Toy Review: Generations Trailcutter (IDW Deluxe)
Series - Transformers Generations
Sub-line - N/A
Size/class - Deluxe
New/remould/redeco - new
Wave - 5
Released here - not yet (released globally July 2013)
Approximate Retail Price - $25
Approximate Size - unknown
Allegiance - Autobot
Alt-mode - pickup truck
Main Features/Gimmicks - shield/twin-barreled laser gun
Main Colours - black, red, silver
Main Accessories - shield/twin-barreled laser gun
Vehicle Mode:
http://i39.tinypic.com/rvlpqa.jpg
Trailcutter transforms into a pick up truck that is reminiscent of his G1 toy. It has an armoured look to it thanks to the reinforced side windows. This is a really good mode, the sculpting for the front of the truck is amazingly detailed. The proportions are good and there is no robot kibble sticking out anywhere (although you can see the back of his head on the roof). A few more painted details would be nice but a solid vehicle mode except for one thing...
http://i42.tinypic.com/2chs50n.jpg
The small size is horrible. You would have expected that after wave 3 and 4 of Generations coming with additional weapons (which were around 1/3 the size of the bot), that these newer Deluxes won't be as skimped down. No such luck, Trailcutter is absolutely tiny in vehicle mode (and the Deluxe Kup above isn't exactly the largest Deluxe ever either). Oh well.
Transformation:
The transformation is very simple especially considering how different the robot looks when compared to the vehicle mode. The legs are a one-step "fold the legs out". The arms are slightly more interesting and in a clever twist, Trailcutter uses his side mirrors as pegs for his shoulders (although they don't peg in very well, if at all). Trailcutter doesn't have any new or groundbreaking elements in his transformation, but it's solid.
Robot Mode:
http://i40.tinypic.com/29dvfbb.jpg
The star of the show, Trailcutter's robot mode is great, and looks even better in real life than in photos. The lightpiping is spectacular. His weapon looks like a weapon instead of just the back of a truck. Articulation is decent and he even has a waist swivel when it's not needed for transformation. Only thing that could be done better is if his legs had more parts manipulation as it feels really simple and blocky right now. An excellent robot mode.
Overall:
A good toy with two solid modes. Trailcutter displays very well and is not hampered by any gimmicks. Only negative would be that he's a bit on the small side.