Trainbot GINOU
Note that it is a hard "G" in this name, so "Gin" as in "egging," not as in "margin"
Series - Masterpiece
Size/class - N/A
New/remould/redeco - Repaint/retool of Masterpiece Shouki
Wave - MPG-07
Released here - N/A (Japan, 28/09/2024)
Approximate Retail Price - 23650JPY ($235)
Approximate Size - 18cm
Allegiance - Autobot
Sub-Group - Trainbot
Alt-mode - Series 0 922-10 "Dr. Yellow" diagnostic Shinkansen (bullet train)
Main Features/Gimmicks - HO scale (16.5mm gauge) train mode, combines with fellow MP Trainbots to form Shiden
Main Colours - yellow, blue, silver
Main Accessories - x1 gun, x1 maintenance box, x2 railway track parts, shield, flight stand connector, x2 seats
Note that the maintenance box is die-cast metal
This toy is based on a Diaclone variant of Shouki that was never used for Transformers. Although this Diaclone toy was silver chrome, the plastic underneath the chrome was yellow. The yellow shinkansen is also more accurate to the Dr. Yellow diagnostic Series 0 train, which does exist in these colours in real life.
PROS:
+ More realistic looking colours for the diagnostic train. The Series 0 has never existed in silver chrome IRL.
+ Some retooling has been done to make the toy look more like the Diaclone figure.
+ Shiden's breastplate is based on an early catalogue design and the maintenance box becomes abdominal fillers for Shiden (I've yet to try this).
CONS:
- It's essentially the same toy as Shouki but for an extra $39...
- While the yellow colours is more real-world accurate, it is less Diaclone accurate.
Overall I don't think that this toy is worth the asking price, especially if you already have MPG Shouki. I got this in a recent trip to Japan where I didn't have to pay consumption tax, and of course, no need for shipping... and even then I'll admit that it was an impulsive souvenir purchase. Objectively speaking, I don't recommend this toy.
(Note that Doctor Yellow trains have a special appeal Japan, as they are considered auspicious)