The Energon Pub

[RK_Striker_JK_5]

Also, just spotted your Star Wars novels in the corner, there. Some very nice ones.

What, these old things?



Been ages since I've read them or bought a new one. (And heck, never really read the prequel novelizations... Mainly bought them to give Outbound Flight context on the shelf, ha ha.) I hear Zhan has a few more... As long as they aren't chronologically after Survivor's Quest, maybe I'll pick those ones up someday. (Survivor's Quest seemed a good stopping point, and from what I hear the storyline went kind of crazy after that.)

One of these days, though, I want to start at the beginning and just give them all a chronological read. (It'll take a while, if and when I do!)

While not unexpected, it was still a bit unsettling with the upcoming new film to be told, "Yeah, you know that extended universe that you've been loving for decades? Yeah, nope. Not canon. Have a nice day." Even if I like the new films (I'm cautiously optimistic) they'll have to be like the best pieces of Star Wars fiction ever before they become my canon.

Very nice collection. I've got a lot of those, too. My collection chronologically ends at the last Young Jedi Knight book. After that is... pain. And anger.

As for their canonicity? Meh, I don't care what they say. They're my books and I'm gonna read and love them.

Ahem... (*cough*) So... yeah, Metroplex. Metroplex is awesome! Hooray! Metroplex, bonsai!

LOL, yes! Metroplex is awesome sauce who really doesn't need too much to 'complete' him!

[Yotsuyasan]

I have some of the Young Jedi Knights books... And I did enjoy them. When I moved into my current apartment, however, I left them in the boxes full of crap I have in my folks' basement. I think it was partially a matter of just having to prioritize shelf space, partially a matter of I didn't have all of the Young Jedi Knights books.

Ahem... (*cough*) So... yeah, Metroplex. Metroplex is awesome! Hooray! Metroplex, bonsai!

And yes, we'd like to talk about Metroplex more, but I think some of us are waiting for the next accessories to show up. C'mon B&A and UT!!

I know, I know. I was just lampshading my own off-topicness... In a thread I started, no less!

[Agamemnon]

I have some of the Young Jedi Knights books... And I did enjoy them. When I moved into my current apartment, however, I left them in the boxes full of crap I have in my folks' basement. I think it was partially a matter of just having to prioritize shelf space, partially a matter of I didn't have all of the Young Jedi Knights books.

Ahem... (*cough*) So... yeah, Metroplex. Metroplex is awesome! Hooray! Metroplex, bonsai!

And yes, we'd like to talk about Metroplex more, but I think some of us are waiting for the next accessories to show up. C'mon B&A and UT!!

I know, I know. I was just lampshading my own off-topicness... In a thread I started, no less!

Heh, I don't think it's surprising that many of us have similar interests outside of Transformers. The off topic bit doesn't really bother me. I find it interesting until we get some actual news to talk about again. And I do my best to help keep things on topic. But it is still fun to stray a little until there is something more relevant to talk about.

[Yotsuyasan]

I've updated the top post with information about the Iron Factory Six-Gun and Slammer, now that more information (including preorder info) is available.

Also, since I've been having trouble with Photobucket as of late (hitting my limit strangely early in the month, even if I don't use it much myself anymore) I'm trying out a new image hosting service, and replaced the few images in the top post that I'd previously had hosted on Photobucket.

Finally, just for fun: While I'm still waiting on my Six Sigma, and so I'm not ready to do a full review of everything I've gotten Metroplex-related, I did have my niece and nephew over the other day and Metroplex ended up in city mode and covered in Legends Class figures. So for fun, I shot a few new photos. (Featured are the Reprolabels, and MegaMoonMan's ramp pieces and knees.)

[Yotsuyasan]

I hadn't thought about it a little while ago when I made my last post, but since then it also occurred to me that, while not strictly intended as a Metroplex upgrade, people have been using the KFC MP-10 hands to upgrade their Six Sigma. So I threw a mention of that into the top post.

[Agamemnon]

Those were some great pics of 'Plex as a playset. This is why I am contemplating that tiny UM.

Also, I might just have to get those knees. Or a 3D printer so I can make my own...

[Yotsuyasan]

Also, I might just have to get those knees. Or a 3D printer so I can make my own...

The knees definitely help the city mode, and do not hinder either of the other modes. I love them! (Just kind of a shame that, where I usually display my Metroplex, city mode it the one mode that takes up too much room!)

I'll probably end up picking him up sometime tomorrow so that the floor is clear before the weekend, but these past few days I've been enjoying gazing at Metroplex in his city mode glory!

[Gauntlet101010]

I recently got UT's head upgrade. A definite improvement for Hasbroplex. It's a little big, but in real life it's not so bad. Just getting rid of the flat white face helps a lot, IMO.

I've been waiting to get the next upgrade on my list: Reprolabels. After that Sigma Six, likely. There's just too many awesome 3rd party stuff these days.

[Yotsuyasan]

I'm not going to update the top post with this one, but I thought it worth mentioning that as of their last update, Reprolabels now has sticker sets for both the Before and After and TFC Sig-Guns.

Before and After, $25:



TFC Toys, $16:


My opinions: The one for TFC's version looks nice, adds good detail, and matches well with Reprolabel's set for Metroplex himself. If I had gone for the TFC version, I'd think the Reprolabel set a nice addition.

The one for the Before and After version, however... While the general aesthetic does also match well with Reprolabel's Metroplex sticker set, the way that aesthetic is executed upon this figure is just a busy mess. Frankly, it makes the figure look bad. Fortunately, I think the figure looks just fine without it, and the only additions necessary will be some faction symbols, which I already have stickers for.

(On the bright side, the fact that I think the sticker set unnecessary means I don't have to be annoyed that the B&A version costs almost $10 more!)

And, because, "Why not?" Yesterday, I transformed the figures on my shelf that includes Metroplex to robot mode. (Well, I transformed most of 'em... Wreck-Gar's kind of permanently in robot mode on my shelf while his mount is permanently in vehicle mode.)

And so, for fun... a new pic!



(P.S.: Only six days less in my epically failing Buy Me a Toy! Kickstarter! Klick through in my signature to see if you want to help it fail by less!)

[RK_Striker_JK_5]

Dang, that's a nice set-up.

Those stickers do look too busy for Six Sigma. Doesn't help it already came with a nice set.

[Yotsuyasan]

Dang, that's a nice set-up.

Thanks! Although I do look forward to replacing the Arcee I have in there with Hasbro's upcoming one.

Those stickers do look too busy for Six Sigma. Doesn't help it already came with a nice set.

My sentiments, exactly. I was interested in seeing what Reprolabels might do, but I was doubtful that I'd need anything for him more then faction symbols. Looks like I was right.

(Now all I need is to actually have Six Sigma!)

[MGrotusque]

The stickers for TFC look way awesomer!! I'm glad I picked him up instead. I'm tempted to get this upgrade for him. Certain stickers I wouldn't apply like the finger ones for example.

[eyl]

Did you encounter the wobbling low legs due to the new knee parts as other reviewer mentioned? Is it fixable?

Thanks.

[Yotsuyasan]

Did you encounter the wobbling low legs due to the new knee parts as other reviewer mentioned? Is it fixable?

Thanks.

What do you mean by wobbling low legs?

If you install MegaMoonMan's knees, it does give Metroplex an ever so slight wobble, but it doesn't at all impede his ability to hold a pose or stand, and is only noticeable really if you make an effort to look for it. (Such as if you were to intentionally shake him.)

Not at all sure what you mean by "low," however...

[robotmel]

Found another item to add to your list Yotsuyasan, perhaps went under the radar as I could find a thread for it either?

Took a random browse of Uncle Billys AliExpress site and found this add-on for Titan Metroplex.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/MGS08-Upgrade-Kit-for-Metroplex/613353_32235435267.html

Also found it in an Ebay auction: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MGS08-Upgrade-Kit-for-Metroplex-/261665075261?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item3cec74303d

Produced by MGS Toys, MGS-08 appears to be a pair of add-ons to give your Titan Metroplex some additional stability and doubles as some extra weapons.
They come in black plastic but have been shown here in blue for clarity.

If your Titan Metroplex suffers from stability issues, this add-on could be for you!
Around $22.00 with free worldwide delivery!

[megatronus]

If your Titan Metroplex suffers from stability issues, this add-on could be for you!
Around $22.00 with free worldwide delivery!

That's pretty darned useful! Let's see some color shots, and I might be interested, especially for that price.

[Yotsuyasan]

Found another item to add to your list Yotsuyasan, perhaps went under the radar as I could find a thread for it either?

Eh, when I am feeling a bit more ambitious later, I suppose I'll update the top post. Anyway, thanks for contributing this. Nice to know this thread still lives! It lives!!!

Ahem...

Anyway...

As for my personal needs, I think I am fine without this. For any poses I feel I'd want to put Metroplex in, he seems stable enough as is. I can get a pose out of him that I like, seems dynamic, and that works for the space I have for him:





(Ironic that in the two modes that will fit on this shelf -- the battle station and the above pictured robot -- since I opted not to get the fists, the MegaMoonMan upgrades I got are hardly ever utilized. Still, very glad to have gotten them!)

Also:

...not really sure I buy that one! Even if the added heals would make that technically possible, I don't buy Metroplex's hip and knee joints being able to maintain that. Maybe for a brief moment... But the instant you even blink, the subtle fluctuations in air pressure caused by this will cause everything to drop! (This is not to say I think his joints are generally insufficient... Just that he is definitely a "two-feet-on-the-ground" sort of figure!)

Man... posting in this thread just makes me want my Six Sigma! I hope the last thing I am waiting on before shipping my Source Stack comes in soon... I wanna complete my Metroplex!

[Agamemnon]

Okay, sorry for the thread necro, but it's about time I share some of these pics. Let's see. My Metroplex is augmented with some of my own metallic Sharpie detail, Before and After's Six-Sigma, and Unique Toys' replacement head, small turrets, and communication/radar towers. I am still contemplating the MegaMoonMan Knee replacements and the ReproLabels set. Enjoy!

First up, bot modes, with a closeup of UT's head:




I like the UT head. Probably the only thing I miss is the look of the visor. (The execution of the visor, and really, the whole head, on the Hasbro stock head left a little to be desired.)

Next up is city mode. There are options to put all parts of Six-Sigma to use in city mode. I like the look of this mode, but would like it more with the MegaMoonMan parts, I think.





I like the playset nature of this mode. However, I need more space to display it. So, up next is my favorite mode, cruiser. I prefer the look of the kneecap pieces out at the end of the deck. This works because it gives me a nice place to mount the mini turrets from UT. I included a couple of pics with Omega Supreme and Fansproject Assaulter, in a sort of fleet configuration. You'll also see that I was able to get Six Sigma to sort of fill in that nasty void behind the flight deck and sort of mount the large red cannons on the deck. I like the way it looks, though it doesn't lock in place...










Well, sorry for the photobomb. (Well, not very sorry. ) As a parting gift, I tried to find a place for Six-Sigma when Metroplex is wielding his legs...

[megatronus]

Thanks Aggie! Your 'Plex is looking awesome!

Living in the small space that I do, I have Metroplex trapped in his box. I have the Reprolabel set unapplied, the UT head un-installed, and the Iron Factory kit with Sixgun & Slammer on order (waiting for my APS HA Barricade & Soundwave, and then that order will ship). Once the IF set arrives, I think I'll break him out again and apply/install everything. I'm excited for that day... oh so very excited.

[Yotsuyasan]

...a whole bunch of stuff, and posted a bunch of photos.

No need to apologize. Awesome photos! I'll probably be doing something similar myself once I finally get my Six Sigma. (Darn it, one last thing I am still waiting for in my Source Stack, arrive in stock so I can ship everything!)

Nice you found a way to (sort of) use everything in each mode! Myself, as much as I normally hate having extra parts, I think I'll have no problem putting aside a few things here and there. But one thing I was concerned about, you seem to have pulled off nicely! How did you get the red guns to attach in city mode?

[megatronus]

(Darn it, one last thing I am still waiting for in my Source Stack, arrive in stock so I can ship everything!)

What are you waiting on?

[Yotsuyasan]

What are you waiting on?

Brainstorm. Hopefully he should be in soon, then I'll have enough for free shipping.

[Agamemnon]

...a whole bunch of stuff, and posted a bunch of photos.

No need to apologize. Awesome photos! I'll probably be doing something similar myself once I finally get my Six Sigma. (Darn it, one last thing I am still waiting for in my Source Stack, arrive in stock so I can ship everything!)

Nice you found a way to (sort of) use everything in each mode! Myself, as much as I normally hate having extra parts, I think I'll have no problem putting aside a few things here and there. But one thing I was concerned about, you seem to have pulled off nicely! How did you get the red guns to attach in city mode?

The pegs on Metroplex that allow the legs to stick together fit into the black painted screw holes near the gun handle swivel. It's a nice tight fit! I can try to take a pic of what I'm talking about when I get my camera set up again.

[Yotsuyasan]

The pegs on Metroplex that allow the legs to stick together fit into the black painted screw holes near the gun handle swivel. It's a nice tight fit! I can try to take a pic of what I'm talking about when I get my camera set up again.

Well, I am glad for this. Because, based on my memories of the G1 toy, city mode is supposed to be the one mode where you can use all of the parts. And, with it seeming like Before & After hadn't made for a way for the guns to attach, they had kind of failed to deliver on that. (The wins of the figure still outweighed this one loss, to my opinion.) To hear that you've found a way makes me quite happy!

[Agamemnon]

The pegs on Metroplex that allow the legs to stick together fit into the black painted screw holes near the gun handle swivel. It's a nice tight fit! I can try to take a pic of what I'm talking about when I get my camera set up again.

Well, I am glad for this. Because, based on my memories of the G1 toy, city mode is supposed to be the one mode where you can use all of the parts. And, with it seeming like Before & After hadn't made for a way for the guns to attach, they had kind of failed to deliver on that. (The wins of the figure still outweighed this one loss, to my opinion.) To hear that you've found a way makes me quite happy!

Indeed, it was a happy find. I just wish the guns fit more securely on the carrier....