and yellow connectors of the older sets...I hought they were newer... but this time red connectors are fewer than yellow! You'll see later that this hybrid set uses more yellow connectors than red...

All the pieces of comparmetn 1 unpacked.... attachment 2
(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tqum_2b84dfe.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

Connectors attachment 3
(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tr1m_6f93935.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
to show that they are the same
Title: yah!!
Post by: grangel on September 29, 2010, 18:03:28
Great!!! THanks Panos!

I had to admit that the Plastic looks fake!!

Lets see what you have to showing us!!!
Title: Re: yah!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 18:05:53
Great!!! THanks Panos!

I had to admit that the Plastic looks fake!!

Lets see what you have to showing us!!!


Its very good quality plastic Angelo!! With many many new technics!!!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 18:19:15
So lets take a look at the pieces!!!

You can see the steck-like male and female endings of each part attachment 1
(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tqvm_6a2ef21.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
you can also see some system-x holes... What you will see further on is that actually no system-x hole is visible when the whole castle is set up! This is one good part! No longer annoying holes....

You will also see attachments 2 and 3 that at some parts, and as shown earlier, some parts have one side steck-like endings and the other system-x!
(http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tqwm_a3deba2.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tqxm_cca6dbe.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

This must be because, in order to avoid instability, like the previous Knights Empire Castle, playmobil designed the corners to be steck-like connected so that the castle won't fall apart once its picked up!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 18:32:08
How connecting works!

Here we have the northwestern corner of the castle before assembling attachment 1
(http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tqym_b90b01d.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

Although this is steck, its not the old four teeth/edges kind of steck... it has wider teeth/edges and they are spread equally on the whole surface of the sides... Fitting the two parts together makes this corner really strong and tight!!! attachments 2 & 3

(http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tr0m_1f8953f.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tr2m_6586b18.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

You will also see the system-x connectors on each side of the corner...
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmofire on September 29, 2010, 18:32:42
A very interesting review, Panos.  Looking forward to the rest before I comment on the castle irself.

Ooops!  Sorry, I thought that you'd finished for the moment.   :-[
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 18:34:47
A very interesting review, Panos.  Looking forward to the rest before I comment on the castle irself.

Ooops!  Sorry, I thought that you'd finished for the moment.   :-[

Thats ok Gordon! Glad to see you're watching this closely!! Have a long way to go actually!!!  :) :) :)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 18:40:34
Lets see a narrow tower next to this corner!

Here are the pieces attachment 1

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4trtm_1221543.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

and here they are assembled and ready to fit at the previous corner with the system x connectors attachment 2

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4trum_e7e6cc6.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: kenc on September 29, 2010, 18:43:06
Great review so far, Panos! I'm wondering how far customisers will take this new building system?  :uhoh:
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 18:53:40
Now the big tower!

These parts make a four sided square tower attachment 1, maybe stable at the groundfloor, a trapdoor on the fist floor (which should make the ground floor a dungeon but there is no iron bars gate at the groundfloor...there should be...) and battlements on top!!!

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4trvm_ead9fdf.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

Floors actually slid into place, to fit a steck like slit!!! attachment 2

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4trwm_6e833fa.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

This is the first floor and I like how the ladder is close to the wall!!! Not making a shape like that ( \ ) ladder like the old castles!!! More room to maneuver!!! attachment 3

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4trxm_9c4913e.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 18:55:43
Great review so far, Panos! I'm wondering how far customisers will take this new building system?  :uhoh:

Thank you kenc! I will experiment later to see how easy it will be to use these walls with older steck parts...but from what I've seen so far, I am not sure there is much hope...There are pieces however that would fit the previous system x editions nicely!!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 19:08:05
The first part is complete!

You will notice that system x holes are covered very nicely! Just to give you an idea where the connectors fit! attachment 1

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4trym_5e14d4f.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

Once the whole tower is build, there is an interesting feature!!! There is a chain that can be attached at the ladder and pass through a slit on the wall, reaching the other end... This will be great fun to kids I think as they can make some great scenarios there... attachment 2

(http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4ts1m_e33ddb1.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

So first part of the castle is ready!!! We have a very stable steck corner and very tight system x connection points! The system x holes as you can see are not visible so aesthetically we are covered... attachment 3

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4ts0m_ef15a7f.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

The main room/hall might not be much but I think its nice to have an open space for more recreative playing...The throne room at the previous Knigts Empire Castle was too narrow to use...I point out again, that there should be an iron bars gate at the ground floor!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 19:23:10
Compartment 2 of the box!

These are the parts loose in the compartment 2 of the box attachment 1

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4ts2m_566a2b6.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

The gate is very interesting and, as you'll see later, it has some interesting features! The two wall parts make the steck southeastern corner of the castle... attachment 2

(http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tsum_e0b0575.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

There are two kinds of flags and a new, more narrow, type of flag hanger! attachment 3

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tv0m_36f3368.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 19:50:53
I think the rest will have to wait for tomorrow! So sorry about that but I am uploading the rest of the pictures and after that I'll call it a night... Long day again....

So stay tuned for the rest!!! Thanks for bearing with me so far!!!  :) :) :)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: tonguello on September 29, 2010, 20:00:17
NO expert on this subject (again) but having steck corners doesn't mean it WOULD be possible to customize and expand these castles????
I ask this becuase I read many threads and comments about the imposibilitty of this new castles to expand.
I just wonder....  :-\
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 29, 2010, 20:03:57
NO expert on this subject (again) but having steck corners doesn't mean it WOULD be possible to customize and expand these castles????
I ask this becuase I read many threads and comments about the imposibilitty of this new castles to expand.
I just wonder....  :-\

All in good time... I'll experiment after this weekend...

But to tell the truth, I don't think its possible...I have not tried it yet, but the older steck pieces have different connection endings from these new ones!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmo1989 on September 29, 2010, 21:52:46
hmmm  .. doesen't look that bad as i thought it would be .... wait to see it all set up  :hmm: :hmm: :hmm:
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: skypurr on September 29, 2010, 22:15:41
It's looking very well, but does seem rather complicated with so many different shaped pieces.  ???
I should think there will be a need to keep referring to the instructions. (at least I certainly would  :lol: )
Thank you Panos for a great review   :clap:  look forward to seeing the completed castle.

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)

Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: WarriorOfToys on September 29, 2010, 23:23:11
Great review Wolf Knight! :)
The castle is looking ok,
and I can see how some parts may be very useful... ;D

(Cheng, you might really like some of the parts of this castle... ;) :o )

Cant wait till tomorrow's review Sir Wolf. :wave:
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Justindo on September 30, 2010, 04:46:32
Thank you for your in-progress review and the pictures you've posted, Panos!  It's great so far. :)

Based on the pictures and what you've written, it seems that even though this new building system is a sort of Steck and System-X hybrid, it doesn't look like it will work well with either.  In terms of stability and looks (no visible holes!), it appears to be an improvement on System-X, yet it does seem like there are a lot of very specialized parts that could be confusing, especially to children.  The one thing I do like about Steck and System-X is that there are just a few core flexible building parts.  I'm not seeing this with this new system.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Gis on September 30, 2010, 09:36:04
Thank you so much for taking the time for such a detailed review. Your pictures and explenations are excellent!

It really does look very good but I am still slightly hesitant to buy it, as it does seem to have limitations in regards to being used with Steck.

Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Lindama on September 30, 2010, 09:59:07
Am really enjoying this review and look forward to the rest!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: cowabounga on September 30, 2010, 13:44:05
Thanks for the review, Panos.
Now, I'm jealous and I'm gonna order all the new sets with figures. I won't buy any castle though I think they're both great, my son has 7 castles in his room already, and I cannot pretend to buy a new one for him...But the figures! I want a lot.
Please keep teasing us and show some close ups on the new weapons and helmets, at least just for meeeeeee! (Or I won't show you my Nürnberg shields!)
Thanks.
Arnaud.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 17:28:56
hmmm  .. doesen't look that bad as i thought it would be .... wait to see it all set up  :hmm: :hmm: :hmm:

Not bad at all...I hope you won't be dissapointed at the end!

It's looking very well, but does seem rather complicated with so many different shaped pieces.  ???
I should think there will be a need to keep referring to the instructions. (at least I certainly would  :lol: )
Thank you Panos for a great review   :clap:  look forward to seeing the completed castle

Glad you enjoy it Elaine!!! As for being complicated, it is not...especially since the box is divided in compartments...I only did two connection mistakes and they were easy to repair!

Great review Wolf Knight! :)
The castle is looking ok,
and I can see how some parts may be very useful... ;D

Cant wait till tomorrow's review Sir Wolf. :wave:

Very usefull indeed warrior!!

Based on the pictures and what you've written, it seems that even though this new building system is a sort of Steck and System-X hybrid, it doesn't look like it will work well with either.  In terms of stability and looks (no visible holes!), it appears to be an improvement on System-X, yet it does seem like there are a lot of very specialized parts that could be confusing, especially to children.  The one thing I do like about Steck and System-X is that there are just a few core flexible building parts.  I'm not seeing this with this new system.

Its true Justin! I think its easier to use system x pieces with this castle rather than steck... Stability has also improved as you've pointed but you'll see what happens next! Again, its easier than it seems and no great confusions were present! As for joining with other parts...experiments will tell after the weekend. ;)

Thank you so much for taking the time for such a detailed review. Your pictures and explenations are excellent!

It really does look very good but I am still slightly hesitant to buy it, as it does seem to have limitations in regards to being used with Steck.

Maybe not as many as it seems Gis... You can constructively play both as a kid and as an adult, and in my opinion these open spaces allow for more choise in playing...As for customising and joining...again...remains to be seen

Am really enjoying this review and look forward to the rest!

Great to know Linda!! More to come in a few moments...

Thanks for the review, Panos.
Now, I'm jealous and I'm gonna order all the new sets with figures. I won't buy any castle though I think they're both great, my son has 7 castles in his room already, and I cannot pretend to buy a new one for him...But the figures! I want a lot.
Please keep teasing us and show some close ups on the new weapons and helmets, at least just for meeeeeee! (Or I won't show you my Nürnberg shields!)
Thanks.
Arnaud.

I knew you'de be excited to see the armours and klickies Arnaud.... :D :D :D 7 castles is not much!!

Ok all, I have to leave the house for an hour or so! I'll give you the rest when I get back!!! ;)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 18:30:21
New and old system x wall!

This is the new system x wall of this castle! attachment 1
(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tsvm_6398c5c.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
The walls are connected to each other with the yellow connectors and there is no in-between piece to connect them with red connectors. This makes the pieces more stable, small round connectors fit tighter than the red ones, with one another but still some problems remain, as we'll see later on...

Here is a comparisson between the new wall part and the older, broader wall piece of the Knights Empire Castle! attachment 1

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tswm_b464bc5.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

you can see the difference between them a the sides...the new wall has only round slts for the yellow connector while the older had a rectangle where the red connector could be placed!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 18:37:13
A new design is this kind of wall! attachment 1
(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tsym_75e8732.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
The three system x slits are actually a separate part embedded on the wall...they are nor seperate but it seems, once turned around, that there are clips holding the three slits piece on te wall piece.... attachments 1 & 2

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tt1m_a77c698.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tt0m_33b4f08.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

These two pieces are actually acting as inbetween stabilisers for the other straight wall parts (previous attachment) and will show you int the next posts...

I have not attepted to pull the system x part off the wall to see what is underneath, maybe sometime later...
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 18:52:30
Western wall!

This is what I mean about the above parts being an inbetween for the plain wall parts attachment 1

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4ttxm_49f871d.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

You'll see that the curved wall, later attached to the gate, and the middle part, have steck-like slits for their platforms, while the plain walls have system x slits for theirs! attachment 2

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4ttym_a588d6e.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

I really could not understand this as the steck slits allow the platforms to sit better on the wall, while the system x connectors place the patform in danger of falling off the wall....Maybe all these platforms could be placed on the walls with a steck-like system, as their instability reminds me of the platforms instability at the system x western forts...at least playmobil had solved that problem by introducing these connectors 30 20 4400 - Connecting plate (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showpart.pl?partnum=30-20-4400) for the platforms later on...but this is not the case here....

Nevertheless, this western side castle wall has a good stability as a whole... attachment 3

(http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tu0m_3284180.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

The walls are held together tightly, but the platforms can fall off with presure downwards while playing...
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 18:58:21
Southeastern corner!!

This is again a good example of steck-like system stability!!! A piece of wall, connected with system-x connectors to a steck corner!

(http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tt2m_b04868b.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tt3m_ac89c50.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tt4m_e3f386a.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

Here we have a strong and tight corner with its platform placed on it with a steck-like system!

Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: WarriorOfToys on September 30, 2010, 19:00:18
Great review Wolf Knight,
I can hardly wait for the rest! ;D
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 19:04:02
One side connected with system x again... attachment 1

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4ttvm_df17079.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

and this whole side will be connected to the main gate with system x connectors!! attachment 2

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4ttwm_17c8f1c.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

so by now this is our progress ;)  attachment 3

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tu1m_b584d51.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 19:09:06
The Gate!

this will actually be a very beautifull gate, with lots of new additions!!!

The main piece form the back attachment 1 only steck-like slits here!!!
(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tu2m_1d8af1a.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
Take note of the brown weel with small edges... you'll see what it is later!!!

Platforms are again sliding into place! attachment 2
(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tu3m_54a3d42.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

and so are the side walls... attachment 3
(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tu5m_394d8d6.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 19:18:45
This is what the gate looks like with all its main pieces in place from the back! The top platform for the drop gate is the same design...but notice an extra clip comming out of the platform...I have circled it in attachment 1
a little surprise for later...Nice touches of silver paint finish to give a feeling of metal!! I like that!! I can recall customisers do the same with weapons or cannons!!!
(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tuwm_9f24b53.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

And a locking handle from the inside for extra resistance!!  :lol: :lol: Thats a nice touch!! attachment 2
(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tuxm_11212cb.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 19:37:03
Compairing this gate to the Knights Empire Castle gate! attachment 1

(http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tv1m_ed25cbf.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

I would be very curious to see if the round tower in 4865 can be attached to the systex x holes on this gate...Maybe the result could be similar to the previous gate...

And as for the surprise: I have circled it on attachment 2 the extra clip holds a lever to keep the spikey brown weel in place..once lift up, the gate comes down in one motion!!! No repeated movement in lowering the gate!!!  ;)

(http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tv3m_2014a24.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

And an overall view of the back to see these ladders in place, makes it easier for the klickies to go up to the platform and lower the gate...No such feature exists in the old gate... attachment 3

(http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/9/30/baldthar/f_grpn4tv4m_fcf31f3.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 19:46:38
I really love this gate... attachment 1
(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tv2m_72bd47e.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

So, lets put it in place...

Seems I made a mistake in connections somewhere... attachment 2 The red circles indicate that there is no proper fitting...after close inspection and going through the instructions again, I found out that I need to place the nortwestern corner, green circled, at a different system -x hole line.....
(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tv5m_b5ba355.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)


Thankfully, its finally fully assembled!!! attachment 3
(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tvxm_6b2ed07.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 19:49:27
Some more to come in a while!!!  :) :) :)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: WarriorOfToys on September 30, 2010, 20:01:14
How much did this cost Wolf Knight?
It looks really well sized... quite big! :)
Lots of room for Klickies to move around,
And plenty of play scenarios.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 20:08:12
How much did this cost Wolf Knight?
It looks really well sized... quite big! :)
Lots of room for Klickies to move around,
And plenty of play scenarios.

I think it was 90 euros and 18 for shipping... I think this ill be more or less the same price at a greek toy store when the set reaches the greek market!! Oh yes lots of scenario posibilities!!!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmofire on September 30, 2010, 20:18:19
Thank you for s very interesting and comprehensive review, Panos.  I look forward to seeing the results of your custom experiments.  It looks to me on the basis of your photos that there is room for custom design.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 20:20:04
Thank you for s very interesting and comprehensive review, Panos.  I look forward to seeing the results of your custom experiments.  It looks to me on the basis of your photos that there is room for custom design.

I think there is too Gordon, but to what extend, I am not certain! I'll point out a few more things later on for the set itself and attempt a customisation sometime next week!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmo1989 on September 30, 2010, 20:22:16
thanks for the review pano   ;)
 
it looks a bit better than the previous systemx king's castle ,but still doesn't really impress me ...
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: cowabounga on September 30, 2010, 20:32:16
Wow! I love those gates! So realistic!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 20:35:19
A few concluding points for the structure itself!!!

This is certainly an improved castle desing compared to the Knights Empire Castle! Its a steck/system-x hybrid design! It has greater stability and that is mainly because of the steck-like endings and connections of the parts!

Credit must also go to the system-x connectors that are more tight in place! Playmobil has produced a design that uses more round yellow connectors than the red ones.This makes the connections tighter and stronger!

However, there is still a danger of the castle falling apart if picked up all together! Attachment one shows with green circles the strong connection points of the castle, the two steck corners...
(http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tv6m_99688ca.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
I have also pointed out with a red circle the weakness of the southwestern wall...as a single unit its strong...but as a whole, the weight drags it down with result being falling appart if the castle is not held from the gate and the big tower to move around!

There is more space to maneuvre within the castle! attachment 2 This gives to a chld more oportunity to recreate various rooms or areas within the castle as he/she likes them to be, stables, dungeons. throneroom etc.. But I say again...there should have been an iron bars door in the ground floor to make a good dungeon... the prisoner can fall from the trap door in the first floor room, I can see knights chasing each other over the cliff and the lader being raised so that they cannot get into the tower!!!!
(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tvym_ff8736e.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

Most importantly, the battlements are designed in a good proportional hight as opposed to a klicky!!!  :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: This makes the castle more real like!!! attachment 3
(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tx4m_f959a16.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 20:37:23
Wow! I love those gates! So realistic!


A few more impressive views Arnaud!!!  ;)

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tw0m_e2f2c43.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tw1m_6e9ecaa.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tx3m_d595604.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: WarriorOfToys on September 30, 2010, 20:47:50
Again, I LOVE that Great Helm. ;D
Awesome pictures Wolf Knight,
Thanks so much for this great review.

What did you find out about steck pieces and these pieces?
And could we see a few more shots with a system X comparison? :)

Thanks again. :wave:
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmofire on September 30, 2010, 20:54:39
Thanks for the extra comments and photos, Panos.  Are you going to review the figures next?  The knight crossing the drawbridge looks very impressive.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 30, 2010, 21:04:08
Again, I LOVE that Great Helm. ;D
Awesome pictures Wolf Knight,
Thanks so much for this great review.

What did you find out about steck pieces and these pieces?
And could we see a few more shots with a system X comparison? :)

Thanks again. :wave:

I love it too Warrior!! I'd really love to see it in light grey too so i can use it with other knights!
A more detail comparison on these steck pieces and the older steck pieces later on next week!! I'll also look into system-x comparison!

Thanks for the extra comments and photos, Panos.  Are you going to review the figures next?  The knight crossing the drawbridge looks very impressive.

Thanks Gordon!! I have the pictures ready but as its getting late and I need to go to work early and travel later I'll show these on Saturday when I get back!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: skypurr on September 30, 2010, 22:17:17
Studying again the first page showing the tower with the ladder against the wall.  Does the trap door fall back against the wall. ie. are the hinges on the ladder side?  If so, is it possible for the klicky to climb the ladder and get through the trapdoor?  ???

BTW Junior thinks that the new system should be called systemeck!  :lol:  ::)

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)         
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Lindama on September 30, 2010, 23:19:39
A fantastic review Panos! This was the first thing I looked at this morning and got up full of anticipation.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: WarriorOfToys on September 30, 2010, 23:56:40
Studying again the first page showing the tower with the ladder against the wall.  Does the trap door fall back against the wall. ie. are the hinges on the ladder side?  If so, is it possible for the klicky to climb the ladder and get through the trapdoor?  ???

BTW Junior thinks that the new system should be called systemeck!  :lol:  ::)

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)         


I think that is a great name!
It is better then calling it "the new castle system." ;D
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Martin Milner on October 01, 2010, 01:03:41
Most importantly, the battlements are designed in a good proportional hight as opposed to a klicky!!! 

Could you show us a picture of a klicky standing behind the curtain wall battlements for height comparison?

First off, thanks for the wonderful detailed review Wolfie, it has really helped to see all the details.

I'm amazed that they've created a Frankencastle, which is not compatible with previous System X nor Steck castle parts, yet uses both system X connectors and steck-like connectors. That seems like a miracle of muddled thinking.

As Gordon says, as it's modular it will certainly be customisable to some extent, but limited to pieces from this system. The switch between connection types further limits expansion possibilities. The holes in the angled sections beside the gate beguiled me into thinking this was a clip system castle, and I think there are clips in there holding pieces together. The resultant holes are ugly.

I'd like to see a round tower in this system, and maybe they have plans to produce one to replace a wall section or extend the existing curtain walls.

The new gate design is nice, and the inclusion of ladders answers a few questiosn that the system X gate posed.


Looking forward to more details and your experiments on developing the castle further.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Celeste in New Orleans on October 01, 2010, 02:12:22
Thanks for the pics. Neat castle.  :)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Justindo on October 01, 2010, 03:37:57
Thanks for your completed review, Panos! :)

While I'll probably end up buying these new castles as standalone fortresses, I don't think I'll be customizing them much like I have done with the System X castles.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on October 01, 2010, 04:44:07
Studying again the first page showing the tower with the ladder against the wall.  Does the trap door fall back against the wall. ie. are the hinges on the ladder side?  If so, is it possible for the klicky to climb the ladder and get through the trapdoor?  ???

BTW Junior thinks that the new system should be called systemeck!  :lol:  ::)

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)         


Hi Elaine!
The hinges of the firstfloor trapdoor are indeed against the wall... The ladder does not reach very low at groundfloor level... Probably groundfloor was designed as a dungeon so no use of a ladder reaching down at its floor!

The battlements trapdoor open in the exact same manner as in steck round towers!

And I really love the name Jounior has given it  :)9!!!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on October 01, 2010, 04:50:52
Could you show us a picture of a klicky standing behind the curtain wall battlements for height comparison?

I will once I get back from the weekend Martin!

First off, thanks for the wonderful detailed review Wolfie, it has really helped to see all the details.

Thanks!!!  :) :) :)

I'm amazed that they've created a Frankencastle, which is not compatible with previous System X nor Steck castle parts, yet uses both system X connectors and steck-like connectors. That seems like a miracle of muddled thinking.

As Gordon says, as it's modular it will certainly be customisable to some extent, but limited to pieces from this system. The switch between connection types further limits expansion possibilities. The holes in the angled sections beside the gate beguiled me into thinking this was a clip system castle, and I think there are clips in there holding pieces together. The resultant holes are ugly.

Yes those holes look really annoying...I forgot to mention that.. they eliminated system x holes visibilityt and then, there you have it... I still cannot understand this use, or since its a clip system if there is anything underneath, but as I mentiond earlier, it gives the wall good stability as a single unit...but not as a castle on the whole.

I'd like to see a round tower in this system, and maybe they have plans to produce one to replace a wall section or extend the existing curtain walls.

There is a round tower that might fit form the new bigger castle 4865..and there are some extensions through DS. We'll see in the future!

The new gate design is nice, and the inclusion of ladders answers a few questiosn that the system X gate posed.


Looking forward to more details and your experiments on developing the castle further.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: grangel on October 01, 2010, 06:27:54
i HAD TO AGREE WITH ALEX.iT IS BettER THAN THE 3268 Royal Castle as a more stable constraction but it is looks as a toy in comparison with the steck system.As it looks for Playmobil the future shows better Knights and worst castles.
If Playmobil hellas make a present it will be the only way that i will own this castle.

THANK YOU GUYS FOR MAKING ME A STECK JUNKY.

I'm already thinking of donating my 3268 castle.


Panos GREAT JOB!!!!!!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING WITH US!!!!!!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Bolingbroke on October 01, 2010, 08:10:13
thanks so much for this informative review. but i have a question, since i do not own any steck whatsoever: don't steck castles fall apart when picked up?  ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmofire on October 01, 2010, 08:16:35
thanks so much for this informative review. but i have a question, since i do not own any steck whatsoever: don't steck castles fall apart when picked up?  ??? ??? ???

Steck once put together is very hard to pull apart, maybe too hard as I have seen Steck with broken tabs.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on October 01, 2010, 08:39:47
Playmofire is correct Bolingbroke! It needs to be pulled harder in order to be separated!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Giorginetto on October 01, 2010, 12:42:04
This is a great review Sir Wolf and thansk for taking the time to take all these pictures and the detailed analysis.

I dont see at all teh rational nor the beuty of these new hybrid system. I still see holes on the walls and a very strange and non realisitc inside wall design. Plastics dont seem of the quality of original steck ( as in dragonland series ) and the entire design and colour combo as i said in anotehr thread reminds me of some cheap chinese castel sets. Harsh words, yes , and they deserve to he harshe , playmobil after more than 2 decaded of steck and their success should have come up with something better than these sets. I am thankfull for this review, I would rather get a 3667 than this castle I am afraid .

Playmobil Mediaval is getting worse and worse since the mid/late 90s. After these awful system x castels now this . A larger steck castle with different colours like the later red/yellow steck houses, a new front gate as this one ( thats hte only feature i liked actually) and a couple of new walls for steck houses PLUS a new type of steck fortification ( a bit taller perhaps ) would have worked wonders for a grand steck new castle

This one , well lets just say i wont be getting it at all and stick to good old steck hoping they realise they are making worse and worse castles and that they go back to steck with modifications as the ones mentioned above and no more of these attrocities ...  :hmm: :hmm: :hmm: :hmm: :hmm: :hmm: :hmm:
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: WarriorOfToys on October 01, 2010, 12:51:02
This is a great review Sir Wolf and thansk for taking the time to take all these pictures and the detailed analysis.

I dont see at all teh rational nor the beuty of these new hybrid system. I still see holes on the walls and a very strange and non realisitc inside wall design. Plastics dont seem of the quality of original steck ( as in dragonland series ) and the entire design and colour combo as i said in anotehr thread reminds me of some cheap chinese castel sets. Harsh words, yes , and they deserve to he harshe , playmobil after more than 2 decaded of steck and their success should have come up with something better than these sets. I am thankfull for this review, I would rather get a 3667 than this castle I am afraid .

Playmobil Mediaval is getting worse and worse since the mid/late 90s. After these awful system x castels now this . A larger steck castle with different colours like the later red/yellow steck houses, a new front gate as this one ( thats hte only feature i liked actually) and a couple of new walls for steck houses PLUS a new type of steck fortification ( a bit taller perhaps ) would have worked wonders for a grand steck new castle

This one , well lets just say i wont be getting it at all and stick to good old steck hoping they realise they are making worse and worse castles and that they go back to steck with modifications as the ones mentioned above and no more of these attrocities ...  :hmm: :hmm: :hmm: :hmm: :hmm: :hmm: :hmm:

I dunno, the castle is not horrible. I would prefer a steck one, but hey there are some useful parts here.
(I even have an idea to make a Samurai castle with a few of these parts! ;D )
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Giorginetto on October 01, 2010, 12:56:07
The holes on the walls, the interior of these walls , WoT I am afraid its a horrible looking castle

I bought my first playmobil castle in the late 70s nad i have been buying playmobil since then . I think the mediaval castles are getting worse despite some nice features liek this gate, this is not enough !!!!! Old steck walls were detailed both sides etc , these new castles do indeed look like these cheap chinese castel toy sets sold in open air fairs for 9.99 or something . Sorry but as a Playmobil afficionado , buying these since the 70s I am very very very dissapointed ......  >:( >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmo1989 on October 01, 2010, 15:16:24
Playmobil Mediaval is getting worse and worse since the mid/late 90s. After these awful system x castels now this



getteing worse in the mid /late 90's  why ? ??? ??? ??? both 3666, 3667 steck castles and 3665 rock castle were at the market until 2003 (2004 in greece)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Tiermann on October 01, 2010, 15:25:56
Thanks for the great detailed review, lots of interesting bits there to discuss.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: grangel on October 01, 2010, 16:10:54
I dunno, the castle is not horrible. I would prefer a steck one, but hey there are some useful parts here.
(I even have an idea to make a Samurai castle with a few of these parts! ;D )

WOT you had a great idea this fake medieval castle is great for medieval Japan Castle.Their castle looks like the bonsai trees.Beautifull and with the care of daily gardener!! ;D (bytheway i love the bonsai trees).

BRING THE STECK BACK!!!! YOU,YOU PLAYMO DESIGNERS!!!!!!!

There is a rule !! You never cancel the production of a successed product!!!! you just make it better!!!!!

System X can make the steck better but i can not cancel the Steck.

THROW THIS DESIGNER TO A STECK DUNGEON!!!!!! and put nureburg guard to keep him always in!!!! 
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Playmodschungel on October 01, 2010, 16:31:28
Thank you very much for your great review!

But I´m really angry about all this annoying "steck-is-better"-rubbish. Steck is not as stable as SysX- you definetely can´t carry a 3666 castle in one piece!
And if you take this set 4866 f.e.- its camparable to former 3667 3667 - Small Castle (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showinv.pl?setnum=3667&pics=on) as the small castle and in price- and now don´t tell me that 3667 has more features or is bigger!

Everybody can buy and build with whatever he likes best- but this steck-lamentation everywhere throughout different threads is really nerve-racking!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: tonguello on October 01, 2010, 17:18:00
Hi guys and Sir Wolf! thank you so much for this very complete review. Im still no steck nor system x lover so I surely will buy this news castles when ever I can get my hands on them. In one way they are more acurate-looking to the real thing, as medieval fortifications aften had no construction plans, were not simetric, nor square, etc, they had kind of messy looking shape. I like that. But I agree with Gorginetto that the inner part of the wall look toyish! That to me is a big flaw. What we all like about Playmobil is the attention to details, but somehow this was overlooked.
I do like (A LOT  :love:) the general look of both new castles. And I still have the feeling that with the new hybrid system it is possible to expand and costumize. Hope I can try that myself soon!
Cheers!
Gaston
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmo1989 on October 01, 2010, 18:02:47
Thank you very much for your great review!

And if you take this set 4866 f.e.- its camparable to former 3667 3667 - Small Castle (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showinv.pl?setnum=3667&pics=on) as the small castle and in price-  and now don´t tell me that 3667 has more features or is bigger!
racking!


no.......... who said that!! 3667 as a castle is nothing .if you compare the two castles yes 4866 has more abilities to play  but 3667 is steck and you can expand it you can make  a great and realistic castle with 5 let's say 3667 and 1 3666  !! 4866 cannot be expanded or looking good exept the inside door of the gate ,it's like these cheap chinese castles they sell to the fairs as george said .. ;)
 




But I´m really angry about all this annoying "steck-is-better"-rubbish. Steck is not as stable as SysX- you definetely can´t carry a 3666 castle in one piece!



for building castles steck is the best and most creative system of playmobil as i said above all these new castles cannot be expanded ... for city buildings is good and fairy tale castles as well i've seen many beautifull buildings people have created with the fairy tale castle parts but systmx castles nothing .......
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: WarriorOfToys on October 01, 2010, 20:17:44
Thank you very much for your great review!

But I´m really angry about all this annoying "steck-is-better"-rubbish. Steck is not as stable as SysX- you definetely can´t carry a 3666 castle in one piece!
And if you take this set 4866 f.e.- its camparable to former 3667 3667 - Small Castle (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showinv.pl?setnum=3667&pics=on) as the small castle and in price- and now don´t tell me that 3667 has more features or is bigger!

Everybody can buy and build with whatever he likes best- but this steck-lamentation everywhere throughout different threads is really nerve-racking!

I don't know where you get that System X is more stable then steck.
My SysX falls apart all the time, But my steck does not.

And you can pick up a 3666 without it falling apart.
I can pick up my castle in one piece and it is bigger then a 3666.

But what really makes these castles better is that you can expand them,
like I did with my 3667, I now have two and another steck castle.
All of it I made to look quite impressive in 1 castle.
Can you do that with these?
If you buy two, can you combine both castles using every part to make a new better castle?
No, you cant. You may be able to combine some part, and make a few things larger...
But you wont be able to use every single piece.
You would have bought two castles, and in the end had to waste 1/2 of one to make it bigger.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on October 02, 2010, 18:14:20
Thank you all for your replies!!! I knew that, either being a steck lover or system-x lover, you'd enjoy it!!!


Now just to give you a few pictures of the knights and their accessories:

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tw7m_9cf5f92.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tw4m_e35c592.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

(http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tw5m_58712da.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tx0m_866ecfd.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tx1m_7fbdcc0.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tx2m_37fb57f.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: WarriorOfToys on October 02, 2010, 18:35:18
Great photos Wolf Knight! :)
The Klickies look superb! ;D
I even don't mind the guy with weird eyes... ::)
Maybe he should get the Great Helm,
So we don't have to see his eyes! :lol:
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmo1989 on October 02, 2010, 18:53:31
thanks for the photos pano  :)

i have to say something   ???


the plastick of these helmets and accesories as i see them seem to be of a poor quality than older ones ? why ??  ???   ??? perhaps it's my idea or the picture ,but from what gordon has mentioned in some other topic that some chemical is not anymore added in the plastick has concerned me  :uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh:   the quality seems poorer  >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on October 02, 2010, 19:22:28
Could you show us a picture of a klicky standing behind the curtain wall battlements for height comparison?

I hope the attached pictures answear your question Martin! The seem to me real life like proportion.

Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmo1989 on October 02, 2010, 19:41:53
I hope the attached pictures answear your question Martin! The seem to me real life like proportion.




the quality of the walls seem poor as well  :( :(  :( :(  oh nooooooooooooo....................... ugly and bad quality playmobil  :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( perhaps it's my idea i have to get my hands one of these new realeses (not the castle  :lol: :lol: :lol: i won't spend such money one of the small ones )
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmofire on October 02, 2010, 20:33:42
Thank you, Panos, for the photos of the figures.  The new armour looks very impressive and the leather neck and shoulder pieces on the klickies is new too.  It's a shame though that with the weapons the axes cannot have brown handles for wood like the lance has.  I notice, too, that the arrow quiver is also metal coloured now rather than brown.  Small points, but, as they say, it's the detail that makes or mars.

And Alex, the plastic looks fine to me.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on October 03, 2010, 08:04:17
The plastic is excellent quality plastic both for the accessories and the castle pieces themselves! Playmobil only uses the finest qualitiy plastic and runs it through an intence testing for quality and safety! Playmofire is correct at another post in another thread, excluding a hazardous material from the plastic itself does not make the final product low quality!

I like the design of the castle as its not just a square box, it shows that fortifications are build on a terrain that is uneven, as was the case with real life castles, as Gaston points out, and as Martin has also pointed out in the past!

Small details would be great, like the wooden handles you mentioned Gordon. Unfortunately the arrow quiver is black, not dark grey that would indicate a metal material, like the helmets! The greatsword and strongbow are black...have no idea why, but I like to think that the greatsword is made of obsidian or black flint.... (something I read on a fantasy novel  ;D ;D ;D)



Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmofire on October 03, 2010, 08:44:10
Black, if it's not a metallic black, for the quiver would be fine.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Martin Milner on October 03, 2010, 13:59:10
Black, if it's not a metallic black, for the quiver would be fine.

Indeed, a quiver could be made from tanned leather, possibly varnished for extra waterproofing.

A stone sword would sadly be too brittle to be practical, unless reinforced by magic. Obsidian and flint knives and axeheads are historically correct. 
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: tonguello on October 03, 2010, 14:42:35
Is the horse's armor a new feature? I haven't seen it before, I think is FANTASTIC! I love it!  :love: :love:
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on October 03, 2010, 14:56:49
Is the horse's armor a new feature? I haven't seen it before, I think is FANTASTIC! I love it!  :love: :love:

yeap!! I like it a lot too!!!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Elric on October 03, 2010, 15:46:46
Excellent review Wolf Knight! 
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Giorginetto on October 03, 2010, 18:04:30
yeap!! I like it a lot too!!!

This actually awesome, i wonder if these will fit in the old type of horses ... I really want about 100 of these to use in my light cavalry actually...!!!!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Coyote on October 03, 2010, 18:12:50
Awesome review and great pictures-
The main issue I have with Playmobil's current building system, is that they can't seem to decide what they want to use-  What made steck so successful is that they is so much variety- they stuck with it for so many years.  I actually prefer system x as it was when first introduced, but its too building specific, and lacks easy interchangeability.
But I really like this castle, and they seem to be paying attention to detail, always encouraging.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: cowabounga on October 03, 2010, 18:51:58
Aaaaah! Those new parts! I want this figure with the dark grey chain mail collar. I want the new helm for the rider. I want the dark mercenary swords. The new armor for the head of the horse, and the arms of the rider.
BUT, I think this tin-can horse coat is the ugliest ever produced!
Not sure about the figure with the brown outfit...never used that colour before this afternoon for WK's bridgeburners...
 :wave:
Arnaud
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Giorginetto on October 03, 2010, 19:03:02
An excellent thorough review,  again as with so many playmobil new sets for me the steck walls and large pieces are dissapointing, the klickies and their weapons and items are exciting .

I will stick with old steck ....  In playmobil world I am a crumpy old man and i dont mind at all actually. bring back steck and realistic mediaval houses with townfolk and town accessories , i am fed up with 50 new types of weapons and still the old type barrel since 1977 etc etc
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on October 03, 2010, 19:55:14
Not sure about the figure with the brown outfit...never used that colour before this afternoon for WK's bridgeburners...
 :wave:
Arnaud

i don't like the brown colour on the neck piece actually... maybe it should have been dark grey for uniformity... I don't like the brown in any of these fugures actually...unless it was a background colour, like only for the torso and legs...but then again the red gryfon coat of arms would not have looked good...

Perhaps I'll change this brown piece to a dark grey one...the mounted knight could also use a chainmail-covered-by-tunic legs dark grey/black instead of boots...

Oh wel, we can't have it all...but we can still customise  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: grangel on October 03, 2010, 20:16:00
The conclusion is that Wolfie made a excellent review and the new Knights have great and detailed pieces of equipment but the thing that Geobra bring again the system Steck back(as a hybrid) it seems that they took their lesson from the X system.


Lets Hope that they will manage to create something so creative as steck and easy build like x System!!!


STECK,STECK,STECK,STECK,..........STECKKKK!!!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Martin Milner on October 04, 2010, 16:15:28
This actually awesome, i wonder if these will fit in the old type of horses ... I really want about 100 of these to use in my light cavalry actually...!!!!

Light cavalry in platemail horse armor?   :hmm:

I have to concur with Cowabunga, this plate horse armor is ugly, but it does have a historical basis.

(http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/images/h2/h2_32.69.jpg)
Bard made for Johann Ernst, Duke of Saxony-Coburg, dated 1548


Source: Attributed to Kunz Lochner: Bard made for Johann Ernst, Duke of Saxony-Coburg (32.69) | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Gis on October 04, 2010, 16:47:58
Thanks for the final part of the review Sir Wolf.

I can only concur in what was already discussed when I did the review of the smaller sets in this series. Many great customizing materials on the klickies, but the klicky design itself is not great.

I will also add my two cents to the Steck vs System-X debate.

I love my Stecj and am heavily invested in Steck. However I also have a lot of System-X for modern buildings. I think excellent castles can be built with BOTH. Seeing some of the designs that have been posted I dare people to say Steck is better.

It's a preference and I fully understand people promoting their preference. I have never built anything big with "Castle" System-X, but I can see how that would be great. I will stick to Steck however as I do like the fact that the houses just look more "in place".
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: WarriorOfToys on October 04, 2010, 20:22:45
Light cavalry in platemail horse armor?   :hmm:

I have to concur with Cowabunga, this plate horse armor is ugly, but it does have a historical basis.

(http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/images/h2/h2_32.69.jpg)
Bard made for Johann Ernst, Duke of Saxony-Coburg, dated 1548


Source: Attributed to Kunz Lochner: Bard made for Johann Ernst, Duke of Saxony-Coburg (32.69) | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Yes, I though of that the moment I first saw this armor...
However, as you say, it is Ugly. :P

Maybe if it were longer,
I think it would look a bit better. :)

Also, if it didn't look so "chopped up", like they stuck several odd
bits and pieces of plate metal together and created... this...
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: tonguello on October 04, 2010, 20:25:59
Well...I love it!  :love: :love: :love:
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: grangel on October 04, 2010, 20:32:55
Light cavalry in platemail horse armor?   :hmm:

I have to concur with Cowabunga, this plate horse armor is ugly, but it does have a historical basis.

(http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/images/h2/h2_32.69.jpg)
Bard made for Johann Ernst, Duke of Saxony-Coburg, dated 1548


Source: Attributed to Kunz Lochner: Bard made for Johann Ernst, Duke of Saxony-Coburg (32.69) | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art


Martin i can believe you,... you are a walking wikipedia.......

I had to rename my whole army from your information!!!

VIva Martin!!! you should play on Millionaire contest!!!!
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: skypurr on October 04, 2010, 23:50:14
Now just to give you a few pictures of the knights and their accessories:

(http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/9/29/baldthar/f_grpn4tx2m_37fb57f.jpg) (http://imagefra.me/)

Looking at the klicky without the helmet; is this a new style of hair or has it been used before?

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: WarriorOfToys on October 05, 2010, 00:25:14
Looking at the klicky without the helmet; is this a new style of hair or has it been used before?

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)

It was in a Pirate set,
I have one. :)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: skypurr on October 05, 2010, 00:29:31
Thanks WOT, I hadn't noticed it before, I'll look out for it.

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Giorginetto on October 05, 2010, 08:00:51
Light cavalry in platemail horse armor?   :hmm:

Yes. But i think what i refer to as light cavalry to different to what most people would think. Apart from all the knights in colourful gear i have about 60 of them ( the old single baron klicky, red hear and beard  with full armour , spears and a dog ) . This on horses with these hporse armour constiture my light calalry as they dont have the very long jousting spears but the shorter ones with the protective hand cover .
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Erik on October 06, 2010, 09:56:28
thanks for the photos pano  :)

i have to say something   ???


the plastick of these helmets and accesories as i see them seem to be of a poor quality than older ones ? why ??  ???   ??? perhaps it's my idea or the picture ,but from what gordon has mentioned in some other topic that some chemical is not anymore added in the plastick has concerned me  :uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh:   the quality seems poorer  >:( >:( >:(


I ordered and received about 50 from each of the new helmets from DS, and the quality of plastic is just fine-just like every other helmet produced.Maybe it's time people stop assuming things and realize things are NOT always as they "seem"...
Just my two cents... ;)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: playmo1989 on October 06, 2010, 19:49:21

I ordered and received about 50 from each of the new helmets from DS, and the quality of plastic is just fine-just like every other helmet produced.Maybe it's time people stop assuming things and realize things are NOT always as they "seem"...
Just my two cents... ;)



yes ok perhaps it's my idea i haven't get on my hands any of these i only judge from the pictures  :hmm: :hmm: :hmm: but don't worry nobody will take seriously what some member of some forum said so playmobil will have a bad name about it's plastick we just share opinions  ;)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Justindo on October 07, 2010, 06:13:29
The main issue I have with Playmobil's current building system, is that they can't seem to decide what they want to use-  What made steck so successful is that they is so much variety- they stuck with it for so many years.  I actually prefer system x as it was when first introduced, but its too building specific, and lacks easy interchangeability.
But I really like this castle, and they seem to be paying attention to detail, always encouraging.

I agree with this.  While all Playmobil's building systems seem to have their flaws and while I'm personally invested in System X, I wish they would have stuck with Steck for consistency and simplicity.

I personally don't like the new metal horse armor, as I think it looks like something out of Mad Max, but I'm glad for all of those who like it.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Erik on October 07, 2010, 07:31:55


I personally don't like the new metal horse armor, as I think it looks like something out of Mad Max, but I'm glad for all of those who like it.


Yes, they should have made it somewhat "rounder" imho.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Martin Milner on October 07, 2010, 23:11:33
Yes. But i think what i refer to as light cavalry to different to what most people would think. Apart from all the knights in colourful gear i have about 60 of them ( the old single baron klicky, red hear and beard  with full armour , spears and a dog ) . This on horses with these hporse armour constiture my light calalry as they dont have the very long jousting spears but the shorter ones with the protective hand cover .

Unfortunately using a different definition to everyone else leads to misunderstanding.
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Gustavo on October 09, 2010, 03:55:24



yes ok perhaps it's my idea i haven't get on my hands any of these i only judge from the pictures  :hmm: :hmm: :hmm: but don't worry nobody will take seriously what some member of some forum said so playmobil will have a bad name about it's plastick we just share opinions  ;)

 :lol: I read your complaint a few days after ... It was only the light, appearently, that made they look a little different in that picture ...

-x-

This castle is a preeeety thing :inlove: I don't even care :P it doesn't have an actual house in it ...

Wait a minute there : it doesn't have a house in it! >:( .. :-\ :'(

(But all right it's pretty anyway! :P )
They're trying ...

Appearently the soldier has (in this set, as well as in #the_one_Gis_reviewed (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=5756.0)) to switch legs with the knight, so as the knight has the armour feet ... ::) (To what someone said "shouldn't they think about it? :hmm: )
Lets stick to the idea that they seem to be trying to conceal children & collectors (adults) with coherent toys 0)

Nevertheless, it looks better than all the more recent previous releases ...

 :wave:

Gus
:blackhair:
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wolf Knight on October 10, 2010, 08:48:39
Appearently the soldier has (in this set, as well as in #the_one_Gis_reviewed (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=5756.0)) to switch legs with the knight, so as the knight has the armour feet ... ::) (To what someone said "shouldn't they think about it? :hmm: )



Actually I switched the legs of the steward (thats what i came to call the klicky with the loose hair, to whom I also changed the hair and added a bullet helmet) with the knight's legs.... The result in the attachment  :)
Title: Re: 4866 New castle!!!
Post by: Wesley Myers on October 10, 2010, 14:20:22
Actually I switched the legs of the steward (thats what i came to call the klicky with the loose hair, to whom I also changed the hair and added a bullet helmet) with the knight's legs.... The result in the attachment  :)

Looks good!

That's a good way to add some variety to the set.  I think children would love that (and wive's would not see a bunch of the same figures so they wouldn't question (as readily, maybe ...) why you need so many of the same ones).