MP-01 Convoy and MP-04 Convoy

[griffin]

Since the trailer doesn't get sold separately - if you are not fussed about the communicator stickers, it would be better to get MP4. I just can't think of anything significantly different between the actual robots though.

[emmai]

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...h/JIT10000.jpg

thank i will get MP4 but i just found this pic. what this trailer is?

[iceburn]

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...h/JIT10000.jpg

thank i will get MP4 but i just found this pic. what this trailer is?

that's a knock off trailer

[Jaisun]

yes. only things that appear to be different are the communicator stickers, and the added trailer. I think even the gun colour is the same (grey), despite Hasbro releasing theirs with a black gun.

I am pretty sure I got severely shafted on this... If these are the only differences you mention (and your knowledge is reliable ofcourse), and the seibertron galleries of both versions agree, then wtf is this on my MP-04?

I have MP-02 also, and that has the proper moulded lights as shown on the boxart, so... was it just me that got shafted? I got it from Target, so it can't be a KO. The only saving grace is that I only display in bot form, so this isn't seen, but still...

i Also heard rumers of overall quality difference

I can't vouch for MP-01 specifically, but I can confirm that my MP-04 has a significantly lesser quality than my MP-02, which I would assume to be quite similar to MP-01 in quality. Some such issues I have read reports about are things like the chest windows not latching properly, leg extension mechanism not locking into place, and the included batteries being already drained (even from a MISB), all of which are present on my MP-04, but not my MP-02. They are hardly deal-breakers, but still quite annoying considering the cash layout...

[GoktimusPrime]

The MP04 robot is a reissue of MP01 and there have been reports of quality issues with it.

From TFwiki:
"there have been reports that this release of Masterpiece Convoy has much poorer quality control"

[griffin]

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...h/JIT10000.jpg

thank i will get MP4 but i just found this pic. what this trailer is?

Iceburn is half right - it is an unauthorised Trailer toy produced by some Asian source, but was produced a couple years before MP4's Trailer (so technically probably can't be a knock-off). That unauthorised Trailer doesn't split open - it just has the back ramp that opens and is completely hollow inside.

I am pretty sure I got severely shafted on this... If these are the only differences you mention (and your knowledge is reliable ofcourse), and the seibertron galleries of both versions agree, then wtf is this on my MP-04?

I have MP-02 also, and that has the proper moulded lights as shown on the boxart, so... was it just me that got shafted? I got it from Target, so it can't be a KO. The only saving grace is that I only display in bot form, so this isn't seen, but still...
I can't vouch for MP-01 specifically, but I can confirm that my MP-04 has a significantly lesser quality than my MP-02, which I would assume to be quite similar to MP-01 in quality. Some such issues I have read reports about are things like the chest windows not latching properly, leg extension mechanism not locking into place, and the included batteries being already drained (even from a MISB), all of which are present on my MP-04, but not my MP-02. They are hardly deal-breakers, but still quite annoying considering the cash layout...

There were a number of quality issues with MP4, but most of the problems were not related to mould degradation that other figures reissued over and over again, suffer from. Things like heavy chrome chipping straight out of the box, paint issues, headlights missing (like yours - it was reported a few times, but I don't think anyone was unfortunate enough to be missing both like you are), and alignment problems with the chest panels (but that is probably mould degradation).
I think each of the MP Convoy versions (MP1, MP2, MP4) have been produced twice so far, and the upcoming black MP1 will mean a seventh usage of the mould, so we could see more signs of mould degradation (like the reissue Combaticons, which have been done so many times, I'm surprised the moulds still work).

[GoktimusPrime]

Jaisun: My MP01 had a missing ladder panel and I called Takara who FedExed me replacement parts (and some free bonus goodies) within a few days.

But I wonder if Hasbro Australia would be willing to service this toy considering that they released the toy here. You could try to call Hasbro Australia and see what they say. They might advise you to return the toy for an exchange at Target, but you need to point out that the toy is no longer on sale (and thus Target is unable to provide a replacement). Now this is assuming that you purchased the toy from Target in Australia and not imported from overseas, because by law* Hasbro can only service toys purchased in their market; Takara cannot service a Hasbro toy and vice versa. If you purchased the toy from Japan then you may need to contact TakaraTOMY, but be aware that TakaraTOMY staff generally don't speak English so unless you can speak Japanese you may need to ask a Japanese-speaking friend to help you. In my experience with my MP01 problem Takara's customer support was fantastic; so it's a good option if you're able to overcome the language barrier.

Otherwise I guess another option is to get a loose Hasbro MP Optimus Prime, swap the parts around then sell the spare toy off.

-------
*Hasbro and Takara have a contractual agreement which forbids them from 'interfering' in each other's market unless they have a prior agreement/arrangement. So Hasbro Australia were able to import MP Ultra Magnus and MP04 because they had permission from Takara(TOMY) and likewise TakaraTOMY occasionally release Hasbro TFs in Japan with permission from Hasbro.

[griffin]

Now this is assuming that you purchased the toy from Target in Australia and not imported from overseas...

...

I got it from Target

[GoktimusPrime]

Allow me to open my mouth and change feet! Yeah, call Hasbro AU.

[Jaisun]

Allow me to open my mouth and change feet! Yeah, call Hasbro AU.

Lol, no need for that, Target is overseas too, so I can understand you saying what you said. Anyways, thank you very much for the tips griffin and Gok, I will give Hasbro AU a try, and hopefully they wont be anal and demand reciepts etc, cause I've had him for around 12-18 months now, so a PoP is out of the question. If headlights missing is a reported issue, I'd rather both or none, cause one missing would be wierder and would look more defective than none imo =oP

Anyways, wish me luck, and thanks again =o)