Sideshow 1/6 Imperial Probe Droid

[Pixelpiper]

Hmm... Not sure. SS aren't consistent by any means, but lately they've gone directly to "pre-order" when waiting on more stock. If you want this, sign up for the waitlist and email them to ask if they're getting more stock in. There have already been at least two production runs (maybe three) of the Probe Droid for a product many people expected wouldn't be selling in high numbers to begin with. A lot of things SS and other produce don't have a pre-set edition size, but might have a limited production schedule, so when they're gone, they're gone, as factory space and resources are needed for other products/lines, plus moulds start to wear, etc.

 

[Patriot666]

Hmm... Not sure. SS aren't consistent by any means, but lately they've gone directly to "pre-order" when waiting on more stock. If you want this, sign up for the waitlist and email them to ask if they're getting more stock in. There have already been at least two production runs (maybe three) of the Probe Droid for a product many people expected wouldn't be selling in high numbers to begin with. A lot of things SS and other produce don't have a pre-set edition size, but might have a limited production schedule, so when they're gone, they're gone, as factory space and resources are needed for other products/lines, plus moulds start to wear, etc.

Agreed. I always live by the "better sooner than sorry" motto when it comes to collecting. While this has been available for a while, I have only recently started becoming interested in this (figures) side of the forum. I might pull the trigger over at BBTS on this one with my account credit.

 

[marker2037]

You won't regret it if you do. I don't think anyone has been displeased with this piece.

 

[jkno]

This piece is quite iconic in appearance and the sound it makes. SSC made them in large numbers for sure, but one day the production will end and prices will raise more. A high end alternative for a Probe Droid is this SSC 1:6 version, the Attakus 1:5 (nice, but quite fragile and less accurate) or a model kit (studio scale or not) you need to assemble and paint yourself (or pay someone separately to do it).

 

[Patriot666]

I saw an ad on a modeler's forum that had a huge one (not sure if studio scale) he'd build and paint for around $1000. For me that would be the only alternative to the 1/6 that I'd consider. I can't seem to find the ad now though.

 

[jkno]

There were a couple runs on RPF with studio scale Probots. I missed both due to various reasons. The cool thing is that the Sideshow version was made with the help of one of those RPF guys. So it is very accurate on its own:

RPF - Sideshow 1:6 Probe Droid

 

[Rorywan]

Finally remembered to check my batteries, yup all corroded caught just in time..

 

[jkno]

Finally remembered to check my batteries, yup all corroded caught just in time..

I love the "high quality" batteries used in these expensive collectibles...

 

[TonTon]

I love the "high quality" batteries used in these expensive collectibles...

These are "collector" batteries. They are not meant to be used, but rather removed and put on display. Fools.

 

[Patriot666]

There were a couple runs on RPF with studio scale Probots. I missed both due to various reasons. The cool thing is that the Sideshow version was made with the help of one of those RPF guys. So it is very accurate on its own:

RPF - Sideshow 1:6 Probe Droid

Cool, thanks for that info.

 

[kl241]

Well holy sheeeeeeet, add me to the list of corroded batteries! Opened mine up and the batteries were covered in white powdery corrosion!

Pixelpiper, you come up with an AC solution for this? I'd be very interested.

 

[Pixelpiper]

Pixelpiper, you come up with an AC solution for this? I'd be very interested.

Yeah, just waiting for some spare time before final tests/photos. I'll have a couple of variations available. Simple battery replacement - you still have to press buttons on the droid yourself. And then something with a remote so you don't have to press anything on the droid - this will have a replacement LED and probably replacement sound module (in other words, this option won't be using the electronics of the droid at all).

 

[darkeyes]

Well holy sheeeeeeet, add me to the list of corroded batteries! Opened mine up and the batteries were covered in white powdery corrosion!

Pixelpiper, you come up with an AC solution for this? I'd be very interested.

Same with mine, glad I checked.

 

[MR Regan]

This is now sold out, I'm on the waitlist but apparently they are not making anymore.
Anyone know where I can pick one up in the UK

 

[kl241]

Looks like mine was permanently damaged by the battery corrosion. I've cleaned the poles with rubbing alcohol and tried a couple different sets of batteries and the light's not coming on.

 

[Pixelpiper]

Sand the terminals if you can get at them with a nail file or emery board. If they're removable, sandpaper.

My remote-enabled package won't use those terminals, so there's that too.

 

[TaliBane]

Can anyone let me know how you remove the large battery? I can't seem to get the large circular top plate (the top of the lower body) to separate from the lower body, so it makes accessing the large battery very difficult. It seems like it has a cover over the battery with four little clips holding it in place, but I can't see clearly.

 

[Vonhahn]

Can anyone let me know how you remove the large battery? I can't seem to get the large circular top plate (the top of the lower body) to separate from the lower body, so it makes accessing the large battery very difficult. It seems like it has a cover over the battery with four little clips holding it in place, but I can't see clearly.

One of the clips isnt attached so the battery slides out. You dont take that cover off. The trick is finding something you can push the battery from behind with.

 

[TaliBane]

One of the clips isnt attached so the battery slides out. You dont take that cover off. The trick is finding something you can push the battery from behind with.

THat seems pretty much impossible. It really won't move. What did you use to push it?

Why on earth would it be designed this way? I've never seen a battery holder design like this - and placed in such a nearly-impossible-to-get-to position. Why isn't it more easily accessible? And then they go with cheapo batteries that leak after only a few weeks?

 

[jkno]

THat seems pretty much impossible. It really won't move. What did you use to push it?

Why on earth would it be designed this way? I've never seen a battery holder design like this - and placed in such a nearly-impossible-to-get-to position. Why isn't it more easily accessible? And then they go with cheapo batteries that leak after only a few weeks?

I used a few items like tiny screwdriver, toothpick, needle etc. until a small nail scissors (my girl would kill me if she knew ) did the trick and I was able to move that battery. Crazy.