A Diecast Dream: TOMY’s Back to the Future Time Machine Review

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the DeLorean in the box. TOMY’s 1:10 scale Back to the Future Time Machine launched on Kickstarter and, like any true fan, I jumped in feet first. Why? Because NECA decided to pump the brakes on their own version, leaving a void that TOMY boldly stepped in to fill.

Now, let me be clear: I had no history with TOMY before this. Zero. Zilch. Nada. But hey, life’s about taking risks, right? And boy, am I glad I did. When that box landed on my doorstep, I didn’t waste time ogling the packaging. Toys are meant to be played with, not entombed in cardboard. The moment I pulled it out, that cold, heavy diecast metal hit differently, this thing feels premium. At 11 pounds, it’s got heft, and you don’t truly appreciate that until it’s in your hands.

The Setup: Instructions, Patience, and a Bit of Guesswork

Here’s the deal: you’ve got to read the instructions. Seriously, don’t skip this step. That said, I wish TOMY had made them more user-friendly, especially when it comes to figuring out the light-up features and the smoke effect. Trial and error saved the day, but I’m not going to pretend it wasn’t frustrating at times. Still, once you get it all working, it’s magic. The reactors puff out that iconic smoke (water vapor, but who’s counting?), and the interior and exterior lights are a sight to behold.

The Appearance: Fan Service and Functionality

Visually, this Time Machine is stunning. I’ll admit, I’m not the kind of fan who loses sleep over screen-accurate cable colors or the exact shade of plutonium glow. I know some Kickstarter backers went into meltdown mode over details like that, but for me, it’s about the big picture: Does it light up? Check. Does it do the smoke thing? Double check. Can I jam NECA’s Marty McFly into the driver’s seat? Triple check.

That said, there are a couple of hiccups. While Marty fits like a charm, Doc Brown’s a bit of a squeeze. It’s not a dealbreaker. TOMY did their best, and they’re not NECA, but it’s something to keep in mind. My other gripe? No sound effects. For a car that defined a generation of cinematic sound, the silence feels…odd. But hey, perfection is a pipe dream, right?

Final Verdict: To Buy or Not to Buy?

Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re a diehard Back to the Future fan, this is a must-have. Yes, it’s only available on the secondary market now, and yes, the prices might make your wallet cry. But if you can’t imagine your collection—or your life—without this Time Machine, go for it. Just know that your credit score and financial stability might take a hit, but hey, some things are worth it. After all, you can’t put a price on nostalgia, can you?

TOMY’s DeLorean isn’t just a collectible; it’s a love letter to one of the greatest movie trilogies of all time. For me, it was worth every penny, minor gripes and all. Now, excuse me while I go hit 88 mph and see if I can time-travel back to before I drained my bank account on this beauty.