TARDIS replica - Rubbertoe or Big Chief ?

[RobI]

So, I need a TARDIS. Who doesn't... But I have a big decision to make.

Rubbertoe has a 12th Dr "Shrunken TARDIS" from the episode 'Flatline' with optional lighting effects (330.99 GBP for full featured) http://www.rubbertoereplicas.com/
Big Chief Studios has a 1/6 TARDIS in either 10th Dr or 11th/12th Dr style with lighting. (224.99 GPB) http://www.bigchiefstudios.co.uk/collectables/doctor-who

Rubbertoe is for sale now,but Big Chief is on preorder. They go for big bucks, and to me look very nice. Big Chief has a payment plan too. Not sure if Rubbertoe does for the TARDIS. They did for the sonic.

I know Rubbertoe makes the props so it will be absolutely amazing, but the Big Chief TARDIS has an opening door and is almost double the size of the Rubbertoe and a lot cheaper. Not to mention I get to choose 10 or 11/12 TARDIS. I'm partial to the 11/12 so it's an even more difficult apples to apples decision for me.

Reviews and blurbs online only show so much and since they are not released it's basically pictures only unless there is a Whovian insider lurking out there. So, what's your opinion as to which TARDIS to get? Rubbertoe or Big Chief?

 

[VashDstampede]

Here's another option:
http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=203286&highlight=1/6+Tardis
It's a beautiful kit, fairly simple to assemble. You can choose 9th/10th or 11th/12th versions. As well as an option of a solid or separated door section to customize opening.
Watson is also a great guy to deal with and can walk you through any assembly questions.
The detail is outstanding, Plus, it's actual wood!!!

 

[phez]

I have the rubbertoe version (I can shoot some pics when I get home). The only minus is that the doors do not open. It is an amazing model though. It is cast from the molds used to make the mini tardis for one of the episodes so it also has direct lineage to the show prop.

I have never heard of the big chief but am planning to get the wood kit at some point.

 

[RobI]

I totally glazed over that Rubbertoe was shipping them already. Oops! Yes I love that I'd be getting as real of a prop as possible (like the sonic). The price seriously dissuades me though because I have to have binky lights.

 

[VashDstampede]

It all depends on what you want in your collection. Rubbertoe TARDIS is a replica prop from one episode and is a smaller scale than the other two options since it's a replica of the small scale prop. The perk is it's lineage to the TV prop model and from an artist directly related to the show.
BC and "Big Blue" model kits are 1:6 scale models that can accompany the 1:6 scale figures available. They are small scale replicas of the full scale props used throughout the series.
The perks to BC is that it is a licensed limited piece diorama and is completely finished with paint, interior, lights and sound.
The perks to "Big Blue" is the feeling of accomplishment after building, the price is lower, it can be customized to have lights and sound, it supports our fellow member and it's made of wood like the actual prop. It also seems to be better scaled to the figures since the BC looks a bit shorter when next to their own figures.
As you can tell I'm a bit biased toward the model kit, but it doesn't diminish the fact that I would buy the other two versions in a heartbeat if I had the funds

 

[RobI]

So...looks like Big Chief isn't offering the payment plan option since the release is 1 Nov. Nuts. That's what I get for waiting and saving my pennies.

As much as I'd like the kit version for all the above reasons, I know I won't have the time to actually build and outfit it with anything in the near future. My plate is WAY too full as it is. At this point, I only do kits when absolutely necessary and there is no finished product option by the seller. I kinda suck at painting anyway.

I think I'll bite the bullet and do the full priced because it really is cool and big and universal throughout the episodes. I don't have anything 1/6 so that isn't a factor for me. I know Rubbertoe is direct lineage, and I do have their sonic which is amazing, so quality of their products is not in the least bit in question.

 

[sapper36]

Got my Rubbertoe Replicas Tardis a couple weeks ago - Really like it a lot but had a couple issues:

Doesn't come with a power supply so took a while to get a 9V transformer with the right connector - (Made mine from two transformers)
The lights were not fastened adequately so they rattled around inside when it arrived. Luckily the inside is easily accessible under the felt with screws on 3 of the corners. A little epoxy on the light stand base & it ain't moving now.

I really like the lighting effect & when you unplug it it takes a full minute for the lights to dim all the way down.

Pro's - From the original made by the guys who made it for the show - Very nice fit & finish.

[video]https://www.facebook.com/ToddPKennedy/videos/10208172703979373/[/video]

 

[Rodann]

I refuse to buy Big Chief at this point. Maybe secondhand, if they ever come out, but they are pulling the same "delayed indefinitely due to QC issues" crap that Hot Toys did with the 1:6 1966 Batmobile. First, I preordered back in September, thinking I had my wife's "big Xmas gift" taken care of. I paid the $50+ deposit, and even paid it off in FULL by Oct 15. Nov1 came and went, I continued checking every day. Suddenly, around Nov 20, their release date changed to Feb 27! Nope, that was too late even for her birthday, so I cancelled. For over two weeks, there was no response. So, I filed with Paypal. That woke them up. But they made me close the case so they could process my refund. I should have left the case open- They kept over $65, for "cancellation fees".

I understand some companies do that, but I had to cancel because of THEIR production incompetence. Now, the date has just changed from Feb 27.......to May 30! Get your ****** together, Big Chief, before selling something you can't even MAKE. Another company in too much of a rush to make a buck, with no clue how to actually produce. So, I'm out $65 for something I never got, from a supposedly legitimate collectibles company. I'll never do business with them again.........