Eaglemoss Hero Collector Build The Ghostbusters Ecto-1 Model Subscription Review - Issue #3

This is one of an ongoing series of reviews that looks at the "Build The Ghostbusters Ecto-1" model subscription from Eaglemoss, through their Hero Collector imprint. Let's take a closer look at Issue #3...


Before I get down to the details, I have to explain the terms I will be using. Eaglemoss refers to both the magazines AND model parts as "issues", but that will lead to great confusion because it's not "one magazine per one set of parts". Also, the name "issue" is more frequently used for readable periodicals and not model parts. Given that (starting with the second package) it's "one magazine per four sets of parts", and at the standard rate, you get one magazine with four sets of parts each month, I will be referring to each package/collection of items by the "issue" number of the magazine. The model car parts will be referred to as "parts sets". I have been told by my source at Eaglemoss that there are a total of 36 magazines and 141 model parts sets in the subscription.

For the record, with this being the second package, here is the rundown so far:

- Magazine "Issue #1" comes with Parts Set #1 (in Package #1).
- Magazine "Issue #2" comes with Parts Set #2 (in Package #1).
- Magazine "Issue #3" comes with Parts Sets #3, #4, #5, #6. (in Package #2).

That means that next month (June), I will receive Magazine "Issue #4" and Parts Sets #7, #8, #9, #10. Got all that?

If you're just joining in on the fun, be sure to read my review of Issues #1 and #2 (the introductory package) to fill you in on what to expect from the "Build The Ghostbusters Ecto-1" model subscription. Okay, now that we're all on the same page, let's look at what is in the latest package.


Taking everything out of the large box, I find the Issue #3 magazine; Ecto-1 model parts sets #3, #4, #5, and #6; and the magazine binder.


The magazine is slightly bigger than 8.5"x11" and contains 30-pages. The magazine contains a parts list (so you'll know what parts accompany that issue) with instructions, followed by a new interview/article. In Issue #3, you get "The Story of Slimer", an article detailing how the green ghoul was created; "Harold Ramis", a remembrance of the actor by his daughter Violet; and the usual "Ecto–101" section, which provides "a monthly list of all the things that make Ghostbusters great".


The model pieces are large and heavy due to the fact that this is made of die-cast metal! Yeah, this isn't a cheap little plastic model, like the old Ertl Ecto-1A. When finished, it will measure a whopping 31.5" long. That's roughly TWO AND A HALF FEET! I would not be surprised if the car ends up weighing a good 10 pounds, too. This is a deluxe, highly-detailed model. Think of it as "the Cadillac of Ecto-1 models". Get it? The four parts sets included with this issue are:

• Parts Set #3 - The chrome-effect front bumper parts and the frames and lenses for the fog lights.
• Parts Set #4 - The front left tire, along with the wheel parts and caps.
• Parts Set #5 - The transmission and engine as you assemble and fit the gearbox and bell housing.
• Parts Set #6 - Parts of the engine, starting with the left engine block, cylinder head and exhaust manifold.

All parts either snap or screw in place. No glue or paint is needed, though you will need the mini-screwdriver included with the introductory package and your own pair of pliers. Obviously, I don't have the completed model to show you. The most I could do right now is to assemble the parts given to me. I'm going to hold off on doing that, as it would be best to just build it once I have all of the parts.


Included in the second package is the binder to hold the magazines in. It's a hard, sturdy, paperboard binder with 16 detachable plastic pins, which are used to hold the magazines inside the binder. It measures 9"x12"x3" and features beautiful photos of the Ecto-1 model on the front, back, and spine. The inside is plain black.

This is one of several gifts included with a subscription. As detailed in my review of the introductory package, later packages will include other gifts. According to my source at Eaglemoss, you will get the Ecto-1 license plate replica with Issue #7, the baseball cap with Issue #15, the t-shirt with Issue #23, and the display base with Issue #39. Do note that these are the magazine "issue" numbers, and not the shipment/package numbers, because you have the option to "accelerate" your subscription so that you can receive more issues and parts sets per shipment (6, 8, or 12, instead of 4). In which case, you will also receive the gifts sooner than at the normal rate.

You start your subscription with the introductory package, which contains the "Introduction" magazine, Issue #1 and Issue #2 magazines, a fold-out poster that shows you the model in full actual size, and the first two sets of Ecto-1 parts for just $1.95 with FREE SHIPPING!!! Further issues are $10.90 per issue plus $2.45 for shipping per issue. In addition to the 36 magazines and 141 model parts sets, you will also get a beautiful binder in which to store all of your magazines, an Ecto-1 license plate replica, an exclusive baseball cap, an exclusive t-shirt, and a display base for your model. If you're willing to pay an extra $1.00 per issue, you can upgrade to a Platinum subscription, which entitles you to a specially-designed crystal case with an amazing lighting kit to add onto your display base.

I will continue to review all of the magazines and model pieces that Eaglemoss sends me, and in a few years, I'll build the Ecto-1 and show it off to all of you.

All photographs and scans used in this review were taken by me, Paul Rudoff. This item was provided by Eaglemoss for review on this site.