The original trilogy took the markets completely by surprise. They had no idea the massive popularity that would becoming their way. MPC took on to make Star Wars model kits, and later AMT-ERTL. And most of these kits were crap. They were made very fast, and the engineering on many is well.... lacking. I remember building the old X-wing and cursing it every time the guns fell off. It was pure frustration, but what should we have expected from a market demanding with a child like temper tantrum for more, more, MORE STAR WARS!
Say what you will about the prequels not being up to par. The market this time was ready. Like a frontal attack on the beaches of D-day, they prepared, they anticipated the madness of the customer. AMT-ERTL, took a rather good approach, they didn't have to press for time, and this allowed more detailed and better engineered kits. And this massive kit is proof.
Now I've built a lot of kits over the years and I've yet to build a kit completly without fault, every kit will have a few flaws, of at least one. And this STAP does have a few, but they are minimal compared to what we once went through in out youth.
The scale is quit unique, 1:6th. And I quite like the big size, it's easier to work on and should the modeller desire add more detail. Klokner, as I've named him comes in one bag, and the STAP in another. Mine was missing the instructions but I found them quickly online. The plastic is thick which is quite nice. He did have a few gaps that were quickly filled in. The only thing he's lacking is a blaster that they store on the side of their "back packs".
Also his arms aren't attached to the model these need to be glued on and are not possible. Klonker's legs fit into 2 plugs on his waist, but they move very freely. In fact Klonker is incapable of standing on his own.
The STAP (Single Troop Ariel Platform) is really big. I had only 2 troubles with it. First the 2 guns needed to be shaved down for a more precise fit, they were pointing outward. Secondly the top section is a bit hard to glue together, I used a few rubber bands to hold it while it dried. Very simple fixes for a great looking vehicle.
Now I've got to say first off here, that I really liked building this kit. If I found another one I'd buy it in a heart beat. But the big thing that kills the kit is actually mounting Klonker on the STAP. AMT never really designed this to be easy. His legs and ankles are straight, this means his feet aren't angled properly on the 2 foot pedals. since his arms aren't mounted to his body this means he can easily fall.
What's a modeller to do? Bring out the big guns, it's time for some SUPER GLUE!!! And a friend, or in my case my younger brother. And he really was a big help, I couldn't have done this kit on my own. It's just too awkward. But once Klonker was mounted I stood back and in awe looked at the completed kit. And I' really love this kit!
Like I mentioned before if I found another at a model show of garage sale, I'd pick it up right away, it's that fun of a kit. But I would drill pins in his feet and hands, to really secure him to the STAP. Take that extra time to properly secure him and just take a look back this is a really fun kit :D
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