PlaymoFriends
General => Report & Review => Topic started by: Raven on March 16, 2015, 09:47:05
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This is a lovely caravan, with wonderful features - and it is also the most difficult Playmobil item I have ever put together. It took me and Mr Raven almost three hours to assemble it. However, if someone had told me HOW to do certain things, I'm sure it would have been much quicker - so I've included in this review the problems I had and the solutions I eventually discovered.
I would suggest, though, that if you are buying this for a child, that you assemble it in advance, before presenting it to them. And expect to need some calm patience!
There's quite a lot I'd like to mention and show, so this review is in two parts. This first part shows the attractions of this caravan, and a couple of the difficulties I had with the assembly. Part Two, which will follow later, covers the stickers, problems with a tap, and a lighthearted look at a small towing problem.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC01_zpse7j2qdhb.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC01_zpse7j2qdhb.jpg.html)
There is a bit more to this set than shown above, eg two more chairs, more place settings, a set of tools. My first delight, though, was this child klicky:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC02_zps6ci9huyz.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC02_zps6ci9huyz.jpg.html)
She's lovely and looks to me like she has just arrived at the campsite, and with great anticipation asks, 'Where's the swimming pool?'
I guess I find that particularly amusing because although I've bought most of the camping set, I have NOT got the swimming pool. :)
The mother is nice too:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC03_zpsiiroaajn.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC03_zpsiiroaajn.jpg.html)
And I am really pleased with the brown teddy bear and the toy boat.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC04_zpsscvja5fn.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC04_zpsscvja5fn.jpg.html)
And even this caravan step, which can double up as a footstool or as a child's stool.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC05_zpsfayo5t9t.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC05_zpsfayo5t9t.jpg.html)
I was also pleased to have another tree stump.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC06_zpsq4syyovq.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC06_zpsq4syyovq.jpg.html)
It was a very tight fit to that hole in the baseplate, however, so I decided not to insert it there. It would have gone in with a bit of force, but it would have been so difficult to take it out again. And I didn't want it permanently fixed in that particular baseplate.
I like the plug socket to the electricity generator:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC07_zpsv08f6dap.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC07_zpsv08f6dap.jpg.html)
When I first attached the 'electricity cable' to plugs like these, I found it very difficult to attach it neatly - my knots hung out, along with the end of the string. Now I poke the knots and string back inside the plug using a toothpick, which looks much better!
You'll notice on that above picture that there is a drawer on the side of the caravan. There's one on the other side too, and they are lovely storage places.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC08_zps7foiqsy2.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC08_zps7foiqsy2.jpg.html)
There's also a storage place in the front of the caravan, and the calor gas bottle can be securely fixed there. But the door to this storage place caused my first difficulty. A big difficulty.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC09_zpsamo5ygej.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC09_zpsamo5ygej.jpg.html)
The instructions seem to imply that the door should be attached by pushing down vertically.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC10_zpsggnurabd.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC10_zpsggnurabd.jpg.html)
After thirty minutes of pushing down vertically, pushing in horizontally, sweating, cursing, and despairing, I was beginning to think that I'd never ever be able to attach this part.
The way I eventually did it was this:
1. I gave the caravan to a handy helper (Mr Raven) to hold, with the storage area facing upwards.
2. I snapped closed the top of the door.
3. Keeping the top of the door closed, I leant all my body weight onto the bottom (hinge part) of the door, while my handy helper held the caravan still.
And, at last, the door clicked into place!
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC11_zps9ie667a3.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC11_zps9ie667a3.jpg.html)
And the gas bottle fell out of position. And the gas bottle has a little hole in the side of the storage area for the cable to enter....
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC12_zpsrjlnqufm.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC12_zpsrjlnqufm.jpg.html)
.... And once the door is attached, there is very little room for adult hands to insert that cable once again. More struggles.
It needs to enter a round hole, and then move vertically down into a slit (very small rectangular opening). In the end, I was able to do it by holding the end of the cable over the hole with one hand, and then poking it through the hole and downwards with a toothpick held in my other hand.
And it may have been that after dealing with that storage area and the gas bottle, I was somewhat weakened, but then when I moved on to fix the ladder onto the back of the caravan, I had great difficulty in attaching that too.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC13_zpsldgns7hm.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC13_zpsldgns7hm.jpg.html)
Success was eventually found when my handy helper held the caravan for me again, and I used some brute force and body weight to snap it into position. Oh, and it kind of helps to make sure that it is lined up properly too!
Back to the attractions of this set, now. Here's the canopy extended.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC14_zpsrpruvk8v.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC14_zpsrpruvk8v.jpg.html)
And look at those lovely bunkbeds, and with storage drawers underneath too. :D
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC15_zpskw7mng6v.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC15_zpskw7mng6v.jpg.html)
There's also another storage cabinet:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC16_zps7vfgrx6c.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC16_zps7vfgrx6c.jpg.html)
And a lovely dining area, which converts into a double bed.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC17_zpswvpqvsqq.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC17_zpswvpqvsqq.jpg.html)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC18_zpsl8pq7z8l.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC18_zpsl8pq7z8l.jpg.html)
The table just pushes down, though (at least while it is this new) it does need a bit of force.
Part Two to follow later!
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It's a very nice caravan, thanks for reviewing it. I did not notice the funny monkey face when the kids built it. The only part I did not like was the price, mid $40's . In my opinion the whole camping series was a great idea. I think only the camp office was too small of a building.
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Thanks for the review.... I really like the interior - we haven't been buying those for a while now...
Do adults fit in those bunks?
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No, adults sleep in the big bed/table and seats conversion.
Here's the second part of the review:
There are several stickers to attach inside the caravan. The TV sticker can be lined up to the line on the wall.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC19_zpsyqnptrfi.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC19_zpsyqnptrfi.jpg.html)
The sink cupboard and dishwasher (?) sticker is a bit trickier - and then there is the lovely weather station/thermometer sticker: very small and with only the caravan windows to help you line it up.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC20_zpsi0c4irim.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC20_zpsi0c4irim.jpg.html)
One more sticker goes into the shower room/toilet. There's a nice sliding door to that room, incidentally:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC21_zpsv1dlp3gn.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC21_zpsv1dlp3gn.jpg.html)
It's a tiny room. Thankfully, the toilet roll is already in place, but you do need to attach the toilet seat, and that's a bit of a squeeze for adult hands. I was glad to find that once it is laid in position, it can be snapped in place with just one finger.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC22_zpscjxtpgte.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC22_zpscjxtpgte.jpg.html)
Oh, and I was disproportionately excited about the toilet's waste disposal:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC23_zpsbcznfv6v.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC23_zpsbcznfv6v.jpg.html)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC24_zpssp5705ar.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC24_zpssp5705ar.jpg.html)
That's a cool detail!
Back to the interior, though, there's a mirror sticker to fix into this small space here:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC25_zpsiiadsmaq.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC25_zpsiiadsmaq.jpg.html)
And notice the tap (faucet). This tap became another BIG difficulty. It needs to be placed vertically into its hole. But there is not enough space behind it or to the right of it for an adult-sized finger. I tried holding it in all sorts of positions, but I couldn't get it in. I really felt that I was at the point of needing to borrow a child with little fingers; either that or have a tap-free sink.
But I got it in eventually. I couldn't get it in with tweezers alone, but I did get it in by holding it in the vertical position with tweezers, and then pushing it down using the flat side of a bottle opener held in my other hand. A reconstruction:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC26_zps9fhnz39c.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC26_zps9fhnz39c.jpg.html)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC27_zps52xgvqtq.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC27_zps52xgvqtq.jpg.html)
With my caravan complete, I wanted Mother to tow it away.
Unfortunately, her skirt prevents her from sitting in the car.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC28_zpsc63jzq3c.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC28_zpsc63jzq3c.jpg.html)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC29_zpsbmumr7c6.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC29_zpsbmumr7c6.jpg.html)
Luckily, though, there was a handy passing motorcyclist who offered to drive the car.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC30_zps5cto6oee.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC30_zps5cto6oee.jpg.html)
You may notice, though, that the tow hitch isn't properly in position.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC31_zps7atssgdc.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC31_zps7atssgdc.jpg.html)
The car can still pull the caravan like this, but if you'd prefer to have it look right, then I discovered three possibilities.
1. Place a baby Brachiosaurus on the caravan roof.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC32_zpsgjqu5a10.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC32_zpsgjqu5a10.jpg.html)
2. Add some weight to the calor gas storage area. Some coins are ideal.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC33_zpshxyh4t8f.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC33_zpshxyh4t8f.jpg.html)
3. Or simply add a tiny piece of poster putty between the two towing parts.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC34_zpszr4zinwb.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC34_zpszr4zinwb.jpg.html)
And then everyone is ready to go on holiday. Hopefully, somewhere where there is a swimming pool.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/Raven461/FC35_zpss6xverpq.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/Raven461/media/FC35_zpss6xverpq.jpg.html)
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This is one of the best toy review I have ever seen with such fun & cute little touches :love: :love:
I love the baby Brachiosaurus :lol:
I will always be amazed at the amount of realistic little détails Playmobil adds to their toys such as the generator cord !
Thank you so much for your review !
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You managed to get some great pictures in a tiny, cramped space!
That's frustrating that there were some parts that were so hard to put together. (And I'm terrible with stickers, so great job getting them all looking so good! I *love* the temperature one!)
This set highlights one of the things I love about Playmobil, the attention to detail!
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Great review! The lady could always take her skirt off to drive :-[
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Great review! The lady could always take her skirt off to drive :-[
:lol:
Love this caravan! Thanks for the review!
Joe
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And I'm terrible with stickers, so great job getting them all looking so good!
I have some vision problems (which, incidentally, means that even taking photos is a hit-or-miss affair - for every OK photo, there are many ridiculous photos discarded), so no way can I ever affix any sticker. Mr Raven has to do them. Therefore, he is under orders to protect his health and longevity - otherwise I'll have to employ a sticker-fixer.
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Fantastic review, thanks again ;D
I love this caravan too, and I've conveniently forgotten the difficulties of putting it all together.
I always thought the kid was a boy, with his hair? He's my favourite in swimwear too :love:
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An excellent review, one of the best I've ever read, and very useful for future buyers of this item.
The detail of the caravan is Playmobil at its best with details such as the septic tank other toy makers just wouldn't think of. Maybe one day the toilet will be connected to it for extra realism!
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Such a fun review! I have this set and I absolutely love it. So many cute details.
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wow I love this set.
It's full of great details and items! :love:
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Great review interesting to see all the features it looks great with all its mod cons and storage very much making using of the space I like it a lot particularly the beds. Pity that it presents so many assembly problems though. I like the ideas for making it tow realistically the baby Dino idea is great :lol: I've got to admit I've just got the set with the family tent and it didn't occur to me to knot the power chord I just patiently pushed it back through the hole when it fell out it's quite good the way they've fitted it into the base plate and certainly with my power box you can choose to connect it up or store both plugs tidily away in the power box
Fantastic review, thanks again ;D
I love this caravan too, and I've conveniently forgotten the difficulties of putting it all together.
I always thought the kid was a boy, with his hair? He's my favourite in swimwear too :love:
Call me old fashioned perhaps it's partially being a Transman but, to me klickies with male hair are male and vice versa male kilckies with female hair, old fashioned male klickies with necklaces all look weird to me. Don't get me wrong it's a nice swimming costume but, I look at it and see a boy in girls swimming costume, the toys are good.
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Such a useful and fun review, Raven! Over eighty distinct parts to this set (I must get that inventory verified!) compared to 57 in this year's 6671 - Familien-Wohnmobil (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showinv.pl?setnum=6671&pics=on) - keep that in mind when considering pricing.
Call me old fashioned perhaps it's partially being a Transman but, to me klickies with male hair are male and vice versa male kilckies with female hair, old fashioned male klickies with necklaces all look weird to me. Don't get me wrong it's a nice swimming costume but, I look at it and see a boy in girls swimming costume, the toys are good.
According to Playmobil's numbering system he's a boy - see the "10" in "30 10 3090" - and so that's how I've categorized him. However, the suit looks girl-ish to me too = maybe full-body swimsuits are more common for both sexes in Europe? Of course, I'd be the last to argue with a child, or grownup toy-enjoyer, who asserts that a certain figure is one gender or the other. There are a few Knights in the recent collection that could certainly be either, despite their "30 00" numbers. The imagination must rule!
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Inventory done! Borrowed some of your pictures, Raven. 5434 - Caravan (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showinv.pl?setnum=5434&pics=on) Something to note is that the parts that were pre-assembled, such as in the bathroom, are not shown on the plans, therefore are not listed in my main inventory; but, in the Spare Parts list at the official site (http://www.playmobil.de/Familien-Caravan/5434.html?cgid=SP_Freizeit&showSpareParts=true), they're there, so I've included them in the 5434 text list (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/listinv.pl?setnum=5434), with no quantity. Also found out some numbers of plain versions of printed parts, so they're there too as subparts.
Whew. Off to do the tent set next!
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Loved LOVED your review!! ...the dino to help weigh down the camper... :P
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Such a useful and fun review, Raven! Over eighty distinct parts to this set (I must get that inventory verified!) compared to 57 in this year's 6671 - Familien-Wohnmobil (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showinv.pl?setnum=6671&pics=on) - keep that in mind when considering pricing.
According to Playmobil's numbering system he's a boy - see the "10" in "30 10 3090" - and so that's how I've categorized him. However, the suit looks girl-ish to me too = maybe full-body swimsuits are more common for both sexes in Europe? Of course, I'd be the last to argue with a child, or grownup toy-enjoyer, who asserts that a certain figure is one gender or the other. There are a few Knights in the recent collection that could certainly be either, despite their "30 00" numbers. The imagination must rule!
I think it is the full body swim suit which confuses matters if it was just speedos or a monkey tshirt and shorts it would be a much more clear cut case of oh that's a boy but, the combination of the boys hair and girls swimming costume 8}