Review: Shell/Ferrari tanker, garage, finish line
Posted by Huw,
To conclude my review of the new Shell/Ferrari polybags, I'll take a look at the tanker, the garage and the finish line.
These are currently available in Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau and we can exclusively reveal that it's 'highly likely' that the promotion will begin in the UK in November, in the run-up to Christmas. More information will follow when we have it.
40196 Shell Tanker
The tanker is unlike those seen on European roads so I must assume it's an American design. I've added a picture of something similar I found on Google below.
It's a substantial model for a polybag set, with 93-odd parts. There's a good level of detail on the chassis and around the back. A transparent 1x4 brick would probably have looked better for the cab window though. I do like the wheels: they are not new but they look just right here on this vehicle.
The tank is constructed using SNOT pieces, including an old-school 'Knob Stone 2X4X2', which has been around since 1990 but seems to have fallen out of favour these days, probably as a result of the plethora of new SNOT pieces that have been introduced recently.
Here's the closet real-life vehicle I could find that matches this design.
40195 Shell Station
I'm not quite sure what to make of this set: it looks like no service station I've ever seen, and certainly doesn't look like a Formula 1 garage.
However, it does offer a lot of playability in conjunction with the cars which I suppose is the point of it.
The base is formed of two Ramp 4X8X6,4 W. Wing parts, which are new this year. More on the minifig below...
40194 Finish line and podium
The finish line also provides playability in conjunction with the cars, but isn't really very exciting otherwise. However, it does contain four of the new 1x4x2 wall elements.
The podium is quite neat, but it's a shame there are no drivers provided with the sets to stand on it...
The minifigs included with the latter two sets are stickered, which won't please many. I think this is mainly to avoid printing company logos on them.
The engineer also has a sticker on his back.
Overall then, this is a great collection of sets which are, in my opinion, much better on those offered in the 2012-2014 Shell/Ferrari promotion. The garage and start line are not of great interest to AFOLs, but will add a lot of playability for kids.
We'll try and keep you informed as the promotion moves around the world. As I said at the start, we have it on good authority that it's 'highly likely' that it'll begin in November in the UK, which is great news.
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11 comments on this article
Hi Huw, the garage looks like the garage at the pista di fiorano circuit. seen here: http://www.automotocorse.it/2013/11/florida-winter-series-sulla-pista-di.html Would explain why it looks a bit weird!!!
The "Shell Station" is a representation of the trackside facilities at the Fiorano Circuit.
http://www.automania.it/images/foto/486/ferrari-f12-berlinetta-pista-di-fioranoa.jpg
In particular notice the windows and slope pieces on the sides.
There are more/better pictures if you google.
Ugh, those stickers on the minifigures really hurts me. I remember back when I got a Ferrari set with those stickers, it annoyed me sooo much. Either way, I enjoy seeing these tiny turbo scaled cars and will defiantly want to pick a few up.
Also let me add that huw, you are one master at applying stickers.
^^ & ^^^ Good call, thanks!
^ I hate doing it. I use tweezers to lift and apply them.
@MrMonsieurGreen
Heh, i got the red torso i use for my sigfig from one of the old Ferrari sets.
I wish they would've put 2 2x4 white tiles on top of the tanker truck. It would have topped it off perfectly and create the elevated top of the tank like in the picture.
^ I wondered that myself.
I like the truck! Want!
A transparent window may have looked better, the black one is more consistent with other tiny turbo trucks.
Yes that's an American truck, a Freightliner, very common. Do you know if this will hit us in the U.S. ? I would really like to get some of these!
Yeah, I love the truck, that looks brilliant. Hope we can get those in Australia.
Minifigs? Strange, they're out of scale with everything else...
Love that truck. If it was a poly in a Target checkout lane, maybe, but I just don't do Shell. Not to mention I'm too young to drive.