After 8 months on pre-order, I received X-Plus’s Maschinenmensch from Fritz Lang’s silent classic, Metropolis (1927), this week.
Maschinenmensch was one of the first, and perhaps most iconic fictional robots ever depicted in cinema, and went on to be one of the primary influences of robotic design in feature film.
The ⅛ scale model features the gynoid 'Maria' arguably in ‘her’ most iconic pose, posed before the chair/ ‘throne’ that 'she' recently occupied: the latter serves as an appropriately thematic base for the model.
Though it is marketed as a "glue-together" kit, the snap-together design of the core kit is plainly evi- dent. Interestingly, no mention or allusion to a no-glue finish is anywhere to be found in the instruc- tions, etc. This is a ‘hybrid’ kit, with some subassemblies glue-based, but with the figure itself being primarily a "snap-fit" assembly. Having said that, extensive dry-fitting and dry-assembly is a pre-requisite to the application of glue.
The kit is cast in injection-molded gold (figure) and light grey (display setting) polystyrene. The polystyrene is excellent: better-than-average heat resistance, though somewhat brittle and ‘layered’. Overall fit is G+ to VG+: the underlying 'mannequin sub-figure’ fit is not as precise as it might be; but that of the armour defining the kit is near-excellent! Overall, I would have to grade this kit as a solid "B+".
The instruction sheet, one sheet, 2 pages, is very good, and would be welcome--and appreciated!--by anyone with even moderate plastic figure experience.
Before closing, I have just found out that there will be a second Metropolis offering from X-Plus: a seated Maschinenmensch! It is scheduled for release in 2023, and I will be placing my pre-order as soon as it is announced!
The kit is now approximately 50% done. Stay tuned!
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003
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