Here they are! I'll put up some pics and share some thoughts along the way...


DSC_0582 by M-bot2011

Overall, I really like them. All of not-Brawn's ball joints (8 in total - 2 for each arm and 2 per leg) are a little loose, which makes posing a bit tricky out of the box. Nothing a coat of nail polish can't fix though so I'm not that fussed. I'll probably paint up the arms a more silver, it's currently a silvery grey. Another thing was that the one I got had it's legs on backwards, but popping them off at the ball joints and swapping them solved that.

Not-Cosmos is really quite awkward and not particularly posable, mostly because of the bulk in the arms and the small feet. I don't mind the fact that he's a bit weird looking - I think that kinda fits the odd nature of his alt mode. I like that his head is in a transparent bubble - gives him a cool "spaceman" look.


DSC_0586 by M-bot2011

The rear of not-Brawn's reversible head. A bit nondescript, I much prefer the cartoon accurate side.


DSC_0577 by M-bot2011

There is an unfortunate gap at the rear of not-Brawn's alt mode. Considering the impressive engineering of the transformation (about the equivalent of the average deluxe), it's a bit disappointing.


DSC_0585 by M-bot2011

The fin at the back of not-Cosmos is damned sharp! Nearly cut myself on it a couple of times as it's needed for transformation - you lift it to raise the head.


DSC_0581 by M-bot2011

Not-Cosmos comes with this stand.

Size comparisons:

MW-01 through to -04


DSC_0583 by M-bot2011


DSC_0575 by M-bot2011


DSC_0579 by M-bot2011


DSC_0589 by M-bot2011

Even though the MP-10 and iGear's not-Ironhide are a tad blurry, this does give a reasonable indication of their relative size.

This next one is a sad, sad indictment on the size of Hasbro's recent offerings...
Even though the photo makes FOC Optimus look bigger than he actually is. I realise it's only a question of perception, it sort-of makes the price point for not-Brawn and not-Cosmos (around AUS$32 from memory) a little more palatable - as they're *almost* no longer scouts but deluxes.


DSC_0587 by M-bot2011

(Just to note, MW-01 (not-Huffer), RTS Jazz and MP-10 all have Reprolabels applied. IMO, improves all those toys out of sight - I advocate Reprolabels.com's products anytime)

Verdict: Not perfect, and not for everyone (the price point is high, but probably fair considering the lower manufacturing run), but I'm really happy with them, they're going to make a fantastic addition to my classics collection.