Sol Tekkaman 2
Some people know that I have built a few kits recently and customized some figures with good results. It wasn’t always that way. I used to buy model kits only to destroy them with horrid paint jobs. I could achieve similar financial results by flushing my paper route money down the toilet. While shopping at my local Outer Limits, which I believe JoshB had the pleasure of visiting, I found some robot model kits which I eventually also destroyed. One came out really good, with shiny paint without fingerprints or dust particles. It was a Bandai Tekkman Sol kit. It was because of this that I developed a liking to this more modern looking robot.
So I forked over some hard earned money to acquire this Tamashii Exclusive Armor Plus SG Sol Tekkaman 2 set. Because it was an exclusive, I had to go through a middleman service. Fast forward a few months later and it was in my possession. The only other Armor Plus I own is the Alto Saotome set. Let’s see how this set compares.
Like most Tamashii Web Exclusives, it comes in a simple brown cardboard box. Inside is the actual colored, glossy box.
Removing the contents reveals that this set comes in the usual plastic clamshell tray. Everything is laid out neatly and efficiently.
Straight out of the box, it is a rather handsome figure with excellent detail and sculpting.
Although he has lots of articulation, I was unable to get a really dynamic pose without resorting to using a stand which I don’t have and is not included. Which reminds me, I need to invest in one of those.
His backpack has a part that extends out to one side and snaps neatly back in.
His gauntlet comes off and attaches to his weapon, which swivels to the front when in use.
His weapon has a small helmeted visor, which fits neatly over his head, and a smallish shield that extends out from the front of the weapon.
Here is the rear view when the weapon is in place.
After having handled the toy a bit, I honestly don’t feel anything for the toy. Don’t get me wrong, it’s high quality, it has diecast joints, and is a nice representation of the character. It’s just that it’s nothing new and nothing really grabs me about it. Maybe it’s the design which I find too modern and busy for my tastes, or my lack of having watched the series enough to develop an attachment. I can’t quite put my finger on it. I think the biggest complaint for fans of Tekkaman and the Armor Plus series is that this Armor Plus release doesn’t have removable armor. Although it’s not a big deal to me, I am sure it will be for some.
