Customer Reviews

Matchbox Power Scouts Bashing Boulder Mine Adventure System

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One typically sets up the Power Scouts course in a loop so that vehicles continuously circle. When the Bashing Boulder Mine is in the course loop, it requires someone to reset the bridge (after the bridge and boulder fall), or else the next vehicle gets stuck at the fallen bridge. It seems like some sort of spring mechanism in the bridge would have solved this issue. The next two issues are with the tunnel underneath the bridge. It isn't designed with any track alignment rail (but the Skull Mountain tunnel has an alignment rail??). Therefore, most of the time the vehicles crash into the side of the tunnel and get stuck. It is not possible to perfectly align the flexible track through the tunnel as the track tends to move around quite a bit as the vehicles traverse the track. Also, for some reason they DID include springs on the tunnel doors. Why?? This makes the tunnel situation worse as most of the vehicles have a tough time pushing the tunnel doors open, and they typically get stuck there, UGH!! One final note regarding the rocks on the ramp leading to the bridge. The rock height can be slightly adjusted, but there is not enough adjustment room to make a difference one way or another. Other Power Scouts expansion units have much more adjustment ability in the rocks. Makes me wonder if this toy was designed by a group of people who never communicated!!

Another issue with this product is that it ONLY comes with ONE additional short flexible track piece and ONE additional round four-way yellow connector. What were they thinking (except for more $$$) ?? One needs at least four or five pieces of long track and TWO connectors to successfully incorporate this unit to the adventure system. I ended up buying a Rock Ridge expansion set as it includes five pieces of long track and three connectors. Speaking of the 4-way yellow connectors, they are another source of frustration with the Power Scouts system. 50% of the time the vehicles get stuck on these connectors, 25% of the time they veer off the connector into the room, and 25% of the time they do what they are supposed to do. Also, a four-way connector is seldom necessary unless one has a giant setup. A simpler two-way connector with no raised surface would be MUCH better.

If the previous sources of frustration aren't an issue for you, then the Power Scouts adventure system and this expansion unit will be a fun toy.

This is awesome! My son a well behaved 2yr old has been pretty good at playing with the power scouts play sets. He is now 3 and his 1yr old brother stripped the gears of 1 of his power scouts. Easy to do with the motor on and forcing it back and forth on the ground. However he does enjoy putting all his trucks through the multiple obstacle courses at the same time.

I would recommend supervised play from 2-3yrs, not doing so could lead to some frustration or mis-use of the toy. Its not recommend for kids under 3 but I could not wait. I would imagine most 24-36 month olds would toss, hammer, and abuse these till the cows come home.

This is a great addition to your Power Scout Adventure System. My son who is 5 loves the ease of putting these track and accessories together and creating a new obstacle course each time. Definately would recommend to add to your system but not much fun alone.

My 4 year old son got this for Christmas to go along with another set he got for his birthday. He loves it! It is a fun toy and provides hours of entertainment for him. For the inexpensive price, I am very impressed with the quality of this toy and the features it has. It is a very entertaining toy.