Interactive Plate Tectonics Model

First, the positives: The ocean floor part of the model is decent, though there are some inaccuracies (see below). The Mid-ocean ridge is fairly accurate, depicting various geologic structures associated with divergent boundaries (i.e. rift valley, transform faults, the MOR, itself, etc...). I like the plastic ocean surface, it gives the model depth (no pun intended), and the fact that they included an accretionary wedge with each subduction zone is pretty cool. Now...the bad stuff: Supposedly, the model was designed with a built in transform boundary (a portion of the model is detached from the rest, allowing for slight transform motion). First off, this detached piece is only "attached" to the model by the flimsy plastic of the ocean surface, and breakage is a certainty if the model is handled without utmost gentleness. Geologically, the associated landforms are...confusing. Transform boundaries lack proper continental shelves (the model depicts a well-developed shelf), as well as irregular, ridge-and-basin topography (not present), and active strike-slip faulting (also not present). Secondly, the continental lithosphere is depicted as being entirely sedimentary (at least it looks that way to me), with little to no mafic basement. Then, suddenly, mantle (or asthenosphere...or lithosphere...it's difficult to tell)! Methinks this is the main failing of the model: There is little to no distinction between crust, lithosphere, asthenosphere, and lower mantle. The lava flow on the ocean floor is far too large (erupted lava usually fills depressions with maybe a little bit of spill-over onto the ocean floor--not ocean-sized flood basalts). I could keep going, but I'm going to cut myself off here. Suffice to say the model is highly inaccurate and flimsy, ESPECIALLY along the "transform boundary." I ended up repainting mine so that it's accurate enough for classroom use. I would not recommend purchasing this model unless you're planning to do the same. Then again, for ~$400, you're probably better off building one from scratch. Cheers!