To my disappointment, instead of finding the towering rocket pictured on the box, I discovered only unpainted, unfinished, and for the most part, unrecognizable parts.

Nonetheless, I worked hard and completed the Saturn V almost two weeks later. Every evening after finishing my homework I would sit with my father to sand, paint and glue parts, sometimes several times each.

By the time I was finished I was so afraid of it breaking that I hardly ever let it move from my desk, let alone "launching" it on any of the imaginary journeys I had initially envisioned.

My parents recognized my frustration and tried to accommodate by later gifting me with toy rockets rugged enough to withstand child's play. But as with most toys, none of the out-of-the-box rockets came close to matching the detail my Revell model offered.

Twelve Years Later, Enter Action Products

As I grew older and developed a passion for collecting space, my hopes of finding highly accurate toys were seldom met. So it was with some skepticism that I read Action Products' release announcing their "Ultimate Saturn V."

With what I deemed classic marketing flare, their slogan claimed "The Most Authentic Space Toys On Earth^TM. I was fairly confident that their products would only be another disappointment.

Just the same, I placed my order and hoped for the best.

When the set arrived and I began to remove each part from its packaging my excitement grew. Instead of unfinished parts I found complete stages!

As with the real Saturn V, I found eight parts inside the box: the S-1C (complete with five F-1 engines), the S-2 (including its five J-2 engines), the S-4B (with its single engine and Lunar Module Adapter), the ascent and descent stages of the Lunar Module (LM), the Service Module (SM), the Command Module (CM), and a joint Boost Protective Cover and Launch Escape Tower. Also included was a "Mobile Launch Platform" base and a bonus moonscape for the LM.

Five minutes out of the box and the rocket was ready! The stages snapped together snuggly, tight enough to hold together as the rocket rumbled through launch (more on that below) but separated easily enough to allow even a child to simulate the T+2.5 minute staging of the S-1C (for example).

I had to admit, the individual staging was impressive. But it was the attention this toy gave to small details which really left me amazed.

For example, as noted above, the Lunar Module's ascent and descent stage are separate, as are the Command and Service Modules. This allows for an entire Apollo mission profile to be reenacted, including the docking and extraction of the LM and CM/SM.

With a twist of the midsection of the S-4B, the Lunar Module Adapter doors spread open like petals of a flower. Exposing the LM inside, this allows the insertion of a pin at the top of the CM into a corresponding hole on the front of the lander. With the two connected, the LM can be lifted from the third stage.

Other small but important details include the ability to open the CM hatch to unveil three spacesuit-clad astronauts, folding legs on the LM descent stage, and a deployable S-band antenna on the SM.

The most surprising feature is located behind a small white bump on the S1-C. Depressing this button plays a recording of the actual Apollo 11 countdown, complete with engine sounds and ignition rumble.

And boy, does this rocket rumble!

Using a "special vibration motor" (as Action Products describes) the entire tower shakes. The effect is as close to a realistic launch without it lifting off the pad and achieving orbit!

When fully assembled, the "Ultimate Saturn V" stands 30 inches tall, 1/144 of the real Saturn V. With accurate painting and markings, its hard to classify the set as a model or a toy. Though certainly marketed and priced as the latter, the former label could also apply.

Indeed, while writing this review several friends asked whether what sat on my desk was the Revell model.

"No," I replied as I pressed the rumble button.

With a smile on their faces and eyes wide, I came to realize: with Action Product's Ultimate Saturn V, I could finally have my model and play with it too!

Action Products International's "Space Voyagers Ultimate Saturn V Rocket" may also be found packaged as the "Buzz Aldrin Signature Series Ultimate Saturn 5 Rocket." It can be ordered by clicking here.