I usually tend to focus on smaller-scale releases from the Micro Machines and Action Fleet lines when adding vehicles to my collection. That being said, I do occasionally pick up some of the more exciting 3 3/4" vehicles - particularly where they provide interesting ways to enhance the display of my figures. The brand new Vintage Collection Tatooine Skiff ticked those boxes and more.
Given the spartan distribution of previous Vintage Collection vehicles in this part of the world, I wasn't entirely sure if we'd even see the Tatooine Skiff in my neck of the woods. Fortunately, EB Games put the Skiff up for preorder back in August, and stock arrived just in time for Triple Force Friday.
Retailing for $80.00AU ($85.58NZ), the Tatooine Skiff gives you an enormous amount of bang for your buck. Replete with features, and treated to a gorgeous weathered paint job, this vehicle is a worthy successor to the previous - and only - sculpt of the skiff that debuted all the way back in 1985.
So where do we start? All of the necessary elements are there, including ball-jointed steering vanes, swivel control handles, and a retractable boarding 'plank'. But the skiff goes further than this, including a number of features not seen on-screen. There are eight weapon clips for assorted electrostaffs and vibro-axes, along with an opening weapons storage compartment in the centre of the vehicle. Additional storage can be found under the removable forward deckplate, along with some exquisite engine detailing under similar deckplates in the rear.
Hasbro's smartest addition, however - and the very thing that lifts this from a simple toy to a premium display piece - is the inclusion of a stand. Two transparent pillars mounted on a piece of sculpted sand dune hold the skiff aloft. But it gets better. The mounting points on the skiff hinge, allowing the vehicle to tip precariously just as when Lando fell overboard. Swap out the standard railing for the included 'battle-damaged' railing, and you can perfectly recreate this exact scene from Return of the Jedi.
Vehicle releases from the Vintage Collection line rarely fail to disappoint, and the Tatooine Skiff is no exception. There's really nothing more we could have asked for from a 3 3/4" version of this iconic vehicle!
Vehicle releases from the Vintage Collection line rarely fail to disappoint, and the Tatooine Skiff is no exception. There's really nothing more we could have asked for from a 3 3/4" version of this iconic vehicle!
