My model club posted a message about deep discounts on some of the Dragon USA online kits. While I was not interested in many of them, I did see a pre-decorated action figure/model of Iron Man at a price that was a steal. The list price was $169.99, but it was listed at $10 and change, which many of us assumed was an error. They also had a 35% discount going on. I ordered the figure, and applied the discount, making the kit $7.18 and with shipping of $8.35 and minus 71¢ I had in my Dragon wallet, the grand total was $14.82.
The kit arrived yesterday, in a fairly large, heavy box. It wasn’t exacty what I was expecting, which was more of a traditional model kit like the Moebius one I got at Goodwill for $2, but I am very pleasantly surprised at what arrived.
I assume someone made a big mistake on many kits, like the Patriot missile system for $10. I was lucky to get mine through, all the guys on my club face book page didn’t get their stuff.
I Googled a Youtube video review of the regular Mark XLIII kit. That one includes a regular Iron Man head and does not include Tony’s face nor the separate flaps. There are four flap parts on his shoulder blades. The kit includes four that will mount flush with the back and an optional four that mount in an open position.
I chose to mount the four flush ones since the open ones would be very fragile. I was afraid if the figure fell backwards that the flaps would just snap off.
While this is a high end statue more than a true kit, I can’t see paying anything even close to what they are asking. I was thinking it was going to be a true model kit you assemble and perhaps do some detail touch up to the pre-painted parts.
It wasn’t what I expected, but I am very pleased with what I got.
Last year, I found the Moebius Iron Man Mark III model kit at Goodwill for $1.99. A few small pieces had been snapped together and all parts were off the sprue. The instructions were missing as well. I found a set of instructions online, but to a slightly different version. They were useful in determining the kit was complete, but at two bucks, it was worth the risk.
I did contact Moebius and they did not have the instructions available, and said that even if they did, due to licensing, they might not be able to have given them to me.
The version I found was in an “in action” pose, but the instructions I downloaded were for a standard pose. I’m surprised at how much these older Iron Man kits go for today if you can even find one.
