Ride models are expensive, they really are as Pleasure Beach is the only theme park to sell them here in the UK so in steps one die-hard coaster fan to make these models more affordable as we take a look at this Alton Towers The Smiler 3D printed model.
I want to express a huge thank you to Roller Coaster Fine Arts for sending me a complimentary model of The Smiler over for this review.
This 3D printed ride model is certainly a nice looking model indeed, without coming through in a fancy box and simply bubble wrap the unboxing experience was a quick one indeed.
With many 3D-printed ride models, there is usually a ridiculous amount of printing thread hanging from the model with no care to tidy it up. It’s nice to see that this ride model arrived relatively cleaned up and tidy and already this presentation of the final product was better than that of the Pleasure Beach models.
Whilst a little unsteady on its feet this particular Smiler model certainly isn’t as stable as that of the Pleasure Beach models with stands printed especially for the ride (such as the ICON 3D printed model).
But considering the ICON model costs close to £100 and this model is just above £30 it’s a small price to pay for a more affordable and still detailed model.
Check out my video unboxing of the model below:
If there’s any other niggle that I had with the model it would be the label on the piece saying ‘The Smiler’ the font is completely off but none-the-less it doesn’t distract away from the model at all and with these not being official models I can see why the real font wouldn’t be added to the model for legal reasons.
A great display piece and what is sure to be a popular item this model of The Smiler at Alton Towers is sure to be a hit.
It just puzzles me as to why Merlin hasn’t hopped on board these ride models as sale items in their own shops. The resins are great pieces to add to a collection but these 3D printed models certainly take memorabilia collecting to the next level.
Shop your own ride models from Roller Coaster Fine Arts HERE
