The Energon Pub

[SiegeFan]

As posted elsewhere...

Heads up for UK Amazon buyers - Siege Phantomstrike pack (Skywarp) is now listed as shipping between 21/1/20 - 27/2/20 according to the email I got.

I can't see that they've restocked it for wider release though, but it would be worth checking around then because they did that with Siege Prime and others.

[blackeyedprime]

As posted elsewhere...

Heads up for UK Amazon buyers - Siege Phantomstrike pack (Skywarp) is now listed as shipping between 21/1/20 - 27/2/20 according to the email I got.

I can't see that they've restocked it for wider release though, but it would be worth checking around then because they did that with Siege Prime and others.

my Amazon email read Jan 23rd to 3rd of March, same with G2 swipe set. No update for me on Greenlight yet.

[SiegeFan]

I ordered mine way back in September if that makes any difference? Ordered Greenlight from Amazon US when the pound went a little higher months ago (**** Brexit!).

[blackeyedprime]

my orders were September too, as long as they finally turn up I don't mind the wait. Greenlight was a recentish order as I placed it after receiving Lancer.

[Wolfman Jake]

So, I opened up Apeface last night. He's not as disappointing as I feared from some other fans' experiences I've read here. He's also certainly not without his flaws. Apeface's robot mode is definitely his best mode. I love how everything tabs together pretty securely. I don't know how so many reviewers missed that the ape head folds up into the nosecone on the back of the robot mode, instead leaving it to "dangle" off the back. The next best mode is the gorilla mode, despite the fact that I don't think I can get the head and neck assembly to tab in correctly. It feels like something is resisting being pushed into place, and any time I apply force, everything else pops out of place. It's irksome. The jet mode is what it is, but it does at least tab together fairly well. The only issue I had was getting the tabs on the nosecone to slot into the holes on the front of the fuselage. The fit is so tight that the plastic gives before the peg can squeeze in on one side. I had to use a tool to brace the other side of the panel to push the peg through. Speaking of pegs, I haven't had issue yet with the clear blue plastic peg for the "shield" piece. I was very careful to gently "shimmy" it out of the peg hole for the alternate modes. For robot mode, I peg the shield into the shallow elbow hole, as the instructions show, instead of the deeper holes on the forearm or the shoulder area. It's not a tight fit at the elbow, and the shield likes to pop off with little provocation, but I figure this will keep the tab from suffering too much stress over the long term. The white plastic for the figure looks better in person, though I would still prefer a truer white. As it is, it looks soft and pearl-like, but it's actually strong and sturdy. Overall, I'm glad to have Apeface in a full triple-changer form, instead of just the small Titan Master toy from a few years ago. Now, if we could just get Snapdragon to go with him.

[Sentinel_Primal]

So, I opened up Apeface last night. He's not as disappointing as I feared from some other fans' experiences I've read here. He's also certainly not without his flaws. Apeface's robot mode is definitely his best mode. I love how everything tabs together pretty securely. I don't know how so many reviewers missed that the ape head folds up into the nosecone on the back of the robot mode, instead leaving it to "dangle" off the back. The next best mode is the gorilla mode, despite the fact that I don't think I can get the head and neck assembly to tab in correctly. It feels like something is resisting being pushed into place, and any time I apply force, everything else pops out of place. It's irksome. The jet mode is what it is, but it does at least tab together fairly well. The only issue I had was getting the tabs on the nosecone to slot into the holes on the front of the fuselage. The fit is so tight that the plastic gives before the peg can squeeze in on one side. I had to use a tool to brace the other side of the panel to push the peg through. Speaking of pegs, I haven't had issue yet with the clear blue plastic peg for the "shield" piece. I was very careful to gently "shimmy" it out of the peg hole for the alternate modes. For robot mode, I peg the shield into the shallow elbow hole, as the instructions show, instead of the deeper holes on the forearm or the shoulder area. It's not a tight fit at the elbow, and the shield likes to pop off with little provocation, but I figure this will keep the tab from suffering too much stress over the long term. The white plastic for the figure looks better in person, though I would still prefer a truer white. As it is, it looks soft and pearl-like, but it's actually strong and sturdy. Overall, I'm glad to have Apeface in a full triple-changer form, instead of just the small Titan Master toy from a few years ago. Now, if we could just get Snapdragon to go with him.

Regarding the gorilla mode neck not tabbing together, is it an issue of not enough room, or is it resistance at the back of the next piece? Because if it's the latter, it's likely because the neck actually tabs in in two places, the obvious tabs at the front, and also at the base of the hinge. It definitely requires force to get in the first few times

[no-one]

Apeface...tabbing...stuff

Seems there is a lot of "misinformation" about Apeface making the rounds. Check this thread over at TFW for all kinds of good info on how to properly transform and mod it. Mine's an "Xmas present", so I've been reading in preparation.

[Wolfman Jake]

Regarding the gorilla mode neck not tabbing together, is it an issue of not enough room, or is it resistance at the back of the next piece? Because if it's the latter, it's likely because the neck actually tabs in in two places, the obvious tabs at the front, and also at the base of the hinge. It definitely requires force to get in the first few times

It's definitely the latter. I can see where it looks like the hinge wants to fold up and snap together with the tabs opposite it, but it just won't do it, and applying any extra force just makes everything else pop out of place.

[Sentinel_Primal]

Regarding the gorilla mode neck not tabbing together, is it an issue of not enough room, or is it resistance at the back of the next piece? Because if it's the latter, it's likely because the neck actually tabs in in two places, the obvious tabs at the front, and also at the base of the hinge. It definitely requires force to get in the first few times

It's definitely the latter. I can see where it looks like the hinge wants to fold up and snap together with the tabs opposite it, but it just won't do it, and applying any extra force just makes everything else pop out of place.

Hm. That's strange. Is there any mold flash on either side of the tab?

[Wolfman Jake]

Apeface...tabbing...stuff

Seems there is a lot of "misinformation" about Apeface making the rounds. Check this thread over at TFW for all kinds of good info on how to properly transform and mod it. Mine's an "Xmas present", so I've been reading in preparation.

I'm gonna try some of those tips tonight. I think where I was going wrong before was trying to tab the head and neck assembly in last. I'm going transforming Apeface again, but do the head and neck as soon as possible, then form all of the torso around it. That should let me use the force needed to get the tabs to click around the hinge joint without worrying about knocking everything else out of place.

[Wolfman Jake]

Regarding the gorilla mode neck not tabbing together, is it an issue of not enough room, or is it resistance at the back of the next piece? Because if it's the latter, it's likely because the neck actually tabs in in two places, the obvious tabs at the front, and also at the base of the hinge. It definitely requires force to get in the first few times

It's definitely the latter. I can see where it looks like the hinge wants to fold up and snap together with the tabs opposite it, but it just won't do it, and applying any extra force just makes everything else pop out of place.

Hm. That's strange. Is there any mold flash on either side of the tab?

Not that I can see, but coincidentally, I did have some mold flash on the right foot. I was wondering why I couldn't get Apeface to stand up straight in bot mode, until I found it and snipped it off with a pair of scissors. Now, he stands perfectly flat-footed.

[Sentinel_Primal]

Regarding the gorilla mode neck not tabbing together, is it an issue of not enough room, or is it resistance at the back of the next piece? Because if it's the latter, it's likely because the neck actually tabs in in two places, the obvious tabs at the front, and also at the base of the hinge. It definitely requires force to get in the first few times

It's definitely the latter. I can see where it looks like the hinge wants to fold up and snap together with the tabs opposite it, but it just won't do it, and applying any extra force just makes everything else pop out of place.

Hm. That's strange. Is there any mold flash on either side of the tab?

Not that I can see, but coincidentally, I did have some mold flash on the right foot. I was wondering why I couldn't get Apeface to stand up straight in bot mode, until I found it and snipped it off with a pair of scissors. Now, he stands perfectly flat-footed.

Ah, alright I was mostly asking cause I had some on both posts for the nosecone which caused issues with the jet mode so I was wondering if that was just a common issue with Apeface's pieces having excess plastic

[LinaNui]

Spinister and Crosshairs are in stock on amazon for $19.99 each with prime shipping!

Spinisterhttps://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Generations-Cybertron-Wfc-S48-Spinister/dp/B07V34CV2G/ref=sr_1_21?crid=3JYZPCIEYP0DZ&keywords=transformers+siege&qid=1576786000&sprefix=TRANSFOR%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-21


Crosshairshttps://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Generations-Cybertron-Wfc-S49-Crosshairs/dp/B07TYG778K/ref=pd_bxgy_21_img_2/140-5940141-0789440?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07TYG778K&pd_rd_r=2a434224-7e6d-41c6-a0f4-37ecd04b42fd&pd_rd_w=TbDbK&pd_rd_wg=0yEPe&pf_rd_p=09627863-9889-4290-b90a-5e9f86682449&pf_rd_r=HR0T6PX6JXP1GN1SQ9YE&psc=1&refRID=HR0T6PX6JXP1GN1SQ9YE

Pick them up before they are gone! I ordered a Spinister!

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Regarding the gorilla mode neck not tabbing together, is it an issue of not enough room, or is it resistance at the back of the next piece? Because if it's the latter, it's likely because the neck actually tabs in in two places, the obvious tabs at the front, and also at the base of the hinge. It definitely requires force to get in the first few times

It's definitely the latter. I can see where it looks like the hinge wants to fold up and snap together with the tabs opposite it, but it just won't do it, and applying any extra force just makes everything else pop out of place.

I've found out that you need to pop the gorilla neck into place first, then realign the back pieces. It get's easier after the first time. The first several times I transformed him, I didn't even know it was supposed to lock into place. Then I found out, and it's been working since.

[Wolfman Jake]

All right, folks! I followed your tips and was able to get a bit more satisfaction out of transforming Spinister and Apeface a second time around. First, with Spinister, it did help to turn the "back" leg, the one with the cockpit that goes under the fuselage instead of at the front of the helicopter, at the hip instead of the thigh. I got everything to tab together nice and tight with no unintentional gaps. The bottom cockpit and the upper fuselage were able to fit together flush, though there is still a small gap on either side toward the back end, but that seems to be there by design instead of any clearance or tolerance issue.

With Apeface, I was finally able to get the neck assembly to snap around the pinned joint by doing that before putting the rest of the torso together. Then I lined up everything else. Finally, I got the front part of the neck assembly to tab into the robot mode feet on either side by lining it up and pushing down and forward to get them to slot in correctly. It felt very satisfying to get that right. I can see why Hasbro used the off-white plastic they did now. It's very durable and sturdy, but still has enough give to help push the tabs into their proper slots without causing stress in the plastic. It feels more "squishy" that "clicky" at times, but everything does hold together quite well.

Finally, I opened Astrotrain tonight. He is awesome! I was able to get him into both space shuttle and train engine mode fairly easily, without even looking at the instructions. (I do look at the stock photos on the back of the box for reference, of course.) I didn't realize before opening him up that he came with not one, not two, but FOUR guns! (Plus, some missile launcher thingy like from an attack helicopter?) The launchpad works well enough, the I can't get it to lay perfectly flat. One of the hinges just doesn't sit flush when folded out. That's a bit of a shame. Using it as a tender for train mode is quite a bit better. Robot mode is spot on in sculpt and in coloring when compared to the G1 cartoon character model. THIS is the modern Astrotrain I've wanted since 2006. The Legends version (Titans Return mold) is still great (and about a head taller), but Siege Astrotrain really does nail the G1 alt modes a bit better, particularly the train mode. I would love to see some more War for Cybertron Trilogy triple changers down the line, though maybe just at the Voyager Class. Not all of them need $20 worth of extra accessories. Springer did just fine without being a Leader Class release. Here's hoping we see Sandstorm soon, and perhaps Blitzwing.

[Jeddostotle7]

So for it to work:

1) Hips facing forward (robot mode position)
2) Thighs facing out

this is how I orient everything to get the best result:

B583438B-D398-487F-8C15-3E141916355E.jpeg

Just did this, and it worked out perfectly and as described, he fits together firmly now. Thanks!

[Hellscream9999]

So for it to work:

1) Hips facing forward (robot mode position)
2) Thighs facing out

this is how I orient everything to get the best result:

B583438B-D398-487F-8C15-3E141916355E.jpeg

Just did this, and it worked out perfectly and as described, he fits together firmly now. Thanks!

Glad to have helped

[Jeddostotle7]

So for it to work:

1) Hips facing forward (robot mode position)
2) Thighs facing out

this is how I orient everything to get the best result:

B583438B-D398-487F-8C15-3E141916355E.jpeg

Just did this, and it worked out perfectly and as described, he fits together firmly now. Thanks!

Glad to have helped

Oooh wait, upon playing with it further, it still seems iffy. It pegs in better than it did, but it still won't consistently stay in. Wonder if it's just slightly poor QC on my end.

[AcademyofDrX]

So for it to work:

1) Hips facing forward (robot mode position)
2) Thighs facing out

this is how I orient everything to get the best result:

B583438B-D398-487F-8C15-3E141916355E.jpeg

Just did this, and it worked out perfectly and as described, he fits together firmly now. Thanks!

Glad to have helped

Oooh wait, upon playing with it further, it still seems iffy. It pegs in better than it did, but it still won't consistently stay in. Wonder if it's just slightly poor QC on my end.

I don't think it's a QC issue; my experience is very similar. While I agree that the pictured connection fits and looks better, I find it rather challenging to rotate the parts to match that image, so I don't think it was ever the intended design. Based on the overall structure, it doesn't look like all of the plastic is supposed to sit flush when it's tabbed together, I think it's just supposed to hold its shape when fully transformed.

For context, one of my first modern Transformers was Titans Return Wheelie, so I have pretty low standards. As a general rule, I value ease of transformation and stability over perfect tabbing. For figures like this one and Mirage where there are clear plastic parts, that mindset should extend the life of the toy even if it means there are occasional unsightly gaps in the alt-made.

[Hellscream9999]

So for it to work:

1) Hips facing forward (robot mode position)
2) Thighs facing out

this is how I orient everything to get the best result:

The attachment B583438B-D398-487F-8C15-3E141916355E.jpeg is no longer available

Just did this, and it worked out perfectly and as described, he fits together firmly now. Thanks!

Glad to have helped

Oooh wait, upon playing with it further, it still seems iffy. It pegs in better than it did, but it still won't consistently stay in. Wonder if it's just slightly poor QC on my end.

I don't think it's a QC issue; my experience is very similar. While I agree that the pictured connection fits and looks better, I find it rather challenging to rotate the parts to match that image, so I don't think it was ever the intended design. Based on the overall structure, it doesn't look like all of the plastic is supposed to sit flush when it's tabbed together, I think it's just supposed to hold its shape when fully transformed.

For context, one of my first modern Transformers was Titans Return Wheelie, so I have pretty low standards. As a general rule, I value ease of transformation and stability over perfect tabbing. For figures like this one and Mirage where there are clear plastic parts, that mindset should extend the life of the toy even if it means there are occasional unsightly gaps in the alt-made.

I found rotating the thighs at the pelvis easier going one way than the other, but if it makes you nervous, I say err on the side of not breaking a figure, but I will say that the angled thigh joint definitely seems the allow for the leg to collapse more comfortably than the other side, but at this point I just don't know, it works for me, and I hope it can work for you

[Rogue-Primal]

Want to ask what the common opinon on the Autobot Rescue Team (Stakeout and Red Heat is)

What are the most common positives and negatives aside from that the gun mode isn't very convincing?

I'm considering to buy them next weekend

[Jelze Bunnycat]

Want to ask what the common opinon on the Autobot Rescue Team (Stakeout and Red Heat is)

What are the most common positives and negatives aside from that the gun mode isn't very convincing?

I'm considering to buy them next weekend

The main thing you need to look out is loose joints. Stakeout is a bit fiddly to get in car mode, but so were Roadhandler and Swindler.

[Flashwave]

Jackpot! My Target had 1 Crosshairs, (I have Spinister from Amazon) plenty of Rungs, my first ever sighting on Pteraxodon, and a replacement Aimless since I combined my Aimless and Blowpipe into an all grey Frebzy for Barricade. And I found a BotBots set with Quackles so I have my first BotBots. (A Teddy Bear, baseball, the Duck,

Crosshairs: I left him on the shelf... But barely. Its a gorgeous deco in person, the photos do not do it justice. He wears the mold well, but I still prefer the Legends Roadbuster for Crosshairs for the wide wheel stance and covered-in-guns motif. But he almost made it to checkout with me and I may circle back if it bugs me long enough. I think we all would prefer a proper new mold, but this is a nice figure I think people will be satisfied with.

Want to ask what the common opinon on the Autobot Rescue Team (Stakeout and Red Heat is)

What are the most common positives and negatives aside from that the gun mode isn't very convincing?

I'm considering to buy them next weekend

Honestly, its a better gun mode than some, although if you flipbthem around you can use Red Heat's Hose cannon to make a better lookibg gun. The only ussue is the hip ball joints, there is just a lot of extra stuff around Stakeout's feet and Red Heat's ankle extenders that the legs have to be perfectly aligned to get them un without popping the balls. But if you are even renotely curious, get them. They are nice little figures.

EDOT: Spinister. I have the same gap on my Spinoster as well. It bugged me at first but the leg feels like its up there snug. Given how obnoxious fiddly Springer's hips and legs are for Transformation, its possible I need to turn his leg over at the other swivel, but I am assuming more likely that a tolerance drifted somewhere between the CAD and the Tooling being cast. I can force it to close but it wants to settle with the gap. I am okay with it as long as the leg is up there tight

[o.supreme]

Had a real shock today. Saw Omega Supreme at Target. Probably an online purchase someone returned. I was kind of hoping it would be at a lower price, but unfortunately not. Looks like I'll have to wait until tax return season to get it.

[STngAR]

Had a real shock today. Saw Omega Supreme at Target. Probably an online purchase someone returned. I was kind of hoping it would be at a lower price, but unfortunately not. Looks like I'll have to wait until tax return season to get it.

A buddy of mine went to some kind of liquidation sale last week and picked up 16 Omega Supreme's for 20 a piece and 11 Power of the Primes Rodimus Unicronus'. Didn't say how much for the Rodimus'