Taito Real Figure: Galaxy Express 999 Conductor

It's time to change things up with a prize figure review.  This is a figure I've been considering for a long time.  It's nice to finally have it in my collection, since he is one of my favorite characters of all time: The Conductor from Galaxy Express 999!

I have to say, it was really really exciting to get this figure in the mail the other day.  I know it's difficult to find a lot of reviews of this guy, so I took a lot of box pictures to show off for anyone interested in looking for one of these.  Just look for the "Taito" logo in the upper left corner of the box.

The box is 11 inches tall, and the figure itself is 8 inches. It's heavy also, since The Conductor, also known as "Sancho-san" (syasyo on the box), is solid instead of hollow like newer figures.

The inner package is really nice, the plastic is supported by cardboard and he is taped in so he won't come loose. The base is separate and a simple black round with the Galaxy Express 999 logo molded onto it.

He looks great right out of the box.  The sculpt is what really sells me on this figure, because he is true to the chracter from every angle.  especially the clasped hands behind the back.  Its a little plain pose wise, but then again, it's hard to make a dynamic pose with a character that tries so hard to remain official.

It's the details that bring out the "prize figure" background on this figure. For example the hat is perfect and the emblem is spot on, but his eyes aren't light enough to bring out the "glow" that they usually give off in the series.  You can also notice while the blue and red of the paint work are flawless, the yellow rims on the hat and clothing is spotty in places.  The hands again look great and do have a solid paint job.

The back revels a little chunk missing in the collar rim and the 999 logo is a little misaligned, but at least it's completely there.  The band also has some scuffed paint, but it can be fixed when I get a chance.

 The buttons are beautiful but have some spotty paint on their edges.  It's not too bad until you get up close to them.  They are the right size, shape and color so this is forgivable.

 Honestly though, he looks so good.  a lot of what I am pointing out are just nit picks.  It is nice to let people know what they are getting.  I just wish his eyes were a little brighter.

 Again I love how he looks from all angles.  This is a very true profile of the beloved Sancho-san.

Despite the little paint flaws I point out, I'm super pleased with this one.  I know people are down on prize figures but this is one I would recommend to any 999 fan.  Especially since this is one of the only larger figures of the Conductor.  Its solid, well done, and a great representation of the character.  I picked this one up for about 30 dollars. I had to hunt around online for a long time, since this is an older figure from 2007/2008. If you can find him I would get him right away.