Looking at the undercarriage transform, it appears the abdominal parts that flank the cockpit (in robot mode) fold into the centre of the undercarriage. As for the shoulders, it may be that the front of the 'pecs' fold up to form the intake then the shoulders slide forward to sit in the chest cavity either side. (which is exposed after the pecs are folded up) I like the way the flaps on the wings fold back to give them a more angular and cartoon look. One thing I wanna know is where the tails fins go in bot mode, unless they fold up to run alongside the vertical fins.

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I think they do.... regarding the wings, I don't see any gimmicks with them. That's what the F-15's wings look like.

 

man that robot mode is just crazy though....... wow

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Sorry, I meant on the robot mode. The tops of the wings have the flaps folded back so they look like they were in the G1 cartoon. Compare to the F15 at mode and the flaps are almost at right angles to the fuselage.

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Oh crap, I didn't even notice that!!! :eek :eek wow, my bad

 

that is super awesome though

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No probs, my transition from brain to keyboard often leaves out important info, such as the fact it's on the bot not the jet :thumb Man this is just awesome. Just when I start to give up on Takara they come along and promise us fans exactly what we want. Let's be honest, they could market new MPs all year round and if the standard were this high, we'd all pay top $$ for them.

I never gave up on Takara.... well okay their lavender fetish nearly drove me away

 

thankfully Starscream has no blurple to screw up

Seeing as multiple-repaint MPs are obviously the way forward for the line, what may we see as the next one in a few years time? Obviously megs/rod/gal are all pretty much one-offs, and I can't imagine that people would pay out for a soundwave/soundblaster repaint. I guess that just leaves TFs such as the Nissan trio (prowl/bluestreak/smokescreen) or the lambo boys (sideswipe/red alert) but I doubt they'd be that big a hit. Could this be the second and last MP mold?

Seeing as multiple-repaint MPs are obviously the way forward for the line, what may we see as the next one in a few years time? Obviously megs/rod/gal are all pretty much one-offs, and I can't imagine that people would pay out for a soundwave/soundblaster repaint. I guess that just leaves TFs such as the Nissan trio (prowl/bluestreak/smokescreen) or the lambo boys (sideswipe/red alert) but I doubt they'd be that big a hit. Could this be the second and last MP mold?

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Possibly.

 

Personally, I think that the designation "Masterpiece" should only apply to a character who deserves it. There's a big difference between personal favorites (such as Galvatron / Hot Rod for me) and overall fandom favorites -- or more to the point, the most iconic and easily recognizable characters from the original show.

 

And I think that Optimus Prime and Starscream are those two. As I've mentioned before, they are the only original G1 characters who were brought back (from the dead!) in G1 season 3. Starscream had two season 3 episodes dedicated to him, and Prime had three. I do think that had something to do with it, as it both influenced fan perceptions of these characters and tapped into a recognition on Hasbro's part that these guys *were* the most popular old characters.

 

And then of course there's the fact that both Starscream and Prime were given significant screen time in Beast Wars (though Prime didn't have a lot of lines).

 

And it's also significant to me that both Prime and Starscream have retained their essential appearances / alt modes in all subsequent versions of the series... while as we know, Megatron (for example) has not, at all.

 

I think it all adds up to indicate who the most "classic" figures are.

 

So anyway, after these guys.....? I dunno.

Bot mode drawing and other pics:

 

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=98337

 

My only decision now is do I wait to find out if Hasbro will be releasing their own version (21st? Anniv. SS) or just go ahead and pre-order the MP version.

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Get the MP man!!! I am sure that it will be better than the Hasbro version (in some way or another, damn the child safety laws) and you will get it sooner I bet.

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Agreed, I'm sure Hasbro will find something to neuter on him. $99 isn't unreasonable for a figure like this, at all.

 

Does it have an ejection seat too? That would be awesome detail.

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Yes it does, one of the pictures shows it. The level of realistic detail on the jet mode is astonishing.

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Well TakaraTomy certainly is making this figure worthly of the "Masterpiece" moniker. I really hope that they leave in all these little details.

 

The funny thing is that we went so long w/o any new BT/Alt molds or a new MP mold, and now we are getting multiple new molds at once. It is going to cost a ton, but I am sooooooo happy!!!! :clap

Bot mode drawing and other pics:

 

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=98337

 

My only decision now is do I wait to find out if Hasbro will be releasing their own version (21st? Anniv. SS) or just go ahead and pre-order the MP version.

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Hasbro may give him pr0n length missles like the did for the reissues or go the opposite way and neuteur them.

Seeing as multiple-repaint MPs are obviously the way forward for the line, what may we see as the next one in a few years time? Obviously megs/rod/gal are all pretty much one-offs, and I can't imagine that people would pay out for a soundwave/soundblaster repaint. I guess that just leaves TFs such as the Nissan trio (prowl/bluestreak/smokescreen) or the lambo boys (sideswipe/red alert) but I doubt they'd be that big a hit. Could this be the second and last MP mold?

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Possibly.

 

Personally, I think that the designation "Masterpiece" should only apply to a character who deserves it. There's a big difference between personal favorites (such as Galvatron / Hot Rod for me) and overall fandom favorites -- or more to the point, the most iconic and easily recognizable characters from the original show.

 

And I think that Optimus Prime and Starscream are those two. As I've mentioned before, they are the only original G1 characters who were brought back (from the dead!) in G1 season 3. Starscream had two season 3 episodes dedicated to him, and Prime had three. I do think that had something to do with it, as it both influenced fan perceptions of these characters and tapped into a recognition on Hasbro's part that these guys *were* the most popular old characters.

 

And then of course there's the fact that both Starscream and Prime were given significant screen time in Beast Wars (though Prime didn't have a lot of lines).

 

And it's also significant to me that both Prime and Starscream have retained their essential appearances / alt modes in all subsequent versions of the series... while as we know, Megatron (for example) has not, at all.

 

I think it all adds up to indicate who the most "classic" figures are.

 

So anyway, after these guys.....? I dunno.

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I agree w/ the mian points of your post. I just want to add, knowing that it will never happen for a number of reasons, that I would love to see an MP Prowl (one of my favorites), or the ultimate.... an MP Devastator. I would easily pay $200 for 6 mini-MPs that form the big guy. That would be the best. Plus , those two are icons in my book. Easily identifiable and extremely popular. Here's hoping (in vain I am sure).

I think a non-G1 character might be the next MP.  Primal maybe.  With real monkey fur.

I think a non-G1 character might be the next MP.  Primal maybe.  With real monkey fur.

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As much as I love BW and Primal in particular, PLEASE NO!!!

 

They need to keep to G1 characters. Such as the aforementioned Devastator (or Blitzwing would be my #2).

HotRod/Rodimus or Soundwave for my Please.