Toy Review - Masterpiece Hound

[GoktimusPrime]

HOUND
Series - Masterpiece
Released here - N/A
Approximate Retail Price - 18,000JPY (240AUD)
Approximate Size - 18cm
Allegiance - Autobot
Alt-mode - Mitsubishi Motors Willys Jeep J3
Main Features/Gimmicks - show likeness, opening bonnet
Main Colours - green, beige, dark grey + yellow highlights
Main Accessories - x2 wing mirrors, pistol, mounted gun, spare tyre, jerrycan, key, roof canopy/shield, Spike Witwicky figure, hologram effect, holographic driver, smiling face, shouty face

PROS
+ This toy is just gorgeous in both vehicle and robot mode
+ Vehicle mode is bristling with details including interior dashboard details, driver controls, sculpted grill pattern, sculpted pattern on headlights etc. This is the second most detailed Hound toy I've ever seen aside from Binaltech Hound. The fact that I'm even comparing an MP Car with a Binaltech just goes to show how detailed this vehicle is.
+ So much of the vehicle parts are concealed in robot mode, as part of this toy's slavish show-accuracy. The cartoon model basically shows no vehicle parts aside from the chest, and this toy does pretty well in emulating this, because aside from the upper torso there are no visible vehicle parts at all. The wheels, the spare tyre, the mounted gun, the entire rear half of the jeep etc. -- all cleverly hidden. The end result is a pretty clean and slavishly cartoon-accurate robot mode.
+ Conversely, all of the robot parts are perfectly concealed in vehicle mode, including the shoulder-mounted rocket launcher.
+ This toy has done well in avoiding any partsforming, which is impressive given what an accessory-former G1 Hound is. You can remove the mounted gun, jerrycan and spare tyre if you want to - there's even storage for it inside the canopy/shield, but you also have the option of leaving them attached to the figure in either robot or vehicle mode, and the robot is perfectly capable of concealing all of these accessories.
+ Really well articulated, including one of the most articulated hands I've ever seen.
+ Incredibly well balanced. This is one of few Transformers toys that I've been able to make hold a mid-level kick instead of a high kick!
+ The toy has a Sunstreaker-esque level of zany complexity, but I find it to be a far more intuitive transformation. There aren't any parts of the transformation that makes me feel like I'm going to break something. Having said that, I have heard reports about some people breaking the leg panels. The only way that I can imagine that happening is people not reading the instructions... so... read the instructions! And if the drawings aren't adequate and you need translations of the next, feel free to post pics of the step that you need help with and either I or one of our other Japanese-speaking members can post a translation. :) Or ya know... watch a YouTube video. :p But having followed the instructions I found that I didn't feel like I was going to break anything (touch wood).

CONS
- The insistence on no partsforming does come at a cost, and the most noticeable is the crane arm that connects the head. The main drawbacks of this crane arm is that the head doesn't sit flush on top of the bonnet, and it also limits side to side head articulation.
- The fists slide in and out of the forearms but there's no lever and the forearms don't open and close. This makes extending the fists tricky as there's really not much to grip onto. For a $240 toy I would expect something better than this.
- Speaking of coming at a cost... that RRP. This is one of the most expensive toys that I have ever purchased - certainly the most expensive MP Autobot that I've ever bought. Is it worth it though? I would definitely rate MP Hound as being above MP Sunstreaker ($140) level of design and engineering but I don't know if it's $100 better than Sunstreaker to be really honest. Probably more like 15000JPY ($200) at a stretch.

OVERALL
A really, really nice toy and a great addition to the collection for anyone looking to complete the MP Autobot Cars.
Admittedly the RRP is pretty steep on this thing, so if you're not in a hurry then I recommend waiting for loose complete figures to start showing up at cheaper prices. Cos at about $150 you would definitely be getting your money's worth.

PHOTOS

In box
https://i.ibb.co/0ttVr4M/mp-hound01.jpg

Jeep mode
https://i.ibb.co/JBgkx5f/mp-hound02.jpg

Driven by Spike
https://i.ibb.co/2qvbVFS/mp-hound03.jpg

With holographic driver
https://i.ibb.co/v4H1zSB/mp-hound04.jpg

Comparison with G1 (vehicle)
https://i.ibb.co/1nHKPpP/mp-hound05.jpg

w/ canopy closed
https://i.ibb.co/Wn0HWC8/mp-hound06.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/yhSjPfW/mp-hound07.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/4NWMBZK/mp-hound08.jpg

Comparison with BT Hound (vehicle)
https://i.ibb.co/kcjK00T/mp-hound09.jpg

Comparison with BT and G1 Hound (vehicle)
https://i.ibb.co/nb0vdfc/mp-hound10.jpg

Spike riding BT Hound
https://i.ibb.co/KWvpY4B/mp-hound11.jpg

Comparison with BT Hound (bonnet interior)
https://i.ibb.co/Ydtq30N/mp-hound12.jpg

Dashboard detail
https://i.ibb.co/zbvy5n0/mp-hound13.jpg

Robot mode
https://i.ibb.co/MDTTTCy/mp-hound13a.jpg

With pistol
https://i.ibb.co/3s3XkPT/mp-hound15.jpg

Visor
https://i.ibb.co/zQJsY2Z/mp-hound16.jpg

Smiling face and key
https://i.ibb.co/7J4D8r7/mp-hound17.jpg

Shouty face
https://i.ibb.co/j3XFgkv/mp-hound18.jpg

A well balanced toy
https://i.ibb.co/LZ8drYK/mp-hound19.jpg

Hologram effect
https://i.ibb.co/BK99NYY/mp-hound20.jpg

Comparison with G1 (robot)
https://i.ibb.co/TtynPKC/mp-hound21.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/kS47Sz7/mp-hound22.jpg

Comparison with G1 and BT (robot)
https://i.ibb.co/qg7fK49/mp-hound23.jpg

[GoktimusPrime]

I tried out Hound's canopy as his shield and I found it to be too heavy for Hound to wield it as a shield. It keeps on dragging the arm down on my Hound.
https://i.ibb.co/Q9kV6gL/MP-hound31.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/WnF8284/MP-hound32.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/sFw2Ffk/MP-hound33.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/ZBc9rhg/mp-hound34.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/0jMvmV6/mp-hound35.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/PxftKW5/mp-hound36.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/tmR2Fr2/mp-hound37.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/tC5qDL2/mp-hound38.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/RjZ4fmL/mp-hound39.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/GFfQ874/mp-hound39a.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/N9CLFxM/mp-hound39b.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/VTkTn5K/mp-hound39c.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/KsKgLxw/mp-hound39d.jpg

Not sure if Spike Witwicky...
https://i.ibb.co/KjcqJcx/mp-hound39e.jpg
...or David Hasselhoff

[Lint]

God Binaltech Hound looks sexy. Masterpiece Hound is the most cartoony offering yet

[Sinnertwin]

Great photos and write up. I love the nod to the G1 boxart too

[GoktimusPrime]

:)


God Binaltech Hound looks sexy. Masterpiece Hound is the most cartoony offering yet
Another negative point about MP Hound is that there's no clearance beneath the car mode. It can't even roll on a flat surface, let alone go off road. Whereas BT Hound has loads of clearance and working suspension! :D In between taking comparison shots, I deliberately dropped BT Hound in Jeep mode onto the tiled floor and it bounced as it landed. I love how the shock absorbers on this toy actually absorb shock. :) BT Hound can roll off-road whereas MP Hound can't even roll on-road. Yeesh. :rolleyes:

A few more pics...

The canopy/shield can hold most of Hound's accessories (just not the hologram stuff)
https://i.ibb.co/hHV7fm9/mp-hound39f.jpg

Unfortunately it makes the already heavy shield even heavier. There's no way that my MP Hound can hold this shield (couldn't even hold it properly when it wasn't storing anything, now it's got less than Buckley's)
https://i.ibb.co/xYGs9BL/mp-hound39g.jpg

Hound is actually taller than most of the other MP Cars.
https://i.ibb.co/fMWwHph/mp-hound39h.jpg

Next to Henkei Hound.
https://i.ibb.co/F4hGfd1/mp-hound39i.jpg

"That's for bringing shame to my name!"
https://i.ibb.co/44rptys/mp-hound39j.jpg

[philby]

Mine hasn't arrived yet but in one online video it definitely rolls but the front wheels don't rotate as freely as the back ones.

[Tha_Phantom]

Absolutely loving this guy! Transformation is complicated but intuitive and I was able to do it entirely without instructions. Looks awesome in both modes, with the only blemish for the bot mode being the neck hinge, but whatevs. Even though it references one G1 episode, I quite like the look of him with the canopy on the Jeep mode, although I kind of wish they had given us a cage for Ravage instead (referencing MTMTE). Really love the fact that his vehicle accessories (gas can, rear cannon and spare tire) can store in his feet for robot mode without needing to detach them, although you can detach them if you wish.
He sure is expensive but now having it in hand I can see where the money goes. Highly recommend!

https://i.ibb.co/gZH9t25/IMG-20200107-183655-617.jpg (https://ibb.co/QvzQYg2)
https://i.ibb.co/XDhYRZD/IMG-20200107-151621-565.jpg (https://ibb.co/BGXnMVG)
https://i.ibb.co/pdQXHRF/IMG-20200107-140022-475.jpg (https://ibb.co/0rKJ0Fb)
https://i.ibb.co/qCjf0py/IMG-20200107-135916-823.jpg (https://ibb.co/hc9jXV7)
https://i.ibb.co/v1kVHWh/IMG-20200107-135425-664.jpg (https://ibb.co/BLBctJG)
https://i.ibb.co/q7ZLqjM/IMG-20200107-135256-322.jpg (https://ibb.co/ckmKf3c)

[Seraphim Prime]

Anyone have a comparison of all the new Spike figures that have come with the recent Masterpieces - MP-44, MP-45 & MP-47 and how they compare as a whole to the previous "generation" of minifigures that we got with MP-10, MP-25 and MP-39?

[Tha_Phantom]

Another negative point about MP Hound is that there's no clearance beneath the car mode. It can't even roll on a flat surface, let alone go off road.

Not quite true, there's undeniably enough room underneath the vehicle. The issue is the clearance under the wheel arches. You have to have him transformed just so to get it to roll, but it is possible.

https://i.ibb.co/rw6HhXV/IMG-20200107-131727.jpg (https://ibb.co/tJsD619)

[Tha_Phantom]

Anyone have a comparison of all the new Spike figures that have come with the recent Masterpieces - MP-44, MP-45 & MP-47 and how they compare as a whole to the previous "generation" of minifigures that we got with MP-10, MP-25 and MP-39?


Here is MP45 and MP47 Spikes. As you can see the one that comes with Hound is much larger. I also did a comparison with MP44 and MP45 Spikes on the MP45 review thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php/26821-Toy-Review-MP-45-Bumble-ver-2-0?p=618538#post618538)

https://i.ibb.co/fxJK2M5/IMG-20200108-124928.jpg (https://ibb.co/3CK871q)

[DaptoDog]

Thanks for all the pics. Can't wait to get my hands on this, looks amazing and fills a hole having never seen G1 Hound in the flesh. Also the inevitable toy repaint will be even better.

[Krayt]

So....


Hounds busted in the box... the hinge for the "door" panel was cracked and a section floating loose in the tray.

HLJ asked if i could fix it, otherwise I'd have to return it to them.

Thoughts? anyone else got any breaks?

[DaptoDog]

So....


Hounds busted in the box... the hinge for the "door" panel was cracked and a section floating loose in the tray.

HLJ asked if i could fix it, otherwise I'd have to return it to them.

Thoughts? anyone else got any breaks?

That sucks. Unfortunately there is a significant number of people experiencing breakage, often out of the box (as indicated in this TFW poll).

https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/mp-47-hound-qc-poll.1187110/

[dirge]

I just got my Hound & promptly opened and transformed him. I'm not as impressed as I'd want to be for the price.

Summary:

Pros:
- The robot mode mostly looks great & there's cartoon accuracy
- The vehicle mode attachments can all integrate in robot mode
- The robot mode rocket launcher integrated into the vehicle mode, and the way it forms part of the interior of the Jeep is very clever
- Excellent poseability & well thought out accessories

Cons:
- I know they're going for cartoon accuracy but I'd have preferred the colours be a little more realistic and a little less cartoony. It does come at a cost in vehicle mode
- The neck joint already mentioned by others, though in truth this doesn't particularly bother me
- I dislike the false wheels on his ankles. They look silly & I would much have preferred the real wheels
- It's too fiddly in some areas; which means that some joints are delicate with fine clearances - I'd rather have had a little kibble somewhere rather than the door hinges that, as some have found, are fragile
- Related to the last point, I don't want to transform him back to vehicle mode... I'm too afraid of these joints breaking. If he wasn't $200+ I'd buy another to display both modes. But then, the vehicle mode's green is too light to really evoke a military Jeep (the BT did that much better)

I'm not dissatisfied; Hound will look GREAT alongside the other Autobot cars. But the earlier guys like Bluestreak & Sideswipe are far more elegant and sturdy for mine; and even NOW on eBay are cheaper than Hound. While the MPs aren't really designed with play in mind, this is far less playable than the earlier cars.

[Tha_Phantom]

I don't want to transform him back to vehicle mode... I'm too afraid of these joints breaking.

I have had that feeling with a few of the recent MPs when I first transformed them, such as MP-43, MP-45 and MP-47. I think "this is too scary to transform again" but then I do, and the more I do it's fine. I've transformed Hound a good 6 or more times to bot and back now and he hasn't had one stress mark or crack. I'm not oblivious to the QC issues others have had out of the box, but mine has been totally fine after numerous transformations, for whatever that is worth.

[dirge]

I have had that feeling with a few of the recent MPs when I first transformed them, such as MP-43, MP-45 and MP-47. I think "this is too scary to transform again" but then I do, and the more I do it's fine. I've transformed Hound a good 6 or more times to bot and back now and he hasn't had one stress mark or crack. I'm not oblivious to the QC issues others have had out of the box, but mine has been totally fine after numerous transformations, for whatever that is worth.

Fair enough.

For me though, it remains a negative. I really enjoy transforming Tracks, Bluestreak etc back and forth ... but find Sunstreaker is kinda unpleasant (I have Cordon who displays in vehicle mode so best of both worlds right there). Hound feels more like Sunstreaker - but I'm still happy I have him.

[drifand]

After seeing people receiving damaged out of the box from a couple of reports, I decided I am skipping it for now.

[Tha_Phantom]

I look forward to you updating us when you've bought it.

[Paulbot]

I got my Hound yesterday from HLJ. Opened it for a visual inspection. No signs of any issues. Not transforming at this stage though.

Like Dirge, I was a bit disappointed at how cartoony the vehicle mode looks (I think it's primarily the shade of green, and I think it will look good in robot mode).

[philby]

Mine appears to be fine and undamaged in the box but I admit I am now reluctant to transform it... :/

[popculturepooka]

I didn't get Hound.

And super happy I probably dodged a bullet.

[Omega Metro]

I didn't get Hound.

And super happy I probably dodged a bullet.

Agree. My 3P Hound does me just fine. HasTak can stick their ‘Masterpieces’ where the sun don’t shine.

[Kranix]

I love the detailing on this figure in jeep mode, very cool. Not a huge fan of the legs or the gun but they're toon accurate. Also the colour isn't brilliant to me. In general though it's a good looking MP.

I can't help but think a more toy like deco in dark green with chrome would look brilliant but we may never see that. Despite the QC risk, I would grab this guy at a reduced price. He is cheaper on Amazon Japan right now but we can't purchase from them any more unfortunately.

[Jellico]

Well finally got him. Boy it is a long time since I opened a MP clam shell. Looks like they use 6 pieces of tape now.

So Hound. Very pretty. Looks like a jeep. The wheels look like they are from a Toyota, but that is his vintage. Same with the padded bucket seats.

As a robot he looks the part. Good proportions. The wheels on his ankles look silly, but it is accurate and using them to lock his feet together is clever.

There is a lot of clever. Too much clever. Using the legs and feet for storage is a good example. Clever, but very cramped to the point of impractical, even breaking the toy.

Which brings me to tolerances. The one thing that stood out for me was tolerances. The first transformation was scary because of so many joints for the panels being too tight. I can see why they have been broken. The back seats don't slide smoothly through the gap in tray of the vehicle when forming the feet. Tolerances. The front fenders don't pop out cleanly. Tolerances. I expect better from Takara. Bending plastic past other parts is 3rd party cheats. I want my "Takara moment". Not 3rd party fiddling. Speaking of 3rd party the plastic reminds me of Bad Cube. I never had a problem with it but it never felt as crisp as the plastics Takara used previously. Interesting to see it here. Especially given how panel-ly that company's products can be. Is this the future for Takara?

Good use of paint. Not so much chipping, but rubbing in interesting places. Eg, the corners of his front hip skirt where if slides under his hip when raising his leg. Not really noticeable but it is happening. Similar sort of rubbing elsewhere. Eg bottom edge of the shins where the feet can rub against them.

Three transformations in backwards and forwards. No damage yet and the joints are loosening up. That is probably key. Get those joints loosened and you should be right. Getting them loosened the first time is the challenge.

Anyway, the Ark crew continues growing, and Hound is worth getting.

[Ralph Wiggum]

For me I struggled to lock the arms in place. Maybe I did a step wrong. But I didn't find it as intuitive or refined as, say, Ironhide/Ratchet or Inferno/Grapple. I haven't managed to fully enclose the feet due to level of cramming in stuff together, but I'm not going to have another attempt. I'm just grateful I didn't have any QC issues with mine.

But overall, he looks the part, and it is so nice to have another different coloured Autobot who is not blue, white or red. If you're focussed on completing the Arc crew, then get this one for sure.

And with that, with no more G1 MP's on the horizon, my wallet is going to be having a break from Transformers purchases (unless I pickup Bumblebee 2.0 very, very, cheap somewhere)

[christalcase]

I finally got mine and transformed him this week. It was too late to cancel my order after all the issues came to light. Looking at some of the pictures of breakages, I am really lucky that my figure had none. However, while paint is nice, I had various paint chips straight out of the box so that's really annoying (hips, forearms, shins). I really do prefer bare plastic for the pieces that will rub against each other.

Given the cartoon accuracy the complex transformation surprised me a lot. I was really careful and I don't think I will ever transform him again. It was an unpleasant experience and felt needlessly too reliant on small pieces folding against and past each other. I'm happy to play with the older Masterpieces but I feel these recent ones are not designed for multiple transformations.

With all these issues and the high price, I don't recommend it.

[GoktimusPrime]

I recently heard another report of someone's Hound breaking (this time the "arm" connector that holds the head and missile launcher). After hearing directly from at least two collectors whose Hounds broke on them, I'm not keen to continue transforming mine. :( Might display my BT Hound in Jeep mode and keep MP Hound in robot mode. If they release an MP+ (toy accurate) Hound or an MP Detritus then I'd be tempted to grab that just to keep a copy of this mould in vehicle mode. Pretty disappointing -- not even MP3 was this fragile.

Seems that MP Hound suffers from GPS (Green Plastic Syndrome)... and it seems to be the worst case of brittle plastic as it's breaking on new toys. At least Gold, Brown and Blue Plastic Syndrome happens on aged toys. As in it takes years before the problem manifests, not days or weeks.

[Tha_Phantom]

I am one of the two collectors Gok is referring to. I also have another friend who had theirs break first transformation.
Seems the breakage issues with this figure are not a matter of IF, but WHEN they happen. It took about 7 transformations back and forth before it happened to me, so I knew what I was doing and it still broke due to the back panels of the Jeep mode being held on by a tiny connection. Other common breakages are the side doors and the shoulder cannon arm as Gok already mentioned.
All I can say is please be really careful guys! I strongly recommend you do not transform Hound at all, but if you must, do it only once to experience it then leave it alone.

[DaptoDog]

That's a bugger. When I receive mine I'll be applying some shock oil as recommended by some on TFW. Also read it's best to slightly loosen the screw that's part of the neck armature. These measures still don't guarantee it won't break but I'm hopeful it will survive one transformation to bot mode. I also refrained from my standard practice of double dipping to keep one MISB since I'd always be concerned it's broken out of the box. If they do a reissue that has better plastic I'll pick up a duplicate.

I've even asked Dennis from OMP to inspect mine out of the box to better ensure I get a decent copy.

[dirge]

I fully intend to grab a second Hound down the track to keep displayed in vehicle mode, anyway. Hoping, as Gok said, there's a more toy-accurate version, I'd much rather a darker Jeep mode.

So **** what happened to yours, Tha_Phantom.

[Sinnertwin]

Pretty piss poor effort from TT if we're throwing terms around like don't transform it, or find your own fix-its for a new item out of the box.

[Tha_Phantom]

Pretty piss poor effort from TT if we're throwing terms around like don't transform it, or find your own fix-its for a new item out of the box.

You know me Sinn, I always try to see the positive in things (especially considering what we're paying for these figures) but I just cannot defend this figure. It's a real shame too as if not for the QC issues it would be amazing. The fact I transformed it so many times before it broke shows I did enjoy it, but now I'm utterly let down.

Having said all that, if there is either a reissue or repaint with QC issues fixed I'd probably get it, but I'm not giving Takara the benefit of the doubt anymore. I'll wait until there are in hand reviews first.

[Sinnertwin]

What gets me the most is the R & D team would have known full well what the mould is likely to encounter through various pre production hard copies, but still went full steam ahead anyway. That to me is just low.

[BigTransformerTrev]

I finally got around to transforming mine today, and with some trepidation considering how many breakages I read about.

I found the transformation quite clever, especially how you don't even have to remove all the extras like the spare tyre, gas can and turret gun. Wasn't expecting that and was suitably impressed.

I couldn't get the right shoulder to fit on mine in robot mode properly, it felt like if I kept forcing it that it was going to break. Considering others have pointed out this as a breakage point I've left it sitting slightly out, disappointing for a toy of this price.

Overall I really like both his robot and jeep modes and found it a clever transformation sequence. A good figure that is let down by some QC issues.

[GoktimusPrime]

What gets me the most is the R & D team would have known full well what the mould is likely to encounter through various pre production hard copies, but still went full steam ahead anyway. That to me is just low.
Apparently not (https://news.tfw2005.com/2020/02/09/tfw2005-reports-from-wonderfest-takara-tomy-representatives-declarations-extra-images-from-the-event-404884). It turns out that a decision was made to use inferior quality materials at the factory level in Vietnam, not at the R&D level in Japan.

[Sinnertwin]

Apparently not (https://news.tfw2005.com/2020/02/09/tfw2005-reports-from-wonderfest-takara-tomy-representatives-declarations-extra-images-from-the-event-404884). It turns out that a decision was made to use inferior quality materials at the factory level in Vietnam, not at the R&D level in Japan.

That statement has done nothing to ease my mind. On the contrary, it's only left it open to more questions if one decides to read between the lines.

[Tha_Phantom]

I'm not sure about this just being due to the quality of materials Gok. The pieces connecting the rear panels to the back of the Jeep are super tiny, which is a design issue, not a QC one.

https://i.ibb.co/hCPW2sb/received-1820350261430693.jpg (https://ibb.co/nRHcQr9)

[GoktimusPrime]

It'd be interesting to see if TakaraTOMY will reissue or release another version of MP Hound with better quality plastic. Using better plastic won't make the toy invulnerable, but it should make it less susceptible to breakage. I'd like to see this toy being released in toy-accurate colours with better quality materials. If they did that I'd consider buying it and keep one in robot mode and the other in Jeep mode and never transform my original MP Hound.
https://i.ibb.co/3ydxtyk/mp-hound-digibash-G1.jpg
Who knows... MP3 did significantly improve when they used superior quality plastic for the Hasbro version and subsequent uses of that mould (MP6, MP7). I'd hope that re-releasing this mould with better plastic would also improve the quality of this toy. It won't be perfect, but at least better - just as we saw with MP3.

Having these itty bitty pieces is part of what they're doing to try and achieve these crazy slavish levels of show likeness, but that's what fans are demanding. :rolleyes: Not me. I prefer toy accuracy. I like my G1 Ironhide and Ratchet having flat heads with sticker faces. My MP Grimlock always has red eyes, not blue. My second year G1 Decepticon Jets are never "coneheads." I prefer Optimus Prime and Soundwave with yellow eyes. Okay, I'm just rambling now... :p

[Tha_Phantom]

Having these itty bitty pieces is part of what they're doing to try and achieve these crazy slavish levels of show likeness, but that's what fans are demanding.

Sorry, I don't see how that is part of show accuracy. They could have made a thicker bit connecting the rear panels to the Jeep mode and still maintained show accuracy. You don't have to change the overall look of the rear panels, just the piece I'm pointing to in the above pic.

I do take your point about better plastic. I know MPs never have been or ever will be completely immune to breaking, but the older ones sure do stand up to numerous transformations. I just transformed Sunstreaker for the zillionth time today, which goes to show that a cartoon accurate and durable MP is possible (okay aside from his paint). Hopefully if they can at least fix the plastic quality then there will be far less breakages on future Hound releases, but I still maintain some connecting bits are designed too thin.

[Tha_Phantom]

On a different note, I wonder if an MP Hound+ will ditch the canopy accessory in favour of a cage for Ravage. ;) I'd love that personally.

[Krayt]

So....


Hounds busted in the box... the hinge for the "door" panel was cracked and a section floating loose in the tray.

HLJ asked if i could fix it, otherwise I'd have to return it to them.

Thoughts? anyone else got any breaks?

So, just over a month later, and Hound #2 is here...

Not broken in the box this time.... and looks inspected and resealed.

Here goes.....

[Ravagecat]

So, just over a month later, and Hound #2 is here...

Not broken in the box this time.... and looks inspected and resealed.

Here goes.....

Mine was not broken in the box however after only two transformations the same piece you describe broke on mine last night..."and all I can say is Arggggghhhhhh!!!!!!"

[DaptoDog]

Dennis from OMP inspected mine so it arrived in good shape. Transformed it last night, oh boy these MP's are taking longer and longer to transform. Took care to avoid breakages, needed to use shock oil in one of the foot panel double hinges that was so tight (thanks to Trent for the expert advice). However, I'm pretty sure I can see early signs of a crack forming in the neck armature as is common. I tried loosening the screw in that area to relieve the pressure but couldn't turn it (same thing happened to me with MP-18+ Bluestreak's head). I'm guessing these are JIS screws and my Philips heads aren't working?

Anyway it's my first Hound and it looks great. But definitely not fun.

[DaptoDog]

I bought a set of JIS screwdrivers here (https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07BYV6PF6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and managed to loosen the armature screw to reduce the stress. Fortunately the crack hasn't gotten any worse.

https://oimg.photobucket.com/albums/r670/lemmead/Hound%20neck%20crack%20-edit_zpsmlwmybpu.jpg

[Magnus]

I bought a set of JIS screwdrivers here (https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07BYV6PF6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and managed to loosen the armature screw to reduce the stress. Fortunately the crack hasn't gotten any worse.

https://oimg.photobucket.com/albums/r670/lemmead/Hound%20neck%20crack%20-edit_zpsmlwmybpu.jpg

After reading your posts, I've learned about JIS screws. I had a look at my Hound and sure enough, that part is cracked:

https://i.imgur.com/RbvdsuH.jpg

I took the missile launcher out altogether, and I've noticed that the part with the post is painted whereas the connecting parts that link to the missile launcher aren't. Note the different shades of green.

https://i.imgur.com/BhyMi2h.jpg

Now I'm contemplating taking some hobby sandpaper to that post to remove some paint and shave down its diameter a bit, so it won't be quite so snug in the slot.

[Ralph Wiggum]

No cracks in mine fortunately.

I'm...gonna put it down and never.touch.it.again.

[Tha_Phantom]

https://i.ibb.co/X7Q4bKM/Zombo-Meme-29022020223944.jpg (https://ibb.co/5r096Sw)

[DaptoDog]

After reading your posts, I've learned about JIS screws. I had a look at my Hound and sure enough, that part is cracked:

https://i.imgur.com/RbvdsuH.jpg

I took the missile launcher out altogether, and I've noticed that the part with the post is painted whereas the connecting parts that link to the missile launcher aren't. Note the different shades of green.

https://i.imgur.com/BhyMi2h.jpg

Now I'm contemplating taking some hobby sandpaper to that post to remove some paint and shave down its diameter a bit, so it won't be quite so snug in the slot.

That's a shame about the crack. I've read about the sanding the post fix on TFW also. I hope that works for you. If mine gets worse I might have to try it.

I've also read on there of people supergluing that crack with good results.

[Magnus]

That's a shame about the crack. I've read about the sanding the post fix on TFW also. I hope that works for you. If mine gets worse I might have to try it.

I've also read on there of people supergluing that crack with good results.

Thanks - good to know that other users have tried sanding down the post. I'm also going to try applying glue to the crack (thinking of getting some paper with glue into the crack to apply it and minimise an unsightly drop on the crack), but rather than use superglue, I'm considering using hobby glue - the stuff that 'melts' the plastic it contacts so the pieces 'fuse'. Good idea? Bad idea?

[DaptoDog]

Thanks - good to know that other users have tried sanding down the post. I'm also going to try applying glue to the crack (thinking of getting some paper with glue into the crack to apply it and minimise an unsightly drop on the crack), but rather than use superglue, I'm considering using hobby glue - the stuff that 'melts' the plastic it contacts so the pieces 'fuse'. Good idea? Bad idea?

While I don't have any experience with hobby glue what you described seems reasonable. It seems like some others on TFW have also used a hobby glue of some sort from my scanning of the comments. Good luck!

[Dinkydarth]

hobby glue is the best option. Plastic Magic from Deluxe Materials seems to work on transformers plastics. I've tried Tamiya plastic cement and it didn't work.

[Magnus]

While I don't have any experience with hobby glue what you described seems reasonable. It seems like some others on TFW have also used a hobby glue of some sort from my scanning of the comments. Good luck!


hobby glue is the best option. Plastic Magic from Deluxe Materials seems to work on transformers plastics. I've tried Tamiya plastic cement and it didn't work.

I used Tamiya Contacta Professional, and it seems to have worked. I also sanded down the post - probably a bit too much, as it's now a bit looser than I'd like, as well as accidentally sanding down part of the circumference of the top of the post itself. The important thing is that the post rotates freely in the socket.

[kovert]

I used Tamiya Contacta Professional, and it seems to have worked.

Revell Contacta Professional? :)

[Magnus]

While I don't have any experience with hobby glue what you described seems reasonable. It seems like some others on TFW have also used a hobby glue of some sort from my scanning of the comments. Good luck!


hobby glue is the best option. Plastic Magic from Deluxe Materials seems to work on transformers plastics. I've tried Tamiya plastic cement and it didn't work.


Revell Contacta Professional? :)

You're right, it was Revell. I was thinking of Tamiya because I had a Tamiya product out. Point is, it worked :)

In fact, I found another couple of cracks on hinges while transforming Hound just now, so I used it on them, too.

[DaptoDog]

You're right, it was Revell. I was thinking of Tamiya because I had a Tamiya product out. Point is, it worked :)

In fact, I found another couple of cracks on hinges while transforming Hound just now, so I used it on them, too.

Might need to try this glue myself! While the neck crack hasn't changed from day one I've just now noticed a new crack around the pin of the left side mirror. Hasn't been transformed since the time I got it, I've been checking on it periodically. I'm wondering if the temperature changes cause these cracks over time?

So how did your repairs turn out? Did you use paper to apply the glue as you first mentioned? How long do you leave it for before testing it out?

[Magnus]

Might need to try this glue myself! While the neck crack hasn't changed from day one I've just now noticed a new crack around the pin of the left side mirror. Hasn't been transformed since the time I got it, I've been checking on it periodically. I'm wondering if the temperature changes cause these cracks over time?

So how did your repairs turn out? Did you use paper to apply the glue as you first mentioned? How long do you leave it for before testing it out?

I was able to successfully apply the glue, and I left it alone for a day before moving associated joints (in addition to the neck post for the rocket launcher, the other affected joints were the hinges for the leg panels - the ones that end up on his calves), but the repair doesn't seem to have held - I took a look after reading your post and the cracks have opened up again on moving the joints. No idea if the area is under a lot of stress, or the glue doesn't work with this plastic, so I'm unsure whether I'll try the Revell Contacta again or if I'll try conventional superglue.

[DaptoDog]

I was able to successfully apply the glue, and I left it alone for a day before moving associated joints (in addition to the neck post for the rocket launcher, the other affected joints were the hinges for the leg panels - the ones that end up on his calves), but the repair doesn't seem to have held - I took a look after reading your post and the cracks have opened up again on moving the joints. No idea if the area is under a lot of stress, or the glue doesn't work with this plastic, so I'm unsure whether I'll try the Revell Contacta again or if I'll try conventional superglue.

Ah right that's a shame but thanks for the update. I guess there's no point in worrying about it, if it's going to crack it's going to crack no matter what we do. Will just enjoy it on the shelf.

[sideswipes brother]

It'd be interesting to see if TakaraTOMY will reissue or release another version of MP Hound with better quality plastic. Using better plastic won't make the toy invulnerable, but it should make it less susceptible to breakage. I'd like to see this toy being released in toy-accurate colours with better quality materials. If they did that I'd consider buying it and keep one in robot mode and the other in Jeep mode and never transform my original MP Hound.
https://i.ibb.co/3ydxtyk/mp-hound-digibash-G1.jpg
Who knows... MP3 did significantly improve when they used superior quality plastic for the Hasbro version and subsequent uses of that mould (MP6, MP7). I'd hope that re-releasing this mould with better plastic would also improve the quality of this toy. It won't be perfect, but at least better - just as we saw with MP3.

Having these itty bitty pieces is part of what they're doing to try and achieve these crazy slavish levels of show likeness, but that's what fans are demanding. :rolleyes: Not me. I prefer toy accuracy. I like my G1 Ironhide and Ratchet having flat heads with sticker faces. My MP Grimlock always has red eyes, not blue. My second year G1 Decepticon Jets are never "coneheads." I prefer Optimus Prime and Soundwave with yellow eyes. Okay, I'm just rambling now... :p

That is a Hound i would buy! The other is simply child like cartoony. Not a fan.

[GoktimusPrime]

I reckon if they did re-release Hound that they would probably use better quality plastic. This sort of reminds me of MP3, as that toy also had rather fragile plastic, but every subsequent use of that core mould (i.e. every MP Seeker since) has used superior plastic which improved the toy. Even on Hasbro's MP3, as well as MP6 and MP7. And even MP11 onwards is still based on the same core mould (albeit retooled).

I grabbed Hasbro's MP3 as soon as I saw it at Toys R Us and I've since sold my Takara MP3. Hasbro's MP3 also had more G1 accurate colours. Aah, the days when Hasbro and Takara did different stuff. :/

[Ralph Wiggum]

No cracks in mine fortunately.

I'm...gonna put it down and never.touch.it.again.

Well I didn't listen to myself and decided to repose Hound along with the rest of my Autobot shelf.

Accidentally dropped him and snapped the shin leg panel straight off, so now half the leg has broken off. A part of me thinks a better quality plastic would've survived the fall.

I'm gonna try to use model cement to see if I can do a repair, but given that whole shin section is a very tightly packed bunch of parts, I'm not very optimistic the glue can withstand the tension.

Update: Tamiya model cement didn?t work.Switched to Selleys All Plastic Fix. Worked a charm. Looks like I?ve got a statue now.

[Seraphim Prime]

Returning to an old thread.

I acquired an MP Hound recently for a good price and have had my opinion of him turned around.

There are some componenent of the transformation that are probably more complicated than they needed to be, and in some cases require a specific order to complete properly, but I have really enjoyed this figure.

The foot transformation is really enjoyable and pretty clever. I like the mechanism used to lift the front tyre guard up to create an elevated shoulder, and it's just a really effective looking piece standing next to other figures like Sunstreaker and Grapple. He looks a little out of place next to MP Sideswipe, but is pretty impressive overall.

I will have to keep an eye out for the areas of cracking noted by others, but I am very happy with the choice to pick him up as my Masterpiece Hound.

[Skyfire]

I got mine 1 year ago and I've only transformed him from car in the box to robot. And that's all I might do. Mine's fine but I'm scared of breaking him. Mine was double taped and no out of box QC issues. He is a good looking figure and I'm glad to have him but a shame about the price and my fear of breakage. So it's nice if you got him at a discount.

I wonder if they have done or will do a reissue addressing quality problems.

[GoktimusPrime]

I acquired an MP Hound recently for a good price and have had my opinion of him turned around.
Bear in mind that the retail price for MP Hound was $240. Some people may have paid even more including freight.

While I'm super happy that you got your MP Hound at a cheaper price, I think it pays to be mindful of a toy's original RRP when appraising its value for money, as that's what the majority of consumers probably paid. I got my MP Forty-Four at a ridiculously cheap price (bought it second hand from a friend; so got super good mate's rates), but whenever I appraise that toy I'm always mindful of it's max RRP, not the price that I paid. :)

How would you feel about MP Hound if you'd paid $250 or more for it? I quite like my new MP Convoy, but I must confess that I most likely wouldn't like it as much if I'd paid full quid. :cool: I like both of these MPs, and I like MP Arcee too... but I don't think any of them are worth full price. If you can get them at a discounted price either through pre-order earlybird discount or later discounted prices, fantastic - and I would recommend that. But I can't say that recent MPs have been worth the manufacturer's recommended price.

[Seraphim Prime]

Bear in mind that the retail price for MP Hound was $240. Some people may have paid even more including freight.

While I'm super happy that you got your MP Hound at a cheaper price, I think it pays to be mindful of a toy's original RRP when appraising its value for money, as that's what the majority of consumers probably paid.

…

If you can get them at a discounted price either through pre-order earlybird discount or later discounted prices, fantastic - and I would recommend that. But I can't say that recent MPs have been worth the manufacturer's recommended price.


I agree. I wasn't interested at $250, but managed to get him second hand for $150.

Though I disagree that I should have to take into account RRP when assessing a toy. I can appreciate that it may impact the relative enjoyment of a figure - the "return on investment" - the ability to appreciate the engineering of a particular transformation or reporting on the build quality experienced should be allowed to be expressed regardless of price.

Note that my additional "Yes" vote doesn't change the ultimate outcome of the poll - you would still have had 40% of people saying they should get the figure, and only 20% of people saying outright no.

[Skyfire]

So, about 5 and a half months later, I decided to check on my Hound. He has been moved from one spot of the desk to another, joints have not moved much and not been transformed. The rocket armature has been moved somewhat. And 5 cracks have been spotted (all the usual reported areas) - 3 at the rocket armature around the screw, 1 at the side at the door hinge and 1 at the back below the knee. From what I've read, the plastic was manufactured improperly so it may just be a matter of time before Hound cracks.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51297295707_8223f8b2c8_h.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/188963544@N02/3967P4)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51299049785_278c02d333_h.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/188963544@N02/Pn6hb2)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51298040461_75b6d5b7d9_h.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/188963544@N02/zLa53p)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51299049820_b385374338_h.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/188963544@N02/z4859f)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51297295762_1175131113_h.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/188963544@N02/2Cvk6N)

[christalcase]

Just checked mine, I have one crack behind the right knee so I'm one of the luckier ones but still, :(. Only transformed once to robot mode when I got it and then just standing on shelf. At least I have learnt enough to not get another MP after this as they are way too expensive to be worthwhile.

[dirge]

Thankfully I cannot find any hairline cracks on mine aside from the one it had straight out of the box.

Still, it's not a toy I am willing to play with!

[Skyfire]

At least I have learnt enough to not get another MP after this as they are way too expensive to be worthwhile.

What prompted me to check Hound was the cracking found on MP-52 Starscream (right vertical tail fin base and at the ankles) out of the box. I thought "Hmm, there are MP-52s cracked out of the box at common sites and ones that are OK, just like Hound. So I wonder if the OK ones will crack in time. Uh oh... I think I'd better check my Hound..." :(

[dirge]

Sadly, I suspect the cracking of plastics is - at least to an extent - a by-product of the cartoon-accurate ambition. Hound has a lot of very thin pieces of plastic on active transformation joints.

I'm not being critical of TakaraTomy when I say this... but yeah, the less ambitious more toy-inspired equivalents like Sideswipe and Inferno seem to be fine.

Luckily for me, I prefer the toy-accuracy. But... I mean, I still have a cartoon-centic Hound because... well it's not like there's an alternative,

[Magnus]

Sadly, I suspect the cracking of plastics is - at least to an extent - a by-product of the cartoon-accurate ambition. Hound has a lot of very thin pieces of plastic on active transformation joints.

I'm not being critical of TakaraTomy when I say this... but yeah, the less ambitious more toy-inspired equivalents like Sideswipe and Inferno seem to be fine.

Luckily for me, I prefer the toy-accuracy. But... I mean, I still have a cartoon-centic Hound because... well it's not like there's an alternative,

In Hound's case, the plastic itself may be at fault, based on a statement from a TakaraTOMY representative at Wonderfest 2020:


Regarding recent QC issues found in Masterpiece Hound: Regarding the factories, different materials were used in Vietnam but they were unaware how they would pan out for Hound as they were unaware of what the results will be. They know of the breakages right now, but no decision has been made for a future re-release or if they will change the factories or materials.

Source: https://news.tfw2005.com/2020/02/09/tfw2005-reports-from-wonderfest-takara-tomy-representatives-declarations-extra-images-from-the-event-404884

It's possible that the prototypes were tested and made from a different plastic than would be used in mass production, or that early samples from the factory were lucky enough to not break. Either way, it's a shame that as many Hounds have cracked as they have, because plastic aside it's a great piece.

[Deano85]

If they do a re-release of MP Hound in toy colours then I would definitely get him. (hopefully without a heap of accessories to keep the cost down)

[Skyfire]

I removed the screw at the armature. I used a JIS screwdriver but the screw came out easily and I perhaps could have just used a regular Philips head. Perhaps the reason the screw came out easily is due to the post being cracked as shown in the pics. Also one thing I've noticed for a while is that a bit of oil has been seeping from that armature joint. I guess that's an oil they used at the factory. I don't think it's coming from the plastic itself. The pressure of the screw opens the crack more, so the plastic quality is poor or the screw/hole size is badly engineered or both. As you can see, the peg cracks are like a network so it's a matter of time before the whole thing fractures into tiny bits. Some people have filed down the peg to solve the problem of the outside ring of that joint from cracking. But since the screw is cracking the peg, sanding the peg won't fix that, and could even increase the chance of peg cracking. The only way to fix this that I can see is to fill the screw hole (and cracks) and redrill it. Without some fix, I'm certain transformation will completely break it. And it's only been transformed from new in box car to robot. Such a shame for such an expensive figure.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51317176095_1909c8af9a_h.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/188963544@N02/392skr)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51316895914_a94581e0a2_h.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/188963544@N02/4FsS39)

[Skyfire]

I have done a repair of the armature in Ratchet's Repair Bay (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php/27975-MP-47-Hound-shoulder-missile-armature-crack-repair?p=644232#post644232) section.