Unite Warriors UW05 Convoy Grand Prime

[ampoldj]

Takara's version of Optimus Maximus called Convoy Grand Prime is up at Takara Tomy Mall

http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810841456/

Yet another Takara Tomy Mall Exclusive to be released by end of February 2016

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j400/John_Paul_De_Jesus/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpseqxuspfx.jpg (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/John_Paul_De_Jesus/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpseqxuspfx.jpg.html)

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j400/John_Paul_De_Jesus/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfzymw0xo.jpg (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/John_Paul_De_Jesus/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfzymw0xo.jpg.html)

[BruiseLee]

We want the box shot!


...that could have been taken the wrong way...

[DELTAprime]

BBTS has vehicle mode shots. http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK12220&mode=retail

[yoshi594]

I just can't stop looking at them as oversized legend figures xD. I must admit that combined prime looks alright, can't say the same for the individual bots thou.

[ampoldj]

Not sure if this one can replace this guy :confused:

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j400/John_Paul_De_Jesus/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfcvdibof.jpg (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/John_Paul_De_Jesus/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfcvdibof.jpg.html)

[griffin]

That Energon/Superlink combiner is certainly what they were aiming for... and since it isn't a general release set, it can aim for a more obscure reference or nod.
If this has a mini-comic like Grand Scourge, it would be a great pairing of the two Energon/Superlink combiner homages.


BBTS has vehicle mode shots. http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK12220&mode=retail

The TakaraTomyMall link in the first post has the full size images, plus extra images of the individual toys in both modes.

I like the darker yellow of Sunstreaker, as the pale yellow of the Hasbro version bugged me.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c910.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c911.jpg

I'm not a fan of attaching accessories in vehicle mode if they aren't designed to look like part of the vehicle mode. Even though the original
Gen1 combiners had oversized cannons for their vehicle modes, these "pre-Combiner" Autobots didn't have them in Gen1, so don't look right having them (in my mind).

A shame that they are a TakaraTomyMall exclusive. I'm surprised by that, as I would have expected these iconic Gen1 characters to have just as
much demand as the other Combiners, as it has been several years for since most of those five have had a Classic-verse toy... so a whole new
generation would be interested in a Prowl, Sunstreaker, Mirage, Ironhide and Optimus.
At least Hasbro HK should be releasing it as well, but it will still be harder to buy than the first three Japanese Combiner sets.

[Raider]

I posted this in the PC thread but for those who didn't notice, PC have a limited pre order (http://www.premiumcollectables.com.au/products/uw05-takara-tomy-convoy-grand-prime) up for $189.95.

[Jetfire in the sky]

We want the box shot!

Gold! :D:D

[Handsprime]

Still waiting for Jazz, Windcharger and Sideswipe to be made into combiners, then I'll buy them.

[ampoldj]

If takara is aiming for G1 colors why still use wrong numbers on Mirage :confused:

[DELTAprime]

I posted this in the PC thread but for those who didn't notice, PC have a limited pre order (http://www.premiumcollectables.com.au/products/uw05-takara-tomy-convoy-grand-prime) up for $189.95.

As usual not having time to save up means I'll have to preorder elsewhere and hope PC still have stock when I'm ready to preorder.

[DaptoDog]

I really don't like the chest in combined mode. Unfortunately it's no better when the chest is closed as shown in the Hasbro pics. Menasor's chest in Unite Warriors is so much better. I'm just collecting the original G1 Combiners in Unite Warriors.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Not sure if this one can replace this guy :confused:

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j400/John_Paul_De_Jesus/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfcvdibof.jpg (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/John_Paul_De_Jesus/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfcvdibof.jpg.html)

It's pretty much the same colour scheme too :)

I've got all the Hasbro versions of these CW figures so this is an easy pass for me

[Bladestorm]

This is available for pre-order here in Hong Kong, although significantly more expensive than previous UW have been (Just under the AU$200 mark, previous UW's are around the AU$135 mark).

I have been holding out to see what the Tak Tomy version would look like and I much prefer it over the Hasbro offering so I will probably bite the bullet and pre-order the UW version. Admittedly I'm a sucker for a red Optimus and red Ironhide combo...

[griffin]

TFYuki on twitter sent out some comparison photos of two of the upcoming Convoy Grand Prime toys - Optimus/Convoy & Ironhide, with the Hasbro versions (http://news.tfw2005.com/2015/10/16/comparison-images-of-unite-warriors-optimus-prime-and-ironhide-303253).

This set doesn't come out until February in Japan, and like Guardian/Defensor, it is a TakaraTomyMall exclusive.

[Megatran]

I just want Optimus.

[griffin]

More comparison images from TFYuki (http://news.tfw2005.com/2015/10/19/comparison-images-of-unite-warriors-sunstreaker-prowl-and-mirage-304067), this time of the other three members of the team - Mirage, Sunstreaker, Prowl... each looking noticeably darker than the Hasbro version.

[1AZRAEL1]

I must say I don't think I like the darker shades on them. Look kinda weird to me. At least Sunstreaker anyway

[DELTAprime]

I was thinking this set would be ok, but with the comparisons I'm thinking it will be great. Can't wait till it's on my doorstep.

[griffin]

I like Mirage's darker colours, as it is closer to the Gen1 toy colours. Sunstreaker looks like it could be darker than the Gen1 colours, but I think with Hasbro cost-cutting with the expensive plastic dyes, we have been getting used to their paler coloured toys (ever since they ended up giving us that pink reissue Optimus :p )... so when TakaraTomy spends the money on the extra plastic dyes and paint apps, it can look too colourful.

Unfortunately for those keen on collecting both sets, there probably wasn't much TakaraTomy could do with this set because Hasbro got the homage colours and designs pretty close to resembling the original characters.

[ampoldj]

box art preview as posted by TF Yuki

https://mobile.twitter.com/TFYUKI/status/674923606808268804/photo/1

[griffin]

TFYuki has tweeted a better photo (https://twitter.com/TFYUKI/status/700902447468810240) of the box cover/art, and the contents.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2016/022101.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2016/022102.jpg

[Bladestorm]

How popular do you reckon this set will be?

I missed out pre-ordering it, but the more I see it the more I want it. especially if the problems with hasbro red OP have been fixed.
Collectors in HK reckon it will be easy to find but I'm not so sure because it is a limited release isn't it? What do others think?

[reillyd]

How popular do you reckon this set will be?

I missed out pre-ordering it, but the more I see it the more I want it. especially if the problems with hasbro red OP have been fixed.
Collectors in HK reckon it will be easy to find but I'm not so sure because it is a limited release isn't it? What do others think?

It's not too late to preorder it Bladestorm. RK has it for preorder still

[Bladestorm]

It's not too late to preorder it Bladestorm. RK has it for preorder still

Thanks. If I can't find it on the ground I might have to bite the bullet, absorb the excess cost and go to them as my last resort. :)

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Pics of the coin from TransformersAsia.com plus opened coin and shipping box from Robot Kingdom (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1045353218816726.1073743370.168147899870600&type=3):

http://i.imgur.com/GF1C3h7.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/enEnvqE.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/O14jhqI.jpg

[yoshi594]

Thanks. If I can't find it on the ground I might have to bite the bullet, absorb the excess cost and go to them as my last resort. :)

maybe u can preorder at one of the mong kok stores. I saw quite a few stores doing preorders! not sure how they manage with their tiny shops! (unless they have a warehouse somewhere else).

The HK prices aren't too bad for new release items anyway. I saw ironhide for around 85-90 AUD. Tracks,bumblebee, gold bumblebee, and road rage were also decently priced. Didn't get any as I already got them via premiumcollect for similar prices + reward points xD.

Thou i'm not sure how much the "Exclusives" sell for when they first come out, but some of the rare exclusives were cheaper than ebay.

[DELTAprime]

So close now. I'll have to start thinking about where I'm going to put my non-canonical Combiners. #FirstWorldProblems :p

[ampoldj]

So close now. I'll have to start thinking about where I'm going to put my non-canonical Combiners. #FirstWorldProblems :p

this is the main reason i skipped this and Galvatronus but i really want the box :eek:

[Bladestorm]

maybe u can preorder at one of the mong kok stores. I saw quite a few stores doing preorders! not sure how they manage with their tiny shops! (unless they have a warehouse somewhere else).



Actually that's how I normally get my figures. I have my favourite trusted small stores I pre-order from but I was too late off the boat for this set. You'd be surprised how the the stores manage, especially when those of us desperate for our figures are lining up on release day. They are pretty efficient.

The shops in Mong Kok already have their cases of this guy as someone snapped pictures of them being delivered a day or so ago and posted up on FB.

I'm going to try and head over on Monday when I have some free time to see what I can find. The more pics I see the more I want this set; even the box is awesome!

[griffin]

A gallery of images (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/02/25/unite-warriors-convoy-grand-prime-hand-images-310522), as it has just been released in Japan (and probably Asia as well).

[Bladestorm]

Wooh! I got him! Thankfully Hobbybase ordered in extras and I lined up this afternoon to get one (they were flying off the shelf so I guess I wasn't the only one who left it too late to pre-order).

I'll be cracking him open tomorrow to take a look and maybe post some pics if time permits.

[yoshi594]

Wooh! I got him! Thankfully Hobbybase ordered in extras and I lined up this afternoon to get one (they were flying off the shelf so I guess I wasn't the only one who left it too late to pre-order).

I'll be cracking him open tomorrow to take a look and maybe post some pics if time permits.

nice! how much did it set u back?

[Bladestorm]

nice! how much did it set u back?

HK$1047 (AU$189 - OUCH - that exchange rate is NASTY right now) - which I consider a reasonable price for a "limited" UW set. Bare in mind I am not impacted by the exchange rate like most of you poor buggars are.

To put it in perspective regular UW sets range between the HK$mid 900's and up in regular stores although I have seen UW Menasor on sale for HK$500 in one place (sold them out in 2 hours though and I wasn't quick enough to score one).

[tinyJazz]

Wooh! I got him! Thankfully Hobbybase ordered in extras and I lined up this afternoon to get one (they were flying off the shelf so I guess I wasn't the only one who left it too late to pre-order).

I'll be cracking him open tomorrow to take a look and maybe post some pics if time permits.

Would you be able to take a pic of the little cartoon drawing if there is one? The UW Aerialbots having a barbeque was too cute! I want to see what team Convoy Grand Prime gets up to.

[ampoldj]

i havent seen anyone yet selling at ebay atm just wondering how much will they be selling this

[DELTAprime]

For those that have ordered him from PC. I asked PC when they think they can start shipping, they said mid March, so a couple of weeks to go for PC buyers.

[Ploughmans Lunch]

RobotKingdom's probably my best bet for getting this guy I'm guessing?

[griffin]

If RK sell out, there is also the other HK online store that stocks many of the JP toys - Ehobbybaseshop (http://www.ehobbybaseshop.com/?p=6&ev=&id=1176). (not related to Ehobby in Japan)

[Bladestorm]

Tinyjazz: here is the cartoon drawing.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1566/24975529789_d86a82e566.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/E417Sz)
Optimus obviously has "it" - not only can he sport a pink board but pick up more than one chick as well. ;)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1489/24716479973_dfb668d43f.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DE7qor)
UW-05 Coin.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1565/25047654050_659f45b12d.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EanLUj)

My initial comments would be I like this set. The wheel detail is particularly nice on the vehicles.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1556/25343375735_da63a416c5.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EBvqE4)
UW Ironhide on the left, CW Ironhide on the right.

The one let down in Ironhide. His red is dull compared to his Hasbro counterpart and even with the black painted on sunroof he isn't as impressive.
Also the hands/feet are just plain grey. They would have been nicer if they were metallic like their Hasbro versions.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1602/25225069102_994c6bdcc5.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Er45dw)
CW Optimus on the left, UW Optimus on the right.
I'm undecided on which Optimus I like best as they both have pros and cons.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1457/24716472563_a3d034f067.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DE7obF)
UW Prowl on the left, CW Prowl on the right.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1588/25225141362_043838008c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Er4rGo)
CW Sunstreaker on the left, UW Sunstreaker on the right.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1698/25225161732_64ba9fa3e8.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Er4xKA)
CW Mirage on the left, UW Mirage on the right.
Prowl, Sunstreaker and Mirage - I definitely prefer the colour and detailing of the Unite Warriors versions.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1622/24716432254_cabd63af79.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DE7bcG)
Bot modes.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1580/24979417719_0fd763f4f1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/E4m3BR)
Combined mode.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1618/25347074185_5a4556035d.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EBQo5r)
CW compared to UW. note: CW is missing his hands in these pics
My son insisted on doing the combined modes for me (CW is his figure) so please don't be too harsh - he is only 8.
I prefer the Unite Warriors version when combined. I especially like the way the metallic cyan from Optimus highlights the chest. The deeper colours also make the combined form look better in my opinion.
The only thing I would be tempted to do is swap the hands and feet from the Hasbro version. Although I'm not a fan of mixing and matching sets so I probably won't do that with my one.

For anyone interested in lots of photos of the set along with side by sides of both vehicle and bot modes, I've created an album (https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwiinoz/albums/72157662858911934).

[tinyJazz]

I like the side by side robot mode comparisons. Nice pics! I agree the UW team does looks better overall with the mostly darker colours.
I think the only thing that really bothered me about the CW versions though was Prowl having his arm colours reversed. He doesn't look right with black gloves. :o


Tinyjazz: here is the cartoon drawing.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1566/24975529789_d86a82e566.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/E417Sz)
Optimus obviously has "it" - not only can he sport a pink board but pick up more than one chick as well. ;)


So having "it" must mean being a Kiss Player? :D That's the series his pink surfboard (and at least one of the girls) is from. Also is that Blades on duty in the background?

Thanks very much for taking a pic, B. Can I trouble you for a non-watermarked version via pm?

[BigTransformerTrev]

For anyone interested in lots of photos of the set along with side by sides of both vehicle and bot modes, I've created an album (https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwiinoz/albums/72157662858911934).

Nice album - good work! Personally I prefer the darker colours on Sunstreaker and Mirage, the others I find their colour differences negligble. While I'm getting the UW and CW versions of the classic combiner teams (Stunticons, Protectobots etc) I'm skipping the UW versions of these 'new' teams as I will hardly ever have them combined for display purposes.





So having "it" must mean being a Kiss Player? :D That's the series his pink surfboard (and at least one of the girls) is from. Also is that Blades on duty in the background?


Oh dear - kiss players. So glad that little part of the TF world passed me by :eek:;) Yeah, I think that is Blades in the background, actually acting like a rescue helicopter rather than a rescue chopper covered in missiles :p

[reillyd]

I try not to look on the Kiss players as sleazy, and just appreciate that there are cultural differences between Australia and Japan. But I think Optimus should get a fembot of his own.....

[DELTAprime]

I really liked my Optimus and Hot Rodimus KP's, I feel like they were a nice upgrade from the Alternators version, despite the anime girls.