PlaymoFriends

General => Report & Review => Topic started by: Richard on September 05, 2008, 21:37:30

Title: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Richard on September 05, 2008, 21:37:30


4774 Barbarian "Take-Along" Fort

This was a set that I almost didn't buy!

At $12.99 USD it's not exactly a great bargain.

You only get two Klickys with some accessories and a child's take along toy.

I was looking at all the Playmobil sets on the shelves in the Target store. I don't know why, but for some reason, I just kept going back to this set. And, I'm glad I did.

This set was first mentioned in a topic posted by Gepetto. click HERE (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=2545.0).

And, Heather has already done a complete inventory. Click HERE (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showinv.pl?setnum=4774).

This is pure Playmobil quality! It's made in the Czech Republic, but it looks like it came from Dietenhofen. The little fort is skillfully crafted and the door is almost worth the price of the entire set. The door is absolutely beautiful!

I can almost visualize this "fort" guarding a snowy mountain pass. Or, as part of a larger fortress ... perhaps as the watchtower or guardhouse.

This is a set that captures the imagination. It has great play value and can fit into many different scenarios.

If you like early medieval history or heroic fantasy, this is a set that you might want to give a second look. I'm very happy that I didn't pass it by.

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Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Richard on September 05, 2008, 21:39:07


It looks like with some patience, and a bit of skil, the back could be disassembled.

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Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Richard on September 05, 2008, 21:39:46


Continued ...

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Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: playmofire on September 05, 2008, 21:52:39





This is pure Playmobil quality! It's made in the Czech Republic, but it looks like it came from Dietenhofen.





It did indeed almost certainly come from Dietenhofen, Richard. The Czech plant is basically an assembly/packaging plant for labour intensive items, e.g. the take away cases and Advent calendars, although there are plans for it to produce items in the future.
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Richard on September 05, 2008, 23:05:14



It did indeed almost certainly come from Dietenhofen, Richard. The Czech plant is basically an assembly/packaging plant for labour intensive items, e.g. the take away cases and Advent calendars, although there are plans for it to produce items in the future.




Thanks for the info, Gordon!

Oftentimes, they will put "Assembled in ..." when the product is made elsewhere. However, the box says, "Made in Czech Republic" ... So, maybe they're anticipating their "future production" in the Czech Republic.

Regardless, it's a very well made set. Let's hope that when the Czech Republic actually does begin production, that this is the quality that we'll see.

Thanks again and all the best,
Richard


 
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Richard on September 05, 2008, 23:22:22


MORE ...

There are a few more items "stuffed" into the tiny fort. One is a barbarian version of the Roman Scorpion. Probably not very historically accurate, but if you have some Playmobil rubber bands (elastics), you can actually make it shoot the projectiles. Click HERE (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=1093.0)!

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Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: playmofire on September 06, 2008, 00:59:49
Although it's not my theme, that looks a nice set, worth it for the Playmobilness alone in many ways.  (Although I don't collect the pirate theme, I have the 3863 pirate captain solely for that reason - the detail, the quality and the unusual choice of items for what is, after all, a toy).  So thank you, Richard, for the review (and apologies for the earlier "interruption").  I wonder who will be first either to (a) disassemble it or (b) incorporate it in a larger custom or (c) do both?

PS: this "made in" business is a funny thing.  Apparently, it is possible to credit production to the country where "work" was last done on a product.  I heard on the radio this morning that you could, for example, import dead chickens from China, wash them in a saline solution and pack them in a plastic bag and market them as "produce of Great Britain"!  In the case of the Czech plant, it looks as if parts produced in Malta and maybe also Dietenhofen are shipped to the Czech factory where they are then brought together into the finished sets and marked as made in Czech Republic.

Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Rasputin on September 06, 2008, 01:05:14
It is really quite easy to take apart .
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Rasputin on September 06, 2008, 01:06:59
If you go look at my 4475 review i took it apart in a few seconds but i do not know if i liked the result on that set . I think removing the sticker would be a better solution .
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Rasputin on September 06, 2008, 01:09:38
I think i also figured out how you got 2500 posts  :P

PS: thanks for a review of the set . I have been passing this one up a lot lately. I guess the figures were not that interesting to me but now that i see your point i may get it just for displays with the older fort walls .
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Gepetto on September 06, 2008, 01:23:56
Yes, thank you Richard for the review. I have been passing this up in favor of more 4444 sets but I could see using this as a gate to a rock fortress.

My local Target stores have reconfigured their toy departments for Christmas and the space allocated to Playmobil has been severely cut, the persons in charge of the departments said they will be carrying less Playmobil than in the past so I think I need to get while the getting is good or at least okay.




Gepetto
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: CountBogro on September 06, 2008, 09:37:52
Thanks for the review, Richard.

Even though I am still not much interested in this particular tower; I am much inclined to buy the green knights tower that should be released as well.
Thanks to your review of this set.


mmm... perhaps I shouldn't thank you then  :-\ :lol: :love:

Bogro
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Richard on September 06, 2008, 16:35:11



It is really quite easy to take apart .



How easy is it, Ras?



If you go look at my 4475 review i took it apart in a few seconds ...



Ras, would you please show us in detail (I'm a bit dim at times) exactly how you took it apart?



I think i also figured out how you got 2500 posts
  :P



Hmmm ...  :hmm:



PS: thanks for a review of the set . I have been passing this one up a lot lately. I guess the figures were not that interesting to me but now that i see your point i may get it just for displays with the older fort walls .



You're very welcome, Ras.

IMO, this is one of those few sets that actually look better "out of the box" ...  :klickygrin:

All the best,
Richard

Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Richard on September 06, 2008, 16:39:47



Yes, thank you Richard for the review. I have been passing this up in favor of more 4444 sets but I could see using this as a gate to a rock fortress.



You're welcome, Gepetto.



My local Target stores have reconfigured their toy departments for Christmas and the space allocated to Playmobil has been severely cut, the persons in charge of the departments said they will be carrying less Playmobil than in the past so I think I need to get while the getting is good or at least okay.




That's disturbing news, Gepetto ...  :sadklicky:

Let's hope that this is an isolated situation with only one (or two) Target stores.

All the best,
Richard


Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Richard on September 06, 2008, 16:42:59



Thanks for the review, Richard.

Even though I am still not much interested in this particular tower; I am much inclined to buy the green knights tower that should be released as well.
Thanks to your review of this set.


mmm... perhaps I shouldn't thank you then 
:-\ :lol: :love:



No problem, Bogro ... Here's your "thanks" back ...   :*)   ...  ;D

All the best,
Richard

Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Rasputin on September 06, 2008, 18:41:24


How easy is it, Ras?



Ras, would you please show us in detail (I'm a bit dim at times) exactly how you took it apart?



Hmmm ...  :hmm:






Here you go http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=2555.msg28901#msg28901
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Gustavo on September 07, 2008, 01:47:19


Hm ... I like the door. Only, I have a lot of things to buy before. But it's a nice set.
I'll get one, if I can ...

Thx 4 sharing, Rich! :)

Gus
:blackhair:
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Indianna on September 07, 2008, 01:58:55
. . . . My local Target stores have reconfigured their toy departments for Christmas and the space allocated to Playmobil has been severely cut, the persons in charge of the departments said they will be carrying less Playmobil than in the past so I think I need to get while the getting is good or at least okay. . .


. . . . That's disturbing news, Gepetto ...  :sadklicky:

Let's hope that this is an isolated situation with only one (or two) Target stores. . . .

Unfortunately, Gepetto's observation holds true for Target stores in the Boston area, too.  In previous years, Playmobil shared one side of an aisle with Lego.  Now Lego fills that space completely and Playmobil has been moved to an area for younger kids' toys where it occupies less shelf space than before.   :'(


On the other hand, Toysrus has more Playmo on the shelves than they have had for a few years.   ???

- Anne
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Richard on September 07, 2008, 02:19:11



Unfortunately, Gepetto's observation holds true for Target stores in the Boston area, too.  In previous years, Playmobil shared one side of an aisle with Lego.  Now Lego fills that space completely and Playmobil has been moved to an area for younger kids' toys where it occupies less shelf space than before.   :'(



Hmmm ...  ^-^  That's exactly what I've also noticed here at the Target stores in Fort Lauderdale, Anne ...  :sadklicky:



On the other hand, Toysrus has more Playmo on the shelves than they have had for a few years.   ???



I'll have to check out TRU on Monday.

How is everything in the Boston area with Tropical Storm Hannah? Hopefully, you're not having any problems where you are, Anne.

All the best and stay dry,
Richard



Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Justindo on September 07, 2008, 07:52:31
Unfortunately, Gepetto's observation holds true for Target stores in the Boston area, too.  In previous years, Playmobil shared one side of an aisle with Lego.  Now Lego fills that space completely and Playmobil has been moved to an area for younger kids' toys where it occupies less shelf space than before.   :'(


On the other hand, Toysrus has more Playmo on the shelves than they have had for a few years.   ???

- Anne


That's exactly what has happened at my local Target.
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Justindo on September 07, 2008, 08:18:24
PS: this "made in" business is a funny thing.  Apparently, it is possible to credit production to the country where "work" was last done on a product.  I heard on the radio this morning that you could, for example, import dead chickens from China, wash them in a saline solution and pack them in a plastic bag and market them as "produce of Great Britain"!  In the case of the Czech plant, it looks as if parts produced in Malta and maybe also Dietenhofen are shipped to the Czech factory where they are then brought together into the finished sets and marked as made in Czech Republic.

This is exactly right and very frightening.  My wife is reading this book called Deluxe:  How Luxury Lost its Luster and it's about how many of the expensive designer clothes, handbags and shoes,  all costing hundreds and in many cases thousands of dollars, are actually mass produced in factories in China and then shipped to Italy or England where they sew a label on it and package it so they can legally put "Made in Italy" or "Made in England" on it.  In certain cases your $5,000 handbag is made right alongside one that will sell for $50, although different materials are used.  The same is true for the Swiss watch industry whose policies have recently been criticized by some of the true Swiss watch manufacturers.  Because of the ridiculous loopholes Switzerland's watch policy, nearly all the parts in a watch can be made in China and the watch can also be fully assembled in China yet still say "Swiss Made" or "Made in Switzerland".  Basically, unless your "Swiss" watch costs thousands of dollars and is from one of a handful of true Swiss manufacturers, it's probably far more Chinese than Swiss.
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Timotheos on September 07, 2008, 16:21:06
Thanks Richard for the review.  I hadn't planned to buy that set, but think I will give it a shot now.

This is exactly right and very frightening. 

Hi Justin, it's only frightening if you buy $5,000 handbags!

My favorite is the "imported" Guinness I (less frequently) buy at the grocer.  The brewing and packaging is done completely in Canada--and I bet Guinness picked Canada so its beer wouldn't fall under the domestic category on American grocery shelves!  Imported beer, fresh from the Emerald Islands!

On the serious side, I think you guys over-play fears of China.  The main problem is--for quality similar to Europe, which China can produce, manufactures don't want to pay the cost--afterall, it would cost similar to Europe.  So the problem is that the manufacturers are trying to skim the top. 

Yet, on the other hand, I have to admit--we've bought toys for my daughter in China and nearly all of the toys have been dangerous crap.  The quality toys come from Europe, Japan, Korea, and the USA.  But, ironicly, may have been manufactured in China.

China can produce to spec--the problem is that the companies are going cheap to capitalize on the China investment. 

What I'm saying--

Blame the toy company that settled for less.  Don't associate China with inherent incompetence.

-Tim


Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Indianna on September 07, 2008, 16:57:25

China can produce to spec--the problem is that the companies are going cheap to capitalize on the China investment. 

What I'm saying--

Blame the toy company that settled for less.  Don't associate China with inherent incompetence.

Tim, you are so right - well said!


. . . How is everything in the Boston area with Tropical Storm Hannah? Hopefully, you're not having any problems where you are, Anne.

All the best and stay dry,
Richard


We just had a bit of rain - not even as wet or as windy as a few of the nor'easters we have had recently.  We have had little in the way of hurricane/trop storm activity for a few years now and are probably overdue for a real soaking.  Thanks for asking, Richard!   :)  I hope the weather has not been too too bad down your way of late.   :wave:

- Anne
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Justindo on September 07, 2008, 17:10:16
Hi Justin, it's only frightening if you buy $5,000 handbags!

:lol:  Tell that to my wife!

I agree that China is capable of producing a great quality range of goods and some of their products are getting better and better all the time.  In time they very well could be the new Japan.  That said, the history and principles of a company, especially one which produces high end products, mean a lot to me.  I respect companies who value their employees and their heritage above their bottom line, even though this recipe may indeed spell disaster for a company in today's age where the vast, vast majority of consumers care only about the status of a brand rather than its actual quality and principles.  Because of greedy company executives and board members and undiscriminating, sheep-like consumers there are many great brands that have either ceased to exist or are simply a shadow of their past selves.  I don't want to see this happen to Playmobil.
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Gepetto on September 07, 2008, 17:21:06
I see this happening with sporting goods brands like Winchester and Remington whose product line now includes tents and ice chests which have nothing to do with their original products but  the brand recognition. Along the same line I recently read an interview with a manufacturer's rep from China who said they love doing business with western businesses because they are so naive in the way they spec products. A company had ordered 10,000 boxes of nails and supplied the diameter, length and coating and a price was struck. When delivery was made it turned out they had not said they wanted heads on their nails! They are now trying to unload 10,000 boxes of headless nails (sorry for the digression).



Gepetto   
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Justindo on September 07, 2008, 17:43:42
I see this happening with sporting goods brands like Winchester and Remington whose product line now includes tents and ice chests which have nothing to do with their original products but  the brand recognition. Along the same line I recently read an interview with a manufacturer's rep from China who said they love doing business with western businesses because they are so naive in the way they spec products. A company had ordered 10,000 boxes of nails and supplied the diameter, length and coating and a price was struck. When delivery was made it turned out they had not said they wanted heads on their nails! They are now trying to unload 10,000 boxes of headless nails (sorry for the digression).



Gepetto   

You're absolutely right, Gepetto!  It's truly sad to see a formerly great company like Winchester put their name on a bunch of unrelated junk from China while their New Haven plant, which produced quality rifles and shotguns for almost 150 years, is closed down and its skilled workers put out of a job because Winchester's arms were too good and too expensive to make for what the average American shooter and/or hunter, now used to cheap, poor quality firearms from other countries or lesser quality American brands, was willing to pay.  The same thing happened to Colt, another American icon.  I also think that, if not for their relatively high-profit polymer pistols, which are nothing to write home about in the quality department, Smith and Wesson would also be in the same boat.  I just wonder how long that line will be able to float the revolver line, which costs much, much more to produce and where the margins are much, much thinner.  Will Playmobil, in time, go the same way as Winchester and Colt?
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Gustavo on September 07, 2008, 17:54:34
Once we're waaay off-topic here ...

It happens with European soccer as well ... Say ... 30% (?) of it isn't "made in Europe", and I dare say, 15 to 20% (?) of is South American and, I dare farther, 10% (?) Brasilian.

For this I don't blame my com- "patriots" ( !? :hmm: ) ... Europe does give them the money (& much more) that Brasil doesn't give them. Unfortunately.

I decided to live in Brasil, and not to run away trying "easier" (or "richer", inclusively culturally) life abroad, as is a dream to many (possibly most) "middle class" Brasilian, because I wish to help building a country which has many needs, and I have myself a background that gave me at least a bit of understanding of the difference. (Having lived in Portugal for almost three years, in youth was QUITE an experience ...)

Anyway, coming back to European soccer, not to talk about the percentage of African players (...).

 8}

Gus
:blackhair:
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Richard on September 07, 2008, 18:08:08



No apologies necessary, Gordon.

I had actually forgotten to include the Scorpion (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=1093.0) with the original article ...  :-[



So thank you, Richard, for the review (and apologies for the earlier "interruption").  I wonder who will be first either to (a) disassemble it or (b) incorporate it in a larger custom or (c) do both?



And, Rasputin had already disassembled a couple of the new Take-Alongs and was kind enough to show us how he did it. Click HERE (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=2555.msg28901#msg28901) to see Rasputin's excellent instructions..

The 4774 Take-Along Medieval Watchtower/Guardhouse was as easy to disassemble as Rasputin said. It also combines rather nicely with the new 5841 Roman Fort. Click HERE (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=2559.msg28932#msg28932).

All the best,
Richard




Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Rasputin on September 07, 2008, 19:14:55
Isn't the reason the Malta plant is around was do to the fact that Playmobil needed a cheeper manufacturing site ? What is the reason for the Czech and other plants ( is it cheeper also )? If that is true this is just the next step in a old philosophy . When China labor get realistic wages i would imagine Playmobil and others will be looking elsewhere for production . It just globalization . When it gets down to it i really do not have a problem with "Made in China" as long as the company holds them responsible to the high standards we expect. I have not seen this yet with any Playmobil produced in China . So until Playmobil quality control gets it act together in regards to China i do not want to support low quality Playmobil.
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: playmofire on September 07, 2008, 19:57:38
Isn't the reason the Malta plant is around was do to the fact that Playmobil needed a cheeper manufacturing site ? What is the reason for the Czech and other plants ( is it cheeper also )?

It is cheaper, but Playmobil doesn't just go where there are cheap labour costs - they also like to invest in up-to-date technology.  There is a new plant in Malta with the newest assembly equipment, for example.  The key is not so much low labour costs as low labour costs per unit of output, a stable political system, and the availability of a well-educated and flexible workforce.
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Martin Milner on September 08, 2008, 10:58:52
A lot of interesting views and ideas coming together in this thread.

Timotheos is of course absolutely right that China can, and does, produce high quality goods*, often at a fraction of the price of many other countries, when the specifications are right. Gepetto's headless nails example shows that often the fault is in the specification, not in the production quality. Assumptions may be made by Western companies, and the cultural differences do not allow for these. I am constantly trying to explain to people I work with that they should not make assumptions with new clients, but should have a written contract with all terms and procedures clearly stated.

The re-labelling and re-packaging of Chinese-manufactured goods suggests that there is still negative perception. Why should we care where something is made, as long as it performs its function to our required standards? Playmobil at least appear to be honest enough to maintain a "Made in China" label on these sets. As Tim says, the fault in these sets is not necessarily at the Chinese end, but may be in the specification, or in the quality control that surely should have spotted with chicken Dragon wings.

There is also the fear that Justindo refers to, that China is taking over so much  manufacturing that old established manufacturers round the world cannot compete financially and go under. People don't necessarily want high-end goods, nor do they want to pay high-end prices. In the me-Generation, epitomised by Margaret Thatcher's yuppies in the 80s, visible consumption was a goal to aim for. This is still the case, but the location has moved from London and New York to Dehli and possibly Beijing.

Gordon points out that Playmo are looking for a lower cost per unit figure, and this can be achieved either through lower labour costs, or through improved automation. Either way this reduces the wage bill, but also reduces the monetary flow into the pockets of Western consumers who are buying Playmobil in the first place.

The current trend is that consumers (generally, not necessarily those of us here) want a cheaper product, not only because they know it's possible, but because they don't actually have the same disposable income anymore.

Playmobil has traditionally been seen (by us) as a higher-end toy. We know it lasts virtually forever, we know it can be detailed and include many parts and accessories. Is there still room in the marketplace for a higher-end toy, or are Playmobil being forced downmarket by factors beyond their control?

*an example is the manufacture of violins. In the 70s and 80s many very shoddy violins were coming out of China, and these poisoned people's opinions until quite recently, but Chinese-made violins are now much improved, and usually a fraction of the cost or a European model. There is still a general bias against them, but opinions are changing, albeit slowly. If you're interested you can read more here: http://www.elidatrading.co.uk/thinkagain.htm
Title: Re: 4774 "TAKE-ALONG"
Post by: Richard on September 09, 2008, 00:02:33


Hello, Anne ...


On the other hand, Toysrus has more Playmo on the shelves than they have had for a few years.   ???



I just checked out our local TRU here in Fort Lauderdale ... WOW !!!

Thanks for the tip, Anne. They had an entire aisle just for Playmobil!

They had the Circus sets, the Roman arena, all the blister packs, all the take-alongs, etc.

It would be very bad if we lost Target. However, it's really great to see so many sets at Toys R Us!

Thanks again.

PS: I was happy to read that Tropical Storm Hannah didn't cause you any problems.

All the best,
Richard