Review of Recon at Waypoint
G.I. Joe Sixth Scale Diorama

Introduction

Sixth scale action figure collectors that display their figures like complex dioramas. But they aren't all that easy to build, and custom versions certainly aren't cheap. Sideshow noticed this, and has begun developing a series of environments that can be used with a variety of figures. This isn't new for them, as they did it with their historic military line, but they're branching out into items that can be used with more modern pop culture licenses.

In fact, the first of these is specifically designed for the G.I. Joe license, but can easily be used for other displays. I'll be using as such, since I don't have any of Sideshow's Joes.

It's called Recon at Waypoint, and is a blasted out section of building. There's Timber the wolf as well, and a Cobra case too, but it's the environment I was really going for.

This diorama is limited to 750 pieces, and was originally $130 at Sideshow's site. They've sold out, but I have some sponsors listed at the end with it currently in stock.

Packaging - ***
The box is quite large, pushing Premium Format dimensions, and it shows photos of the diorama itself. Inside, you get a very sturdy set of foam trays, and there's little chance that the statue will suffer any damage in transit.

While the edition size is printed on the bottom of the base, there's no Certificate of Authenticity.

Sculpting - ***
The diorama is about 14" tall, just under 16" wide, and about 13" deep. Once I had it out of the box, it seemed a bit smaller than I was expecting.

The brick work is quite nice, with good detailing and a very realistic texture. Over the brick is an old style plaster, with the cracks and pock marks that give it age and damage.

The destruction isn't recent, since snow and debris rest on the exposed brick and edges. The snow is the one area of the sculpt that works the least for me, but this is not just a sculpt issue - the paint doesn't do a lot for its realism either. As someone that's lived in a snowy state for almost 50 years now, I generally know what snow looks like, and this isn't quite it.

There's some additional sculpted details as well, including empty shell casings and various rocks and debris on the ground. Overall, the sculpt is solid, and certainly above the average you'll find in many custom pieces.

I included a photo with a couple T-600's, but keep in mind that those guys are huge, pushing 15" tall. A normal 12" figure wouldn't quite reach the top edge of the remaining corner.

Paint - ***
There's lots of muted colors here, and the damage and textures are highlighted by various washes and dry brushing. It's a nice overall effect, although there are a few issues that pull it down for me.

The biggest is the snow, similar to the category above. They've painted the snow with a very broad stroke, air brushing the white onto the areas around the snow. This looks particularly off along the outside of the wall, where the air brushed appearance makes it all too obvious that it's paint, and not snow.

The air brushing is used on some of the other colors too, particularly on the ground, and it really doesn't look right in any application. As with the sculpt, the paint quality is above average overall, but there's enough small issues to keep it from reaching a higher score.

Accessories - ***1/2
Usually, statues (which this is closest too) don't come with accessories, but this one does.

There's a Cobra weapons case with moving handle, made from a solid resin. That means it doesn't open, but it would look fine in a figures hand.

There's also Timber, a large wolf with a very pissed off expression. He's properly scaled for 12" figures, standing just over 4" at the shoulder, and about 9" long from tail tip to snout. The sculpting on his fur is excellent, and his eyes have a very life-like appearance. Like the case, he's solid resin, with no articulation.

I won't be using the accessories, although I'm sure I'll find some use for Timber eventually. But for the Joe collector, they're an excellent addition.

Fun Factor - ***
For kids who understand the somewhat fragile nature of this environment, it could make a great play addition. Certainly for those kids who like to come up with great displays for their action figures, this could add quite a bit to their enjoyment.

Value - **
However, at $130 it's a bit too high. Not a lot though, considering the large amount of resin here and the decent sculpting and paint. You'll add quite a bit of pizazz to your display with something like this, and it will fit with a variety of figures.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing!

Overall - ***
This is a decent diorama that can add a lot of visual pop to an otherwise basic display. The price point will probably put off most folks, but it's certainly better to pay a hundred bucks for this than an overpriced set of shelves or display case.

I'll be using this with my Hot Toys Terminator figures, in a way similar to the last photo. Replace Henry Jones Sr. with the upcoming battle damaged John Connor, and you'll get the idea.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ***
Paint - ***
Accessories - ***1/2
Fun Factor - ***
Value - **
Overall - ***

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Sideshow has their wait list still open for it.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
I haven't picked up any of Sideshow's Joes, but I have a guest review of Snake Eyes.

You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.

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