MP Megatron 2.0 prototype leak?

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

From various weibo sources -- TF Club and AlucardLee (via DaimChoc (https://www.facebook.com/DaimChocReports/photos/a.100410510309385.1073741828.100402350310201/323098284707272/?type=3&theater)):

http://i.imgur.com/sWqKI2B.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/jX4cEAy.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/e9rOQfM.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/O3mTijU.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/wirRbyQ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/VvUwBLs.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/a8x4OAA.jpg

[BruiseLee]

Was just reading this on TFW as well. They are saying it's legit but will wait it out and see. If it follows the recent form of TT releasing an official MP after 3P releases then here's hoping.

I know it's an early prototype but that "gun can not be straight" gets me. :D

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Yeah, definitely a wait-and-see approach is needed! Although the legs do look very Shockwavy, but I suppose someone else could have copied that design...

Not sure why they decided to comment on his droopy barrel, it's not as if it's a production model or anything, but a shot of energon should fix him right up! :p

[Smint]

Yes, "leak". How convenient Takara.

[Jazzman]

His waist seems a little odd, but I'm digging the face sculpt! :D

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Added the character model sheet (https://au.pinterest.com/pin/398639004486545681/) to the first post.

[Lord_Zed]

Interesting development.

Those hands look more 3rd party than Taktom, although It's possible they may have changed their hand design if Megs doesn't need to hold a gun.

Going to wait and see, with all the 3rd party offerings of late we are spoiled for choice in Megatrons

[GoktimusPrime]

Looks like they've compromised the gun mode in favour of a better robot mode (whereas MP5 favoured a more solid gun mode). Given the nature of Megatron's show design - i.e. bulky robot who transforms into a thin gun, I think that it's invariable that a toy would either compromise one or the other.

If this is legit I'd seriously consider getting it and displaying it robot mode with MP5 in gun mode.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Bot mod looks pretty good, more accurate legs than Appolyon and less roided out like Despotron.

But gahhhh that gun mode is nowhere near accurate to a P38 and no better than Appolyon. If the rumours are true, and this is a TT release, he probably will take the place of my Appolyon though.

[1AZRAEL1]

Here's hoping it is legit. I'll buy this over any 3P any day. Robot mode sells me way more than an alt mode does

[Tober]

Looks prom8sing, although the abdomen proportions are strange.

Importing could be tricky...

[DaptoDog]

Looks prom8sing, although the abdomen proportions are strange.

Importing could be tricky...

PC sold Apollyon so maybe they will be able to import this.

The different faces would suggest it is TT. Please let it be true!

[Raider]

PC sold Apollyon so maybe they will be able to import this.

The different faces would suggest it is TT. Please let it be true!

If it is true I am glad I have resisted temptation on purchasing a 3P megs for so long

[VERT]

Looks like its going to be time to get another Megs. Hopefully for the last time. :)

[Bidoofdude]

Looks great and has the style that most 3P versions don't have, the same Shockwave has. Hope it's the real deal.

[liegeprime]

Well finally I see a Megatron with a proper leg proportion, can't say i like the feet proportion being as thin as Shockwaves, but, it'll do... wish the proportions on that fusion canon is better though, looks stubby.
Also the crotch area seems, busy, i dunno...but then it must be a design thing due to panels in the transformation. I do hope its not as tall as Shockwave only... he was kinda short, needs to be same height as MP 10.

[Shirokaze]

I think he has a little too much thigh gap. Just looks odd....:confused: I was about to pull the trigger on maketoys too, so perfect timing.

[Lord_Zed]

The move away from realistic looking gun to better looking robot is a good thing as far as I'm concerned.



Looks prom8sing, although the abdomen proportions are strange.


I've never seen a transforming Megatron toy official or otherwise without some form of compromise this is no different.




Looks like its going to be time to get another Megs. Hopefully for the last time. :)

Call yourself a collector? :p Multiple Megatrons are never enough.

[Antonio Handsome]

The move away from realistic looking gun to better looking robot is a good thing as far as I'm concerned.

Completely agree. Instead of hamstringing themselves trying to make both perfect and not quite getting there, I like a focus on a great robot mode.

[MayzaPrime]

If it is true I am glad I have resisted temptation on purchasing a 3P megs for so long

I am also glad that I held out... If legit this is a very cool release.

[Robzy]

Now we're talking!

[VERT]

Just the stress of getting one.



The move away from realistic looking gun to better looking robot is a good thing as far as I'm concerned.




I've never seen a transforming Megatron toy official or otherwise without some form of compromise this is no different.





Call yourself a collector? :p Multiple Megatrons are never enough.

[1AZRAEL1]

Even if this isn't a TT Megs, I prefer the design on the robot mode over the others. I'd get this one for sure

[tron07]

ok... here is my money...

Now, how to buy this without needing to jump thru all the hoops and loops to own a "gun" toy

[drifand]

Looks like a desperate attempt to me. Yes for bot, no for gun.

I still don't mind 3p ones. They have their own plus that I think this lacks.

It be very interesting if is offical as 3p still wins in terms of selling theirs with no alt mode shown and for TT to change their box concept may screw up the whole vibe. So I think this will be red flag as opposed to the 3p ones.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I'll pick this one up as it's TakTom's official Megatron and his robot mode is the best one out there. Maybe a perfect bot and alt mode Megatron is the unobtainable holy grail waiting to be discovered.

Getting one into WA shouldn't be hard as its just a import permit needed from WAPOL, and that's doing things the boy scout way.

[spiderken17]

What gun? I am importing a toy robot :)

[Ralph Wiggum]

What gun? I am importing a toy robot :)

Exactly :) Manufacturers are savvy enough to have Megs boxed in robot form. If he was boxed in gun form, he would've been a big red light on the xray scanners. My impression is that he comes to customs attention when imported in commercial quantities, or just plain bad luck.

I've said before that if I hadn't ticked the firearms box on my customs form, my MP05 would likely have gone through undetected.

[drifand]

Nobody asked about Optimus 3.0 I am surprised as I think is also done seeing infernos gift.

Just watch.

[DELTAprime]

I better put a bit of money aside for this in case it turns out to be legit. I would normally order from HLJ, but given I don't feel like dealing with customs BS myself I'll get it from PC. Since PC is here in Queensland they should have no issue selling it after getting it through customs.

Going by the looks of it this Megatron shouldn't be as fragile as MP-5. I have only transformed MP-5 a couple of times over the years because I don't want to break him.

[drifand]

I better put a bit of money aside for this in case it turns out to be legit. I would normally order from HLJ, but given I don't feel like dealing with customs BS myself I'll get it from PC. Since PC is here in Queensland they should have no issue selling it after getting it through customs.

Going by the looks of it this Megatron shouldn't be as fragile as MP-5. I have only transformed MP-5 a couple of times over the years because I don't want to break him.

You are already assuming PC has no issues bringing it in despite they have not listed dx9 mightron for the matter.

[Smint]

He has proper leg proportions and his face sculpt easily beats the 3p's but the waist is too big. It really ruins the proportions especially if you were to pose him next to MP10.

If could somehow shrink the waist or widen the shoulders he'd be perfect to me.

[UltraMarginal]

If it is true I am glad I have resisted temptation on purchasing a 3P megs for so long

Ha ha, me too.

for those talking about the packaged mode of MP's, MP-05 megatron was packed in robot mode and hundreds were picked up by Australian customs because they knew what to look for. The best way to go about this and make sure you can actually bring one into the country will be the 'boyscout' way.

[Raider]

You are already assuming PC has no issues bringing it in despite they have not listed dx9 mightron for the matter.

They did manage to bring in Apollyon though. Will be interesting to see what happens. I have the replica firearm licence in NSW anyway so no issue for me :p

[drifand]

They did manage to bring in Apollyon though. Will be interesting to see what happens. I have the replica firearm licence in NSW anyway so no issue for me :p

Correct because no gun mode displayed but TT doesn't do that sneaky yet

[Raider]

Correct because no gun mode displayed but TT doesn't do that sneaky yet

Both MP-5 and MP-5G were packaged in bot mode. Or do you mean displayed in gun mode on box?

[Jazzman]

Ha ha, me too.

for those talking about the packaged mode of MP's, MP-05 megatron was packed in robot mode and hundreds were picked up by Australian customs because they knew what to look for. The best way to go about this and make sure you can actually bring one into the country will be the 'boyscout' way.

Funny, I went out of my way to get an imitation firearms license just to import MP and G1 Megs, and then customs didn't even check! :confused: Oh well, did the right thing at least...

[drifand]

Both MP-5 and MP-5G were packaged in bot mode. Or do you mean displayed in gun mode on box?

Yup on the box correct! It will totally stuff up your entire box collection.

[drifand]

Funny, I went out of my way to get an imitation firearms license just to import MP and G1 Megs, and then customs didn't even check! :confused: Oh well, did the right thing at least...

Always better to be safe than sorry

[Jazzman]

Always better to be safe than sorry

I think it was free too, just a bunch of paperwork to do in Qld...

[aching878]

They did manage to bring in Apollyon though. Will be interesting to see what happens. I have the replica firearm licence in NSW anyway so no issue for me :p

in addition ownership permit still slightly more work for nsw buyers since the nsw b709 form required for importation has more requirements then the qld counterpart, mainly that it needs a license firearms dealer to be nominated and pick up for you.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Never thought I'd say this but living in WA has its bonuses. Just get a B709 form approved and away you go.

It's way too early, but if TT Megs is coming I'll see if I can grab a couple.

[aching878]

its always a hassle when one wants to do things by the book ;-)

[Ralph Wiggum]

The price we pay to well...not end up like the US :D

[Lord_Zed]

Whenever it comes to a toy of a character who has been made before officaly or by 3rd party, (in MP Megs case both) I personally never understand the mentatlity of 'I'm glad I never bought the other similar toy from a few years ago' line we always get in these threads. To me it's like saying I'm glad I didn't see the previous movie in the series because the sequel was better. If the previous toy was good and gave hours of enjoyment then it did its job. if the previous toy sucked on the other hand (and MP Megs and Appolyon kinda do a bit) then I completely understand.

The collectors search for a definitive version will never be complete, lest theye stop being a collector.


But anyway, I'm still not 100% sure this is offical, parts of it look offical, but other parts seem more like an MMC toy.


Looks like a desperate attempt to me. Yes for bot, no for gun.

I still don't mind 3p ones. They have their own plus that I think this lacks.

It be very interesting if is offical as 3p still wins in terms of selling theirs with no alt mode shown and for TT to change their box concept may screw up the whole vibe. So I think this will be red flag as opposed to the 3p ones.

Interesting points you make, I actualy ran across this pic after looking for pics of Maketoys Despotron which I was considering buying. This guys looks a bit more toon accurate than Despotron, but Despotron seems to have almost action figure like articulation, and knowing Maketoys will have a fun solid build. I imagine most people will go for an offical one, but it does seem like it would be harder to import. For that reason and the awesome articulation Depotron still tempts me.

[doublespy]

A lot of things on him give the official vibe, especially the head sculpt. I've never a 3P head remotely close to an official MP one, in terms of the character it brings out.

And think I've already spotted a potential Masterpiece moment:p. The trigger splits in two to make the crotch plate. Such simple and elegant solution for a part that almost always becomes kibble on 3P releases. MT's version hides the trigger in a very cool way but for an official product that would be over-engineering.

Oh and did anyone notice the stock can be used as a stand.

Like others said, even if this turns out to be yet another 3P attempt, it is still really tempting.

[GoktimusPrime]

Now, how to buy this without needing to jump thru all the hoops and loops to own a "gun" toy
If you don't have a permit and your toy gets seized then you won't have a legal leg to stand on to claim it from Customs. Your Megatron will proceed on its way to oblivion (http://www.firearmsnews.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/12/files/russia-to-destroy-4-million-guns/05.jpg).

Exactly :) Manufacturers are savvy enough to have Megs boxed in robot form. If he was boxed in gun form, he would've been a big red light on the xray scanners. My impression is that he comes to customs attention when imported in commercial quantities, or just plain bad luck.

I've said before that if I hadn't ticked the firearms box on my customs form, my MP05 would likely have gone through undetected.
This trick may have worked up till 2007 but not anymore.

Funny, I went out of my way to get an imitation firearms license just to import MP and G1 Megs, and then customs didn't even check! :confused: Oh well, did the right thing at least...
I've also never had my Gunformers checked, but I still obtained the permit and continue to abide by the standards for the permit. And I'm glad that I did because it gives me peace of mind in the event that I ever want to import another Gunformer, like say this new MP Megatron. I don't need to go through the whole circus acrobat act all over again. You just do it once and be done with it.

The price we pay to well...not end up like the US :D
^This. :)

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

An internet sleuth (https://www.facebook.com/GenmonTCracker/photos/a.263171453875737.1073741859.263145237211692/541465922712954/?type=3&theater) thinks it's Hasui in the shots because of a shirt, watch and image on a computer monitor:

http://i.imgur.com/Phzw4Wa.jpg

[drifand]

Ur Singapore Malaysia Japan Hong Kong are not like us and they don't have all these paper work required. It's silly as if in US you probably can buy the real gun instead of a TT Megatron if you intent to rob anyone.

its all up to the society , as many in Hong Kong have air bb guns but they don't go round attempt to rob banks as the result could be fatal.

[ZoonMaster5000]

If you don't have a permit and your toy gets seized then you won't have a legal leg to stand on to claim it from Customs. Your Megatron will proceed on its way to oblivion (http://www.firearmsnews.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/12/files/russia-to-destroy-4-million-guns/05.jpg).

So you saying if I order a megatron and it gets seized I will then end up with a mp galvatron... Awesome!:p

[doublespy]

An internet sleuth (https://www.facebook.com/GenmonTCracker/photos/a.263171453875737.1073741859.263145237211692/541465922712954/?type=3&theater) thinks it's Hasui in the shots because of a shirt, watch and image on a computer monitor:

http://i.imgur.com/Phzw4Wa.jpg

Hehe don't think so.

Hasui don't got chubby fingers :D



Also, he's not on the MP team.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I don't want this thread about 'ol Megs to derail into a conversation about gun control and gun culture, but I guess it's inevitable when we talk about bringing him into Australia.

Many Asian countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia etc. simply don't have a gun culture or a need for guns..there's no hunting culture, or pest control like what we have. Real guns are very, very hard to obtain over there and the penalties are very severe. That's why things like airsoft is readily available in those countries; they're less likely to be used for crimes, and their culture don't consider guns to necessarily be a threat, because they're so uncommon.

Australia on the other hand, has a long and distinguished history of gun possession, harking back to the days of colonial times when the early settlers used them for culling pests, hunting and other stuff I won't mention. Guns in Australia aren't uncommon by any stretch (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-28/alpers-the-truth-about-gun-ownership-after-port-arthur/7365790), and really not that hard to obtain if you think about it. The sad truth is that they're here, they do get used for crimes, and we have tough laws because of it.

As for the U.S. of A., well no further comment needed really. But they get a orange plug shoved in their Megs so at least we don't have that.

Like Gok said, get a permit, and you won't have any trouble importing one. For most States/Territories, it's free and all it will cost you is a bit of time. There really is no excuse not to do things the right way. And truth to be told,I wouldn't want my fellow forumers to break the law over a toy.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Hehe don't think so.

Hasui don't got chubby fingers :D

Also, he's not on the MP team.

Yeah, the connections are a bit tenuous, and until we get better pics it could be anyone. That said, the figure could be a Hasui design -- i'm quite sure there are a number of old and unfinished prototypes hanging around TT HQ just waiting to be greenlit.

[5FDP]

If he doesn't suffer from cosmic rust like MP05, then I'll bite.

[drifand]

If he doesn't suffer from cosmic rust like MP05, then I'll bite.

Don't worry it's all plastic, you be lucky if we have silver paint. ;)

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Don't worry it's all plastic, you be lucky if we have silver paint. ;)

If that's the case, might as well just let Customs incinerate it! :D

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Some more goss (via SunSon Son (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1689790508006668&id=100009272064762&pnref=story)):


According to tomy news, will be on sale in mid-may next masterpice master class series leaders megatron, toys using joint deformed bodies, optoelectronic institutions. Still follow the overall toys before mp29 design concept, based on the structure of the deformed mp29 closer to real gun shape. In addition, a number of toys for metal parts, better combination of deformation. The Product Battery don't follow with another purchase, please...........(hehe! Roadside Social News!!!)

Above is a translation, with the original text as follows:


根據TAKARA TOMY消息，將於明年5月中旬發售masterpice 大師級系列領袖人物威震天，玩具采用聯動變形機構，光電機構。整體玩具依然沿用之前MP29的設計理念，基 於MP29的變形結構更加接近真實槍支外形。另外，玩具多個部件為金屬，更好的結合變形。該產品電池不跟隨 附贈，請另外購買...........（呵呵！路邊社消息！！！）

[drifand]

If he doesn't suffer from cosmic rust like MP05, then I'll bite.


If that's the case, might as well just let Customs incinerate it! :D

This is why I feel the 3p ones may still win over in some ways as we know they are not cutting cost in making the toy whereas TT on the other hand will just skip on something.

I felt his scope was a bit short.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Looking over the 3p ones, I just don't like the aesthetics of them, so none of them suit my needs even if they have better build quality.

Of course, given the BS paperwork we need just to get a feckin' toy, it may not even be worth the hassle...

[Tober]

the figure could be a Hasui design -- i'm quite sure there are a number of old and unfinished prototypes hanging around TT HQ just waiting to be greenlit.

There was an interview with Hatsui ages ago where he said he had done the design work for all of the '84 bots. That would just be sketches though. It also mentioned that there were around ten designs for Condor/Laserbeak.

There was another rumor going around a few months ago that MP Galvatron was being designed but became unworkable. :(

[drifand]

I wonder who leaked this because he is obviously a TT rep

Next up orange cap lol

[bakakun]

Man I really want a good MP Megatron to go with my MP10 Optimus, but I also don't want to go through all the trouble and money of getting a permit in Victoria.

[Chevron Action Flash]

I wouldn't bother with a permit. Presumably it will be packed in robot mode, and may/may not have a barrel plug. Customs should have no reason to sieze it if its clearly a toy. Yes I know a pallette of MP05's got siezed. But it had a big photo of a Walther on the box and the idiot bringing it in clearly didn't do the paperwork.

I serously doubt many Australian owners of Mp05 (like me), G1 Megatron (me also) or any of the 3p megs actually have a replica firearms license. Certainly the law in Vic states that if its clearly a toy then no license is needed. Just keep it in 'bot mode and you should be fine. An xray of a boxed Megs in bot mode is not going to raise any flags.

Ideally buy it from an Aus supplier. That way customs doesn't factor in from your point of view.

[Lord_Zed]

So wait, is this confirmed yet?



There was another rumor going around a few months ago that MP Galvatron was being designed but became unworkable. :(

That's weird given Takaratomy were willing to compromise on MP Hotrod, so why not Galvatron, third parties have proven it can be done.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

There was an interview with Hatsui ages ago where he said he had done the design work for all of the '84 bots. That would just be sketches though. It also mentioned that there were around ten designs for Condor/Laserbeak.

There was another rumor going around a few months ago that MP Galvatron was being designed but became unworkable. :(

Would love to see some of these leftover designs, including why they weren't chosen or couldn't be realised.

[griffin]

I wouldn't bother with a permit. Presumably it will be packed in robot mode, and may/may not have a barrel plug. Customs should have no reason to sieze it if its clearly a toy. Yes I know a pallette of MP05's got siezed. But it had a big photo of a Walther on the box and the idiot bringing it in clearly didn't do the paperwork.

That is not true.

First, it was individual toys that were being seized, as people on here were noting it at the time of MP5's release.
There may or may not have been a bulk lot seized as well, but no one in Australia would have imported a pallet of them... or even more than half a dozen at once, as we didn't have any (significant) online toy stores in Australia back then. Bulk imports were just done by fans on behalf of other fans as group orders.

Secondly, Customs are not opening up anything to see the image of the alt-mode on the box. They are x-raying random packages in the mail and recognising the robot mode on the monitor. I know this because my MP-5G was seized at the end of 2014, and when I went to collect it (with the Federal import form), the outer packaging was untouched.

That experience prompted me to research the process for all states of Australia and post up this information topic (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=20265).... building on from an earlier project that was created by a veteran lawyer, who would know a lot more about the law than you or me.

Thirdly, it is not a good idea to publicly recommend breaking Federal and State laws, as you could be prosecuted by both State Police and Federal police for soliciting (serious) firearm offences.
Even if no one here had the permits, it is still our requirement to recommend (not force) getting them IF you want to avoid future issues or prosecution if found to be owning one in a state that requires a permit.
Telling people to not follow the law is irresponsible, because if they were to get into trouble, would you step in to take the blame and the prison sentence on their behalf?



I serously doubt many Australian owners of Mp05 (like me), G1 Megatron (me also) or any of the 3p megs actually have a replica firearms license. Certainly the law in Vic states that if its clearly a toy then no license is needed. Just keep it in 'bot mode and you should be fine. An xray of a boxed Megs in bot mode is not going to raise any flags. Criminal codes do specifically include toys in their descriptions of replica weapons. Speculating that they don't will only lead to confusion for others who might believe what you are saying.
And as noted above, Megatron in Bot Mode is not going to stop them from seeing it. Most might get through, but that's only because they only x-ray scan a small percentage of parcels entering the country.... not because they don't see a gun-mode Megatron.



Ideally buy it from an Aus supplier. That way customs doesn't factor in from your point of view.Yes, that is the best course of action to eliminate your requirement to meet the needs of one of the two layers of gun-control in Australia... but if you are in a state that requires a permit, it is still up to the buyer to decide for themselves if they want to get one. They shouldn't be discouraged from getting one, if their state requires one.

[Jazzman]

Would love to see some of these leftover designs, including why they weren't chosen or couldn't be realised.

That'd make a nice coffee table book! haha ;)

[GoktimusPrime]

There are plenty of law-abiding collectors who hold permits (obviously except for SA & WA residents). I'm one of them. Here's what my permit looks like...
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/megatronpermit.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/megatronpermitt.jpg

[Chevron Action Flash]

That is not true.

First, it was individual toys that were being seized, as people on here were noting it at the time of MP5's release.
There may or may not have been a bulk lot seized as well, but no one in Australia would have imported a pallet of them... or even more than half a dozen at once, as we didn't have any (significant) online toy stores in Australia back then. Bulk imports were just done by fans on behalf of other fans as group orders.

Secondly, Customs are not opening up anything to see the image of the alt-mode on the box. They are x-raying random packages in the mail and recognising the robot mode on the monitor. I know this because my MP-5G was seized at the end of 2014, and when I went to collect it (with the Federal import form), the outer packaging was untouched.

That experience prompted me to research the process for all states of Australia and post up this information topic (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=20265).... building on from an earlier project that was created by a veteran lawyer, who would know a lot more about the law than you or me.

Thirdly, it is not a good idea to publicly recommend breaking Federal and State laws, as you could be prosecuted by both State Police and Federal police for soliciting (serious) firearm offences.
Even if no one here had the permits, it is still our requirement to recommend (not force) getting them IF you want to avoid future issues or prosecution if found to be owning one in a state that requires a permit.
Telling people to not follow the law is irresponsible, because if they were to get into trouble, would you step in to take the blame and the prison sentence on their behalf?

Criminal codes do specifically include toys in their descriptions of replica weapons. Speculating that they don't will only lead to confusion for others who might believe what you are saying.
And as noted above, Megatron in Bot Mode is not going to stop them from seeing it. Most might get through, but that's only because they only x-ray scan a small percentage of parcels entering the country.... not because they don't see a gun-mode Megatron.

Yes, that is the best course of action to eliminate your requirement to meet the needs of one of the two layers of gun-control in Australia... but if you are in a state that requires a permit, it is still up to the buyer to decide for themselves if they want to get one. They shouldn't be discouraged from getting one, if their state requires one.

Apologies, my intent is not to persude individuals one way or another. I was just voicing an opinion. Ideally, yes, people should follow the legal procedure and adhere to the law, albeit a ridiculous application of the law in this instance. I'll certainly look into the requirements for obtaining a license as I'd like to nab a 2.0 Megs hassle free. Although technically I've been breaking the law since 85 when I first got Megatron. And then I became a recidivist when I scored MP 05.

[Raider]

Apologies, my intent is not to persude individuals one way or another. I was just voicing an opinion. Ideally, yes, people should follow the legal procedure and adhere to the law, albeit a ridiculous application of the law in this instance. I'll certainly look into the requirements for obtaining a license as I'd like to nab a 2.0 Megs hassle free. Although technically I've been breaking the law since 85 when I first got Megatron. And then I became a recidivist when I scored MP 05.

I don't know the VIC requirements but it is really not that hard in NSW and it's renewed, free of charge, every 5 years. Honestly it seems that a lot of people don't obtain it due to being lazy or ignorant.

FYI I am not casting either aspersion on you, just voicing an observation. Whilst I'm not sure about G1 megs, they have specifically stated you need one for MP5 so I wouldnt expect 2.0 megs to be any different. Either way I have the permit so no issue for me.

Interestingly, picked up MP5G recently and wasn't caught by customs.

[Megatran]

Whilst I'm not sure about G1 megs, they have specifically stated you need one for MP5 so I wouldnt expect 2.0 megs to be any different.
G1 Megs can shoot real pellets in gun mode! And more realistic size (?).

[Trent]

G1 Megs is still by far the most accurate Walther P38 transformer ever produced.

[DaptoDog]

The only Megatron I have ever owned is the recent Tank alt mode Combiner Wars version. So I will do whatever it takes in terms of licensing to finally get a G1 style gun version after 30 odd years of Transformers collecting.

[Ralph Wiggum]

G1 Megs is still by far the most accurate Walther P38 transformer ever produced.

Absolutely. That bot mode though... *cough penis trigger*

[MayzaPrime]

Absolutely. That bot mode though... *cough penis trigger*

Robot chicken did it perfectly :p:D
Penis trigger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bb00M1NXmw)

[bakakun]

I don't know the VIC requirements but it is really not that hard in NSW and it's renewed, free of charge, every 5 years. Honestly it seems that a lot of people don't obtain it due to being lazy or ignorant.

FYI I am not casting either aspersion on you, just voicing an observation. Whilst I'm not sure about G1 megs, they have specifically stated you need one for MP5 so I wouldnt expect 2.0 megs to be any different. Either way I have the permit so no issue for me.

Interestingly, picked up MP5G recently and wasn't caught by customs.
I was under the impression you had to pay to get these permits renewed? I wonder if its only free in NSW?

If the renewal of the permit is free in Victoria, then I'll definitely get one once Megatron 2.0 is offically confirmed by Takara.

Really my biggest gripe was having to pay $188.20 every three years for a damn toy robot

[GoktimusPrime]

G1 Megs can shoot real pellets in gun mode! And more realistic size (?).
Only the reissues. The original G1 Megatron doesn't shoot anything. Also the turret that's formed by the snipering accessories can also shoot bullets too.

Absolutely. That bot mode though... *cough penis trigger*
I see your Megatron and raise you an Astro Magnum (http://www.custommasters.com/Astromagnumtoy.jpg). ;)

[gamblor916]

Only the reissues. The original G1 Megatron doesn't shoot anything. Also the turret that's formed by the snipering accessories can also shoot bullets too.

The Microman originals could fire bullets.

[GoktimusPrime]

The Microman originals could fire bullets.
True. :)

[kurdt_the_goat]

Had to share this incredible painted artwork based on the prototype, by Cosmitron75 on TFW. Could easily pass as the collectors card art!

http://i.imgur.com/m9a3jQR.jpg

[MayzaPrime]

So awesome... :eek::eek:

[GoktimusPrime]

Yes, "leak". How convenient Takara.
If you're implying that this leak was deliberate, then I highly doubt it. Having worked with TakaraTOMY (via Hasbro), I can tell you that they are super strict and tight when it comes to not leaking anything, even if there's no practical reason to protect it and even if the release of information would actually do more good than harm - which it usually does. As Hasbro once explained to me, NDCs are used to prevent information from being picked up by their competitors who would then try to outmanoeuvre them by creating similar competitive products. But Hasbro knows that they really have no direct competition with it comes to Transformers (i.e. nobody else is making another line of transforming alien robot action figures). TakaraTOMY has more competition in Japan with the whole mecha genre, but again none of it is like Transformers. Bandai aren't exactly going to make a Megatron-like Gundam.

But nonetheless I have found through my dealings with both companies that they are SUPER strict when it comes to adhering to NDCs. I am certain that this leak would not have been done by either company - I doubt it was done by any employee of TakaraTOMY, but possibly someone else who they may be associated with (e.g. retail buyers etc.?). And I reckon that whoever leaked this information would have received veeerrry angry words from TakaraTOMY, because I've seen it happen with much, much less sensitive leaks.

I'm not saying that the leak is a bad thing. It's clearly kicked up fan frenzy and excitement, which can only be beneficial. But yeah, it's just how these companies work. That's why whenever I've done translation work for Hasbro I have to keep my mouth shut until Hasbro gives me permission to reveal. Often the news is leaked by appearing on store databases, in which case I email Hasbro, inform them and ask if I can officially reveal the information and they say yes.

But yeah, if anyone can prove that this was a deliberate leak from TakaraTOMY then I'll eat my hat.

[drifand]

The pictures says otherwise on strict goki
And if you are seriously strict, you would want to deal with the Ko issues first so I have my doubts and is more to do with stopping 3p sales. Each to their own here pictures don't leak. Compare it to grapple mp or even dirge mp that's a proper development on ready products. I wouldn't want to show a not straight barrel, what's the point? Showing your weaknesses? Exactly.

On the news of that new picture, now that's cool.
If you are strict you will demand the picture to be taken off the site. < this would be my stand point regardless how angry /happy the leak is, I am sure taghobby will be happy to comply and take it off.

[Lint]

Had to share this incredible painted artwork based on the prototype, by Cosmitron75 on TFW. Could easily pass as the collectors card art!

http://i.imgur.com/m9a3jQR.jpg

Gosh it's like Revoltech and Fansproject had a baby!

[Jazzman]

Had to share this incredible painted artwork based on the prototype, by Cosmitron75 on TFW. Could easily pass as the collectors card art!

http://i.imgur.com/m9a3jQR.jpg

Gotta admit, that looks great! What's with the uterus diagram on his crotch though???!!! :eek: lol

[BruiseLee]

Gotta admit, that looks great! What's with the uterus diagram on his crotch though???!!! :eek: lol

Maybe the designer gave him a choice, trigger crotch or.... :)

[Jazzman]

Maybe the designer gave him a choice, trigger crotch or.... :)

lol, well it is the 21st century... Meg's has been on the oestrogen! Getting ready for that special trip to Thailand! ;)

[DELTAprime]

Only the reissues. The original G1 Megatron doesn't shoot anything. Also the turret that's formed by the snipering accessories can also shoot bullets too.

I see your Megatron and raise you an Astro Magnum (http://www.custommasters.com/Astromagnumtoy.jpg). ;)


The Microman originals could fire bullets.


True. :)

Hasbro cut the pallet shooting gimick from their G1 version. Takara/Takara Tomy has always had the pallets according to TFwiki including the original Japanese Transformers release of Megatron.

[hYpNoS]

The pictures says otherwise on strict goki
And if you are seriously strict, you would want to deal with the Ko issues first so I have my doubts and is more to do with stopping 3p sales. Each to their own here pictures don't leak. Compare it to grapple mp or even dirge mp that's a proper development on ready products. I wouldn't want to show a not straight barrel, what's the point? Showing your weaknesses? Exactly.

On the news of that new picture, now that's cool.
If you are strict you will demand the picture to be taken off the site. < this would be my stand point regardless how angry /happy the leak is, I am sure taghobby will be happy to comply and take it off.

What he meant is the code on these kinda things is strict, doesn't mean it CAN'T happen, its like saying red lights stop accidents, doesn't help when one person ignores them, for all we know its a third party as gokti said, perhaps they were showing off to a family member who had no worries about breaking code, like some 12 yr :D

Once its on the net they can't do much, I remember Daimchoc reports shared the leak of takara's super ginrai/PMOP and TF_Yuki replied for him to remove the tweet, but it was too late, people shared it all over the place, but if an employee is told to still keep their mouth shut over it they must adhere to it.

They can try lawsuits and stuff I suppose but its too late once several sites start talking about it, if anything it becomes bad rep in my eyes if you start screaming "HAY ALL YOU THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE PLEASE STOP SPREADING OUR PROTOTYPES THAT YOU'LL GET SOONER OR LATER".

All they can do now is keep working on it and say nothing

[doublespy]

Had to share this incredible painted artwork based on the prototype, by Cosmitron75 on TFW. Could easily pass as the collectors card art!

http://i.imgur.com/m9a3jQR.jpg

So much awesomeness. Pretty sure this person will be contacted by 3P companies real soon, if they're not doing working together already

Now I so want that figure so bad, official or otherwise.

[Smint]

If you're implying that this leak was deliberate, then I highly doubt it. Having worked with TakaraTOMY (via Hasbro), I can tell you that they are super strict and tight when it comes to not leaking anything, even if there's no practical reason to protect it and even if the release of information would actually do more good than harm - which it usually does. As Hasbro once explained to me, NDCs are used to prevent information from being picked up by their competitors who would then try to outmanoeuvre them by creating similar competitive products. But Hasbro knows that they really have no direct competition with it comes to Transformers (i.e. nobody else is making another line of transforming alien robot action figures). TakaraTOMY has more competition in Japan with the whole mecha genre, but again none of it is like Transformers. Bandai aren't exactly going to make a Megatron-like Gundam.

But nonetheless I have found through my dealings with both companies that they are SUPER strict when it comes to adhering to NDCs. I am certain that this leak would not have been done by either company - I doubt it was done by any employee of TakaraTOMY, but possibly someone else who they may be associated with (e.g. retail buyers etc.?). And I reckon that whoever leaked this information would have received veeerrry angry words from TakaraTOMY, because I've seen it happen with much, much less sensitive leaks.

I'm not saying that the leak is a bad thing. It's clearly kicked up fan frenzy and excitement, which can only be beneficial. But yeah, it's just how these companies work. That's why whenever I've done translation work for Hasbro I have to keep my mouth shut until Hasbro gives me permission to reveal. Often the news is leaked by appearing on store databases, in which case I email Hasbro, inform them and ask if I can officially reveal the information and they say yes.

But yeah, if anyone can prove that this was a deliberate leak from TakaraTOMY then I'll eat my hat.

I dunno. If they were that strict i dont think they'd allow photos to be taken by anyone besides TT employees. Or maybe someone's phone was hacked. Who knows.

But the timing is convenient you have to admit. 2 amazing 3p Megatrons and there's been not a hint of a Megatron 2.0 from TT until now.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I'm of the belief that TT don't give a flying hoot about what 3P companies do. They determine their own releases on their own schedule. Or they would've made some effort to shut these companies down.

[drifand]

I'm of the belief that TT don't give a flying hoot about what 3P companies do. They determine their own releases on their own schedule. Or they would've made some effort to shut these companies down.

Shutter glass seems to be a striking feeling TT does copy a Ko copy work. I am s bit surprised it came to this honestly.

[GoktimusPrime]

Or they would've made some effort to shut these companies down.
Two problems there.
1/ China is a Hasbro market, thus outside of TakaraTOMY's jurisdiction. They can inform Hasbro, but it would ultimately be up to Hasbro to take action. When I've communicated to TakaraTOMY for official stuff it was always through Hasbro. I would even write bilingual emails to TakaraTOMY - in Japanese so that TakaraTOMY can read it directly without any of my meaning being lost in translation, and also in English so that Hasbro can understand it since I was liaising through them.
2/ The Chinese government does nothing about intellectual property theft. That's why KOs and counterfeits thrive there. Even if Hasbro tried to take legal action, they'd come across China's Great Wall of Ineptitude. :rolleyes:

Just because companies are unable to take legal action against criminals doesn't mean that they don't care about it. That's kinda like saying that financial institutions don't care about Nigerian scams because they haven't stopped them. It's more complex and harder than it looks.

[Tober]

The reason that there are those "No Photos Allowed" signs at events is because Takara sell the right to publish prototype pictures to various hobby magazines. These may have leaked from something similar.

Takara released Shockwave just as two 3P Shockwaves were being released. Inferno just as three 3P Infernos were in development, sprang Ramjet as a number of 3P Conehead projects were announced, and Shattered Glass Optimus Prime just as the 3P version of that is seen... I was expecting Trailbreaker to have been announced by now...

So maybe if I create a bunch of phony 3P Jazz prototypes... ;)

[drifand]

The reason that there are those "No Photos Allowed" signs at events is because Takara sell the right to publish prototype pictures to various hobby magazines. These may have leaked from something similar.

Takara released Shockwave just as two 3P Shockwaves were being released. Inferno just as three 3P Infernos were in development, sprang Ramjet as a number of 3P Conehead projects were announced, and Shattered Glass Optimus Prime just as the 3P version of that is seen... I was expecting Trailbreaker to have been announced by now...

So maybe if I create a bunch of phony 3P Jazz prototypes... ;)

Hear hear! I was expecting trailbreaker , but yup that's how I see it as well.

Anyway who thinks this Megatron is spot on? I felt it's one of the best looking ones so far.

[Smint]

Are we talking about KO's or 3P's? 3P's get around copyright laws by not using the Transformers logo or names. Through the eyes of the law they're not doing anything illegal. I dont understand how KO's like MPP10 are allowed to exist and are even sold under a brand name but 3P's cannot use the Transformers name implying there's at least some effective copyright laws. Why doesnt TT copyright the likeness and engineering?

[Tober]

Are we talking about KO's or 3P's?

We're not supposed to be talking about either of them really, but until we see some better prototype pics...


3P's get around copyright laws by not using the Transformers logo or names. Through the eyes of the law they're not doing anything illegal. I dont understand how KO's like MPP10 are allowed to exist and are even sold under a brand name but 3P's cannot use the Transformers name implying there's at least some effective copyright laws. Why doesnt TT copyright the likeness and engineering?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0bNf-jcVU0

------------------------

So... Version 2.0 Megatron and he still has skinny thighs. :confused:


.

[GoktimusPrime]

Unlicensed 3P products are knock offs. What a lot of people refer to as as "KOs" are actually counterfeits.

Here's the basic difference:
* A knock off is a product that looks similar to a legit product but isn't actually an imitation.
* A counterfeit is an imitation intended to be passed off as the genuine article.

At any rate, check out this article: Fighting Counterfeiting in Asia (http://www.jurisdiction.com/lovells.pdf)

[Smint]

Megatron 2.0 does look amazing though. I'm just not sure about the waist. I'll reserve judgement after i see him next to MP10. MP10 is a beefcake and from these pics Megatron looks like he wont properly match MP10 in size and stature.

[Lord_Zed]

Takara released Shockwave just as two 3P Shockwaves were being released. Inferno just as three 3P Infernos were in development, sprang Ramjet as a number of 3P Conehead projects were announced, and Shattered Glass Optimus Prime just as the 3P version of that is seen... I was expecting Trailbreaker to have been announced by now...

So maybe if I create a bunch of phony 3P Jazz prototypes... ;)

I'd love it if you could set your watch by Takara, but you can't I'm still waiting for Hound, Mirage and Sunstreaker who all had two 3rd party options released to date, or perhaps Takara's secret rule is there has to be 3 3rd party alternatives announced before they will make an official one, in which case we need at least one probably 2 new 3rd party Jazz toys to be announced. :p





Anyway who thinks this Megatron is spot on? I felt it's one of the best looking ones so far.

At the moment I think it looks like a grey prototype with a lot of potential, we can't trust the fan art. MP Laserwave looked great as a prootype, then the coloured version seemed lackluster and too purple and plasticy, fortunately he turned out to be pretty cool, so hopes are high, but we shall see.

[UltraMarginal]

So maybe if I create a bunch of phony 3P Jazz prototypes... ;)

https://cdn.meme.am/instances/67136412.jpg





Anyway who thinks this Megatron is spot on? I felt it's one of the best looking ones so far.

I think it looks great as a grey prototype. The cannon is a better size for his arm than the first Takara Version. It does look very good overall, I'm assuming the designer had more than 12 days to spend on this one like he was only given for the original MP Megs.

[aching878]

I like what's has been shown and hope it turns out to be legit, its a version that tries to provide a good balance between bot and alt, obviously that would turn some people off but for fans of MP it's def exciting to see what happens

[drifand]

I like what's has been shown and hope it turns out to be legit, its a version that tries to provide a good balance between bot and alt, obviously that would turn some people off but for fans of MP it's def exciting to see what happens

It's legit otherwise TT would have said something. It's has titled TT mp Megatron . If its third party, it would own up by now.

[aching878]

It's legit otherwise TT would have said something. It's has titled TT mp Megatron . If its third party, it would own up by now.

its def not Fanstoys as if it is it'll only be a quick mock up render with an eta of 2018 :D:D:D

[1AZRAEL1]

It's legit otherwise TT would have said something. It's has titled TT mp Megatron . If its third party, it would own up by now.

Still speculation. Until I hear it from the horses mouth, I won't assume it's TT

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

There's a listing now up on TaoBao:

https://world.taobao.com/item/538163903765.htm#detail

Allegedly MP-36.

[Smint]

Maybe they have prototypes of lots of bots and when the timing is right they pick one and put it into production. They would make business decisions based on many factors and one such decision could be to counter 3rd party releases.

[DaptoDog]

The 56th All Japan Model & Hobby Show 2016 (http://hobbyshow.co.jp/) commences today and runs through the weekend. Fingers crossed Megatron 2.0 gets announced and/or some other new Masterpiece goodness.

[drifand]

Shutter glasses special edition two broken windscreens . I will Definately rofl.

Any chance it will be trailbreaker or hoist mp . Jazz will Definately be a surprise.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Even if it's just Megatron being announced, just having official confirmation would be nice. But yeah a another new mold confirmation would be the icing on the cake.