Toy Review - Hasbro MP Thundercracker

(Please post photos, comments or even a fully comprehensive review - these are just brief details to start you off)

Series - Masterpiece
Sub-line - N/A
Size/class - N/A
New/remould/redeco - New to Hasbro (redeco of JP MP-11 Starscream)
Wave - N/A
Released here - Should be Oct/Nov 2012 (globally August 2012)
Approximate Retail Price - AU$80 (US$70)
Approximate Size - 23cm
Allegiance - Decepticon
Alt-mode - F-15 fighter jet
Main Features/Gimmicks - 'Masterpiece figure'
Main Colours - Blue, grey, red, black.
Main Accessories - 2x arm guns, 2x missiles, pilot figurine, gun clip, display base & stand.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/tftoys/excl2012a39.jpg

Maybe one day they'll fix this mold so the torso doesnt try and transform back to a jet every time you move the arms up at the shoulder.

Maybe.

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Originally Posted by SharkyMcShark

Maybe one day they'll fix this mold so the torso doesnt try and transform back to a jet every time you move the arms up at the shoulder.

Maybe.

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I have the same problem on Sunstorm. Don't have this problem w/ the old MP Seekers though... seems like it could be an issue with the new mould.

Interesting to see that the name plate has his name split into Thunder and Cracker, but the box still has it as Thundercracker

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Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

I have the same problem on Sunstorm. Don't have this problem w/ the old MP Seekers though... seems like it could be an issue with the new mould.

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I had the issue with the old Starscream mold too but there seemed to be more friction in the sliding parts that elongate his torso for jet mode in that so it wasn't as pronounced there.

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Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

I have the same problem on Sunstorm. Don't have this problem w/ the old MP Seekers though... seems like it could be an issue with the new mould.

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My MP-11 Screamer does it as well.

I haven't opened my MP-11 or MP-11S and after reading this i don't think i will.
I wish they'd iron out these issues before they release them

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Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy

Interesting to see that the name plate has his name split into Thunder and Cracker, but the box still has it as Thundercracker

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Good pickup, that is very annoying that they have done that? Imagine having
Star scream, or Sky warp. Thats just dumb. These are promo images, maybe its different on the final product. Ill do some research now...

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Originally Posted by Defcon

Good pickup, that is very annoying that they have done that? Imagine having
Star scream, or Sky warp. Thats just dumb. These are promo images, maybe its different on the final product. Ill do some research now...

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Nope, that is very much the final product/name on the stand Thunder Cracker as i own the toy looking at it right now.

Pictures of my TRU MP TC:
http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=14643

Thunder Cracker = FAIL!

Good thing you don't have to use the stand... or you could cut out his name off the box and stick it over the top ;)

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Originally Posted by 5FDP

Thunder Cracker = FAIL!

Good thing you don't have to use the stand... or you could cut out his name off the box and stick it over the top ;)

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Another possibility is to use the MP-07 stand and use the sticker decal sheet with his name on it.

Hmm.

The torso on mine doesn't lock in very securely. It frequently flops out. I've seen a few other people report the same problem. Not a huge problem, as its just for display, but it's a bit annoying when handling it.

I also can't get mine onto the stand in robot mode. The hole on the stand is just too small.

They also really should have put some work into the box and instructions. I actually thought it DID come with two heads. I hadn't read about it, but it was on the box. Nice extra! Nope. Just disappointment.

The head on it looks great, but it's always nice to have a second option. Hasbro really let me down here. How long would it have taken to erase that from the box?


Other than that, it looks great, and I'm very happy with it.

On the Starscreamk, the head was a flip around thing. So same face, but it spins around and face #2 is there. Was this removed?

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Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy

On the Starscreamk, the head was a flip around thing. So same face, but it spins around and face #2 is there. Was this removed?

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TC uses the MP11 mold, not the old one.

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Originally Posted by Geigerrock-2

I haven't opened my MP-11 or MP-11S and after reading this i don't think i will.
I wish they'd iron out these issues before they release them

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You are not opening the MP-11's because of a possible loose part? These things can be overcome or worked around if you encounter them.. I just think there can be plenty of fun displaying these seekers.

For me, he is on the new mould :cool:, is a good enough colour but slightly over tampo'd. Has anyone seen pics or a tale about getting these 'sonic boom.. etc..' removed?

Some rubbing alcohol would take those paint apps straight off if you don't like them.


*Disclaimer: it generally works, but research it before trying. I ain't taking blame if it goes wrong!

**Griffin - the accessory list needs to be updated. He doesn't come with the Megatron gun or gun-clip.

Fixed description.

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Originally Posted by Cat

TC uses the MP11 mold, not the old one.

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Oh, I just assumed the head stayed the same between the two. Oh well

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Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy

Oh, I just assumed the head stayed the same between the two. Oh well

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Nah, new head. The sculpt is a LOT nicer, IMO.

Got my Thundercracker today. hes not to bad. Not super keen on the Reflectors tampoed on the sides, but otherwise he has a cool jet mode. The robot mode is good, but he locks together badly, which blows. Still,a cool toy, and Ill get Skywarp and starscream for sure.

This feels so cheap or half-assed. The packaging has a single bit of character art on the back and side, which is actually the Classic-verse Thundercracker. And it doesn't have anything like the different modes or accessories shown (just a big portion of the back being blank with nothing on it). Plus, the instructions are of the MP3 mould, which is another sign of it being a rush-job, for not generating new instructions for the new mould.
It just means that if anyone buys one and doesn't have or know about the MP3 Starscream figure, it could be a bit confusing to have instructions that aren't accurate, and no product images on the packaging to refer to.

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Originally Posted by Cat

**Griffin - the accessory list needs to be updated. He doesn't come with the Megatron gun or gun-clip.

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Mine came with the gun clip, pilot and missiles.... so I think Megatron is the only thing missing from the MP3/Hasbro Starscream release. Which is kinda stupid to have the clip, but no Megatron to use with it.

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Originally Posted by griffin

This feels so cheap or half-assed. The packaging has a single bit of character art on the back and side, which is actually the Classic-verse Thundercracker. And it doesn't have anything like the different modes or accessories shown (just a big portion of the back being blank with nothing on it). Plus, the instructions are of the MP3 mould, which is another sign of it being a rush-job, for not generating new instructions for the new mould.
It just means that if anyone buys one and doesn't have or know about the MP3 Starscream figure, it could be a bit confusing to have instructions that aren't accurate, and no product images on the packaging to refer to.

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Instruction for the new seekers mold can be found here http://www.hasbro.com/common/documen...77B7688DC8.pdf. I got mine few days ago and really like the new mold, especially the fact that it can stand on its own now. The only thing bothering me is the torso which can be easily disassembled if you play around with it. I think the issue was present in the old mold as well as I can remember my Hasbro Skywarp behaving the same way. Has anyone figured out a way to fix this?

Really really pleased to finally have a complete line-up of MP Seekers, I've been waiting for Thundercracker for quite some time now & thanks to Jazzcomp I finally own him. :D:cool:

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/...p/DSCI0174.jpg

He also doubles as a trip down a re-laid, familiar road; yes that issue regarding the shoulder assembly not locking in is a pain (My Skywarp is fine though :confused:) but I found his new arm tabs that plug into the wing particularly frustrating if one doesn't follow the correct sequence of manipulations. :rolleyes:

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/...p/DSCI0183.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/...p/DSCI0173.jpg

Alll in all though, I've very impressed with this retooling & very much welcome his ability to stand on his own 2 feet; for display consistency though, like his cohorts, he is perched on his stand. :cool:

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/...p/DSCI0184.jpg

FINALLY picked this guy up from a board member at the Parra fair last weekend.

As I already own MP-11 I knew what to expect, and overall it's a very good toy but not without it's problems, which have previously been stated in this thread.

I wish they had used something other than Hasbro grey on his torso, it makes it look a little unfinished which sucks for a high end figure like this. Paint apps are ok but mine has a paint scrape about 7mm long in the grey just above the heel on his right leg. :/

I know a lot of people don't like them but I'm a fan of the sonicboom artwork thingy on his tailfins. They break the blue up a bit and to me at least, seem to fit in with Thundercracker. Not so much the Reflector image on his arms.

So yeah, not bad for $80. Just need Skywarp to round out my elite guard now. :)

I still can't get over the 10 seconds of effort Hasbro went into designing the packaging for this toy! :rolleyes: :p

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Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

I still can't get over the 10 seconds of effort Hasbro went into designing the packaging for this toy! :rolleyes: :p

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i wonder how many people try to change faces but couldn't :mad: !! me included and i didn't know where the back foot thing go until i saw a review! :cool:

The most interesting of the seekers and thanks to IDW, a character I've come to expect an interesting future from. Definite buy for me; eventually.

So the Hasbro Thunderracker comes with a stand? The Tomy MP Sunstorm did not! :mad:

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Originally Posted by kup

So the Hasbro Thunderracker comes with a stand? The Tomy MP Sunstorm did not! :mad:

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Yeah but Sunstorm did come with the crown, cape and shoulder pads. Although being more expensive than Thundercracker it probably should've come with the stand too. The new MP Starscream didn't come with a stand either, did he?

More and more TakTOM's MPs are offering less value than Hasbro's. I skipped Alert and I'm hoping that Hasbro does Red Alert. I'm considering skipping Bluestreak, Smokescreen and Prowl and waiting for Hasbro versions of those too. Whaddaya reckon?

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Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

Yeah but Sunstorm did come with the crown, cape and shoulder pads. Although being more expensive than Thundercracker it probably should've come with the stand too. The new MP Starscream didn't come with a stand either, did he?

More and more TakTOM's MPs are offering less value than Hasbro's. I skipped Alert and I'm hoping that Hasbro does Red Alert. I'm considering skipping Bluestreak, Smokescreen and Prowl and waiting for Hasbro versions of those too. Whaddaya reckon?

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It's hard to say really. It was certainly a good idea to skip MP-10 for the Hasbro one as we got a considerable price reduction without much loss. We still got the same accessories and toy, just with a lesser paint job (which was still decent enough).

Thundercracker also appears to be good value for money despite the lack of crown and cape which doesn't really suit the character anyways.

In reality, you are right. The last few MPs have shown that buying Tomy may not necessarily be the best thing to do when it comes to value for money. The Tomy MPs may have better paint jobs but the QC is atrocious and the accessory count not great to justify the risk/price. With a Hasbro release, the paint job may be a level or two below but considerably cheaper and with a comparable accessory count to the Tomy release. There is also the option of being able to return the toy to the store in the event of bad QC.

However there is also the possibility that due to the 3rd party car licensing (Nissan, Lamborghini, etc) that Tomy is paying for, they may not reach the Hasbro market. The MP line is aimed at collectors but Hasbro only aims at kids (even their MP toys are marketed that way) so would they want to pay the extra license fees for kids? Remember that Alternities work in a similar way with car licensing and we haven't seen any interest from Hasbro in releasing them.

Unless we see an announcement, there is the potential risk that Hasbro may never release those car Masterpieces.

Have we all forgotten about the Alternators? I'm sure the Autobot cars will see a Hasbro release. Come to think of it, apart from MP Megs, all the Masterpiece moulds to date have had a western release.

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Originally Posted by kup

The last few MPs have shown that buying Tomy may not necessarily be the best thing to do when it comes to value for money. The Tomy MPs may have better paint jobs but the QC is atrocious and the accessory count not great to justify the risk/price. With a Hasbro release, the paint job may be a level or two below but considerably cheaper and with a comparable accessory count to the Tomy release. There is also the option of being able to return the toy to the store in the event of bad QC.

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It's funny, I was about to say that you had only started pushing the Takara QC arguement since your Laserbeak debacle. Then I thought about it and you have the Greenscream plastic issues, Megatron cosmic rust, Rodimus' many, many issues (with both V1 and V2), Sideswipe paint issues and now Soundwave/Laserbeak issues. So yeah, there have been a few. And the ones that have had a Hasbro release seem to have had these issues addressed in some way.

So yeah, your right:)

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Originally Posted by kup

However there is also the possibility that due to the 3rd party car licensing (Nissan, Lamborghini, etc) that Tomy is paying for, they may not reach the Hasbro market. The MP line is aimed at collectors but Hasbro only aims at kids (even their MP toys are marketed that way) so would they want to pay the extra license fees for kids? Remember that Alternities work in a similar way with car licensing and we haven't seen any interest from Hasbro in releasing them.

Unless we see an announcement, there is the potential risk that Hasbro may never release those car Masterpieces.

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While Hasbro did license the Alternators line, that was quite a few years ago now and they did skip the alternity line. And while they did release cars under the classics line, Prowl was obviously a 350Z, Swipe/Streaker were Lambos, etc, they were generic enough (much in the same way 3rd party TF producers are doing now ;) that licencing was not required, thus saving Hasbro a fair bit of cash.

This is why I don't hold out much hope for MP-12 and MP-14 seeing a Hasbro release. That alt mode design had direct design input from the yellow raging bull, so there is nothing generic about it and the only way it is getting sold is with a Lambo US' ok. Which Hasbro don't seem to be too keen on getting. SS and RA were both released a little while ago now, but we have heard _nothing_ about them from Hasbro. Yet Soundwave, who has just been released by Takara and will be coming with his as yet unreleased Takara minions, and Acid Storm, have both already been confirmed by Hasbro for this year.:eek:

So in conclusion, if you don't see a SS/RA from Hasbro, don't expect a Prowl/Smokescreen/Bluestreak from them either. (IMO anyway. In cases like this it's good to be wrong:o)

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Originally Posted by gamblor916

Have we all forgotten about the Alternators? I'm sure the Autobot cars will see a Hasbro release. Come to think of it, apart from MP Megs, all the Masterpiece moulds to date have had a western release.

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That was a long time ago and Hasbro did try to focus them to collectors (more or less). They now seem to have a more 'What Walmart wants' business plan which is not allowing as much versatility as it once did. Walmart is likely to see more value to marketing to children than collectors and it shows by the trends we have seen in the last few years.