Transformers questions by newbies, and not-so-newbies

[Paulbot]

For my loose collection, I use 2 things
Expandafile thingo for instructions/sticker sheets/cards etc

Large Ziplock sandwich bags, with accessories from individual ranges all grouped together in seperate bags, in a small plastic storage tub.

I do the same thing!

[GoktimusPrime]

I use this type of roller toolbox (http://www.eproducts.co.nz/files/images/content/HL-3042.jpg) to store my accessories, although that may be a bit excessive for your needs. :o The ziplock bags in plastic tubs sounds like a good idea. Alternatively you may also consider smaller toolboxes and/or plastic organisers.
http://www.plasticsandstorage.com.au/images/stories/virtuemart/product/1h051.jpg
http://www.bridgetools.co.uk/images/_lib/plastic-box-4-organiser-trays-6002351-0-1331979864000.jpg
http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mlwuQGobfepQrEoltuJ_I_g.jpg
http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mm0R1owrPXaGJeuvlDsERQg.jpg
http://johnlewis.scene7.com/is/image/JohnLewis/232456890?$prod_main$
etc.
Maybe check out your local hardware store or even homeware/fabric stores like Spotlight.

[Seraphim Prime]

Generally, any loose weapons have been stored in zip-lock bags in a box. Tfs that could store their weapons had they're weapons stored on them (but that has meant sometimes it's taken a while to find weapons - I may have to revisit the zip-lock for my UT and Classics TFs)

Instructions have been filed away in protector sheets in binders (which comes to another question for me at least) -

How are people storing the newer CW and TR instructions, which fold out into a strip like to the old G1 instructions?

[Ralph Wiggum]

There was a post recently on TFW2005 regarding storing of Transformers and a comment has been made about the acidity of zip lock bags. Interesting to read people's experiences.

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/g1-guys-turning-yellow-in-complete-darkness.1094094/

[Borgeman]

There was a post recently on TFW2005 regarding storing of Transformers and a comment has been made about the acidity of zip lock bags. Interesting to read people's experiences.

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/g1-guys-turning-yellow-in-complete-darkness.1094094/

Well could that apply to the clamshells of the toys themselves?

I recently un-MISB'ed the Kiss Players cassettes box set (that are what, 10 years old? ) and quickly noticed all the white on glit and rosanna was not quite white. It is uniformly creamy, so it looks fine but looking online they are meant to be proper white, which they are not.

[DELTAprime]

Hey did CW Sky Lynx sell out or can he still be found at a reasonable price?

[Sinnertwin]

Hey did CW Sky Lynx sell out or can he still be found at a reasonable price?

Have a chat with The Damned, I believe he was selling one recently.

[Verno]

I'll just leave these here. Someone with their head around the Japanese language might be able to enlighten us:

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/attachments/img_1001-jpg.27649501/

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/attachments/img_1002-jpg.27649500/

[GoktimusPrime]

I haven't got time to translate all that right now, but I'll just quickly transcribe it if anyone wants to run it through Google Translate for a quick 'n nasty "translation" :rolleyes: (until someone gets the time to do a real translation).

～開発チームより～
初代のようなセルアニメは解釈の幅が広いのですが、『ビーストウォーズ』はCGモデルという明確な“正解” が存在しますし、そこから刷り込まれた印象も確固たるものがありますから、形状と真っ向から向き合わなけれ ば似せることはできず、それでいて変形機構を入れないといけないところが難しいところです。顔などは映像本 編からスケッチしたイラストを参考に、どの角度から見ても同じになるように何度も修正を重ねました。表面に 使用した水圧転写は古くからある技術なのですが、CGキャラクターをリアルに再現するのにとても適していた と思います。こちらの想像以上に反響がありましたね。マスターピースでは今後もアニメに登場した主要メンバ ーを揃えるのが目標です。

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

～開発チームより～
インフェルノとグラップルの設定画を見比べると、かなり意識的に別キャラクターとしてディテールを変えてあ って、こういった部分はファンのあいだでもなかなか取り上げられてこなかったのではと思います。今回大幅に 体格の差別化を図ったのは、商品を通じて、新たにオリジナルのもっていた魅力を再発見していただきたいと思 ったからです。レジェンズシリーズでも現代風のアレンジは行っているので、高価格帯ラインのマスターピース だからこそ、全力でアニメのオリジナル設定に敬意を払うというをやるべきだと考えています。
マスターピースシリーズでは今後も、立てひざやあご引き、腰の前屈といったアクションフィギュアとしても通 用する可動を追求していきたいですね。グッドデザイン・ロングライフデザイン賞受賞という形で、トランスフ ォーマーの工業製品としての側面を世の中に評価されたことは、本当に嬉しく思います。トランスフォーマーを 、いつも皆さんの身近にあって親しみやすいものにしていきたいですね。2017年の年未には、待望のあの大 物キャラクターが待機しています。お楽しみ！

[DELTAprime]

Via Google Translate.

~ From development team ~
Although the cell animation like the first generation has a wide range of interpretation, there is a clear "correct answer" CG model "Beast Ward", and there is also a firm impression imprinted from there, so shape and straight line If you do not face it, you can not resemble it, yet it is a difficult place to put a deformation mechanism. As for the face etc, I corrected it many times so as to be the same regardless of the angle from the picture sketched illustration from the video edition. Although hydraulic transfer used on the surface is an old technology, I think that it was very suitable for realistically reproducing CG characters. There was an echo more than the imagination here. In the Masterpiece, the goal is to have the main members who have appeared in the animation in the future

~ From development team ~
When comparing the setting picture of Inferno and grapple, I think that it changed quite consciously as detail as another character, and that such part was not picked up quite easily among fans. This time I tried to differentiate the physique significantly because I wanted to rediscover the charm that the original had, through the product. Since we are arranging contemporary style in the Legends series too, we believe that we should pay homage to the original setting of animation with full power, because it is the masterpiece of the high price range line.
In the Masterpiece series, I would like to pursue movements that will also be passed as action figures such as standing knees and awnings, waist forward bending. I am really pleased that the world as a transformer's industrial product was appreciated in the form of a Good Design · Long Life Design Award recipient. I would like to make Transformers always familiar to you and friendly. Unlike the year of 2017, that long-awaited big-size character is on standby. pleasure!

[Verno]

In the Masterpiece, the goal is to have the main members who have appeared in the animation in the future
Yeah! :D

[Thurmus]

Question for those of you that are a bit more organised with your collection. Gok I'm looking at you buddy...:p I don't want to go to the extent that Gok has with his shelves of accessories in trays, but I want to keep accessories sorted and easy to find for all the Encore and MP toys I'm about to throw out the clamshells for. (keeping in mind they range from tiny things like MP Red Alert's sparking ear things up to MP-10's trailer). What would you guys recommend to store all if them?

I'm going to keep the outdated MP's that are not on display like MP-4 and MP-14 in their clamshells for now, might consider a selloff for them.

I keep some of my weapons in a tin transformers lunchbox.

All instructions, cards and stickers are in one of those expanding carry file. The dividers are thick card. Has a handle on the top and locks. Sort of like this:

http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/keji-expanding-file-foolscap-19-pocket-green-keexpcflgn

[DELTAprime]

I know that the G1 movie soundtrack was released over a couple of CD's but has the G1 TV show soundtrack been released at all?

[prjkt]

I know that the G1 movie soundtrack was released over a couple of CD's but has the G1 TV show soundtrack been released at all?

I know someone was trying to splice the lot together from samples in the show. Some of the music pieces were also used in the GI Joe cartoon iirc

[Trent]

How are people storing the newer CW and TR instructions, which fold out into a strip like to the old G1 instructions?

In the bin. I know how to transform them :p

[Trent]

Has anyone else been experiencing long delays from Australia Post recently? I know that it's Christmas and that parcel delivery must be stupidly high at the moment, leading to increased delivery times but I've had a package sitting in Sydney for 10 days now according to the tracking.

Usually I don't even check the tracking (it doesn't make the toy show up any faster ;)) but yeah, this is getting annoying.

[prjkt]

Sometimes the tracking updates are delayed, so it may be closer than you think, it 10 days is a little nuts

[Seraphim Prime]

Has anyone else been experiencing long delays from Australia Post recently? I know that it's Christmas and that parcel delivery must be stupidly high at the moment, leading to increased delivery times but I've had a package sitting in Sydney for 10 days now according to the tracking.

Usually I don't even check the tracking (it doesn't make the toy show up any faster ;)) but yeah, this is getting annoying.

I guess it's to do with Christmas volumes and WHS requirements about volume of parcels within a given load.

At least yours is still expected to arrive. My tracking says delivered even though it never came! And I am yet to hear a response from the online form they want you to use.

[DELTAprime]

I wish Australia Post was better about updating their tracking. Some items I can see exactly where it is at every point. But another item sent from the same place, with the same shipping method, coming to the same location I get nothing till the on-board for delivery event shows up.

Right now I'm waiting on my Mum's Xmas present. The only tracking update from them has been Information Received by Australia Post.:(

[Paulbot]

I know that the G1 movie soundtrack was released over a couple of CD's but has the G1 TV show soundtrack been released at all?


I know someone was trying to splice the lot together from samples in the show. Some of the music pieces were also used in the GI Joe cartoon iirc

Nothing official for the TV show yet. The Kickstarter project (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1342576182/grimbots-soundtrack-restoration) is the place to look for the closest thing. Check the updates for a link to download a zip file.

[GoktimusPrime]

Has anyone else been experiencing long delays from Australia Post recently?
40 days for my BW Optimus Primal, although it was el cheapo non-trackable SAL.

[Trent]

Has anyone else been experiencing long delays from Australia Post recently? I know that it's Christmas and that parcel delivery must be stupidly high at the moment, leading to increased delivery times but I've had a package sitting in Sydney for 10 days now according to the tracking.

Usually I don't even check the tracking (it doesn't make the toy show up any faster ;)) but yeah, this is getting annoying.

So I had a look at Australia Post's Facebook page this morning and it seems that there are quite a few people in the same boat I am. Many, many days of no location updates.

At least I didn't pay for express post. Heaps of people raging about not receiving a package after 3 or 4 days within the guaranteed next day delivery zone.

[DELTAprime]

Yeah my Mum's Xmas gift finally has some AusPost information. It took about a week from being handed to AusPost by Amazon's carrier UPS in Sydney till it reached Underwood in Brisbane, normally that's a 24 hour trip from Sydney to Brisbane. Brisbane to Gladstone is another two days on top of that normally for whatever stupid reason. (It's a 5-6 hour drive from Brisbane to Gladstone, but a 10 hour drive from Brisbane to Sydney yet the mail takes longer to make the smaller trip.) I hope AusPost delivery is working on Saturday this week cause I can't see my package getting here on Thursday like it normally would.

[Bidoofdude]

Planning to get Legends Soundwave and Laserbeak while I'm here in Japan, releasing soon. What kind of stores would I expect to find them at? I'm a little out west from Takasaki.

[DELTAprime]

I know TRU in Japan always stocks Takara TFs, and if you spend enough you might get a freebie if there's one this month.

[SuspectimusPrime]

I'm in Japan now as well. Stores like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera also stock TFs and Lego. Mandrake stores are pop culture stores similar to Minotaur in Melbourne, with a huge range of manga and good range of second hand TFs.

[Bidoofdude]

I'm in Japan now as well. Stores like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera also stock TFs and Lego. Mandrake stores are pop culture stores similar to Minotaur in Melbourne, with a huge range of manga and good range of second hand TFs.

There is a Bic Camera near where I am. In terms of new releases how close to the shelf date they get stuff?

EDIT: Planning to hit up Bic Camera on the 28th. Fingers crossed they have Soundwave and Laserbeak out.

[GoktimusPrime]

Mandrake
Mandarake. ;)

[SuspectimusPrime]

There is a Bic Camera near where I am. In terms of new releases how close to the shelf date they get stuff?

EDIT: Planning to hit up Bic Camera on the 28th. Fingers crossed they have Soundwave and Laserbeak out.

I've checked out 3 Bics and 3 Yodobashis since my last post. Slim pickings on TFs for all except Shinjuku Bic which had 2 MP Delta Magnus. One store had a nice display case of TR, but zero figs for sale. Not sure if it's just not as popular this year or just luck with the stores I went to.

Both seemed to have a very good selection on Lego, including all the new Star Wars sets and the Lego Ideas Adventure Time set. Bic was cheaper than Yodobashi on almost all sets, and the same on the remainder.

[GoktimusPrime]

Zero figs for sale = sold out = super popular. Most stores were like that too when I was in Japan in late Sep/early Oct, and I checked out various stores in Tokyo and Kyoto. Legends are selling like hotcakes over there. And yeah, Delta Magnus is a shelf warmer. The loose figures in cased display just serve to further tease you. :p

[Bidoofdude]

Snagged SW and Laserbeak for about 7400円 total at Labi near Takasaki station. Pretty much only the new Legends wave and adventure stuff.

[Paulbot]

The Collectors Club subscription toys wave 5 - those haven't actually come out yet have they?

And did club members get their free Ramjet and exclusive Skywarp figures this year?

[prjkt]

The Collectors Club subscription toys wave 5 - those haven't actually come out yet have they?

And did club members get their free Ramjet and exclusive Skywarp figures this year?

No news yet on FSS 5 other than Jan/Feb starting dates

I got Ramjet and Skywarp a few months back now

[Paulbot]

No news yet on FSS 5 other than Jan/Feb starting dates

I got Ramjet and Skywarp a few months back now

Thanks! Updating my lists now.

[DELTAprime]

Stupid question here. I have a Buzzsaw (at least I assume it's Buzzsaw) sitting on my shelf that's the same mould as the LG Laserbeak I got today. I just checked TFwiki and it's not listed in either the TR or LG toyline pages. Where is it from?

[Handsprime]

Stupid question here. I have a Buzzsaw (at least I assume it's Buzzsaw) sitting on my shelf that's the same mould as the LG Laserbeak I got today. I just checked TFwiki and it's not listed in either the TR or LG toyline pages. Where is it from?

He's from the Combiner Wars toyline, sorta a preview figure for Titan Returns.

[Mythirax]

So the height difference between Hot Rodimus and Rodimus Prime (Masterpiece toyline)... Is it correct? I feel like Hot Rodimus looks really odd between my MP Optimus and Magnus :confused: I tried looking up some height comparisons but couldn't find anything great to go off of. Anyone have any references for it, before I go and pull out the movie :D

[GoktimusPrime]

I tried looking up some height comparisons but couldn't find anything great to go off of. Anyone have any references for it, before I go and pull out the movie :D
In terms of height difference between the two MP toys, see the MP Rodimus comparison thread (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=13338). And if you watch the scene in TFTM where Hot Rod changes to Rodimus Prime (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyIzzBf18pg), you can see that the top of Hot Rod chest height to Rodimus Prime, which is accurate to Sunbow's scale guide.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Titans%20Return/rodimus_scale_zpsz0llujdf.jpg

[Mythirax]

In terms of height difference between the two MP toys, see the MP Rodimus comparison thread (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=13338). And if you watch the scene in TFTM where Hot Rod changes to Rodimus Prime (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyIzzBf18pg), you can see that the top of Hot Rod chest height to Rodimus Prime, which is accurate to Sunbow's scale guide.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Titans%20Return/rodimus_scale_zpsz0llujdf.jpg

Much appreciated Gok, was hoping you would be the one to clarify this for me. Much love <3

[GoktimusPrime]

"Arise, Rodimus Prime."
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Masterpiece%20Rodimus%20Prime/masterpiece_rodimus_comparison13a_zpsncshjgqb.jpg
Heh, never thought about it before, but MP Hot Rod is actually in scale with MP Rodimus Prime.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Does anyone know if the Unicron Wars DVD's which are split into collections such as 'Aramada - Collection 1', 'Cybertron - Collection 2' etc between them contain all the episodes from those seasons?

Too expensive for me to buy at the moment anyway (to get all 6 collections it would come to around $300:eek:) but would be good to know for future reference.

Also, does anyone know if this Rescue Bots 4 DVD pack (https://www.jbhifi.com.au/movies-tv-shows/movies-tv-shows-on-sale/tv-childrens/transformers-rescue-bots-more-than-meets-the-eye-set/697714/) contains all of season 1 on it? Many thanks.

[Seraphim Prime]

You mean the Madman Collections?

I have them, but haven't watched through all of them. Madman are generally pretty comprehensive though and would have included everything that they had access to, so I imagine they are as complete as you could get.

While I agree that it is annoying to have them split into separate "collections", it somewhat makes sense when you remember that Armada, Energon, and Cybertron were each 52 episodes long (twice most regular US TV series) with a crescendo towards the middle.

[BruiseLee]

Good timing if you're after the Unicron Trilogy from Madman. They have a sale online now! The whole set of 6 fatpacks (2 per series) will now set you back $65 (or $64.94 to be exact) shipped.

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=546913#post546913

[BigTransformerTrev]

Good timing if you're after the Unicron Trilogy from Madman. They have a sale online now! The whole set of 6 fatpacks (2 per series) will now set you back $65 (or $64.94 to be exact) shipped.

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=546913#post546913

Dude! You rock!

Just picked up those 6 fatpacks and got TFPrime S3 for $15 cheaper than JB Hifi :D

[griffin]

Also, does anyone know if this Rescue Bots 4 DVD pack (https://www.jbhifi.com.au/movies-tv-shows/movies-tv-shows-on-sale/tv-childrens/transformers-rescue-bots-more-than-meets-the-eye-set/697714/) contains all of season 1 on it? Many thanks.

There were five volumes for Season 1, so that pack needs volume 5 to complete the set.
Kmart had a complete season 1 boxset that had all five volumes in it... last Christmas though.

[BigTransformerTrev]

There were five volumes for Season 1, so that pack needs volume 5 to complete the set.
Kmart had a complete season 1 boxset that had all five volumes in it... last Christmas though.

bugger :( Cheers for the heads up before I wasted my money though :)


New question - how does one change the name of a thread you made? I accidentally made my new thread starting with 'BBT' instead of 'BTT' i the collections section :o

[tinyJazz]

New question - how does one change the name of a thread you made? I accidentally made my new thread starting with 'BBT' instead of 'BTT' i the collections section :o

You can pm one of the global or section mods to change it for you. gamblor916 is the section mod for Reflector's Collections and Comparisons.

[gamblor916]

I've changed the title as requested.

[BigTransformerTrev]

I've changed the title as requested.

Cheers mate :)

[Jetfire in the sky]

New question - how does one change the name of a thread you made? I accidentally made my new thread starting with 'BBT' instead of 'BTT' i the collections section :o

What is this? Amateur hour!

I suppose it could stand for Big Balls Trev :p

[GoktimusPrime]

I suppose it could stand for Big Balls Trev :p
Speaking of having big balls (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/9e/02/cb/9e02cb2a81490fa90a5c06f717c20ca0.jpg) ;)

[Jetfire in the sky]

Speaking of having big balls (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/9e/02/cb/9e02cb2a81490fa90a5c06f717c20ca0.jpg) ;)


:D:D:D.....................Gum Balls :p

[Paulbot]

Is there a good/reliable source for Japanese release dates?

Tempted to ship some loot from HLJ but don't want to do it the day before Astrotrain or Grapple are released or something!

[tinyJazz]

Amazon.jp or takaratomymall(?) Amazon usually updates if there's a delay

[Paulbot]

Amazon.jp or takaratomymall(?) Amazon usually updates if there's a delay

Thanks, used Amazon and found I wasn't going to make it to the next release date, so Inferno, Ginrai and the Generations book are now on their way to me!

[DELTAprime]

Don't forget Griff maintains a list of TT release dates in the news section.

[SuspectimusPrime]

Can someone tell me if the only difference between the LGEX Rattrap and regular Japanese Legends Rattrap is that his rat-mode eyes are black?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Japan-Takara-Legends-LGEX-Transformers-Fest-2016-Exclusive-Beast-Wars-Rattrap-/322314686497?hash=item4b0b73d021:g:ECoAAOSwrnNXPrt j

[DELTAprime]

Can someone tell me if the only difference between the LGEX Rattrap and regular Japanese Legends Rattrap is that his rat-mode eyes are black?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Japan-Takara-Legends-LGEX-Transformers-Fest-2016-Exclusive-Beast-Wars-Rattrap-/322314686497?hash=item4b0b73d021:g:ECoAAOSwrnNXPrt j

The LG-EX BW figures are basically minor redecos of the previously released figures to warrant a limited release reissue. Here's what TFwiki says is different about Rattrap in particular.


LGEX Rattle is another redeco of Generations Rattrap, exclusive to Transformers Fes2016. It's almost identical to the first Legends Rattle, but with some slight color differences such as beige robot parts, black rat eyes, and a darker shade of brown in the fur. His packaging features the confused sentence "rat to rattorp" instead of "rat to robot".

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Can someone tell me if the only difference between the LGEX Rattrap and regular Japanese Legends Rattrap is that his rat-mode eyes are black?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Japan-Takara-Legends-LGEX-Transformers-Fest-2016-Exclusive-Beast-Wars-Rattrap-/322314686497?hash=item4b0b73d021:g:ECoAAOSwrnNXPrt jApparently (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Rattrap_(BW)/toys#Legends) he has beige robot parts and a slightly different shade of fur. Plus he purportedly transforms into a 'rattorp'.

EDIT - beaten to it.

[Bidoofdude]

Are there any reports of a local release for Platinum Edition Unicron?

[griffin]

Are there any reports of a local release for Platinum Edition Unicron?

I haven't heard anything about it yet, and would be surprised if we do, because it would be so expensive here, and I haven't seen it released at retail in other countries yet... just online stores so far (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/newly-released-and-upcoming-toys-hasbro-edition.953417/).

If you see it while overseas and want it at that price, go for it.

[i_amtrunks]

Can anyone please confirm for me when MP Inferno was meant to be released?

I ordered one from PC and due to the little one completely forgot about it, until I was clearing the inbox and saw the order confirmation from July! :eek:

Never received a shipping confirmation or note/SMS from Australia post / courier either.

Just want as much information to send to PC as possible, so thanks for the help.

[Borgeman]

Can anyone please confirm for me when MP Inferno was meant to be released?

I ordered one from PC and due to the little one completely forgot about it, until I was clearing the inbox and saw the order confirmation from July! :eek:

Never received a shipping confirmation or note/SMS from Australia post / courier either.

Just want as much information to send to PC as possible, so thanks for the help.

It was released on November 26.
For reference, I have not received mine, nor have others, so don't be alarmed. My order number is 7785 which i made around midnight (about 4 hours after the pre-order opened, which was at 8.30pm on July 5th) so if yours is after that or just before, sit back and relax, you will get it.

This is the known tradeoff with PC - (mostly) cheaper pricing, but a slow
turnaround. Unless you order in the first few minutes, you can be waiting a while for dispatch. I'm not defending them, but that's how it currently is.
That and they also closed for a time over xmas/new year too.

[SuspectimusPrime]

The LG-EX BW figures are basically minor redecos of the previously released figures to warrant a limited release reissue. Here's what TFwiki says is different about Rattrap in particular.


Apparently (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Rattrap_(BW)/toys#Legends) he has beige robot parts and a slightly different shade of fur. Plus he purportedly transforms into a 'rattorp'.

EDIT - beaten to it.

Thanks guys! :)

[i_amtrunks]

It was released on November 26.
For reference, I have not received mine, nor have others, so don't be alarmed. My order number is 7785 which i made around midnight (about 4 hours after the pre-order opened, which was at 8.30pm on July 5th) so if yours is after that or just before, sit back and relax, you will get it.

This is the known tradeoff with PC - (mostly) cheaper pricing, but a slow
turnaround. Unless you order in the first few minutes, you can be waiting a while for dispatch. I'm not defending them, but that's how it currently is.
That and they also closed for a time over xmas/new year too.

Thank you Borgeman, I ordered mine around the same time as you, my worries have been allayed. I was more worried that I had messed up or forgotten something but finding out that I'm not losing al of my marbles is relieving too!

[Tober]

In the G1 Sunbow cartoon, Marvel comics or Headmasters - was Galvatron ever wielded in his gun mode? Like how Megarton or Shockwave were used by other Transformers.

[Bidoofdude]

In the G1 Sunbow cartoon, Marvel comics or Headmasters - was Galvatron ever wielded in his gun mode? Like how Megarton or Shockwave were used by other Transformers.

If I remember from a post from a long time ago, he was used in the Marvel comics. Never in the Sunbow cartoon.

[GoktimusPrime]

Never in the cartoon, but it was seen in the comics but never wielded. It was more of a flying space gun, much like Shockwave. Although Galvatron also had the ability to mass-shrink himself in gun mode if he wished. It was in the shrunken gun mode that he would ride in Cyclonus' cockpit (which makes way more sense than TFTM which showed Galvatron piloting Cyclonus in robot mode! :eek:). So yeah, Galvatron's gun mode was seen either unshrunken like Shockwave or shrunken like Megatron. But it was never held; Galvatron was able to fly in gun mode, again, just like Shockwave. :)

[Paulbot]

The other thing that comes to mind is a random human holding him in human-sized gun mode in the UK story Wrecking Havoc (#172)

[Tober]

If I remember from a post from a long time ago, he was used in the Marvel comics. Never in the Sunbow cartoon.


Never in the cartoon, but it was seen in the comics but never wielded. It was more of a flying space gun, much like Shockwave. Although Galvatron also had the ability to mass-shrink himself in gun mode if he wished. It was in the shrunken gun mode that he would ride in Cyclonus' cockpit (which makes way more sense than TFTM which showed Galvatron piloting Cyclonus in robot mode! :eek:). So yeah, Galvatron's gun mode was seen either unshrunken like Shockwave or shrunken like Megatron. But it was never held; Galvatron was able to fly in gun mode, again, just like Shockwave. :)


The other thing that comes to mind is a random human holding him in human-sized gun mode in the UK story Wrecking Havoc (#172)

Many thanks guys. :)

[ZoonMaster5000]

Ok so got a mp thrust a while ago and I was going to keep it misb but last night I opened my tt fort max and my inner child got the better of me and I opened thrust which was double taped anyway so technically not misb.

My question is that when I opened it I noticed that the clamshell was also double taped! Is this common or does anyone have any idea why they would have to reopen the clamshell?

I've just realised thrust was a tt exclusive so there was no need to open it to insert different language instructions so really it should of been left untouched.
It's left me scratching my head.

I await you expert opinions.

[Megatran]

^ Where did you purchase MP Thrust from? A private seller (ebay, forums) or a reputable online store?

[ZoonMaster5000]

^ Where did you purchase MP Thrust from? A private seller (ebay, forums) or a reputable online store?

whoops I bought from pc so I'm guessing whoever they got their allocation through. Now I understand china post open packages and inspect contents inside before shipping. But i still don't get the opening of the clamshell

[DELTAprime]

Hey did anyone else get a phishing email from "Robot King" the other day? Going by the fact it went to my same email address Robot Kingdom keeps spamming with their newsletter I'm wondering if their mailing list was stolen.

[DELTAprime]

whoops I bought from pc so I'm guessing whoever they got their allocation through. Now I understand china post open packages and inspect contents inside before shipping. But i still don't get the opening of the clamshell

TT has been double taping some of their MP's lately. A few of us got MP Primal's that were in the same condition as your Thrust. I'd throw TT's QC under the bus first, not PC. (we got our Primal's from HLJ, so it's not a China vs JP issue.)

[ZoonMaster5000]

TT has been double taping some of their MP's lately. A few of us got MP Primal's that were in the same condition as your Thrust. I'd throw TT's QC under the bus first, not PC. (we got our Primal's from HLJ, so it's not a China vs JP issue.)

Oh no I wouldn't suspect pc of opening an item to send on, I just contemplated the idea that maybe their asian supplier of tt products had maybe opened it up before sending to pc. Just thought it was odd thats all...

Actually if they were going to open up the clamshell they could of at least fixed that floppy waist:D I agree with you on their QC of late, pretty rubbish from a premium toy company.

[GoktimusPrime]

Do we know why they double tape in the first place? I wonder if it's because they realised that a batch was missing an insert, like instructions or an accessory (which would explain why the blister and tray was retaped). Ultimately if you toy has a QC issue then you should demand recompense from the seller, as is your consumer right. I've contacted Takara(TOMY) directly on two occasions regarding QC issues with MPs and both times they were very helpful and mailed me replacement parts ASAP. Although their staff don't speak English so I would recommend contacting your seller (HLJ, PC etc.) if you don't speak Japanese. They should be able to source parts for you or offer to replace or refund the toy.

[DELTAprime]

I took advantage of the fact I got paid last night to grab the 2 remaining Sharkticons from work today. I was really wanting 3 for my army, should I hunt down another Hasbro Sharkticon or wait for a Takara Tomy version to complete my trio?

[GoktimusPrime]

I say wait for the TakTOM one.

[Sinnertwin]

I took advantage of the fact I got paid last night to grab the 2 remaining Sharkticons from work today. I was really wanting 3 for my army, should I hunt down another Hasbro Sharkticon or wait for a Takara Tomy version to complete my trio?

That would irk me having 1 of them different to the other two, if they're just your run of the mill cannon fodder.
I'd buy a 3rd Hasbro and maintain a uniform look. :)

[DELTAprime]

That would irk me having 1 of them different to the other two, if they're just your run of the mill cannon fodder.
I'd buy a 3rd Hasbro and maintain a uniform look. :)

Honestly a uniform look doesn't worry me with CHUG army building. The 3 Hasbro Insecticons all look different, plus I have the TT Insecticons as the "canonical" Bombshell and Shrapnel and don't get me started on how many different Scourge's I have to represent his Sweeps. Just that money is a little tighter now so I'm limiting myself to 3 Sharkticons total.

[GoktimusPrime]

The TakaraTOMY one could be Gnaw, the Sharkticon Commander, while the Hasbro ones are just generic Sharkticons. :)

[spiderken17]

I just got CW Superion (my first CW stuff) and Alpha Bravos tail seems to be very tight in vehicle mode. I don't want to break it and I am unsure if I am doing something wrong while trying to transform it . Am I missing something or is it a common problem?

[spiderken17]

Don't worry, i got it eventually. It was just very tight. 😊

[spiderken17]

Can anyone give me a basic rundown on the differences between CW and UW Superion, Computron, Menasor, Defensor and Bruticus? I have finally bit the bullet and want to get some but need to figure out which ones I would like to get. Cheers for any info.

[GoktimusPrime]

Comparative Superion review (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=21132)
Computron comparison pics (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=538443&postcount=7)

I've never seen TakaraTOMY's Menasor, Defensor or Bruticus IRL so I comment on those, but I suspect that the differences are cosmetic. Computron has the most physical changes AFAIK.

[BruiseLee]

IIRC, for UW Bruticus, Blast Off is a new mold and is a Space Shuttle whereas the CW version is a jet repaint.

UW Menasor and Defensor might be the ones of that lot which has just cosmetic changes.

[spiderken17]

Thanks, why is there 3 Scattershots in the Computron pics?

[CHILENO20]

Thanks, why is there 3 Scattershots in the Computron pics?

One is the TakTom UW version, one is the Hasbro CW Computron box set version and the other one is the single Hasbro CW single release version.

Yeah, don't know why there are two Hasbro versions :confused::confused::confused:

[GoktimusPrime]

Just to clarify...
Left = Hasbro stand alone Scattershot
Centre = Hasbro Computron box set Scattershot
Right = TakaraTOMY Scattershot

:)

[Paulbot]

Worth noting UW box sets include Slingshot, Wildrider and Groove which are exclusives (and pricey for the first two) in the Hasbro sets (who had other members in their place in regular releases). The UW sets also exclude the legends from each team (Powerglide, Groove, Blackjack, Shockwave).

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I have UW Menasor and the differences to CW are just cosmetic. ALthough quite a bit different. Just check out some pictures to see which is more to your liking.

TBH though, I'd avoid Menasor of any type as it's a poorly done combined mode.

[spiderken17]

I have UW Menasor and the differences to CW are just cosmetic. ALthough quite a bit different. Just check out some pictures to see which is more to your liking.

TBH though, I'd avoid Menasor of any type as it's a poorly done combined mode.

Yes his proportions look a bit off to me.

[Sinnertwin]

Yes his proportions look a bit off to me.

It's the Steve Urkel Harry Highpants look that kills it.

[Megatran]

Where are all the Leader class TFs at Kmart? Do they no longer sell Leader class?

[BruiseLee]

Where are all the Leader class TFs at Kmart? Do they no longer sell Leader class?

They went out the door when they were priced at $29. Now probably made their way to eBay for at least double that.

[griffin]

Where are all the Leader class TFs at Kmart? Do they no longer sell Leader class?

They were put on clearance, which I believe means that they no longer stock that range.

[Megatran]

They were put on clearance, which I believe means that they no longer stock that range.
THIS (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0w5HuIfYDc)!!!

[BigTransformerTrev]

Just going from a discussion in another thread - was BW Megatron T-Rex mode supposed to be the size of an actual T-Rex? Or was he a mini one or something? Because if he was full sized then he should have been the size of Grimlock in robot mode but was not much bigger than Optimus' head. :confused:

[Seraphim Prime]

Beast Wars played pretty loose with sizing, but I think generally the life form on which their beast mode was base was more scanned as a skin to cover the existing robot.

Sizes weren't changed when they took on beast forms, which resulted in a giant rats, ants, spiders, and birds, regular sized cheetahs, and dinosaurs who were all over the place.

[Paulbot]

Beast Wars played pretty loose with sizing, but I think generally the life form on which their beast mode was base was more scanned as a skin to cover the existing robot.

Sizes weren't changed when they took on beast forms, which resulted in a giant rats, ants, spiders, and birds, regular sized cheetahs, and dinosaurs who were all over the place.

I think "scanned as a skin to cover the existing robot" is the best description I've ever seen for the Beast Wars sizing discrepancies. [Thumbs up emoji]

[BigTransformerTrev]

Beast Wars played pretty loose with sizing, but I think generally the life form on which their beast mode was base was more scanned as a skin to cover the existing robot.

Sizes weren't changed when they took on beast forms, which resulted in a giant rats, ants, spiders, and birds, regular sized cheetahs, and dinosaurs who were all over the place.


I think "scanned as a skin to cover the existing robot" is the best description I've ever seen for the Beast Wars sizing discrepancies. [Thumbs up emoji]

So BW alt-modes were pretty much cosplay, got it.

Cheers for the clarification :)

[UltraMarginal]

I think "scanned as a skin to cover the existing robot" is the best description I've ever seen for the Beast Wars sizing discrepancies. [Thumbs up emoji]

I totally agree!


So I've become a fairly happy collector of the new RID warrior class figures.

I'm trying to figure out if I'm losing it or not but have we seen Wave 8 in Australia at all?? We've definitely got wave 7 and 9 here at the moment but I wants me a Bisk!

Online prices are insane.

I'm also interested in the minicon battle pack with Grimlock and Decepticon Back from wave 2. I've only ever seen the wave 1 assortment. I'm hoping these guys turn up at the reject shop in 6 - 12 months for a good price because I can't see them being released anywhere else after the clearance they went through at TRU to move wave 1.

[Sinnertwin]

I totally agree!


So I've become a fairly happy collector of the new RID warrior class figures.

I'm trying to figure out if I'm losing it or not but have we seen Wave 8 in Australia at all?? We've definitely got wave 7 and 9 here at the moment but I wants me a Bisk!

Online prices are insane.

I'm also interested in the minicon battle pack with Grimlock and Decepticon Back from wave 2. I've only ever seen the wave 1 assortment. I'm hoping these guys turn up at the reject shop in 6 - 12 months for a good price because I can't see them being released anywhere else after the clearance they went through at TRU to move wave 1.


We've had Bisk, well, at least my store has. I remember looking at him and Ratchet as I put them on show.
I'll keep an eye out for any future deliveries of RID stuff for you.

[BigTransformerTrev]

We've had Bisk, well, at least my store has. I remember looking at him and Ratchet as I put them on show.
I'll keep an eye out for any future deliveries of RID stuff for you.

I've been trying to hunt down s Warrior class Ratchet, BBTS and HLJ all sold out. How much they going for?

[Sinnertwin]

$29 for RID's and $25 for the TR deluxes

[Omega Metro]

So I've become a fairly happy collector of the new RID warrior class figures.

I'm trying to figure out if I'm losing it or not but have we seen Wave 8 in Australia at all?? We've definitely got wave 7 and 9 here at the moment but I wants me a Bisk!

Online prices are insane.

That is so weird. I was thinking of asking that same question here this morning.:D

I've been into to RID Warriors also in the last few weeks. I ended up buying the Takara Tomy versions of Ratchet, Jazz and Bisk for $110 delivered on EBay. Figured $36 each wasn't bad for the Takara versions.
I was looking at the ridiculous prices for Warrior Paralon and Scatterspike this morning. Can't find them anywhere except EBay.

[griffin]

We've had Bisk, well, at least my store has. I remember looking at him and Ratchet as I put them on show.

When?

No one has reported them yet (at least, not with a search of the word "Bisk" in the sightings section).

[UltraMarginal]

We've had Bisk, well, at least my store has. I remember looking at him and Ratchet as I put them on show.
I'll keep an eye out for any future deliveries of RID stuff for you.


When?

No one has reported them yet (at least, not with a search of the word "Bisk" in the sightings section).

huh, must've been a pretty small release. I'd be interested if you see one mate, I was hoping to catch one during Targets sale this week. but I've been to 3 stores and no luck.

[Jellico]

Found Stormshot, Blastwave, Starscream, and white Drift at Myer this morning if thats any help. (Wave 9)

[UltraMarginal]

yea, I've seen wave 9 around for just over a week. Stormshot got picked up pretty quick.

[griffin]

We've had Bisk, well, at least my store has. I remember looking at him and Ratchet as I put them on show.


Nowt that I think of it, are you sure it wasn't the one-steps you are remembering? One of the last waves also had Bisk paired with Ratchet... which makes it a little bit more confusing.

[Sinnertwin]

Nowt that I think of it, are you sure it wasn't the one-steps you are remembering? One of the last waves also had Bisk paired with Ratchet... which makes it a little bit more confusing.

naw, they were deluxes. the one steppers, as you'd know, are on the smaller cards in alt mode with less of the plastic bubble around them now

[DELTAprime]

Anyone know if the BBTS and TRU exclusive TR sets announced at Toy Fair are a global exclusive for both or just a US exclusive? Be nice if a local retailer or PC could pick them up.

[Handsprime]

Which characters, who are redecos of older toys, got new molds based off that toy? Bonus points if that said you was later redecoed into the original toy it was based off.
An example is RID Scourge, who is a redeco of G2 laser Optimus, later got a spy changer toy, and was later redecoed into Optimus!

[FatalityPitt]

Which characters, who are redecos of older toys, got new molds based off that toy? Bonus points if that said you was later redecoed into the original toy it was based off.
An example is RID Scourge, who is a redeco of G2 laser Optimus, later got a spy changer toy, and was later redecoed into Optimus!

Challenge accepted. G1 Ultra Magnus (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/6/6e/Ultramagnusg1toy.jpg) was a redeco of G1 Optimus Prime (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/2/2d/G1_OptimusPrime_toy.jpg), but with a different trailer and accessories/armour. 29-30 years later, Combiner Wars Ultra Magnus (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/6/60/CombinerWarsUltraMagnus.jpg) got released, followed by Titans Return PM Optimus Prime (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/a/a9/Titans_Return_Optimus.jpg) which was a redeco of CW Ultra Magnus.

I either picked the most obvious one, or I misunderstood the question and got it totally wrong...

[Paulbot]

Which characters, who are redecos of older toys, got new molds based off that toy? Bonus points if that said you was later redecoed into the original toy it was based off.
An example is RID Scourge, who is a redeco of G2 laser Optimus, later got a spy changer toy, and was later redecoed into Optimus!

A couple come to mind:

1984 Windcharger got a repaint and new head and became 1986 Tailgate. Tailgate got a new Legend figure that was then turned into Windcharger. Exact same deal with Gears and Swerve.

1984 Bluestreak became 1985 Smokescreen. The first Altenator toy was Smokescreen who was then repainted as Bluestreak (Silverstreak).

[liegeprime]

so, ummm does anyone know if the new MP Megs will be packaged in Gunform or robotform? I just placed a preorder and as soon as I did, it just hit me... waitaminute is it shipped in gunform, coz if it is, we are gonna have a lot of problems :O:(:(:(:( sorry if this was already discussed or asked, too lazy to sift through the thread..

[DELTAprime]

so, ummm does anyone know if the new MP Megs will be packaged in Gunform or robotform? I just placed a preorder and as soon as I did, it just hit me... waitaminute is it shipped in gunform, coz if it is, we are gonna have a lot of problems :O:(:(:(:( sorry if this was already discussed or asked, too lazy to sift through the thread..

It doesn't matter if it's in gun mode or robot. Customs knows what Megatron looks like in both modes, they have been stopping MP5 for a decade or so even tho he's in robot mode. Go to the gunformers thread and check what your state requires for import. http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=20265

Most states will give you an exemption to give to customs. NSW is stupidly strict.

[GoktimusPrime]

DELTAprime is correct. The mode of the toy is irrelevant as Customs are able to identify Megatron in either mode. We have known about this for a decade now.

[Verno]

How big is the Generations Waspinator Targetmaster (that came with Starscream) compared to a Titans Return Titan Masters and its vehicle accessory?

If anyone could take a pic, that'd be most helpful.

[lfpnrg]

How big is the Generations Waspinator Targetmaster (that came with Starscream) compared to a Titans Return Titan Masters and its vehicle accessory?

If anyone could take a pic, that'd be most helpful.


Hey, hope these help:


http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff247/joelridley13/image1-2_zpsceukrevq.jpg

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff247/joelridley13/image2-1_zpsypyrgixs.jpg

[Verno]

Hey, hope these help:


http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff247/joelridley13/image1-2_zpsceukrevq.jpg

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff247/joelridley13/image2-1_zpsypyrgixs.jpg
That's marvellous! Thank you very much! :D

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Did the RiD Scatterspike (Quillfire redeco) ever get released in Oz?

[DELTAprime]

Just wondering what people here think of the 3 Metalhawk toys we have gotten over the years? (Japanese G1, TFCC and Titans Return)

I'm personally not a big fan of any as they all seem to have issues. G1 vehicle mode doesn't look great. TFCC forgoes the robot mode and TR, the one that could include all 3 modes with a second head forgoes the Pretender mode.

[FatalityPitt]

I'm not a big Metalhawk fan, so I'm slightly indifferent. But I think out of his 3 toys; I like the G1 version the best since it's the original toy with all the gimmicks/features that make Metalhawk Metalhawk. It's not a perfect toy, but when you look at the original G1 toys of Starscream and Megatron, they weren't perfect either.

The upcoming TR figure looks good, but very different from the animation model. I didn't know it was Metalhawk until I read the commentary. When you consider the fact that his Pretender mode in the Masterforce cartoon was human-sized (they infiltrate human society), the TR toy has the potential to be somewhat show accurate (in concept.. kinda sorta), IF they sculpt the Titan Master to resemble his Pretender shell.

My 2 cents.

[GoktimusPrime]

I'm looking forward to getting TR Metalhawk cos it'll mean that I'll have a cheap Metalhawk toy! There's NO way that I'm going to pay stupid aftermarket prices for a G1 or TFCC Metalhawk.

I'm personally not a big fan of any as they all seem to have issues. G1 vehicle mode doesn't look great. TFCC forgoes the robot mode and TR, the one that could include all 3 modes with a second head forgoes the Pretender mode.
I'd say that TR Metalhawk is easily the best out of the three. Yes, G1 Metalhawk is a pretty lacklustre toy, but so were all the 1988 Pretenders. It had a lanky robot mode that pretty much folds into a vehicle because that's the only way that you could fit a Transformer into a Pretender shell. The 1989 Pretenders fared better by having stouter/more compact robots though (which worked brilliantly for Bumblebee). The main gimmick of Metalhawk is the die cast metal on the shell and robot. The anime style of the Pretender shell's head makes it look out of place next to the more realistically sculpted heads of Lander, Diver and Phoenix.

I've never seen or handled TFCC Metalhawk IRL so I can't fully comment about that toy, but being based on the Pretender shell never really interested me. The shell isn't the actual Transformer, the robot is. Imagine if they released a Generations Starscream toy that was based only on the toy's Pretender shell and not the robot. Toys like ROTF Bludgeon tried to give us the best of both worlds with the robot mode based on the Pretender shell but the alt mode being based on the inner robot's tank mode. TFCC Metalhawk's alt mode doesn't appeal to me since G1 Metalhawk's Pretender shell never transformed.

Okay, granted that I haven't seen TR Metalhawk IRL but I like what I've seen so far. This toy is based on the robot, the actual character of Metalhawk. Also, many Generations toys are inspired by or based on their IDW counterparts, and IDW Metalhawk was never a Pretender.

It wouldn't surprise me if some third party company were to make a Pretender Shell add-on accessory kit for this toy.


The upcoming TR figure looks good, but very different from the animation model.
Yeah but they've redecoed it in a way that tries to make it look as Metalhawk like as possible. Similar to how CW Silverbolt was redecoed as Scattershot - not perfect, but a decent effort nonetheless. Metalhawk is far too obscure a character for Hasbro's market to justify a new mould. Think about it, if 5 years ago Hasbro released a Metalhawk toy we'd all be jumping for joy. This is a MUCH better effort than Robots In Disguise Jhiaxus.


When you consider the fact that his Pretender mode in the Masterforce cartoon was human-sized (they infiltrate human society), the TR toy has the potential to be somewhat show accurate (in concept.. kinda sorta), IF they sculpt the Titan Master to resemble his Pretender shell.
^I agree that this would be totally cool and absolutely possible for Hasbro to do. :) They already did something similar with Revolver (Sixshot's Titan Master) who resembles Jack (Chromedome's best buddy who was murdered by Sixshot :p).

[FatalityPitt]

This toy is based on the robot, the actual character of Metalhawk. Also, many Generations toys are inspired by or based on their IDW counterparts, and IDW Metalhawk was never a Pretender.

Yeah but they've redecoed it in a way that tries to make it look as Metalhawk like as possible. Similar to how CW Silverbolt was redecoed as Scattershot - not perfect, but a decent effort nonetheless. Metalhawk is far too obscure a character for Hasbro's market to justify a new mould. Think about it, if 5 years ago Hasbro released a Metalhawk toy we'd all be jumping for joy. This is a MUCH better effort than Robots In Disguise Jhiaxus.

Yeah, I wasn't bashing the TR Metalhawk. I agree, it's a decent representation of Metalhawk's true form; especially considering that Hasbro had to stick to the Titan's Return theme. But when I first saw photos of it, I just didn't realise it was Metalhawk. The red parts on the torso (which makes-up part of the cockpit) threw me off, since I usually picture Metalhawk as having a completely gold body. But the red is still justifiable since the G1 toy had some red stickers on the chest. But you're right, it's a good effort on Hasbro's part.

Until this day, Jhiaxus still doesn't have his own mold (Thrilling 30 toy was a retool of Armada Starscream). But since he's a seeker, he'll probably always be a repaint/retool of Starscream, if they ever decide to make another Jhiaxus.

[Megatran]

Anyone know if the oversized Kinder Surprise TF (& MLP) will be available locally? They are 100g. :D

[griffin]

Did the RiD Scatterspike (Quillfire redeco) ever get released in Oz?

Nup... we missed that wave, which also had Bisk and Ratchet.

[griffin]

Anyone know if the oversized Kinder Surprise TF (& MLP) will be available locally? They are 100g. :D

I would be surprised if we do... unless it gets imported for Easter.

And it isn't worth contacting Ferrero Rocher in Australia either, as they have never once replied to my queries about getting past Transformers items. :mad:

[FatalityPitt]

I just found out the TR Siege on Cybertron set will be a BigBadToyStore exclusive. Can anyone think of any instances when an online store exclusive got made available in Australia? Through Toys'R'Us perhaps? I've never bought from BigBadToyStore, but I imagine their shipping to Australia would cost a kidney..

[Handsprime]

I just found out the TR Siege on Cybertron set will be a BigBadToyStore exclusive. Can anyone think of any instances when an online store exclusive got made available in Australia? Through Toys'R'Us perhaps? I've never bought from BigBadToyStore, but I imagine their shipping to Australia would cost a kidney..

Most of the Platinum Series' had an Australian Release (https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=bbts%20platinum%20transformers) . Only Preadaking and Starscream were not available in Aussie Retail.

[Golden Phoenix]

Bought a set of Titans Return stickers off griffin the other weekend when he was in town.

Finally got some time to put them on, and I can't figure out where Stickers #44 and #45 go on Alpha Trion.
The instructions aren't the best and I can't find a good photo of the stickers applied in the area.
Any one got a photo of the stickers applied or can lend a hand?

On a side note, 2 of the stickers are for his moustache. Bit of an odd choice for stickers. I think his silver 'stache looks better than bright red though so I might leave them off.

[DELTAprime]

Anyone know if the oversized Kinder Surprise TF (& MLP) will be available locally? They are 100g. :D

If I see it at work I'll mention it, but we've never had anything but the tiny Kinder eggs, so I wouldn't count on it.

[DELTAprime]

I'm going to pay stupid aftermarket prices for a G1 or TFCC Metalhawk.

Wow, just had a look at current prices for the Metalhawk's. I knew the G1 version was stupid expensive but the TFCC one has really shot up in price. I got mine on clearance from BBTS for $17.99 USD.

[FatalityPitt]

Most of the Platinum Series' had an Australian Release (https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=bbts%20platinum%20transformers) . Only Preadaking and Starscream were not available in Aussie Retail.

Cheers. There's hope after all :)

Only figure I'm really keen on from the set is Pounce. If I have to pay for a $100-200 box set, AND international shipping costs; just to get a little scout class figure - I surrender.

[DELTAprime]

I don't have my MP Grapple instructions on hand, can someone confirm if the "official" transformation has the butt flap flipped around with the grey side turned outward or just the orange side facing outward?

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Did we ever hear anything further about that rumoured Carnivac redeco of Titans Return Wolfwire/Weirdwolf?

I don't remember hearing anything about from the recent Toyfair/etc events.:(

[spiderken17]

Has the TR Legends class Brawn come out here yet or have I missed it?

[1AZRAEL1]

Did we ever hear anything further about that rumoured Carnivac redeco of Titans Return Wolfwire/Weirdwolf?

I don't remember hearing anything about from the recent Toyfair/etc events.:(

Nothing's been said afaik. It's a shame if they don't do it.


Has the TR Legends class Brawn come out here yet or have I missed it?

He hasn't come out here yet

[griffin]

Has the TR Legends class Brawn come out here yet or have I missed it?

The 2017 toy release checklist is now up (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=23888), with details on what has been released here so far.
(short answer to your question, as noted above, is no)

[Megatran]

Where are all the licensed TF merchandise for Easter this year? I need that oversized Kinder Surprise egg.

[Megatran]

Anyone know if the oversized Kinder Surprise TF (& MLP) will be available locally? They are 100g. :D
Big W & Woolies have the Kinder Surprise Maxi Eggs 100g, but licensed Smurfs (The Lost Village) & Barbie. :rolleyes:
+ Big W $8
+ Woolies $6 (save $2)

[Lint]

In the spirit of the now kicked off Formula 1 season, could I trouble someone for a list of every F1 inspired Transformers toy ever?

[Paulbot]

Let's see, off the top of my head:
Mirage
Drag Strip
Speedstream
G2 Deluge
G2 Leadfoot
MW Prowl
MW Mirage
Armada Swindle
Energon Prowl
Classics Mirage
Movie Fracture
One of the DOTM Human Alliance toys
One of the PCC bots
Universe Streetwise (micromaster and the original Japanese versions)
CW Mirage, Drag Strip

Probably some others

[UltraMarginal]

Let's see, off the top of my head:
Mirage
Drag Strip
Speedstream
G2 Deluge
G2 Leadfoot
MW Prowl
MW Mirage
Armada Swindle
Energon Prowl
Classics Mirage
Movie Fracture
One of the DOTM Human Alliance toys
One of the PCC bots
Universe Streetwise (micromaster and the original Japanese versions)
CW Mirage, Drag Strip

Probably some others

Off the top of your head blows my mind! you did remind me of one other with your list though, Botcon Machine Wars Mirage. :D

[GoktimusPrime]

Off the top of my head without looking at Paulbot's list (I quickly averted my eyes ;))

Mirage (G1)
Drag Strip (G1)
Slapdash
Barricade (G1)
Leadfoot (G2)
Deluge
Mirage (G2) - and subsequent G2 redecos
Mirage (BM)
Counter Arrow
Mirage (Armada)
Swindle (Armada) & repaint for Thundercracker's Mini-Con
Mirage (Energon)
Mirage (Classics/Henkei) & Drag Strip (Universe)
Fracture (redeco of CH Mirage)
Drag Strip (CW) + CW Mirage

Uh... that's all I can think of off the top of my head.

[DELTAprime]

Ummm, as a Formula 1 fan I'd like to point out that the CW/UW Drag Strip/Mirage mould is an Indy Car not a Formula 1 car.

It's a Dallara DW12 chassis which is the mandatory chassis that every Indy Car uses.

[DELTAprime]

Oh and before I forget. I was just wondering if anyone knows what physical stores in Australia are my best chance to grab a TR Sixshot from wave 3 and the TR wave 4 in all classes?

[Paulbot]

Looking at Goktimus' list I notice a few others I should have remembered. Slapdash in particular, and the various Spychangers. And like the Spychangers, the micromaster mold and the minicon version have a quite a few versions. I think there's a Robotmasters Mirage too maybe?


Oh and before I forget. I was just wondering if anyone knows what physical stores in Australia are my best chance to grab a TR Sixshot from wave 3 and the TR wave 4 in all classes?

Wave 3 - For Sixshot go to a TRU

Wave 4 - Myer for Leaders (Sky Shadow). Not sure about the Titan Masters. Pretty sure the rest of the wave 4 is unsighted.

[griffin]

Wave 3 - For Sixshot go to a TRU

Wave 4 - Myer for Leaders (Sky Shadow). Not sure about the Titan Masters. Pretty sure the rest of the wave 4 is unsighted.

Yep, Sixshot is really only at ToysRUs so far.

And we've only had the Voyager (Broadside at BigW I think) and Leader (Skyshadow only at Myer so far) from wave four so far. Still waiting on the Titanmasters, Legends and Deluxes (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=23888). :(

[DELTAprime]

Yep, Sixshot is really only at ToysRUs so far.

And we've only had the Voyager (Broadside at BigW I think) and Leader (Skyshadow only at Myer so far) from wave four so far. Still waiting on the Titanmasters, Legends and Deluxes (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=23888). :(

Cool, I'll hit up TRU and Myer on my holiday tomorrow.

I regret not grabbing Broadside when I saw him at work, was he one to a case or two? I might be able to find one out the back if he's two.

[GoktimusPrime]

I think there's a Robotmasters Mirage too maybe?
Yes, there is. And he's a repaint of MW Mirage. I totally missed this mould. :p The MW Mirage mould was also redecoed as Indy Heat in CR who became Skid-Zed in Robots In Disguise.

I honestly don't know the difference between an F1 and Indy race car. I just Googled it and it made me more confused. I get that there's internal engine and performance differences but I don't get what the visual differences are.

[DELTAprime]

I honestly don't know the difference between an F1 and Indy race car. I just Googled it and it made me more confused. I get that there's internal engine and performance differences but I don't get what the visual differences are.

Think of it this way, Transformers and Go-bots are both Transforming robot toys but if someone said to you "cool Go-bot collection" you might be insulted because you know they are not the same and I think we can all agree Transformers are a better designed and engineered product.

In the same way Indy Car and Formula 1 are both "open wheel race cars" but Formula 1 is the pinnacle of engineering and design where every car is different. Indy Car just doesn't do things that way. They use a single chassis the DW12 and two identical engines, a Honda and Chevy to cut cost. Also Indy Cars can only turn left most of the time.

Oh and note that the top teams in Formula 1, Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari probably spend more on their F1 teams than the budget of some nations. Indy likes to be "cheaper".

[GoktimusPrime]

Think of it this way, Transformers and Go-bots are both Transforming robot toys but if someone said to you "cool Go-bot collection" you might be insulted because you know they are not the same and I think we can all agree Transformers are a better designed and engineered product.
Insulted? Why would I be insulted? :confused:
If a TF-Muggle were to make that sort of comment then well... who cares? If a person claiming to be a TF fan were to make that comment, then that just makes them look stupid. They're insulting themselves.

Or let's say someone looks at a piece of Chinese writing and thinks it's Japanese. If that person is neither a Chinese or Japanese speaker, then I'm not going to be insulted. Even if they speak Chinese and/or Japanese, I'm not going to to be insulted. I might think that they're a fool, but I'm not going to take offence to it. I once saw a book made by a Japanese teacher which had Chinese writing in it. :eek: I was dumbfounded, but not insulted.

BTW, I'm a motor sport Muggle and I didn't understand any of your explanation. :confused: I'm sorry if that deeply offends you. :p

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Inspired by the comments from Griffin in the surprising thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=554340&postcount=850), where does Optimus' trailer go?

[Ralph Wiggum]

Some theory about an alternate dimensional space or subspace or something which is used to store the trailer. in the same vein Megatron / Soundwave / Blaster access the same space to store their excess mass when they shrink from giant robot to tiny alt mode.

[griffin]

Inspired by the comments from Griffin in the surprising thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=554340&postcount=850), where does Optimus' trailer go?

The first section on this tfwiki page about "subspace" (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Subspace#Conceptual_history) talks about it... and concludes that a FunPub story written by two fans, canonized the fan theories.
So along with a lot of things from FunPub stories and their "Ask Vector Sigma" concept, it's technically official, even if a lot of people don't treat their work as being anything more than fan-fiction.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Does anyone know what kind of (huge, robotic) bird the G1 Predacon Divebomb is supposed to turn into?

Different resources say either 'eagle' or 'condor'.

[Paulbot]

Does anyone know what kind of (huge, robotic) bird the G1 Predacon Divebomb is supposed to turn into?

Different resources say either 'eagle' or 'condor'.

His official bio and the toy instructions say 'eagle'.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Cheers PB.:)

[GoktimusPrime]

This illustrates one thing that some of the "Trukk Not Munky" crowd didn't fully appreciate about Beast Wars when it came out - it was the first line that gave us Transformers with reasonably accurate looking animal modes. When you have mechanical beast modes you run the risk of them being difficult to recognise, such as whether or not Divebomb is a condor or eagle. Is Ravage meant to be a jaguar, but some writers have referred to him as a panther, puma or even dog. According to TFwiki, Ravage's Chinese name means "Mechanical Dog" (機器狗). :eek:

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

For my part I see the Dinobots and Predacons (and other similarly not-'in-disguise' groups/TFs, like the Terrorcons) as more 'assault weapon/mode' forms drawing/modeled on local life forms, rather than 'disguises' per se. A giant, nigh-invincible, fire-breathing, robotic T-Rex isn't exactly going to fool anyone disguise-wise, but it sure as heck will scare the crap out of anyone in it's way.:D
Same thing for a huge mechanical eagle that suddenly swoops out of the sky, picks up a freaking tank in its talons, and then casually tears it in half with its beak.:eek:

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my buffalo are pretty deadly creatures after all...it makes sense to me for a form-adaptive species of robots to adopt-and-adapt even just the basic shape/design of the more deadly/powerful local life forms for their war machines, even without the disguise aspect.

It's a lame excuse/reasoning I know, but works well enough for me.;)

[Trent]

I just became aware of the existence of Universe Megazarak. I love that mould and those colours look fantastic on it.

Did many end up with Australian collectors? I found it by accident browsing TFWiki and have never heard it mentioned so I assume it's kinda scarce.

[SuspectimusPrime]

I just became aware of the existence of Universe Megazarak. I love that mould and those colours look fantastic on it.

Did many end up with Australian collectors? I found it by accident browsing TFWiki and have never heard it mentioned so I assume it's kinda scarce.

In 2009-2011 I've seen one on eBay AU going for ~$120 + postage.

[griffin]

I just became aware of the existence of Universe Megazarak. I love that mould and those colours look fantastic on it.

Did many end up with Australian collectors? I found it by accident browsing TFWiki and have never heard it mentioned so I assume it's kinda scarce.

Probably not too many here got it when it was released, as it was the toy for the 2004 Official Convention (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/OTFCC_2004) (in the same year as the final Hartman BotCon).
One Australian went to the 2004 Official Convention (Finback in Perth), so he might have one as well, but I think if there are many here, they may
have been chased up after the event.
As you may expect, I have one, but since I didn't go to the Official Convention (I went to BotCon that year), I think I must have pre-ordered
it as a non-attending preregistrant, because I remember getting the Sentinel Maximus toy in the mail from Hasbro (who mailed out the
pre-ordered toys, due to them not being ready for the Convention, and Glen Hallit's company folding). So if I got one as a non-attending
pre-registrant, I must have pre-ordered both.

(unfortunately, mine is mostly obscured by the Sentinel Maximus in this photo)
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/collections/griffinofoz/c21s1.jpg

[DELTAprime]

That is a really awesome reuse of the Armada Megatron mould. I could do without the Allspark blue, but otherwise it's really awesome.

[GoktimusPrime]

RE: reports of MP36's barrel being prone to chipping

Would a spray-on sealant (e.g. purity seal) help to make the vulnerable area more resistant to chipping?

[kurdt_the_goat]

I don't think so, it's tight enough as it is that another coat of anything would probably increase the chance of scratching or even getting stuck.

[TAAUBlaster]

RE: reports of MP36's barrel being prone to chipping

Would a spray-on sealant (e.g. purity seal) help to make the vulnerable area more resistant to chipping?

If you mean for when fitting the silencer, then probably not. Putting another coat of anything on will only make things worse as it will build up the circumference (even by the slightest) of the already too big barrel and make the fit tighter, and cause more chipping/scraping.

If you mean just to protect it against normal transformation/posing/playing/etc. then it might help. But as I mentioned above, it would make it harder and riskier to fit the silncer.

[EDIT] Ninja'd by kurdt :o

[Krayt]

Probably not too many here got it when it was released, as it was the toy for the 2004 Official Convention (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/OTFCC_2004) (in the same year as the final Hartman BotCon).
One Australian went to the 2004 Official Convention (Finback in Perth), so he might have one as well, but I think if there are many here, they may
have been chased up after the event.
As you may expect, I have one, but since I didn't go to the Official Convention (I went to BotCon that year), I think I must have pre-ordered
it as a non-attending preregistrant, because I remember getting the Sentinel Maximus toy in the mail from Hasbro (who mailed out the
pre-ordered toys, due to them not being ready for the Convention, and Glen Hallit's company folding). So if I got one as a non-attending
pre-registrant, I must have pre-ordered both.




Mine came from eBay many moons ago....

[UltraMarginal]

Some paints can be dry but not fully cured. It might be worth leaving your MP megs in a warm environment for a week or two to ensure the paint is fully cured. IE, behind the window in your house so the afternoon sun warms it up.

it's a long shot, it might make no difference at all. and if you're worried about long term yellowing, a week or two shouldn't really have any long term effects.

just a suggestion.

[Paulbot]

I just became aware of the existence of Universe Megazarak. I love that mould and those colours look fantastic on it.

Did many end up with Australian collectors? I found it by accident browsing TFWiki and have never heard it mentioned so I assume it's kinda scarce.

There's one on eBay right now (http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/172626362331?_mwBanner=1&ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover %252F0%252Fe11021.m43.l3160%252F7%253Feuid%253D8ef 1660edc234d10a48c82b2b29dd9b3%2526bu%253D433481322 68%2526loc%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.c om.au%25252Fulk%25252Fitm%25252F172626362331%2526s ojTags%253Dbu%253Dbu%2526srcrot%253De11021.m43.l31 60%2526rvr_id%253D0&ul_noapp=true) (but for $270!).

[philby]

In one of the older comics (not sure if dreamwave or idw)I seem to remember someone having a sharkticon as a pet or guard dog or something? In a sewer hideout? Ring any bells?
Just wondering what happened to it and if it is any relation to the sharkticons in the current Optimus prime comic.

[Paulbot]

In one of the older comics (not sure if dreamwave or idw)I seem to remember someone having a sharkticon as a pet or guard dog or something? In a sewer hideout? Ring any bells?
Just wondering what happened to it and if it is any relation to the sharkticons in the current Optimus prime comic.

Yep, Wheelie had Gnaw as a companion in the second Dreamwave G1 series. No relation to the IDW Sharkticons.

[Bidoofdude]

Has anyone bought one of the TR Legends Brawn floating round from China on eBay? Can't tell if it's legit, because it's a nice price from what I can see.

[spiderken17]

Im just waiting for it to come locally. I dont trust alot of the chinese sellers.

[ComradeRenko]

Has anyone bought one of the TR Legends Brawn floating round from China on eBay? Can't tell if it's legit, because it's a nice price from what I can see.

Picked up Brawn and Roadburn at the end of January. Both came fully packaged, and looked legit to me. No excessive looseness or defects I could detect. The paint on Roadburn's face seemed a little thick, but judging by other photos going around that seems to be how it is supposed to be. Paid about $35 for the pair of them.

[DELTAprime]

Am I the only one that's hoping Amazon Australia themselves or a 3rd party seller on Amazon Australia stocks Takara Tomy Transformers making them a better local one stop shop for Transformers than PC?

['07Camaro]

Am I the only one that's hoping Amazon Australia themselves or a 3rd party seller on Amazon Australia stocks Takara Tomy Transformers making them a better local one stop shop for Transformers than PC?

Nope, I too am hoping for a method to buy Takara Transformers which is as good (or even more) as PC. :)

[GoktimusPrime]

Did we miss Wave 8 of the Warrior Class RiD figures? (i.e. Bisk, Ratchet & Scatterspike)

[griffin]

Did we miss Wave 8 of the Warrior Class RiD figures? (i.e. Bisk, Ratchet & Scatterspike)

Yes, we missed that wave... and had very little of the previous wave (Windblade, Scorponok, Power Surge Optimus). And it was 12 months between new Warriors here (February 2016 to February 2017)... so demand is so poor here that we took a year to see new stock, and even after that time, it is still hard to find anything after wave 6 here... four waves after the rest of the world.

----- Wave 5 (DEC) OUT US NOV - HERE NOV 2015
- Blizzard Strike Optimus Prime (redeco - Auto)
- Decepticon Fracture - motorcycle (new - Decep)
- Megatronus - tank (new - Decep)
- Night Strike Bumblebee (redeco - Auto)
----- Wave 6 (DEC/JAN) OUT US FEB/MAY - HERE FEB 2016
- Blizzard Drift (blue redeco - Auto)
- Quillfire (new - Decep)
- Thunderhoof (new - Decep)
----- Wave 7 (???) OUT US - HERE FEB 2017 (limited release)
- Optimus Prime (Power Surge remould - Auto)
- Scorponok (new brown scorpion - Decep)
- Windblade (new jet - Auto)
----- Wave 8 (???) OUT - NOT HERE
- Autobot Ratchet (major remould Strongarm - Auto)
- Bisk (new orange car - Decep)
- Scatterspike (purple redeco Quillfire - Decep)
----- Wave 9 (???) OUT US DEC 2016 - HERE FEB 2017
- Alpine Strike Drift (white redeco - Auto)
- Blastwave (new tank - Auto)
- Stormshot (new jet - Auto)
----- Wave 10 (???) OUT ASIA FEB - NOT HERE YET
- Blurr (new race car - Auto)
- Skywarp (redeco Starscream - Decep)
- Soundwave (new armoured vehicle - Decep)
- Windblade (very minor redeco - Auto)

[Megatran]

I can't help but feel the $29 RRP for a Warrior class is driving the low demand, especially when compared to a lower priced Deluxe figure. Just a hypothesis....

[GoktimusPrime]

Guh, that sucks. I did see Bisk in Japan but at full RRP which I wasn't willing to pay.

[DELTAprime]

I just hope that things improve in the future and we stop missing waves or as we saw recently with TR Optimus and Megatron a few make it to a handful of stores and we never see them again.

[DarkHyren]

Yesterday I was trying to find a good comprehensive list of what toylines were released in what years in chronological order but dammed if I couldnt find one.
The closest I found was pages like this (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Franchise), but that's a bit all over the place with dates and is missing some lines and sub line imprints.
Question is does anyone have a chronological list that shows what lines were release in what year, or am I going to have to compile one myself?
If the latter is there at least a webpage that shows all lines, including sub lines, with dates that I can quickly reference?

[tinyJazz]

Yesterday I was trying to find a good comprehensive list of what toylines were released in what years in chronological order but dammed if I couldnt find one.
The closest I found was pages like this (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Franchise), but that's a bit all over the place with dates and is missing some lines and sub line imprints.
Question is does anyone have a chronological list that shows what lines were release in what year, or am I going to have to compile one myself?
If the latter is there at least a webpage that shows all lines, including sub lines, with dates that I can quickly reference?

This page on tfu?

http://tfu.info/series/index.htm

Edit: sorry it's not really chronological but I think it's better than the tfwiki page

[Sinnertwin]

I'm sure Unicron.com has a detailed database, breaking figures up into year, faction etc. They even have photos!

[griffin]

I've used this site for about 10-15 years, and it has a good chronological listing...
http://www.soundwavesoblivion.com/thetoyarchive.html

[DarkHyren]

Thanks peeps, I'd seen some of those but not griffin's link, that and the list on unicron together will probably suit my needs.


I can't help but feel the $29 RRP for a Warrior class is driving the low demand, especially when compared to a lower priced Deluxe figure. Just a hypothesis....I found Windblade and Scorponok the other day but the price tag is indeed what put me off getting them.
I do like the line but $29 is a bit much imo for either a warrior or a deluxe, though realizing that it was likely the wave 7 maskless Windblade (which going off griffins post that's the harder to get one?) since she was sitting there with Scorpy (pity I wasnt paying enough attention at the time to her face) and seeing how much she is going for online makes me think that $29 is actually the cheapest that I might find her for, so back to the store I go lol

[GoktimusPrime]

$30 has long been the standard RRP for a Deluxe figure in this country (and generally in most other countries, give/take a few dollars). I know that many majors tend to discount them, but the standard price has often been at that range.

I think the issue with the RiD Warriors is that they are underwhelming Deluxes, giving us so much less dollar value. You compare say RiD Warrior Ratchet with say Universe/Henkei Ratchet - both Deluxes - and there's just no comparison.
Check out some of the posts on these threads re: CHUGUR Ratchet - you can see the excitement that we all had.
http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=3085
http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=1420
http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=2901

Now compare this with the comments and poll results from the Warrior Class Ratchet review thread (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=24194) as well as many of the disappointing comments on the TFPRiD Ratchet review thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=13205), as well as the generally scathing reviews for Strongarm (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=20119). I know that CHUGUR Ratchet has its critics - some people don't like all the seam lines (but bear in mind that it's trying to achieve what MP Ratchet has only at the Deluxe size and price point!), and okay, the head looking down thing is weird. But overall it's a pretty damn good toy IMHO and offers comparatively FAR greater value for money than its TFPRiD and RiD/TAV counterparts.
https://image.ibb.co/fgK1o5/comparison_ratchets.jpg
I've often said in my reviews of TFP and RiD toys that many of them aren't inherently bad toys per se... they're just not worth the full price of admission. Whereas for most CHUGUR toys people are more than happy to pay full RRP. Heck, in my previous two trips to Japan I've seen TakaraTOMY's Deluxe Legends figures flying off shelves despite their 4320JPY (AU$52) price tags. So I don't think it's necessarily the prices per se but more the reduced value for money. Cos whenever I've gotten say a RiD Warrior figure my thought has always been, "And they have the audacity to charge a Deluxe price for this?!" :eek: Little wonder that I only pick up a Warrior Class figure if it's either on sale or if someone's offering it to me for free. I've never bought one at full price (although I often find them in stores at full RRP).

[DELTAprime]

^ The Henkei Ironhide/Ratchet mould isn't exactly a great mould itself. Just sayin.:rolleyes:

[GoktimusPrime]

^ The Henkei Ironhide/Ratchet mould isn't exactly a great mould itself. Just sayin.:rolleyes:
Why?

As I said in my previous post, bear in mind that Univ/Henkei Ironhide/Ratchet are basically attempting to achieve close to what MASTERPIECE Ironhide/Ratchet achieved, only on a much smaller size and price point/budget.
Henkei Ironhide/Ratchet's RRP (incl. tax) was 2495JPY (approx. $30).
MP Ironhide/Ratchet's RRP (incl. tax) is 10800JPY (approx. $130).
So bear in mind that Henkei/Universe Ironhide/Ratchet were trying to achieve a relatively cartoon-accurate toy but at a price point that was $100 cheaper than the MPs.

And of course, trying to achieve show-accurate Ironhide/Ratchet is a nigh-impossible feat because the cartoon models utterly defy physics and ignore reality. Even the MPs couldn't get them 100% accurate, but came pretty impressively damn close. Univ/Henkei Ratchethide gave us fairly solid vehicle and robot modes. Neither mode relies on faux-kibble like TFPRiD and RiD/TAV Ratchet do. They aren't shellformers and much of the back-mounted kibble compacts fairly nicely. A whole lot better than say either of the AoE Leader Class Optimus Prime toys! Okay, the vehicle mode is a long-nosed 4WD rather than a short-nosed van, but this is because the bonnet houses the legs. TakaraTOMY engineers have to put these legs somewhere, and again, their options are far more limited at a Deluxe size and price/budget point. They can't afford to splash out and go all complicated like MPs do. And yes, there are seam lines along the sides of the vehicle, but honestly, that's a pretty acceptable trade off considering what these toys have achieved. It's a vehicle which transforms into a fairly show-accurate robot without having a detachable platform like the G1 toys or the BotCon redecos of Energon Tow-Line. If you look at the front, top and rear of the vehicle, there are relatively few seam lines - not much more than most other Deluxe Transformers. And the seams on the sides are isolated to the rear side windows and base of the doors/skirting. The driver & passenger side windows have no seam lines and the upper halves of the doors have very few seams. So they have clearly attempted to isolate where these seams occur rather than have them spread out throughout the sides.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/ratchet_comparison_zpse8b4xafw.jpg
And on top of all that, the Deluxes need to be fun and intuitive for kids. MPs can afford to be far more challenging because they are directly marketed at mature collectors - Ages 15+. Universe/Henkei figures are marketed at Ages 5+. So all things considered, I think that Univ/Henkei Ratchethide are GREAT Deluxes. Are they perfect? No. My main complaint about them are their downwards facing heads. But other than that I cannot really find any real fault in these toys. And these toys really paved the way for the MPs as the MPs are essentially the Univ/Henkei figures but done at a larger size and price point/budget.

I challenge you to find me any other Transformer toy outside of the Masterpiece series which achieves what Univ/Henkei Ratchethide has achieved given their original source material (cartoon model) & relative size and price point.

[DELTAprime]

You're in that vast minority. I rarely hear anyone try to say that mould is good. It's passable at best.

[GoktimusPrime]

Again - WHY? Why do you think it's such a bad mould? :confused:

Ratchet looks much better than I initially thought too.

Ratchet looks good. Great that they resculpted the head unlike classics Cliffjumper.

Awesome (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/henkei-ratchet-photos/14638/)

Ratchet hasn't looked this sexy in ages.

Sexy

Sexy indeed

Holy Crap thats impressive :cool:

WOW! :eek:

that is calling out to me! It's so purdy lookin'!

Very pretty!

Looks awesome.

I love the mould so much

Henkei Ratchet does look really good.

[SuspectimusPrime]

You're in that vast minority. I rarely hear anyone try to say that mould is good. It's passable at best.


Again - WHY? Why do you think it's such a bad mould? :confused:

Looks like those posts are quite dated.. In 2008-2009 the only other G1-esque Ratchet-alternatives were G1/Encore and the Botcon exclusive (Energon Tow-Line).

I've got 3 versions of the mould: Hasbro Classics Ironhide, Henkei Ratchet, and TFCC SG Soundwave. Each has the same problem - the mushroom peg used for the hip is prone to popping off during careful transformation. The TFCC version was especially poor quality (did not appear to be a perfect circle, and when twisting the hip 180 degrees it would just push itself out - but hey, with TFCC you know you won't get what you pay for :rolleyes: ).

[GoktimusPrime]

Looks like those posts are quite dated.. In 2008-2009
Well yeah, cos that's about when the toy came out and people were posting about it. :o But my point is that when the toy came out people were generally pretty excited over it.

the only other G1-esque Ratchet-alternatives were G1/Encore and the Botcon exclusive (Energon Tow-Line).
Fair point, and this is because the idea of even attempting a show-accurate transforming & looking Ratchethide is just so prohibitively difficult that it's not worth it unless you're trying to give fans a show-accurate Ratchethide that doesn't "cheat" by having a detachable platform (although it's not a true cheat considering that the cartoon model had the detachable platform - even if it was only ever seen once in the cartoon (every other time it just miraculously vanished)). CHUGUR Ratchethide was HasTak's first attempt, and with a limited Deluxe point size/budget. 8 years later they tried again with the MPs but with a substantially larger size and budget.


I've got 3 versions of the mould: Hasbro Classics Ironhide, Henkei Ratchet, and TFCC SG Soundwave. Each has the same problem - the mushroom peg used for the hip is prone to popping off during careful transformation. The TFCC version was especially poor quality (did not appear to be a perfect circle, and when twisting the hip 180 degrees it would just push itself out - but hey, with TFCC you know you won't get what you pay for :rolleyes: ).
Mine aren't nearly as prone as yours - they can pop off but not at the drop of a hat. Mine aren't nearly as bad as say Animated Lockdown's legs or MP5's shoulder & hip panels. :o

[Starscream77]

You're in that vast minority. I rarely hear anyone try to say that mould is good. It's passable at best.

Would agree, it is not a mold I think is in the top end over the last 10 yrs.

And Gok as noted the responses you noted are almost a decade old so not sure they are relevant these days, people probably rated this back then but it has not stood the test of time.

[DELTAprime]

Personally I'd say my personal issues are.

- Panel lines vehicle mode are ugly.
- Face sculpt is not good
- Massive backpack
- Mushroom pegs are problematic

Before getting Ironhide and Ratchet in hand I was excited to have them, after getting them in hand things soured.

[GoktimusPrime]

I made this graphic back when people were people were complaining about the look of MP Ironhide. This is what toy designers are trying to emulate...
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Ironhide/meme_magiceng_zpswmqjy1ra.jpg
Only one small portion of the vehicle mode - the front - remains visible in robot mode. The rest of the vehicle disappears into thin freakin' air in robot mode. In reality mass cannot be created or destroyed (re: Law of Conservation of Mass-Energy (http://www.chemteam.info/Thermochem/Law-Cons-Mass-Energy.html)). This is why fans came up with the idea of mass-shifting in TF fiction to explain how Transformers can change sizes between transformations (e.g. Megatron, Soundwave, Reflector etc.) - mass is displaced, but not generated nor eradicated.

So this means that IRL all this mass must go somewhere in robot mode. Your two options are:
1. Make the excess mass detachable. This is what the G1 and Timelines toys did. A good bulk of the vehicle was detachable and transformed into mobile platforms.
2. Incorporate the excess mass into the robot mode - self contain it. This is what CHUGUR and MP Ratchethide have done. Obviously the MPs have achieved it at a greater level, but of course they are newer toys, larger toys and also $100 dearer.

I still challenge anyone to show me any other toy, aside from MPs, who have been able to achieve this marvel of engineering as CHUGUR Ratchethide. Because comparing them with many other toys isn't necessarily fair because those toys aren't trying to achieve the same thing that CHUGUR Ratchethide have achieved.


Personally I'd say my personal issues are.

- Panel lines vehicle mode are ugly.
Fair point, but it's a trade-off for having these toys self-contain all of their vehicle parts. At only a Deluxe size and budget/price point, you're not going to be able to make the vehicle modes look as smooth as the MPs. The alternative is to make half the vehicle detach, in which case you might as well stick with FunPub/Timelines Ratchethide. I own Timelines Ironhide BTW and I much prefer the Henkei toy.


- Face sculpt is not good
That's subjective. I like the face sculpts, but it's a matter of personal taste. I don't think it's inherently bad though. The downward facing heads do bug me - someone at HasTak had a thing for it at the time. Universe Silverbolt suffered from the same thing too... weird.

- Massive backpack
Again, physics.

- Mushroom pegs are problematic
Yeah. I'll grant that this could've been done better. Mine don't seem to be as problematic as others, but I must admit that they're not perfectly solid either.

Again, I'm not saying that these are perfect toys - they do have their flaws. But I still think that, considering the craziness of what they were trying to achieve, they are still FANTASTIC toys. Even if you think that they've been completely outclassed by their MP counterparts, I still really like them because I judge toys by the standards of their day, not by standards of their future. Because if I were to judge all toys by today's standards, then G1 is utter rubbish.

Another question I may pose is - how else would you have expected HasTak to have engineered this mould? Physical flaws like creating a tighter mushroom peg, having the heads face forwards etc. - okay, totally fair calls. But I don't see how they could've avoided other things like the backpack kibble or the seams on the sides of the vehicles (not without making them shellformers). Even MP Ratchethide still have some visible kibble on the robot mode, e.g. hip panels, bum wheels etc. - it's just not possible to completely conceal everything (at least, not unless you wanna pay $300 per figure).

[FatalityPitt]

I might get grilled, but I'll throw in my 2 cents.

I confess, I don't have the Universe/Henkei Ratchet or Ironhide, but from what I've seen, it was a pretty good mould for it's time despite it's short-comings. The design is nearly a decade old now, but it was the best possible representation of Ratchet/Ironhide they could make within budget using late-2000's technology.. To put it elegantly, the problem with the toy now is that it's dated.

Toy technology and design methodologies have improved over the last decade, and quite a number of characters have benefited from it. For example, the Classics Deluxe Rodimus was the best representation of Rodimus/Hot Rod when it was first released in 2006. But The Titans Return Hot Rod (released in 2015) is a much better toy. But the reason TR Hot Rod is superior (even without the Headmaster gimmick) is because of the experience acquired over the last 10 years being invested in it. I know, it's like comparing apples with oranges because of the Titanmaster gimmick and all - but do you think Hasbro/Takara could have made a toy like TR Hot Rod back in 2006? If they could make a new deluxe Hot Rod/Rodimus without any gimmicks, would they make it exactly like Classics Rodimus, or recycle some of the engineering used in TR Hot Rod?

Universe/Henkei Ratchet and Ironhide aren't the best toys in the world, but they were good for their time. Perhaps we need a newer and more updated deluxe Ratchet/Ironhide using some of the techniques used in Combiner Wars / Titans Return (Not Counting Off-Road/First Aid retools).

EDIT: Just wanna add - before Combiner Wars, this was the closest possible thing to a Neo-Classics Superion (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/0/08/Universe2008_Superion.jpg).

[DELTAprime]

I made this graphic back when people were people were complaining about the look of MP Ironhide. This is what toy designers are trying to emulate...
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Ironhide/meme_magiceng_zpswmqjy1ra.jpg
Only one small portion of the vehicle mode - the front - remains visible in robot mode. The rest of the vehicle disappears into thin freakin' air in robot mode. In reality mass cannot be created or destroyed (re: Law of Conservation of Mass-Energy (http://www.chemteam.info/Thermochem/Law-Cons-Mass-Energy.html)). This is why fans came up with the idea of mass-shifting in TF fiction to explain how Transformers can change sizes between transformations (e.g. Megatron, Soundwave, Reflector etc.) - mass is displaced, but not generated nor eradicated.

So this means that IRL all this mass must go somewhere in robot mode. Your two options are:
1. Make the excess mass detachable. This is what the G1 and Timelines toys did. A good bulk of the vehicle was detachable and transformed into mobile platforms.
2. Incorporate the excess mass into the robot mode - self contain it. This is what CHUGUR and MP Ratchethide have done. Obviously the MPs have achieved it at a greater level, but of course they are newer toys, larger toys and also $100 dearer.

I still challenge anyone to show me any other toy, aside from MPs, who have been able to achieve this marvel of engineering as CHUGUR Ratchethide. Because comparing them with many other toys isn't necessarily fair because those toys aren't trying to achieve the same thing that CHUGUR Ratchethide have achieved.


Fair point, but it's a trade-off for having these toys self-contain all of their vehicle parts. At only a Deluxe size and budget/price point, you're not going to be able to make the vehicle modes look as smooth as the MPs. The alternative is to make half the vehicle detach, in which case you might as well stick with FunPub/Timelines Ratchethide. I own Timelines Ironhide BTW and I much prefer the Henkei toy.


That's subjective. I like the face sculpts, but it's a matter of personal taste. I don't think it's inherently bad though. The downward facing heads do bug me - someone at HasTak had a thing for it at the time. Universe Silverbolt suffered from the same thing too... weird.

Again, physics.

Yeah. I'll grant that this could've been done better. Mine don't seem to be as problematic as others, but I must admit that they're not perfectly solid either.

Again, I'm not saying that these are perfect toys - they do have their flaws. But I still think that, considering the craziness of what they were trying to achieve, they are still FANTASTIC toys. Even if you think that they've been completely outclassed by their MP counterparts, I still really like them because I judge toys by the standards of their day, not by standards of their future. Because if I were to judge all toys by today's standards, then G1 is utter rubbish.

Another question I may pose is - how else would you have expected HasTak to have engineered this mould? Physical flaws like creating a tighter mushroom peg, having the heads face forwards etc. - okay, totally fair calls. But I don't see how they could've avoided other things like the backpack kibble or the seams on the sides of the vehicles (not without making them shellformers). Even MP Ratchethide still have some visible kibble on the robot mode, e.g. hip panels, bum wheels etc. - it's just not possible to completely conceal everything (at least, not unless you wanna pay $300 per figure).

Why do you feel the need to defend Hasbro and Takara??? They are not perfect, sometimes they make toys that are not great and you don't need to go on post after post defending them. There is no law that said they had to go down the design route they did with Universe/Henkei Ironhide/Ratchet. They could have strayed from the G1 look and gone with something a bit different that made a much better toy. Universe Onslaught (Ultra not Legends) bears little resemblance to his G1 version and he's a really good toy because of it yet still evokes G1 Onslaught with his silhouette.

[kurdt_the_goat]

No one's really arguing that Universe Ratchet isn't a better toy (or better value) than the RiD Ratchet are they? People are just saying they don't like that it that much, and they're also not disagreeing that it wasn't some clever engineering either. I'd say most people just prefer the Sunstreaker, Hound and Prowl moulds from around that time. Ironhide might have involved more wizardry, but it's ok if people don't like the end result as much.

Having said all that, I think my favourite engineering of that time was Cyclonus. He hides the entire front of the aircraft in his chest like it was never there, has no kibble or problems to speak of other than perhaps a gappy back of plane.

I don't know what the point of bringing up the G1 toy is, because that was a thing before the cartoon. Presumably they originally made the platform detach for play value not because of some inherent difficulty in turning that particular car into (at this time), any particular look for the robot. Likewise, Tow-Line was designed to be his own particular thing while paying a bit of homage to the G1 characters.

Universe Ratchet being the first time where their main goal was to approximate the G1 cartoon's robot look doesn't particularly suggest that it was all that challenging for them to do. And i'd argue, they could easily do a low budget Ratchet that had a similar transformation scheme to the MP, which transformed into a G1 style van. At the time and still to a degree now, the Universe line wasn't 100% in on G1 accuracy, hence the different car design compared to G1. They could have done it if they wanted to though. Think Titan Returns Hot Rod compared with the MP. MP Hot Rod basically has Titan Returns legs! I can even think of deluxes around that time that are arguably more complex in design/part count than some MPs, say WfC Optimus Prime.

Honestly, after seeing MP Megatron, I just don't think they would find any kind of "cartoon magic" transformation all that difficult to achieve. These guys have been designing transforming toys for years and routinely hit it out of the park on their first attempts in the MP line.

[DELTAprime]

^ Thanks Kurdt for putting it much better than I can.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Pfft, Universe Ironhide and Ratchet don't even have their battle platforms/repair bays. :p

[GoktimusPrime]

Why do you feel the need to defend Hasbro and Takara??? They are not perfect, sometimes they make toys that are not great and you don't need to go on post after post defending them.
Uh...

Are they perfect? No.

Again, I'm not saying that these are perfect toys - they do have their flaws.
And I don't mind if you think that they're crap moulds, but I was curious to know why you think that they're so terrible. I never said you were wrong - ultimately good and bad are subjective notions which vary according to our personal standards.


Ironhide might have involved more wizardry, but it's ok if people don't like the end result as much.
And that's fine, but I'm just saying that even if you don't like the end result you may still at least appreciate the effort that was put into this mould and what they were trying to achieve. Appreciation is not necessarily the same as liking or disliking something. ;)


I don't know what the point of bringing up the G1 toy is, because that was a thing before the cartoon. Presumably they originally made the platform detach for play value not because of some inherent difficulty in turning that particular car into (at this time), any particular look for the robot. Likewise, Tow-Line was designed to be his own particular thing while paying a bit of homage to the G1 characters.
You're right, but I just mentioned those toys in terms of where the excess vehicle bulk could be put if not incorporated into the core figure itself. Those toys did it because they were never aiming to achieve G1 cartoon likeness for the reasons you mentioned. Although a show-accurate Ratchethide could potentially have a detachable platform as it is in their cartoon models. It's just that animators only ever showed it once for Ratchet and never showed it for Ironhide. But I suppose consequently this has become "visual canon" for these characters (much like how Grapple's crane was misinterpreted by animators as additional bulk behind his legs - this has become "visual canon" and the MP35 toy's engineering reflects this by shifting additional bulk to the back of the legs and entirely collapsing the crane-arm into the torso).

The Diaclone figures had detachable platforms because those figures were meant to be power armours which deliver additional munitions/equipment to other Diaclone mecha. They were basically support mecha for the main Car Robot mecha. This is also why they have no heads, because they're meant to be like beefy power armours (similar to what Ripley used in Aliens or what we see some humans using in Avatar etc.) rather than properly piloted mecha in the traditional sense.


And i'd argue, they could easily do a low budget Ratchet that had a similar transformation scheme to the MP, which transformed into a G1 style van. At the time and still to a degree now, the Universe line wasn't 100% in on G1 accuracy, hence the different car design compared to G1. They could have done it if they wanted to though. Think Titan Returns Hot Rod compared with the MP. MP Hot Rod basically has Titan Returns legs! I can even think of deluxes around that time that are arguably more complex in design/part count than some MPs, say WfC Optimus Prime.
Oh yeah, I'm sure they could have, but I think that it was simply easier for them to do it with a long nose vehicle mode. BTW, the Ratchethide mould came out in 2008, a good 2-3 years before WFC OP or MP9 (with the latter being a far bigger/dearer toy), and 8 years before TR Hot Rod. And you're right, they didn't have to try and give us a more show-accurate robot mode with Ratchethide, but I think that they did it because they wanted to. It was at very least a forerunner to what we see in MP Ratchethide (and we know that the MP and BT lines were initially inspired by Deluxe class toys from TF Car Robot back in 2000).


Honestly, after seeing MP Megatron, I just don't think they would find any kind of "cartoon magic" transformation all that difficult to achieve. These guys have been designing transforming toys for years and routinely hit it out of the park on their first attempts in the MP line.
Yes, but bear in mind at a VERY high price point. Remember that MP36 is more than double (x2.235 to be precise) the price of MP5 or nearly 10 times (x9.96) the price of Henkei Ratchethide! :eek:
I love MP36, don't get me wrong, but also don't forget that it is a damn expensive toy. By far one of the most expensive toys that I've ever purchased (rivalled only by Cityformers like Generations Metroplex and any toy whose name ends with "Maximus").

It's easy to point at bigger and more expensive toys like MPs and say, "Well they did a better job." Yeah, of course they did. Hence why I said...

I still challenge anyone to show me any other toy, aside from MPs, who have been able to achieve this marvel of engineering as CHUGUR Ratchethide.

I take your point with CHUGUR Cyclonus and TR Hot Rod (I also really love Cyclonus, such a fantastic mould! :D), but these toys are hiding far less vehicle parts than what we're talking about with Ratchethide. Also, a jet is a far less bulky vehicle to conceal into a robot - they tend to have the reverse problem, how to conceal the robot parts in jet mode. And as you've pointed out, Cyclonus does suffer with the gappy rear because that's where they've attempted to use the legs to form the aft. Cyclonus isn't perfect, but its flaws doesn't take away the overall awesomeness of that mould for me, and similarly while I fully admit that Ratchethide has its flaws, they too don't take away the overall greatness of that mould for me.

There's no such thing as a perfect toy. Even MP36 has its shortcomings, but at the end of the day we weigh up the pros and cons of these toys and then decide if these toys are worth the money that we pay for this. This is why the standard format for the toy review polls doesn't ask us, "Do you like this toy?" It doesn't ask, "Is this toy any good?" - it asks one important question - "Is this toy worth buying?"

I'm not at all saying that Ratchethide is the perfect figure, don't get me wrong. But what I'm saying is that - IMHO - I think that they were worth the 2494JPY (approx. AU$30) that I paid for them. As opposed to the buyer's remorse that I feel after paying $29 for The Last Knight Deluxe Class Berserker. :o

[DELTAprime]

I really don't get why you seem to prize engineering over everything else and seem to be taking the side of engineering makes a toy better, it's alien to me. So anyway, you want to know why I don't like them, here's what I think makes a good mould.

A Transformer is a toy is not a Formula 1 car and should be easily enjoyable with well balanced priority between alt mode, puzzle and robot not a master class in engineering like aforementioned Formula 1 car. Here's how I would sum up as few toys both as far as looks, play and engineering.

The Good: Henkei Starscream (This is one of my favourite moulds of all time)
Alt mode: Great plane, I challenge anyone not to have fun with it. Just don't poke out an eye with those really powerful missiles.:p
Transformation: Intuitive, fast and simple but not too simple. Engineering perfection.
Robot: It doesn't just evoke G1 Starscream like many Classics figures, it was the best representation of G1 Starscream to that point in time and may still be if you're not a fan of MP-11's looks. Not to mention it's a really fun robot with almost perfect articulation.
They got the perfect balance in all 3 aspects.

The middle of the road: Unite Warriors Ratchet (this is my canonical Neo-G1 Ratchet till something better comes along)
Alt mode: Looks like a tough armoured ambulance, pegs together perfectly. It doesn't evoke G1 Ratchet, but it's a good modern take.
Transformation: Really simplistic to the point it's not fun or rewarding, but at least it's fast. Engineered for cheapness.
Robot: Despite being designed as a generic CW toy to choice of remoulding and paint does a great job of looking like G1 Ratchet with a modern take. The robot is well engineered as a robot toy and is fun with good articulation.
Terrible puzzle but the alt mode is really solid and the robot is like a B+.

The bad: Henkei Ratchet (note I am ignoring the fact the chrome on mine is disintegrating like other toys of the period and it's yellowing, darn you white plastic)
Alt Mode: After playing with him a little tonight I really feel like this a weak mode because of previously mentioned panel lines, but there is also a section of plastic just missing from the mould at the rear left and right of the side window area, huh:eek:? Also pegs together horribly if everything isn't lined up 100% perfect limiting the fun and adding to frustration, so onto transformation.
Transformation: Going to car mode this is a rather fiddly mould as mentioned before, while somewhat intuitive to someone like me with decades of experience with Transformers I bet there are those that can't intuitit. Going in both directions with the transformation the mushroom pegs are a problem and should have been designed out with a pin.
Robot: While yes it does evoke G1 Ratchet with his silhouette the face doesn't pass for the mostly, happy, sometimes cracky G1 Ratchet they are emulating. The head looks down slightly which could have been taken care of in development. Articulation is good like the previously mentioned toys but the mushroom peg problem makes him more annoying than the others above. Also I feel the bulkiness of the mould suits Ironhide slightly more than Ratchet. Backpack could have been handled better with a different Transformation. It's not a bad robot mode, but it's not good either, somewhere in between.
Overall I feel they went overboard on engineering and complexity and it lets down the alt mode and complicates the transformation. Sometimes a simpler design or going about the design from another angle can lead to better results.

BTW Gok, if you want to know what I think about something in the future, ask it very directly. I'm Dyslexic and Autistic so I don't read between the lines well so to speak.:)

[GoktimusPrime]

It's easier for other toys to achieve the balance that you speak of when they aren't presented with the insurmountable challenge that was placed before CHUG Ratchethide. Hence these are not really fair comparisons because they aren't achieving the same thing that Ratchethide tried to achieve.

Let's look at how much of CHUG Starscream's jet mode is absorbed into his robot mode.
* Intake ramps: unmoved - they become shoulder pylons
* Nosecone: back-mounted kibble
* Cockpit: absorbed into body becoming centrepiece of chest
* Canopy: unchanged - opens and closes to allow cockpit to enter but resets to original position
* Engines & thrusters: unmoved - becomes kibble on back of lower legs and heels
* Stabilisers: folded and pivoted - becomes ankle mounted kibble
* Wings: flips 180 degrees and hangs as back-mounted kibble
And of course, this is accurate to the look of G1 Starscream. So because G1 Starscream never absorbed these parts into the robot mode. Both G1 and CHUG Starscream also have comparable robot kibble in jet mode. So there's relatively far less "absorption" (or more accurately, incorporation) of parts across modes. The robot mode shows a lot of visible jet parts.

Now let's look at Ratchethide:
* Front grill: absorbed into the rear-mounted backpack kibble (RMBK)
* Bonnet: absorbed with the centre in the RMBK and the sides absorbed as the shins
* Windscreen: absorbed via RMBK
* Driver & passenger side windows: absorbed via RMBK
* Roof: absorbed with the front half via the RMBK and the rear half forming the top of the chest
* Front wheels & front side panels: side-mounted leg kibble
* Doors: Half are absorbed via RMBK with other parts become split - about a quarter are absorbed into the feet and a quarter becoming arm panel kibble
* Centre side windows: absorbed into body
* Rear bumper: absorbed into body
* Rear wheels and panels: absorbed into body
* Remaining rear section of vehicle: absorbed into body becoming chest

So as we can see, Ratchethide has a far higher amount of parts absorption than Starscream or practically any other Transformer outside of the Masterpiece line. Now you could say that this is precisely the reason behind much of this mould's weakness and you wouldn't be wrong. :)

Or let me put it another way - let's compare BT v MP Lambor/Sideswipe, and considering that both of these toys sold at roughly the same price point.
+ BT = die cast metal parts v. MP = all plastic
+ BT = rubber tyres v. MP = plastic tyres
+ BT = bonnet opens revealing internal engine v. MP = nope
+ BT = boot opens v. MP = nope
+ BT = doors open v. MP = nope
+ BT = highly detailed interior (insert descriptive paragraph) v. MP = nope
+ BT = chrome hubcaps v. MP = painted silver hubcaps
+ BT = chrome engine block which transforms into gun v. MP = nope. Guns are detachable accessories which can be mounted to the roof
+ BT = working rack and pinion steering v. MP = nope
+ BT = transparent plastic head, tail and indicator lights v. MP = painted lights
+ BT = fully articulated robot mode v. MP = yep
+ MP = G1 cartoon-accurate robot mode v. BT = nope

And you might compare BT Skids (which many fans have speculated was preconceived to be later redecoed as BT Ironhide) with MP Ironhide and make a similar comparison. So you could very well argue that the MPs are inferior toys compared to their BT counterparts. But ultimately the MPs are trying to achieve something which the BTs never did - G1 accuracy. BTs are more like your earlier CHUG toys (e.g. Mirage, Onslaught etc.) - they look iconic enough to be recognisable as the character, but they're not trying to emulate the G1 look completely. MPs are more like more recent CHUGURs (e.g. TR Sixshot, CW Constructicons etc.) - a slavish level of detail in emulating G1. And this level of emulation does present a serious challenge to designers.

Whether you're for or against overt G1 accuracy is up to your personal taste, but despite all the things that the MP Cars don't achieve that BTs do, a lot of people still love the MP Cars because they offer something that BTs don't - visual fidelity with G1. Now some people might be saying, "You can't compare BTs w/ MPs, it's apples and oranges (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apples_and_oranges)," and they'd be absolutely correct. And this is how I feel about comparing CHUG Ratchethide with toys like CHUG Starscream et al. - it's apples and oranges. The only toys that I can even begin to compare CHUG Ratchethide with are MPs.

[DELTAprime]

The only toys that I can even begin to compare CHUG Ratchethide with are MPs.

????????? Henkei Ratchet is not an MP, it's a Deluxe Class CHUG figure. How exactly is it an MP?:confused::confused::confused:

[GoktimusPrime]

I never said it was an MP, I said that the only thing that I can think of comparing with is an MP because MPs, especially MP Ratchethide, are the only other toys that I can think of which tries to achieve the same level of "mode absorption" as CHUG Ratchethide, as illustrated by this graphic:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Ironhide/th_meme_magiceng_zpswmqjy1ra.jpg

This is a comparison in relative (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relative_change_and_difference) terms, not absolute terms.
By this I mean if you compare CHUG Ratchethide with MP Ratchethide relative to differences in size and budget/price. :)

[SuspectimusPrime]

I challenge you to find me any other Transformer toy outside of the Masterpiece series which achieves what Univ/Henkei Ratchethide has achieved given their original source material (cartoon model) & relative size and price point.


No one's really arguing that Universe Ratchet isn't a better toy (or better value) than the RiD Ratchet are they? People are just saying they don't like that it that much, and they're also not disagreeing that it wasn't some clever engineering either. I'd say most people just prefer the Sunstreaker, Hound and Prowl moulds from around that time. Ironhide might have involved more wizardry, but it's ok if people don't like the end result as much.

From that era and only against the other Autobot cars, Mirage was the best IMO, with Hound closely in second.

Mirage had the best vehicle & robot modes: most clever engineering with the way all the limbs folded in; best robot mode with unmatched articulation and balance; best vehicle mode with only a hair's worth of clearance yet it still folds nicely/easily together every single time. Bonus points for hiding all robot parts/kibble in vehicle mode, even when viewed from below. The designers were able to recreate an instantly recognisable, yet updated Mirage without being slavish to G1 like Classics Hound/Cyclonus/Starscream. (+ Unintended extra bonus point for being able to pass as a femmebot - Movie 2007 Fracture...). There's nothing I don't like about it!

Apples to apples, I don't think the other cars circa 2008 can come up with all the same points.

[DELTAprime]

I never said it was an MP, I said that the only thing that I can think of comparing with is an MP because MPs, especially MP Ratchethide, are the only other toys that I can think of which tries to achieve the same level of "mode absorption" as CHUG Ratchethide, as illustrated by this graphic:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Ironhide/th_meme_magiceng_zpswmqjy1ra.jpg

This is a comparison in relative (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relative_change_and_difference) terms, not absolute terms.
By this I mean if you compare CHUG Ratchethide with MP Ratchethide relative to differences in size and budget/price. :)

Ok, I still don't get where you're coming from with that, so lets just say I don't understand and probably won't.

Bottom line for me I try these days not to compare outside of era and class and prefer to look at toys on it's individual merits and within the same line and class at the widest. Just like you can't compare Fangio (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Manuel_Fangio), Senna (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayrton_Senna), Schumacher (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Schumacher) and Verstappen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Verstappen) because they are all from different eras you can't compare a Beast Wars Season 1 toy, Energon toy, 2007 Movie toy or Titans Return toy. When I listed Henkei Starscream, UW Ratchet and Henkei Ratchet I wasn't comparing against each other but rather try to take each toy on it's merits.

[Sinnertwin]

Universe Ratchet/Ironhide blows.
They were probably my least favourite figures to handle from CHUGLand. Perceptor's another one for me.

[spiderken17]

I want to post up some pics but Photobucket is always playing up for me and I am sick of it, what is another easy to use photo sharing site?
Thanks for any help.

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah, it's been mucking up for me a lot too. I've set up an imgbb (imgbb.com) account as a backup. It's not as good as photobucket (maybe because I'm not familiar with it :o) but their server has proved to be more reliable. I still prefer Photobucket but imgbb is now my backup.

[Borgeman]

I want to post up some pics but Photobucket is always playing up for me and I am sick of it, what is another easy to use photo sharing site?
Thanks for any help.

if you're just aiming to share a non-personal without caring about it in future, just use imgur. Super simple, no account needed, and you can also edit the resolution to a more forum friendly one.

[DarkHyren]

if you're just aiming to share a non-personal without caring about it in future, just use imgur. Super simple, no account needed, and you can also edit the resolution to a more forum friendly one.I use imgur as well, it's reliable and quick to use and if you have an account you also have more privacy settings available then photobucket

[spiderken17]

Yeah its just pics of toys and stuff. Thanks i will give Imgur a go.

[DELTAprime]

imgur is pretty good. Not sure how long they will be in business with their current monetisation model.

[DELTAprime]

How would you guys recommend storing MP5 Megatron without his box to avoid damage? I'm thinking gun mode in a sandwich bag, but anyone have any better ideas?

[GoktimusPrime]

Don't QLDers have to comply with safe storage requirements? If so, then I imagine a locked case (e.g. strongbox) may be required. Pretty sure a sandwich bag wouldn't be legally compliant. Also, even in gun mode you'd need one freakin' huge sandwich bag. :p
Wherever you end up storing MP5, I recommend chucking in a packet of silicone desiccant to reduce moisture and prevent rust.

[crankcase76]

Is anyone doing a group order for the Tamara Nemisis?? As I don't have a credit card now and can't get it from other sources, was hoping someone was doing one. Also if there's a chance getting one going for the MP Megs??

[DELTAprime]

Don't QLDers have to comply with safe storage requirements?

Nope. NSW is the only state that requires all that BS. You should read the gunformers thread more often.

[Thurmus]

How would you guys recommend storing MP5 Megatron without his box to avoid damage? I'm thinking gun mode in a sandwich bag, but anyone have any better ideas?

Wouldn't that still have air in the bag to rust it. You might need those vacuum bags.

[Sinnertwin]

Is anyone doing a group order for the Tamara Nemisis?? As I don't have a credit card now and can't get it from other sources, was hoping someone was doing one. Also if there's a chance getting one going for the MP Megs??

Is that the black voyager repaint of titans return optimus? If so I'm waiting for HLJ or BBTS.
As for Megs, I've got a BBTS pile of loot happening if you'd like me to add it in

Lemme know :)

[Starscream77]

Is that the black voyager repaint of titans return optimus? If so I'm waiting for HLJ or BBTS.
As for Megs, I've got a BBTS pile of loot happening if you'd like me to add it in

Lemme know :)

Was about to offer the same thing, I am just waiting for one more thing and will be shipping my BBTS POL so happy to chuck in Megs if you want brother.

[GoktimusPrime]

Nope. NSW is the only state that requires all that BS. You should read the gunformers thread more often.
With all due respect, I have no need to read up on imitation firearm laws in other states unless I intend to move to that state. Peace out. :)

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Don't QLDers have to comply with safe storage requirements? If so, then I imagine a locked case (e.g. strongbox) may be required. Pretty sure a sandwich bag wouldn't be legally compliant. Also, even in gun mode you'd need one freakin' huge sandwich bag. :p
Wherever you end up storing MP5, I recommend chucking in a packet of silicone desiccant to reduce moisture and prevent rust.

Have you tried opening a sandwich bag? Man, those things can be impossible to crack.

I know I've been desperate to get my sandwich out and I've been battling away at that stupid bag for hours!:p
Silicone desiccant highly recommended.

[griffin]

How would you guys recommend storing MP5 Megatron without his box to avoid damage? I'm thinking gun mode in a sandwich bag, but anyone have any better ideas?

There are comments on TFW recently that toys in airtight bags to protect them from corrosion, does damage from the chemical fumes leaching from some plastics in the toys and eating into other plastics because of different chemical recipes and those fumes not escaping from the bag.

[GoktimusPrime]

Eep... I do keep a lot of accessories in various plastic bags in storage...

[Sinnertwin]

Eep... I do keep a lot of accessories in various plastic bags in storage...

So do I
Nothings melted or blown apart so far & we're talking about 30 y/o accessories

[Bladestorm]

There are comments on TFW recently that toys in airtight bags to protect them from corrosion, does damage from the chemical fumes leaching from some plastics in the toys and eating into other plastics because of different chemical recipes and those fumes not escaping from the bag.

That's really interesting to note. I'm guessing a plastic bag is ok for short term storage but other options are needed for longer term... hmm... need to think on that as I've been keeping accessories and Kreo in plastic bags to keep weapons and smaller sets together.

[Jetfire in the sky]

That's really interesting to note. I'm guessing a plastic bag is ok for short term storage but other options are needed for longer term... hmm... need to think on that as I've been keeping accessories and Kreo in plastic bags to keep weapons and smaller sets together.

It is certainly based on the plastic, I have had various toys and items stored in baggies for years and the only ones to come out dodgy were the softer type plastics, especially Dino Riders and weapons with plastic like theirs. Some minor trouble with TF items but it is rarer and the plastic that I can think of for what I collect was last released in the Beast era.
I'm sure there will be modern figures/accessories that might have issues but if it's relatively short term, I wouldn't stress.
For those in tropical climates it is more of a concern. Not just with the denaturing of plastic but also discolouration.

[griffin]

I think it is just the softer plastics that are deteriorating relatively fast, and I'm not sure if it is because they are in sealed bags... as the treads on my TF2 Bludgeon (Voyager tank) have already started melting into the hard plastic they are resting against, but have always been out on the shelf.
The original topic is here on Allspark (https://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/139436-is-anyones-old-rotf-toys-havingerr-acidic-rubber-erosion/) (a photo is at post #35), which has more examples on the TFW topic (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/psa-new-toy-plastic-condition-discovered-abandon-all-hope.1107350/).

I remember people saying there was something similar with the rubber pretender shells (the combiner Pretender Monsters), and some rubber tyres... either the soft plastic is melting like an icecube without doing too much damage to other things, or staying solid and melting the hard plastics it is in contact with.
Yesterday when digging out my Pretenders (to remove the inner robots), I found the Pretender Vehicle Gunrunner, which had rubber rings around the wheels for gripping, and they were melted onto the shelf, forming a flat base to the wheel. I'll take a photo later to post up.

[Jetfire in the sky]

I remember people saying there was something similar with the rubber pretender shells (the combiner Pretender Monsters), .

This happened to me as well. I had some for years in a temperature controlled room but they had previously been in storage and they went funny sticky on the "shell" much like my Dino Riders figures. They were both stored in different areas but ended up with the same issues. Heat and perhaps humidity initially got them and no matter how I tried to save them the process had already begun :(

Storage of toys is so important, once a reaction gets set off, be it denaturing or yellowing it can't be stopped.
I have many desiccants, and large humidity absorbers in my collection room as well as keeping it around 25 degrees all year round to keep the plastic glory in check.
For those in in the SE corner of Qld and even the Sydney area humidity is the silent wrecker of toys.

[griffin]

The rubber on the wheels of my Gunrunner... flattened and stuck to the shelf, breaking when trying to unstick them.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d547.jpg

[CHILENO20]

The rubber on the wheels of my Gunrunner... flattened and stuck to the shelf, breaking when trying to unstick them.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d547.jpg

Those Dunlops do grip don't they?

[philby]

what is the secret mission that alpha trion and metroplex are on in spotlight metroplex?

[prjkt]

what is the secret mission that alpha trion and metroplex are on in spotlight metroplex?

Seems related to the Dark Cybertron event and keeping one of Shockwave's ores from him

[philby]

Seems related to the Dark Cybertron event and keeping one of Shockwave's ores from him

when was it revealed or explained? or is it at 'fan theory' stage?

[Seraphim Prime]

when was it revealed or explained? or is it at 'fan theory' stage?

I don't think it was ever outright explained.

In Spotlight Metroplex, he was protecting "it". I think most people assumed at the time that he was talking about the Magnificence.

In the Ironhide TPB, I think Alpha Trion said that he and Metroplex were filtering the atmosphere on Cybertron, which is what made it habitable again.

In Dark Cybertron trades, I think Windblade, Chromia, and Nautica explain that they took over the care of Metroplex from Alpha Trion. At that time Metroplex was carrying one of the ores.

So, I think it's generally just people taking 2, 2, and 2 and making 5. Until such time as John "Continuity" Barber decides to make something more of it.

[philby]

ok thanks :)

[DELTAprime]

Has Hasbro ever said why we have never gotten official G1 Quintessons at all? Given the fact that Hasbro is OK with releasing non-transforming Transformers toys every now and then I'd really like a full set of them. (Judge, Bailiff, Executioner, Prosecutor and Scientist.)

[GoktimusPrime]

Non-converting toys in the mainstream action figure line tend to be marketed at infants, who would have no attachment to these characters. These characters would appeal to G1 fans, and as such the Generations line is probably the most appropriate line to release them in, but then how many non-convertible CHUGUR figures have they ever released? :confused: The only thing that came close in the mainstream action figure line was Alpha Quintesson from Transformers Energon, but that toy was never released here and I don't know how well or poorly it sold overseas (it's not a great toy :o).

I think that the Alligatorcon is definitely doable as a Generations figure. :) They could even retool TR Skullsmasher. The other Quints on the other hand would be tough, because if you gave them alt modes then it would make their Quintesson modes look less G1 accurate - cos they never transformed. But if they don't transform, then they're not going to appeal to kids - and as much as adult collectors love Generations, the line has to also appeal to children (a lot of kids at my daughter's school like to play with Generations figures - I occasionally stumble across them in the playground).

I think that the next best option for Hasbro to release G1-accurate Quintessons is release them as build figures, like what they did with Transmutate. You release a wave of toys and each figure comes with a part of say the Quintesson Judge. Collect them all to complete the Quint! :D But yeah, from a business POV I don't think it's worth it for Hasbro to release Quintessons as stand-alone action figures in the mainstream line.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

The new Masterpiece Barricade - is it a new mold, a reissue of a previous mold, or we don't know yet?

[griffin]

The new Masterpiece Barricade - is it a new mold, a reissue of a previous mold, or we don't know yet?

We don't know yet, but the other two are new moulds, so I would expect this one would be as well.

[DELTAprime]

Non-converting toys in the mainstream action figure line tend to be marketed at infants.

Would you really give a non-transforming Transformer like a Mighty Mugg or a Titan to a infant??? I'd be looking for something age appropriate like a rattle or teething ring. As someone that works retail I'll tell you those sold to kids from 3 or 4 up to adult collectors.


I think that the next best option for Hasbro to release G1-accurate Quintessons is release them as build figures, like what they did with Transmutate. You release a wave of toys and each figure comes with a part of say the Quintesson Judge. Collect them all to complete the Quint! :D But yeah, from a business POV I don't think it's worth it for Hasbro to release Quintessons as stand-alone action figures in the mainstream line.

Hasbro tried Build-a-droid multiple times over many years with the Star Wars line. It never worked out well for them and they have now seemingly given up on it completely. Speaking of Star Wars, that's how I think a line of Quintessons should be made. They should be a single wave of 5 Black Series 6 inch style figures if going for mass retail, or a box set if going for SDCC, HasCon or limited release retail.

I know a 3rd party made a full line of Quintessons long before the overpriced 3rd party craze took off with City Commander. I might go try to find a set of them.

[Paulbot]

The new Masterpiece Barricade - is it a new mold, a reissue of a previous mold, or we don't know yet?

Better question (but also one we don't know the answer to) will it be 2007 Barricade or 2017 Barricade?

(I'm guessing 2007)

[DELTAprime]

Better question (but also one we don't know the answer to) will it be 2007 Barricade or 2017 Barricade?

(I'm guessing 2007)

Better be 2007, or else...:p