1/4 Scale Super Alloy Iron Man 3 Figures from Play Imaginative

[swiftwilly]

Depends if they do a 1/4 of it. If HT or comicave do I'll get it as well. No reason not to have both !
1/4 is the way to go for iron man in my view. Human head sculpts are very hard to get right but mecha suits are just damn awesome at larger scales.

Like you said before. PI has gone down under. They won't be making these and it'll be rare. Hardly can find these babies on eBay.

 

[DVDVampire]

Saw WM EX at NYCC but it was already sold . Damn.

Definitely need to pick these up

 

[spindrift]

These 1/4 figures will clearly be prized collector pieces- not enough produced and quite hard to find!

 

[Motuxmen]

These 1/4 figures will clearly be prized collector pieces- not enough produced and quite hard to find!

I am not so sure. Especially if hot toys expands its own offering of 1/4 scale. PI has a pretty bad rep in the collector market.

 

[spindrift]

yes QC issues not good- however I just don't see HT doing these particular armors...not sure how much HT will go into 1/4

 

[Motuxmen]

They may not do these. But if they do the next or a future war machine then most people would buy it over these.

I didn't think hot toys would do any 1/4 armors. But the sales of the mk43 lead to the 45. Which probably means they will do more.

 

[swiftwilly]

I am not so sure. Especially if hot toys expands its own offering of 1/4 scale. PI has a pretty bad rep in the collector market.

PI has a terrible rep.

But we're talking about buying existing on hand models as opposed to handing over cash for pre-releases. So there is no risk for people buying the war machine or iron patriot PI 1/4th models.

yes QC issues not good- however I just don't see HT doing these particular armors...not sure how much HT will go into 1/4

What QC issues? You mean the QC issues with the other PI figures?

Doesn't mean it is in the 1/4th batch. No one noticed any QC issues with their figures in this thread as far as I am aware.

Hopefully sideshowcollectors we can provide a shining example of providing potential figure collectors with the right set of information as opposed to being typical media outlets and labelling an entire company bad.

I get all the PI issues etc, I do not suggest pre-paying for their figures, I and a few others here purchased them when the figures were released, and for the 3 guys here I have noticed who have the war machine or both - we have had no issues whatsoever with them. Talking about issues in general, hot toys and sideshow have their own QC issues as well, no one is perfect in the "QC" sense in my view.

Overall, far from opposite, I have seen more QC issues with my sideshow figures than PI figures. Sideshow is the worst in my books. PI has been exceptional.

They may not do these. But if they do the next or a future war machine then most people would buy it over these.

I didn't think hot toys would do any 1/4 armors. But the sales of the mk43 lead to the 45. Which probably means they will do more.

Fair call, HT is definitely more popular and people will go for it. But it is both a demand and supply question too. There will be less people wanting PI 1/4 figures (only two we know, unlikely to be more) but the PI 1/4th are low in supply as well whereas HT figures are easily found being resold on many offline and online market places. HT also tends to make a lot of their figures, we don't know what the actual amount is but I can easily find every single HT figure. Whereas trying to ebay PI 1/4th iron man I have only found 1 - 3 ebay sellers. took me awhile to find only 2 offline resellers of war machine and Iron Patriot - both of which they only had circa 3 models of and no more....

I am very confident, not that I care, that resell value of PI 1/4th will go up a lot more than your mass produced HT 1/4th figures regardless if HT makes 1/4th war machine or iron patriot down the line. Also not sure if HT will do die cast. If they do, I would agree PI 1/4th will be less in demand, but if HT sticks with plastic 1/4'th, PI 1/4th will go up.

Secondly, given that these die cast PI 1/4th are equal value to plastic HT 1/4th figures, it is a great bargain.
I managed to pick up the war machine for less than $500USD from a local reseller. This is far cheaper than the upcoming HT 1/4'th figures!

 

[Motuxmen]

There are still QC issues with the 1/4 stuff. There may not be any in the last bit posted but there have been lots over time. Arms popping off, hips breaking, electrical issues, and things like that have not been uncommon. The 42 was built so poorly (the 1/4 scale and all done by the same people as these) that after it was tested and reviewers got it they decided to shelf it to redo them all becuase there where so many issues.

And these went up for pre order in April 2013, and still have not shipped. (The 42) I'm not talking like hot toys where it may get shown at a convention or a teaser and then be 18 months before it's put up for PO then a year before it comes it. This was shown in jan(I think) of 2013 and then they where taking money in April 2013. And it's still not shipped. They may have refunded some people and but I think there was an issue with that too if I recall. And they announced like four other armors at that time too. The last few reviews have been pretty good, but there have been way to many that where bad.


As for resell value...I would be very surprised if these exceed hot toys price. These where intended to be produced in around the same number as hot toys stuff. (The hot toys 1/6 and 1/4 scale are not the same as they will produce far less of the 1/4) they only reason they where not is becuase of QC issues. PI had a 1/6 scale license as well. And the 1/6 scale mk7 they made is far more rare then the hot toys, but the hot toys is equal or higher in value.

Supply and demand is partly right. Problem is, there's very little demeand for these. Just becuase something is rare, or rarer in this case, doesn't mean the value is the same. If there where a large interest in the figure then maybe, but so far that has not been the case. And if you can get one from hot toys in the future I don't see many people choosing PI over it.

As for the diecast vs plastic...that's a personal preference thinng. Diecast isn't any better or better quality. It's not superior to plastic in any way, except weight. It doesn't add any value. It costs more from hot toys becuase they had to add a new machine process to make it. Not becuase it's better or anything. Diecast has been around longer then injection molding. It's mostly marketing, which has worked. And that added weight you get from DC can cause issues with joints (eventually) and limits poses. I would much rather have a plastic figure then a diecast one. But I don't mind diecast or anything. Like I said, it's personal preference.

 

[Auel]

Wasn't there an article about different scales are licensed to different companies? I wonder why there are two different companies that can produce 1/4 of the same characters?

 

[Motuxmen]

there can be multiple companies with products in the same scale in the same region. It's just not as common. It devalues the license.

But the PI license has been around nearly as long as hot toys had theirs. It's possible it's region specific. That's usually how it works.

With this scale, I think hot toys got theirs after Pi failed to meet production quote in the license. So hot toys was then able to get a secondary license.

Also got to consider that it's individual to each film. So Pi has the iron man 3 1/4 and hot toys has the Aou 1/4. But I bet hot toys only got the 1/4 after marvel had issues with Pi not hitting numbers

Each film is its own business. So a license for each scale is awarded for each individual film.

 

[swiftwilly]

There are still QC issues with the 1/4 stuff. There may not be any in the last bit posted but there have been lots over time. Arms popping off, hips breaking, electrical issues, and things like that have not been uncommon. The 42 was built so poorly (the 1/4 scale and all done by the same people as these) that after it was tested and reviewers got it they decided to shelf it to redo them all becuase there where so many issues.

And these went up for pre order in April 2013, and still have not shipped. (The 42) I'm not talking like hot toys where it may get shown at a convention or a teaser and then be 18 months before it's put up for PO then a year before it comes it. This was shown in jan(I think) of 2013 and then they where taking money in April 2013. And it's still not shipped. They may have refunded some people and but I think there was an issue with that too if I recall. And they announced like four other armors at that time too. The last few reviews have been pretty good, but there have been way to many that where bad.


As for resell value...I would be very surprised if these exceed hot toys price. These where intended to be produced in around the same number as hot toys stuff. (The hot toys 1/6 and 1/4 scale are not the same as they will produce far less of the 1/4) they only reason they where not is becuase of QC issues. PI had a 1/6 scale license as well. And the 1/6 scale mk7 they made is far more rare then the hot toys, but the hot toys is equal or higher in value.

Supply and demand is partly right. Problem is, there's very little demeand for these. Just becuase something is rare, or rarer in this case, doesn't mean the value is the same. If there where a large interest in the figure then maybe, but so far that has not been the case. And if you can get one from hot toys in the future I don't see many people choosing PI over it.

As for the diecast vs plastic...that's a personal preference thinng. Diecast isn't any better or better quality. It's not superior to plastic in any way, except weight. It doesn't add any value. It costs more from hot toys becuase they had to add a new machine process to make it. Not becuase it's better or anything. Diecast has been around longer then injection molding. It's mostly marketing, which has worked. And that added weight you get from DC can cause issues with joints (eventually) and limits poses. I would much rather have a plastic figure then a diecast one. But I don't mind diecast or anything. Like I said, it's personal preference.

QC issues with previous lines (mark 42) does not mean there is issues with war machine or iron patriot. That is like me labelling all SS releases poor because I had issues with the R2D2...even hot toys has qc issues with some lines. Another point is you are taking issues from other lines and applying it here compared to the views of people who actually own the 1/4th and telling you for a fact there isn't anything wrong here. I think the issue is that you are saying PI has issues. I don't disagree. But I am specifically taking about the 1/4th scale PI figures. Which have no QC issues.

Secondly, as for pre-odering with PI - why are you bringing this up? I didn't disagree with you there at all. If you read my comments I actually said best if you don't pre-order with PI. So yes - we both agree with this

As for your statement re there is little demand. There is little demand AND there is little supply. Try googling or ebay this and there is only 1 or 3 resellers. There is just too many for hot toys to name. So it all balances.

Lastly, not arguing about diecast or plastic is better, never said anything about this. But it is a FACT that die cast models are more expensive than regular plastic versions. I AM NOT saying PI v HT. Just compare HT die cast versus HT plastic iron man figures. Purely comes down to materials used. Our preference of die cast or not is not my point.

 

[Motuxmen]

QC issues with previous lines (mark 42) does not mean there is issues with war machine or iron patriot. That is like me labelling all SS releases poor because I had issues with the R2D2...even hot toys has qc issues with some lines. Another point is you are taking issues from other lines and applying it here compared to the views of people who actually own the 1/4th and telling you for a fact there isn't anything wrong here. I think the issue is that you are saying PI has issues. I don't disagree. But I am specifically taking about the 1/4th scale PI figures. Which have no QC issues.

Secondly, as for pre-odering with PI - why are you bringing this up? I didn't disagree with you there at all. If you read my comments I actually said best if you don't pre-order with PI. So yes - we both agree with this

As for your statement re there is little demand. There is little demand AND there is little supply. Try googling or ebay this and there is only 1 or 3 resellers. There is just too many for hot toys to name. So it all balances.

Lastly, not arguing about diecast or plastic is better, never said anything about this. But it is a FACT that die cast models are more expensive than regular plastic versions. I AM NOT saying PI v HT. Just compare HT die cast versus HT plastic iron man figures. Purely comes down to materials used. Our preference of die cast or not is not my point.

The QC issues are not from the previous line. The mk42 is one example. There have been issues reported with the wm mk2, ip, mk7 1/6 scale, the HOA, the batman and superman super alloy...every figure has had substantial issues. All from a company that had such poor QC marvel actually pulled their 1/6 license. Even if this particular figure never had any previous reported issues, most people will not consider them becuase the company. Your comparison to ssc would only be accurate, if every single product they ever made had issues. Would you buy the iron man 1/6 mk45 from hot toys if every other suit to this point had been delayed and had major issues and the mk43 was shelved due to poor construction, as the company press release said, and marvel pulled part of the license due to QC issues and there was another company with a proven track record still producing items at the same price? That's essentially what is happening, only reversed. And, there have been issues reported with this on top of that.

As for the diecast-I only brought it up becuase you used it as an explanation as to why the price is better. Yes, it costs more at retail. But that has little to do with secondary price. Especially long term. The price of the Pi war machine new was 600ish. More then the 1/4 scale hot toys stuff. And it's taken a pretty decent drop in value since it came out. The diecast vs plastic cost is not that large a difference that it would make any really difference on value. Doesn't matter if it cost more at retail.

As for the pre order. I brought it up becuase it was material to the QC issues and collectibility of the product. It was delayed, as they all where, becuase of quality control issues.

It's great that you have no issues. And yes, every company has QC issues. Sideshow does have a rep for some bad QC as you brought up. But they are not the competitor to PI. Hot toys is. And yes, hot toys has had some issues as well. 500 figures in and there's going to be some bad apples. The difference is, PI has had almost no good releases. Even if one figure release ended up ok, the market just won't support them.

As for the do an eBay search..the difference is these where not a USA market item. Think XM or iron studios or imaginarium. Not a lot of their product on eBay either.

Anyway-all that matters is if you like it really. I had high hopes for them when they showed like 100 figures at nycc a couple years ago. They just over extended. And it is to bad, the figures do look good. And I'm afraid they (well new them, CMC) may be taking that same road. Which sucks becuase their 1/4 mk45 looks amazing.

 

[lotus000]

Both of you guys have valid points, except for the comment on the PI 1/4 Mark 42. There are zero reviews of Actual production version showing un-boxing or anything similar. So it was never released anywhere to anyone. I would like to know who holds the key to that warehouse so I can buy one


The good news is Myself , SwiftWilly, Royce12, and HokieTwo are the only people IN THE WORLD (or at least know about this forum) who own the 1/4 scale line which includes 2 figures.

The War machine and Iron Patriot for me are awesome looking with no QC issues aside from Right plastic hand flap popping off which a little super glue took care of. Most of my older Hot Toys Iron Man armors have the same issue so its a null point.

All in all I'm glad I took the plunge and bought these pieces and look forward to any future releases.

 

[spindrift]

I was very much wanting their Mk 42 1/4 but the wait and delays are getting tedious...plus no US distribution, I'm a BBTS man

 

[swiftwilly]

The QC issues are not from the previous line. The mk42 is one example. There have been issues reported with the wm mk2, ip, mk7 1/6 scale, the HOA, the batman and superman super alloy...every figure has had substantial issues. All from a company that had such poor QC marvel actually pulled their 1/6 license. Even if this particular figure never had any previous reported issues, most people will not consider them becuase the company. Your comparison to ssc would only be accurate, if every single product they ever made had issues. Would you buy the iron man 1/6 mk45 from hot toys if every other suit to this point had been delayed and had major issues and the mk43 was shelved due to poor construction, as the company press release said, and marvel pulled part of the license due to QC issues and there was another company with a proven track record still producing items at the same price? That's essentially what is happening, only reversed. And, there have been issues reported with this on top of that.

As for the diecast-I only brought it up becuase you used it as an explanation as to why the price is better. Yes, it costs more at retail. But that has little to do with secondary price. Especially long term. The price of the Pi war machine new was 600ish. More then the 1/4 scale hot toys stuff. And it's taken a pretty decent drop in value since it came out. The diecast vs plastic cost is not that large a difference that it would make any really difference on value. Doesn't matter if it cost more at retail.

As for the pre order. I brought it up becuase it was material to the QC issues and collectibility of the product. It was delayed, as they all where, becuase of quality control issues.

It's great that you have no issues. And yes, every company has QC issues. Sideshow does have a rep for some bad QC as you brought up. But they are not the competitor to PI. Hot toys is. And yes, hot toys has had some issues as well. 500 figures in and there's going to be some bad apples. The difference is, PI has had almost no good releases. Even if one figure release ended up ok, the market just won't support them.

As for the do an eBay search..the difference is these where not a USA market item. Think XM or iron studios or imaginarium. Not a lot of their product on eBay either.

Anyway-all that matters is if you like it really. I had high hopes for them when they showed like 100 figures at nycc a couple years ago. They just over extended. And it is to bad, the figures do look good. And I'm afraid they (well new them, CMC) may be taking that same road. Which sucks becuase their 1/4 mk45 looks amazing.

Oh, I thought you were referring to the 1/6 or 1/12 Mark 42...as lotus mentioned, I was not aware of the PI 1/4 Mark 42 being released...can you please link your source? I stand correct with my comments on the 1/4th line from PI if you can substantiate this of course.

Otherwise, actually owning the war machine (and soon to own the iron patriot), have not come across any QC issues. I did have a "soft" joint in one of the arms however was fixed depending on where you move it. This level of issue is not much different to what I have experienced with SS and HT. The others have not mentioned any QC issues with their figures.

I was very surprised at the quality of the figure actually. Hence why I went ahead to buy the iron patriot.

As for secondary value market price on figures, no one knows. But the starting point is that die cast are typically more expensive. I agree no one has a clue what these will be worth in a few years time, but the starting point and as of right now, die cast is off to a pretty good starting value compared to plastic versions...

Re SS is a competitor or not I guess is different to people. I agree SS does not make articulated 1/4 scale models like HT or PI, but I would put it in the same category...anyway, small issue

Overall, I am just being defensive because as an Owner of the model and I share the views of other owners of this 1/4 PI model, there is no QC issues. I get people labeling PI as bad given their rep, no arguments there, but to say specifically the war machine and iron patriot has QC issues is just wrong

 

[Royce12]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lotus000]

Cool you got him too. Now all three of us have him We have completed the 1/4 collection pressure if off

 

[Royce12]

Just Iron Patriot for me. I don't have War Machine. Just playing around with the camera image adjustments.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lotus000]

Just Iron Patriot for me. I don't have War Machine. Just playing around with the camera image adjustments.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ah I thought you had both oh well keep the pics coming

 

[nightsurf]

Cool pics. I'm still not sure of iron patriot, but I keep my po on mark 42 despite the wait