Toy Review - JP MP-28 Masterpiece Hot Rodimus (Hot Rod)

[doublespy]

Series - Masterpiece
Sub-line - none
Size/class - n/a
New/remould/redeco - new
Wave - n/a (MP-28)
Released here - released in Japan Feb 26th 2015
Approximate Retail Price - 8640 yen
Approximate Size - 16cm
Allegiance - Autobot
Alt-mode - Futuristic super car
Main Features/Gimmicks - Flip down visor. Matrix chamber
Main Colours - maroon, orange
Main Accessories - 2 photon blasters. Saw blade. Fishing rod

[doublespy]

Hot Rod continues the trend of Ironhide, both having some official photos taken from the worst possible angles, then turning out pretty amazing in person.

VEHICLE MODE:
Vehicle mode is as perfect as you can ask for a sleek futuristic super car. This is the first time an MP figure had a dedicated vehicle mode designer (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/The_Transformers:_Masterpiece#Design), and he did an amazing job.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/01_zpsvljtyaal.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/01_zpsvljtyaal.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/04_zpspl6lbn6e.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/04_zpspl6lbn6e.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/06_zpsf9infkhu.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/06_zpsf9infkhu.jpg.html)


The clearance underneath is very tight. I have yet to get the infamous collar piece to clear enough for the car to roll. And going back to vehicle mode, the shoulder pieces with the wheels attached on need some fiddling to get all four wheels to touch the ground. This is probably the biggest gripe I have with Hot Rod.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/05_zps1ksenybo.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/05_zps1ksenybo.jpg.html)

Comparisons with a standard MP car and MP-9. The spoiler wings are actually angled up on MP-27.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/09_zpsarfzex1t.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/09_zpsarfzex1t.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/08_zpsmtrssjvf.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/08_zpsmtrssjvf.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/10_zpsyiszurpg.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/10_zpsyiszurpg.jpg.html)

TRANSFORMATION:
As mentioned above, going back to vehicle mode may not be as smooth as I'd like, the transformation to robot mode is quite intuitive and enjoyable. The who process and parts movement is quite traditional, with a few clear touches. There's multiple tabs to peg the chest piece, shoulder pieces and the backpack together very securely. The "Masterpiece moment", like many people mentioned, must be the upper shoulders rotating around the wheels to create show accurate wheel placement. Simple and elegant. And it's brilliant that the two orange pieces around the collar flip down to form a more cohesive upper torso.

I think the robot mode is fantastic, and it captures the essence of the character so well. Sure certain proportions may not be ideal, but just like Ironhide's hip panels, I don't mind them at all in hand. The hood chest could definitely stand to slope forward at an angle rather than being dead flat, but you can use the ab crunch joint to cheat a little bit. Also the thighs might be too thin, but that's really dictated by the volume you can hide inside the back half of the car mode.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/11_zpservjvdnm.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/11_zpservjvdnm.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/12_zps6s6zm6hs.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/12_zps6s6zm6hs.jpg.html)

Hot Rod has a handsome head sculpt, although mine had some sloppy paint around the eye which I had to use exacto to clean up a bit. My girlfriend said she'd marry Hot Rod. The only other transformer she ever said that about was Generations Springer..
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/13_zpsbanxcplt.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/13_zpsbanxcplt.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/02_zps60fmaxu8.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/02_zps60fmaxu8.jpg.html)

Hot Rod's signature vents get push out when the backpack is pegged together during transformation. A details that even the larger MP-9 wasn't able to recreate
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/14_zpsf5vbqpos.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/14_zpsf5vbqpos.jpg.html)

Hot Rod has the best articulation in the MP line so far imo, partly thanks to the character's more humanoid design, so there's less chance of parts bumping into each other. He can't do a convincing one leg kneeling pose, but I have yet to find a pose that I want to put him in but can't.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/15_zpsup9eqags.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/15_zpsup9eqags.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/18_zpsrbwdglpr.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/18_zpsrbwdglpr.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/16_zpsmkgaykyi.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/16_zpsmkgaykyi.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/17_zpsjvuyueav.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/17_zpsjvuyueav.jpg.html)

His neck design reverted back to Hasui's standard pin joint on a rotating disk set up. It makes for a natural neck, but loses the side to side motion. I wondered Kobayashi ditched his standard ball joint approach, until I found out it was a different designer behind MP27
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/19_zpszlxn1xze.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/19_zpszlxn1xze.jpg.html)

Some comparisons:
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/20_zps4hxdrlm6.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/20_zps4hxdrlm6.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/21_zpsa3rnowvf.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/21_zpsa3rnowvf.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/22_zpsokejtlal.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/22_zpsokejtlal.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/23_zpsdusi2mi0.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/23_zpsdusi2mi0.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/24_zpsrugmjuy1.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/24_zpsrugmjuy1.jpg.html)


OVERALL:
Hot Rod is not quite up there with Ironhide who had a really enjoyable transformation, but he's still a great MP figure. Both bodes are solid. Transformation can be fiddly, but the overall package is saved by excellent articulation.

On a side note, this is designer Miyake Tomoya's first MP project and with Kobayashi's help, he did a great job. If you're wondering who Miyake is, his design credits include RtS Jazz, RotF Mindwipe, DotM Megatron, and Generations Rattrap/Rhinox, but that's for another thread at another time

[drifand]

Good review.

I think there are a lot of confusion that people think this is rodimus prime but is actually hot rod.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

He can't fit Daniel in the vehicle-mode seats, can he?

The bit with the hoverboard in the movie was pretty freaking cool, it'd be a shame if it can't be (even loosely) recreated.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Any signs of chrome rubbing off?

I'm reading the horror stories over on TFW and it seems to come off real easy. I'm going to have to check mine tonight.

[GoktimusPrime]

Eh, I'm happy enough w/ my Hasbro MP Rodimus. Having said that, this photo is teh awesome. ;)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_23_zpsdusi2mi0.jpg

[doublespy]

He can't fit Daniel in the vehicle-mode seats, can he?

The bit with the hoverboard in the movie was pretty freaking cool, it'd be a shame if it can't be (even loosely) recreated.
Yeah I love that scene too. "If you're gonna ride Daniel, ride in style!" So much coolness:D But no, the canopy doesn't open.


Any signs of chrome rubbing off?

I'm reading the horror stories over on TFW and it seems to come off real easy. I'm going to have to check mine tonight.
Not so far. The most risky bit is probably the engine block, but as long as you take care when transforming it, you won't rubbing the chrome.


Eh, I'm happy enough w/ my Hasbro MP Rodimus. Having said that, this photo is teh awesome. ;)
I've always wanted to recreate the "Arise, Rodimus Prime" scene:D

[GoktimusPrime]

"If you're gonna ride Daniel"
"If you're gonna ride, Daniel"
^The difference a comma makes. ;) :p

[UltimateGalvatron]

"If you're gonna ride Daniel"
"If you're gonna ride, Daniel"
^The difference a comma makes. ;) :p

Eeew...

[doublespy]

"If you're gonna ride Daniel"
"If you're gonna ride, Daniel"
^The difference a comma makes. ;) :p

That is wrong on so many levels:D

[BruiseLee]

I'm picturing Daniel trying to give Hot Rod a piggyback ride. What are you blokes thinking of? :confused:

[GoktimusPrime]

I'm picturing Daniel trying to give Hot Rod a piggyback ride. What are you blokes thinking of? :confused:
Which would completely crush him. Punctuation saves lives. :)

[philby]

I'm picturing Daniel trying to give Hot Rod a piggyback ride. What are you blokes thinking of? :confused:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxY_5_Xcl_k

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxY_5_Xcl_k

A lot more gentle than what happened in Machine Men:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7hbLZFQ6nk

[Magnus]

Looks nice enough, although like Gok, I'm perfectly happy with my MP9 and don't have a 'need' to get MP28.

For those who have him: what's his balance like? I've only seen two video reviews, and he looks awfully top-heavy, with the hollow lower legs. That said, he does have large heels, which look like they make him very stable.

[doublespy]

For those who have him: what's his balance like? I've only seen two video reviews, and he looks awfully top-heavy, with the hollow lower legs. That said, he does have large heels, which look like they make him very stable.

He is very stable. But yes, most of his alt mode mass is in his upper body. I forgot to mention in the review though that I do wish his hips and/or knees are ratcheted to make him more robust in the long run.

It's funny how Tracks has ratchets all over him where it's not really necessary. Odd design choices.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I've read a few issues with the chrome wearing off easily. People in the U.S. seem to be using Pledge Future floor polish to keep the chrome wear to a minimum. In the absence of that product here, I'm probably going to give clear nail polish a try.

[DELTAprime]

Just got mine thanks to HLJ shipping it really late... I'm having trouble getting the backpack to peg in. The tab on the back of Hot Rod's orange collar is just a little to low to go into the slot on the roof of the car. Any ideas?

EDIT: Never mind, just figured out.:o The rocket boosters from car mode were in the way of the backpack and I had to flip them. I really like him aside from the collar hitting the ground in car mode. Might be my favourite MP car.

[griffin]

I think it is good, but not excellent, as it wasn't as spectacular as characters getting their first Masterpiece toy. Better than the MP-9 Rodimus, but that wasn't hard to do, as this one doesn't have to include a trailer, and is not as big.

The wheels are a bit too small though, or not low enough, as it didn't give clearance on a flat surface when I got it out of the box. (could just be mine though)

It's still "Masterpiece" quality and engineering compared to the retail toys, but then the higher pricing should expect no less.

[Stug]

I've read a few issues with the chrome wearing off easily. People in the U.S. seem to be using Pledge Future floor polish to keep the chrome wear to a minimum. In the absence of that product here, I'm probably going to give clear nail polish a try.

I've not had any issue with the chrome wearing off but I've not been putting him through any heavy use. But if you want the equivalent of Future here, its Pledge Floor Care Multi Surface Floor Finish. It's predecessor (Pledge One-Go, which I still have a bottle of and use as a gloss coat/sealer) was commonly available at supermarkets. I imagine this stuff is too.

[yoshi594]

is there a specific reason why the gun handles can flip to a non tabbed handle? (I haven't opened my manual and probably won't :p).

Also have they started selling those mp stands yet? I read about them last year and nothing came off it xD

[kurdt_the_goat]

I haven't tried on mine but i imagine they flip so they can slot onto the top-back of the car. The stands came out in Dec http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810853008/ .. iirc they're exclusive to TakaraTomy Mall and doesn't seem like the regular stores have picked any up to onsell...

[jazzcomp]

I've always wanted to recreate the "Arise, Rodimus Prime" scene:D
Needs a matrix or two :)

[yoshi594]

I haven't tried on mine but i imagine they flip so they can slot onto the top-back of the car. The stands came out in Dec http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810853008/ .. iirc they're exclusive to TakaraTomy Mall and doesn't seem like the regular stores have picked any up to onsell...

ah cheers for that info...I've stored his guns in his box to reduce the chance of me losing it lol.

I'd definitely order a bunch of stands if they were made available to our regular stores!

[nofacej]

Mine arrived yesterday and I have to say a lot of the complaints about this guy are overblown. The backpack isn't amazing but it's hardly a deal breaker. Definitely the best version of the character we've had to date.

My biggest complaint is actually his legs. They weigh nothing making him very top heavy, and feeling a little cheap.

[kurdt_the_goat]

I still quite like MP-9, but i'm glad they decided to do Hot Rod in a smaller scale; as nice as MP-9's car mode is, it is hilariously big really. For MP-28, they've managed to make 2 really good modes with very little compromise i feel. The car is even better than MP-9 - just as sleek and without the orange arm pieces on the sides, though there's a slight colour mismatch on his elbow pieces, that's me being too picky! Just because the high gloss magenta on the rest looks so nice is it noticeable.

The robot definitely pegs together a whole lot more solidly, and in hand, the proportions aren't really bad at all. They actually look much more humanoid than say Prowl or Sideswipe. His legs could do with a bit of heft but it balanced well and i'm glad they didn't overcomplicate their transformation. The top half is complex with some good "Masterpiece moments" and the backpack... well i can't see how they'd make it any smaller, so i think they did a good job.

The transformation being very similar to one of the scenes in the movie is a great touch, anime magic be damned! Overall very happy and as some photos show, it's nice to have more S3 representation... that reminds me, i should have pulled out Legends Arcee for these shots, she's another good MP stand-in like Springer.

http://i.imgur.com/zUe7LFHl.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/zUe7LFH.jpg)

http://i.imgur.com/gdWO9l4l.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/gdWO9l4.jpg)

http://i.imgur.com/ceolRmil.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/ceolRmi.jpg)

http://i.imgur.com/8f2TsAsl.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/8f2TsAs.jpg)

http://i.imgur.com/FLceHw9l.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/FLceHw9.jpg)

http://i.imgur.com/SeaSJUIl.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/SeaSJUI.jpg)

[yoshi594]

Decided to transform Hot Rod to car mode and was frustrated with the collar piece...the clearance isn't enough! I've got no problem with the leg pieces, just that darn collar piece! (iirc mp-09 had the same issue but i was able to get proper clearance with that).

Also gun storage in vehicle mode.

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y412/yoshi594/IMG_2298_zpsb0pbhpyr.jpg

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y412/yoshi594/IMG_2296_zpsl4sgt14r.jpg

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y412/yoshi594/IMG_2297_zps2rdj9guf.jpg

I was only able to get the gun shown to fit into hot rods engine. Didn't have offshoot readily available to see if he fits, but i'm pretty sure his peg won't fit.

[kurdt_the_goat]

At best there must be about 2-3mm clearance with everything aligned, but it's still not enough to roll it around without fear of scraping. It'd be nice if it rolled better, but not a dealbreaker for me cause mine just sits there :)

[drifand]

Chrome on my ironhide is chipping off not sure hot rod is worse

[millhouse]

Love this figure. My TT MP-9 Rodimus is now going to be permanently displayed as Rodimus in robot mode, with MP-28 Hot Rod in both robot and car mode (couldn't buy just one!). My Hasbro Rodimus is sitting inside the Takara's trailer.

Great fun, love the ankle articulation and, given the issue in terms of TFTM1986 designs transferring to an actual Transformer (hey, at least the first two seasons had pretty blocky robots!) I'm extremely satisfied, even with the large backpack.

[GoktimusPrime]

Still not personally interested in buying this toy, but I had a fiddle with someone else's today. I'm really impressed with how they're able to cram a lot of the vehicle mode kibble into the torso. MP9 does it too, but MP28 does it at a greater extreme. MP9 still incorporates a fair amount of the vehicle into the legs, and while I think it does it reasonable job, there are still bits of kibble like pipes and tyres visible at certain angles. MP28's legs do not incorporate vehicle components into it -- they're just legs. The upside to this is that they look just like Hot Rod's legs do in the cartoon, totally devoid of any vehicle parts which have magically disappeared. The challenge is that, of course, parts cannot really disappear on a real life toy. And herein lies the fun in this toy; much like with toys like MP Bumblebee and Ironhide, TakaraTOMY have done an impressive job in attempting to create the 'illusion of mass-shifting.' A greater amount of the vehicle is now absorbed into the torso. This does give MP28 a chunkier looking body, but not necessarily in a bad way. They've done an impressive job in trying to make Hot Rod look as slick as possible while concealing a lot of the vehicle into the body.

The articulation on this toy is insane. I was surprised to see that, just like with MP9, MP28 also has double-jointed knees, allowing him bend his legs completely (and thus assume this pose (http://rq87.flyingomelette.com/RQ/C/TFM/1/46.jpg)). He could also sit in Seiza (https://i.ytimg.com/vi/j4_0dr1WZ9g/hqdefault.jpg), although Hot Rod never actually did that in canon (only Rodimus Prime). But what surprised me is that his arms are also double jointed! :eek: Furthermore, if you do nothing with the upper arms, they end up looking like this (http://www.unicron.us/tf1986/cartoon/hotrod1f.jpg) with the tyres on the back, which indeed the official transformation fort his toy. But the upper arms are also able to reconfigure with the tyres facing the front (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/f/f1/G1_RodimusPrime_toy.jpg), so that it looks more like Rodimus Prime, and I didn't actually try it, but it might also be possible to have the tyres facing out to the sides (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/3/39/G1toy_hot_rod.jpg), which would be toy-accurate. Would someone else care to try this on their MP28 to confirm or deny if this is possible? If so, then this is a really neat feature, as it doesn't seem to serve any other purpose other than to achieve this look.

I don't understand why Hot Rod comes with a Matrix Chamber. :confused: Yeah, it's a neat enough gimmick... but it doesn't seem to canonically make sense. This is Hot Rod, not Rodimus Prime. <shrugs> :confused:

I can see what people mean about the really low undercarriage clearance. You've got to make sure that all the tabs are pushed in all the way to allow the vehicle to roll without the bottom scraping. Hot Rod's primary weakness is now speed humps. :p If you experience scraping then flip the toy over and see which tabs you haven't pushed in far enough. Also... the chrome! :eek: I have never seen a toy with such bad chrome flaking! It's even worse than Beast Machines Ultra Jetstorm insofar that it starts coming off straight away (at least Jetstorm lasts a few months before starting to flake horribly :p).

Anyway, that's all I can remember about my brief encounter with this toy. :) Still not convinced to buy it though, as nice as it is, my Hasbro MP9 suits me fine, but I can definitely see the appeal of this toy. :cool: Just such a shame about the crappy chrome though. :(

[Sinnertwin]

I saw him in the plastic yesterday & I was quite impressed.
Definitely felt light to me, but a very impressive representation indeed :)

[prjkt]

I saw him in the plastic yesterday & I was quite impressed.
Definitely felt light to me, but a very impressive representation indeed :)

You know what, that's what strikes me as the biggest difference between how Hot Rod feels in hand when compared to my other MP cars like Prowl or Lambor, and to a slightly lesser extent, Ultra Magnus compared to Optimus Prime.

The two movie characters' figures just seem lighter, more hollow. Doesn't detract from the awesome-ness of either figure, in fact it can help aid stability when posing.

Just something to make note of.

Now on to the figure itself, same type of hand hold on weapons like earlier figures, but unlike for example Lambor and Prime, he can actually hold his weapons well without them falling out when closing his hands tight.

Car mode is slightly wider than the '84 style car bots, but the length is about the same. Spoiler is ridiculous, but definitely a match for the character.

Cartoon accuracy is something the MP line has been doing really well, and has continued here - the Movie/S3 cast's character models weren't exactly a close match to their original toys, quite a few shortcuts had to be made when making the toys based on the character models (instead of the other way around with the S1/S2 bots) so the designers have done really well here - having his legs simply collapse into the hollow space at the rear of the alt mode, rather than become part of the vehicle has helped Hod Rod maintain his cartoon proportions, at least for the legs.

The backpack however, is not exactly "right" - but considering it's ~70% of the vehicle mode folded up there, it's pretty damn good.

The extra head or so height over the other car bots I have helps maintain a "sleek" look, and helps reduce how apparent the backpack is, and gives a visual indicator that this guy is a (junior) leader.

Matrix chamber is cool, but unnecessary. Doesn't really affect the figure negatively so I'm glad it was added. My MP-10's Matrix alternates between Prime, Magnus and Hot Rod depending on my moods.

Main issue is of course the (lack of) clearance, but considering I display him in bot mode, I'm not too fussed there.

Have to say I'm quite happy with my purchase.


Would someone else care to try this on their MP28 to confirm or deny if this is possible? If so, then this is a really neat feature, as it doesn't seem to serve any other purpose other than to achieve this look.

Not possible sorry Gok, the wheels are in a fixed position, the shoulder pieces rotate around the wheels.

[DaptoDog]

I am really impressed with Hot Rod. The car mode is sleek. He is so posable in bot mode. I also got a little stuck on connecting the backpack to his back but got there eventually. Overall I would say his bot mode is superior to Tracks and their alt modes are about even.

Opening him brought back great memories of winning G1 Hot Rod in a colouring in competition that the Illawarra Mercury used to run in the kids section.

[Megatran]

Errr .... so why the frown D-Dog?

[DaptoDog]

Errr .... so why the frown D-Dog?

Haha, I've got no idea why the frown was there! All fixed, I love the figure.

[pleaseexplain101]

MP09 is still really good but MP28 is a good addition/ alternative for some, especially if your a person that likes to transform the bot everynow and then which MP28 is perfect for, it's a very smooth & enjoyable transformation overall.

It's not perfect but it does a good job to bring the cartoon Hotrod into toy form

[GoktimusPrime]

The two movie characters' figures just seem lighter, more hollow. Doesn't detract from the awesome-ness of either figure, in fact it can help aid stability when posing.

Just something to make note of.
Agreed. I got Hot Rod into a really dynamic action pose. I neglected to take a photo of it. :p


Main issue is of course the (lack of) clearance, but considering I display him in bot mode, I'm not too fussed there.
I find that the key to getting the clearance is to ensure that all of the robot parts are absolutely correctly and tightly shoved in all the way. There is no margin for error here, so if it's not absolutely pushed in super tight, then there won't be sufficient clearance for the wheels to roll. It's painfully annoying, but if you shove it in hard enough, it should give the toy just enough clearance to roll on a perfectly flat surface like a table top.

[Borgeman]

I don't understand why Hot Rod comes with a Matrix Chamber. :confused: Yeah, it's a neat enough gimmick... but it doesn't seem to canonically make sense. This is Hot Rod, not Rodimus Prime. <shrugs> :confused:

I brought this up during the Hasbro meet on the weekend - I could only ever remember Rodimus inserting/removing the matrix, even in the Dark awakening episode he removes it before becoming Hot Rod. But it was mentioned that at the end of the episode Optimus inserted the matrix back into the KO'd Hot Rod!

So its canon, just :p

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

I brought this up during the Hasbro meet on the weekend - I could only ever remember Rodimus inserting/removing the matrix, even in the Dark awakening episode he removes it before becoming Hot Rod. But it was mentioned that at the end of the episode Optimus inserted the matrix back into the KO'd Hot Rod!

So its canon, just :p

I don't even remember that scene! But looking it up, there it is!:

http://i.imgur.com/PrDS4x6.jpg

[liegeprime]

I never preordered this figure coz I wanst planning on buying him, not really a fave figure for me is why. But then I ve been looking at a lot of pics and thought well, he's still available and cheaper at Chimungmung so I ordered one. I am very pleased I did. The figure is great , robot mode, so poseable, solid and slim. Solid that even thouh the torso is basically a flatpack of panels pressed together to make it , its pretty packed and locked up well its a solid piece. This is what they shouldve done to Rodimus primes torso. Rodimus' torso works the same way a bunch of panels flatpacked together to make up the torso which is great but, if not securely locked together is a disaster that keeps falling apart when played with. It has only 1 tab to lock it all in place unlike Hot Rods thats got more from many sides.... I guess they learned from theyre previous design flaw. 😊😊😊...
Apart from the unable to roll if its not a completely flat surface its on, I have no other complaints about the figure.

Is there any place to store the guns when in robot form other than him holding it?

[philby]

I never preordered this figure coz I wanst planning on buying him, not really a fave figure for me is why. But then I ve been looking at a lot of pics and thought well, he's still available and cheaper at Chimungmung so I ordered one. I am very pleased I did. The figure is great , robot mode, so poseable, solid and slim. Solid that even thouh the torso is basically a flatpack of panels pressed together to make it , its pretty packed and locked up well its a solid piece. This is what they shouldve done to Rodimus primes torso. Rodimus' torso works the same way a bunch of panels flatpacked together to make up the torso which is great but, if not securely locked together is a disaster that keeps falling apart when played with. It has only 1 tab to lock it all in place unlike Hot Rods thats got more from many sides.... I guess they learned from theyre previous design flaw. 😊😊😊...
Apart from the unable to roll if its not a completely flat surface its on, I have no other complaints about the figure.

Is there any place to store the guns when in robot form other than him holding it?

someone suggested they can be placed on his back or shoulders.

[drifand]

I had the chance to play with it and he was able to hold offshoot from mp-9 hasbro but won't fit in car mode.

Overall if metal was on its feet would be great.

The alignment to the pack is a bit tricky.

Car does not roll well but expected.

Overall I like hot rod but if you pay over $100 is a bit not justified imo.
I paid like just under $70 for it.

I am a bit worried about the chrome.

7/10 for me.

One of those figures that I thought I made a mistake but it is actually enjoyable.

[GoktimusPrime]

I'd be tempted to attach MP28's saw to TM Megatron's hand to simulate his playing of the Golden Disc. Sure, it'd be a silver disc, but hey. :p

[philby]

initial thoughts: i just transformed him and was pleased it was reasonably quick and simple. I am having a bit of trouble getting him to stand up straight, the feet move easily and he starts to fall backwards.

*i couldn't get him to hold the matrix very well also but i think he's got it now :)

[CHILENO20]

Only my 3rd MP as I did not want to start collecting them, however after seeing one in the flesh I just had to get one :D I know what people mean by saying that the ankle joints could be a bit more tight. I personally just make him stand on a wider stance. I find that it does help compensate. Also the clearance is annoying. Really love everything folds into the back pack (even though he looks like a weightlifter who constantly forgets to do leg day :D). The arm joints is a bit tricky going from robot mode to car but that's my own personal failings hehehe. All in all, I'm really happy with it.

[GoktimusPrime]

Why would you not want to collect MPs? They're awesome! :p :cool:

[Seraphim Prime]

Why would you not want to collect MPs? They're awesome! :p :cool:

From the thread right below this one (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=518785&postcount=257)! (At the time of posting)

;) :p :D


It’s very common now for Transformers discussion taking place on online forums or social media to be centred around Masterpiece or 3rd Party Masterpiece figures, with a ton of other excellent lines, initiatives, aesthetics or size classes receiving less attention or taking a back seat in people’s buying or interest. I myself wrote recently about how important it is to be even more focused than ever, and the article was primarily about the above two categories. This week, I let a few collectors remind us of the benefits and appeal of looking beyond Masterpiece and 3rd Party Masterpiece figures. Having covered Generation 1, Animated and Movie toys myself in the not-too-distant past, our contributors look at City bot-scale TFs, Unicron Trilogy era toys, Legends-class 3rd Party figures and current mainline series figures.

[CHILENO20]

Why would you not want to collect MPs? They're awesome! :p :cool:

My plastic crack addiction is bad enough already! :D

Hehehe, I am starting to look but I will have to set boundaries :) Kazza has been pushing me for a while to jump on the MP bandwagon, we'll see :cool:

[BruiseLee]

My plastic crack addiction is bad enough already! :D

Hehehe, I am starting to look but I will have to set boundaries :) Kazza has been pushing me for a while to jump on the MP bandwagon, we'll see :cool:

Kaz is like that little collecting devil sitting on you shoulder. "You've got to get Eva Prime. Dude, that purple!" I have no willpower... :rolleyes:

[CHILENO20]

Kaz is like that little collecting devil sitting on you shoulder. "You've got to get Eva Prime. Dude, that purple!" I have no willpower... :rolleyes:

lol, yep! He is right about Eva Prime. But will I be spending that much on that MP? Hell No! My boundaries are simple, collect just the obscure ones ie: Clampdown, Exhaust, Bluestreak 18B. Already have Exhaust on the way. :cool:

[BigTransformerTrev]

While all of you are enjoying your MP Shockwaves I finally got MP Ironhide and Hot Rodimus :rolleyes: :p


Not much I can say at this point that hasn't been said already. The vehicle mode is very low and sleek, really pushes that Cybertronian look and how flat he was racing around in the movie.

The robot mode is the big winner for me, I just LOVE posing him with his fishing rod in different places :D And his guns and saw make for some great action shots!

Only thing I didn't like was how much of a bastard of a time I had turning him back into a vehicle. Besides that a great figure indeed. :)

[willocrew]

I also got this robot today alongside iron hide. Robot mode looks perfect. Although they could have made the chest a little more curved rather than flat..but that's just a personal preference. And did I mention that the robot mode is perfect?

Transformation is a bit cheap feeling. Doesn't feel like a premium figure.

But overall loving it.

[drifand]

I love this figure but car mode is useless as it does not sit flush on the ground.

Car mode 5/10

Robot mode 8/10 only because he is the most agile of the MPs

Paint wise, is TT high profits margin.

Transformation is good, I can do it easily.
Only challenge was clipping the backpack.

Plus for able to hold weapons well unlike mp9

Should have included new offshoot

[SharkyMcShark]

This was my first official Transformers figure for about 18 months. I bought it on a whim at the one remaining comic book store in the city for maybe just over the equivalent price of getting it shipped from RK.


The vehicle mode looks really good from more or less every angle. It manages to avoid looking overly bulbous, which I felt was a flaw of MP-9's Hot Rod mode. I've not yet quite gotten the right alignment of all the figure's parts for the (possibly fictional) 'few millimeters of clearance' that would allow it to roll. Would Takara release a figure that can't actually roll? Head says no, heart says 'this is 2016 TakTom we're talking about so almost certainly yes'.

Transformation is actually quite fun. Aside from the chest, spoiler, and upper two thirds of the arms everything else from the vehicle becomes one discrete block on Hot Rod's back. I generally dislike transformations that basically involve folding the car shell up into a backpack and then unfurling the limbs (which is more or less what the process here amounts to), but the folding and tabbing is a really satisfying process. To be fair to the figure this is probably the only proper way to stay true to the source material, as Hot Rod didn't really have any recognisable vehicle kibble in robot mode aside from the chest, pipes and spoiler - in many ways Hot Rod and many other of the 86 bots were a precursor to some of the later Bayverse designs in this regard. The only stressful part of the process was getting the tab on the back of the collar into the slot on the backpack. The first time I transformed the figure it felt like the backpack wasn't hinging down far enough for the tab to meet the slot. After working it in a few times it seems much easier, and much less frightening.

Robot mode is where this figure shines. The only place where it deviates from what we saw on screen is the backpack, which to be fair once in hand isn't as egregious as it looks in pictures. Otherwise colours are on point, it interacts perfectly fine with all accessories (unlike MP-9) and it hits the sweet spot between poseable and stable without compromises. In particular the addition of the waist crunch joint along with solid ankle support means that you'll get a lot of joy out of posing this figure.

Some of the joints on mine are perhaps slightly looser than I'd like, but there's nothing that can't support the figure's weight, and certainly nothing outright floppy.

Otherwise the only criticism I think I can conjure is that this figure does fell perhaps a bit on the light side? I have a preference for red orange Hot Rods over magenta? I kind of wish it came with a target master? Nothing particularly substantial or objective.

Fun figure. The only reason you shouldn't grab this if you're on the fence is if the vehicle mode potentially not rolling is an issue. Otherwise, worth a buy.

[willocrew]

Hot rod looks good in robot and vehicle mode. But to be honest, it doesn't look like a premium masterpiece toy. It looks almost like a "transformers generations" or a supreme class figure. I've got a generations/henkei Jazz. Hot rod is quite similar.

[tangy]

is anyone still waiting on their delivery from Premium Collectables? I've messaged them directly but havent heard anything back for a while

[drifand]

Hot rod looks good in robot and vehicle mode. But to be honest, it doesn't look like a premium masterpiece toy. It looks almost like a "transformers generations" or a supreme class figure. I've got a generations/henkei Jazz. Hot rod is quite similar.

Takes a lot of guts to admit a sad side of a premium toy if it is at all.

[kup]

I recently opened MP Hot Rodimus. Out of the box in car mode, one could easily think they just bought a G1 reissue in an MP box. It is nearly the same size and looks nearly identical to the G1 toy. Even the underside resembles the original toy as you can see the same sort of kibble such as the upper head and chest.

During transformation however, the similarities end as we then start to witness modern toy engineering that is fairly easy, fun and intuitive but somehow feel very familiar....

Well that is because the engineering in this toy happens to be a much more refined version of the MP-09 release! Yes, that horrible beta version toy they tried to pass on as Masterpiece that was a horror mess to transform has basically the same engineering as this toy! But how can this toy be fun to transform and MP-09 so horrible? Well that's because MP-09 always had a good engineering concept just horribly executed. Hot Rodimus fixes all the weak plastic tolerance issues, over reliance on weak panel joints on the legs. Like with MP-09, much of the car mode shell compresses onto the back only this is done much more effectively so all the kibble is nicely compressed and does not look like a disjointed mess that can barely keep together in place without unpegging all the time.

In short, the engineering here is what MP-09 should of had in the first place. I am glad they made this toy because I always suspected that under all the mess, there was a good toy in the core of MP-09. MP Hot Rodimus confirms just that.

Accessories are what you would expect - A pair of guns that can also be mounted in car mode. Robot mode can actually hold them well! Wow, how about that? (MP09 couldn't even do that right). However there is no Firebolt and instead we get a silly as hell fishing rod representative of the one we see at the start of the '86 movie. Nothing special, it is just one single plastic piece.

[GoktimusPrime]

Accessories are what you would expect - A pair of guns that can also be mounted in car mode. Robot mode can actually hold them well! Wow, how about that? (MP09 couldn't even do that right).
TakaraTOMY's can't but Hasbro's can. Hasbro's MP Rodimus Prime has thicker tabs that slot into the hands. :)

[kurdt_the_goat]

Well that is because the engineering in this toy happens to be a much more refined version of the MP-09 release!

Really? I don't think they share much if anything in common at all. The legs, chest, arms they're all handled completely differently to MP-09. I also think there's only a passing resemblance to the G1 toy in aesthetics, which you'd expect. The underside and the way it transforms is similar, but side by side in both modes is a night and day difference. The Fans Toys one (if it ever comes out) looks much closer to the stocky/tall G1 toy in vehicle mode.

[drifand]

I think the main let down is the wheels don't touch the ground.

I actually enjoy him as robot mode.

[kup]

TakaraTOMY's can't but Hasbro's can. Hasbro's MP Rodimus Prime has thicker tabs that slot into the hands. :)

It is still an open hand hold isn't it? You close the hands and the gun falls down.

[GoktimusPrime]

It is still an open hand hold isn't it? You close the hands and the gun falls down.
:confused: He holds the guns just fine, they don't fall. The fingers close as far as they can with a gun in it, but the same can be said for MP28 too. The only tighter way you can get a grip is to have a solid fist with a gun that pegs in like the G1 toy (but sacrifice any hand/finger articulation).

From the MP Rodimus comparison thread (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=13338) (btw people are welcome to post comparison pics between MP9 and MP28 on that thread if they like :))

Left: TakaraTOMY's, Right: Hasbro's. Notice that the tabs are thicker on Hasbro's. This is what allows these guns to be held properly.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Masterpiece%20Rodimus%20Prime/mprodimus_comparison_hastaktom_f.jpg

You can see that Hasbro's protrudes out further too, so it goes deeper into the slot.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Masterpiece%20Rodimus%20Prime/mprodimus_comparison_hastaktom_g.jpg

When I made TT's MP9 and Hasbro's MP Rodimus swap guns, Hasbro Roddy dropped TT's guns and TT MP9 was able to hold the Hasbro guns just fine. So the problem with the gun grip was with the guns, not the figure itself.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Masterpiece%20Rodimus%20Prime/mprodimus_comparison_hastaktom_j.jpg

[GoktimusPrime]

MP9 (Hasbro) & MP28 comparison pics (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=530802#post530802)