PlaymoFriends
General => Report & Review => Topic started by: flatcat on June 04, 2010, 17:29:27
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Hello playmofriends,
Finally caught up with purchasing the last sets in the construction theme which I have been meaning to buy for ages.
Here goes my first proper review of a current Playmobil product, that as far as I am aware, is one of the few items from this current construction theme which hasn't yet been reviewed, along with the tarmac cutter and road sweeper who's reviews I will carry out in due course.
Anyway, I shall try and do my best - and to start off with, in true Playmofire fashion, some images of the box :)
Road roller set 4048
Front box image:
(http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7851/200910160001.jpg) (http://img10.imageshack.us/i/200910160001.jpg/)
Rear of the box, showing as usual, all the beautiful contents laid out:
(http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/6333/200910160002.jpg) (http://img46.imageshack.us/i/200910160002.jpg/)
Images on the side of the box showing the steering feature of the road roller, and also, how versatile the road system is:
(http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/2010/200910160003.jpg) (http://img10.imageshack.us/i/200910160003.jpg/)
A rather cool shot that I like very much:
(http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/8070/200910160004.jpg) (http://img686.imageshack.us/i/200910160004.jpg/)
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Opening the box!
My method of using a pallete knife for safe opening of the box when an iron isn't available quickly enough: ;D
(http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8464/200910160005.jpg) (http://img23.imageshack.us/i/200910160005.jpg/)
All of the contents laid out:
(http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/6181/200910160006.jpg) (http://img31.imageshack.us/i/200910160006.jpg/)
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The roadway:
In this set comes 2 sections of roadway, 2 short connectors, and 1 long connector. Each is a single lane with attached pavement. Upon opening, I found these sections to be rather flimsy, due to the road part being especially thin.
(http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/5751/200910160011.jpg) (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/200910160011.jpg/)
The sections use System X to connect to each other, with holes to attach the pavement to a system X building which I think Is a really good idea. there are also standard size holes for the insertion of sign posts, barriers, etc. Unfortunately, the pavements here, are diffirent to those existing System X pavements, say, fron the shops, due to them being of different colour, fixing etc:
(http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/1853/200910160013.jpg) (http://img202.imageshack.us/i/200910160013.jpg/)
On the underside, we can see that the road sections can be joined together by a yellow System X plug, and one of those small pins:
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/7756/200910160023.jpg) (http://img12.imageshack.us/i/200910160023.jpg/)
The road sections can then be joined in series:
(http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9004/200910160014.jpg) (http://img19.imageshack.us/i/200910160014.jpg/)
And also, using the white edgers as connectors, a two way road can be created:
(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3025/200910160015.jpg) (http://img171.imageshack.us/i/200910160015.jpg/)
But unfortunately, due to the road and pavement being one piece, dual carriageways and motorways etc can not be created unless you take the saw to it.
Aside from being flimsy, I found another annoying problem with the sections. At the pavement where the yellow System X connector and pin are, the section is held to gether tightly, but these are the only connectors, and as we come down into the centre of the road, a large gap becomes ever more present, and the white connector/edger I thought would solve this problem but it doesn't :-\
(http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4374/200910160024.jpg) (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/200910160024.jpg/)
(http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/3424/200910160025.jpg) (http://img717.imageshack.us/i/200910160025.jpg/)
But an advantage to the road and pavement sections being one piece, is that multiples can easily be ordered from DS, and together with the sections from sets 4047 and 4044, a really good highway can be created.
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Now for the roller:
Pressumably based on a vibrating tandem roller
I was really shocked to open up the box to find such a small roller! I know they are fairly small in real life but this one looks slightly rediculous!
Here is the constructed roller, with the sets 6 only stickers (chevrons) applied. The roller arrives mostly built, with just the stickers to stick, the roll bar and steering wheel which just clip on, and the sit which attaches via a pre-plugged red System X connector. As usual the instructions, on the back page, show how to built the vehicle from scratch, although I have never nedded this information, luckily :crossed:
(http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/9996/200910160018.jpg) (http://img696.imageshack.us/i/200910160018.jpg/)
(http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9325/200910160019.jpg) (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/200910160019.jpg/)
A close up of the steering which uses a ratchet type system underneath:
(http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/161/200910160020.jpg) (http://img704.imageshack.us/i/200910160020.jpg/)
I couldn't help comparing it to my Bruder 1:16 road roller, of similar design. Here it can be seen where Playmobil has made the biggest mistake of all - no lifting points at the end of the drums to enable a crane to lift the machine onto site. This is most dissapointing and overall what I am most unhappy about:
(http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7646/200910160022.jpg) (http://img268.imageshack.us/i/200910160022.jpg/)
But still, it is a great little machine, and one of only two road rollers ever made by playmobil. The other being the 3533 made between '81 and '86 (thanks Collectobil & PlaymoDB) which I have got as well, although this is of a heavier variety.
Here is an image of a real vibrating tandem roller in action, made by Bomag, one of the most popluar manufacturers of road rollers. It is evident of playmobil's scaling issues, and also highlights the lack of an amber beacon:
(http://www.freefoto.com/images/21/62/21_62_10---Bomag-BW120AD-3--compact-tandem-vibratory-roller_web.jpg)
So in all a much needed machine to the Playmobil construction fleet, but it is just a shame about it's size and lach of lifting points.
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Now for the klickies and accessories:
The set comes with two Klickies - The roller operator, and who I pressume, is a banksman. They both have reflective strips, pressumably to meet current health and saftey regs. The Banksman I particularly like, as we haven't yet seen a klicky in this cool outfit 8-)
(http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7430/200910160008.jpg) (http://img340.imageshack.us/i/200910160008.jpg/)
(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8306/200910160009.jpg) (http://img171.imageshack.us/i/200910160009.jpg/)
Accessories with the set are quite plentiful:
(http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/1514/200910160016.jpg) (http://img594.imageshack.us/i/200910160016.jpg/)
The signposts are a bit dissapointing due to the fact that they are not made from the soild plastic used for earlier ones, but a flexible rubbery plastic, which has already bent out of shape a bit from incerting them. Also, one post had the spurs from the moulding process still attached.
Now the white barriers are another new item for Playmobil. Whether they are meant to be the concrete ones or the plastic ones, I don't know, but they are very versatile. They can be connected together by using the yellow System X plugs, and, like the pavement parts, have the universal holes in them so anything from barriers, to sign poles, to the greenery can be inserted. Again, being one piece, multiples could be ordered from DS to give a really good effect, and with the small red barriers on top, they look really good.
(http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/293/200910160017.jpg) (http://img202.imageshack.us/i/200910160017.jpg/)
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So in conclusion, this is a great set and a must have for any construction collector, mostly because of all the new parts, despite the problems I have mentioned.
The set's RRP is around £19.99, which I think is a fair price, although I only paid £10 for mine 8-)
Thanks for looking
Damo :)
(http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9414/200910160026.jpg) (http://img72.imageshack.us/i/200910160026.jpg/)
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Great review Damo :)9 :)9!!! The connecting points on the roadway looked quite interesting...a combination of system x and steck one might say.... (oups here we go again!!! :lol: :lol:)
The comparison between the real thing and the playmobil roller is excellent!!! I really enjoyed your little details for once more!!! Thank you!!! Now i'll know what to look on a roller when i'll nedd to buy one!!!
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Great review Damo :)9 :)9!!! The connecting points on the roadway looked quite interesting...a combination of system x and steck one might say.... (oups here we go again!!! :lol: :lol:)
@wolf knight: But its the steck-side that doesn't close the gap properly, isn't it? :P
@flatcat: Thanks for this really very nice review! You found a perfect role model in playmofire. :)
I also own this set and I only wanted to add that playmobil is not really promoting these streets via DS, which is something that upsets me! Once again something halfhearted from Playmobil!
Here they release a neat set with a new road system. Its cool to have a playmo-road. But then it really gives only a small, useless piece of road even if you combine the whole series. It is prepared to extend them to a two-lane road, but what the hell do they think parents will do? Buy several dozens of the complete building sets? ???
I mean, I will. Probably. ::) But this is just because I am a crazy collector who will buy them at rebel prices and sell the overhead at eBay. But this cannot be their intention... I have no price for the road pieces, but I expect them to cost at least 3-4€ for a single segment including white connector. Thats far too much for a single street building segment!
Now, this set is available at german DS for 10€ (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showinv.pl?setnum=7514). But for building a street, I do not need 10 road rollers. For these 10€ I would have hoped for everything from 4048 - except the road roller!? :hmm:
best,
socrates
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Thanks, Panos and Socrates :wave:
You found a perfect role model in playmofire. :)
Yes, I have learnt a lot from Gordon's amazing reviews, and thought i'd do my own on a set in the area of my expertise ;)
But for building a street, I do not need 10 road rollers. For these 10€ I would have hoped for everything from 4048 - except the road roller!? :hmm:
If Bill set up a construction fleet I bet he would! ;D
It is a mystery why DS doesn't offer extra road sections as an add-on, as you are quite right, the few pieces you get if you buy each of the sets in the range is not too exciting :eh?:
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@wolf knight: But its the steck-side that doesn't close the gap properly, isn't it? :P
Hey that is true socrates!!! :lol: :lol:
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Thanks, Panos and Socrates :wave:
Yes, I have learnt a lot from Gordon's amazing reviews, and thought i'd do my own on a set in the area of my expertise ;)
Thank you Damo. :-[
If Bill set up a construction fleet I bet he would! ;D
:lol: You're really getting into the feel of things!
It is a mystery why DS doesn't offer extra road sections as an add-on, as you are quite right, the few pieces you get if you buy each of the sets in the range is not too exciting :eh?:
I agree. Lego do road packs, including junctions.
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Very nice review flatcat and your photography is excellent, nice crisp clear images.
Now for the klickies and accessories:
The set comes with two Klickies - The roller operator, and who I pressume, is a banksman. They both have reflective strips, pressumably to meet current health and saftey regs. The Banksman I particularly like, as we haven't yet seen a klicky in this cool outfit 8-)
(http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7430/200910160008.jpg) (http://img340.imageshack.us/i/200910160008.jpg/)
I see Bill Blackhurst has a new gig :lol:
Abbot Hamilton
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Very nice review flatcat and your photography is excellent, nice crisp clear images.
I see Bill Blackhurst has a new gig :lol:
Abbot Hamilton
You're right, Abbot! He will be four days on as a firefighter and then four days off when he can work with the construction crew. :D
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Thank you, Damo, for an excellent review. It's a set I have thought about buying but probably won't as it would only be a detail set used occasionally (although half price is tempting!).
The lack of the lifting holes is one example of Playmobil dropping it's standards in some areas. These are essential for using the machine in real life and in the past would have appeared, I'm sure, on a Playmobil version. Maybe the designers didn't research well enough and see how the roller was loaded onto a lorry (assuming it was driven on a low loader or small trailer with ramps) or ask what the holes were for.
The new klicky may well be added to a DS order, and the barriers certainly will be. The road way? Well, it has attractions but also too many limitations. I think I will try 6mm MDF painted and marked out with tape and cut in various lengths so I can make junctions and dual carriageways and motorways.
Thanks again for an informative and well presented review, and you obviously know your specialist theme.
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Thanks Abbot Hamilton and Gordon for such positive comments :wave:
And Gordon, I'm glad my review has ended up with some small purchases like your reviews do (I think I've bought everything after seeing your reviews apart from the ADAC truck and THW mega set which I am still despirately trying to get my hands on):)
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If Bill set up a construction fleet I bet he would! ;D
Aha! I'm absent for a little while due to moving, & look what happens :lol:! I'm going to take some pictures of my construction collection for you, Damo ;)! I have, I think, 5 or 6 3533 steam rollers, 5 x 3757 bulldozers, 5 X 3935 equipment haulers (one of my favorites :inlove:), 2 x 3934 front loaders, 2 x 3001 trenchers, 2 x 3141 dump trucks, 2 x 3265 dump trucks, 2 x 3263 cement mixers, 3 x 4046 snowplows, 1 x 3761 mobile crane, 2 x 3002 dumpers, 2 x 3279 small excavators, 2 x 7855 bobcats, 2 X 7425 bobcats, & multiple extension sets. I have to admit though, I'm falling behind on collecting the newest smaller construction sets, & need to catch up before they are discontinued :-[! The construction theme is my third favorite series, & I'm drowning in it :love:! Thank you for the excellent review of this set! It's just one more to add to my "to get list" :P!
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I see Bill Blackhurst has a new gig :lol:
Abbot Hamilton
Money's tight collecting all of this Playmobil, Abbott, you have to do what you have to do ;)! My avatars' got 2 or 3 jobs now to keep up 8}!
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Cool set Damo. :)
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Great review of the 4048 - Road Roller Damo!! Thanks for sharing these playmobils with us!
Baden :wave:
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Wonderful review Damo! :clap: Thanks for sharing with us. :wave:
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Thanks, Bill, WoT, Baden, and Gepetto! :wave:
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Thank you for an excellent review Damo.
Because the boys never bothered about the contructions sets I didn't pay much attention to them but these are great. :clap: :clap:
Elaine
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Thank you for an excellent review Damo.
Because the boys never bothered about the contructions sets I didn't pay much attention to them but these are great. :clap: :clap:
Elaine
Thanks, Elaine :wave:
Construction theme is one of my favourites :)
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Construction theme is one of my favourites :)
I see you mentioned having a pallet lifter at one time and you seem to have various cones and roadsigns about - is there a connection? ???
Elaine
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I see you mentioned having a pallet lifter at one time and you seem to have various cones and roadsigns about - is there a connection? ???
Elaine
No real connection, I am just a hoarder of anything :-[
We have numerous large sheds in which I hoard every possible thing you could image from garden tractors, computers, tools etc, although I have to force myself to have clearouts sometimes - to fund my Playmo buying! ;D
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No real connection, I am just a hoarder of anything :-[
Does that mean you just pick up the odd cone or roadsign lying about!! >:D ;D ;D ;D
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Great review Damo. I've never been big on the construction theme, but your reviews are slowly sucking me in, and it's only a matter of time before I buy something bright orange with reflective stripes.
The road piece seem to be the weakness in the whole theme, because you can never turn a corner, and as you've all said, hasn't been made available on its own as an add-on for those who wish to have longer roads.
The roller should also have a rool bar in front of the operator, and as you said, the lack of an orange light (asy to have put in) and lifting points are also negatives. Overall it's a nice little piece, but very specialised. My road workers (darn you) will probably be limited to hand held tools and crates of beer.
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Does that mean you just pick up the odd cone or roadsign lying about!! >:D ;D ;D ;D
Each one has it's own story from where it came from (most of them I got from my school's skip, and some left over from builders - Only two I found near our house :toot: (cleaning up the environment) :yup:
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Great review Damo. I've never been big on the construction theme, but your reviews are slowly sucking me in, and it's only a matter of time before I buy something bright orange with reflective stripes.
That's the spirit! ;D
Thanks, Martin :)
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I checked with german DS today:
30 45 8460 - Road edging, short (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showpart.pl?partnum=30-45-8460) : 0.35€
30 45 8470 - Road edging, long (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showpart.pl?partnum=30-45-8470) : 0.45€
30 80 3972 - Road baseplate for road-repair scene (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showpart.pl?partnum=30-80-3972) : 2.40€
I think these basic street elements have a fair price (4 road elements for about 10€) and I will probably get some for descent street scenarios.
Too bad there are no crossings or curves available... Well, maybe they will one day... ;)
(I guess its hard to design, esp. one- and two-lane curves... ::))
And just for completeness:
30 80 4022 - Baseplate for street scene (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showpart.pl?partnum=30-80-4022) : 5.65€
30 63 8602 - Barrier for roadwork (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showpart.pl?partnum=30-63-8602) : 1.65€ (!!!)
I was surprised to see the base plate from set 4047 - Road Construction (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showinv.pl?setnum=4047&pics=on) relatively cheap, but almost fell of my chair to see the barriers at 1.65€ a piece! :o
best,
socrates
The street element
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