Tamashii Soul of Chogokin C-3PO & R2-D2

[Pixelpiper]

After some more playing... The lack of neck/head articulation along with mid-section articulation is also bugging me - Looks like the Sideshow is supposed to have more freedom in these areas as they call out the waist in the video and the head seems to move quite a bit from photo to photo (chin up and down).

I'm finding it a lot more difficult to pose this guy than I would have anticipated.

 

[ZE_501]

After some more playing... The lack of neck/head articulation along with mid-section articulation is also bugging me - Looks like the Sideshow is supposed to have more freedom in these areas as they call out the waist in the video and the head seems to move quite a bit from photo to photo (chin up and down).

I'm finding it a lot more difficult to pose this guy than I would have anticipated.

Interesting. The piece looks great, no doubt, and I'm a sucker for that real wiring...but even though the costume was very restricting it still allowed for *some* movement.

I'm not really in the a market for a C3PO, it would literally be last on my "interested" list...but I'm wondering if the SSC is better for articulation heads like me...I mean, if I wanted a statue I'd buy a statue. Not that C3PO would do anything besides stand around.

 

[Darth Fok]

I saw the SS version at Celebration. To be honest, just in terms of looks, it didnt' look as good as the Tamashi. It would be interesting to see a direct comparsion in terms of articulation etc when the SS gets released.

 

[Mad Old Lu]

Interesting. The piece looks great, no doubt, and I'm a sucker for that real wiring...but even though the costume was very restricting it still allowed for *some* movement.

I'm not really in the a market for a C3PO, it would literally be last on my "interested" list...but I'm wondering if the SSC is better for articulation heads like me...I mean, if I wanted a statue I'd buy a statue. Not that C3PO would do anything besides stand around.

If you're really interested in a Threepio, I wouldn't let the articulation thing be an issue. I don't want to mislead you, because the Tamashii is indeed limited in its articulation, mostly in the hips/thighs area. But it's also not a statue. Think about how Threepio moved in the movies, the little shimmie he would do when walking. That's pretty much shows how the Tamashii can move.

 

[ZE_501]

If you're really interested in a Threepio, I wouldn't let the articulation thing be an issue. I don't want to mislead you, because the Tamashii is indeed limited in its articulation, mostly in the hips/thighs area. But it's also not a statue. Think about how Threepio moved in the movies, the little shimmie he would do when walking. That's pretty much shows how the Tamashii can move.

Hmm...thanks, I'll keep it in mind. My Probe Droid and R2 are frozen in place and aren't likely to be re-posed for a long time...especially the Probe. Other figures get messed with more for photo ops or futzing...but technically I don't need a ton of articulation, I just like the option to change things whenever the mood strikes.

That said, Threepio is still last on my "interests" list. I'm just watching prices and supply to make sure he doesn't get scarce and priced crazy, in case I decide I do want to get one down the line. He's already available a bit cheaper than first release, and I passed on that inventory blow-out at HLJ not too long ago...

I'm moving a little more slowly as I've got some other stuff to spend on coming up (travel etc.), so I'll avoid pulling the trigger on this unless I'm sure or if I see prices going up.

 

[Invictus Sol]

The metal finish, real wiring and head sculpt beat SSC's hands down. In regards to leg articulation, it's irrelevant to me. 3PO's able to convey a lot of personality just through the use of his arms. Tamashii nailed the "S" curve of his body, also, so he looks great standing. I wouldn't pose him sitting even if I could. The legs are removable, so I guess if it were super important to someone, they could rig up a diorama where only 3PO's torso and arms are visible behind a table or something. *shrugs*

 

[Pixelpiper]

Think about how Threepio moved in the movies, the little shimmie he would do when walking. That's pretty much shows how the Tamashii can move.

I'll go as far as saying his leg movement available is a fraction (like 20%) of what you see in the movie. I'd never want to pose him sitting, but walking would have been a good option to have.

But, I love the piece nonetheless. Like I said when I opened my commentary, the weight and "feel" in-hand is remarkable and just puts a smile on your face. I also quite love the way light bounces off the finish and with creative lighting you can get an amazing amount of tonal variation. I'm looking forward to weathering him to kick it up another notch.

 

[Ahab]

Regarding: clouded judgment

I'm sure most everyone who's purchased this figure (including yourself) has followed the discussions on the forums an seen endless in-hand video reviews. Therefore, the shortcomings you listed are common knowledge and news to no one with a critical eye for accuracy and a wary eye on the wallet. Still, collectors have bought and will continue to purchase this figure nevertheless, despite these factors. Some will love it as is, some will modify to their contentment, and some will have difficulty reconciling there expectations with the facts in hand.

Pixelpiper, I'm sure most everyone who has put down money and enjoy this figure, made an informed decision. However, to make a broad and condescending statement to the fact that the rest of us can be so easily swayed (by its weight) that our judgment (to appreciate the piece as a whole) is in question, is presumptuous and frankly rude. I would hope that wasn't intended as such...

Everyone's opinions should be respected. These forums should be fun, not an exercise in endurance.

 

[Pixelpiper]

Tamashii Soul of Chogokin C-3PO & R2-D2

It wasn't intended to be rude but it's intended to be frank. This figure has enjoyed an almost unparalleled lack of criticism and it's not because it doesn't deserve it. So I maintain my position that the weight and feel are big, if not the sole, contributors leading many people to put on their rose colored glasses when speaking about the figure.

I can't speak to the amount of research anyone else has done but I speak only to the lack of attention to its shortcomings which is not something you see with other threads for other products.

If you were to follow your own advise and respect the opinions of others, I think you probably should not have written that last post. If that's not what's intended then I'm letting you know it came off as sanctimonious, dismissive and pointedly rude as it's directed at one specific individual. Just saying.

 

[JEDI JF]

I really like my Tama. At first I was going to wait for the Sideshow release but the head sculpt is deal breaker for me (I don't understand how they could mess this, they simply need to use a 3D scanner and then adjust it manually if needed for production purposes and scale reduction). Maybe they will correct it before the release though but I am not sure at all they will do it. The real wires are also nice as is the finish (I am not sure this could look as good if it was plastic).

Obviously it ain't perfect either, as it was mentionned before. The pistons are too big (but they are functional so they are still nice) and articulation is limited (I don't care about that to be honest) but I can live with that.

3PO was my favorite character when I was a kid and I can see him in the Tama figure, something I can't say based on the current pictures of the Sideshow 3PO unfortunately.

 

[Mad Old Lu]

I'll put it this way, ZE: if you were to get the Tama Threepio, I don't think you will be disappointed at the kinds of poses you will be able to get from the figure. His articulation may be limited, but he'll get you a very Threepio pose.

And Pix, I'm glad you're ultimately happy with the figure.

 

[Lejuan]

When I opened the box the figure's flaws were immediately apparent. But when I felt how heavy the figure was, all its flaws magically disappeared.

HT should whack some lead in the Han Solo figure and I bet it'll look exactly like Harrison Ford.

 

[anwe]

Don't joke about that, that's how they do it in high end audio. What! amps that have everything on a small card and an ingenious power supply construction that doesn't need to weigh 40lbs? Solution: Put the stuff in an insanely thick metal box with huge heatsinks that isn't even necessary since the electronics are so effecient, put led bars inside instead to get the expected "high-end" weight and you need forklifts to get the amps in your room. Everyone is happy.

It sounds really stupid but it's true.

Pixel, there was someone that modded it for AC and managed to put the electric cable inside the body somehow so it ended up coming out of the feet. There are pictures in this thread I think, I tried searching but couldn't find it myself.

 

[TaliBane]

If you're really interested in a Threepio, I wouldn't let the articulation thing be an issue. I don't want to mislead you, because the Tamashii is indeed limited in its articulation, mostly in the hips/thighs area. But it's also not a statue. Think about how Threepio moved in the movies, the little shimmie he would do when walking. That's pretty much shows how the Tamashii can move.

I'll go as far as saying his leg movement available is a fraction (like 20%) of what you see in the movie. I'd never want to pose him sitting, but walking would have been a good option to have.

The costume 3PO had rubber shorts and many fudges such as the "gold tin foil skirt" for sitting so not really fair to compare.

The only articulation I see as lacking AND desirable is the head - the ability to look up/down and tilt I felt was not enough on Tama. Not really sure how you'd use articulated legs - you never see 3PO doing much with his legs other than shuffling along (other than purpose-built set-ups such as Ewok throne.)

 

[TonTon]

^^Seems like that's the only real solution. A version of 3PO that's designed to sit rather than stand. Would be good with a dejarek table rerelease or the landspeeder.

 

[ZE_501]

[...]you never see 3PO doing much with his legs other than shuffling along (other than purpose-built set-ups such as Ewok throne.)

Well, he did dance on the Muppet Show.

 

[koolkollectibleskhai]

Say, is Artoo officially cancelled? Or are people still hoping for a release to complement the Threepio?

 

[Darth Fok]

When I opened the box the figure's flaws were immediately apparent. But when I felt how heavy the figure was, all its flaws magically disappeared.

HT should whack some lead in the Han Solo figure and I bet it'll look exactly like Harrison Ford.

LOL....that's funny because its somewhat true!

 

[Pixelpiper]

Pixel, there was someone that modded it for AC and managed to put the electric cable inside the body somehow so it ended up coming out of the feet.

I know the one you're talking about, but I need to finish my module so that anyone can simply plug it in the same way they do with batteries - no mods, no difficulty.

 

[weaponslayer]

I know the one you're talking about, but I need to finish my module so that anyone can simply plug it in the same way they do with batteries - no mods, no difficulty.

If you can pull that off I shall dub thee a magician. Looking forward to see your solution!