"And this is my counterpart R2-D2."
Pictures of Medicom's C-3PO and R2-D2 have been released and the going price for these figures are US$200 for C-3PO & US$190 for R2-D2. Because R2-D2 is smaller in size due to its height, Medicom tried to justify its hefty price by adding the light-up feature. No doubt people will still be willing to fork out that kind of mulah (money) for the pair of them, my concern is whether Medicom has got the size right this time and even then, which size does Medicom base their two droids on? Medicom has been releasing their Star Wars 1:6 figures in so many different sizes even though they are supposed to be 1:6 that I've given up collecting the Star Wars Medicom figures altogether.
To borrow a quote from C-3PO: "We're doomed."
Ever wondered why C-3PO has a silver leg? The official story goes like this: C-3PO was completely covered in Gold plating in Episode III (Revenge of the Sith) as he was an Interpreter to Senators in the Galactic Senate. Somewhere between Episode III and Episode IV (A New Hope) C-3PO's right leg was implanted with a bomb. But the leg was replaced by an unknown droid and as no gold parts was available, it was replaced with a Silver leg instead.
In the original "Star Wars (1977)", there were only two R2-D2 models, one that was remote controlled and walked on three legs, and another which was "worn" by Kenny Baker and walked on two legs.
There were a total of 15 R2-D2s on the set of "Attack of the Clones". Eight were radio-controlled; two were worn by Baker; the remainder were stunt models that could be moved by puppet strings or towed by wires. The robotic R2s were prone to failure, particularly while shooting the Tatooine scenes in Tunisia.
The rather COOL light-up features on the Medicom RAH (Real Action Heroes) R2-D2
And here are four droids that cost less than one of Medicom's. The droid in the net carried by 1:6 Chewbacca is a LIMITED STAR WARS Authorized Masterpiece Edition C-3PO Collector Figure. This 12-inch collectible figure was part of the Star Wars Masterpiece Edition, a series of three hardcover reference books published by Chronicle Books. Each comes in a huge box that contains the book and a 12" collector figure made by Hasbro. The books showcased different characters from the Star Wars movies: Anakin Skywalker, C-3PO and Aurra Sing. They included information about the development of the characters, their in-universe biography and merchandising products.
The best thing was, back in those Clarke Quay Sunday Flea Market days, I managed to snag a 14-inch Anakin Skywalker figure (pictures
HERE) and this 12-inch break-apart C-3PO droid for way less than the official retail price. I also have the
Aurra Sing bounty hunter which was a gift :)
This 12-inch tall fully articulated C-3PO Collector Figure with detachable limbs featured realistic silver leg and blaster residue finish. As mentioned, this golden droid's limbs could be taken apart and re-assembled. It came complete with the net Chewbacca used to collect C-3PO's detached parts in "The Empire Strikes Back".
[Chewbacca is fixing C-3PO]
C-3PO: Oh, yes, that's very good, I like that... Oh!
[the lights in his eyes go out]
C-3PO: Well, now, something's not right, because now I can't see!
[Chewie fiddles with something and his eyes turn back on]
C-3PO: Oh, oh, that's much better. Wait... wait. Oh, my! What have you done? I'm BACKWARDS. You flea-bitten furball! Only an overgrown mop-head like you would be stupid enough to...
[Chewie switches C-3PO off]
This R2-D2 with serving tray was from the 1998 FAO Schwarz Limited Edition Slave Leia & R2-D2 as Jabba's Prisoner boxed set as seen in "Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)" where R2 operated as both bartender and mobile bar on Jabba's Sail Barge
This R2-D2 was released in 1997 and certainly looks good for his age Ha! Ha!
And his bumbling partner C-3PO (both figures reviewed
HERE)
For about the same price as Medicom's rather small RAH R2-D2, you could also get the 15-inch Interactive R2-D2 unit which responds to more than 40 voice commands, plays games with you and your friends, dances, plays music, and more! Ask him if he remembers famous friends like Luke Skywalker or Princess Leia or enemies like Jabba the Hutt, and each name will stir up a different response. He even guards your room with his sentry alarm. R2 also boasts a secret cargo compartment and a unique swing-down utility arm that doubles as a beverage holder.
Or even a R2-D2 Astromech Droid Phone which produces Star Wars sound effects for incoming calls or on demand! Whenever there is an incoming call the R2-D2's head spins, a light flashes and the R2D2 sound is produced.
Check out the United States Parcel Service (USPS) Star Wars R2-D2 Mailbox Coin Bank posted HERE
Beretta RX4 looks like it was assembled from parts of different guns, and actually it is. The receiver and gas system are based on Benelli R1 rifles, but with alternate polymer magazine housing attached below, which will accept M16 / Ar-15 type magazines. Buttstock is apparently borrowed from Benelli's combat shotguns such as M4 Super 90. Nevertheless it appears to be a practical weapon, suitable for home defense, practical shooting, and security / police work.
Beretta RX4 Storm rifle with 10-round magazine, grenade launcher and retractable butt stock
Benelli MR1 rifle (previously known as Beretta RX-4) with 30-round magazine
The Rx4 Storm is thus currently not in any military use, as it has not been intended to be, albeit one of its variants (the 12,5-inch barrel "Tactical" version with pistol grip and 5-positions telescopic stock) has been intended primarily as a "patrol carbine" for Police organizations and private security operators.
