Customer Reviews

Star Trek 1:50 Scale USS Enterprise 1701 D (Next Generation)- Mattel Hot Wheels

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

 

 

This toy is largely plastic. Measuring 6" in length (bow to stern if you're so inclined) the model is ideal for placing on a desk (at home or work). The rear lower hull (stardrive section for Trekkies) has some die-cast metal, but I suspect that the point behind making the saucer section (forward end) plastic is to allow the model to balance on its stand.

** Hot Wheels vs. Galoob **
In 1987 Galoob toys released an entirely diecast Enterprise NCC-1701-D toy that is about the same exact dimensions as this Hot Wheels (HW) version. I'm surprised at just how similar the two models are, but as should be expected this newer toy sports better physical detailing and paint.

** Hot Wheels vs. Johnny Lightning **
An alternative would be the Johnny Lightning NCC-1701-D toys (which are getting harder to find on the secondary *cough* ebay *cough* market). The JL Galaxy class ships (the Enterprise variants and her sister ship the Yamato) measure 4" long and sport a fantastic paint job.

Both the HW toy described here and the JL Galaxy class ships have separating saucer sections ... I know, some of you may be wondering what this means, but trust me, if you hand an Enterprise D to a Trekkie and its saucer does not separate, he/she may go Klingon on you. Fortunately HW did a great job detailing the upper portion of the stardrive section and designing a strong connection between the two Enterprise parts (with luck this Enterprise is built to last and will not require an aspiring Chief Engineer LaForge to superglue the two sections together).

Finally, many sites sometimes describe this model as being a 1:50 scale die-cast model of the Enterprise. In addition to only being part die-cast, this model is roughly the same length as the other HW Star Trek models released to date ... if this one is 1:50, then the others (arguably smaller ships) are not. Don't worry ... if your Star Trek friend is going to be bothered by this, then an alternative is to consider the Future USS Enterprise 1701-D and other true(r)-scale gaming models (which are obviously harder to find).

** Overall **
I like my HW Enterprise 1701-D and plan on buying any possible repaints. At the time of this review, these toys can be found easily in local retail stores for $13 - $15. NOTE: This item appears on amazon through multiple sellers: prices & availability may change, so please shop around! :)

Beautiful Enterprise NCC-1701-D, perfect to put on your desk or put in your hand and "fly" around. Brings back memories from childhood and waiting for new episodes of Star Trek TNG, and is very similar to the Galoob NCC-1701-D from that time, for you guys who remember the one from back then. But do not buy from HI-STYLE. They mixed up my order and I wasted 30 minutes with Amazon customer support because HI-STYLE didn't make it easy to contact them directly. Just buy it from a different seller and you'll be happy.

This is great! I actually got it as a gag gift for a guy in my office. He is a trek fan and calls his office *the bridge* He proudly displays this on his desk for all to see. I was surprised at how durable and detailed this model was. Well worth the money.

This is a nice model with good detail but is not in proportion to the other USS Enterprise models I have from same company. The D model is smaller than the older 1701 and 1701A models when it should be larger..I like it though as it complements my other models.

The Federation Starship series From Hot Wheels is the best Die Cast Star Trek Model to date much better than the CORGI model from 1970 although the Corgi did shoot little discs but I digress. The detail is great. I also have the 1701 A and U.S.S.Relient from the same series and they are equally well made, I look forward to 1701 from the New Trek Movie

I bought this for my 2 year old niece last Christmas (she is now 3). She loves Star Trek, as does any respectable member of my family. She spent several days zooming around the living room pretending she was the Enterprise. She also lovingly snuggled up next to it at night. So if your raising a sci-fi nerd, give this a go.

This toy does hold up to children. The saucer section does detach, and does so fairly easily so it often fell off when she was playing with it, but it wasn't a huge issue and wouldn't fall off if it was just sitting there. The entire thing is made of durable firm plastic and feels like it will last forever. The detailing is incredibly thorough from the lettering to the deflector it has amazing details.

Also, if you are raising that sci-fi nerd we spoke of earlier this toy actually has educational value (I know, I know Trekky haters hang on, hear me out). My niece was talking by this time, and she learned words like "warp nacelle", "deflector", and "saucer section". While she had little idea what these words actually mean, or how they work, it was excellent practice in pronunciation, especially with more complex, difficult words. Plus it's super cute to see a 2 year old walk up to someone and point at the deflector and say with pride "this is the de-fec-tor!".

Awesome!

I bought this as a model to put on my desk. The detail is pretty good but still could be better. I love how the saucer can separate on it. It seems pretty durable, no problems so far.