The Energon Pub

looks pretty nice to me so far. now I'm stuck deciding if I want this, and a Classics Hot Rod to wear it (for scale reasons), or MP Rodimus (for awesomeness reasons) or trying to figure out a way to afford both.

Rated X wrote:50 Bucks seems a bit much for a trailer, some shoulder pads, boots, and a chestplate. The funny thing is, the body armor makes the figure less G1 accurate. Seems like they wanted to justify a higher price rather than just giving a trailer with a reasonable price of $25-30. Will it be available in the new G1 Rodimus colors released in the 3 pack ???

Where did you see the Protector set for $50? That would be a steal in my opinion.

As far as G1 accuracy, none of the FP products have been about G1 accuracy. They enhance existing modern TF toys and in the case of products like City Commander and the Crossfire combiner sets, they are inspired by G1 designs but don't seek to replicate them. Classics Rodimus isn't G1 accurate so the Protector set isn't meant to be either.

I am so diggin the raised flame details on the chest. Can't wait to see the paint scheme on the finished product. How I wish I had some pre-order money floatin' around...

Rated X wrote:50 Bucks seems a bit much for a trailer, some shoulder pads, boots, and a chestplate. The funny thing is, the body armor makes the figure less G1 accurate. Seems like they wanted to justify a higher price rather than just giving a trailer with a reasonable price of $25-30. Will it be available in the new G1 Rodimus colors released in the 3 pack ???

Err...I think someone's mislead you, here.

Protector is at or around $82.99 at all US e-retailers. His Targetmaster partner is another $10.00 on top of that.

I'm not sure where you got the idea it was $50.00, but someone clearly done you wrong in the info department.

As for the color scheme, like this post says:

grimdragon2001 wrote:ya know, the shade of red they chose may actually look good with challange at cybertron rodimus

And Grim is right. It does look bright enough that it could actually work with both Classics and Anime Rodimus.

I can't wait to see it painted.

Here is a quick photoshoped picture to match with Henkei colors ant simulate paint apps :
(Fansproject pictures are not so well calibrated...)

A little bit of photo-shopped paint apps make me much more excited! I can't wait to see the final product.

Convotron wrote:

Rated X wrote:50 Bucks seems a bit much for a trailer, some shoulder pads, boots, and a chestplate. The funny thing is, the body armor makes the figure less G1 accurate. Seems like they wanted to justify a higher price rather than just giving a trailer with a reasonable price of $25-30. Will it be available in the new G1 Rodimus colors released in the 3 pack ???

Where did you see the Protector set for $50? That would be a steal in my opinion.

As far as G1 accuracy, none of the FP products have been about G1 accuracy. They enhance existing modern TF toys and in the case of products like City Commander and the Crossfire combiner sets, they are inspired by G1 designs but don't seek to replicate them. Classics Rodimus isn't G1 accurate so the Protector set isn't meant to be either.

I could have sworn it was 50 bucks. I havent glanced at the price in a couple weeks. I own the crossfire set. Although with the Crossfire set the vechicle modes are a 2010 take on their G1 counterparts, In my opinion their robot modes are about 95% G1 accurate. just the weapons differ frim the cartoon. Now with the Warbot Defender figure which I do not own, it seems to be made to give a more high tech appearance to Springers G1 look. But all in all with Rodimus, I think the shoulders are so far off from G1 standards that it was just an additional add-on to justify a high price. All Hot Rod ever needs to become Rodimus Prime is a trainler. In the cartoon the robot forms are identical, he just gets slightly taller when holding the matrix. I truly beleive the reason fansproject made the add on armor was to increase the price. Although a lone trailer would be a hot item, the price it would command would not put the ball in their court. With the Crossfire sets, for $50 bucks you get 1 figure plus add-ons. Maybe thats why I assumed this set was 50 bucks. I dont see why it should be more when it doesnt come with an actual figure. But after looking at the pics provided with the Henkei version, it is tempting to buy. But shame on the hoarders and online companies for taking advantage of the price of a once $9.99 wal-mart classics figure. They should be pimp slapped. It should be a crime to price gouge a figure solely because Fansproject releases an upgrade. Lucky thing I bought Bruticus Maximus Target set when it was new for $30. I missed out on classics Rodimus because I was being picky, so I hope to find him in the swap shop one day. (Local flea market)I did buy the Cybertron 3 pack. That is why I hope they make a more red version for this version of the figure. I dont want a burgandy trailer with a red cab.

Considering that I just bought an Energon Rodimus, I don't think I'll be getting this.
As awesome as it is, I don't have money for more expensive armor, so my new Rodimus will be a sufficient Rodimus Prime.

At least for the time being. Maybe some day.

I think the Clear version will look good with this guy. Perhaps give him a bit of a shimmer.

Jacob P. Galvatron wrote:Considering that I just bought an Energon Rodimus, I don't think I'll be getting this.
As awesome as it is, I don't have money for more expensive armor, so my new Rodimus will be a sufficient Rodimus Prime.

At least for the time being. Maybe some day.

Yeah I wanted to sell my Energon Roddy because I don't like him anymore. He's going too cheap on ebay for me to waste the fees.

FP products hold their value trust me when I say that if you seen my complete sales for FP stuff.

Rated X wrote:

Convotron wrote:

Rated X wrote:50 Bucks seems a bit much for a trailer, some shoulder pads, boots, and a chestplate. The funny thing is, the body armor makes the figure less G1 accurate. Seems like they wanted to justify a higher price rather than just giving a trailer with a reasonable price of $25-30. Will it be available in the new G1 Rodimus colors released in the 3 pack ???

Where did you see the Protector set for $50? That would be a steal in my opinion.

As far as G1 accuracy, none of the FP products have been about G1 accuracy. They enhance existing modern TF toys and in the case of products like City Commander and the Crossfire combiner sets, they are inspired by G1 designs but don't seek to replicate them. Classics Rodimus isn't G1 accurate so the Protector set isn't meant to be either.

I could have sworn it was 50 bucks. I havent glanced at the price in a couple weeks. I own the crossfire set. Although with the Crossfire set the vechicle modes are a 2010 take on their G1 counterparts, In my opinion their robot modes are about 95% G1 accurate. just the weapons differ frim the cartoon. Now with the Warbot Defender figure which I do not own, it seems to be made to give a more high tech appearance to Springers G1 look. But all in all with Rodimus, I think the shoulders are so far off from G1 standards that it was just an additional add-on to justify a high price. All Hot Rod ever needs to become Rodimus Prime is a trainler. In the cartoon the robot forms are identical, he just gets slightly taller when holding the matrix. I truly beleive the reason fansproject made the add on armor was to increase the price. Although a lone trailer would be a hot item, the price it would command would not put the ball in their court. With the Crossfire sets, for $50 bucks you get 1 figure plus add-ons. Maybe thats why I assumed this set was 50 bucks. I dont see why it should be more when it doesnt come with an actual figure. But after looking at the pics provided with the Henkei version, it is tempting to buy. But shame on the hoarders and online companies for taking advantage of the price of a once $9.99 wal-mart classics figure. They should be pimp slapped. It should be a crime to price gouge a figure solely because Fansproject releases an upgrade. Lucky thing I bought Bruticus Maximus Target set when it was new for $30. I missed out on classics Rodimus because I was being picky, so I hope to find him in the swap shop one day. (Local flea market)I did buy the Cybertron 3 pack. That is why I hope they make a more red version for this version of the figure. I dont want a burgandy trailer with a red cab.

Every so often a complete Classics Rodimus shows up in my area. I get him for $10. I sold two plus my fcatory defect Clear one within the past two months to pay for my online preorders.

@Rated X comments,

You must not own the city commander Ultra Magnus Trailer than. The Tfx-03, which is just one white gun along with two shoulder missles and three faces part was selling for around 20$ for people than brought the original TFX-01 trailer. The trailer was around 70+ retail and 20$ more with the additional parts. My point is, that the city commander trailer is at 90$, even the rerelease last year was price at 90$. So I haven seen a fansproject trailer retail less than 70$. This Protector trailer, which fansproject claims has more parts and more complex in transfromation. Remember, this one has a roller type vehicle also. Perhap it transforms, probably not though, but a torret style stationary gun and a roller vechile, along with parts to make a fansproject version of rodimus prime. Look henkei and classics line doesn't have rodimus prime. I am greatful for fansproject to come up with this.

Well all I was saying is how much effort can really go into a trailer to justify the price ???

I have seen the "city commander" and I actually think it justifies the price because just like in G1, it accuratly transforms a white optimus prime into Ultra Magnus.

But technically, in robot mode Hot Rod and Rodimus Prime are the same identical character. all you need is a trailer to make him Rodimus in vechicle mode like the MP version shows. Exactly what is the point of the extra battle armor ??? (other than it makes him look different)

And no disrespect to the guy above who price gouges, but I dont condone what you do. I wouldnt help inflate the prices of figures just to make 50 bucks.

Rated X wrote:Well all I was saying is how much effort can really go into a trailer to justify the price ???

Well, I can answer your question with this: You're a fan. You have about 6=8 other friends who are also fans, and your group takes what little free time they have to design these, what little extra money they have to get it from drawing board to production, getting the use of a factory to make one or two runs (which is expensive, and I don't know of many people that could do that.) Not to mention, getting the materials to make the items.

For 6-8 people to design in their free time, gather up money that they don't have in the beginning, get permission to have access to a factory (and most aren't willing to do a small run like FP's stuff, they usually have LARGE orders, with thousands of said item in that order), and get it sold to buyers such as BBTS is a miracle.

The fact that they can design and produce an item with quality that not only rivals a Hasbro item, but demolishes it in competition, and keep it all under $100.00 is nothing short of a miracle.

Yeah, it's true that the price stings a little, but we knew it was going to be costly, going in. At this point, if we whine about it, we're just whining and we're losing out, while FP sells it and carries on and other fans will be blissfully happy.

I'd rather be one of the blissfully happy.

Rated X wrote:I have seen the "city commander" and I actually think it justifies the price because just like in G1, it accuratly transforms a white optimus prime into Ultra Magnus.

This actually does more than "Ultra Magnus". His trailer breaks down into a gun and a suit of armor. That's it.

This set is a suit of armor and a battle station, while being a trailer in alt mode. And it's the same price, maybe even a bit cheaper than Commander.

The price for Protector is more than justified and mystifying. They pulled it off and we should impressed from beginning to end.

Rated X wrote:But technically, in robot mode Hot Rod and Rodimus Prime are the same identical character. all you need is a trailer to make him Rodimus in vechicle mode like the MP version shows. Exactly what is the point of the extra battle armor ??? (other than it makes him look different).

You're thinking in G1 terms. FP's stuff is not G1. It's a G1 homage, but it's not G1. While Rodimus Prime and Hot Rod were basically the same design in both vehicle and robot mode, the same doesn't apply to the Classics toy. He's a new design. FP adapted to that design and tried to keep the G1 elements as much as possible.

You need the armor to make it work this time. That's the long and short of it. If you can't accept that, there's the Masterpiece waiting for you. You're not out anything, really, so why go to this extreme?

I just don't get it.

FP's Protector was at the start very interesting for me. I own the Henkei version of Hot Rod so I was looking out for this guy. But I think they took just too long to manufacture him, or even to show some accurate pictures of how he would have looked in proper colours. Now with the upcoming Takara Tomy Masterpiece release, my money is already spend on them. Especially since FP's upgrade isn't that cheap priced as well.

Torneira wrote:FP's Protector was at the start very interesting for me. I own the Henkei version of Hot Rod so I was looking out for this guy. But I think they took just too long to manufacture him, or even to show some accurate pictures of how he would have looked in proper colours.

I think this is very true. We've known about FP's plans to do this for well over a year, possible pushing 2! I'm not faulting FP for wanting to make sure that it is the absolute best they can design, but if this had been released, say 6 months ago, there would have been alot less "Protector Vs. MP Rodimus" which plagues most of the TF boards at the moment!

Well Autobot 032, Honestly Im just bringing up conversation and food for thought. Honestly, I love Fans Project. I do question if they are really made by "fans" since they are made overseas. In Japan Transformers are big business so anyone can claim to represent the "fans" to jump on the bandwagon and release exclusives for profit. So this kind of leads me to believe that 3rd party companies are small scale businesses rather than a bunch of friends who rent out a factory. The only Fansproject figures I own are the crossfire set. I was just implying that the add on body armor is unusual because it is not needed to create a "Rodimus Prime". Only a trailer is needed, unlike Ultra Magnus who needs body armor to be more than a white Optimus Prime. Obviously you cannot transform the "enhanched" version of Rodimus to a vechicle with the armor. And yes I am going by G1 standards where both Hot Rod and Rodimus look alike. That is why I question the need for body armor rather than a trailer alone. It seems more like a "pimp your figure" set than a simple trailer which I honestly would have prefered. In the Crossfire set the add-ons were limited to weapons rather than bolt on items that enhance the robot mode but make figure un-transformable unless the add-ons are removed. It is a nice set regardless, I may buy it if it doesnt involve removing the head with a screwdriver. I like to avoid dismantling figures.

The rear wheel doesnt match other than that looking very nice but i'll wait till i see finished pics before i buy.

craggy wrote:looks pretty nice to me so far. now I'm stuck deciding if I want this, and a Classics Hot Rod to wear it (for scale reasons), or MP Rodimus (for awesomeness reasons) or trying to figure out a way to afford both.

Here's how I'm doing it: I'm getting the Protector set first, since I already own Classics Hot Rod, and I know the availability of Protector will be much less than MP Rodimus. Protector will definitely sell out much faster than MP Rodimus, but I don't know how fast. So that's why I figure I should get it first. I'm hoping my girlfriend will get me MP Rodimus as a late Christmas gift, but I'm not counting on it, I can always save up for a few months later and get it.

You should definitely jump on the 3-pack Hot Rod while you still can, you could always sell off the other two figures to recoup some of the cost.

Rated X wrote:It is a nice set regardless, I may buy it if it doesnt involve removing the head with a screwdriver. I like to avoid dismantling figures.

It will probably be a helmet that fits over the original head, since there's very small clearance in that area when transforming to car mode.

kirbenvost wrote:

craggy wrote:looks pretty nice to me so far. now I'm stuck deciding if I want this, and a Classics Hot Rod to wear it (for scale reasons), or MP Rodimus (for awesomeness reasons) or trying to figure out a way to afford both.

Here's how I'm doing it: I'm getting the Protector set first, since I already own Classics Hot Rod, and I know the availability of Protector will be much less than MP Rodimus. Protector will definitely sell out much faster than MP Rodimus, but I don't know how fast. So that's why I figure I should get it first. I'm hoping my girlfriend will get me MP Rodimus as a late Christmas gift, but I'm not counting on it, I can always save up for a few months later and get it.

You should definitely jump on the 3-pack Hot Rod while you still can, you could always sell off the other two figures to recoup some of the cost.

I think I'll go down the FP route first as well. But I want the other 2 figures in the 3 pack! Between this, MP Grimlock and MP Rodimus, and Generations...I'm thinking of getting back into TFs properly. I've got a bunch of Star Wars stuff and a few G1 pieces that I can probably sell to fund some of it. Hopefully.

The add on Head is actually a engine , if I remember correctly. It's a helmet and fits onto the smaller head without need to remove the original head. Kinda sucks because the City Commander has a ball joint connection which gives the head all kinds of movement. This one will be restricted to like the old one and you can't look up or down, only side to side.

And remember, this isn't the final product because it's not painted. Some of you are mis-informed and thinks that color is awful, that's what I though at first when I saw it. But this is just the base plastic color and knowing base on Fansprojects track record, it will look much better once it's fully painted.

Anyway, either you like this or your don't. I like it because it's a upgrade to my cheap 10$ deluxe toy. Makes my Classics Hot Rod into someone totally different. New chest armor, new arms, new feet, extended gun, new head, and new wing extension parts and even a new stationary BFG weapon. Might I mention, the new roller vehicle too. On top of that, the new target master SideArm will come with the new gold chrome plated wing extension piece for those that have the Henkei version. And he can transform into a bow and arrow type weapon, you know, so that it can be like Rodimus Minor from the TFA series.

The only reason not to like this is because in the fiction Rodimus didn't wear armor. It actually seems like it's better than City Commander in it's engeneering. Most of CC's trailer became a blocky, unusable BFG. It becomes several things on this upgrade set. It's nice to see FP has improved sicne their first big success.

The only real downside is that it will tower over Universe Galvatron. Oh, well. Even the Titanium Rodimus is too tall in comparison to universe Galvy. This is a great update in it's own right. Well worth it's price point when you see it's complexity. Since Hot Rod is one of my favorite TFs I'm glad I bought both the Takara one and the Classics one when they first came out. But, between the Sons of Cybertron and the Challenge at Cybertron sets Rodimus is readily available now.

Gauntlet101010 wrote:The only real downside is that it will tower over Universe Galvatron.

Not if you use Energon Galvatron as your villain. Looks good with them.

Protector i just wish it was out and in my hands so we can see some pics of whats to come 2011 just like 2010 will be the year of fansproject(i just love their work so much that i want to start my own 3rd party company or help make stuff with them) and if its true that mp rodamus is the same size as grimlock then its fansproject then (i still will get mp rodamus as well just to have him MIB)

Autobot032 wrote:

Gauntlet101010 wrote:The only real downside is that it will tower over Universe Galvatron.

Not if you use Energon Galvatron as your villain. Looks good with them.

Superlink Galvatron G vs FansProject Provector = WIN