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Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 1:00 pm**

Courtesy of the Snakas blog from Autobase Aichi, we are able to get a glimpse of a feature from issue 193 of Figure King, in which Takara Designer Shogo Hasui reveals some elements of the upcoming Transformers Masterpiece Wheeljack figure. Read on below for an attempted translation of the original, found here.

(The article also lists other highlights from the magazine, including a special Tomy licensed Transformers iPhone 5 case).

* The interpretation of Wheeljack's transformation was rather 'arcane' (new? innovative?).
* "Structure of the head and waist became great way stuffing"
* The removable shoulder cannon can be installed in the vehicle mode roof.
* The hand gun can be stored in the figure's 'underbody' (?).
* The wings on the robot's back are transformable, and do not need to be removed.
* Thansk to the Tomica branch of the company (model cars), the licensing was a lot easier to negotiate with car manufacturers.
* Color of the car mode is faithful to the actual vehicle. On the other hand, the robot mode colors are closer to the cartoon.
* Thanks to the sale numbers for MP- Lambor to Streak, they were able to add new parts to Smokescreen, and Wheeljack was developed without having to consider repurposing.
* The first three realistic cars of the Masterpiece line were supposed to become 'super cars'.

Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 1:06 pm**

Cool. Sounds like the profitability of the Datsun bros helped this more one-shot character get produced.

Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 1:08 pm**

* The interpretation of Wheeljack's transformation was rather 'arcane' (new? innovative?).
* "Structure of the head and waist became great way stuffing"
* The removable shoulder cannon can be installed in the vehicle mode roof.
* The hand gun can be stored in the figure's 'underbody' (?).
* The wings on the robot's back are transformable, and do not need to be removed.
* Thansk to the Tomica branch of the company (model cars), the licensing was a lot easier to negotiate with car manufacturers.
* Color of the car mode is faithful to the actual vehicle. On the other hand, the robot mode colors are closer to the cartoon.
* Thanks to the sale numbers for MP- Lambor to Streak, they were able to add new parts to Smokescreen, and Wheeljack was developed without having to consider repurposing.
* The first three realistic cars of the Masterpiece line were supposed to become 'super cars'.

So, in a nutshell:

1) The transformation should be similar to the original toy, with a few surprising twists
2) Licensing of car models has gone through Tomica, which is like Hot Wheels to Mattel. That would mean Hasbro has no such luxury.
3) We shouldn't count of him being retooled at all (let alone into Sunstreaker), as they didn't have to take that into consideration

Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 1:19 pm**

Yurp.

Does anyone with more Japanese than me (not that difficult) help decipher that second point about stuffing?

Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 1:31 pm**

Let's see... Ah, I think it means that the design of the head and waist is such that it can be collapsed and tucked in in an ingenious way. That's me guessing though, I'll have have to owe you a definitive answer.

Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 1:34 pm**

That's what I thought it could be, too. But I can't phrase it in a satisfying way. Hmph.

Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 2:22 pm**

Va'al wrote:That's what I thought it could be, too. But I can't phrase it in a satisfying way. Hmph.

I had a Japanese friend look at it and here's what she said: "The head and torso has a compressed structure". Makes more sense than Google, huh?

Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 2:25 pm**

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
Va'al wrote:That's what I thought it could be, too. But I can't phrase it in a satisfying way. Hmph.

I had a Japanese friend look at it and here's what she said: "The head and torso has a compressed structure". Makes more sense than Google, huh?

I can see clearly now, the rain has gone.

Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 2:27 pm**

Va'al wrote:
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
Va'al wrote:That's what I thought it could be, too. But I can't phrase it in a satisfying way. Hmph.

I had a Japanese friend look at it and here's what she said: "The head and torso has a compressed structure". Makes more sense than Google, huh?

I can see clearly now, the rain has gone.

Seriously, we need a speaker of Japanese on the staff. It would help us out by the butt-tons.

Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 2:38 pm**

The Tomica thing makes so much sense! No wonder they were able to get these licences so easily. It doesn't bode well for those hoping for Hasbro releases, but this is a great insight for everyone importing. Takara shouldn't have trouble getting the licenses for most of the Autobots at all if they can negotiate using their existing licences.

Really cool to hear that the success of the early releases is helping finance future ones as well.

Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 2:44 pm**

Mindmaster wrote:
Va'al wrote:
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
Va'al wrote:That's what I thought it could be, too. But I can't phrase it in a satisfying way. Hmph.

I had a Japanese friend look at it and here's what she said: "The head and torso has a compressed structure". Makes more sense than Google, huh?

I can see clearly now, the rain has gone.

Seriously, we need a speaker of Japanese on the staff. It would help us out by the butt-tons.

A reader would suffice, to be fair. But yes.

Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 2:55 pm**

Fellow Transformers fan SydneyY to the rescue!

- MP Wheeljack's colour scheme in vehicle mode is close to the real car, but he tried to make the robot mode's colours as close to the cartoon as possible.
- WJ's shoulder cannon can be attached to the car roof.
- WJ's Wings on the back do not require detaching when transforming.
- Thanks to Tomica (Tomy's Hot Wheels size, real vehicle base toy car series) it has become much easier to negotiate with car manufacturers. (I assume easier than when dealing with them as Takara, since Tomy has long-established connections thanks to Tomica)
- The sales of MP Lambor to Streak were excellent, and as a result, Smokescreen could have additional parts, and Wheeljack could be developed without considering re-purposing the mould.
- The first 3 real vehicle MPs were meant to be "Super Cars".

I guess they aren't listed in the same order as those in the above post from Autobase Aichi, huh. :oops:

Nor are all nine of the points included here (only six). But I think we can guess what the other three mean:
* The interpretation of Wheeljack's transformation in this toy is probably unique, creative, and original.
* JelZe already covered the "stuffing" one.
* The handgun can be stored on the underside of the car.

Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 3:02 pm**

Er.. yes. That's what I said in the main post, I don't see major differences, really.. :-?

Posted: **Tue Feb 25, 2014 10:01 pm**

Va'al wrote:Yurp.

Does anyone with more Japanese than me (not that difficult) help decipher that second point about stuffing?

Wheeljack's head and waist will make a good Autobot stuffing for your roast chicken.

Posted: **Wed Feb 26, 2014 1:00 am**

"Structure of the head and waist became great way stuffing"

"Great Way Stuffing" I like this... it's no "SEND THE BOOKS" (for those of use who've been here long enough to remember that one) but it's still great. I think I'mma adapt that to describe Shellformers... since you stuff the robot inside. "Big Convoy: Great Way Stuffing."

Posted: **Wed Feb 26, 2014 1:21 am**

Hah! I like that one.

Posted: **Wed Feb 26, 2014 3:30 am**

But I want some great way stuffing. I was hoping it was one of the accessories.

Posted: **Wed Feb 26, 2014 6:56 am**

* The first three realistic cars of the Masterpiece line were supposed to become 'super cars'.

Any ideas?

Posted: **Wed Feb 26, 2014 6:58 am**

Venoose1 wrote:
* The first three realistic cars of the Masterpiece line were supposed to become 'super cars'.

Any ideas?

For what? They already are supercars.

Posted: **Wed Feb 26, 2014 3:17 pm**

Deathscythetransform wrote:its stupid to put this thingy as an exclusive, since it was seen only once. that lunchbox is just a piece of plastic...

Hero Alpha wrote:I do hope they add Chip Chase.

keep hoping. we got a green/gray, blue, white and black versions of doc arkeville, and a lime-green pilot for acidstorm.
we got nothing with the cars.

I would love to have chip, but it would be to good to be true.

Well, to follow that cab, we only saw both versions of Sideswipe's pile drivers once and Red's head sparks once as well.

539

Posted: **Thu Feb 27, 2014 7:55 am**

What is a super car? Does that mean race car? Or is it a 1980's G1 reference?

Posted: **Thu Feb 27, 2014 8:00 am**

Stormrider wrote:What is a super car? Does that mean race car? Or is it a 1980's G1 reference?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercar

Posted: **Thu Feb 27, 2014 8:47 am**

Sabrblade wrote:
Stormrider wrote:What is a super car? Does that mean race car? Or is it a 1980's G1 reference?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercar

Thanks. Is the Fairlady considered a super car?

Posted: **Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:52 am**

Stormrider wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:
Stormrider wrote:What is a super car? Does that mean race car? Or is it a 1980's G1 reference?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercar

Thanks. Is the Fairlady considered a super car?

I guess it could be if it were made to be one or something. *shrugs*

Posted: **Thu Feb 27, 2014 11:22 am**

Sabrblade wrote:
Stormrider wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:
Stormrider wrote:What is a super car? Does that mean race car? Or is it a 1980's G1 reference?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercar

Thanks. Is the Fairlady considered a super car?
I guess it could be if it were made to be one or something. *shrugs*

I agree, I don't perceive Fairlady as a super sports car but perhaps I am wrong. The reason I ask is because the designer mentioned 3 supercars, correct? If Fairlady is not included, is there another supercar he is referring to coming out in the future?

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Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack from Takara Tomy

Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion

Re: Official Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack Discussion