Generations? Thunderwing

[kup]

Optibotimus just posted his video review of 'Whatever Hasbro is calling the line now' Thunderwing.

http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-generations-classics-30-35/generations-thunderwing-video-review-170872/

I am super impressed by the mold. It is an awesome tribute to the original which is one of my favorite toys from G1 and not just in looks but also it's engineering.

This mold is a must buy for me but I do feel that Hasbro's colors are lacking (too lite gray, 'shiny' cheap looking plastic) so I will wait to see what Takara-Tomy offers before I decide the version to buy.

Although Optibotimus didn't show it in his review, the toy comes with a 'drone' which is very similar to the 'jet' mode of the original toy's inner bot. I am pretty sure that some third party in the near future will probably produce a transforming version of this 'drone' very similar to the original inner bot.

You can see pics of the drone here:
http://www.toynova.com/showthread.php?155-Video-Review-of-the-Transformers-Generations-Thunderwing&p=931#post931

[SharkyMcShark]

More than easy pass.

Assume robot fetal position and fold backpack over head should not in 2010 be an acceptable transformation scheme. I got bitten by that one with Universe Silverbolt (which to add insult to injury was an Ultra sized mold with that simple a transformation) and am now wary.

[fatbot]

After that review, I'm sold! I will be getting him.

[kurdt_the_goat]

This guy certainly looks the part, and that chest cavity hiding the legs *is* clever, but i think as far as transforming value goes, you're not getting much bang for your buck.

That said, i think you can still find enjoyment despite simple transformations, if you know what you're getting into beforehand.

[GoktimusPrime]

...so... what used to be the inner robot is now the drone, and what was the drone (remote controllable outer shell) is now the robot!

[kup]

This guy certainly looks the part, and that chest cavity hiding the legs *is* clever, but i think as far as transforming value goes, you're not getting much bang for your buck.


Maybe the drone can fit in that cavity like the G1 toy did.

[snazzbot 101]

I just watched the review myself.

I have no significant connection to the character's fiction, or his orginal toy, but I am impressed.

It does make me wonder when older fans complain about the lack of complexity in transformation. Most of Gen 1 was literally Start-Change-Finish and I feel that the quick-changing between modes added much to the fun.

As an adult I do appreciate the complexity of modern transformations, but I can't help but think kids are missing out on something when it's more like Start-Swing-Switch-Not Panel 1A, Panel A1-Twist-Curl-Change-Wait Awhile-Breathe Deep-Restore Calm-Twirl-Inverse-Collapse-Finish.

[Oilspill]

Transformation looks absolutely fine to me. Then again, I get no value out of a complex transformation. Clever engineering, well that's a different story.

But anyway, he looks much better than I expected too. Love the mould detailing and some of those paint apps (particularly that bronze on the upper leg and the green details).

Double gun thing is cool too, reminds me of all kinds of G1 toys.

I think it is probably worth waiting to see what Takara does for all these generations figs though, just so we can compare the two and pick the best. And I suspect we should see images of Takara's versions before these hit retail.

[gdmetro]

Thunderwing looks....better than from the pics but still not really interested in the character. If the transformation were slightly more involved, and the size were bigger then maybe- as of now... I will pick him up if hes cheap otherwise a pass.

And in other news: (Didn't want to start a new thread)

http://www.kotoys.com/forum/index.php?topic=1123.0

Generations perceptor pics!!!

Wow... These pics totally changed my mind on this guy. The vehicle mode is crap but the Robot mode rocks! The scope has a scope gimmick, but I hope a third party makes a more g1 accurate scope to mount - and he will look awesome. Even with the standard scope he looks pretty good. The skinny thigh problem isn't that noticeable and very minor- compared to what overall is pretty awesome.

What's even more awesome is the head is so reflector.

Can't wait to see a united colour scheme which will put this guy over the top for me!

[kurdt_the_goat]

I think it is probably worth waiting to see what Takara does for all these generations figs though, just so we can compare the two and pick the best. And I suspect we should see images of Takara's versions before these hit retail.

If memory serves, Thunderwing wasn't amongst the first batch of United toy announcements for some reason. I can't imagine why they wouldn't release him though, so it's probably just a matter of time.

[valkyrie_76]

Both look good and no doubt Ill be getting them when they come out.

[kup]

I don't see the transformation as simple either. It seems adequate given the size class and the fact that it loosely 'reflects' the original transformation while still being different is impressive.

[kaiden]

very sexy design.

in my opinion the simple transformation makes it better to play with as you dont have to spend a lot of time transforming to an fro - gok will most likely love this when it comes to his 'story play time'

also the transformation of the legs makes it more unique to other transformers so i dont feel like its the same transformer with a new hat.

[1AZRAEL1]

I like it. Since i have no real interest in getting Takaras figures, I will buy the Hasbro one on sight.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I'll probably get it. Hopefully Hasbro will do an official Legends-class drone down the track.

[liegeprime]

Must get for me. :)

Now all we need are his troops - Quake, Spinister, Needlenose et al:D
As usual , shame its only a deluxe, but I'll take what I can rather than nuthin at all.:rolleyes:

Addit: oh and a Matrix accessory!!:D:D

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

I like how close it is to his G1 counterpart. I wish the drone transformed in his Generations form though

http://tfwiki.net/w2/images2/thumb/1/1f/Generationstoy-Thunderwing.jpg/300px-Generationstoy-Thunderwing.jpg

http://tfwiki.net/w2/images2/thumb/3/3b/G1Thunderwing_toy.jpg/300px-G1Thunderwing_toy.jpg

[Paulbot]

Now all we need are his troops - Quake, Spinister, Needlenose et al:D
As usual , shame its only a deluxe, but I'll take what I can rather than nuthin at all.:rolleyes:
I've said some of this before, but modify Darkmount into Quake, repaint Tomahawk as Spinister, and slightly modify Jetblade into Needlenose. There's already a Classics Crankcase, so just repaint Terradive as Windsweeper and ROTF Armorhide as Ruckus, and you're more than set. C'mon Hasbro! :);)

[liegeprime]

I've said some of this before, but modify Darkmount into Quake, repaint Tomahawk as Spinister, and slightly modify Jetblade into Needlenose. There's already a Classics Crankcase, so just repaint Terradive as Windsweeper and ROTF Armorhide as Ruckus, and you're more than set. C'mon Hasbro! :);)

yeah But I wants me TM partners:o plus I prefer bulkier;) bots for the generations line since a homage to the blocky G1, the movie versions are really all about seeing the pistons and innerjoints and stuff, Im surprised one can defeat them by just throwing in a large monkey wrench in between those gears - that should hold em hehehe:p

[SamLoi888]

That's a lot of back kibble. He looks like one for the back of the shelf against the wall so he wont tip backwards.

This repaint looks better than that new one too...

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn204/Pulse_Warrior/Random/Thunderwing.jpg

[Vector Prime]

Well I've got no idea who the Thunderwing character is, but the look of the robot mode appealed to me so I preordered him from RK.

After seeing the review, I'm actually disappointed to have ordered it now - his transformation is pretty lame IMO... reminds me of Universe Silverbolt (robot tucked under a plane) :(

[fatbot]

Well I've got no idea who the Thunderwing character is, but the look of the robot mode appealed to me so I preordered him from RK.

After seeing the review, I'm actually disappointed to have ordered it now - his transformation is pretty lame IMO... reminds me of Universe Silverbolt (robot tucked under a plane) :(

I'll take him off your hands if you don't want it.

[Lord_Zed]

Thunderwing reminds me of Classics Jetfire, both toys have appropriate but fat a little unaerodynamic looking jetmodes, slightly simple Transformations and excellant character tributes. And as I prefer Thunderwing as a chracter and always wanted the G1 toy when I was a kid this is pretty much a must get.

I'll probably stick with the Hasbro one I have no real issue with the colour scheme and it seems to be due soon, judging by the in package Generations pics, while the United one is not yet on the radar.

Perceptor looks good too, rather IDW, just needs his Sniper Rifle and eye piece.

[GoktimusPrime]

Well I've got no idea who the Thunderwing character is, but the look of the robot mode appealed to me so I preordered him from RK.
Thunderwing was the 2nd last leader of the Decepticons in Anglophone G1 continuity. He's also one of very few Decepticons to have a natural affinity with the Matrix. When Thunderwing got hold of the Matrix, the Matrix had already been corrupted (through its curiosity to experience evil) and while Thunderwing thought he could use the power of the Matrix for himself, it ultimately consumed him.


After seeing the review, I'm actually disappointed to have ordered it now - his transformation is pretty lame IMO... reminds me of Universe Silverbolt (robot tucked under a plane) :(
I'll happily buy it off you if you don't want it. :) Btw, I still think the poorest jet mode in terms of just being a robot tucked under a plane would have to be Gunrunner. Universe Silverbolt still transforms into a plane, it's just that a lot of the plane kibble is carried on his back in robot mode. Gunrunner is quite literally a robot who just tucks himself underneath a plane! You lose that plane accessory and he can't transform! :o Having said that, the gatling gun on his shell is a pretty kewl gimmick. :D

[kup]

Some people seem unfamiliar with G1 Thunderwing so here are some pics for reference:

http://kupscigar.com/fun/twing1.JPG

http://kupscigar.com/fun/twing2.JPG

http://kupscigar.com/fun/twing3.JPG

http://kupscigar.com/fun/twing4.JPG

[Hursticon]

Hmm...

Cheers Kup, it would certainly seem that the original had quite a few more blue paint apps - is this why you want to see what Takara do?

[Tallestblue]

Some people seem unfamiliar with G1 Thunderwing so here are some pics for reference:

http://kupscigar.com/fun/twing1.JPG

http://kupscigar.com/fun/twing2.JPG

http://kupscigar.com/fun/twing3.JPG

http://kupscigar.com/fun/twing4.JPG

...Am I the only one seeing Mr. Burns? Admittedly as a flying death-machine, but still, Mr. Burns.

[kup]

Hmm...

Cheers Kup, it would certainly seem that the original had quite a few more blue paint apps - is this why you want to see what Takara do?

I am actually more concerned about the very lite and cheap looking gray than the blue but some extra painted details wouldn't hurt.

[GoktimusPrime]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/thunderwing.jpg <--w/ comic-accurate green "evil" Matrix. ;)

PS: I'm quite impressed with the condition of your Thunderwing, kup. The blacks on my Thunderwing chipped really easily. By 1990 a lot of the blacks on my Thunderwing had chipped down to what you can see now in that photo. I made several attempts at repaint it myself, but it just chipped off again. Also, and this is probably just my toy, but as a kid I used to find it tricky getting the robot into the shell cos one of the feet would fold up unless I got it in super-precisely. I often just used a sharp implement to hold the foot down while I inserted the robot. :p

[kup]

It is actually very easy to place the inner bot inside the shell but you do have to know how to position the legs and the toes must point down. In a sense, it's not much different than positioning any other Pretender inner bot.

I also own that green Matrix ;)

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah I know how to put the robot in... after 20 years I've worked out how to compensate for my Thunderwing's dodgy foot - I just need to keep a steady hand and be precise. But as a kid I used to use a sharp implement to help keep the foot straight while I inserted the toy into the shell.


In a sense, it's not much different than positioning any other Pretender inner bot.
Yeah but with other Pretenders it was more visibly obvious if your positioning wasn't absolutely correct. Also with a lot of other Pretenders there was often a greater range of tolerance, i.e. you don't need to position the robot as super-exactly as you do with Thunderwing in order to close the shell. I remember the first couple of times I played with Thunderwing, I just couldn't figure out why the shell wasn't closing because the problem was caused by the foot being upturned by just a degree or so - and often when I yanked the robot out quickly the foot would restraighten. It was only after a while when I tried to do it really slowly did I figure out what was going on and how to compensate for it.

But like I said, I suspect this issue is just limited to my Thunderwing. Cos the other foot has always been fine. If not for this one over-sensitive foot joint, I can imagine that putting Thunderwing's robot into the shell would be a piece of cake. Oh well, just as well I got my G1 Thunderwing for free (t'was a birthday present :D).