Post by grahamthomson on Dec 14, 2008 19:45:01 GMT
FLATTOP
(Micromasters 1989)
Flattop is unique among the Micromaster Transports in that the set is not a Micromaster pulling a transformable trailer but two separate transforming vehicles; a jet and an aircraft carrier. The two vehicles are well suited to one another. Like other Micromasters, Flattop seems to be named after his accessory rather than himself. Somewhat bewildering, that.
Flattop transforms in the likeness of an F-4 “Phantom” military jet. (The last time this mode was used in Transformers was for the Aerialbot, Fireflight.) Considering the scale it's a very good likeness. The dark purple and grey colour scheme is not at all accurate, though Flattop, like the Aerialbots, can be categorised as “military jets in air display colours, to encourage the kids to sign up”. Instead of a working wheel on the front undercarriage, Flattop instead features a static post which can be inserted into one of two holes on the (flat) top of the aircraft carrier. Should the carrier be caught in rough seas or even capsize, the jet will remain firmly in place.
Flattop features a rather complex and distinct transformation from jet to robot, especially considering the size. In fact, of all the individual Micromasters it is the most interesting. Flattop, in robot mode, retains the jet mode’s colour scheme but with painted red detail on the face. Articulation is limited to shoulders and hips only.
The aircraft carrier bears many a similarity to the 1986 Autobot Triple-Changer called Broadside. The sea-faring mode transforms into a jet, as did Broadside; and the transformation mechanism is also much alike. Two grey rifles can be mounted either onto the tops of the jet mode’s wings or on the sides of the aircraft carrier. While there’s a lot of detail on the aircraft carrier mode, the jet mode is lacking and comparatively boring. The jet mode does have retractable front undercarriage, however.
Flattop can ride his jet transport in one of two ways. Utilising the hole-in-feet/post-in-cockpit connectors, Flattop can stand up inside the jet quite securly. This isn’t a particularly aerodynamic configuration. Flattop can also assume a sitting position and sit in the jet’s cockpit and, thanks to a pivoting bar, remain secure. It looks a bit like he’s riding a rollercoaster. I do hope he reached the minimum height requirement before getting on.
Despite the bland colour scheme and lack of details, Flattop is, in my opinion, the best of the four Micromaster Transports. Each of the vehicles can operate independently and the “transport’s” alternate mode does actually resemble an aircraft instead of an opened out trailer. It feels like you’re actually getting two vehicles. Flattop himself is one of the best individual Micromasters, with an authentic vehicle mode and a lot of detail packed into such a small robot. One of the better Micromasters, and certainly one to make waves about.
Review by Graham Thomson
LINK! Full Micromaster Transports Flickr Gallery
BONUS! Flattop AtoZ Profile
(Micromasters 1989)
Flattop is unique among the Micromaster Transports in that the set is not a Micromaster pulling a transformable trailer but two separate transforming vehicles; a jet and an aircraft carrier. The two vehicles are well suited to one another. Like other Micromasters, Flattop seems to be named after his accessory rather than himself. Somewhat bewildering, that.
Flattop transforms in the likeness of an F-4 “Phantom” military jet. (The last time this mode was used in Transformers was for the Aerialbot, Fireflight.) Considering the scale it's a very good likeness. The dark purple and grey colour scheme is not at all accurate, though Flattop, like the Aerialbots, can be categorised as “military jets in air display colours, to encourage the kids to sign up”. Instead of a working wheel on the front undercarriage, Flattop instead features a static post which can be inserted into one of two holes on the (flat) top of the aircraft carrier. Should the carrier be caught in rough seas or even capsize, the jet will remain firmly in place.
Flattop features a rather complex and distinct transformation from jet to robot, especially considering the size. In fact, of all the individual Micromasters it is the most interesting. Flattop, in robot mode, retains the jet mode’s colour scheme but with painted red detail on the face. Articulation is limited to shoulders and hips only.
The aircraft carrier bears many a similarity to the 1986 Autobot Triple-Changer called Broadside. The sea-faring mode transforms into a jet, as did Broadside; and the transformation mechanism is also much alike. Two grey rifles can be mounted either onto the tops of the jet mode’s wings or on the sides of the aircraft carrier. While there’s a lot of detail on the aircraft carrier mode, the jet mode is lacking and comparatively boring. The jet mode does have retractable front undercarriage, however.
Flattop can ride his jet transport in one of two ways. Utilising the hole-in-feet/post-in-cockpit connectors, Flattop can stand up inside the jet quite securly. This isn’t a particularly aerodynamic configuration. Flattop can also assume a sitting position and sit in the jet’s cockpit and, thanks to a pivoting bar, remain secure. It looks a bit like he’s riding a rollercoaster. I do hope he reached the minimum height requirement before getting on.
Despite the bland colour scheme and lack of details, Flattop is, in my opinion, the best of the four Micromaster Transports. Each of the vehicles can operate independently and the “transport’s” alternate mode does actually resemble an aircraft instead of an opened out trailer. It feels like you’re actually getting two vehicles. Flattop himself is one of the best individual Micromasters, with an authentic vehicle mode and a lot of detail packed into such a small robot. One of the better Micromasters, and certainly one to make waves about.
Review by Graham Thomson
LINK! Full Micromaster Transports Flickr Gallery
BONUS! Flattop AtoZ Profile
poor flattop
