The Soldier Reviews 1:6 Scale ZACCA Panzerfaust 3

Attention, maggots! Today, I am holding the power of the an semi-belligerent god in my hands; a privilege allowed only by the best soldiers. I have here a Panzerfaust 3, issued by ZACCA, and have the special task of presenting my field report of it in action.


As you can see here, there's two parts to this model. A rocket, which the designers decided to not make the separation where the rocket meets the launcher, but at the head of the rocket so that you can't have fun dioramas of a fired Panzerfaust and the sorry gory mess of a bastard on the battlefield. For shame, indeed.


The markings on this model for once were copied properly without misspellings or disemvowelment. There aren't many other features on this model, but the warning and instructions are clear enough for dim-witted recruits like you.

The model is light and can be comfortably and securely held in the hands of an expert soldier, and fits soldiers of the Dragon, Ultimate and Worldly units. There's little fear in breakage, as the rocket is solid and doesn't have any small parts that easily snap off on impact.

Now, J.Norad instructed me to demonstrate my killing skills in this outpost. I have yet to encounter the Blu spy he spoke of in this area. No shapeshifting, cloaking yellow-bellied fiend will get past me today.

I haven't bumped into anyone, so I guess he must be good. I'll have to keep my eye on things here.

I've found the Blu spy, er, he found...gluuuuuuurg...

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The ZACCA Panzerfaust 3 is a solid model that for $5 is alright. I don't recall any other competitors that make a 1:6 scale model of it. It's not a particularly popularized RPG to have major companies make versions to sell, and I'm pretty sure it's a model you can not have in your collection and not regret missing out on.

There's not much in terms of paint application on the model. Just two labels and a safe/fire indicator. It would have been an excellent model if the designer made the detachable section purely the rocket and not rocket+front of launcher. As a display piece, it's fine. As a prop, it loses many points for execution as a result. I do give it points for being holdable by 1:6 scale figures without any awkward moments or problems.

As a display piece, it's very robust with two parts. It also looks great. I've had the Soldier hold it instead of his regular Valve rocket launcher since it fits him well. If you're not a fan of the RPG nor can find it for under $5, don't bother. There's others in series 2 that blow this out of the water though.

The Soldier Reviews 1:6 Scale ZACCA M-72A2

At ease maggots! J.Norad deserted his post here to go to associate in the girly activity called "shopping". Meanwhile, he left me here to defend the post solo, but that's O.K. since I'm a hard blooded killing machine! J.Norad left me this M-72A2 Light Antitank Weapon issued by ZACCA, series 1. It is an outstanding weapon, worthy enough of being held and used by yours truely.

Unfortunately, this LAW comes pre-extended and has less moving parts than the bodies of my dead enemies. If you're looking for a M-72 LAW with full moving parts, extending rear, closable cover and actual missile, you should look elsewhere. ZACCA isn't the best for stuff with moving parts, unless they're falling off. That's movement, isn't it? Fortunately, this fine specimen doesn't have any issues with loose components. Nothing has fallen off so far, and the parts all fit snugly. J.Norad mentioned to me that a company called "Hot Toys" makes a 1:6 scale M-72 that has collapsible sights and the whole she-bang! Not bad from a company whose name suggests some purveyor of gentlemen's literature. Soldiers get lonely in the trenches sometimes, but , AHEM, that's not the point here. What was I going on about? Ah yes. How to use the thing!

Like all good Soldiers, we don't have time for reading. If you're too busy reading, you're too busy being DEAD. That's why it's a good thing that this M-72A2 has a picture showing you numb-nuts how to hold and fire the LAW. Unlike last time, those Japanese at ZACCA finally learned how to write the proper language of the world, English! I bet they knew I was going to be using one of these, so they buckered up and learned to write English, lest I come for them like I did for the Nazis in WWII. Never mind that my amazing killing spree was a bit late, but I showed them who was boss anyways.

I heard that BLU had more secret weapons built since the last time I went patrolling. They may have fooled me once by disguising their weapon as a toy car last time, but that trick won't fool me again. The intel I received that their weapon was codenamed "Mirage". Something about a robotic version of a Spy. Told me that it was capable of being better than the Spy, able to hide and make projections of itself. Such cowardly antics will not work against me, for I am the master of combat!

Well, I'll be. Looks like the intel was right all along. A BLU robot spy.


Fortunately, this weapon unlike last week, is capable of being utilized to the fullest in the hands of even maggots like you. Unfortunately the cameraman didn't get to live long enough to photograph a shot of me beating the living crap out of that BLU robot. But I can offer you the following tip if you want to be as great of a Soldier as I am. If you want to buy this M-72, it will set you back just $5 MSRP, but inflation and shipping charges can easily inflate that to around $10-12. I would suggest that if you want the best one out there, be prepared to pay $30-40 for it alone. I saw photos of the Hot Toys version from J.Norad's intel files, and I can say it looks very impressive and is superior in every way with extra markings and the removable missile. But I don't know how many of you pansies are going to need to buy that exact LAW in the highest detail possible, so if you're on a budget, the ZACCA one is not a bad buy.

J.Norad Reviews ZACCA 1:6 Scale RPG-7

Welcome to part 3 of 11 of J.Norad's "we've got money, so let's buy small fascimiles of illegal arms" series. Today, we'll be looking at the RPG-7, one of the blind boxed models in Series 2.

The model comes in four pieces and measures 24.5cm long. There are no moving components, and the rocket unfortunately is molded with the front half of the rocket propelled grenade launcher. Not too great if you're childish and love being able to launch your ordinance at things.


The model is fairly detailed, with what constitutes "aging technique" for the aluminum colored parts. The grenade part looks like someone went overboard with the black paint for the crevices. Heavy lining that helps you find the details easily, but looks like it's been drawn with a black sharpie than painted. The wooden rear section isn't really made to look like anything except extruded orange plastic. For $5, it's not a bad model.

The Soldier's rocket launcher in Team Fortress 2 somewhat resembles the RPG-7. The elements are mostly there: two hand grips, wooden rear section, and a conical rear black exhaust port. Unfortunately, no optical sight (the front dust cap is NOT rubber and should not be moved) for the TF2 rocket launcher.

If you're looking for an RPG-7, there's a version out there packaged with the Resident Evil 5 Chris Redfield figure. Haven't seen it in person, but I'm certain it's probably sturdier for play than this one would be. Product images so far show a lot better quality in terms of paint, and similar build quality. The ZACCA version needs some adhesive to keep the rear part on securely. I had to apply Loc-tite around the circumference of the interface to thicken the part.

Overall Meaningless Scores and Stats

Price per unit:
MSRP: $5
Price shipped: ~$10
Competing prices: Hot Toys' Chris Redfield figure, ~$140. Expect figure scalpers to be selling the RPG-7 separately for somewhere around $12-$16, if they for some reason decide to.

Build quality:
If you're looking for an RPG-7, there's a version out there packaged with the Resident Evil 5 Chris Redfield figure. Haven't seen it in person, but I'm certain it's probably sturdier for play than this one would be. Product images so far show a lot better quality in terms of paint, and similar build quality. The ZACCA version needs some adhesive to keep the rear part on securely. I had to apply Loc-tite around the circumference of the interface to thicken the part.
I would be confident dropping this off a bookcase, since there's very few delicate components. 7/10.

Overall:
You have two options for getting a 1:6 scale RPG-7: ZACCA or Hot Toys. You're not going to be buying the Hot Toys version en-masse at the price of $140+. You're forced to buy the ZACCA model, but it's pretty good and sturdy for posing and play. How sturdy is it? Enough to go outside and do some shooting.

"Boys, I see the signs of a BLU base! We must attack at once and crush the enemy!"

"A Pepsi plant? Sweet! Now that's what I'm talking about!"

"Charge!"

"We must stop that BLU cart from getting past this point, boys!"

"This is my street! You are not welcome in my street... Hmmm. Maybe you are welcome in my street. I'm going to get going now."

RED Team Goes Treasure Hunting

J.Norad presents: RED team goes treasure hunting: because I can't be bothered to.

RED team had set up camp near the local garden. Just to be safe, they've put up a sentry to protect their haul.

Sniper sets up shop. "I think his mate saw me..."

"EUUUAHHHH..." BOOM. Headshot.

I crush puny little men at local store and steal their itty bitty treasure!

"With this, we can fire Sasha for 2 seconds!"

Desk Vignettes #6: You did WHAT?

SOLDIER: Hmmm. Where is my rocket launcher?

SOLDIER: Hey, female non combatant! Do you know where my rocket launcher is?SOLDIER: It's about this big and makes little maggots cry and cower in fear!

HOTARU: Oh that thing? It looked so old and outdated, I traded it to someone.

HOTARU: I got you this Null Ray Cannon in exchange for your old weapon. I hear it's quite effective against electrical based objects.

SOLDIER: Null Ray Cannon? What manner of trickery is this?

SOLDIER: Hm, it will be a mighty weapon against enemy emplacements! But will it work on little maggot scum? And most importantly, who has my rocket launcher now?

SKYWARP: Fear me earthling! I command the power of one of your most feared earth weapons!

Desk Vignettes #5: Worst Date Ever.

"And this is where I store all the little maggots I've beaten in combat! That's Shia LaBeouf, Ken, Steve, Capt. Price, Little Susie, Uwe, Hugo, Steve, George, PeeWee and STEVE!"

Desk Vignettes #3: "Can I play TF2 with you guys?"

Story time, featuring Shia LaBeouf! I'll add my own story this time, using mostly dialogue from TF2 whenever possible. For those who like to make up their own, feel free to ignore the scrbbles that make your head hurt and look at the pictures.

SOLDIER: That was an amazing killing spree! By ME!
SHIA: Hey guys! I'm Shia LaBeouf. I'm new here. Why are all of you standing around a cup full of heads?
ENGINEER: Were you that guy who was in Transformers?
SHIA: Yeah. I was also in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull!
ENGINEER: Durned robots. I could've handled them better than you did, ma'am.
MEDIC: I zid not like ze crystal skull. But I do like watching ze hurting in zat film.
SOLDIER: You didn't take your lumps like a man, private Twinkletoes, hiding behind CG!

SOLDIER: Alright, give him hell, boys!
SHIA: Uh oh.
SOLDIER: If god had wanted you to live, he would not have created ME!
DEMOMAN: Don't worry! I'LL be gentle!
ENGINEER: I'm going to beat you like a rented mule, boy.
MEDIC: Come over here, I promise to heal you!

Celebrating August 24, "Build A Grenade Launcher Day"

Took about a few weeks to get around to it, but I've finally built the Demoman's grenade launcher. Not as involved as the flamethrower, but it was a lot of revolved objects. The center six grenade tubes are solid 110 lb cardstock rolls around 0.125mm dia bamboo skewers. That gives it a bit of heft to the overall weapon. Unfortunately, I opted not to allow the break open action of the grenade launcher for structural reasons. It would have made for a good, fun miniature accessory.

Anyways, to celebrate the near completion of six of the nine figures, time for a group shot. Here's the original group shot that I'm constantly using to get me motivated to complete the rest of the nine.

Now for the two-thirds compromise.

Given, I'll concede a few issues with my group. Still need to finish the Pyro boots, the Engineer's glove, some minor details on the Demoman pouch, and the really unfinished toolbox. I'm debating sewing a few more details for the Engineer's overalls as well. Not that anyone's going to really notice. No one notices that the Engineer's electrical cord on his belt loops twice and only has one end plug, or that the fact that the Pyro's tank doesn't do anything (it's not an oxygen tank, as it has a flammable sticker on the second smaller tank), or how any of the grenades attach to the belts.

Hopefully I'll get some nice, opaque yellow paint, electrical tape and finally finish the Engineer's glove and Pyro's boots.

The Art of War

Time to Meet the Soldier.

"If fighting will bring you victory, then you must fight!"

"Sun Tsu said that, and I think he knows a little bit more about fighting than you do pal, because he invented it! And then he perfected it, so no man could best him in the ring of honor."

"Then he took his fight money and bought two of every animal. Then he herded them onto a boat."

"And then he beat the crap out of every one of them!"

"That's why whenever animals are gathered together, it's called a zoo!"

"Unless it's a farm!"

"MAGGOTS!"

The helmet needs primer. Acrylic hates bare plastic. Once I get more stuff to paint, I'll finish the rocket launcher and grenades.