Toy Review - Generations Combiners & group reviews/comments

[prjkt]

Ok, this post is basically a collection of posts I posted on another forum, but thought I'd share over here

Ok this will be a text-only quick review for now, will post some pics/comparisons later today/tonight.

Legends

Windcharger - Repaint of the recent Tailgate. Not sure if I'll keep this one as I already have the United version of the RTS mould. Will remain unopened for now.

Thundercracker - Repaint of Starscream, or Acid Storm (which I do have). Again, not sure if I'll open this one as I already have the deluxe Asia Excl. Generations version, and already have this mould in acid storm. Will remain unopened for now.

Bombshell - Awesome little bug. His purple is a deeper, more metallic colour than Shrapnel. Good and bad, as it looks better, but doesn't quite fit in with Shrapnel (or is it Skrapnel?) His lack of a weapon is not really a problem with the moulded cannons in front of his hands (which can still hold 5mm weapons)

Powerglide - Not as impressed as I thought I would be, GREAT design, but the plastic quality is lacking a little - has trouble holding together in alt mode. Sort of hampered by lack of a weapon, but then I guess he can just point his fists at the sky and launch missiles from the underside of his arm. Again his own targetmaster mode is slightly hampered by plastic quality.

Deluxes
These guys are big. Gone are the FOC and post FOC midget characters (Trailcutter has another reason to drink now) - they're more in line with the early Generations/RTS lines, and Universe (think Drift/Blurr, Jazz and Sunstreaker/Sideswipe.) Not as complex in transformation (understandably so) but still great representations of the characters.

Dragstip - Big, chunky, articulated and an awesome face. As expected, works really well as either a foot or an arm, but it took me a while to figure out why his leg mode was a centimetre or so longer than everyone elses, the rear of the car actually folds up in front, shortening him a little. No more lopsided gestalt!

Alpha Bravo - Possibly my favourite design of this wave - I like the way the helicopter works, and am getting a real Astrotrain vibe from his legs. On his legs, the plastic doesn't feel as solid as the other figures, but I have no fear of it breaking. His arms stick out a lot, the missiles help, hide his hands, but still kind of obvious. His rotors aren't really held in place by anything, other than his tail fins, and will often slip over the top.

Firefly - His colours make me think Ratchet decided to change jobs, but I've always liked red. So I'ts cool. In all modes (other than robot) his arms are pretty conspicuous, if only there was a way to fold them up into the torso ala Classics Seekers, but with the combination joint I can see why they didn't. Leg transformation is really cool, makes a really solid looking jet.

Skydive - Dark colours - this jet means business. Transformation is almost identical to Firefly, except that you move his arms/wings further down his torso, streamlining the jet and helps hide his hands underneath the tail fins. Vertical tailfins and nosecone are soft rubber.

Voyagers
Again, these guys are big.

Optimus (Ultra?) Prime - Big. Really Big. It's like Optimus decided to take the Cybertronian form of steroids in the lead up to festival season to show off. Alt mode is a really solid truck, though the contrast between silver paint and grey plastic at the front is jarring.
Torso mode is a little bit of a let down to me. For starts his Ultra Prime head is floppy. Really floppy. I dismantled the head and found quite a lot of stress marks, so in the meantime I've covered the ball with some Blu-tac, and it's a fair bit better. His legs are a bit weird in this mode too, I'm not sure if the ratchets on his legs are aligned with each other. Still a better figure than some I've got in my collection, but the weakest of the wave IMO - hopefully Motormaster is an improvement.

Silverbolt - This guy is great. Like a new version of the only Aerialbot I had as a kid. No real complaints I have based on this price here, other than the obvious undercarriage in alt mode. He is a literal d*ckhead in torso mode though, and this is one photo I WILL take, just because. The whole conversion of legs to chest really breaks up his torso, and it really changes his profile - doesn't look like Silverbolt anymore. The soft rubber antennae are annoying, as they don't go all the way into place, but stick out backwards at a 30-40° angle.


That's about it for now, as mentioned before, will make another post with pics, and further thoughts later on.

as promised, here are some comparison shots (and a d*ckhead)

various primes:
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6257.jpg
Yeah, CW Prime is big

CW Prime, CW SIlverbolt and Gen Blitzwing
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6262.jpg
Hard to show in a photo, but Silverbolt feels a lot more solid than Blitzwing, there's just more plastic to him


Henkei Lambor, CW Dragstrip, Gen Crosscut, United Rodimus
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6261.jpg
Again hard to show, but Dragstrip is solid, feels more like Sideswipe in mass than Crosscut.

United Starscream, CW Skydive, Gen Windblade, Gen Sky Shadow
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6260.jpg
Taller and more articulated than a seeker, far more solid than Windblade (fitting though) and a little more solid than the Skyshadow/Thunderwing mould.

Shrapnel & Bombshell
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6263.jpg
Again, even in the legends class, the build quality seems to be improving, and you can see what I mean about the colour difference.

FOC Bruticus, CW Superion
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6258.jpg
No contest here, Bruticus may be almost as tall, but there's no mass to him at all, having such a solid voyager class torso really makes a difference.

Maketoys Green Giant, CW Superion
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6259.jpg
Ok, in weight terms, Green Giant wins here. But he's what, $400 US vs the roughy $100 price of Superion. I don't really have a problem here. Height-wise they're a pretty good match, Superior being just a little taller.

Maketoys Green Giant, CW "Ultra Prime," JP Gen FOC Bruticus
http://prjkt.net/gsallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6278.jpg
Ok, with Prime as the torso, the new combiner's actually a little taller, and appears beefier than Green Giant, but doesn't quite feel it. The lack of ankle articulation and the forced angle of Prime's hip ratchets means the feet aren't perfectly stable, however when shaking the shelf, he shakes less than Bruticus, who's now positively tiny in comparison.
Menasor upon release is going to be one hefty bruiser compared to Superion, which makes sense I guess based in his characterisation

Here we go, some more pics. This time Altmodes

United Tracks, Arms Micron Wildrider (repurposed as G1), CW Dragstrip, Asia Gen Mirage, JP Gen Hoist
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6273.jpg
As you can see, big vehicle mode, bigger than Mirage in bulk, just a little longer (sooo tempted to do a "race" shot of these two) and much bigger than AM Wildrider and Hoist, closer to Tracks in size

Asia Gen Astrotrain, CW Alpha Bravo, JP Gen Vortex
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6274.jpg
He's obviously smaller than Astrotrain, in size and over-all mass, and looks smaller than Vortex in this shot, though he is a lot more solid and a bit longer.

G1 Reissue OP, AOE Evolution "1984" OP, CW OP, Classics Inferno
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6275.jpg
As in robot mode, much bigger/bulkier than the classics mould, but doesn't seem out of scale (just a slightly bigger truck model) and is closer to Inferno in size.

United Skywarp, CW Skydive, JP Gen Armada Starscream, CW Firefly, United Thunderwing
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6266.jpg
Unlike robot mode, these guys look smaller than the classics seeker, purely because streamlined they are not. They're chunky looking jets, just pushing the realm of over the top, but to be solid combiner limbs I guess there was no choice. Bigger and heavier than Armada SS, closer in feel to Thunderwing (though still a little shorter, just thicker)

JP Gen Blitzwing, CW Silverbolt, Henkei (2013) Skyfire
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6270.jpg
These guys are my only voyager size jets, sure I have the Spring/Storm guys and Whirl, but they're not jets...
Anyway, more streamlined and "complete" than Blitzing, holds together a lot better. Arms are hidden a little bit better than Jet/Skyfire with no weapons attached, tabs together really well, but I think Skyfire still wins in size (and weapons load out)


EDIT: Megatronus - I did try to pose Superion legs out - one ratchet stop, but he fell over, and Green Giant can't close his legs any tighter, so my earlier pics is about as good as it gets.

[prjkt]

Hmm the comparison pic of Ultra Prime didn't work,band I can't fix the post so here it is
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6278.jpg

[Paulbot]

Thanks for sharing - the comparisons are really helpful. I wasn't sure about keeping Voyager Optimus but he looks good, and the size of the limbs in both robot and vehicles modes is really pleasing.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Good reviews :). Currently got the lot shipping from BBTS - these pics are making me very excited about them getting here :D

[prjkt]

I got mine from RK last Monday. Was expecting a small box from BBTS to arrive then, imagine my surprise when I saw that the RK shipment had arrived on the date they said they'd start shipping.

I just have Arcee, Chromia, Brainstorm and Hexatron on their way, and I'm done until CW wave 2/Leader Megs is released

Hopefully the heads on your ultra primes don't have the same floppy problem mine does

[Sky Shadow]

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6261.jpg

What has Rodimus been drinking? :)

Ultra Prime looks good with the chest closed, but I get the impression that's not the official transformation - is the awful open-chested mode what the instructions dictate?

[Bidoofdude]

They're nice and chunky- good. Still need to get the Astrotrain set and Mirage set as well.

[prjkt]

What has Rodimus been drinking? :)

Ultra Prime looks good with the chest closed, but I get the impression that's not the official transformation - is the awful open-chested mode what the instructions dictate?
Ask Trailcutter, though that version of Rodimus is floppy as hell, replaced him with the Henkei version for Fansproject Protector as his arm kept falling off.

And yeah, official transformation is open-chest, but it looks like crap without a car chest (Menasor style) so he stays closed.

[Sky Shadow]

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6258.jpg

Also... I'm assuming Silverbolt's face isn't meant to be... there. :o

[The_Damned]

Also... I'm assuming Silverbolt's face isn't meant to be... there. :o

looks like he is giving birth or taking a dump lol

[CBratron]

And from that day, Silverbolt was known as C***face around Autobot HQ.

[Zommael]

looks like he is giving birth or taking a dump lol

I have it on good authority that both often happen at the same time.

[prjkt]

Let's just say Silverbolt's a bit of a d*ckhead.

Funnily enough, on the other (US based) forum, no one seemed to notice or comment on the deliberate mistransformation. Gotta love Aussie humour.

If anyone wants any other comparison shots, feel free to ask, I have a large range of classics-verse characters - mostly deluxe, with a few voyagers - and I'll do my best to find time to shoot. (Damn working retail at Christmas time)

[SuspectimusPrime]

Nice comparison shots, looking forward to more :) Would love to see the rest of your collection.

[prjkt]

Nice comparison shots, looking forward to more :) Would love to see the rest of your collection.

Thanks, glad you enjoy.

When my next shipment (that left today) arrives I'll re-shoot and upload a few pics (when I qualify for access to that forum)

[prjkt]

Well f*ck

Just broke Silverbolt. Right near the hinges of the piece where Superion's head is attached to.

Still holds together for now, but the other side is also seriously showing strain.... Be careful when you transform him!

Not the sharpest pics (hand-holdings manual focus macro lense is not easy) but it's still clear....

right side (broken)
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6868.jpg
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6872.jpg

left side (serious stress marks)
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_6869.jpg


It's obvious from the underside too (the part that becomes Silverbolt's lower chest - but not risking another transformation here.

Between this and the floppy head on Prime, I'm not having the best of luck

[VERT]

As someone who is getting Bolt tomorrow. Can you say what you did to break it so I can avoid this?

[prjkt]

As someone who is getting Bolt tomorrow. Can you say what you did to break it so I can avoid this?

I only noticed the weakness just as I snapped it... So you've just gotta be careful when rotating that section around

[Sky Shadow]

Balls. Hasbro needs to stop using that particular mixture of light-coloured ABS plastic - it's the GPS of the 21st century.

[doublespy]

Thought I'd share some thoughts on Combiner Wars as well so here goes:D

First impression on these figures is they're big and well built. I feel like Hasbro/TakTom went through some major decision making to make sure these designs were be executed as intended. One big thing imo is the prioritization of size and play-ability versus complexity. Yes CW figures are back to the old classics size with simplified engineering. The simplification in design has been a trend since DotM but I feel like these combiner figures make the focus on play-ability really shine through. With the added combining capability and scramble-city style mix-match, these are really FUN to play with. Imagine you wanna combine your Superion quickly but transforming Silverbolt alone takes you a good 20 minutes...Granted, lower crude oil price may have been a contributing factor in the size increase, I believe clearly defined design guidelines certainly helped so kudos to Hasbro.

Some quick snaps below:

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/13BA885C-2F4E-4472-8CC4-0567298BC7CB_zpsaoli63vd.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/13BA885C-2F4E-4472-8CC4-0567298BC7CB_zpsaoli63vd.jpg.html)


http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/5E0724B9-D4FB-4CB9-8169-A5851AF3638E_zpsjrsuc4n6.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/5E0724B9-D4FB-4CB9-8169-A5851AF3638E_zpsjrsuc4n6.jpg.html)
Drag Strip's combiner part has an additional 5mm port on the bottom to allow for G1 style weapon mounting. It's these little things that make the difference in a collector's eye.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/9191D9FD-059C-4193-B734-67C8C977B2AB_zpsjatneea4.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/9191D9FD-059C-4193-B734-67C8C977B2AB_zpsjatneea4.jpg.html)
Some of these Combiner Wars figures may well be the most G1-accurate figures we've ever got..

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/12113FD0-3CED-4EA8-B819-3E78A37A584B_zpsiw8umfg7.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/12113FD0-3CED-4EA8-B819-3E78A37A584B_zpsiw8umfg7.jpg.html)
People have complained about Superion's soft rubbery antenna. There's actually a way for the antenna to sit properly inside Silverbolt's chest. When you transform, just make sure they're folded all the way back so they sit flush against the slopes on either side of Superion's head.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/CF3378F4-D3BA-4D2D-85E8-221FAFD91EE0_zpssvxrze6s.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/CF3378F4-D3BA-4D2D-85E8-221FAFD91EE0_zpssvxrze6s.jpg.html)
So when you fold the head inside Silverbolt's chest, there's two holes for the tips of the antenna. This should prevent them for getting bent. Another well thought-out little design.


http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/33E75EEE-B7D9-4B65-A43D-71D64405A679_zpshnfocwkj.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/33E75EEE-B7D9-4B65-A43D-71D64405A679_zpshnfocwkj.jpg.html)
Firefly may be my favorite of the first wave. I used to own Fireflight when I was a kid and this figure just oozes G1 Fireflight, right down to the very toy-accurate head sculpt.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/869750CF-44BD-4AE2-95E9-2E1532F18622_zpspa6fc2zp.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/869750CF-44BD-4AE2-95E9-2E1532F18622_zpspa6fc2zp.jpg.html)
The painted red chest on Skydive reminds me of the die cast chest piece on the G1 toys.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/6501C344-B838-4112-9FBC-ADC07706A5F4_zpsdmkewk2a.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/6501C344-B838-4112-9FBC-ADC07706A5F4_zpsdmkewk2a.jpg.html)
I know nothing about what Alpha Bravo is like in the IDW comics but I like his weapons: a heavy machine gun and dual gattling themed combining accessory.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/CD211557-1DE3-4A27-B336-FD4FF649775C_zpsfsurtwcz.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/CD211557-1DE3-4A27-B336-FD4FF649775C_zpsfsurtwcz.jpg.html)
Drag Strip's head sculpt is full of personality. Actually I like almost all of the head sculpt on these toys. And the QC is generally really good as well.


http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/64462A73-8953-48B9-9177-FEBE2C542562_zpskzvrvw3n.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/64462A73-8953-48B9-9177-FEBE2C542562_zpskzvrvw3n.jpg.html)
Superion is really what you pay for. The design is SO G1 and so good. Silverbolt's torso transformation is elegant and smart. Can't wait for Air Raid to complete the team!

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/F78E5F40-7962-4398-A704-75C6D7CF2004_zpsu1hfxdre.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/F78E5F40-7962-4398-A704-75C6D7CF2004_zpsu1hfxdre.jpg.html)
I love the cartoon accuracy of the head scuplt

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/22507A9C-D773-4428-B78C-850D9BD86C5F_zpsvgjjznqc.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/22507A9C-D773-4428-B78C-850D9BD86C5F_zpsvgjjznqc.jpg.html)
Articulation as mention by a lot is great and feels solid. The lack of ankle tilt doesn't hinder posing that much because you can use the heel spur/thumb to balance. Do be careful though when using this to hold a pose. while the rotating joint is ratcheted, the horizontal pivot is only a pin joint. What I really feel lacking is a head tilt. Ultra Prime has it and for a figure that lacks ankle joint, the ability to move the head up so it's not looking down all the time when you pose it a dramatic way is really critical.


http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/1D8627CC-6F24-44D5-B6D5-00A9E2C6ECA5_zpspvk1sgzf.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/1D8627CC-6F24-44D5-B6D5-00A9E2C6ECA5_zpspvk1sgzf.jpg.html)
Optimus is actually better than I expected. I really like how he's bulky and beefy looking. I imagine this will work well for Motormaster too.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/81720CB9-5025-43BD-9EC5-EDAB4D2F248E_zpsg480b9tn.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/81720CB9-5025-43BD-9EC5-EDAB4D2F248E_zpsg480b9tn.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/0D40011C-96CE-4AA2-BE9D-7A8E2A486DD9_zpsknftaytg.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/0D40011C-96CE-4AA2-BE9D-7A8E2A486DD9_zpsknftaytg.jpg.html)
Ultra Prime is a bit of a let down. I like how Optimus forms a torso that's bulkier than Superion's and it really helps to differentiate between the torsos. However, the proportions around the waist area is really off, and because Ultra Prime loses Optimus' thigh swivel he has to use the combiner joint, which has rather big clicking intervals. So he looks kind of awkward in action poses. I don't care too much about Ultra Prime but I was really looking forward to Menasor. Now I feel like Superion might end being a much better combiner.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/1CCD2A4D-E80E-4777-A93A-400436EB3271_zps69mxoonl.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/1CCD2A4D-E80E-4777-A93A-400436EB3271_zps69mxoonl.jpg.html)
It's nice head sculpt but the Hasbro grey on the chest is distracting. And hopefully when Optimus' masquerade gang comes out he will have an official Legends figure to go on the chest.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/4F33F15E-3E47-4DD3-809B-16B431BDB9BE_zpsrprgkola.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/4F33F15E-3E47-4DD3-809B-16B431BDB9BE_zpsrprgkola.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/5E8B1972-12B2-402F-ACB0-8143203275FB_zpsghbqxy5f.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/5E8B1972-12B2-402F-ACB0-8143203275FB_zpsghbqxy5f.jpg.html)
The graphic designs on the packaging and instruction booklets are really good.

Overall, these are great toys and fun to play with. Simpler transformation on these Generations toys may not be everyone's cup of tea, it works really well here. It's been a long while since I'm able to enjoy a whole wave of Hasbro toys with strong design and production quality on each one of them. And I think it's safe to say that these are the best combiners from Hasbro, ever, and up there on the same level with those fantastic combiners Car Robot brought us to be considered best combiners of all time. Highly recommended.

[doublespy]

Another thing worthy of noting. In arm mode, the individual bot's knee joint acts as the proper elbow joint, and they're pinned and quite sturdy. However, the thigh ball joints can be used for additional movement as well, and I feel they will over time become weaker if you display the arm in a raised position , as the ball joints will need to hold the weight of the entire lower arm. So do be careful with these. And when twisting the bicep swivel (individual bot's waist swivel), try to grab the waist piece rather then the thigh pieces, as the ball sockets allow for some limited horizontal rotation. So keep doing this will weaken the ball joints as well.

[G1Optimal]

Although i used two fireflys superion is awesome

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv77/G1Optimal/051fe255-b1da-4940-94c3-f70c5a3afde1.jpg (http://s671.photobucket.com/user/G1Optimal/media/051fe255-b1da-4940-94c3-f70c5a3afde1.jpg.html)

[kup]

I am curious about the combination ports - What system does this toy use to combine? Is it like PCCs or Energon combining pegs and ports? Perhaps something new?

[CBratron]

Square peg with it's own rotating ratchet. You can see where they flip out of the chests on all limb-bots.

But the sockets are far less breakable than on FoC Bruticus.

[prjkt]

much easier to remove as well, they slide in, rather than clip on. Looks like they've learnt a lot from Bruticus and earlier combiners.

An update on my broken Silverbolt, RK has said they'll send new "parts" with my Wave 2 order when it arrives, what that means I'm not sure yet, whether it's actual replacement parts or a new figure I guess I'll find out later this month.

[BigTransformerTrev]

I just got Wave 1 today. I'll just chuck in my two cents as I get around to opening the figures :)

I'm really digging the artwork on the instructions - very cool! Am I right in guessing the trading card artwork is from the Transfomers Legends game?

[prjkt]

Yeah, apparently that's one of he selling points, and why the artwork doesn't quite look like the figure (except for Alpha Bravo - but then you can tell the art seems a little less "dynamic")

[BigTransformerTrev]

Yeah, apparently that's one of he selling points, and why the artwork doesn't quite look like the figure (except for Alpha Bravo - but then you can tell the art seems a little less "dynamic")


Ah there ya go, I was right, cheers for the clarification mate :)

[griffin]

I was surprised and disappointed that the "collector cards" were not bio-cards... they are just the artwork on one side, and essentially blank on the other (says Transformers Generations & the Autobot Logo - even for the Decepticon toys).
Bio-cards was the impression given when they referred to them as Character Cards or Collector Cards... and would have been the least they could do if it replaces the cost of a comic (Deluxe) or Targetmaster partner (Legends).

[griffin]

Some group photos and comparisons...

The Voyagers are in larger boxes to the Movie Voyagers... making it feel and look like better value (a reversing of the shrinking trend).
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c386.jpg

On the back, the name for Optimus' combiner name is featured on the right of the box, but Superion isn't given the same treatment... for some reason.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c387.jpg

The size difference between the new reduced Legends (no longer 2-packs), and the new Legions from RID. The pricing between the two are US$10 for Generations and US$6 for the RID.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c388.jpg

On the front and back, only Powerglide is promoted as interacting with the Combiner theme of this year... which is odd, as there appeared to be some interactive elements of the others at the Singapore display about a month ago (like being a weapon or shield). It therefore doesn't explain why Bombshell has those two posts at the back of the beetle mode.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c389.jpg

The size difference of the Generations toys to some recent other toys. (I missed the cut on the Generations Deluxes at BBTS, so unfortunately I couldn't include them all in the one shot)
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/collections/griffinofoz/1501a.jpg

The massive size difference between the Generations Legends and the RID Legions is really obvious in their vehicle modes. Windcharger is almost twice the size of Strongarm and Steeljaw.... while Thundercracker and Powerglide are on par with the 2014 Deluxe Arcee toy. Voyager Optimus is almost on scale with MP Ultra Magnus, but annoyingly (and for no obvious reason), the hole at the back of the Cab has been sculpted to prevent it from hooking up to any of the trailers I could find in my collection. There is room for a proper, "universal" hole, that wouldn't impact on the primary purpose of the standalone toy. Why Hasbro, why?
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/collections/griffinofoz/1501c.jpg

At the bottom are the character cards for the Voyagers and the Legends.

[prjkt]

I see the thread has been renamed, apologies if I broke your review formatting

[BigTransformerTrev]

I see the thread has been renamed, apologies if I broke your review formatting

I'm not a mod or anything mate, but I don't think anyone in authority thinks ya did - just with individual threads it makes it easier if people want to know about a specific character (Firefly, Bombshell etc) ;)

Personally I think you did some really great reviews and comparison pics - keep it up! :D

[prjkt]

Thank you, I think I'll like it here.

I have Wave 2 on preorder at RK, so should be some more posts from me soon

[griffin]

I'm not a mod or anything mate, but I don't think anyone in authority thinks ya did - just with individual threads it makes it easier if people want to know about a specific character (Firefly, Bombshell etc) ;)

Personally I think you did some really great reviews and comparison pics - keep it up! :D

Pretty much this.

Your topic was kept, and even inspired me to start doing up index/group comment topics of a similar format in future... to help make it easier for members to find individual review topics AND an option for members to be able to do quick comments on less popular items or a group of items while they are inspired to do so (and not be put off by having to create a whole new topic).

[BigTransformerTrev]

Finally put them all into their gestalt mode/s yesterday. Thoughts:


Superion - wow it looks good! The chest and head are spot on, though the antennae on my Superion wont go up completely straight, they point backwards a little though it kinda looks cool like that so I don't have a big issue with it. Skydive has his instructions as all the plane kibble at the front as a leg whilst Alpha Bravo has all his at the back. This makes the legs look off kilter and weird so I just have them both pointing the same way. Would have been nice for the arms to be a little more compact and not as elongated but again this is a minor quibble. Overall fantastic, cant wait to get Air Raid so I can swap Drag Strip outta there :D.

Ultra Prime (is that what its called? :confused:) - very much a shout out to Energon Optimus, even with the patterning in the chest and the elongated antennae. It's ok looking and add's playability to the toy. Personally I only got Energon Optimus as I find it hard to bypass an Optimus with a trailer and I wasn't keen on either his regular robot or combined modes. I think I'll be keeping this Optimus just on his own, at least until the car combiners come out and then I'll revisit it.

[koolkollectibleskhai]

Great start for my first foray into TF Generations!

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w552/chockey88/Transformers/IMG_9387_zps991842bc.jpg (http://s1329.photobucket.com/user/chockey88/media/Transformers/IMG_9387_zps991842bc.jpg.html)

[koolkollectibleskhai]

The two Voyagers are pretty nice, but I personally prefer Optimus over Silverbolt.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w552/chockey88/Transformers/IMG_9396_zps594f4d16.jpg (http://s1329.photobucket.com/user/chockey88/media/Transformers/IMG_9396_zps594f4d16.jpg.html)

[koolkollectibleskhai]

These are definitely looking pretty great for the price and scale.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w552/chockey88/Transformers/IMG_9400_zps589b57a0.jpg (http://s1329.photobucket.com/user/chockey88/media/Transformers/IMG_9400_zps589b57a0.jpg.html)

[koolkollectibleskhai]

The alt modes of the Aerialbots are pretty nice so far, especially the jets!

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w552/chockey88/Transformers/IMG_9414_zps83017d4b.jpg (http://s1329.photobucket.com/user/chockey88/media/Transformers/IMG_9414_zps83017d4b.jpg.html)

[crankcase76]

Also got my combiners today and am quiet disappointed with it, for a toy that will end up costing $275.00 the amonut of kibble and poor paint apps are just another way of making the third party toys far more superior, i also have the problem with the antenna, but on firefly there are a few spots of missing paint. The fists at the back of the combined superion are annoying as they should fold away neatly, but no. Another thing is with the alt modes, the arms of each robot just hang from the sides. Looks cheap to me, as if well we cant put them anywhere so just leave them. Robot modes are good and individually they look great together. But all in all i wish i had shelled out a bit more for the third party.

[CBratron]

Unfortunately that's an Aerialbot's lot in life (and Seekers and any other jet transformer). Almost all are destined to be a jet aircraft with a box of robot kibble underneath.

[Trent]

Unfortunately that's an Aerialbot's lot in life (and Seekers and any other jet transformer). Almost all are destined to be a jet aircraft with a box of robot kibble underneath.

Lugnut would like a word with you.

[prjkt]

I think the third party option is more than "a bit more" - last I looked it was ~$90-100 per limb, a bit more for the torso, oh and don't forget the addon kit(s)....

Sure those figures may look better, have a wider range of articulation and transform more streamlined BUT you've gotta look at the cost and the target market. These guys are amazing for the price, and a big step up from their last combiner effort. Are the perfect? No, I'd especially like some foot articulation. Are they great? Yes.

Comparing the engineering and plastic quality on the wave one deluxes with the last generations wave (Chromia/Arcee) I found those felt a lot "cheaper" - especially in Arcee's case.

Now I'll be the first to admit I'm not a purist, you saw Green Giant in my pics earlier on in the thread, and I also have Caelus, Hexatron and Mania King. Sure they're better figures than others in their size class, but they cost a lot more too...

I guess what I'm trying to say is you get what you pay for, and what you get these days is actually quite a lot (at least in my opinion.)

Edit: Lugnut's a propeller driven plane, not a jet ;)

[griffin]

I am REALLY loving the Deluxe Combiners. :D

I wouldn't care if they recoloured them fifty times... they are the perfect balance of engineering for great articulation and quick play without being too simple to transform, or having too much kibble (no more than the original toys they are homaging), or ruining the "humanoid" proportions of the Robot mode.
And I haven't even got to combining them yet - that'll just be gravy. This is just from transforming them from Robot to Vehicle and back again... they are THAT GOOD.

I can't wait for more of these, and will have trouble deciding a favourite for the year, for next year's Ozformers Awards.

(I haven't been this excited in a contemporary set of toys for a long time.)

[griffin]

I'm also amazed at why their feet/hand attachments are each completely different (sculpting, and even an alternate colour part on the Aerialbot ones), when they could have all been the same piece to save money... and no one would have cared or complained.

If anything, it's more of a negative having different feet/hands for each, in that it could make the feet and hands of the Combiners look different and wrong with close inspection, when they should be identical (or were on the original Combiners).

I also though that Firefly/Fireflight and Skydive should have had their guns swapped over, as the original Fireflight had a double-barrel gun and Skydive had a single-barrel gun.

One thing that does bug me from a design perspective is how tiny the rear spoiler is for Dragstrip. I think it could have been wider or bigger... as it looks like a stunted limb on the back of the car mode.
And why is Dragstrip crying tears of blood...

[griffin]

Some pics of mine...

Nice.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c431.jpg

Very nice.

With the Gen1 originals, and the Classics Dragstrip.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c432.jpg

Alt modes...
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c433.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c434.jpg

Very nice. :D

[prjkt]

looking at the above, it's fitting that Alpha Bravo is Slingshot's "replacement" - both of them are the slimmest of the teams...

Playing with Ultra Prime today, comparing OP and Silverbolt as limbs, made me realise just how much bigger and oppressive Menasor will be compared to Superion - can't wait for wave 2 to hit.

[Trent]

Edit: Lugnut's a propeller driven plane, not a jet ;)

No he's not. Look again. If he's a propeller driven plane, then so is a 747.

[griffin]

If I wasn't expecting multiple redecos of these over the next couple years, I'd be seriously looking at getting a second set just to have in combined mode next to these in robot mode.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c436.jpg

This is probably the first time in decades that I've been this impressed about a group of toys... they are just so much fun to play with and transform. :D

If you don't have these in hand or on pre-order yet, what are you waiting for?

[MayzaPrime]

PRID Magnus is looking ready to smash some skulls in the background :p

[griffin]

He hates the new kids showing off... :p

[Bidoofdude]

Nice to hear they're good toys from someone who has the most. You could always get the Takara set Griffin, especially since it has Slingshot as well.

[griffin]

Finally got around to combining them, and even though they were a little more complicated than the Gen1 combiners to prepare for combining, they are still above average to me (the individual toys are still the best element of these combiners though).

The Optimus as a core (which will be Motormaster) was the weaker of the two in both transformation and when transformed... and definitely needs the required chest-panel Legends toy.

I like the spring-loaded sockets, that lock in the limbs... but can make it a bit tricky to release them if too much kibble is in the way and you have fat man-child fingers. :p

Articulation is reduced, but still more than expected, based on the requirements of engineering "triple-changer" toys and how limited the original Combiners were with articulation. The legs have hips and knee joints, while the arms have shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. Depending on the Deluxe toy you use as an arm though, there can be some limitations on elbow movement (like Alpha Bravo who has the robot arms getting in the way).

One complaint I have is the antenna on Superion's head. Not sure if it is necessary to have them made from rubber, but because they are so soft, I can't get them to point straight up (there is too much resistance from the swivel hinge to go all the way to the "12 o'clock" position).

Powerglide feels forced as a weapon, looking more like a fan-made afterthought to the toy. It looks wrong on its own and when held by Superion. I guess when they decided to have a Legends toy for Menasor to be sold separately, the question would be asked why a Legends toy wasn't also paired up with Superion. Unfortunately we are likely to see the same thing from Groove for Defensor... a bittersweet way of keeping the character included in the Protectobots team.


With some other random toys I had on the bench - Leader size Jetfire, DMK-03 Optimus, Gen1 Superion and Gen1 Aerialbots.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c437.jpg

Among other Gen1 combiners and Fortress Maximus.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c438.jpg

It was after looking at these two photos that something just didn't look right with the new "Superion"... and then I realised what it was - the legs are the wrong way around. On the original Superion the jet kibble is at the back, but on the new Superion the jet kibble is on the front... and when I turned around the legs (yes, I know one leg is Dragstrip, but until wave 2 comes out, this fills in for Airraid which will have the same kibble issue anyway) the black panel at the back of Superion's knee is in the way of the limb kibble. So if you want a Gen1 styled Superion, you need to move the jet nosecone back (unhook it), or move Dragstrip's car front as far down as you can.
The problem now is that Superion has reversed knees, because they can't bend back anymore due to the kibble. But if you are just wanting to display it, it might be okay for the Gen1 fans.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c439.jpg

If I get bored later I might recombine the limbs to Optimus and take some more photos... but I think enough people have already posted photos to not see a point to a repeat.
The real fun will be when Motormaster and the second wave of Deluxes comes out... and fans like me will spend hours playing with the two teams in different modes and combining them. :D

[prjkt]

I can second on the hours of messing around.... swapping arm to leg, leg to arm, swapping torsos... great line

[Omega Metro]

Not overly excited about the CW stuff.
Why does Dragstrip look like a Flamenco Dancer crying tears of blood?:confused:;)
Superions thighs are just way too skinny and blocky.
And those screws on the deluxes are very annoying to look at.

[Bumbleb33]

Popped open Firefly and Alpha Bravo last night, I was so impressed by their simplistic but enjoyable designs and their joint tolerances are fantastic.

I have to date only had an opportunity to combine 2 limbs (arms) and Vgr OP which my GF dubbed Protein Prime. As he is now he looks remarkably like those guys that go to the gym every day and only workout their upper body so they end up with chicken leg syndrome.

I am loving where this line is going and I cannot wait to get home to bust open Dragstrip and Skydive.

[SuspectimusPrime]

I have to date only had an opportunity to combine 2 limbs (arms) and Vgr OP which my GF dubbed Protein Prime. As he is now he looks remarkably like those guys that go to the gym every day and only workout their upper body so they end up with chicken leg syndrome.


We should give the poor guy some time to work things through. He's over-compensating now because he's spent too many undergrad Fri/Sat nights on nacho/beer dinner dates on the couch with his Xbox (http://www.cliffbee.com/reviews/images/fatimus2.gif). He'll get there.

[G1Optimal]

About alpha bravos arms/hands in arm mode i just bend the forward at the elbows and rotate the shoulders back till the bend arms are near his tail finns

[Sutton]

I got Superion thinking he'd be a good stand-in until a decent 3rd party version came along (the TFC version was just...shit). But he's so solid and fun, I might just stick with him and be done with it. Especially if we can add Slingshot later. Plus, there's an addon kit on the way that gives better feet and hands.

The thighs for Superion look extremely lanky in photos, but for some reason they don't look anywhere near as bad in person.

Today I also opened up the Microblaze Onslaught upgrade kit for FoC Bruticus, and although that's an impressive kit with an excellent end result, I can tell you which toy I had the most fun assembling...!

Bravo, Hasbro.

[morg176]

I got the cw figures bombshell, powerglide and alpha bravo today at kiama toyworld.
Bomshell is fantastic in its simplicity, design and paint apps. Powerglide is very g1 accurate and has a beautiful face sculpt, it also holds together well after uou fiddle with the tail.

Alpha bravo, im still undecided. It holds together well but seems lacking somehow.
My ab figure has a remarkably loose rotor fitting, has a lot of wobble in it which I am no happy about at all. It would be better if it was a rotor joint with two or more removeable swords that could be used as weapons.
One thingabout ab is that it could be easily retooled into a shuttle, a submarine or a train to name a few. Alot of potential perhaps.

Ill buy skydive next me thinks

Still a big improvement in tf toys. Keep it coming hasbro. :D

[Omega Metro]

Still a big improvement in tf toys. Keep it coming hasbro. :D

Am I the only one that thinks the deluxes are a step backwards? ......the ugly screws on the torsos? And those ghastly combiner attachment peg things in full view on each of the bodies.

[griffin]

Am I the only one that thinks the deluxes are a step backwards? ......the ugly screws on the torsos? And those ghastly combiner attachment peg things in full view on each of the bodies.

Maybe it was done to homage the screws and pegs of the originals... :p

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c432.jpg

[Omega Metro]

Aaaaaahhhh! Didn't realise the G1 Fanboys would be excited to see 'nostalgic' screws.:D

[Zommael]

Aaaaaahhhh! Didn't realise the G1 Fanboys would be excited to see 'nostalgic' screws.:D

There's nothing better than a nostalgic screw.

[Trent]

Picked up Alpha Bravo from Toyworld Kiama yesterday. I'm actually surprised at how much I like him. The colours and paint apps are nice, crisp and vibrant and the overall toy is a lot of fun.

As someone who appreciates good engineering when I see it, I'm a fan of the foot/hand. It's really clever and while the foot ends up too small, I can forgive it for the scramble city effect it provides.

I picked Alpha Bravo as I thought if I like it I _may_ end up picking up Takara Superion so then I won't have doubled up on characters.

I can understand the hype now :)

[VERT]

There's nothing better than a nostalgic screw.

Lol :p

[FruitBuyer]

Good to see the positive reviews for Superion. I've held back from getting the Hasbro release just to see what Takara were offering. Ended up pre-ordering it right away and can't wait to get them.

[philby]

dumb question, but how do you get superion to hold powerglide? is it the landing gear or something?

[griffin]

The front wheel landing gear is the post he holds.

[ProphesizedFunk]

Here's my review for Combiner Wars Voyager Class Motormaster.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0cDRO23A3bs

[prjkt]

http://www.prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_8786-01.jpg

Here we go...

http://www.prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_8787-01.jpg
The Stunticons are back together again

http://www.prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_8789-01.jpg

He's a big one in comparison to Superion.

[G1Optimal]

superion is awesome:D

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv77/G1Optimal/ba6421f0-e5e3-4e82-bd85-3cf4b1234259.jpg (http://s671.photobucket.com/user/G1Optimal/media/ba6421f0-e5e3-4e82-bd85-3cf4b1234259.jpg.html)

[Megatran]

Looks as though someone or something gave Menasor an atomic wedgy. :p




http://www.prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_8789-01.jpg

[prjkt]

ok, quick thoughts, more photos to come later.

Huffer: First exposure to this mould, pretty articulate, though a little smaller than I expected. Not exactly G1 design, but hell, he's cool enough, I'm OK

Blackjack: New character to me, pretty cool little guy. Weapon is kinda useless in bot mode, but I can see the Hot Rod reference in vehicle mode. Otherwise nothing special.

Air Raid: Lower half is nothing new, same legs as Skydive, just a different colour. Same goes for his weapon and hand/foot/cannon thingy. I like the head sculpt, and the play value with the wings is pretty cool. Articulation is about the same again. A good, solid final addition to the Aerialbots.

Dead End: I like the red colour, so that's a good start to begin with. Vehicle mode is a sweet looking sports car, something you'd see on the streets at night or on a racetrack. As with many of the original G1 combiners, the whole front end ends up on the back as a backpack, though fairly low, out of sight in Dead End's case. Articulation is on roughly par with Drag Strip.

Breakdown: Probably my least favourite of the Stunticons, especially as his leg mode looks pretty small in comparison to Offroad (more on this later) - though having said that, he's not a bad figure at all. Strangely, his foot articulation makes him a little less stable to stand, and there's some weird hip articulation, but the vehicle mode is pretty sweet.

Offroad: Like Alpha Bravo with the Aerialbots, for some reason he seems to be my favourite Stunticon. Again, the plastic used for him feels different to the other deluxe figures, again like Alpha Brave (conspiracy?) but otherwise quite solid. Huge backpack with the front end of the 4WD mode sticking up over his shoulders.

Motormaster: It's Optimus, in a new skin. Completely remoulded chest, shoulders, vehicle front end with a new head. Otherwise, no difference in articulation or design. Strangely, his head seems more proportionate to his body that Optimus' does.

Menasor: He's big. Much bigger than Superion. I think it's due to the size/thickness of the limbs, and the larger torso. In fact, the whole thing's just that little bit bigger. Though that suits a bruiser character like Menasor. Like Ultra Prime, his legs are a little too akimbo based on a slight design flaw, unless careful when placing, he tries to pull the splits.

[Trent]

Picked up Dragstrip today. Very sexy alt mode. Bigger than I expected too. Not a fan of the bleeding eyes though.

[doublespy]

Wow that was lightning fast postage from rk

I like the bulkiness of the motormaster mode that makes Menasor bigger. Scramble city combiners back in the day didn't have much variation in size


Prjkt the way you put the combiner part on back of Breakdown reminds me of Sunstreaker. Hmmm wonder if it's intentional

Thx for the quick shots and hopefully will get mine real soon

[prjkt]

yeah I was expecting Wednesday at the earliest, only left HK on Friday. Something else that left on the 24th (SG Thundercracker from Chimungmung) arrived today as well.

And yeah, with the rumoured Sunstreaker coming soon, and Breakdown being the design he is, though I'd give that a little shot

[doublespy]

Got my CW wave 2 today.

I feel like individually the Stunticons may be better. Each limb has quite different transformation, and each member is full of personality. They look together as team, although in vehicle mode Off Road is really out of scale.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/1D504A6F-8730-4644-A890-2ABE03D62A10_zpstgxxiqzp.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/1D504A6F-8730-4644-A890-2ABE03D62A10_zpstgxxiqzp.jpg.html)

As a combiner Superion is better in nearly every aspect. For some reason Motormaster's shoulders don't peg in as securely as they did on Optimus. Plus there's the hips. So the whole thing doesn't hold together very well. Also quite awkward to pose with car pasts bumping into the body. But is still a very nice display piece.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/CE1E1C63-4328-41CA-925B-6455A6FFFFA5_zps91rgyc19.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/CE1E1C63-4328-41CA-925B-6455A6FFFFA5_zps91rgyc19.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/70562A1D-8A18-410E-968C-64B9BB04A80E_zpskqvxposz.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/70562A1D-8A18-410E-968C-64B9BB04A80E_zpskqvxposz.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/D5456000-0EC9-48E8-9172-DE836CD39004_zpsnpn1abs4.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/Hauls/D5456000-0EC9-48E8-9172-DE836CD39004_zpsnpn1abs4.jpg.html)

Blackjack is a disaster for me. The peg holes are both too small for the pegs so doesn't wanna stay in at all. It's probably because the pegs are tapered..By himself Blackjack is a really neat little figure though. (And for some reason I always thought his weapon can combine to form the hilt for Menasor's sword:eek: Was quite bummed that it couldn't)

[prjkt]

Yeah Blackjack keeps falling out for me too, very shallow holes, and the plastic used doesn't grip well

I've found Dead End's hand/foot piece peg is a little on the loose side too, flops around when used as a hand weapon...

Unfortunately the other half threw out the instructions, so I can't quite figure out where Offroad's arms go when he's in arm mode, but ill figure it out


Edit: Doublespy, check Breakdown's hand/foot piece when he's in vehicle mode, there's a tab on the thumb that hooks in beneath the spoiler, and two small tabs on his roof that connect to the front of the piece, holds the piece in quite well, and looks like an oversized supercharger (Sunstreaker, is that you?) Offroad's piece also tabs in nicely behind his cab, there's a slot between his fingers that plugs into the post in his tray

[doublespy]

Edit: Doublespy, check Breakdown's hand/foot piece when he's in vehicle mode, there's a tab on the thumb that hooks in beneath the spoiler, and two small tabs on his roof that connect to the front of the piece, holds the piece in quite well, and looks like an oversized supercharger (Sunstreaker, is that you?) Offroad's piece also tabs in nicely behind his cab, there's a slot between his fingers that plugs into the post in his tray

Awesome. I was wondering what that tab on Offroad's truck bead does cause it's a standard 5mm peg in the stock photo, and just couldn't find the right thing to tab in:p Aaaand Sunstreaker confirmed:D

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/Hauls/96877044-B062-43E0-9105-CE4D52CEF3E0_zpslxonew8o.jpg

[prjkt]

A group comparison

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_8793.jpg

Superion is feeling just a tad lonely and outgunned atm...

[FruitBuyer]

A group comparison

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_8793.jpg

Superion is feeling just a tad lonely and outgunned atm...

Quality over quantity. Superion has a winning record against all those combiners.

[Sutton]

A group comparison

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_8793.jpg

Superion is feeling just a tad lonely and outgunned atm...

All the Con combiners are like "pfft, did you have to strap guns to your thighs to make up for not doing enough squats?"

Except for Bruticus hiding in the back, hoping people don't notice how retarded he looks...

[prjkt]

One thing Ive noticed/missed on these CW figures is a complete lack of transparent plastics. It's not so bad on the Aerialbots, but some light piping would have been nice. However the total lack of actual windows on the Stunticons/Optimus Prime is kinda sad. It's not like Breakdown, Dead End or to a lesser extent, Off Road, couldn't have had at least their front windows transparent. They're a single piece on Dead End/Breakdown...

Ah well, I guess some sacrifices had to be made for the combiner factor - thiugh anyone else think Drag Strip's eyes would have been awesome if light piped?

[griffin]

Personally, I'm happy to see the end of light piping if it means more money back into paint apps or offsetting a price rise, which are bigger selling points to kids and collectors... as the expense of designing, sculpting and moulding a head made up of three tightly fitting parts, to really only accommodate a lesser-selling gimmick that few collectors "use" more than a few times against a light source, and even fewer kids (who would still be the recipient of most GEN toys) would give more than a single look at when they get it, if they even notice it.
Sure, it's a nifty gimmick and I don't want to knock anyone who actually prefers it on toys, but it is more like an easter egg (like any hidden sculpted details) to just us older collectors who aren't a significant factor to Hasbro... so is that expense getting Hasbro any real return, from people who will only buy a toy with light piping, or won't buy one that has extra paint apps at the expense of no light piping.

Translucent windows on the other hand, is one thing I do like to see if it can work with the design of the toy (parts or panels that aren't impacted by the transformation), and can be painted to match the solid plastic colours if the window is part of a larger panel of the toy... because those are like paint-apps, which helps sell the toy based on its appearance at the store or online before you decide to buy it.

[Sutton]

Personally, I'm happy to see the end of light piping if it means more money back into paint apps or offsetting a price rise, which are bigger selling points to kids and collectors... as the expense of designing, sculpting and moulding a head made up of three tightly fitting parts, to really only accommodate a lesser-selling gimmick that few collectors "use" more than a few times against a light source, and even fewer kids (who would still be the recipient of most GEN toys) would give more than a single look at when they get it, if they even notice it.
Sure, it's a nifty gimmick and I don't want to knock anyone who actually prefers it on toys, but it is more like an easter egg (like any hidden sculpted details) to just us older collectors who aren't a significant factor to Hasbro... so is that expense getting Hasbro any real return, from people who will only buy a toy with light piping, or won't buy one that has extra paint apps at the expense of no light piping.

Translucent windows on the other hand, is one thing I do like to see if it can work with the design of the toy (parts or panels that aren't impacted by the transformation), and can be painted to match the solid plastic colours if the window is part of a larger panel of the toy... because those are like paint-apps, which helps sell the toy based on its appearance at the store or online before you decide to buy it.

IMHO, light-piped eyes can go jump. On most collector's shelves they don't even work anyway due to the lack of overhead light. I started painting all my Bots and Con's eyes a loooong time ago, so it saves me work when Hasbro doesn't do it...! :)

[griffin]

I really hope we see this redeco from Hasbro (https://twitter.com/Cheetimus/status/574810590084005888), as the Leader Megatron looks great in a Gen2 deco.

[prjkt]

valid points about the light piping, I guess I'm just a little nostalgic for the G1.5/G2 figures I used to have i the early 90s - neon pinks, purples, greens...

[griffin]

I guess it comes down to what was common when you first got into the toyline, so for many the lightpiping would be missed if dropped.

[FruitBuyer]

I finally caved in and bought the Aerialbots from Target and TRU because I couldn't resist waiting for my Superion. I've even pre-ordered Takara's Superion!

Well, I have lots of duplicate Grimlocks, why not Superion?

[Bidoofdude]

I really hope we see this redeco from Hasbro (https://twitter.com/Cheetimus/status/574810590084005888), as the Leader Megatron looks great in a Gen2 deco.

Perhaps a convention or Botcon exclusive. I hope Funpub don't get their hands on the opportunity though, since their prices aren't stellar.

[griffin]

Perhaps a convention or Botcon exclusive. I hope Funpub don't get their hands on the opportunity though, since their prices aren't stellar.

Ah, but if FunPub do it, then it meant that Hasbro had not plans to (for at least a year), which means that if FunPub didn't do one and Hasbro don't do one, then one would never have been possible to buy at any price.

It's the reason they did the Seekers in 2007... and FunPub got a lot of heat over it, but at that time it looked like Thundercracker, Dirge & Thrust were never going to be done, and their 1000-ish units were intended to allow at least 1000 people have the full set of six. And it wasn't like they were charging double their usual BotCon amount for them, so at the time they were doing the fandom a favour, complete with new wings for Thrust... but when Hasbro finally did them a few years later, fans complained as if FunPub were some how psychic, and cashed in. :rolleyes:
(it's the one thing I'll give FunPub credit or praise for) :p

[Omega Metro]

If it's like any other CW mould, they will milk it for all its worth!

[griffin]

Wave one completed... now waiting for wave two. :D

http://toycollectors.com.au/collections/griffinofoz/c36s4.jpg

Yes, I love this new line and am not ashamed to keep saying it... :p

[Lord_Zed]

I really hope we see this redeco from Hasbro (https://twitter.com/Cheetimus/status/574810590084005888), as the Leader Megatron looks great in a Gen2 deco.

That Leader Megatron I would buy.

[autobreadticon]

excellent writeup prjkt , very helpful

[prjkt]

thank you, no worries

in other news, have some more comparison shots.

http://www.prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_9001.jpg

http://www.prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_9002.jpg

http://www.prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_9003.jpg

I picked similar characters/alt modes to these guys, or their pending remoulds...

[Paulbot]

The size comparison is vehicle mode is very good. And I kind of like that the robot modes are just a little shorter.

[prjkt]

I should have compared with some more recent Generations releases - the figures I used are a little taller than some of the more recent releases

[Paulbot]

I should have compared with some more recent Generations releases - the figures I used are a little taller than some of the more recent releases

Being shorter works for these guys. Doesn't work so well for short Trailbreaker or Nightbeat.

[Zommael]

Initially, I had next to no interest in this line at all. I didn't think the combiners would be good or fun. I thought the four limbs attaching to a central torso was an old, boring, and obvious concept. I thought the line would be just pure G1 homage and bring nothing new to the table. I thought the toys would be a floppy mess.

But because I didn't have a "true" Generations Prime, and because I liked the look of Armada Megatron, I bought those two. I was blown away by the quality of the figures. Megatron is so good I'm now actively looking for a G1 version, if only to slap the Autobot sticker on, because the toy is worth owning twice. Optimus Prime is a big, chunky toy with a cool transformation, an original alt mode, and oodles of style. Neither of these toys are "Geewun" but they do have the elements of a great G1 homage, whilst still being innovative. I love them both.

So today I went and bought Silverbolt, Alpha Bravo, Drag Strip, Skydive, and Firefly. And they lived up to my expectations. They are solid, cool toys that transform nicely. All the joints, except on Skydive, are nice and tight. The transformation schemes are fun, innovative, intuitive, and not too complex: there are no parts that need to be pulled through other solid pieces with these guys. And in combined mode - either combined mode, despite what some have said about Prime/Menasor - they make a big, solid, oh so cool looking and poseable toy.

So forget what I may have said before about CW. These are the best toys we've had in a very long time. I will be collecting the entire line, redecos and all (within reason).

[Bidoofdude]

I received my Aerialbots today and I am supremely impressed. The colours pop a lot more in person. I like Alpha Bravo (even his limb mode) way more than I thought I would. Superion was much bigger than I'd thought he's be. The antennae are a little sucky, but I can live with it.

I need the rest of Menasor now. Hurry up Target and TRU.

[Omega Metro]

Wave 2 deluxes arrived today. Have not opened them yet but they look really impressive. Better than Wave 1. I love how Breakdown and Deadend have a 'cover/flap' that covers the hideous combiner pegs on their chests. Why couldn't they have done that on all of them?

[Zommael]

Wave 2 deluxes arrived today. Have not opened them yet but they look really impressive. Better than Wave 1. I love how Breakdown and Deadend have a 'cover/flap' that covers the hideous combiner pegs on their chests. Why couldn't they have done that on all of them?

I don't have the wave 2 figures in hand, but I'd say the lack of a flap is almost certainly because the combiner pegs on the Aerialbots and Drag Strip are on that swivel with the head and thus need to be able to flip round.

I don't think they look hideous. They just look like part of the robot chest to me.

[UltimateGalvatron]

Hello all.

I REALLY like the look of CW figures.
I would like some peoples opinions, I am thinking about getting a few figures to start off with, would you recommend a Voyager Class figure or a Legends and a Deluxe Class?
Also, for a VOyager I would be getting Silverbolt, but witch Deluxe and Legends is best in your opinion? I don't really wanna get Dragstrip but witch Aerialbot for Deluxe?

[G1Optimal]

I got bored so i typed down the Aerialbots and Stunticon Combiner Wars bios that were on the app before it eventually disappears.

Aerialbot Bios:

Air Raid
If you need one warrior to fly into a hotbed of enemy activity, AIR RAID is the bot to call. He's at his best when he's a one-bot wrecking crew. There's something about improbable odds that pushes his circuits to function at beyond-peak pefermance.

Alpha Bravo
While the rest of the AERIALBOTS are built for speed, ALPHA BRAVO is geared for precision. His VTOL engines let him maneuver into and out of spots other team members can't reach.

Autobot Powerglide
Aerial acrobat well-versed in dogfighting tatics

Firefly
The AERIALBOT recon expert hides in plain sight, FIREFLY skips stealth armour and cloaking programes, relying purely on speed and his unmatched evasive ability.

Skydive
If it happens in aerial combat, then it lives in the memory circuits of SKYDIVE. The master tactician has cataloged every airbourne maneuvers and tactic, and the AERIALBOT flying ace has mastered them all.

Silverbolt
The leader of the AERIALBOTS forms the core of thte team's combined form SUPERION, a single-minded force bent only on DECEPTICON destruction.

Superion
The mighty union of six AERIALBOTS, SUPERION thinks of little else besides destroying DECEPTICONS

Stunticons Bios:

Breakdown
Breakdown is alway worried that he is being watched. The DECEPTICON take full advantage of his need to remain unseen, and mobilize him as a scout. Paranoia comes in handy when you're trying to avoid detection.

Deadend
Most DECEPTICONS would say the AUTOBOTS are doomed. DEADEND is the only one who'd say the same about the DECPTICONS. He's convinced the end of the universe is right around the courner, and he going out with his blasters blazing.

Decepticon Blackjack
Clever warrior calculates the odds and hatches his plan

Decepticon Dragstrip
No DECEPTICON is as relentless in the pursuit of victory than DRAGSTRIP. To him victory means power, and second place is as good as a place on the scrap heap.

Decepticon Offroad
The newest member of the STUNTICONS is pressed into action on missions his teammates want no part of, giving him the opportunity to show off his extreme-conditions combat training. It's dirty work in the most dangerous situations, but it's the only way he'll win his teammates trust.

Motormaster
MOTORMASTER punishes enemies and allies alike with the brute force of a tyrant, breeding fear and hatred in all who encounter him, even his STUNTICON Teammates.

Menasor
The ultimate DECEPTICON weapon with only one flaw: he's prone menacing fits of unfocused rage.

[prjkt]

Ok, so wave three arrived today - photos to follow as usual.

Voyagers:

Hot Spot: Probably my favourite voyager of the Combiner Wars line so far, simply for how the combiner torso is formed - the ladder apparatus wraps around the entire figure, pegs into place holding the arms/combiner ports in place better than on OP/Motormaster and then the head pegs into place on the top G1 style (from the ladder).

Alt mode is probably the weakest, especially at the hips - the don't seem to peg in too well on my copy, but it's still a solid, believable airport-style fire engine.

Bot mode is Hotspot dead on. Blue Optimus prime-like head, red chest plate and red strips on his shoulders/legs. Really brings back memories of G1 Hotspot (who was one of my favourite toys as a kid - in fact I think I had all the Protectobots as a kid, but I don't ever recall combining them completely...)

Cyclonus: A surprising retool of Silverbolt in a couple of ways - his head no longer flips forward into the chest, instead simply rotating backwards - the "gap filler" part of the combiner torso flips into place much easier for it.

The heavily retooled parts made the alt-mode almost unrecognisable in comparison - very Cyclonus, and only the robot shoulders give hints that the mould originated with Silverbolt. The wings hold the arms and the legs into place (the legs are tougher to plug in that on SB.)

Again the retooled parts make bot mode quite unique, although due to transformation constraints, he doesn't quite have the long horns that I associate with Cyclones. I don't think he'll replace the RTS version on my Lost Light shelf, but I may stand him beside Mania King. I have to say the shade of purple they chose for this release is impeccable - quite a deep shade, with a gloss hint in parts - much to the contrast of the quite pale RTS version. Big points just for that.

Deluxes: One overall comment, compared to previous waves, the plastic here feels "stiffer" and less malleable, especially on First Aid.

Blades: Easy one up, no real changes from Alpha Bravo apart from a new head (with a nice angry grimace) and paint job. Same pros and cons as A/B.

First Aid: Quite a retool of Off Road - almost all the "shell" pieces are new, along with a new chest piece, only the front of the bonnet and the transformation scheme hint back at Off Road.

As he's no longer a ute style truck and more an ambulance, it seems to me that they've lowered the overall height a little - those windows seem quite small, but the overall bulk of the figure doesn't suffer IMO. As I've mentioned in the past, I wish there was still translucent plastic in use, especially for the light bars, but I'm not taking points off for that.

The legs in bot mode look a little weird with arm shaped cutouts down the sides, but otherwise no faults here - and head sculpt looks straight out of MTMTE - big positives.

Streetwise: Retool of Deadend (apart from Blades, the most obvious one - and even then you've gotta take a good look.) I'm not sure if it's due to the plastic in use, but he comes together in alt and limb mode better than dead end, and the peg holes aren't as loose (big positives for that hand/foot attachment.)

Alt mode, of the protectobots, looks the most "futuristic" - something you'd see in Back to the Future's version of 2015, but not so out of place that he doesn't fit in with the rest of the team. Again those lightbars need translucence....

Again that head sculpt is quite comic accurate from what I can recall, and the bot mode has all the pros and cons (minus the looseness) that apply Dead End.

Rook: The new mould/new character of the wave, first impressions are you would not want to be in his way - in all modes he looks solid, beefy, and would pack one hell of a punch.

Transformation is quite simple, and a bit of fun, but the end result is a bit nondescript. A tapered box on wheels, but I guess that's what SWAT vans are in real life?

Head sculpt looks like a bot wearing an American Gridiron helmet, and there's no doubt of his allegiance with the Autobot sigil smack bang on his forehead. The whole upper front end of his alt mode ends up on his back, but it's not in the way much, and does hint that potential retools in the future could be quite different.

Legends:

Warpath: Deep red repaint of Legends Megatron. Haven't opened as I've already got Deluxe Gen Warpath on my shelf.

Viper: Blue repaint of Powerglide with a new head and big Cobra/Decepticon sigil on his chest. His legs still have trouble coming together for alt/weapon mode, so no real difference from PG.

Groove: My favourite Legends figure of Combiner Wars so far.

His alt mode is a sleeker, modernised version of the G1 toy, but actually has leg and arm articulation in bot mode. Though his legs are a little long in proportion.

His combiner add-on mode beats Blackjack hands down - there's a peg on Defensor's chest that connects to the centre of Groove, and there are pegs on Groove's arms that hold onto Defensor's chest quite well - no chance of him falling off with the slightest touch like with Blackjack/Menasor.

Overall: I might be saying this simply because he's new, but Defensor might be, at least in my opinion, the best combiner so far. Four solid limb bots, the best voyager/legends pair so far and the best overall proportions.

[prjkt]

just a few "teaser" shots to get you started.
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_0840.jpg
"Where's the emergency?"
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_0841.jpg
Groove hangin' on
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/cwcrew/IMG_0843.jpg
Cyclonus' less than happy face

[griffin]

That was fast. It takes longer to get something posted from Melbourne to Brisbane. (I had something posted by Autobreadticon on Tuesday 14th and tracking says it arrived at my Postbox on Monday 20th - six days!)

[G1Optimal]

Thought i would post the bios of the protectobots here

Blades
Blades can take his alternate form - a chopper - a little to literally. Sure, he carries plenty of firepower. But he'd much rather shred enemies with his rotors, bringing them down with a whirling flurry of copter kung fu.

First Aid
FIRST AID is just as likely to be first on the scene to help a wounded bot as he is to show up to repair a broken dishwasher. To the PROTECTOBOT medic, the greatest enemy is malfunction. Human, bot, or machine - if it's broken, FIRST AID won't carry on until it's back up and running.

Groove
Freedom fighter would sacrifice his own spark if it would bring peace.

Hot Spot
The duty of the PROTECTOBOTS dose not stop when the battle is over. Hot Spot and his team of heroes will come to mankind's defense whenever danger threatens.

Rook
If you need a rescue deep behind enemy lines or deep beneath battlefield rubble, Rook can get it done. His durabyllium super-alloy armor can withstand punishing blasts and hold up under crushing weight, and his tactical knowledge can get him out of any jam.

Streetwise
Fully capable of wiping out any target, Streetwise would rather track 'em down and let justice take its course. Of course, that justice starts with heavy damage to a few of his enemy's key systems. They can't do any harm if they can't function.

[Paulbot]

Streetwise
Fully capable of wiping out any target, Streetwise would rather track 'em down and let justice take its course. Of course, that justice starts with heavy damage to a few of his enemy's key systems. They can't do any harm if they can't function.

Is that seriously Streetwise's bio? He's gone from a smart 'streetwise' investigator who'd track down the bad guys like the hero of a 70s cop/detetcice TV show to... someone who beats up his targets. I know cops in the US are getting a (in some cases desereved) bad rap at the moment, but man. It seems like the writer picked up on a few lines from the original bio (below) and went, yep this guy's a brutal cop. :eek:


Nothing escapes Streetwise's notice. He dutifully records the most seemingly insignificant details knowing full well he may have use of such information later. So readily does he adapt to any environment that his fellow Protectobots suspect he possesses a mysterious eighth sense in addition to the seven standard senses with which he was built (sight, hearing, touch, smell, short-range radiowave transmission, magnetic sensitivity, and electric sensitivity). The truth is, Streetwise simply has an amazing capacity for understanding. He easily grasps local dialects; slang expressions instantly become part of his vocabulary. Once he sees a map of a new city, he drives through its streets as if he were born there. And he's as doggedly determined as he is clever. Nothing can deter Streetwise from seeking his prey- except an empty fuel tank.

[SuspectimusPrime]

Is that seriously Streetwise's bio? He's gone from a smart 'streetwise' investigator who'd track down the bad guys like the hero of a 70s cop/detetcice TV show to... someone who beats up his targets. I know cops in the US are getting a (in some cases desereved) bad rap at the moment, but man. It seems like the writer picked up on a few lines from the original bio (below) and went, yep this guy's a brutal cop. :eek:

He's still not the worst type of cop yet - at least he's not beating up migrant Empties (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Empty) and planting Circuit Speeders (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Circuit_speeder) on them ;)

[Trent]

Is that seriously Streetwise's bio? He's gone from a smart 'streetwise' investigator who'd track down the bad guys like the hero of a 70s cop/detetcice TV show to... someone who beats up his targets. I know cops in the US are getting a (in some cases desereved) bad rap at the moment, but man. It seems like the writer picked up on a few lines from the original bio (below) and went, yep this guy's a brutal cop. :eek:

I thought that too when I read it.

[G1Optimal]

Hasbro designer desk videos

Hasbro Designer Desk Video - Superion (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/generations-classics-44/hasbro-designer-desk-video-superion-182549/)
Hasbro Designer Desk Video - Menasor (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/generations-classics-44/hasbro-designer-desk-video-menasor-182547/)
Source:TFW2005 (http://www,tfw2005.com)


Is that seriously Streetwise's bio? He's gone from a smart 'streetwise' investigator who'd track down the bad guys like the hero of a 70s cop/detetcice TV show to... someone who beats up his targets. I know cops in the US are getting a (in some cases desereved) bad rap at the moment, but man. It seems like the writer picked up on a few lines from the original bio (below) and went, yep this guy's a brutal cop. :eek:
Thats what was on the back of the card.

[G1Optimal]

Bios for quickslinger and brake-neck

Quickslinger
If everything Quickslinger said about his feats in battle were true, he'd be the most decorated Autobot warrior. While he's not actually a battlefield legend, he is the best shooter among the Aerialbots. Once an enemy is in his sights, there's a good shot they'll end up in a sling.

Brake-Neck
Brake-Neck has no respect for the rules of the road, or anything on it. Autobot or Decepticon - it dosen't matter. Any bot that gets in his way is in line for repairs once Brake-Neck is done with them. Even the unpredictable Stunticons see him as a out-of-control wild rider.

[UltimateGalvatron]

Bios for quickslinger and brake-neck

Quickslinger
If everything Quickslinger said about his feats in battle were true, he'd be the most decorated Autobot warrior. While he's not actually a battlefield legend, he is the best shooter among the Aerialbots. Once an enemy is in his sights, there's a good shot they'll end up in a sling.

Brake-Neck
Brake-Neck has no respect for the rules of the road, or anything on it. Autobot or Decepticon - it dosen't matter. Any bot that gets in his way is in line for repairs once Brake-Neck is done with them. Even the unpredictable Stunticons see him as a out-of-control wild rider.

Ahh Hasbro, I see what you did there... ;)

[The Scream Man]

i just got the Deluxe protectobots and Groove. These guys are all various degrees of awesome, with street Wise and First Aid being the best. Since i didnt get the Stunticons, this has bveen my first play with sme of these molds, and Im impressed. Im much more tempted by the rumored Autobot car team now, if for no other reason than the base robots are already excellent.

[prjkt]

so my "Brakeneck" and "Quickslinger" CW figures arrived today, quick review:

Wildrider
Pros:
He's Wildrider for those who miss the G1 team.
Holds together a little better, combiner weapon is no longer loose and floppy when plugged in.
Headsculpt is all kinds of awesome - mixes the G1 "blockhead" design with the Arms Micron version with his little ear posts.

Cons:
Red paint in no way matches the deeper red plastic, looks kind of cheap, and really jarring on the side of the altmode/bot arms.
No rear window painted (as Dead End has) so the entire back end is just a lump of grey.
Metallic grey paint on the hood is hard to tell apart from the rest of the vehicle and the lower headlights aren't painted.
Same "weapon" as Dead End. Would have been nice to have Streetwise's rifle, but could be a mould restriction so I won't hold that against him too much.

Compared to Dead End and Off-Road (who stole his deco) he's looking seriously bland tough.

Slingshot:
Pros:
He's Slingshot for those who want the full G1 team.
Joints are all nice and solid, no looseness like Skydive.
That headsculpt means business.

Cons:
The alt mode looks a little bland (being all white and all) but considering the source material, can't really fault the figure.
Arms still quite visible in altmode, and the black painted hands are painfully obvious.
Orange face looks a little out of place compared to the rest of his deco when compared to his "replacement" Alpha Bravo, who has an orange chest.

Verdict: Quickslinger/Slingshot is definitely the better of the two "nostalgia" releases, but both are solid figures in their own stead, just wish Brakeneck/Wildrider had some more paint apps.

I hope Reprolabels offer sets for these two, to fill in all the gaps on Wildrider, and extend the wing pattern on Slingshot like they have for Firefly/ight.

Now comes the question, what do I do with them? Do I replace the new bots on the teams, or just rotate? Haven't quite decided yet.

[G1Optimal]

Now comes the question, what do I do with them? Do I replace the new bots on the teams, or just rotate? Haven't quite decided yet.

Although i just want quickslinger (aka slingshot, i dont want brake-neck aka wildrider) i am keeping alpha brave as a reserve member as the aerialbots and to cover the rest of the aerialbots while they are merging to form superion. :D

[UltimateGalvatron]

Pics please!

[G1Optimal]

took these with my ipad

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv77/G1Optimal/659eadad-f0e5-4222-83bf-5cc846b288ca.jpg (http://s671.photobucket.com/user/G1Optimal/media/659eadad-f0e5-4222-83bf-5cc846b288ca.jpg.html)

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv77/G1Optimal/be06fba7-d267-4875-9125-4be1e6dd94b7.jpg (http://s671.photobucket.com/user/G1Optimal/media/be06fba7-d267-4875-9125-4be1e6dd94b7.jpg.html)

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv77/G1Optimal/f9304b7b-ec99-41f0-aa4a-874841f581a2.jpg (http://s671.photobucket.com/user/G1Optimal/media/f9304b7b-ec99-41f0-aa4a-874841f581a2.jpg.html)

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv77/G1Optimal/446e50d3-079b-4693-9ef6-7fd33a14884e.jpg
(http://s671.photobucket.com/user/G1Optimal/media/446e50d3-079b-4693-9ef6-7fd33a14884e.jpg.html)

http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv77/G1Optimal/fa4ed874-adf5-4166-aced-c6aaef6461aa.jpg (http://s671.photobucket.com/user/G1Optimal/media/fa4ed874-adf5-4166-aced-c6aaef6461aa.jpg.html)

[griffin]

I love the head sculpt on this Slingshot toy. After that cartoon episode Aerial Assault which had him as the central character, his head is the most familiar to me of the Aerialbots.

[prjkt]

picture time!
Slingshot:
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/Slingrider/IMG_1632.jpg

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/Slingrider/IMG_1634.jpg

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/Slingrider/IMG_1641.jpg

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/Slingrider/IMG_1640.jpg

Wildrider:
http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/Slingrider/IMG_1633.jpg

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/Slingrider/IMG_1635.jpg

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/Slingrider/IMG_1636.jpg

*insert combined mode at some later date*


Bonus shot:

Now I can recreate this scene:

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/Slingrider/IMG_1638.jpg

[prjkt]

add commentary, in the comparison shots, I think it's pretty sweet how with a simple paintjob/plastic colour change that they've been able to make:

A: Off Road and Alpha Bravo follow the colour scheme of Wild Rider/Slingshot quite faithfully in alt mode, but basically be their own character in bot mode.

B: Make Wildrider & Slingshot look different enough from Dead End & Fireflight, whose alt modes they pinched. I still wish there was *something* on Wildrider's back end of the car, all that grey plastic is just calling for a false window or something... didn't even have to be the same shape as Dead End's.... ah well, hopefully Reprolabels can fix it up a little.

[Zommael]

I'm not feeling Brakeneck, but Quickslinger looks pretty cool, and it's based on IMO the best Aerialbot mould in Firefly. Hope i can puck one up somewhere - if i do then Alpha Bravo will eventually replace Blades in the Protectobots, as that mould isn't really worth owning two of.

[griffin]

I finally put the Hasbro HK stickers on the Aerialbots and Stunticons...

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c777.jpg

And with the Protectobots... very, very nice.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c778.jpg

I love these toys. :D
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c779.jpg

I'll get to combining them later, as I'm still in the middle of building all the Kreo I brought back with me.

[prjkt]

Wow. Never hit me just how many figures make up the three combiners so far until I saw those shots, as I've normally got mine displayed in combined mode.

[griffin]

That's what makes it so hard with these fun toys... which mode to have them in. I want/need a second set, and have to wait for the Japanese versions to do that. :(

[prjkt]

Will you mix and match the sets? Or keep Hasbro separate from Takara?

[griffin]

I'll keep them separate.

[Zommael]

I'll keep them separate.

Ah, but will you be getting Quickslinger separately from the Takara version as well?

[griffin]

I will probably have the Japanese sets combined and the Hasbro sets kept non-combined, which will have Quickslinger and Alpha Bravo as robots with the group (and Brake-Neck & Over-Run with their group).
But when I get the Japanese versions I'll see which one looks better in combined mode... and have take lots of time combining and transforming them to work it out. ;)

[Trent]

Finished off Menasor last night. The individual Stunticons are great. Some of the best Hasbro TFs we've seen in a while. The bot modes are cool and the alt modes rock and while the transformations are simple, they are very clever and intuitive.

However, combined Mensor doesn't look nice. He looks like a brick with arms and legs. And also the hip ratchets on Menasor are so weak he can't even stand on my glass shelves. He just does the splits :(

Overall I really like this set, I'm just let down a bit by Menasor.

[griffin]

Just a quick photo I took today, I don't have a spare Gen1 Menasor on hand... so just two of the three here for now. I might build him later for a full group shot.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c786.jpg

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Wow, Defensor looks a lot better than I thought he would. The groove as a chest piece works much nicer than Blackjack as Menasor's piece. Do wish the feet were a bit bigger and had ankle tilts. I don't wanna fork out bucks for those add-ons.

[griffin]

I just impressed at how well the whole abdomen replicates the Gen1 Defensor, and yet be built into the toy instead of added parts like the Gen1 version... without impacting on the other two modes of Hotspot.

I'd actually prefer that the combiners didn't have the 6th member so that the Legends toys could be displayed separately, but since Menasor needs Blackjack to look right, the other two need theirs to balance out.

[BigTransformerTrev]

I will probably have the Japanese sets combined and the Hasbro sets kept non-combined, which will have Quickslinger and Alpha Bravo as robots with the group (and Brake-Neck & Over-Run with their group).
But when I get the Japanese versions I'll see which one looks better in combined mode... and have take lots of time combining and transforming them to work it out. ;)

Doing the same - though might get a second Blackjack so he can be on Menasor as well as seperate. Was thinking of doing that for Powerglide too but his gun mode weighs Superions arm down too much so will keep him as a robot

[griffin]

I got the Gen1 Menasor done up, and fixed up the limbs of the newer combiners to match the look of the Gen1 versions in the JP Generations book (since there are
different combinations out there).

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c813.jpg

I didn't notice Gen1 First Aid not having the top flap folded out... :(
Meh... close enough. :p

[kup]

Menasor to me looks really terrible. Superion is better but isn't so great either. Since the 3Ps haven't done anything I like enough to dedicate a premium price for in regards to Superion so I will settle with the official Tak-Tom release.

Hasbro's Defensor on the other hand looks very good, much better than I would expect. Still suffers from gorilla arms and tiny feet like the other combiners but still well done.

[Megatran]

I just impressed at how well the whole abdomen replicates the Gen1 Defensor, *snip*
:confused: You've totally lost me on this one. I'm looking at your pic and there are huge differences. It's like Arnie & Danny DeVito in Twins.

[UltimateGalvatron]

The only 3rd Party Combiner I like the look of is Feral Rex a.k.a Not Predaking, but each limb costs about as much as a MP car, and the Torso a bit more, I will be staying with the Hasbro CW for now.

[SuspectimusPrime]

The only 3rd Party Combiner I like the look of is Feral Rex a.k.a Not Predaking, but each limb costs about as much as a MP car, and the Torso a bit more, I will be staying with the Hasbro CW for now.

At today's exchange rate, the torso piece itself (https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=MMC10013&mode=retail), before shipping, can cost more than all of the CW Aerialbots combined at retail price ($25 per limb, + $50 for Silverbolt) :)

[FruitBuyer]

Finally completed Superion after receiving Air Raid from Amazon, who was able to get it to me in less than a week after ordering it. Even though I was only missing one limb, he looks magnitudes better and I certainly can't wait to pose him with the UW Superion next month.

I got my friend's Armour Knight's sword and shield and it scales quite nicely with with. I hope to take some pictures later today.

[alltransformers]

Why are they so expensive. Argh I've always wanted to have my 1st third party combiner

[griffin]

I received the Quickslinger & Brake-Neck pair today, and was disappointed to see that on the back of Brake-Neck's card it has him replacing Dead-End instead of Offroad, probably because it was easier.... but Quickslinger's was changed to include it in place of Alpha Bravo (giving it a proper Gen1 group on its cardback, but we don't get it for Brake-Neck.
Nice to have the toys though, and the new heads are really nicely cartoon-accurate.

[Deano85]

With the perfect effect upgrade sets. Only using the feet

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/XternalForces/11416339_10155700062020215_6427209843158069467_o_z psoosoh62l.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/XternalForces/media/11416339_10155700062020215_6427209843158069467_o_z psoosoh62l.jpg.html)

[prjkt]

I received the Quickslinger & Brake-Neck pair today, and was disappointed to see that on the back of Brake-Neck's card it has him replacing Dead-End instead of Offroad, probably because it was easier.... but Quickslinger's was changed to include it in place of Alpha Bravo (giving it a proper Gen1 group on its cardback, but we don't get it for Brake-Neck.
Nice to have the toys though, and the new heads are really nicely cartoon-accurate.

I'm pretty sure it was just a case of lazy graphic design

[philby]

Just a quick photo I took today, I don't have a spare Gen1 Menasor on hand... so just two of the three here for now. I might build him later for a full group shot.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c786.jpg



With the perfect effect upgrade sets. Only using the feet

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/XternalForces/11416339_10155700062020215_6427209843158069467_o_z psoosoh62l.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/XternalForces/media/11416339_10155700062020215_6427209843158069467_o_z psoosoh62l.jpg.html)

those feet just seem to make menasor that much better looking. I don't think blackjack adds anything either, perhaps actually making him look too bulky.

[Zommael]

those feet just seem to make menasor that much better looking. I don't think blackjack adds anything either, perhaps actually making him look too bulky.

I don't think it's the feet so much as it's the alternate leg transformation which doesn't clip them into the crotch piece. It makes the legs look that little bit longer, taller, and more natural.

[Deano85]

The aeroplanes aren't as wide as the cars. The larger feet help bulk him out (and yes the alternate leg transformation helps as well :) ). Haven't got blackjack yet, going to have to order him online. Still wont use him in the chest. I like the closed chest better.

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/XternalForces/20150518_191743_RichtoneHDR_20150611155627485_zpsm favq0cx.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/XternalForces/media/20150518_191743_RichtoneHDR_20150611155627485_zpsm favq0cx.jpg.html)

[Zommael]

I have Thundercracker as the chest, but I have Optimus Prime as the torso so it actually looks okay, since they're the same colours.

[Deano85]

Ive got Optimus, alpha bravo and wildrider (break neck) doing nothing since menasor and superion are complete. Waiting for the optimus maximus limbs and for Bruticus to get announced :)

[philby]

I don't think it's the feet so much as it's the alternate leg transformation which doesn't clip them into the crotch piece. It makes the legs look that little bit longer, taller, and more natural.

yeah it's a bit of both, but comparing that pic to griffin's those feet just look so skinny and odd. i'm tempted to get them but I don't think they're worth $50!!

[Paulbot]

At my count (and I've possibly missed a few) there's 79 different Combiner Wars/Unite Warriors announced or released figures to collect to make giant robots out of. That's not counting the Constructicons since they aren't compatible and legends like Bombshell and Thundercracker which can be combined but aren't officially part of gestalts.

That's a lot of milage out of four voyagers molds, nine or ten deluxes and four legends. And a lot of combinations. I can't even start to figure that number out.

And there's at least 17 more figures we should assume are coming (UW Combaticons, G2 Combaticons and G2 Protectobots) let alone another four Technobots.

This is one big line to collect.

[Paulbot]

I've finally opened and played with a couple of Combiner Wars figures (Alpha Bravo and Offroad) and I like the two individually, but it hasn't convinced me that I need to own all the teams, even though they have good looking robot modes.

[kup]

I had a play with the Unite Warriors TakTom release of Superion last night...

I have to say, this is a very unimpressive set. I understand that people are hyped that hey are doing G1 characters and that is indeed a reason to be happy about. However these toys are very simplistic and pretty much what can only be referred to as 'Blown up' scouts and even so, some scouts have better engineering. The cost cutting here is pretty extreme with low parts counts and how all the jets basically have a thick 'midget body' hanging on the bottom like a block making them all look like a weird Skylinx jets. Even the G1 toys of the aerialbots made a greater effort to hide the legs and arms in jet mode.

On the upside, the robot modes do look really good despite limitation when it comes to articulation (cost cutting) and head sculpts are great. Also there is some innovative engineering in how Silverbolt becomes a torso with how the Superion chest comes together - The concept there is clever even by 3P standards.

Unfortunately the combined mode with the ridiculously big hands and little feet makes Superion look a bit awkward. Also articulation is very restricted specially on the thighs and waist so there isn't much posing if you want him to be able to stand on his own. He basically can only stand with his legs straight.

This is certainly the best official combiner Hasbro has done since Armada. However it is a shame that they have used the budget hammer so heavily on it as it could have been better than it is if it had a little more refinement. It is also interesting that this combiner is super simple, much simpler than the Energon ones yet they pull it off much better. It really throws away the 'We don't do combiners because it's too hard' Archer stance from a few years ago.

Anyways, happy I got it since I didn't have a proper Superion (aside from the Crossfire upgraded Energon one) so this works for me. However it still looks very mediocre when compared to a 3P one and frankly, despite the cost increase, 3P combiners are far more satisfying. I didn't feel I got my money's worth with this Unite Warriors Superion set but I do feel I get greater satisfaction and value with a more expensive 3P combiner set like from Maketoys.

[M-bot]

Not sure if it comes out in the pics, but my Defensor's posture seems worse than Superion... a bit slumped over when they are compared side-by-side.:( Anyone else noticed this, or is it just mine?

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/454/19579714010_a61aa6d0ce_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vQc9Q3)CW Defensor and Superion (https://flic.kr/p/vQc9Q3) by M-bot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/m-botstransformers/)

But overall, I am so stoked to have a beautiful rendition of my favourite team, the Protectobots. I've pre-ordered the UW version to display in combined mode, while the Hasbro versions will be displayed as individual bots.

And now that I have Slingshot... Sad Alpha Bravo is sad...;)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/532/19146844353_6e920103f6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vaWzL6)CW Defensor and Superion (https://flic.kr/p/vaWzL6) by M-bot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/m-botstransformers/)

[Sutton]

Just thought I'd post some pics of how I have my Groove set up...similar to how others have done it, but a slightly more painful transformation for the poor guy!

https://scontent-nrt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11227574_10207012133489381_1632599352670467199_n.j pg?oh=58812b5e7a8a85bd325ce9029b89798c&oe=561373EB

https://scontent-nrt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11011179_10207012133609384_2920888771881862746_n.j pg?oh=1b47d045c0f46a17e09d03498095697d&oe=56119E61

https://scontent-nrt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11755234_10207012133849390_1406670372299450854_n.j pg?oh=77dc5c13e3e06f53245e32d602d8628d&oe=564B84CC

It all pegs in really nice - Groove's arms have pegs that plug into 5mm ports on Rook nicely. And the hammer holds together very tightly.

[Deano85]

I had a play with the Unite Warriors TakTom release of Superion last night...

I have to say, this is a very unimpressive set. I understand that people are hyped that hey are doing G1 characters and that is indeed a reason to be happy about. However these toys are very simplistic and pretty much what can only be referred to as 'Blown up' scouts and even so, some scouts have better engineering. The cost cutting here is pretty extreme with low parts counts and how all the jets basically have a thick 'midget body' hanging on the bottom like a block making them all look like a weird Skylinx jets. Even the G1 toys of the aerialbots made a greater effort to hide the legs and arms in jet mode.

On the upside, the robot modes do look really good despite limitation when it comes to articulation (cost cutting) and head sculpts are great. Also there is some innovative engineering in how Silverbolt becomes a torso with how the Superion chest comes together - The concept there is clever even by 3P standards.

Unfortunately the combined mode with the ridiculously big hands and little feet makes Superion look a bit awkward. Also articulation is very restricted specially on the thighs and waist so there isn't much posing if you want him to be able to stand on his own. He basically can only stand with his legs straight.

This is certainly the best official combiner Hasbro has done since Armada. However it is a shame that they have used the budget hammer so heavily on it as it could have been better than it is if it had a little more refinement. It is also interesting that this combiner is super simple, much simpler than the Energon ones yet they pull it off much better. It really throws away the 'We don't do combiners because it's too hard' Archer stance from a few years ago.

Anyways, happy I got it since I didn't have a proper Superion (aside from the Crossfire upgraded Energon one) so this works for me. However it still looks very mediocre when compared to a 3P one and frankly, despite the cost increase, 3P combiners are far more satisfying. I didn't feel I got my money's worth with this Unite Warriors Superion set but I do feel I get greater satisfaction and value with a more expensive 3P combiner set like from Maketoys.

Have you considered getting the perfect effect upgrade set ? The new feet are way better and gives them some increased height.

[SMHFConvoy]

Picked up a Rook this afternoon and all I could was:

1. Love his little Russian hat

2. For a guy who replaces the motorcycle his vehicle mode is incorrectly scaled to the other Protectobots.

[Sutton]

Picked up a Rook this afternoon and all I could was:

1. Love his little Russian hat

2. For a guy who replaces the motorcycle his vehicle mode is incorrectly scaled to the other Protectobots.

To be fair, every vehicle is out of scale with each other, but the giant motorbike is next level/bleedingly obvious out of scale. Especially for kids, who will more likely have a real-life point of reference for a car vs bike than they will for car vs SWAT APC, or rescue helicopter vs airport firetruck (those things can be pretty big). So I can forgive the design choice.

I'll still pick up a deluxe Groove in a heartbeat if they decide to release one, but for now I'm pretty happy with the team. Just wish they'd used the different arms for Blades included in the Victorion set, the missiles are a real misstep. Especially considering the extreme amount of remoulding in other CW releases like First Aid / Offroad etc...

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--GQhEaGdW--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/1336010524854117925.png

[SuspectimusPrime]

1. Love his little Russian hat


Russian? The first time I saw it, the bar on his helmet made me think of American football/baseball helmets.

[SMHFConvoy]

Russian? The first time I saw it, the bar on his helmet made me think of American football/baseball helmets.

Maybe it's a perception filter and we all see what we want?

[Nonalyth]

Been fiddling with the Wave 3 deluxes for a few days now (no Hotspot yet because lolAustralia) and I have to say I like the groove they're laying out (no pun intended(why am I using so many parentheses in this sentence?(OK now I'm doing it on purpose))).

Air Raid had already given us an example of how far they were willing to go with a "repaint", and First Aid and Streetwise just drive it home. To the casual observer they look like completely different toys in alt mode, and even in robot mode have enough work done to clearly set them apart from the original. Only through the intimate act of transformation does it become truly clear, which suits me just fine.

For whatever reason First Aid's shoulder pads work a lot better than Offroad's, and there's something about a futuristic ambulance with a massive engine strapped to the top that I find... I don't want to say arousing, but I'm going to think it. It's a damn shame they couldn't find a better way to attach the kibble-blaster to Streetwise. The massive turret with fingers looked dumb on Deadend, and it looks dumb now. The triple-barreled shotgun is awesome, and miles better than the awkward, sort of pipe thing Deadend has. That being said, the Awkward-Sort-of-Pipe-Thing™ attaches to the vehicle mode in such a way that it looks like a beefy exhaust, while the shotgun... Doesn't. I mean it kind of does, but who puts a scope on an exhaust? Was it Wheeljack? It was probably Wheeljack.

It's just too bad Blades lets the side down, with nothing but a new head to differentiate him. Not even a new weapon. Not even a different weapon. I have to agree with Sutton re: the Victorion arms, seeing as it would (a)give that little bit more in they way of characterisation and (b) take the bloody missiles off the bloody helicopter with bloody "RESCUE" written down the bloody sides. Maybe they're filled with fire-retardant foam? I guess they used up their creativity budget with the other two.

Which brings us to last but not least, the one genuinely new mold, Rook. And he's pretty good! The 5mm ports on the ends of his arms rather than in his hands are actually kind of nice, especially with his grabby claw accessory. Transformation is simple but satisfying, I like how he looks with tires for pecs, his Russian fur football helmet is fine, he's... Not red. I can't decide if it's a breath of fresh air (like Alpha Bravo being a helicopter rather than another bloody jet, sorry gee-whiners) or an unsightly deviation from a unifying theme. Alternatively, maybe it doesn't really matter.

Yep, it's that one.

I also picked up Motormaster at the same time, which let me finally finish Menasor. Hooray! I mean, his joints are somehow worse than Optimus's, and he sometimes doesn't tab together properly, but at this point I'm so glad to have another (mostly) completed combiner that I don't much care. The two-part sword is also the best combined-form weapon so far, being as it isn't two guns that join into an overly-long gun, or an overly-long gun and a thing that combine into an even more overly-long gun. Not to mention he has a similar level of re-molding to the better repaints, providing a good amount of distinction from Optimuscle. So yeah, good enough!

[griffin]

Some wave 4 images I took last night...

I don't yet have the Voyager (Battle Core Optimus) or Leader (Starscream) of this wave yet, so here are just the Legends and Deluxes.

Skywarp with the other three uses of the mould by Hasbro so far.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c909.jpg

The four Deluxes with Rodimus and the Wave 1 Optimus, because it looks better with this team than the white one would.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c910.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c911.jpg

Rodimus with the previous Legends Rodimus.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c912.jpg

Superion, Ultra Prime, Menasor and Defensor.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c913.jpg

[griffin]

Just two more of the 2015 Generations toys left to collect (Voyager Battle Core Optimus & Leader Skywarp).
The choice of Legends toys this year coincidentally have similar colours.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c927.jpg

[UltimateGalvatron]

Hey griffin do you have two sets of combiner a one for robot and one for combined mode or do you just display them in robot mode?

[griffin]

Still just the one set at the moment, but the Japanese Superion and Menasor are currently on their way from HLJ.

I just like playing with these Combiner toys (including Devastator), so have been having them in different modes at different times.
(and people keep coming over to play with them too)

[jazzcomp]

Is there a reason why Prime would combine with his autobots? :confused: Or is this really just a toy mold idea?

[SuspectimusPrime]

Just two more of the 2015 Generations toys left to collect (Voyager Battle Core Optimus & Leader Skywarp).
The choice of Legends toys this year coincidentally have similar colours.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c927.jpg

I find that shot of Thundercracker and Cyclonus standing together hilarious - seems silly to think that Thundercracker becomes smaller when he (not Bombshell) is reformatted by Unicron.

[Zommael]

I find that shot of Thundercracker and Cyclonus standing together hilarious - seems silly to think that Thundercracker becomes smaller when he (not Bombshell) is reformatted by Unicron.

Cyclonus is an ancient Cybertronian warrior though, not a reformatted Thundercracker (or Bombshell). :p

Griffin, how did you manage to get Armada Megatron's cannon on his hip like that? I think I can see how in principle it can be done, but I can't seem to get the cannon off his arm. :confused:

[griffin]

Griffin, how did you manage to get Armada Megatron's cannon on his hip like that? I think I can see how in principle it can be done, but I can't seem to get the cannon off his arm. :confused:

It's actually still on the arm, it is just on the inside of the arm and the arm is kept to his side to look like it is on his hip.... for display only though.
It was something that Christalcase did, so I can't take credit for it.

[Paulbot]

I find that shot of Thundercracker and Cyclonus standing together hilarious - seems silly to think that Thundercracker becomes smaller when he (not Bombshell) is reformatted by Unicron.


Cyclonus is an ancient Cybertronian warrior though, not a reformatted Thundercracker (or Bombshell). :p

No, just no. There's debate over which robot became Cyclonus in TFTM, but it's between Skywarp and Bombshell. No one argues against Thundercracker being turned into Scourge.

[Zommael]

No, just no. There's debate over which robot became Cyclonus in TFTM, but it's between Skywarp and Bombshell. No one argues against Thundercracker being turned into Scourge.

He's still an ancient Cybertronian warrior, though, and not an upgrade. :p

[shockNwave]

I've discovered how to make Menasor hold 6 out of 7 stunticon weapons (Blackjack's is excluded).
Hand 1 - Place Offroad's axe in the top hole and place Dead End's pipe club in the bottom hole. The end result is that it looks like he's holding a long handle axe.
Hand 2 - Place Motormaster's gun in the top hole and attach his sword onto one of the side tabs. Next, attach Brakedown's gunblade onto the tab on the other side (it fits perfectly). Now, place Drag Strip's gunblade in the bottom hole. Done.

[prjkt]

I have Menasor's combined sword in one hand, Off Road's Axe at the top of his other hand, with Dragstrip's blade on the under side, while I have Breakdown's rifle in Motormaster's hand (as a shoulder gun for Menasor) and Dead End's pipe as an exhaust pipe in MM's other hand.

[griffin]

The full set of 2015 Generations toys, for anyone wanting to see how they scale with each other.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c986.jpg

[BigTransformerTrev]

A slightly different shot:

http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b615/BigAngryTrev/P1040600_zpsmdnth7sg.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/BigAngryTrev/media/P1040600_zpsmdnth7sg.jpg.html)

Despite my usual 'only buying one' of a figure I've found I want the CW toys in both the individual bot and Gestalt modes. This has meant that I've had to buy 2 Rooks and 2 Blackjacks, but with the others from the four original teams I'm getting the Hasbro and Tak/Tom versions so there is a bit of variety. Just need UW Devastator and Defensor and this scene will be complete :D

After setting up this scene I finally understand why some people complained that Devastator is not in scale with the other combiners. But frag he looks cool so ya kinda have to overlook it :p


Oh, and I do have all the figures to make up Optimus Maximus - but I don't think I'll ever bother

[Paulbot]

Plugged some limbs into Hot Spot tonight, creating my first CW Gestalt. The final effect is actually pretty good huh. The feet are too small but it does create a nice sized large robot. On the shelf next to an RID Warrior BB it looks exactly how I want a giant robot to look.

Maybe I will keep Superion and get the missing parts of Menasor.

[Dimi194]

After playing around with the Wave 4 Autobots, I actually like them far more than their original molds! Didn't expect to since (esp Prowl, who is my third 'Dead End' mold), but it's pretty amazing what a splash of paint and a new head will do!

[agentwaway]

Order from Shapeway the Yellow and Purple replacement kit for Rodimus and Blackjack. Have to say loving this on Rodimus.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/agent_waway/1948FB45-D232-43C0-BFEA-04D887668D1F.jpg

The gun makes is used in combine mode to make the chest piece attach more firmly.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/agent_waway/6416AA03-FBDE-40CD-8C72-EEA1F72AAE03.jpg

[G1Optimal]

Order from Shapeway the Yellow and Purple replacement kit for Rodimus and Blackjack. Have to say loving this on Rodimus.

[IMG]

The gun makes is used in combine mode to make the chest piece attach more firmly.

[IMG]


I ordered one myself for rodimus with the replacement antennas for superion

When you use the yellow gun-axe for rodimus in combine mode is it tight fitting as it says on the page that there is a small percentage that they are loose fitting?

[Jaxius._]

The full set of 2015 Generations toys, for anyone wanting to see how they scale with each other.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c986.jpg

People actually buy that bumblebee

[Deonasis]

I got my first CW figure last week and it was... Rook.

I really fun, simple and sturdy figure. The critical combiner port also seems a very solid piece of engineering while the hand/foot is adequate but could have been better if a rrp was not a consideration.

Despite the potential for "mold reuse fatigue" I am really looking forward to most of the UN/CW line up.

[doublespy]

Tformers have started putting up reviews for the Combaticons. That one and only CW all new mould we've been waiting for for ages turns out to have a massive design flaw. Quite disappointing tbh.

[SuspectimusPrime]

Tformers have started putting up reviews for the Combaticons. That one and only CW all new mould we've been waiting for for ages turns out to have a massive design flaw. Quite disappointing tbh.

The whole body from torso and up looks very reminiscent of PCC Heavytread. Don't see why/how they could have missed the major design flaw in Brawl's torso if they were borrowing elements from an earlier design.

[griffin]

What's wrong with Brawl?

It would be a shame if it has a design flaw, and that it wasn't noticed (if it could have been prevented and still have four modes).

[Zommael]

What's wrong with Brawl?

It would be a shame if it has a design flaw, and that it wasn't noticed (if it could have been prevented and still have four modes).

Apparently the torso doesn't lock into place properly and that causes it to flop about all over the place. It sounds like the sort of thing that could easily be fixed by a simple remould and hopefully will be for the TakTom, G2, and Botcon uses of the mould (it could also be that the reviewer is doing something wrong, without wanting to disparage them).

[BigTransformerTrev]

I wrote a review yesterday of the new Bruticus and it got deleted along with most posts from the 5th and I can't be bothered rewriting it so I'll just say:

*Bruticus Good
*Shockwave weigh down arm too much
*Recommended :)


http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y342/sare111/photo%203%205_zpsezwf8vqm.jpg (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/sare111/media/photo%203%205_zpsezwf8vqm.jpg.html)

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y342/sare111/photo%201%208_zpsroal9edj.jpg (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/sare111/media/photo%201%208_zpsroal9edj.jpg.html)

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y342/sare111/photo%202%207_zpskav0ijrq.jpg (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/sare111/media/photo%202%207_zpskav0ijrq.jpg.html)

[5FDP]

^ Me Grimlock like.

[KingGrimlock]

Damn those combiners all look good together...

[CHILENO20]

I wrote a review yesterday of the new Bruticus and it got deleted along with most posts from the 5th and I can't be bothered rewriting it so I'll just say:

*Bruticus Good
*Shockwave weigh down arm too much
*Recommended :)


http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y342/sare111/photo%203%205_zpsezwf8vqm.jpg (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/sare111/media/photo%203%205_zpsezwf8vqm.jpg.html)

Looks awesome! But I've decided I'll use Viper as the gun instead of Shockwave. Seems a better fit IMO.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Damn those combiners all look good together...

I've got all the ones to make Optimus Maximus too but I can never be bothered.

Waiting for the Sky Lynx wave to show up so I can do some group shots of the entire line :)

[Sinnertwin]

Me like them with new boots and hands too! :D

http://i1335.photobucket.com/albums/w661/sinnertwinsphotos/PEFEET_zpsgmimvjz9.jpg (http://s1335.photobucket.com/user/sinnertwinsphotos/media/PEFEET_zpsgmimvjz9.jpg.html)

[BigTransformerTrev]

Me like them with new boots and hands too! :D

http://i1335.photobucket.com/albums/w661/sinnertwinsphotos/PEFEET_zpsgmimvjz9.jpg (http://s1335.photobucket.com/user/sinnertwinsphotos/media/PEFEET_zpsgmimvjz9.jpg.html)

I don't usually buy the upgrade kids, though they have made some very good ones for the CW Gestalts. The only one I've ordered is the one for Menasor - his legs and waist just look too horrible and need that extra something. I'm fairly happy with the appearance of the other Gestalts - well happy enough to not buy the upgrade kits for now anyway :)

If they brought out some kinda upgrade so that Powerglide and Shockwave could be held by the Gestalts without weighing their arms down - now I'd buy that in a second!

[griffin]

Tsk tsk... no contaminating the boards with that unlicensed stuff. :p

[KingGrimlock]

I stole the black PE hands and feet from superior for my bruticus, while I will end up getting the grey eventually my bruticus either tends to lean forward a little bit or back too much with his leg ratchets and the feet help correct his posture a bit. Plus he looks more intimidating when he is taller.

[Zommael]

Tsk tsk... no contaminating the boards with that unlicensed stuff. :p

IMO there's a big difference between add-on kits that work with and enhance official product, and third party toys that basically just steal designs. But that's always been my take on it, and there is a question of where do you draw the line. On the other hand, wherever you draw it, new hands and feet for CW figures pretty definitively falls on the acceptable side, wouldn't you say?

[griffin]

I was only being half serious.

If it was a problem I would have moved it. ;)

[BigTransformerTrev]

Comparison Pic

My CW & UW Stunticons, Constructicons & Aerialbots, my CW Protectobots, Combaticons, and one lonley Technobot :p:D

Only (at this stage) have UW Defensor still to get! Of course after that there could be a Computron and UW Bruticus so who knows where it will end wink emoticon


http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y342/sare111/025_zps0ytosxx2.jpg (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/sare111/media/025_zps0ytosxx2.jpg.html)

[FruitBuyer]

Damn, Long Haul is damn gigantic.

[Ploughmans Lunch]

Is anyone else grossed out by this need for everything to have articulated fingers?

[BigTransformerTrev]

Is anyone else grossed out by this need for everything to have articulated fingers?

When people demand to have articulated toes - that's when I'll start worrying

[SuspectimusPrime]

Is anyone else grossed out by this need for everything to have articulated fingers?

I just wish we can get away from G1 Landcross legs (http://www.transformerland.com/image/reference_images/49516.jpg)..

[prjkt]

http://prjkt.net/gallery3/var/albums/Resources/Collection-2016/IMG_9948.jpg

Takara FOC Bruticus just got replaced. Apart from the shiny paint on the FOC version that I love, CW Bruticus is better in all regards

[UltraMarginal]

Damn, Long Haul is damn gigantic.

That's exactly the thought that went through my head looking at that picture!!



Is anyone else grossed out by this need for everything to have articulated fingers?

I used to think it was totally unneccesary but I tried it on my MP prowl and while I feel a bit dirty adding a non official product to my Masterpiece toy it does make the character feel a lot more dynamic. I have incoming hands for sideswipe, the other datsuns and MP 10.

I am still cautious as some companies are not well known for quality but so far I haven't been disappointed. the hands are slightly larger and if you look at it carefully it almost looks like the toy is wearing gloves but it's not too bad.

I have been very tempted to get them for one of my combiners but the sets for that are much more expensive.

[BigTransformerTrev]

A new group pic of UW & CW Protectobots, Arielbots, Stunticons & Constructicons plus the CW Combaticons & a lonely Technobot :)

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y342/sare111/Group_zpsxyut6021.jpg (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/sare111/media/Group_zpsxyut6021.jpg.html)

[griffin]

I'm doing the same thing (having two sets for both modes)... now I don't need to worry about taking any group photos. :p

[BigTransformerTrev]

I'm doing the same thing (having two sets for both modes)... now I don't need to worry about taking any group photos. :p

I reckon I'm gonna set up a thread in the Reflectors area of group shots of the CW/UW line. Got all the subgroups in the pic above done but haven't gotten around to doing all the misc CW toys and groupings :)

[griffin]

Gen2 Aerialbots, with Gen2 Aerialbots....

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d258.jpg

They got the colours perfect, and the sticker details. It was not a set I had back in the 90s, but if I had, it would feel like the originals.
I was thinking of doing a vehicle mode photo, but looking at my original Slingshot, there is a crack on one of the wings, so decided not to do it.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d256.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d257.jpg

I was really impressed by the mini-poster being packed inside a cardboard envelope to protect it...
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/collections/griffinofoz/1607b.jpg

[G1Optimal]

These are awesome
http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv77/G1Optimal/IMG_1244_1.jpg (http://s671.photobucket.com/user/G1Optimal/media/IMG_1244_1.jpg.html)