The Peter Schmidt figure  is a very detailed figure indeed and the accessories are second to none. The last time I saw something of this magnitude it was in a museum under glass. To make this an even more special piece Dragon Models through its retail network took preorders for SOLDAT from August 2003 until September 12th after  which no additional orders were taken and Dragon stated that the preorders would be the full production run making this a limited edition. The SOLDAT series is marketed toward the higher end collector who wants more realism, detail and historical accuracy in their figures and that explains its MSRP of $79.99. Now allot of casual collectors would say ouch to that price, but think about it normally you can only get this detail from a custom creator and they can go into the upper hundreds or more.

I  preordered my SOLDAT from Cotswold Collectables for  77.99  ($2 off list) and after what seemed to be an eternity he finally arrived just after Thanksgiving. I recently did some surfing and I was able to find the figure for $58. However, I did not get a warm and fuzzy from the online vendor that I would receive an undamaged box. The average price for Peter Schmidt is between $ 74 and 77 US; for the most part the retailers are really not discounting this figure yet.

When you fist look at the figure you will notice the box which makes for a great presentation. The box opens up on two sides exposing the figure and uniform in the middle, weapons and gear on the left and personal affects on the right.

Dragon had used its NEO body figure for Mr. Schmidt and I must admit I like it. The figure has a nice weight and is extremely articulate. The joints have a ratchet feel to them that allows the figure to hold a pose. Schmidt comes with two sets of hands one set of rifle hands and a set of flexible finger hands. The rifle hands hold the accessories very sturdy and the flexible finger hands hold objects like the enclosed cigarette extremely well. The only complaint I have with the flexible hands is that the do not hold a pose when bent.

The head sculpt is nicely done with great features and awesome eyes. There was however, a problem with our evaluation figure and that was with the hair line, it was not completely painted. Dragon is targeting the SOLDAT series to the high end collector who is looking for ultra-detail, and a sloppy paint job is inexcusable.

Peter Schmidt's uniform is out standing and extremely detailed. The uniform is complete from a full length over coat right down to a pair of boxers. Schmidt's uniform is by far the most detailed one I have ever seen on a mass produced figure. Dragon definitely earns high marks here.

The accessories can be divided into two categories personal effects which includes identification, glasses, letter and photo, razor, cigarette, and more. The second categories is weapons, packs and gear. All  of the accessories are topnotch and set this figure ahead of the pack.

Summary

The concept of SOLDAT is new and refreshing . The costume, accessories and personal effects included with Peter Schmidt are outstanding. However, as noted I was a little more than disappointed with the poor paint job on the head sculpt. It is my opinion that if you are making such claims as Dragon has and with a plan to capture the high-end market, quality should be job one.

I wanted to give Dragon Models a chance at redemption so I opened a ticket with Dragon Care. I can say this these guy's seem to stand behind their work and are truly into customer relations. However, they are a little slow in the response area and as of Jan 31 I  have not received a replacement figure or final resolution. Once Dragon resolves my open issue I will post an update. In conclusion, the new SOLDAT is a great figure and good value and a must have for any collection. I only hope the Dragon Models improve their quality control processes before they relieve the next figure in the series.