PlaymoFriends

General => Report & Review => Topic started by: Richard on October 25, 2006, 19:52:03

Title: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 25, 2006, 19:52:03


Review of the Direct Service 7726 Bi-Plane

The little green and white bi-plane is, in my opinion, the most beautiful aeroplane ever produced by Playmobil!

The 7726 re-release from Direct Service is faithful to the original 3246 which was first introduced almost 30 years ago. There aren't as many accessories in the new package, but the plane is there in all her glory.

The directions are very clear and assembly is quite easy.

The first picture is of the original 3246.

The second picture is the new 7726.

Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 25, 2006, 19:53:04


The third, fourth and fifth pictures show the well illustrated plans.

Edit: Images removed because posting pictures of plans is not allowed by Geobra!  :P
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 25, 2006, 19:54:04


The sixth and seventh pictures show the bi-plane under construction.

Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 25, 2006, 19:54:47


And, the last two pictures show this splendid  little plane flying over the park.

I hope that you have enjoyed this review.

All the best,
Richard
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Jimbo on October 25, 2006, 21:09:17
Cool airplane, Richard!

Thanks for posting the pictures.

That would make a cool tri-plane ;D

Best regards,

Jimbo
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 25, 2006, 21:36:14

That would make a cool tri-plane ;D


Yes, it would. Jim ... !!!

It would make a great tri-plane ... !!!

The US DS catalog still shows 7726 being available. However, the US website no longer has 7726 listed. The Canadian website still has it, so I think that you might be able to call in and still get it here in the US. Then you'll need to order an "extra" wing ... ;)

I can't wait to see your conversion, Jimbo ... :)

All the best,
Richard



Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Captain Henry on October 25, 2006, 21:42:56
Thanks for the neat photos of this great little plane Richard! I bought one (the DS version) a while ago. I am considering a custom paint job, but have not decided on the pattern yet...
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: playmofire on October 25, 2006, 21:56:05
Yes, many thanks for an excellent review, Richard.  It's a very attractive item indeed.  I toyed with buying one but never did - shortage of space and a reason for it.
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Little Jo on October 26, 2006, 17:06:38
Yes, a very nostalgic piece. Thank you for the review.

And actually you really make it fly: I don't see any ropes or "holding" pieces.  ;)
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 27, 2006, 05:27:14
Yes, a very nostalgic piece. Thank you for the review.

And actually you really make it fly: I don't see any ropes or "holding" pieces.  ;)

Hello, Jochen ...

Here sre a couple more flying photos ... :)

All the best,
Richard

Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 27, 2006, 05:35:53

Thanks, Cap'n Henry and Gordon for your very generous comments ... :)

This is a great little plane and I'm happy that you were able to get one Cap'n Henry and hope that you can get one too, Gordon.

If the weather's good, I may take her up again tomorrow for another flight.

All the best,
Richard

Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 27, 2006, 15:30:11
The weather was beautiful this morning, so I took the little bi-plane out for an early sunrise flight!

(corrected a spelling error)
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 27, 2006, 15:31:21


Here are a few more photos ...
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: playmofire on October 27, 2006, 15:36:34
Those are excellent photos, Richard.
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: FireChief on October 27, 2006, 18:20:52
Hello Richard,

I love the photos :love: That is some really great stuff. It looks so real.  :yup:

Thanks for sharing,

Ben
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: tiger1983uk on October 27, 2006, 18:50:39
I have to agree that is my favorite plane that Playmobil have ever made :)

Heres a couple of photos of my biplanes (since these pictures I have 2 more quite a flying circus ;D)
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 27, 2006, 18:57:26
That is some really great stuff. It looks so real.  :yup:

It IS real ... ;)
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 27, 2006, 19:04:06


Hello, Tiger ...

I really like your "Flying" Circus ...

But, do they really "fly" ... ?  ... :lol:
(I love it when I make a joke!) ... :lol:

All the best,
Richard

Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 27, 2006, 19:07:43
Those are excellent photos, Richard.

Thank you for your very nice compliment, Gordon ...  :-[

I really appreciate it (even though I've had a lot of fun taking these photos)!

All the best,
Richard
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Sylvia on October 28, 2006, 08:55:30
LOOOOOOVE THESE PICS!!!! :love:

Especially the ones showing the plane flying over the waves, glistening in the sunlight. 8-)

You have a beautiful view! *sigh*

Thanks for the review, Richard. I must get my hands on one of these neat little bi-planes. :yup:
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Jimbo on October 28, 2006, 16:00:00
Wonderful pictures of the flying biplane, Richard!  They brought back a few happy flying memories from my U.S.N. days.

Are they hanging from string, wire, or a sky hook? ;D

tiger1983uk, very neat "ramp" shot of your planes.

Best regards,

Jimbo

Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 28, 2006, 17:27:42
Especially the ones showing the plane flying over the waves, glistening in the sunlight. 8-)

You're such a romantic :love:, Sylvia ... ;)

Wonderful pictures of the flying biplane, Richard!  They brought back a few happy flying memories from my U.S.N. days.

As I was "flying" my little bi-plane I too had a rush of nostalgia from my old USCG flying days ... :)

Are they hanging from string, wire, or a sky hook? ;D

OMG, Jim ...

You are the only person who has asked this question.
(Do you suppose that everyone thought that it was really flying?) ... :lol:

As an old sailor, Jim ... You know that I have to tell you that it's hanging from a sky hook ... ;)

All the best to, Sylvia, Jimbo, Jochen, Gordon, Henry, Ben, Tiger and everyone else who has enjoyed this flying review with me.

Thank you!

Richard

Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 28, 2006, 18:01:16


And ... one last picture as I fly off into the sunset ...  :wave:
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Captain Henry on October 28, 2006, 18:19:49
Thanks for the last photo Richard! It is my favorite! (And it is also the first one in which I can see any evidence of manipulation to remove your "gravity-defying flying aid"! :D)
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 28, 2006, 18:29:25
Thanks for the last photo Richard! It is my favorite! (And it is also the first one in which I can see any evidence of manipulation to remove your "gravity-defying flying aid"! :D)

Ah ... Cap'n Henry ... You're such an eagle eye! ... ;)
(Must be from all those years at sea.) ... :lol:

I wonder how many others will see the "clue" ... ???

Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Captain Henry on October 28, 2006, 22:21:39
(Must be from all those years at sea.)

Actually, it is from being a photo editor. :D But you did a great job, I blew up all the other pix and looked closely and could not see any proof of your "magic." Bravo!
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Morgan on October 28, 2006, 22:39:02
Cool photos  :lol:
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 29, 2006, 00:10:18
Actually, it is from being a photo editor. :D But you did a great job, I blew up all the other pix and looked closely and could not see any proof of your "magic." Bravo!

Thanks for the "bravo," Cap'n Henry ...  :-[

Do you think that anyone would believe that I have a trained pelican that I use as my "sky hook?" ... ;)

Thanks again my friend and all the best,
Richard



Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 29, 2006, 00:12:05
Cool photos  :lol:

Thank you for your very nice compliment, Kristian ...

All the best,
Richard
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Tiermann on October 29, 2006, 03:47:42
"Gravity defying flying aid"?
I assumed it was an example of Chuck-o-Vision. Have to snap the picture quick though before it goes down...

Great set of photos Richard, Thanks
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 29, 2006, 04:34:21
"Gravity defying flying aid"?
I assumed it was an example of Chuck-o-Vision. Have to snap the picture quick though before it goes down...

Great set of photos Richard, Thanks

Hello, Tim ...

"Chuck-o-Vision"  ... :lol:

At 8 stories up, I would have had to have had an unlimited number of Playmobil bi-planes to have been able to have "chucked' them up in the air to "snap" the number of pictures that I took ... :lol:

But, I like the way you think, Tim ... ;)

Perhaps I should show everyone my "Gravity Defying Flying Aid" in the How To section of PF ... ???
(However, there is the possibility that not everyone may be able to successfully train a pelican) ... :lol:

Thanks for your comments, Tim.

All the best,
Richard

Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Sylvia on October 29, 2006, 09:13:38
OMG, Jim ...

You are the only person who has asked this question.
(Do you suppose that everyone thought that it was really flying?) ... :lol:

I was kinda wondering how you did it, but didn't want to ask because I thought it might spoil a bit of the magic. ;)

I prefer to believe that it's really flying all by itself. ;D
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: playmofire on October 29, 2006, 11:11:57
I think Richard is having us on about how he did.  The plane is clearly flying and at speed.  To catch it Richard has used a fast shutter speed, maybe 1/10,000, as you can tell from the fact that the prop has been "frozen" in motion.
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 29, 2006, 13:16:39

... Richard has used a fast shutter speed, maybe 1/10,000, as you can tell from the fact that the prop has been "frozen" in motion.

You are absolutely correct about the fast shutter speed, Gordon, as the prop was spinning wildly!

I prefer to believe that it's really flying all by itself. ;D

Then perhaps we should leave it at that, Sylvia ... ;)

I'm not sure that anyone would have believed my story about the "trained pelican" anyhow ... :lol:

All the best,
Richard


Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Jimbo on October 30, 2006, 01:52:36
I'm going to call direct service tomorrow to try to get a bi-plane...

Would E-Bay have a pelican? ???

Jimbo
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 30, 2006, 03:15:12
I'm going to call direct service tomorrow to try to get a bi-plane...

Hope you can get one (or two), Jim  ... !!!


Would E-Bay have a pelican? ???

Jimbo

Hold out for a brown pelican, Jimbo ... !!!
IMO, the brown ones (from the East Coast) are a lot smarter than the white ones (from the West Coast).

All the best,
Richard


Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Jimbo on October 30, 2006, 16:38:35
Thanks Richard, for bringing the Bi-plane to our attention.  They were just over ten bucks for one, so I  ordered three.  Sounds like DS has  quite a few of them.

(I wonder how many planes the Red Baron had in his flying circus?)

Best wishes

Jimbo
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Robbie on October 30, 2006, 23:31:16
An awesome review, Richard.

I always enjoy the Classic Edition items but never get around to ordering and when I finally think about it the items are long gone. :eh?:

I will try to add one of these to my next order!

Robbie
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on October 31, 2006, 02:45:06
They were just over ten bucks for one, so I  ordered three.  Sounds like DS has  quite a few of them.

I'm happy that they still had them, Jim ... :)

I will try to add one of these to my next order!

Don't wait too long, Robbie ... ;)

----------

Thanks to you both, Jimbo and Robbie for your kind words.

All the best,
Richard

Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: cachalote on November 02, 2006, 11:19:44
congratulations, richard, you have a very beautiful plane.
thank you for the lovely pictures.
i agree with playmofire - there is no way this plane is not flying: a very fast shutter speed and the motion absorvers that cameras have nowadays explain it all.
you made me remember some books from my youth, saint-exupery and richard bach.
it would be great if playmofriend had sound - you could use the jonathan livingstone seagull soundtrack as a perfect partner to your pictures.
i have been trying to buy one of this planes (and also a sea plane) for a while, as a gift to my girlfriend's son.
after this thread i will just agree with the prices ebay sellers are asking.
thank you again, very much, richard.

 :)
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on November 02, 2006, 15:35:31


Thank you very much for your kind words of praise, Cachalote ...

You and Gordon may be correct ... This little bi-plane may actually be flying ... ;)

I did NOT use a very high shutter speed on this photo and you can see that the propeller is spinning!

All the best,
Richard



Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Jimbo on November 05, 2006, 01:55:47
Hi all,

I just got a call from Direct Service.. They are out of bi-planes :(

Oh well, there is always plywood and glue!

Best regards

Jimbo
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on November 05, 2006, 02:40:51
I just got a call from Direct Service.. They are out of bi-planes :(

Sorry, Jim ...  :(

I should have reviewed this little bi-plane a long time ago ...  :-[

But, how about Playmobil's spare parts department?

All the part numbers can be seen on the instructions at the beginning of this topic ...  :yup:

All the best,
Richard

Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on November 05, 2006, 15:58:02

Does the little bi-plane actually fly?

Obviously, I am not the only one who has flown Playmobil's bi-plane. As you can see from this image, David Hamer (aka David, Guaranzino, warrensde, etc.) seems to have also been able to make it fly:

(http://gardenwargaming.com/armies/victorian/images/svonStunk.jpg) (http://gardenwargaming.com/armies/victorian/vonStunk.html)
(click on image above for larger photo)


Has anyone else seen pictures of the Playmobil bi-plane flying?


Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Jimbo on November 05, 2006, 20:56:51
Hi Richard and all...

I knew about the bi-plane eons ago, but was building  "Playmo-planes" from scratch then and  had not realised what a cool custom that would have been..

I may enquire about the parts though, thanks to Richards great pictures of the plans and part  numbers.

Am still enjoying the aerial pictures, and the great inspiration :yup:

A Playmo  Tally Ho! to all.

Jimbo
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on November 09, 2006, 12:55:10

Hello, Jimbo ...

Have you ordered your parts yet?... ;)

I am really looking forward to seeing your Playmobil tri-plane! ... :)

All the best,
Richard


Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Jettix2 on November 09, 2006, 12:57:52
Richard,

Thanks much for the excellent review!

Ben
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on November 09, 2006, 13:29:02
Richard,

Thanks much for the excellent review!

Ben

Thanks for the kind compliment, Ben ...

As you could probably tell, I really enjoyed reviewing the little bi-plane ... :)

All the best,
Richard


Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Jettix2 on November 09, 2006, 14:43:18
Yes, it was a fantastic item, alas no longer available from PM USA, they sold out in mid September IIRC....

Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Jimbo on November 13, 2006, 18:11:25
Hi Richard.

Just got off the phone with DS.  They had all the parts to build the Biplane, (so they say :yup:)  I ordered all the pieces.  They didn't have any extra wings so I'll have to scratch build that.  So I may be off and running ( or flying ;D)

Thanks again for the info and part numbers.

Best regards,

Jimbo
Title: here is the secret!
Post by: Playmoliver on November 16, 2006, 10:26:15
sorry richard, but i have to lay down the truth here...

backround: i was the one who carried about 50 or more bi-planes in a nearly empty suitcase all the way from germany via frankfurt airport directly to huston - and i was the one who had to always open up this case, because all the security-police-guys were so very much interrested in WHAT IT IS that looks so funny on their x-ray-screens... and i was the one who had to explain that i do have a invitation for a wedding and this will be the table-decoration... and i was the one who got strange looking faces from all the people standing around looking at me and the case and it's content and waving their heads from left to right and back again...

so the fact is clear: richard does have many many planes, and so i am shure he just simply takes one of those many planes and throws it out of the window and then takes the photo quickly with his digicam... that's it!  :yup:
he does not care about having 10 more or less planes in his collection, because he knows: all he needs is to just ask me to bring him 50 more an i will do it...

 :hmm:

so any more questions?
 ;)
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Jettix2 on November 16, 2006, 13:46:54
 Ha ha h aha...
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on November 19, 2006, 01:20:14

Despite Playmoliver's exciting story, I can assure everyone that only ONE bi-plane was used for the "flying" photos! And, it is the SAME bi-plane in EVERY photo! ...  :P

So, regardless of Playmoliver's suggestion, Tim's "Chuck-o-Vision" theory is NOT how the photos were made ... :)

So far, Cap'n Henry seems to be the only member here at PF who may actually know how I made the little bi-plane "fly" pver the beach at Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

I am currently on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. So, everyone may soon see the little Playmobil bi-plane "flying" over the Caribbean ... :)

All the best,
Richard




Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on November 23, 2006, 03:20:15
I am currently on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. So, everyone may soon see the little Playmobil bi-plane "flying" over the Caribbean ... :)

And, here it is !!!

The little Playmobil bi-plane is towing the Playmofriends banner over the island of St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands.

In the background are cruise ships moored at the Havensight docks.

Just above the Playmofriends' banner is the Frenchman's Reef Marriott Hotel.

To the right is Hassel Island which is part of the Virgin Islands National Park.

The green and white bi-plane may soon be a familiar sight in the skies over St. Thomas ... ;)

All the best,
Richard
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Jimbo on November 24, 2006, 02:37:46
Hi Richard and all...Just recieved most of the parts for my Playmobil biplane.

Also..real great pictures of your plane flying over St. Thomas.

Best Regards

Jimbo
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on November 24, 2006, 17:11:29

..real great pictures of your plane flying over St. Thomas.

Thanks, Jimbo!

...Just received most of the parts for my Playmobil biplane.

Most? What didn't they send you, Jim?

I'm sure that I speak for a lot of us here when I say that we're really looking forward to seeing your aeroplane creation ... :)

All the best,
Richard


Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Customizer on November 24, 2006, 18:29:51
Hi Playmofriends,

excuse if i look inside this thread so late.

Great review Richard and very great pictures !

Good idea with the Playmofriends Logo , hope i can find the time to make a friendship pic, too !  :-\

gentle greets

Andi
Title: Re: 7726 BI-PLANE from DS
Post by: Richard on November 25, 2006, 13:50:21
... excuse if i look inside this thread so late.

Never too late, Andi ... ;)


Great review Richard and very great pictures !

Thank you for your very nice compliment, Andi ...  :-[


Good idea with the Playmofriends Logo , hope i can find the time to make a friendship pic, too !  :-\

I'm sure that you will think of something really fantastic, Andi!

All the best,
Richard