Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise Die-Cast LE with Light Review

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(More customer reviews)After buying a Hot Wheels Enterprise refit model and discovering that it was misshapen (the saucer section was tilted to the left), I hopped onto Amazon to find an Enterprise model that actually had some quality standards. I was quickly directed to the Corgi die-cast U.S.S. Enterprise by user reviews.
This is a very high-quality model; the hull itself is all die-cast metal. The only plastic is located at the domes at the front and back of the nacelles, a few fins and projections on the nacelles, the deflector dish and the area immediately behind it, the top of the bridge, and the bottom of the saucer section. Nothing appears to be misaligned or misshapen. Although I wouldn't go dropping it on the floor or throwing it around, it appears to be very sturdy and no damage has occurred through regular handling since I received it.
In terms of staying true to the original design, there are a couple of minor issues. In the original Enterprise, the engineering section was essentially a cylinder that tapered off towards aft. In this model, the engineering section more closely resembles that of the refit Enterprise or the 1701-A, in that the cylinder is more streamlined and curves smaller towards the rear as opposed to being straight. Also, the clear plastic at the bridge takes the place of what would normally be a smaller dome. There may be more, but I haven't studied it or the original Enterprise closely enough to notice. None of these issues are really deal-breaking, and anything but the most hardcore of Trek fans shouldn't notice (even I had to research it a bit).
The stand is functional and relatively sturdy. The box the model comes in can be unfolded to display information about the Federation and the Enterprise, with a empty spot in the middle for the model to be placed. Pressing the button on the stand either shines the lights for about 6 seconds while it fades away, or fades the lights in and out every two seconds about 20 times. They're pretty pointless beyond the first couple of moments when you're still in awe of the model; it would make more sense to have the stand connect to an electrical outlet and allow the lights to be toggled on/off for permanent use.
Also keep in mind that this model is not painted, making it more of a collector's item and not a toy. If you're planning on getting something for a child, I suggest purchasing the Hot Wheels model I mentioned in the first paragraph: Hot Wheels Star Trek USS Enterprise NCC-1701. A child's not likely to notice the admittedly subtle manufacturing error, and the fact that it's made mostly of plastic means that it can likely be thrown or dropped without any damage.
This is finally a model worthy of the Enterprise name. It has a couple of minor flaws, but you'd be hard-pressed to find another product with as much sturdiness, detail and accuracy. If you're looking for a display model and not a toy, I urge you to pick this up right away.

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Corgi Warbirds is a collection of some of the finest and most famous World War II aircraft, all presented in detailed die-cast and featuring some of the most iconic names of war. Each aircraft comes in a specialty designed display box complete with a display stand. 6.9" wingspan.

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Star Trek: The Original Series: Bronze Phaser Review

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(More customer reviews)I just received my Star Trek 40th Anniversary Phaser yesterday, and I fell in love with it. It has features faithful to the TV show that are not described when you examine it online, which is why I'm writing this review.
When I was a child, Star Trek was one of my favorite TV shows. I loved the phasers they used (what kid wouldn't want their own ray gun?). There were two types of phasers they mainly used on the original series: a small, personal, palm-sized unit they called a Type I Phaser; and a larger, pistol-gripped Type II Phaser. What is not well known outside the fan base is that the Type II Phaser consisted of a pistol-gripped housing that a Type I Phaser would be inserted into. This helped to focus, refine, and aim the energy beam, and was extremely well thought-out for a show in the '60s. Looking at the picture, you can see the smaller Type I Phaser (the dark grey unit) resting in the teal body of the Type II housing.
This model is fully faithful to it. The smaller phaser can be released from the body and operates independently.The small Type I Phaser has a power setting wheel letting you choose several intensity settings. A small LED on the front of the unit flashes as a button underneath is pressed, and a sound effect is played (sounding very faithful to the show). As the intensity wheel is turned up several notches, the LED flashes more quickly and the sound effect increases in pitch. A second small wheel slightly raises and tilts a screened panel atop the unit which supposedly acts as a targetting sensor.
The main body of the pistol-gripped Type II unit does not operate independently. Like the TV show, it must have the smaller unit snapped into it. Once inserted, it becomes operational and gains a couple of additional features. Pressing the trigger button, the same sounds are released, and the front of the unit flashes red. A dial on the top of the unit just behind the Type I unit allows you to put the phaser into "overload mode". When the trigger is then pressed, the sound effect starts low building in intensity and pitch, and the front lights up and starts flashing building up in brightness and speed, until an explosion sound effect is generated. A dial on the left-hand side of the unit allows you to control whether or not the front of the unit lights up. Twisting the front of the unit (the silver part where the beam "emerges") controls the intensity of the light.
The unit is surprisingly well designed. The only drawbacks to it are minor and fully in-line with the price... it's made of plastic, and the flashing LED on the small unit could have been designed to be more prominent. The colors are also not like they appear on the picture, which is good because they're better than what is shown. The handgrip is slightly darker and more bronze-colored than the orangeish color that's pictured, and the body is a darker teal that borders on being grey. The colors are actually very faithful to the show.
I saw once that a company made a limited edition series of these units that were made out of metal and VERY realistic and faithful to the show. Those collectibles were also VERY expensive and limited editions. While I think it should be priced about $5 less than what it is, it is designed very well and is beautifully faithful to the show by having all of the features I described. That design set is why I gave the unit five stars. Had it been priced higher, I'd have given it less of a rating, but the full feature set of the toy and dedication to the TV show earns it five stars in my book.
I couldn't have one as a kid, but as an adult, I finally own my own Star Trek phaser.

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In celebration of Star Trek's 40th Anniversary, DST and Art Asylum bring you this limited-edition Phaser! Featuring a bronze handle and special commemorative packaging, it's a great addition to any Star Trek collection. It even features sounds taken directly from the hit series. Requires 3 "1.5 V" batteries, included. Measures approximately 8" x 8" x 2".

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Star Trek: Amok Time: Spock and Kirk Two-Pack Action Figure Set Review

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(More customer reviews)I received this set as a gift, and while I'm delighted with the detail I find the manufacturing quality to be a little low. Spock's legs are different lengths on my toy, so he won't stand upright unless I bend one of his legs to make it shorter. It looks rather odd. Still, I think this set is worth getting if you can find it in a store (I would have paid under $20 had I bought it myself at Toys 'R' Us). If you plan to keep it in the package, it's certainly good enough quality for that without any of the manufacturing worries.

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A Diamond Select Release! One of the most memorable moments in Star Trek history is recreated in perfect detail with this action figure two-pack featuring Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock as they face off in a duel to the death! Based on the classic episode, "Amok Time," this is one fight that won't be won by logic alone! Sculpted by Art Asylum, each six-inch figure features 20 points of articulation and battle-ready accessories.

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