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Miniatures Adventure => VSF Adventures => Topic started by: Bullshott on December 08, 2007, 04:14:01 PM

Title: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Bullshott on December 08, 2007, 04:14:01 PM
A number of toys for the film Golden Compass have arrived in the shops with the release of the film. For 28mm VSF gamers this one has to be a priority:

(http://www.displacedminiatures.com/images/img.1197128859840.JPG)

I bought this one from Toys'R'Us. The carriage body is diecast, but most of the fittings (including the driver's seat) are soft plastic, which could pose some problems painting. Unfortunately the Magisterium symbol is a raised moulding on the door, but this shouldn't cause too many problems to hide.

With very little work this would work splendidly as the personal galvanic carriage of Her majesty Queen Victoria (gaud bless 'er).

Now can anyone suggest where I can get a sultable driver figure  (must have slim build to fit in the seat)?
Title: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on December 08, 2007, 04:18:22 PM
Funny, I've just come back from Burger King, where my son had a similar toy in his "Kids' Meal". It's a bit smaller than this one [appears to be 20mm, judging by the driver] but I was thinking how cool it looked as a VSF conveyance.

They also do some nifty Armoured Polar Bears in the range, but no idea as to scale. I'm really hoping they match up to 28mm........

I'm also hoping the toy manufacturers do some of the airships - they look fantastic in the pre-release publicity pics.

I'll be scouring the toy shops for Golden Compass stuff from now on!
Title: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on December 08, 2007, 04:22:06 PM
Oh, as to the driver, Foundry do a seated gentleman in typical "explorers garb", but that is probably not suitable for HM the Queen [Gaud Bless 'er!] and Foundry can hardly be called slim......

I'd suggest trying the legs of an ACW limber rider attached to a Home Service Officer figure's torso, maybe from the two Redoubt ranges?
Title: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Westfalia Chris on December 08, 2007, 07:02:45 PM
I´ve seen that one at my local department store, but at 20€+ (30-something US$), I decided to give it a pass. I guess by February, or Easter tops, it´ll be down to 5€ in the bargain bin.
Title: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Thunderchicken on December 08, 2007, 07:53:48 PM
Nice. I'm off to Toys R Us in the morning. I'm looking through my scrap pile to see what weapon to stick on it, somethng very worthy.

I'm sure I've read somewhere else some airships have been released.
Title: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Deathwing on December 08, 2007, 11:49:54 PM
Everybody's gonna get one of these!

http://cgi.ebay.com/THE-GOLDEN-COMPASS-LEE-SCORESBYS-AERONAUT-PLAYSET_W0QQitemZ320193782379QQihZ011QQcategoryZ2622QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And this could prove useful as well, though probably at the smaller scales.

http://cgi.ebay.com/THE-GOLDEN-COMPASS-MAGISTERIUM-SKY-FERRY-DIE-CAST-NEW_W0QQitemZ320193782812QQihZ011QQcategoryZ2622QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Title: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on December 09, 2007, 11:17:52 AM
Quote from: "Deathwing"
Everybody's gonna get one of these!

http://cgi.ebay.com/THE-GOLDEN-COMPASS-LEE-SCORESBYS-AERONAUT-PLAYSET_W0QQitemZ320193782379QQihZ011QQcategoryZ2622QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And this could prove useful as well, though probably at the smaller scales.

http://cgi.ebay.com/THE-GOLDEN-COMPASS-MAGISTERIUM-SKY-FERRY-DIE-CAST-NEW_W0QQitemZ320193782812QQihZ011QQcategoryZ2622QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



That second one might just fit in as a kind of "super-dig" in Aeronef games. At 7-8 inches it is very big, but, well it's VSF........ :)
Title: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Grimm on December 09, 2007, 11:45:29 AM
Wow that is nice stuff !!!!!

Must have some for some Deadlands Games  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: twrchtrwyth on December 09, 2007, 07:36:14 PM
Thanks for brining these to my attention. :)
Title: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Chairface on December 10, 2007, 02:34:45 AM
THose are awesome!  Thanks!
Title: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Malamute on December 10, 2007, 08:32:30 AM
Very nice, I must look out for those. Funnily enough I went to see the film last week and was thinking about the vehicles and the aeroboat in miniature at the time. :)
Title: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Ricco on December 10, 2007, 05:42:25 PM
Gluteus Maximus
 Our Burger Kings have Sponge Bob, Where are you?

Ricco Da Canadian
Title: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on December 11, 2007, 09:26:17 AM
Quote from: "Ricco"
Gluteus Maximus
 Our Burger Kings have Sponge Bob, Where are you?

Ricco Da Canadian


In England.

It seems that for once, we have the better deal :wink:
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: colkillgore on July 05, 2008, 03:03:34 AM
If you are still interested in the golden compass toys they have been clearanced at Toys R Us. The wife picked 5 of the carriages, 5 of the zepplins and one of the airships for me. I am planning to use the carriages for the basis of a steamtank squadron and the airships as a 5 man scout zepplins.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: fastolfrus on July 05, 2008, 08:29:36 PM
they have been clearanced at Toys R Us

Is that Toys R Us (UK) or Toys R Us (US) ?
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Sterling Moose on July 06, 2008, 03:30:29 AM
That's Toys R Us (US).  I picked up a bunch a couple of weeks ago.  Airships and Carriages are $3.98 and the Zepps are $4.98   :o
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: fastolfrus on July 06, 2008, 01:48:55 PM
That's a poop, I'd hoped it would be UK.

Our nearest Toys R Us is about 45 miles away (as is our nearest Burger King) so a 90 mile round trip on mere speculation is unlikely.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: marrony on July 06, 2008, 03:48:04 PM
I have seen some in TK Max in Newcastle and Sunderland too.Any near you Fastolfrus? Could be worth looking in too?
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: fastolfrus on July 06, 2008, 05:55:25 PM
There's a TKMax in Scarborough but fairly limited stock.
They had one of the vehicles last week but it was £10 so I thought it a bit steep.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Sterling Moose on July 06, 2008, 06:43:17 PM
IIRC they were only $12.98 new over here.  Good 'ole rip off Britain again.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: anevilgiraffe on August 14, 2008, 07:59:31 PM
just picked up two carriages and three zeppelins from Poundland - yep, £1 each.... they had loads in, but someone Frothers checked their local Poundland and they had none, so I guess it's pot luck....

figured I wouldn't find much to do with more than 2 carriages, too delicate for a weapon of war really, but a fancy carriage it's perfect....

the zeppelins, not sure what to with those, maybe space fighters/scouts of some sort... duno....
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Thunderchicken on August 14, 2008, 08:10:37 PM
just picked up two carriages and three zeppelins from Poundland - yep, £1 each.... they had loads in, but someone Frothers checked their local Poundland and they had none, so I guess it's pot luck....

figured I wouldn't find much to do with more than 2 carriages, too delicate for a weapon of war really, but a fancy carriage it's perfect....

the zeppelins, not sure what to with those, maybe space fighters/scouts of some sort... duno....

Ooooh! Where are you based?
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: anevilgiraffe on August 14, 2008, 08:36:28 PM
just picked up two carriages and three zeppelins from Poundland - yep, £1 each.... they had loads in, but someone Frothers checked their local Poundland and they had none, so I guess it's pot luck....

figured I wouldn't find much to do with more than 2 carriages, too delicate for a weapon of war really, but a fancy carriage it's perfect....

the zeppelins, not sure what to with those, maybe space fighters/scouts of some sort... duno....

Ooooh! Where are you based?

Cambridge - the Poundland is in the Grafton Centre, downstairs from the Vue cinema... (used to be Heffers next door to Virgin - not that it's Virgin anymore - if you know the area)
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Sterling Moose on August 14, 2008, 11:35:14 PM
Interest in these amongst the general public must be around the zero mark now.  Having stocked up at a TOYS R US (US) a couple of months ago when the prices dropped to around the $3.98 - $4.98 mark I went in a few weeks ago and all the Golden Compass stuff was marked 'clearance' and reduced to $1.  Needless to say I grabbed a couple of baskets and cleared the shelf.  Even better than that when I got to the till I only got charged 80 cents for each model  :o :o
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: fastolfrus on August 14, 2008, 11:41:43 PM
At £1 each I think it would be worth buying them first and think of a use later.

Apart from Flash Gordonesque spaceships, the zepelins might convert into submarines/boats, or with a set of wheels/tracks might make a VSF vehicle.

Our nearest Poundland is 45 miles away in York.....
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: anevilgiraffe on August 15, 2008, 08:13:34 AM
well I was looking the zeppelins over last night... would certainly survive the addition of a chair and some rigging underneath as a one man zeppelin... need to give it alot of thought...

might use the copplestone high adventure pilots for the carriage drivers...
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Thunderchicken on August 15, 2008, 08:44:07 AM
Alas, I dont think there's any stores close enough to justify a visit. I was going to go along the lines of buy now, think later. All is not lost as Sterling Moose has aquired a zep for me across the pond.

I'm thinking it might be worth trying other outlets to see if they've got them in the clearance bin.   
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: anevilgiraffe on August 15, 2008, 09:36:07 AM
well I would offer to get some, but it'll have to wait til payday and on past experience they don't keep the stock that long....
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Thunderchicken on August 18, 2008, 08:19:00 PM
well I would offer to get some, but it'll have to wait til payday and on past experience they don't keep the stock that long....

Not to worry old chap. I passed by a store on my travels today and got a few.   
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: anevilgiraffe on August 19, 2008, 08:24:04 AM
which store was that (some Frothers expressed an interest)
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: anevilgiraffe on August 20, 2008, 05:47:19 PM
a Frother found some of the carriages in the Reading Poundland - no zeppelins though...
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: dadlamassu on August 20, 2008, 06:13:27 PM
The Poundland in Livingston, west Lothian, has a diminishing stock of both conveyances.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Thunderchicken on August 21, 2008, 11:45:00 AM
Got mine in Telford, reduced to 50p by the time I got to the till!! They had masses of 'em. They're in the Wolverhampton store too.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Malamute on August 21, 2008, 11:57:54 AM
Got mine in Telford, reduced to 50p by the time I got to the till!! They had masses of 'em. They're in the Wolverhampton store too.

I thought you said they were £1, trying to con me, Eh? We'll see about that!
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Thunderchicken on August 21, 2008, 12:07:01 PM
Got mine in Telford, reduced to 50p by the time I got to the till!! They had masses of 'em. They're in the Wolverhampton store too.

I thought you said they were £1, trying to con me, Eh? We'll see about that!

Ah, selective hearing eh? You'll get on just fine with my other half.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: anevilgiraffe on August 21, 2008, 12:42:45 PM
Got mine in Telford, reduced to 50p by the time I got to the till!! They had masses of 'em. They're in the Wolverhampton store too.

spawny get... even cheaper than as cheap as I thought they'd get...
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Onebigriver on August 22, 2008, 05:59:05 PM
Reading Poundland have now got stacks of the Zepps in
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: joroas on August 23, 2008, 09:38:11 PM
Are they about the right size for wings of War, with a paint job?
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Sterling Moose on August 24, 2008, 04:02:48 AM
No they're too small for that.  Might work with 6mm planes though.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: anevilgiraffe on September 30, 2008, 10:35:58 AM
the airships have made another showing at the Cambridge poundland...
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Dan on October 01, 2008, 10:41:42 AM
I've only ever seen one Zeppelin and one carriage , both under lock and key in the local model shop for $45 , about 13 pounds.
They did'nt last very long before being sold.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Bullshott on October 23, 2008, 05:30:12 PM
I finally decided that my carriage would best serve as a staff car for my Prussian commander. Here is the completed carriage after a repaint and some weathering, shown with its crew:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2966543605_6494d54a96.jpg?v=0)
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Malamute on October 23, 2008, 06:09:09 PM
I like what you have done with it.  :) I shall look forward to taking a few pot shots at it tomorrow. ;)
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Onebigriver on October 23, 2008, 08:06:58 PM
Really like the paintjob!
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: argsilverson on October 24, 2008, 12:47:47 AM
very nice!
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on October 24, 2008, 08:59:02 AM
Great paintjob, Sir Henry!

It is certainly a splendid target for Her Majesty's [Gaud Bless 'Er] Royal Artillery!
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: anevilgiraffe on October 25, 2008, 11:07:10 AM
I finally decided that my carriage would best serve as a staff car for my Prussian commander. Here is the completed carriage after a repaint and some weathering, shown with its crew:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2966543605_6494d54a96.jpg?v=0)


nice... did you mask off the clear plastic? or are you just one of those annoying neat painters  ;)
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Bullshott on October 27, 2008, 03:31:59 PM


nice... did you mask off the clear plastic? or are you just one of those annoying neat painters  ;)
[/quote]

I used a Humbrol product called Maskol. Its used by aircraft modellers to mask off cockpits and such like prior to spraying/airbrushing assembled models. Once the painting is compleye you just peel the stuff off with tweezers (which is not as simple as it sounds because it inevitably leaves bits in awkward corners that need prizing out.

I first repainted the detail on thhe windows and the body around the windows. I then applied the maskol to the windows and to the front wheel inside the rim, then sprayed the whole model in varnish (GW purity seal) to ensure that the paint I applied would stick to the glossy paint on the carriage body and to the gold plastic running boards, etc. After painting, weathering and varnishing the whole model i removed the maskol and touched-ip the area around the windows.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Onebigriver on November 07, 2008, 06:21:09 PM
I've been into Poundland in Reading today and they've got a new GC toy in, this time it's Lee Scoresby's Airship. It's got two balloons either side of what looks to me like the cockpit of a podracer (I've not seen the GC film). It needs some work - the cables to the balloons are painted onto a cone of clear plastic - but I'm sure one of you inventive VSF guys could make use of it.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: joroas on December 25, 2008, 10:15:08 AM
I left one as it was, although I have no idea what to do with it, the other I took off the balloons and based them as spotter balloons for 15mm ACW after painting the base as a cupola.  Not a great job but if they get used once in 10 years I will be surprised. Still I have them now.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: zebcook on December 25, 2008, 05:57:27 PM
I got one of those Scorsby balloons a while back. The balloons unscrew from the cockpit, giving you two nice gasbags for one-man conveyances. The cockpit is almost the right size for a seated figure (with some work). I'm thinking of adding a screw rotor to it and another flyer.

Really, if you can lay your hands on it cheap, it's quite a good addition to the bits box.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: TheMightyFlip on July 16, 2009, 08:19:46 PM
This is going to be massive threadmancy, BUT

ToysRus have the airships and carriages for 99p, and the double ballon ship for £1.99. I picked up 2 airships for the hell of it.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on July 17, 2009, 08:58:03 AM
This is going to be massive threadmancy, BUT

ToysRus have the airships and carriages for 99p, and the double ballon ship for £1.99. I picked up 2 airships for the hell of it.

Thanks! Threadomancy excused on grounds of passing vital information  ;)
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: HerbyF on July 22, 2009, 08:43:23 AM
I have picked up several over the past couple of years. Was thinking about mounting Gattling guns on some of them.
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Mason on November 11, 2011, 01:48:21 PM

nice... did you mask off the clear plastic? or are you just one of those annoying neat painters  ;)


I used a Humbrol product called Maskol. Its used by aircraft modellers to mask off cockpits and such like prior to spraying/airbrushing assembled models. Once the painting is compleye you just peel the stuff off with tweezers (which is not as simple as it sounds because it inevitably leaves bits in awkward corners that need prizing out.

I first repainted the detail on thhe windows and the body around the windows. I then applied the maskol to the windows and to the front wheel inside the rim, then sprayed the whole model in varnish (GW purity seal) to ensure that the paint I applied would stick to the glossy paint on the carriage body and to the gold plastic running boards, etc. After painting, weathering and varnishing the whole model i removed the maskol and touched-ip the area around the windows.


Thanks for the tips, Bullshott!
Just picked one of these up and did wonder about a few of the things that you mentioned.
Thats those questions answered, so, cheers!

Nice paintjob,by the way.
If mine comes out half as good as yours I will be happy!
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: joroas on November 11, 2011, 02:49:39 PM
Even massiver thereadomancy...................  :o
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Mason on November 11, 2011, 03:11:41 PM
Even massiver thereadomancy...................  :o

Maybe.........

.......but as Malamute was kind enough to point this thread of Bullshott's out while I was perusing this one;
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=34850.0
I thought it only right to thank Bullshott for his post.

Sorry if you disapprove!  :D

Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: joroas on November 11, 2011, 03:45:10 PM
Us grumpy old men have to have some outlet for all that grumpiness................   :D
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: Mason on November 11, 2011, 04:11:50 PM
OK, Grumpus, grump on!  ;)
Title: Re: Flashy's new wheels (Golden Compass toy)
Post by: joroas on November 11, 2011, 04:23:20 PM
My work here is done!  >:D