Best/best value G1 Optimus Prime reissue?

[millhouse]

So, I've managed to get most of the G1 Transformers I'm after (for the moment) as Encore or TFC. The plan is to set up a four level display cabinet with;
1) Galvatron/Galvatron II (Galvatron II in cannon mode)
2) Soundwave Encore/Soundblaster Encore (Soundwave in robot mode)
3) Blaster TFC/Twincast Encore (Twincast in robot mode)
4) Megatron TFC/a version of Optimus Prime (both in robot mode for size concerns)

Now, I can easily source a Twincast, and the rest (besides prime) are already purchased. However G1 Prime has had that many reissues, and will be displayed loose, so I'm looking for advice on the best/best value options to get...

I've figured that the TFC Prime with the energon mace would be the best to go for, but I'd rather spend significantly less.

What thoughts do you guys have on the 2012 Hasbro G1 OP? It has tampographs on the shoulders, doesn't it (a plus in my eyes)? It's also significantly cheaper than some other options.

Obviously, the smokestacks are a bit of a concern, but I can deal with that. However, is there a 3rd party replacement part available?

Is there something I'm not aware of or thinking of that might offer a better solution?

Thanks in advance!

[sideswipes brother]

IMO the best prime is the New Years prime with the blue windows and your choice of guns. Can get a bit pricey though due to limited numbers.

[Deonasis]

Cool shelving idea! The best (not cheapest) reissues I've heard of are..
- TFC01
- New Years version

[millhouse]

I'm probably leaning towards the 2012 Hasbro release at this point, purely for price. Money saved on this is money spent on Masterpiece releases...

[jazzcomp]

Which one is 2012 Hasbro? MP-10?

[millhouse]

Which one is 2012 Hasbro? MP-10?

Nah, a G1 reissue, shortened stacks. AFAIK, its the Universe (+DVD) release without the extra stuff. Just the equivalent of what was in the original 80s toy, modified for safety reasons.

[Deonasis]

Nah, a G1 reissue, shortened stacks. AFAIK, its the Universe (+DVD) release without the extra stuff. Just the equivalent of what was in the original 80s toy, modified for safety reasons.

So it is not Pinkimus Prime where the front of the cab is a distinctly lighter red/pink? Good. Unless you could swap the pink out i would avoid it.

[millhouse]

So it is not Pinkimus Prime where the front of the cab is a distinctly lighter red/pink? Good. Unless you could swap the pink out i would avoid it.

Which release was Pinktimus Prime? I can't find a whole lot of info about the 2012 reissue, and a couple of the YouTube reviews have awful lighting.

[millhouse]

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transf...s-reissue.html is the thread on the actual version I'm looking at buying.

Cannot for the life of my figure out which version of the ion cannon he comes with... Not that it's a deal breaker, but does anyone know?

[Sinnertwin]

The only two Hasbro reissues i'd recommend would be:

1990 Reissue- the closest to the orignal release
2002 Commemorative reissue. Although this has the short smoke stacks and safety requirement elongated missiles, it's colours for the cab & trailer arebetter than the 25th Anniversary version and the 2012 rererelease of the 2002 commemorative.

For the ion axe there's the 00 TFC Version or aftermarket accessories.

If you're not too fussed about the ion axe and/or trailer you could consider
Encore release
Music label G1 coloured convoy. This features blue windows, a new head sculpt on a ball joint and the trailer converts to an ipod dock
DOTM Chronicle series release which features the G1 & movie deluxe versions together with a DOTM trailer that fits both.