ALL THINGS TRANSFORMERS!!!!

[bicoid18]

... Got about 15 left and Im trying not to overcrowd the thread hence the little spurts of pics. Glad to hear ur enjoying them.

Long story short I purchased them through an online auction. Nice pic. FOC Metroplex would look good in that spot. Isnt he even bigger than Fort Max?

Dude, you have to post the rest! They're pieces of TF history!

FOC Metroplex is a good 2" taller, so I think he'll fit.

Hey guys, I might have an opportunity to trade some of my Henkeis for an MP-10 Optimus - either the US TRU version of the Japanese Takara one. Any advice on which one to get?
I keep hearing that the US one is more accurate (because of the eyes, mainly) but the Takara one has nicer paint (especially the trailer/base)... and I have to admit, since I have the Takara Starscream, Soundwave, etc. the completist in my likes the idea of starting out with Prime.

Obviously the Takara one would require more in trade but I have the feeling I might get a better deal on it, even if it does "cost" me a couple extra figures.

Any advice?

Yeah, the completist in me would also go for MP-10 if price isn't a factor. Better packaging and presentation (more uniformity if displaying with your other MPs) if you're displaying with the box. More paint apps on the base figure and in the trailer as opposed to molded coloured plastic for the TRU version. But the Hasbro version is cartoon accurate versus MP-10 which is G1 toy accurate. As far as build quality, they're both pretty similar from what I've read.

All that said, I have the TRU version and I think it's an incredible figure. Easily the TF that I take out of its display and handle with the most.

Some QC issues to watch out for on mine are:

(1) The loose ankles which may make him fall (you just have to futz with him).
(2) Index finger pops out pretty easily.
(3) The windows for chest section can be hard to line up flush.
(4) The thin pins on either side of the chest windows. The thin plastic around them could get stressed if you try to force the windows to sit flush.
(5) The bumper in the chest cavity tends to get scratched because of screws from the chest windows.

 

[Gipetto0812]

I'd go with the TRU version.

Only reason for the Takara version is the packaging...for some reason Hasbro like to make a pigs ear of it & you have to almost wreck the box to get him out.
Takara on the other hand use the lovely Cardboard boxes that make it super easier to open, fiddle with & put away.

The paint on the TRU version to me just looks better to me, the darker Tak version just doesn't really do it for me, much prefer the brighter TRU version just looks so much better, the eyes are awesome & in hand really really stand out.

Neil

I've never had any issue with Hasbro's boxes for the MP series in terms of opening. It's usually just about taking the bottom cardboard off and sliding the figure out, except for the Seekers (maybe MP Hot Rod too??) where you have open from the top and pull from there. Didnt have to destroy the box to get to thefigure at leasr is what I mean. Though I will agree that Takara's are more "collector friendly" since it's a simple shoe box design. I've never owned a Takara MP figure, just seen from many pics. Only Takara figure I have is the APS Striker Prime and while presentation was nice, all those twist ties made it is a ***** to get the figure out

And I totally agree with your reasoning for Hasbro MP10 over Takara's. those plus the lower price point made it an easy purchase. Can't wait for the Hasbro Soundwave to get on TRU shelves going to be a pain to find but it will be worth it for sure.

 

[DPrime]

Wow, seems unanimous so far for Hasbro.

Well, I think it's going to come down to what this guy's looking to get for each one. If it's $100 worth of stuff for the TRU version, sure. If it's $150 worth, maybe not, especially if we're talking somewhere like $200 worth for the Takara one.

I think I'd be happy with either one, to be quite honest.

As for Soundwave, I'm not sure how they could possibly improve him... A lighter blue won't be cartoon-accurate, that's for sure. The inclusion of all four tapes is certainly nice, though.

 

[bicoid18]

Probably change the eye colour from red to yellow. Maybe switch out the 2 extra cassette molds for Ratbat and Overkill? Or if they truly want to troll the TF fanbase, switch out the G1 colours for the repaints (Howlback, Garboil, Enemy, etc.).

 

[DPrime]

Yeah, but red to yellow wouldn't be an "improvement" for most people.

 

[bicoid18]

Yeah, but red to yellow wouldn't be an "improvement" for most people.

Ok, more G1 toy accurate.

Honestly, the improvements I want them to make are more QC related if anything. The sprue remnants on the faceplate or scratches on the chest window are examples.

 

[DPrime]

Some QC issues to watch out for on mine are:

(1) The loose ankles which may make him fall (you just have to futz with him).
(2) Index finger pops out pretty easily.
(3) The windows for chest section can be hard to line up flush.
(4) The thin pins on either side of the chest windows. The thin plastic around them could get stressed if you try to force the windows to sit flush.
(5) The bumper in the chest cavity tends to get scratched because of screws from the chest windows.

Apparently this is an issue on the Takara one this guy has.

Is this really that big of an issue? My Faith Leader is like this, but it doesn't bother me at all.

 

[DPrime]

Ok, more G1 toy accurate.

Honestly, the improvements I want them to make are more QC related if anything. The sprue remnants on the faceplate or scratches on the chest window are examples.

Yeah, I'm not bothered by either of those (the scratches are very, very faint), but I suppose.

Somehow, I don't see that happening though. Maybe, but I'd be surprised. Even if it does, there will likely be pros/cons for both - other QC issues, different paint apps, "quality" of plastic, cartoon vs. toy accurate, etc. I don't see Hasbro producing the "perfect" version.

 

[bicoid18]

Apparently this is an issue on the Takara one this guy has.

Is this really that big of an issue? My Faith Leader is like this, but it doesn't bother me at all.

It's not a big deal for me. I think a lot of people got the windows to sit flush by either removing the matrix or by having the larger matrix side face inside the chest cavity. I haven't tried to force the windows closer because of the thin plastic on the sides of the chest windows, and because of the bumper scratching issue.

Again it's not a deal breaker by any means. You won't regret picking up either version once you have this guy in hand.

 

[Dubcustomz]

Apparently this is an issue on the Takara one this guy has.

Is this really that big of an issue? My Faith Leader is like this, but it doesn't bother me at all.

My TRU MP-10 had a massive gap in its chest and it was lop-sided.

After doing some research i found the same information that's been shared here: Push the Matrix back a bit further or take it out and that will allow the chest pieces to fit properly.

It didn't work.

What i actually found out through fiddling around with it myself (that sentence is quite funny if taken out of context) was that i had to push the grill piece that forms his "abs" backwards further at the top with the chest pieces already slotted into the tabs on the top.

This forced the two halves together and closed the gap, and now they sit flush next to each other and the lop-sided-ness has been decreased to a more OCD-friendly level.

Not perfect but it looks as good as the two toys in the picture a few posts back, and once displayed is barely noticeable.

 

[bicoid18]

My TRU MP-10 had a massive gap in its chest and it was lop-sided.

After doing some research i found the same information that's been shared here: Push the Matrix back a bit further or take it out and that will allow the chest pieces to fit properly.

It didn't work.

What i actually found out through fiddling around with it myself (that sentence is quite funny if taken out of context) was that i had to push the grill piece that forms his "abs" backwards further at the top with the chest pieces already slotted into the tabs on the top.

This forced the two halves together and closed the gap, and now they sit flush next to each other and the lop-sided-ness has been decreased to a more OCD-friendly level.

Not perfect but it looks as good as the two toys in the picture a few posts back, and once displayed is barely noticeable.

Yeah, I tried pushing the top part of the grill and reversing the matrix to have the wider side facing inward after I got home (priorities right?). You know what? It worked!

But the window screws are definitely making contact with inner grill protecting the matrix chamber. So it's best to use tape to prevent scratching it.

Yeah I know. First world problems.

 

[lerath666]

Yeah, TFW and Youtube are the obvious choices, but I can't access either of those at work.

Why did you like the US version best?

Good pic, thanks.

I think I like the darker blue, but man, the TRU version's eyes really pop, don't they? Really brings the figure to life, at least in that pic.

Any QC issues to watch for on either?

It's MOSTLY the eyes. also, like TFC Hercules, his colors don't photograph well. he looks... much better in hand than most pictures will lead you to believe. he's nowhere near as bright as alot of the photos make him look.

in comparison, to me, the eyes on takara, and the darker colors make him look Dead. It's as if he's powered down, and been lying in a scrapheap for a few years. just... doesn't look right.

a comment on the chest, most people don't realise that the matrix cover can be pressed down farther than it is in the package. once you've closed it ALL THE WAY, the chest windows will close just fine.

in the IT world, we would tell the owner that the cause of this problem lies somewhere between the chair and the keyboard.

 

[Dubcustomz]

Not necessarily...my matrix cover presses in as far as it goes and the chest will still have a huge gap in it unless i push the ab section in further like i mentioned.
Best to try both solutions.

 

[koolkollectibleskhai]

DAMN IT!!!! RobotKingdom now indicates "Out of Stock" for MP-15!!! I knew I should've just ordered it the other day!!!

Anyone know where else I can order this? BBTS?

 

[HPGR_Thrawn]

It's still up on BBTS

 

[karamazov80]

I got Soundwave today. Honestly not a mind-blowing figure or anything. Nothing surprising. But that Laserbeak. . .damn if that ain't cool little *******. Makes the release worth buying.

 

[ironman24]

Hey for all you that ordered the Chrome Cubex Guns and did not receive the Smoke Stacks that was suposed to come with it, TFsource sent them out this week,,I received the stacks today and they are Insane,,Real Metal and looks Great,,And to anyone who knows where I can find a MasterPiece Soundwave or anyone who has a exter one to sell PLEASE Let me know,,,Thanks so Much

 

[UltraMarknus]

DAMN IT!!!! RobotKingdom now indicates "Out of Stock" for MP-15!!! I knew I should've just ordered it the other day!!!

Anyone know where else I can order this? BBTS?

Serves me right. I had that and the cubex chrome guns in my cart and ready to check out but I didn't finish.

 

[bicoid18]

... a comment on the chest, most people don't realise that the matrix cover can be pressed down farther than it is in the package. once you've closed it ALL THE WAY, the chest windows will close just fine.

in the IT world, we would tell the owner that the cause of this problem lies somewhere between the chair and the keyboard.

But isn't that what forums and message boards are for?

And to anyone who knows where I can find a MasterPiece Soundwave or anyone who has a exter one to sell PLEASE Let me know,,,Thanks so Much

Wow, I didn't realize that most of the online shops are sold out of Soundwave. Kool Toyz still have him in stock I think. I've dealt with them a few times and they are pretty quick and reliable. But I think you should hold off until the TRU version comes out later this year. It's a lot cheaper and it comes with all the tapes.

 

[bicoid18]

I got Soundwave today. Honestly not a mind-blowing figure or anything. Nothing surprising. But that Laserbeak. . .damn if that ain't cool little *******. Makes the release worth buying.

The engineering that went into Laserbeak is impressive! I love how TT incorporated the thrusters into the cassette mode. I don't have any gripes against Soundwave other than QC issues. The new wave of MPs that have come out since MP-10 have been homeruns in my eyes.