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Post by Bogatan on Jan 23, 2014 20:15:02 GMT
It was SOOOOOOOOO long ago.
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Post by Philip Ayres on Jan 23, 2014 20:30:24 GMT
It's not Energon, we did that in Week 24
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Post by Philip Ayres on Jan 24, 2014 7:58:38 GMT
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Post by Philip Ayres on Jan 24, 2014 9:41:52 GMT
Honourable mentions: G2 - it's not Smokescreen as we know it but it's a damm fine toy. Movie Legend As yet the RTS Legend Prowl/Bluestreak hasn't yet been done in Smokescreen colours. So, even though this is made from a Hot Rod mould, this was for many years my go to Legends Smokescreen 5) Alternators We went into why we love this toy last week. It gets pushed down the Smokescreen list for it's complexity though. Anyone ever realised it's a Bluestreak homage? It's blue, like the legendary unmade blue Bluestreak, and has Streak's Japanese ID number on the door! 4) HenkeiNot Universe. Henkei. The Universe is wrong. It's close. But the bits they got wrong are so frustrating and the Henkei deco is much closer the origial 3) SkyclawI love this little Legends mould. It's a shame the original version has such a bad pain scheme. No matter, they've more than made up for it since! Looks fab in the Alternators colours.... 2) Predacons Rising.... and even better in the G1 colours. Seriously, buy the 2-pack in tescos before it goes. 1) G1Nuff said.
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Post by The Doctor on Jan 24, 2014 17:38:52 GMT
What? Energon isn't ten years old! It's not It's... OH GOD I deny this reality! -Ralph
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Jim
Thunderjet
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Now in glorious Ultra HD 4K
Posts: 4,864
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Post by Jim on Jan 24, 2014 23:16:21 GMT
1. G1 - a classic. 2. Alternators - no need to go into this again! 3. Armada Hoist - one of my favourite Armada designs. Not owned: 4. MP - Prowl and Streak are amazing, so no reason to think he would be much less so. 5. Armada Smokescreen - always liked the look of him but never got round to getting one. -Jim
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Post by Philip Ayres on Jan 25, 2014 10:04:25 GMT
3. Armada Hoist - one of my favourite Armada designs. ooo, now that's clever!
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Post by legios on Jan 26, 2014 20:53:39 GMT
5) Alternators We went into why we love this toy last week. It gets pushed down the Smokescreen list for it's complexity though. Anyone ever realised it's a Bluestreak homage? It's blue, like the legendary unmade blue Bluestreak, and has Streak's Japanese ID number on the door! Doesn't it have the same number as one of the initial Binaltek Streaks? Because if I recall correctly those numbers were chosen because they were the door numbers of the Subaru Works Rally team that year, so I'm not sure if it is a Bluestreak homage or a real-world homage? But anyway's - to the list 5) Armada Smokescreen - A complete break with the look of any other Smokescreen toy, but a lot of fun. Has a lot of play value and a gimmick I quite enjoyed 4) Predacons Rising Smokescreen - Taking the Legends-sized Prime Smokescreen, and tagging him with the The Transformers Smokie colour-scheme may be an obvious move, but it is an obvious move which pays off rather well. 3) Henkei Smokescreen - a sensible use of the Classics not-Fairlady mold, turning him into the remaining character to share the original Diaclone Fairlady design. Nice revamp of the old colour scheme. I have my issues with it as a toy (the side-panels are irritatingly fiddly to get folded into place in humanoid mode), but like his mold-mates he is a fine display piece. 2) Alternator Smokescreen - in my opinion one of the most satisfying Alternators in feeling like the toy it was homaging. The modern Rally Colours are a nice touch, they literally make it look like something I see on the roads where I live every so often. Nice interior on it as well, and I think it is one of the best looking Alternators in vehicle mode as well. 1) "The Transformers" Smokescreen - The Diaclone Fairlady engineering, in rally colours. What more could one want? Karl
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Post by Philip Ayres on Jan 26, 2014 20:56:01 GMT
5) Alternators We went into why we love this toy last week. It gets pushed down the Smokescreen list for it's complexity though. Anyone ever realised it's a Bluestreak homage? It's blue, like the legendary unmade blue Bluestreak, and has Streak's Japanese ID number on the door! Doesn't it have the same number as one of the initial Binaltek Streaks? Because if I recall correctly those numbers were chosen because they were the door numbers of the Subaru Works Rally team that year, so I'm not sure if it is a Bluestreak homage or a real-world homage? I think the initial Alternators version is 7. The Hasbro one is 8, but you're right both are Subaru numbers and that's Subaru colours. A mere coincidence it manages to homage a legendary TF twice!
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Post by Philip Ayres on Jan 26, 2014 20:58:09 GMT
2) Alternator Smokescreen - in my opinion one of the most satisfying Alternators in feeling like the toy it was homaging. The modern Rally Colours are a nice touch, they literally make it look like something I see on the roads where I live every so often. Nice interior on it as well, and I think it is one of the best looking Alternators in vehicle mode as well. BTW Kaptain we've not seen your Alternators list yet either!
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Post by legios on Jan 27, 2014 20:32:51 GMT
BTW Kaptain we've not seen your Alternators list yet either! Really? I thought I'd... oh, neither I have. My brain is in here somewhere *rattles skull* :- Week 37: Alternators/Binaltech/Binaltech Asterisk/Kiss Players5. Alternator Skids: He isn't even in the same class of vehicle as the original Skids - I mean, he is so large he has four doors! But nevertheless he keeps all the right visual feel to make you look at it and go "It's Skids". 4. BinalTech* Alert: Yes, he is a retool of an existing design, but this is still a great design and the retool as a police vehicle looks great - the stark Black and White making it look very unlike Streak. Striking reuse of an existing design. Also, it comes with Ai - ok, it isn't the Ai from Car Robots but some sort of parallel universe doppelganger but nevertheless it is an Ai who can stand next to the Car Brothers and Fire Convoy. 3. Alternator Shockblast(wave): If someone said "Do Shockwave, only as a car" I kind of figure this is exactly what we would have got. Retains all the essential elements of Shockwave - head design, gun hand - and makes really good use of the car mode to create the large torso-ed look of the original toy. 2. Alternator Prowl - Love the look of this one. Deviates considerably from the look of the original Prowl but I think is still worthy of him. The lines of the vehicle mode give the humanoid mode a lean appearance which I really think suits Prowl, and I like the fact that he has a night-stick hidden away about his person ready to pull if a fight gets out of hand. Trust a strategist to bring a concealed weapon just in case. 1. Alternator Smokescreen - Lovely design. Captures the essence of the look of the original Diaclone Datsun robots really well, lots of articulation for maximum display potential. The vehicle mode is absolutely superb - made better by the fact that there is someone around the area I live who drives a Subaru with a rally body-kit and all the same sponsor decals - so Smokescreen literally turns into a vehicle who exists in my everyday world. Karl
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Post by Philip Ayres on Jan 30, 2014 7:43:09 GMT
Just 3 sets of Smokescreen voters so far, is he not popular enough?
They'll be more people interested this week because the subject chosen is by popular demand!
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Stomski
Fusilateral Quintro Combiner
YOU INTERRUPTED MY SPEECH!! But don't worry. It won't happen again.
Posts: 6,100
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Post by Stomski on Jan 30, 2014 10:17:09 GMT
Haven't posted because I only kinda like 3 Smokescreens!
Binaltech Smokescreen - Kinda too blue, but I like this.
MP Smokescreen - Great repaint of a nice mold.
G1 Smokescreen - Classic.
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Post by Pinwig on Jan 30, 2014 20:41:44 GMT
Smokescreen isn't a character I've really identified with over the years. I remember way back being in a large newsagent in town and having Prowl in one hand and Smokescreen in the other with the option to buy just one of them. I went Prowl and have never thought twice about it, and from that point Prowl became and still is one of my faves. I do like that original mould, so my top five would go:
1. G1 original 2. Masterpiece 3. Binaltech
all for obvious and already discussed reasons. I think after that I'd be hard pressed to pick any, but:
4. Arms Micron is the nicest looking paint job on the Prime era versions and 5. Cybertron is quite a funky, chunky looking figure.
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Post by Philip Ayres on Jan 31, 2014 7:09:08 GMT
By popular demand then.....
Week 39: Third Party toys based on official Transformers toys
the rules here are
They have to be based on a Hasbro character even if they're radically different
We'll do 3P extra guns and accesories at a later date
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Post by The Doctor on Jan 31, 2014 12:55:12 GMT
None.
-Ralph
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Post by Philip Ayres on Jan 31, 2014 13:16:35 GMT
Based on what I've seen round the web and handled..... 5) Smart RobinIt's a Headmaster. Woo! Hasbro: we want Headmasters. 4) WardenBig IDW Fort Max. This one's gone down in my estimation since Nick pointed out the lack of leg guns. 3) UranosI'm not a Superion fan. But I've played with Nick's Uranos and it's a might fine combined toy. Not a hope of Hasbro ever doing anything like it now though. 2) Green GiantDitto this, which is superb. The gun barrel is wedged in my memory 1) PP05W - Weapons SpecialistMy dislike for Universe 2 Ratchet and Ironhide is well done. This does it right, at a nice size and throws in a bucket load of extra ****. Yes please.
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Post by blueshift on Jan 31, 2014 17:23:18 GMT
I am feeling dumb, how does 'Smart Robin' transfer into 'Brainstorm'. I get brain=smart, but...
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Post by Shockprowl on Jan 31, 2014 22:23:19 GMT
I'm giving 3P some thought. And Alternators.
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Post by Shockprowl on Jan 31, 2014 22:24:00 GMT
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Post by Philip Ayres on Jan 31, 2014 22:47:22 GMT
I'm giving 3P some thought. And Alternators. Look at the Ratchet in the last link of my top 5
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Jim
Thunderjet
Micromaster Backside Monitor
Now in glorious Ultra HD 4K
Posts: 4,864
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Post by Jim on Jan 31, 2014 23:01:35 GMT
Well, that's me out for a week! No 3P toys here and no intention of picking any up - I'm not hugely impressed by them in general, they sometimes look okay but always at least a little "off" somehow. Besides which, though I'm not holding up Hasbro / Takara as a paragon of artistic integrity and vision, the IP issues bother me.
-Jim
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Post by Shockprowl on Jan 31, 2014 23:12:08 GMT
I'm giving 3P some thought. And Alternators. Look at the Ratchet in the last link of my top 5 Yes, I see it!
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Post by The Doctor on Feb 1, 2014 13:40:32 GMT
I don't buy them. Too expensive and my interests lie in off-the-shelf toys rather than collector's items. -Ralph
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2014 19:51:29 GMT
Having been chastised by the rules police for listing a 3rd party Shockwave and possibly sparking a heated debate; I've dared return to this thread. I've had quite a binge on 3rd party figures recently. For me they serve a similar purpose to Masterpieces as they often recreate an old toy that I remember fondly but, if I remove my rose-tinted glasses, is actually quite unplayable by today's standards. There was a point when I was a purist and saw anything third party as a knock-off (even anything post G1 was a pale imitation at one point!) but I have dropped that preconception... and a whole new world opened before my very eyes. With the brand being legitimately spread across the four winds, I can't see the sense in restricting myself to what is essentially a name - I enjoyed my Go-bot Rock Lords immensely as a kid and never worried about such things. 1. Reformatted R-01 Terminus Hexatron By Mastermind Creations (Sixshot). Wow. I've now had a chance to put this guy through his paces and every mode made me go "Shooooowooooooosh! Pow! Pow! Wub-wub-wub! etc...". A large toy that is also very playable is rare indeed but the little touches of detail (like 5-finger articulation and a removable helmet) and flawless build quality ( every joint) make this one of the best toys I have ever bought. Tell me honestly, ye of little faith, that if I showed you this picture and said, "This is the planned 'Year of the Goat' SixShot" that you'd say it looked pump: 2. Function X-01 - Code By FansProject (Chromedome). A solid, faithful recreation that has all the character of the original but adds improved proportions and massive freedom of articulation. It's not the prettiest Fans Project toy but it transforms really well and has a weight and quality to it I've missed since G1 went all plasticky... 3. ToyWorld TW-03 BII (Bumblebee). The best Bumblebee yet. Captures the look of the G1 cartoon character, has an unpredictable transformation but the finish and styling remind me of simpler times. Loads of fun. 4. TW-H02 Brainwave By ToyWorld (Brainstorm). Having this alongside FP's Smart Robin, I have to choose this iteration. The FP effort oozes detail but the characteristic FP chunkiness and well defined angles don't suit the character as well as the slightly smoother design of TW's version. I also prefer the larger scale although, if I'm honest, if Smart robin had a faceplate, it might have edged the decision. 5. MW-07 Veer By iGear (Swerve). Bought on a whim because I saw it gooing cheap on eBay and was over the moon when it arrived. I've got quite a few bits and pieces from iGear and they're pretty persistent but I love how they handled this particular guy. I could probably double this list but that would be an infraction of the rules... and woe betide I do that again.
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Post by Philip Ayres on Feb 1, 2014 20:45:11 GMT
Honourable mentions are always welcome!
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Post by Shockprowl on Feb 1, 2014 21:14:18 GMT
Alternators. I loved Alternators/Binal Tech at the time. They filled a hole which has now been better filled by the New MPs. I plan to move on many, but some I will be keeping FOREVER.
5. Hound. Never owned Hound, but I owned Swindle. Brilliant update, Masterpiece style.
4. Jazz. With a few reprolables Alts Jazz came to life!!!
3. Shockwave. What a great idea! Reinventing Shockwave as a car! Really looks the part. I really wish they'd have done a Soundwave Alternator
2. Skids. Another beautiful wonderful update of one of my favorite characters. Great toy.
1. Prowl. Not the 'standard' Alts/BT Prowl, but MY MASTERPIECE Prowl! Binal Tech Alert, Binal Tech Prowl head, and some well placed Reprolables. Boom! He was corner stone of my collection, and is still and impressive figure, despite MP 17.
Honourable mentions: Rumble, didn't own him, but he look fun. Sideswipe/Sunstreaker, a nice fun mold, Battle Ravage, I loved a robot moded Ravage with a jaguar head and sleek car alt mode. Great idea. I much prefer Battle Ravage over the second Ravage they released.
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Post by Shockprowl on Feb 1, 2014 21:34:33 GMT
Third Party. I love 3P! As others have said, they give me toys I wouldn't have otherwise. But as Jim said, there are IP concerns. As I've said earlier in this thread, I don't believe Hasbro/Takara 'own' Transformers in an imaginative, spiritual sense. We 'own' them. The fans. When groups of fans get together and (incredibly) make the toys many fans have been screaming out for, that Hasbro/Takara wont or can't make, I say go for it. But then you look at blatant and frankly shameful copying of Has/Tak designs, life Faith Leader, or the iGear Strike Planes. That is crossing a line. I find the line quite clear: if it's your design, or if it compliments an existing official Transformer, no problem. But if you copy someonelse's design, then that's crossing the line.
Anywho, here are my top five 3P Transformers!
5. Hench. G1 Brawn! This figure just beats UFO (Cosmos) into my top 5. Simply because Brawn was my joint first TF and has a special place in my heart. Hench fits in perfectly with C.H.U.G. Great toy, great simple design bringing the character to life.
4. Hegemon. He has his faults, and could be better, but in robot mode this is Classics Megatron. He really looks the part, and looks great on display.
3. City Commander. One of the first ever 3P products, certainly one of the first I ever owned. On the one hand Ultra Magnus's armor may look alittle dated by modern 3P standards, but it still works for me. Very cleverly done. Great fit onto Classics Magnus. Fantastic.
2. Green Giant. I have a Devastator at last! And what a beauty. Fits into Classics brilliantly. The styling of Green Giant is superior to the slightly larger Hercules IMO. The individual characters are just as much fun as the combined mode. He's a dream come true frankly.
1. Quakewave. Masterpiece Shockwave. He is simply magnificent and HasTak would struggle to produce a MP Shockwave this good. The way the barrel forms Shockwave's backpack is genious, the quality is superb. He is simply the (joint) best Transformer I have ever owned.
Mentions to: Voyager Bludgeon's new head. UFO, brilliantly fun Cosmos toy. Warbot Defender Springer. Hexatron who looks amazing. The Gemini Jumpstarters who look amazing. And all the other combing sets, who all look great in their own way, especially Menasor. Probably others as well I can't think of at the mo!
3P keeps giving me what I want!
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Post by Philip Ayres on Feb 1, 2014 22:18:19 GMT
3. City Commander. One of the first ever 3P products, certainly one of the first I ever owned. On the one hand Ultra Magnus's armor may look alittle dated by modern 3P standards, but it still works for me. Very cleverly done. Great fit onto Classics Magnus. Fantastic. Now to my mind City Commander is an add on/accessory. It's not got a robot mode in it's own right and is really just an add on for the classics Magnus figure. Ditto Protector and the various RTS op kits
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Post by Philip Ayres on Feb 1, 2014 22:21:43 GMT
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