Toy Review - Legacy Motormaster Commander class

[doublespy]

Series - Generations
Sub-line - Legacy
Size/class - Commader
New/remould/redeco - New
Released here - June 2022
Main Features/Gimmicks - Awesomeness



Truck mode:
The cab itself is excellent. It�s suitably powerful looking, with all the right sculpt, and details picked out by paint apps. I�m particularly a big fan of the rivet details; i just think it�s a must for any good Motormaster. The trailer itself sure could stand to be a bit longer, as proportionally it does look off for Motormaster. However for the level of engineering Takara packed in with such a short stubby trailer, honestly I�m not complaining at all. It�s surprisingly heavy and so densely packed with parts. The trailer also gives a Ginrai/God Bomber vibe (it�ll need some major remolding to work though, which i don�t think has happened at the Commander class price point yet?)

https://i.imgur.com/uctPmsXh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/Kotn6xgh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/BaiNS39h.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/lKznFZ4h.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/99oXbbuh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/17USbgFh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/giJ3kpFh.jpeg


The back of the cab is also pretty clean. The way the trailer bed transforms certainly helps. The trailer has a similar flip out stand to ER Optimus.

https://i.imgur.com/eZEcKzkh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/8pAAkjuh.jpeg


It�s worth noting the part that the trailer wheels are attached to are made of PVC and is quite thin. Mine and the ones I�ve seen online are all warped to various degree out of package. It�s a thin part with thin load bearing connecting tabs so I get it why they chose the material, but maybe a slightly different design would�ve alleviated the need altogether?

https://i.imgur.com/JskPOeUl.jpeg


Transformation (base mode)
The whole concept of it is very God Bomber-esque. It�s simple but effective. The main connection points that hold the trailer together are all 5mm so there�s loads of customizing options when the trailer�s broken into the various block sections. Would I have preferred that the turret tower thing is fully integrated into the Menasor frame? Absolutely. DX9 did it with their rather simple (for a 3rd party)but elegant design and I love that figure. Would this ruin Legacy Motormaster for me? Definitely not. I like what�s been achieved with the rest of the pieces here. And Menasor manning the turret could be an intentional homage to �Cosmic Rust� too!

https://i.imgur.com/yQzVEhGh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/7qrJCX5h.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/fTkG4g4h.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/qbkoQnSl.jpeg


Base mode:
Far from the worst base mode we�ve had(Some of the Titan base modes are the worst imho due to the lack of meaningful engineering). The whole thing is COVERED in 5mm ports and pegs so you can really go crazy and deck this thing out. I also like the scope feature on the turret gun Mark mentioned in the steam; it just adds another dimension to the look.

https://i.imgur.com/qEVqnfXh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/bHiUlqwh.jpeg


Transformation (Motormaster)
The flow of the process, especially the leg bit, is very similar to some 3p designs like DX9�s. The transformation is simple but really effective. I like the choice of not breaking down the trailer bed further: it helps with the truck mode look, and also helps solidify the Menasor block he forms a bit more.

https://i.imgur.com/PbOWpU5h.jpeg


Motormaster mode:
It�s a fine looking Motormaster to me. The legs could stand to be a bit less kibbly, as all the panel mass that forms the cab box are left on the legs. However considering what he also does later in Menasor mode, it�s a compromise I�ll willing to accept.

https://i.imgur.com/gRhkS8Ph.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/45PnhSeh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/Wd0Nnarh.jpeg

He cuts a fine silhouette. The head sculpt is kind of a modernized G1 toon look, nicely painted with metallic purple. The arms look like they�re cast in purple and color corrected with paint. I think they look better in person where the purple bleeding through is much less noticeable.

https://i.imgur.com/sh8QCUZh.jpeg


He�s a pretty standard voyager size, and does look really nice next to his fellow Stunticon Dragstrip. The team will look so good displayed together in �bot mode.
https://i.imgur.com/vZRimRah.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/z72UDWYh.jpeg


He has all the standard WfC articulation points we�ve come to know and love. The only thing I think TT could�ve done better is the neck joint. A ball joint with cut out on the back of head to give him some up range would be nice versus the rotation joint he has with no up or down range. Since he comes in a closed box anyway this could�ve been easily achieved imho without having to have some of these new �anti theft� neck joint designs. I feel that the sword is sized for Motormaster, and the gun is really more sized for Menasor and the gun turret thing.
https://i.imgur.com/n25X56oh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/tkqAijlh.jpeg


Transformation (Menasor)
It�s so good. Mark was not wrong in the stream when he said it�s a pretty crazy transformation for Motormaster. The process flows. All the tabs are there waiting for you. The end result is a solid chunk of torso and the best part is that Motormaster actually forms the majority of the torso, unlike some of the 3p designs where he just kind of balls up into a box and fits into a cavity inside the Menasor frame.

https://i.imgur.com/agk2NxIh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/4ysYVtQh.jpeg


We�d already seen it in the stream, the Automorph feature on both the arm and leg is of course worth all the praises. The arm chunks doing a double Z extension is also ingenious and satisfying to execute.
https://i.imgur.com/MwR7Mtwh.jpeg


Menasor mode(I realized after uploading the photos that I forgot to fold up the knee caps when I took these. Ah well it�s incomplete now anyways and you get the gist of the combiner frame):

This is the mode that justifies the Commander price for me. Solid, well articulated, with great engineering built in. The arms do look a little long but I think it�s the legs that are a bit on the short side. And I�d rather have the volume in arms to implement the awesome engineering than not having it.

https://i.imgur.com/XweYvO2h.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/rAinBTkh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/G8rkMCNh.jpeg


I think the scale here works perfectly and it works next to all the WfC era figures. He will be a hefty beast of a figure when all the Stunticons come out.

https://i.imgur.com/zz1UExYh.jpeg

The articulation is excellent for a combiner. All the connections are solid, and there�s ratchet joints everywhere, even the wrists are ratcheted. Again, I just wish the head joint had more up and down range. Ejima is an engineering genius and I love his work on these Stunticons, but Hasui would�ve definitely worked a hinge joint here in the neck.

https://i.imgur.com/mjwaOl6h.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/2pr9JlTh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/6z0NaMfh.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/BsEtK5th.jpeg


Overall:
Best Commander class figure so far imho. Most of the previous ones had size going for them, but Motormaster more than makes it up with engineering and playability. Personally, I�m not only paying for plastic by the volume (which wouldn�t justify the price anyway)when I buy Transformers, but more the design that went into it. The playability of this set is also a good way to look at value for money. For a younger fan that doesn�t care about Menasor being complete, you get essentially 4 modes in this set(I actually love how Hasbro had the Menasor frame on its own in the box art, not Motormaster, as if it's a standalone figure). For me, I love Motormaster as is, and am absolutely looking forward to completing Menasor hopefully this year.

[Tha_Phantom]

Good review and congrats on being one of the lucky few to get a Motormaster before Big W withdrew them from sale. I'd have happily paid full price to get one sooner if I could, but I'll have to wait until next week when the sale starts.
He does look amazing though. Can't wait to get these Legacy Stunticons together.


Personally, I�m not only paying for plastic by the volume (which wouldn�t justify the price anyway)when I buy Transformers, but more the design that went into it.

Very good way to sum up the modern era of CHUG Transformers. With figures like SS86 Hot Rod or Earthrise Cliffjumper you aren't paying for the size but the engineering and accessories that go with them.

[Paulbot]

This review has got me hyped. Looks great.

[GoktimusPrime]

With figures like SS86 Hot Rod or Earthrise Cliffjumper you aren't paying for the size but the engineering and accessories that go with them.
This isn't even a new thing for Transformers. 2003-04's Smallest Transforming Transformers were pretty expensive for such tiny things; about $20 a figure (or the same price as a Core Class figure).

[Sinnertwin]

Great review!
Time to head over to Big W, flash that winning smile and see if I can score one.

I know I won't, but it's fun to think about.

[KELPIE]

Really good review.

I'm so looking forward to my favourite Stuntion reveal with Dead End.

I think this will be 3peat minimum. Combined, Bot and Boxed...

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Is there any base-mode compatibility with Titan Trypticon?

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Is there any base-mode compatibility with Titan Trypticon?

Oooh ho ho ho! That would be SWEET

[Gehirn]

The review is spot on with how I feel, it's a great figure overall.

If only the left over tower could fold up a bit more then you could plug it on the back with the trailer connection and have it as a backpack.

[GoktimusPrime]

Too tired to type, so I'll let my photos do the talking. I'll type up some comments about this toy later. :)

https://i.ibb.co/nPhzgXM/legacy-STUNT-motormaster01.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/GHkM2sX/legacy-STUNT-motormaster02.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Yhjqdsz/legacy-STUNT-motormaster03.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/27dFd3M/legacy-STUNT-motormaster03a.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/j8SYy57/legacy-STUNT-motormaster05.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/6ZLRZgM/legacy-STUNT-motormaster06.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/GpgQH1H/legacy-STUNT-motormaster07.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/1ZHbP3K/legacy-STUNT-motormaster08.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/FzmmTPG/legacy-STUNT-motormaster09.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/PDL0hkY/legacy-STUNT-motormaster10.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/k34DkK7/legacy-STUNT-motormaster11.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/b3qPdHs/legacy-STUNT-motormaster12.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/6ZgcYmy/legacy-STUNT-motormaster13.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/fSncR1K/legacy-STUNT-motormaster13a.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/2g0mnJs/legacy-STUNT-motormaster15.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/kD7b9p5/legacy-STUNT-motormaster16.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/hV8PNdw/legacy-STUNT-motormaster17.jpg

[GoktimusPrime]

DECEPTICON MOTORMASTER
Series - Generations
Sub-line - Legacy
Size/class - Commander
New/remould/redeco - New
Wave - N/A
Released here - June 2022
Approximate Retail Price - $159 ($129 @ Big W Toy Mania sale)
Approximate Size - See below
Allegiance - Decepticon
Sub-Group - Stunticon
Alt-mode - Kenworth K100 Aerodyne sleeper truck
Main Features/Gimmicks - TL Menasor
Main Colours - Battle platform, gestalt robot
Main Accessories - Trailer, Dual Ioniser gun, Cyclone sword, Roller car

Truck Mode
27.5cm (L) x 11cm (H) x 8cm (W)

The cab is a nice looking Kenworth K100 Aerodyne with some neat details including wing mirrors, wipers, fuel tanks, trailer hitch etc. The trailer itself is impressively hefty. The rear wheels of the trailer on my toy are a little bit loose and prone to slightly shifting out of alignment; but should be fixable with some Fix-Loose-Joints Action Figure or clear nail polish. Some Menasor parts can be seen from the front of the trailer, and Motormaster's torso and waist is exposed from the rear of the truck cab, but I can easily overlook this considering what this toy has to do as not only a transforming robot, but also the bulk of what is the Menasor gestalt. This is also the first Motormaster toy that transforms into an articulated truck.

Robot Mode
17cm (H) x 9.5cm (W) x 5.5cm (B)

A gorgeously cartoon-like robot form. The way that the false-truck cab feet transform is pretty neat. The rear truck kibble also tucks away nicely on the back. On top of all that, the toy is well decoed with a good range of poseability. Able to wield the sword and gun, although the toy can struggle to hold the gun upright due to its weight.

Battle Platform
23cm (H) x 17cm (B) x 49.5cm (W)

Motormaster's trailer partsforms into a battle station. The main feature is the turret which sits in the centre. It features a pair of handles, and the rear purple piece becomes a targeting scope for Motormaster to look through.

Menasor Mode
31cm (H)

Now I completely understand that the TL Stunticons are aiming more for cartoon-likeness; I get that. And in that context, Drag Strip and Motormaster have really stepped up. :) But it's pretty hilarious that Motormaster basically forms Menasor all on his own! Drag Strip basically transforms into kibble that attaches to Menasor's arm; he is not Menasor's arm. And similarly, the other Stunticons will all be arm and leg kibble. I understand the context, but the end result is a gestalt team where all the limb robots are basically superfluous. Structurally useless gestalt members aren't a new thing for Transformers; but it is an extremely rare phenomenon, and it's never been done to this extent. The Micromaster gestalts from G1 all had a useless sixth member; i.e. the robots who became bum kibble. TL Menasor reminds me of this, only now done to a greater scale. I don't dislike this feature on TL Menasor, but I do find it pretty funny. :)

And this is all part of just how incredibly cartoon-like this toy is; even without Breakdown, Dead End and Wildrider, this toy already feels like the cartoon hopped out of my TV and became real. The in-built fists and feet look and function much nicer than detachable hands and feet. The legs are compatible with Combiner Wars/Power of the Primes limb robots, as it use the same connector port. The arms however are not made to be compatible; although you can ad hoc any two Deluxe CW figures onto the arm frames via the 5mm posts. Since Motormaster doesn't come with his Roller car, there is no breastplate component (which CW Blackjack fulfilled for CW Menasor). Although ever since I was a kid, I interpreted Menasor's own black breastplate as being his Roller car. Unfortunately, the tower component from the trailer/combat deck doesn't transform into any part of Menasor. Menasor can use it as an undersized gun turret, but I would have preferred to see it incorporate into Menasor.

Overall
There are numerous advantages to having Motormaster's trailer being a separate thing and not part of the robot mode. One of these is allowing Motormaster to have a really cartoon-like robot form, thanks to the fact that it doesn't have to deal with incorporating the trailer into the robot. The other upside is scale. G1 Menasor is either an undersized truck or massively gigantic robot, if not for mass-shifting. With a detachable trailer, Motormaster is more like Optimus Prime. Only the cab-robot is the size of other Transformers, with the trailer becoming a battle station.

My G1 bias goggles makes me want to lament that this is no longer a proper gestalt without the ability to freely swap the limbs around (e.g. Drag Strip cannot being either leg), but this was inevitable if you're gonna make a cartoon-like Menasor toy. Having said that, Combiner Wars Menasor is already a thing and ticks the box for a more traditional style gestalt with freely interchangeable limbs. So it makes sense for Hasbro to give us something new for CHUG Menasor 2.0; and we all know that fan demand for cartoon-like toys is a widespread thing. I do wish that the sword were silver (as it is with Combiner Wars). On the whole, just a really sweet toy. Highly recommended.

[Deano85]

In the designer video they mentioned that that wanted Motormaster to be in scale with Earthrise Optimus, so thats another big reason the trailer was detachable. Also great that the trailer has the battle station play feature.

[KELPIE]

Main Features/Gimmicks - becomes TL Menasor's arm kibble
copy paste error?



Since Motormaster doesn't come with his Roller car, there is no breastplate component (which CW Blackjack fulfilled for CW Menasor). Although ever since I was a kid, I interpreted Menasor's own black breastplate as being his Roller car.
Same. Though it might have hsd more to do with me losing this piece early on :P


My G1 bias goggles makes me want to lament that this is no longer a proper gestalt without the ability to freely swap the limbs around (e.g. Drag Strip cannot being either leg), but this was inevitable if you're gonna make a cartoon-like Menasor toy. Having said that, Combiner Wars Menasor is already a thing and ticks the box for a more traditional style gestalt with freely interchangeable limbs. So it makes sense for Hasbro to give us something new for CHUG Menasor 2.0; and we all know that fan demand for cartoon-like toys is a widespread thing. I do wish that the sword were silver (as it is with Combiner Wars). On the whole, just a really sweet toy. Highly recommended.
There's a little bit of catch-22 here. Putting G1 bias goggles on might make you appreciate this design further? As a kid, even though you could, I never swapped around the roles. If you were an arm, you were an arm - never a leg. Heck, if you were a right arm, you were always a right arm!! haha.

Due to that, I'm probably more in tune with this design and have less hang-ups about the interchangeability as others. Also, as for the kibble/exoskeleton, if it makes for a more functional gestalt I'm in favour, just like I am with fake kibble. Do what you can to make the various modes better, be it look or articulation. In this case, both.

[Tha_Phantom]

As a kid, even though you could, I never swapped around the roles. If you were an arm, you were an arm - never a leg. Heck, if you were a right arm, you were always a right arm!! haha.

Due to that, I'm probably more in tune with this design and have less hang-ups about the interchangeability as others.

This is how I also feel about the G1 combiners. I will always combine the G1 Stunticons a certain way and never deviate from that, along with the Combaticons, Seacons and so on.
If I ever do mix and match it's usually for a funny photo like the below.
https://i.ibb.co/GxW9cw1/276326957-1388796954906207-1783793800928900528-n.jpg (https://ibb.co/Fx5Xgvf)

[GoktimusPrime]

copy paste error?
Cheers, fixed now. :)


There's a little bit of catch-22 here. Putting G1 bias goggles on might make you appreciate this design further? As a kid, even though you could, I never swapped around the roles. If you were an arm, you were an arm - never a leg. Heck, if you were a right arm, you were always a right arm!! haha.

Due to that, I'm probably more in tune with this design and have less hang-ups about the interchangeability as others.
As a kid I loved mixing and matching the limbs around; even between teams (e.g. Protectobots x Technobots etc.). And it's something that I've really loved being able to do again with Combiner Wars and Power of the Primes. :)
https://i.ibb.co/S0WjJjt/jeremy01.jpg
I appreciate the Scramble gestalt gimmick even more as an adult knowing about the cancelled Diaclone Jizai-Gattai* toyline that the G1 Scramble gestalts were originally conceived for. :cool:


Also, as for the kibble/exoskeleton, if it makes for a more functional gestalt I'm in favour, just like I am with fake kibble. Do what you can to make the various modes better, be it look or articulation. In this case, both.
To me, having Motormaster just be Menasor makes TL Menasor a less functional gestalt because, really... he's not a gestalt. Motormaster combines with his trailer to form a giant robot who can piggyback the other Stunticons. They're not actually combining to form Menasor, they're attaching themselves to Menasor like barnacles. You can have solid non-swappable limb gestalts that don't use this "cheat," such as Devastator, Predaking etc. But I get it; this is how Floro Dery designed Menasor for the cartoon and one of the key features of the TL Stunticons is to emulate the cartoon designs. So by that criterion, absolutely two thumbs up. :)

Anyway, it's nice now that I have the choice to play with either my more G1 toy-play accurate CW Stunticons, or more cartoon-looking and solid Motormaster-torso TL Stunticons (I'll alternate between both depending on my mood :p). :)

----------------------------------------------------
*自在合体/jizai-gattai = "free combination"
Note that 1992's Guard City and Battle Gaia's Scramble gimmick was called Jiyū-Gattai (自由合体) (https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Free-Combination). This also translates as "free combination." Jizai means 'free' as in flexible or customisable. Jiyū means 'free' as in liberty.
e.g. 「自由は全知的生命体の権利である」 / "Jiyū wa zenchiteki seimeitai no kenri dearu"
= "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings."

[Butcher31]

I like both versions of Menasor. I probably prefer the scramble city, where the individuals are more useful, but I do appreciate variety as well. This one is a clever idea which makes sense in terms of vehicle scale and cartoon accuracy.

I like to think that the trailer provides just the skeletal structure. The other Stunticons provide the strength and armour. So, sure, Motormaster can become Menasor by himself but without the others he's as weak as a kitten.

[Tha_Phantom]

I appreciate the Scramble gestalt gimmick even more as an adult knowing about the cancelled Diaclone Jizai-Gattai* toyline that the G1 Scramble gestalts were originally conceived for. :cool:

Don't forget that another figure designed for that same line was Metroplex who the other combiner limbs could plug on to. This is, I guess, similar to that.

https://i.ibb.co/9N7H9B4/metroplex-3-1191931749.jpg (https://ibb.co/s2Z9vc1)]


I like to think that the trailer provides just the skeletal structure. The other Stunticons provide the strength and armour. So, sure, Motormaster can become Menasor by himself but without the others he's as weak as a kitten.

Yeah, if nothing else, think of the other Stunticons being attached as providing extra energon and processing power for such a giant robot. :)

[KELPIE]

I'd say yeah sure, physically as the toy is designed and from a saleability point of view, we're just sticking cars on an exoskeleton. However from a narrative point of view, he's still a combiner, with many reasons on how it works and why it works.

As far as the toon, in the transformation sequence, the cars still did transform into the arm, they didn't stick onto a "trailer". This is just the way the toy has managed to represent that.

I do agree though, not the best scenario for those that like to scramble.

Off topic, I'd love if they had another crack at some of the other combiners.

[Gehirn]

Just thought I'd make it aware that there are cases of yellowing if that is an issue you may be concerned about as it is sold in a closed box with no window.

-On the folding leg panels, the ones that close when the purple button is pushed in.
-As noted by SarhBear on the shoulder joint. http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php/29231-Big-W-Toy-Mania-2022-sale?p=652969#post652969

[Autocon]

Already yellowing on a new toy :O

[Tha_Phantom]

Already yellowing on a new toy :O

Probably to do with a bad plastic mix, as opposed to being sun faded. Not excusing it, just noting a difference.

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah, if nothing else, think of the other Stunticons being attached as providing extra energon and processing power for such a giant robot. :)
Mini-Con Powerlinx'd! :)


As far as the toon, in the transformation sequence, the cars still did transform into the arm, they didn't stick onto a "trailer". This is just the way the toy has managed to represent that.
This is true.

Although Menasor's character model varied in the cartoon. Sometimes he'd be more like the toy by having the Stunticons be the arms or legs, but at other times Menasor would have his own arms and legs that the Stunticons were attached to. The latter was more common.
https://i.ibb.co/tYBTZPF/menasor-sunbow.jpg
The more commonly seen design is really based on the animators having misinterpreted the animation model.

[ThornOfUnicron]

I noticed on the box what looks like Earthrise Megatron but with possibly the Siege Megatron head, thought it was interesting given Galvatron seemed the focus in this and the previous line. A hint at a new Megatron perhaps?

[Dimi194]

Just unboxed mine - has some areas with the weird plastic, but thankfully it doesn't bother me too much.

Haven't tried Menasor yet, but MM himself is excellent - very weighty, great looking in both modes! The trailer is also very hefty - I certainly can 'feel' the money I paid for him.

[reillyd]

If there?s yellowing already, does that mean that everyone else?s (even if not obvious yet) is going to yellow over time?

I think I?m going to pass on the whole stunticon thing and stick with Combiner Wars.

[Skyfire]

I haven't opened mine yet. I suppose all of ours are the same batch - 20911? To open or wait for another batch? Decisions... decisions, ha ha!

[Magnus]

Overall, I'm echoing most of what has been typed here and think Motormaster is a great figure. The only thing I really don't like is that the gun has two side-by-side handles instead of a single central handle, so it looks weird if Motormaster or Menasor holds it as opposed to using it as a mounted weapon. It's a shame, because I like that it's a big, beefy, double-barrelled thing.

For anyone wondering how Legacy Menasor will look next to Combiner Wars figures, here is the Menasor frame next to Unite Warriors Computron:

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

I'm surprised how tall Menasor is - I was expecting him to maybe be a couple of millimetres taller than a Combiner Wars combiner.


I'd say yeah sure, physically as the toy is designed and from a saleability point of view, we're just sticking cars on an exoskeleton. However from a narrative point of view, he's still a combiner, with many reasons on how it works and why it works.

As far as the toon, in the transformation sequence, the cars still did transform into the arm, they didn't stick onto a "trailer". This is just the way the toy has managed to represent that.




Although Menasor's character model varied in the cartoon. Sometimes he'd be more like the toy by having the Stunticons be the arms or legs, but at other times Menasor would have his own arms and legs that the Stunticons were attached to. The latter was more common.

The more commonly seen design is really based on the animators having misinterpreted the animation model.

It's no secret that the cartoon was inconsistent, but there are a few shots that look a lot like Menasor consists of cars attached to limbs from Motormaster when combining or disassembling.

Take a look at this combination sequence from Masquerade: https://youtu.be/PcgFqw6VSz4?t=892

In Starscream's Brigade, Breakdown and Wildrider attach to pre-existing legs: https://youtu.be/CdeazdZCDfg?t=1246

In Cosmic Rust, when Superion throws Menasor, the cars fall off the limbs as Motormaster transforms: https://youtu.be/qHtBgU2JDK8?t=1276

[Deano85]

My upgraded Combiner Wars Menasor is actually taller than commander class Jetfire

https://dm2305files.storage.live.com/y4msROVDztXnSQzi6XXRWeYfuSHoeSDeDZHQo5LIwjM2jg4H15 eGAGAHGt3uH4VwITEEX5fZthMRhF9dYpQNCHjGfMT2zN-IbNBzFc13SrUVM3tuUvwzK1ogP72ZFMRmziBZsPkCRxy1fmsy9 mBP-8U1vgKKPBVqjl7unY_562G8rxJY4bqbQ_bsq5gKFfMTiKH?wid th=1024&height=894&cropmode=none

[GoktimusPrime]

If there?s yellowing already, does that mean that everyone else?s (even if not obvious yet) is going to yellow over time?
Given that I treat my TFs like vampires (i.e. don't expose them to any sunlight); hopefully not. I've been maintaining what is effectively a dark room for my TFs for the past six years, and in that time I haven't had photodegradation happen on any new toys acquired since then.

[Tha_Phantom]

If there?s yellowing already, does that mean that everyone else?s (even if not obvious yet) is going to yellow over time?

Any plastic can yellow over time if not treated correctly. The issue going on here is to do with a bad mix of plastic, since it's literally only affecting some pieces of the toy and not the whole thing uniformly. I wouldn't stress about further yellowing any more than you would with any other figure.

[Skyfire]

I haven't opened mine yet. I suppose all of ours are the same batch - 20911? To open or wait for another batch? Decisions... decisions, ha ha!

I opened both copies I bought from Big W (both 20911) and one has no yellowing at all, while the other has very slight yellowing of his right leg retracting shin panel (the outer one - leftmost in the photo). Luckily both copies have rear trailer legs that aren't warped, but one of my swords is, which I'll address with boiling water treatment. Here's two pictures of the discoloured shin panel taken at slightly different angles - the difference in colour is mostly seen looking at an angle.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52187990254_4cc35c7c7c_k.jpg

[SharkyMcShark]

I bought this and Dragstrip on a whim and had massive buyer's remorse all the way home from Toyworld, that evaporated as soon as I opened the figures. These are great!

I really really enjoy Motormaster.

One of the highlights is the individual truck mode transformation. It reminds me so pleasantly of Fansproject Diesel.

Initially the splitting Dragstrip was a bit of a deal breaker for me but seeing that you actually have a choice (you can have Dragstrip connect as just a shoulder/bicep pad basically), and that the splitting itself is integrated into the transformation to Menasor made it easier to accept.

The only two negatives for me are the sword being too large for Motormaster but too small for Menasoer, and the turret stand chunk kibble not really integrating anywhere.

[GoktimusPrime]

I bought this and Dragstrip on a whim and had massive buyer's remorse all the way home from Toyworld, that evaporated as soon as I opened the figures.
This sentence was an emotional rollercoaster! :D
My mind was going, "Awww no... YAY!" :p :D

[Paulbot]

There’s a lot of empty space in the Motormaster box!

I laughed out loud when I discovered his “shoes”.

[Lint]

This guy might just be my favourite Commander Class yet. We get a Truck, a Menasor and a Motormaster, all three modes of which are not terribly compromised and aren't simple upscales of G1 engineering. Motormaster is a real standout as my expectations were craptastic.