Introducing Rampart: Original Resin Robot by Cris Rose
Amongst the artists participating in the Dragatomi Not Vinyl Show [blogged / currently on show @ Dragatomi until June 1st] is UK-creator Cris Rose, who does a "surprise" release of his new original resin design; RAMPART! The third in his new series of robots in 2010 so far (after Rummage and Rumble), this particular Rampart (above-left) is priced at US$125 for this one-off painted edition, which also happens to be one of the very few "chase" figures which possesses "arms" ("Handy Rampart" as it is known). Subsequent regular Rampart-releases might not come with (except for "chase-Ramparts", of course).
I have been keeping Rampart under wraps for quite a while now (for an upcoming "surprise" on TOYSREVIL) and can now reveal some prototype-images of the resin figure for your robot-toy-lurving viewing pleasures, along with "pertinent" Rampart-info.CLICK THRU to view, and stay tuned for further Rampart-developments!
[Above: Rampart "Sunburst" - 4" Resin Robot available online via Dragatomi.com]
NAME: Rampart
SIZE: 4 Inches tall
SCALE: 1/12th
FUNCTIONAL DETAILS: A robotic assistant to the police and emergency services - primarily within Urban and Suburban areas. Strategically placed around the city for maximum coverage, each bot has his own little alcove to stand in until required. When called to action, all Ramparts in a given area will fire up their 4 primary thrusters and hover out of their little homes towards the incident.
They proceed to encircle the accident / fire / disturbance, locking together and stacking on top of each other to form a 7 foot high wall of metal to keep the general public safe. Outfitted with sirens, loudspeakers for public announcements, cameras and fire extinguishers, Rampart's assist with the coordination of rescue efforts in a mostly passive manner. They can, however, be asked to gently shepherd crowds, put out small isolated fires (such as in the engine of a poorly maintained hovercar) or ram through debis blocking firefighters.
[The Backstory of Rampart will be revealed in the next post]
UPCOMING RAMPART-PRODUCTION: Cris mentions that there will be an "Edition A" of Rampart (in "Dirty Copper"), and that he is hoping to offer Rampart for a lot less than Rummage and Rumble so that those with smaller budgets can afford an original bot from him. He is also hoping to sell them in 2 and 4 packs so you can build your own wall.
ABOUT HANDY RAMPARTS: There is a lesser spotted "Handy Rampart" that has arms. They don't normally need them and can eject them if they need to become part of a wall, but sometimes it's useful to have one or two at the scene, able to pick up debris or carry an old ladies shopping. There will not be any regular "Editions" that have arms, but there maybe one or two customs that do and a few chases!
[Note that they don't all say the same thing on their collars]
