The newest version of the Batmobile, now known as the Tumbler, first appeared in the 2005 movie “Batman Begins”. The Tumbler reappeared in the two sequel movies, “The Dark Knight” (2008) and “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012). In the movie, it is stated that the vehicle was designed by Wayne Enterprises' Applied Sciences Division as a bridging vehicle for the military. It includes weaponry and the ability to boost into a rampless jump. The Tumbler's armor is strong enough to break through concrete barriers without sustaining significant damage. Two full-sized driving versions were used in exterior shots while another full-sized model with hydraulic enhancements was used in the movie’s jump sequences. Six vehicles were built for the production of the film. New Tumblers were used in the filming of the final movie, and are seen wearing the original Wayne Enterprises camouflage paint scheme. Below is a photo of the filming vehicle used in the first two movies.

The Moebius kit represents the Batman version of the Tumbler, in its flat black armor configuration. I can’t believe how many parts are crammed into the box, as the bagged sprues almost explode from it when you open it. The parts are crisply molded in black styrene that is free from flash or ejector marks. A sprue of clear parts is included for the windows and each individual lens (headlights, spotlights, etc.). Six rubber tires are provided, along with a metal axle for the rear tires.

A 16-page assembly manual is provided, including a two-page color spread showing the interior and exterior of the vehicle. Color call-outs are given as well. One important note is that the windows are supposed to be painted “transparent black”, and I am guessing that should be done prior to assembly. But it isn’t mentioned in the actual instructions, only on the call-out page. I will probably use Tamiya Smoke acrylic for the windows when I build my Tumbler. A one-page history of the development of the filming vehicle is also included, which provides some neat background information.

No decals are provided for the interior computer screens, but with the darkened windows I am not sure how much internal detail can be seen anyway once the model is completed.

For those of you who are interested, following are the technical specifications of the filming vehicles:

Length: 15 feet 2 inches (4.62 m)
Width: 9 feet 2 inches (2.79 m)
Height 4 feet 11 inches (1.50 m)
Weight: 2.5 short tons (2.3 t)
Acceleration: 0-60 in 5.6 seconds.
Engine: 5.7 liter GM V8 engine capable of 500 horsepower (370 kW).
Fuel: The "jet engine" on the back of the car was fed by propane tanks.
Tires: 4 Interco "Super Swamper TSL" tires standing 44/18.5-16.5 in the rear, and two 94.0/15.0-15 Hoosier Checkerboard dirt tires on the front, with superior grip.

According to the information on the box, the completed model is about 7 inches long. The Tumbler model is in scale with the original version of the Bat-Pod released by Moebius, but it is not in scale with the newer version that included the Catwoman figure (1:18 scale). I don’t understand why they didn’t make the three vehicles all in the same scale, but that’s the way it is.

Review by: Rich “Lonewolf” Dula

Entry created: January 12, 2014