SGII Alternative Vehicles (A LONG POST)

I have just discovered a major advantage to being here in the states, I
have been able to pick up the new Galoob Action Fleet Models of the
Aliens
Dropship and APC.  For models aimed at the toy market the quality of the
finish is excellent (if I were a kid - or a smaller kid - I would be
well
pleased with these).  Both models are approximately seven inches long by
approx. three inches wide.  Both models are aimed at using the Action
Figures supplied by Galoob, but by a convienient quirk the figs are
almost
big enough for 25-28mm wargame figures.

Now the details:

The Dropship

Compared with the Halycon Dropship this one is very small, total length
is
around eight inches, while total body depth is around two inches. 
Features
are opening cockpit, fully opening payload bay, retractable landing gear
and full extendable weapons payload bays (both for the forward SAMs and
the
rear air to ground misslies).  The cockpit is not really well moulded
but
since Galoob provide a pilot figure you can't really see much of the
interior anyway, it should prove perfectly possible to modify the
interior
to produce a raised rear seat so both pilot and co-pilot/weapons officer
are visible since there is enough room in the cockpit for two figures. 
The
extendable weapons payloads are reasonably well finished, not done too
clunky so when extended they look good, though a little finishing with a
black ink wash would probably work well.  The undercarriage is a little
rough looking (but what can be expected when this is aimed at little
kids
pudgy fingers) but entirely servicable, when extended the dropship
standss
approx an inch off the ground, though it can be modified to reduce that
a
little.  the payload bay opend via a ramp in the underbelly, the ramp is
fully hinged giving full acces to the bay, the bay's dimensions are
approx
an inch ad a half by two and a half by an inch - not a huge space.

Convieniently Galoob also provide a flight stand that with a little work
may be useful for gaming with to support the ship.  Decals on the ship
are
very good, they don't look like obvious tranfers.  The ship is moulded
in a
dark green plastic.  Some paint work to finish it off would be well
rewarded by the final appearance.

As I already have a larger Halycon Dropship which I use for a Platoon or
true Aliens style ship I won't be using this Galoob ship as a prime
mover,
however, it could be ideal as a single squad dropship or as a casevac
ship,
or even as a gunship in support of the prime movers.  The possibilities
with this model in SG II are limitless.

The APC

This is a true gem of a model.	It is perfect for 25mm figures.  Featurs
on
the model are fully traversable turret, working turret rails (store that
turret on the back and drop it from orbit in your Halycon Dropship -
it's a
little large for the Halycon ship but until someone makes a 25mm
dropship
who cares !), opening side door, rotataing wheels (with a clicking sound
on
the rear axle to represent the 'grinding transaxle'), traversable
auxilliary turret, and opening top (this sounds bad but it's been done
so
that it does not look too obtrusive), detailed (or moulded) interior,
and
moulded underside (complete with squished bug !).  Finishing is
reasonable
good ,the decals on mine denote it as part of the Sulaco's complement. 
The
whole thing is moulded in light green plastic, and as with the dropship
a
little paintwork would greatly enhance the final appearance.  I can not
criticise this model, it is well made, the details are excellent
(considering it's intended target) and the finish is good, in all an
excellent addition to the Sc-Fi gaming market.

In use this may serve well as a meduim APC, there appears to be enough
space in the APC for a squad of eight (event eight of the slightly
larger
Grenadier Future Warriors, the true 25mm GZG type troops would be fine).
The only type I would not use are the GW/Warzone type 30+mm size
figures,
they would look very out of proprtion (but then so does GW's Rhino).  I
intend to use my APC (and more when I buy then next week !) as both
prime
movers for my NAC platoon as a lighter alternative to my Phalanx type
APC,
and as a ATAC for my Nexus clonial marines (for Kryomek).

Figure Prices

Each model retails for $14.99, perhaps a little pricey I think, however,
the models are fully painted and decaled, compared with prices from
other
manufacturers I consider this good since I rarely have time to paint
these
days (most of my vehicles are, therefore, only undercoated).  As far as
I'm
aware these models will be released in the UK, but last time I tried
ringing the importers - approx a month ago - they had not even heard of
this range of models, so don't hold your breath.

What more can I say ? except I don't work for Galoob, but I think this
range fill a gap in the market that has been around for some time now.

Stuart.

Stuart Murray
Department Of Molecular Genetics
Albert Einstein College Of Medicine
1300 Morris Park Avenue
Bronx
New York 10461
Tel: (718) 430 4289
smurray@aecom.yu.edu