The Energon Pub

I think that due to increased costs with newer molds, better deco/detailing (in some instances) as well as more complex engineering process Hasbro likely has to rely on reuse far more than they ever did in order to cost out all new figures. So those very repaints could very well be more likely in today's world.

Repaints and retools have been very odd lately.
Things that one would expect would get a re-use in some form, have not, and things no one expected to be re-used get fairly involved retools that come out of left field.

I'm still waiting for any re-use of the Legacy Jhiaxus mold into something else. I was almost sure it would have been used for Metalhawk, but turns out that was Cyclonus instead. A mold I was not expecting a retool of beyond the toy accurate version, and it was a fairly involved retool as well to turn him into Metalhawk.

No commander class figures outside of Jetfire haven't seen any re-uses. I was expecting a black Rodimus repaint, but not even trailer-less Rodimus release has been seen. A Hasbro Pulse version would have made sense as Primus maybe, but nope... Also Takara seems to not be doing anything with these molds either. Which is kind of odd. Kind of kills any hope of a Powered Convoy / Delta Magnus repaint of Magnus, or even a Shining Magnus re-use in translucent yellow.

It seems the repaints these days make less and less sense. And Hasbro just seemingly sticks to the same molds over and over again for re-paints and retools. Magatron, Skids, Bumblebees ... Then pulls out super weird things no one expects for exclusives like the G2 Walmart Repaints...

All the logical repaints for figures seem to be MIA.

Then we get things like Detritus for an as of yet unreleased Hound.

Repaints that have yet to happen that would be interesting, not to mention logical to do....

1. Jhiaxus into something... not sure what... maybe Thunderwing now?
2. Armada Prime into Powerlinx or the Yellow repaint in Energon?
3. G2 Prime into Magnus, instead we get a PR in Legacy United.
4. Blitzwing into Overcharge
5. Bulkhead into .... (a Beast Hunters Prime was suggested at one point but that never materialized).
6. Armada Super Mode Starscream a.k.a Thundercracker.
7. Stepper / Ricochet from Jazz.

Also, the Cancelled Hot Rod repaint was very strange. Will we ever see that mold again in any capacity?

Overcracker wrote:Repaints and retools have been very odd lately.
Things that one would expect would get a re-use in some form, have not, and things no one expected to be re-used get fairly involved retools that come out of left field.

I'm still waiting for any re-use of the Legacy Jhiaxus mold into something else. I was almost sure it would have been used for Metalhawk, but turns out that was Cyclonus instead. A mold I was not expecting a retool of beyond the toy accurate version, and it was a fairly involved retool as well to turn him into Metalhawk.

No commander class figures outside of Jetfire haven't seen any re-uses. I was expecting a black Rodimus repaint, but not even trailer-less Rodimus release has been seen. A Hasbro Pulse version would have made sense as Primus maybe, but nope... Also Takara seems to not be doing anything with these molds either. Which is kind of odd. Kind of kills any hope of a Powered Convoy / Delta Magnus repaint of Magnus, or even a Shining Magnus re-use in translucent yellow.

It seems the repaints these days make less and less sense. And Hasbro just seemingly sticks to the same molds over and over again for re-paints and retools. Magatron, Skids, Bumblebees ... Then pulls out super weird things no one expects for exclusives like the G2 Walmart Repaints...

All the logical repaints for figures seem to be MIA.

Then we get things like Detritus for an as of yet unreleased Hound.

Repaints that have yet to happen that would be interesting, not to mention logical to do....

1. Jhiaxus into something... not sure what... maybe Thunderwing now?
2. Armada Prime into Powerlinx or the Yellow repaint in Energon?
3. G2 Prime into Magnus, instead we get a PR in Legacy United.
4. Blitzwing into Overcharge
5. Bulkhead into .... (a Beast Hunters Prime was suggested at one point but that never materialized).
6. Armada Super Mode Starscream a.k.a Thundercracker.
7. Stepper / Ricochet from Jazz.

Also, the Cancelled Hot Rod repaint was very strange. Will we ever see that mold again in any capacity?

I think your statements here are too broad. We've seen quite a few repaints at the Deluxe and Voyager classes. SS86 Hot Rod just showed up in Shattered Glass, for example, and the last couple Amazon comics capsules were mostly repaints with a few redecoed. There are just very few redecoes larger than that, because there just aren't that many releases in the larger classes. Even some of the ones mentioned above like G2 Prime and Jazz got multiple redecoes and retoola, just not the ones you wanted. I personally think Scourge and Toxitron make much more sense than Magnus, who I don't think had a trailer when made from G2 Prime, and has had so many G1 releases that people are getting upset.

Part of the thing with redecoes is that exempting major characters, they really shouldn't make sense. We got a Ricochet back in GS, and a Japan-exclusive G1 character shouldn't be expected to get regular refreshes.

AcademyofDrX wrote:I think your statements here are too broad. We've seen quite a few repaints at the Deluxe and Voyager classes. SS86 Hot Rod just showed up in Shattered Glass, for example,

True, I forgot about that one.

and the last couple Amazon comics capsules were mostly repaints with a few redecoed. There are just very few redecoes larger than that, because there just aren't that many releases in the larger classes. Even some of the ones mentioned above like G2 Prime and Jazz got multiple redecoes and retoola, just not the ones you wanted. I personally think Scourge and Toxitron make much more sense than Magnus, who I don't think had a trailer when made from G2 Prime, and has had so many G1 releases that people are getting upset.

So G2 Prime has seen a ton use. But Its just feels like the PR for United could have been better. And G2 Magnus did have a trailer. And yes, maybe that's just the repaint I'm looking for.

Part of the thing with redecoes is that exempting major characters, they really shouldn't make sense. We got a Ricochet back in GS, and a Japan-exclusive G1 character shouldn't be expected to get regular refreshes.

Why shouldn't they make sense? The Amazon exclusives were e entirely out of left field. I doubt anyone was expecting comic characters. But again, the PotP Moonracer mold has been also used to death. With and without combiner bits.

I have to wonder how Hasbro decides what repaints and retools to do and why The commander class figures seem to be off limits for re-uses.

Sabrblade wrote:The only reason the Velocitron Cosmos toy is colored the way it is, is because Hasbro used the following inaccurate Russian fan-colored model that's easily findable all over the internet:



You can even see the yellow border on the original toy pictured in the image as well, which is missing from the old Russian fan-colored model.

Why? Don't they have their own files on each character?

And again I ask, did the design team specify what the source/goal is for the new toy design, of are you assuming it should look a certain way?

Rodimus Prime wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:The only reason the Velocitron Cosmos toy is colored the way it is, is because Hasbro used the following inaccurate Russian fan-colored model that's easily findable all over the internet:



You can even see the yellow border on the original toy pictured in the image as well, which is missing from the old Russian fan-colored model.

Why? Don't they have their own files on each character?

And again I ask, did the design team specify what the source/goal is for the new toy design, of are you assuming it should look a certain way?

Or they used this source image from the Wiki:

Or they were already over their budget for paint apps

Or they did an initial QC pass and weren't satisfied with consistent results of fine lines

If it really is a deal-breaking offense, I have good news, you have the power:
https://www.tamiyausa.com/shop/acrylic- ... on-yellow/

Has anyone else here had this problem?

Months ago, I bought a Studio Series 86 Core class Ironhide in one of Hasbro Pulse's sales. When it arrived with the other figures I bundled with it during the sale, upon first opening it, I noticed that Ironhide's left shoulder was cracked. The ball joint attaching the arm to the shoulder wouldn't stay in the shoulder socket because of the crack making the socket too wide.

Then, about three and a half weeks back, I bought another Core class Ironhide from Target, and just now got around to opening it. Just like the first one, right out of the package the left shoulder has a crack. Not as severe as the crack on the first one (since the arm joint is still secure enough inside the shoulder socket), but it's only a matter of time before it gets worse.

Is this a common thing with this toy? Do all SS86 Core class Ironhides have a crack in their left shoulder?

Note that this problem doesn't seem to have affected my SS86 Core class Ratchet.

I will need to check mine, but I didn't have that problem initially

Q/C isn't exactly what it once was even when they had enough help, now that there's fewer people doing the work I imagine things like this will only continue if not get worse. And I suspect a possible root cause is using cheaper less durable plastic because it's cheaper, or they simply no long er have access to the older better materials. Happens quite often and tends to take a while before being caught and corrected.

Till-all-R1 wrote:Q/C isn't exactly what it once was even when they had enough help, now that there's fewer people doing the work I imagine things like this will only continue if not get worse. And I suspect a possible root cause is using cheaper less durable plastic because it's cheaper, or they simply no long er have access to the older better materials. Happens quite often and tends to take a while before being caught and corrected.

What makes you think the factory is having staffing issues? Is there proof of this somewhere?

Emerje

The factories have never returned to what they were before workforce reduction during the pandemic.
They have gotten better than it was, but not back to prior numbers.

So it's either that, or the Company simply doesn't care what materials are used anymore and are seeking whatever they can get just to make a product to keep generating revenue. As well as purposely ignoring Q/C aspects. Not that it would be the first time something like this has been done.

It's also evident almost everywhere you go that there is a problem getting people to work certain industries causing staff shortages.

Till-all-R1 wrote:The factories have never returned to what they were before workforce reduction during the pandemic.
They have gotten better than it was, but not back to prior numbers.

So it's either that, or the Company simply doesn't care what materials are used anymore and are seeking whatever they can get just to make a product to keep generating revenue. As well as purposely ignoring Q/C aspects. Not that it would be the first time something like this has been done.

It's also evident almost everywhere you go that there is a problem getting people to work certain industries causing staff shortages.

It's certainly true in the west (or maybe just in America) that the workforce isn't what it used to be, but is it true for the east? From my understanding these places have factories because they basically have a never ending workforce in a work or die society with few safety nets like welfare and disability. So I'm not sure they have the shortages that you might think they do.

I really don't think there's any difference in QC between now and 5, 10, 20 or 30 years ago. One of my earliest memories is returning a G.I.Joe Big Boa in 1987 (my mom had me return it myself so it sticks out, I was 7) because it broke pulling it out of the package in the parking lot. Things happen and sometimes things happen consistently. Not all QC happens at the factory, there's a reason why Hasbro is able to show us samples.

Emerje

-Kanrabat- wrote:Oh boy.

My SS86 leader Grimlock have yellowed horribly.

Is there any solution to fix this?

Sure thing. Just have him Super Evolve into MetalGreymon and he'll be covered in silver in no time.

A heads up for anyone who ordered Commander Ultra Magnus from Amazon at $75.99 when they were taking orders but didn't have a estimated delivery date. I just got a shipment delayed email from Amazon requiring me to confirm I still want it by Dec. 29th, which I did. Just wanted to let anyone else who might be in the same boat to check your emails or Amazon account to confirm if you still want it.

Well according to JTPrime, the listing for next year's Studio Series Commander Class figure has updated to actually name the character, and it's.....the most boring default option it could possibly be.

Tra Gen Studio Series Commander 86 Optimus Prime
Product Code: F8514
EAN: 5010996211835

If this new commander Optimus is to ER Optimus what mp44 was to mp10, ill be all over it

Nemesis Primal wrote:Well according to JTPrime, the listing for next year's Studio Series Commander Class figure has updated to actually name the character, and it's.....the most boring default option it could possibly be.

Tra Gen Studio Series Commander 86 Optimus Prime
Product Code: F8514
EAN: 5010996211835

It makes sense since next year is the 40th anniversary of the brand, and they've already stated that the next HasLab will celebrate said anniversary but will not be an Optimus. So if they wanna make a brand spankin' new definitive version of G1 Optimus for the 40th, Commander class would be the place to do it outside of HasLab.

I still think Commander Class OP should have been a special commemorative release that doesn't take up a SS or main line release and maybe not even hit the exact price point. Use the SS Commander price point for a Bayverse character, it doesn't have to be SS86, it's all the same line.

Emerje

There were rumours of this circulating the web but now we have proof that the commander class toy of 2024's Studio Series line will be Optimus Prime. The idea of a commander class prime is not far fetched when we see how minimal and barren the trailer that came with leader earthrise Optimus Prime was (who was a retool of Seige Prime with vestigial parts). So this means we will get a new voyager sized Optimus Prime mold with a new trailer that should have more functionality and detail than before. We thank Nemesis Primal for letting us know of this update from JT Prime 17.

Nemesis Primal wrote:Well according to JTPrime, the listing for next year's Studio Series Commander Class figure has updated to actually name the character, and it's.....

Tra Gen Studio Series Commander 86 Optimus Prime
Product Code: F8514
EAN: 5010996211835

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Nemesis Primal wrote:Well according to JTPrime, the listing for next year's Studio Series Commander Class figure has updated to actually name the character, and it's.....the most boring default option it could possibly be.

Tra Gen Studio Series Commander 86 Optimus Prime
Product Code: F8514
EAN: 5010996211835

How is it "boring" for the next SS86 Commander?

ER Leader Optimus was a great figure, but the leader price point did his trailer dirty. Furthermore, the ER mold had that butt kibble going on that ruined the overall silhouette. If we can have a mini MP that is on par with what 3P is offering at the commander price, I'll be all over it.

Also, who else could be a Commander in SS86? Ultra Magnus was the previous one and Rodimus Prime was made in Kingdom. And unless he's Core scale, a Devastator at the Commander price point would be impossible.

It's boring because it's yet another G1 character we've had multiple attempts at in the past 5 or so years getting a redo in SS86 as opposed to anything more unique, and it's the second year in a row it's happened in Commander Class (and the only thing they've done with Commander Class for SS since it's inception, no less). Sabrblade's absolutely right about the reasoning behind it, and I understand it, but there's nothing they can do that will make me excited about it.

Also a number of the things I've heard the community suggest as things they could do with a Commander G1 Optimus to make it better than the ER Leader (a better trailer and no visible wheels in bot mode, for example) are things that I'm either indifferent towards (the trailer) or are actively downgrades in my eyes (hidden wheels), which just makes me further unexcited since based on Magnus, those are exactly the kinds of "upgrades" they're going to prioritize.

Emerje wrote:I still think Commander Class OP should have been a special commemorative release that doesn't take up a SS or main line release and maybe not even hit the exact price point. Use the SS Commander price point for a Bayverse character, it doesn't have to be SS86, it's all the same line.

Emerje

This, exactly.

Well we've seen this a mile away, so no real surprise. Even if Hasbro pulled another fast one and gave us the ER voyager with a new and improved trailer it would sell, though not as well. That ER voyager Prime will be hard to beat.

Personally I was hoping they would take SS86 Magnus and rework him into a Powermaster Prime. Or even if they took the Prime that came with the Tenseng base and gave him a trailer to combine with and sold him as a commander I would be happy with.

But we're getting yet another Prime with a trailer and (possibly) an interactive Roller. I hope the SS86 Commander for 2025 will be a brand new Astrotrain. Leader size was too small for him, and his engineering and design suffered.

its about time
i had a feeling this would happen ever since getting 86 UM