Today we're unboxing the Iron Elephant King, "Mammoth Gondola"! Ever since the promotional video and release info dropped back in April, I've been eagerly waiting for this one. For anyone still on the fence, here's a detailed look to help you make your decision.
First, let's check out the packaging.
Here's the front of the box, featuring the CTBC Brothers logo and a great shot of the Mammoth Gondola itself.
The back of the box shows off some basic model specs and a CG render of the mecha.
The top and bottom of the box feature the CTBC Brothers logo and the English "Mammoth Gondola" logo.
The sides of the box showcase some seriously cool close-up CG shots of the Mammoth.
The packaging uses a window box design, allowing you to get a clear view of the figure inside.
Lifting the flap reveals an awesome internal mechanics illustration, giving off some cool video game vibes.
The overall box design is stylish and thematic. The window box is a great touch, letting you inspect the figure for any defects while also serving as a display piece. It's a very collector-friendly package.
With the unboxing done, let's look at the contents!
Inside, you get the Mammoth Gondola figure, a set of screw hole covers, and an instruction manual.
(Including screw hole covers is a very thoughtful touch for a toy like this!)
First, following the manual, you'll need to detach the screw hole covers from their runner. (I recommend using a pair of hobby nippers to avoid damaging the parts.)
Just like building a regular model kit, it's a good idea to sand down any nub marks left from cutting.
If you don't have sandpaper, you can also carefully trim the excess plastic with a hobby knife.
After a quick trim and sanding, they're ready for installation!
Use a pair of small tweezers to handle and install the caps. For some spots on the body, you'll need to detach the legs first, so be sure to read the manual carefully.
(This figure's head has a light-up feature, so remember to pick up two LR44 button-cell batteries and install them as shown in the instructions.)
And here it is, the Iron Elephant King "Mammoth Gondola," fully assembled!
For experienced collectors, the assembly process is pretty straightforward and gives you that satisfying little ritual of prepping a new figure. (If you're planning to do any panel lining, you can apply it before installing the screw caps.)
For those who just want to display it and won't be handling it much, you can even skip installing the caps entirely. It's a great design that caters to both types of collectors!
Now, let's take a closer look at the figure itself!
Front view.
Rear view. The thrusters on the back are incredibly cool and a major highlight!
A close-up of the head. The body is covered in designation codes and logos, enhancing the cybernetic aesthetic.
The cannons and thrusters on the main body are removable. The weapon systems also feature painted markings and slogans.
The color separation and painted details across the figure are impressively rich.
Next up, the articulation and action shots!
The weapon mounts can be adjusted to different angles.
For me, the thrusters are one of the coolest parts of this release.
The feet contain die-cast components, so standing firmly is no problem at all!
The trunk and tusks are freely adjustable, giving the upper body a lot more "expression" for photos.
The legs all feature pull-out joint extensions, allowing for a decent range of outward leg spread.
Basic walking poses are no issue either!
Even a king can be cute sometimes!
Final Thoughts:
As a commemorative collectible, the Iron Elephant King "Mammoth Gondola" is a very meaningful piece. To preserve the iconic mammoth silhouette and accommodate the heavy armor, some articulation has been slightly sacrificed (like a deep waist swivel or more extreme head and leg movement). However, this is compensated for with articulation in the smaller details, like the ears, trunk, and thrusters.
On the paint and finish, it's a bit of a shame that the final molded color differs from what was shown in the animated promo video, which had a much stronger cyber-mecha feel. The figure's plastic has more of a raw molded look, with the yellow in particular being very reminiscent of the plastic used in classic "Brave series" toys. That said, the excellent detail, sharp color separation, and crisp logo and number markings do a great job of making up for this minor shortcoming, and the overall accuracy is still quite impressive.
Considering these fine details and the inclusion of die-cast parts, the price point is quite reasonable when compared to other high-end die-cast toys. But for collectors, the true value of the "Mammoth Gondola" lies in its commemorative significance. For fans of the CTBC Brothers and baseball, this awesome mecha mammoth is an absolute must-have for your collection!
Thanks for reading, and see you next time!
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