PlaymoFriends
General => Report & Review => Topic started by: Richard on October 02, 2009, 15:12:35
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Review of 5859, the new seaplane from Toys R Us.
This wonderful seaplane was a gift from our younger daughter because she said that I was a brave little soldier. (But, more on that, later. And, in another topic.)
5859 is basically the same "flying boat" as 4445.
The biggest change is that 5859 is the civilian version of the police version (4445).
There are some challenges with construction, but let's start first with the box.
I used the camera on my iPhone which is only 2 megapixels. And, the photos were taken in subdued light without a flash.
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This box front that you "IPhoned" looks almost identical to the 4445 you mentioned
(http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/5183/4445.jpg) (http://img246.imageshack.us/i/4445.jpg/)
The only thing I do not understand is the 35% difference in price. The 4445 is $10 more ($39.99) or the 5859 is $10 less ($29.99) ??? There is only minor accessory changes .
PS: All these apple references lately , did you get a new sales job :lol:
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Man!....Another "want" to add to my list :P!
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Since there are a few construction issues, let's look at the plans next.
First three pages (six pages in all).
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The last three pages ...
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On page 1, it clearly shows that the instrument panel sticker should be affixed before any construction takes place. What they fail to show is that the suitcase would be a bit easier to install at the same time rather than waiting until page 3.
Putting this seaplane together is a parent - child project. The instrument panel sticker is very difficult to line up properly. (I gently placed a very small portion of the sticky side onto the blade of an X-acto knife and guided it into place.)
The tail section is also a bit of a challenge (page 2). The horizontal stabilizer does not fit easily onto the top of the vertical stabilizer. It takes a bit of finger strength and a prayer that the whole thing doesn't break as it snaps into place.
The wing seems to be fairly easy to attach. It also comes off easily. Rather than following the instructions on pages 3 and 4, it might be better to attach the propeller nacelles (with propellers) along with the pontoons before attaching the wing to the fuselage.
As Ras has said, this seaplane is $10.00 cheaper than the Police 4445 seaplane. That's a very good reason for buying it. Especially if you have any intention of converting it to a Coast Guard or Navy flying boat.
If the weather holds, I may take it up for a flight this weekend. Watch this space ... ;)
BTW ... Andi did a very nice review of the Police seaplane (4455). Click HERE (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=2128.0)!
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The weather was beautiful this morning!
So, I took this great little flying boat up for a test flight. She really handed well over the water.
Depending on the weather, I may take her up again this evening.
see attachment
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She certainly looks great, Richard.
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that is yet again another beautiful picture of your planes in action
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Thank you, Gordon and Ras ...
It's usually pretty easy to take nice photos over the beach here in Fort Lauderdale.
This one was taken with my 2 megapixel iPhone.
Thanks again and all the best,
Richard
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Thank you, Gordon and Ras ...
It's usually pretty easy to take nice photos over the beach here in Fort Lauderdale.
This one was taken with my 2 megapixel iPhone.
Thanks again and all the best,
Richard
That would the the APPLE iPhone, right Richard? Just want to be sure.
Nice pic btw, I always worry about the landing but I'm sure your an expert pilot.
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That would the the APPLE iPhone, right Richard? Just want to be sure.
Nice pic btw, I always worry about the landing but I'm sure your an expert pilot.
That would be correct, Martin. It is indeed an APPLE iPhone ... ;)
I am a fairly competent pilot, but I learned on amphibians. Amphibians have retractable landing gear so that they can land either on the water or on a runway. This little seaplane is strictly a flying boat. The only choice with this seaplane is to land on the water.
Maybe I should take a few photos of some ocean takeoffs and landings. Today the ocean is very calm. If it stays that way, I'll try to get some photos up later in the week.
Thanks for your comments, Martin, and all the best,
Richard
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That would be correct, Martin. It is indeed an APPLE iPhone ... ;)
I am a fairly competent pilot, but I learned on amphibians. Amphibians have retractable landing gear so that they can land either on the water or on a runway. This little seaplane is strictly a flying boat. The only choice with this seaplane is to land on the water.
Maybe I should take a few photos of some ocean takeoffs and landings. Today the ocean is very calm. If it stays that way, I'll try to get some photos up later in the week.
Thanks for your comments, Martin, and all the best,
Richard
I always remembered tghe difference as the flying boat has its hull IN the water, like a boat, and the seaplane lands ON the water, just as a plane lands on land.
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Looks like a great addition to the ocean explorer theme. To bad is does not seem to be for sale over here in europe (yet).
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Thanks Richard, for the great review and the beautiful picture of it
flying over the water :yup:
Can't wait to see some take offs, and landings.
Best regards,
Jimbo
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Thanks Richard, for the great review and the beautiful picture of it
flying over the water :yup:
Can't wait to see some take offs, and landings.
Best regards,
Jimbo
Thanks for those kind words, Jimbo ...
My "flying" has been temporarily been put on hold, as I'm currently recuperating from some prostate surgery. I may have to wait until I return to the Virgin Islands before I can "fly" again.
Thanks again and all the best,
Richard
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Sorry to hear about the surgery Richard, hope you're soon fit and well and ready to fly again -I can see that this little seaplane is the "Apple of your i !" ;D
Best wishes, Elaine
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Thank you for your good wishes, Elaine ... :)
I'm actually recuperating rather nicely. So, I'm hoping that I'll be "flying" again very soon.
Elaine, you might wonder why I'm so attached to this little Playmobil seaplane. It's because it reminds me of the Coast Guard seaplane that I flew many years ago.
Thanks again and all the best,
Richard
click on image for larger picture
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I just realized that I had another photo of the 5859 Seaplane "flying" over the beach at Fort Lauderdale that I hadn't posted.
So here it is. The 5859 Flying Boat taking flight over the Atlantic Ocean.
All the best,
Richard
click on image for larger picture
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Very comprehensive review, Richard. Thanks for sharing it with us. 8-)
The photos have come out well. The cameras they have on some cellphones these days get better results in low light than my Hitachi digital camera. Hmm... maybe I need to upgrade.
My "flying" has been temporarily been put on hold, as I'm currently recuperating from some prostate surgery.
I had no idea you were unwell. Hope the recovery is fast and that you're feeling fighting fit very soon!
The plane was a very thoughtful gift from your daughter. She seems to know exactly how to cheer you up. :)
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The plane was a very thoughtful gift from your daughter. She seems to know exactly how to cheer you up. :)
Our daughter Jennifer knows that Playmobil always brings a smile to her dad ... :klickygrin:
Sylvia, thanks for your nice comments and your good wishes! Both are much appreciated. And, yes ... I'm sure that I'll be "fit as a fiddle" very soon ... ;)
All the best,
Richard
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Hi Richard,
great review, thx for the pictures !
Nice flying plane ?! ;D
world greets
Andi
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It's a actually a great "flying" seaplane, Andi ... :)
And, I'm really looking forward to "flying" it again as soon as I get back to the Virgin Islands.
Thanks for your very nice comments!
All the best my friend,
Richard