The Energon Pub

[Diem]

I might have missed this in all the hubbub on this thread but two questions now all is said and done:

a) Did BBTS include orange plugs on this figure, even though it's packaged in robot mode?
b) if yes, was it possible/easy to remove?

Thanks!

[nycPrime]

I might have missed this in all the hubbub on this thread but two questions now all is said and done:

a) Did BBTS include orange plugs on this figure, even though it's packaged in robot mode?
b) if yes, was it possible/easy to remove?

Thanks!

BBTS definitely included the plug. Members have mentioned that the plug is easy to remove, but not the one on the silencer.

[SpaceKaseJase]

Over runs of those Calvin Johnson Megatron figures were all over ebay for a while which is easily explained by Hasbro making more figures than there were the Nikes to sell with them. But that's a pretty rare example of something being over produced before it can be packaged for retail. Typically that sort of thing would just be destroyed (yep, that's what happens to rejects and extras) so for someone to have them them to sell in bulk they'd have to be stolen.

O, don't believe the "KO's that are made using official molds by the same factories" routine.

You're the second( technically the third after me and the other guy spacekase) to smell the BS in that mindset).

Today, no, they're reverse engineered. No factory worthy of being used by a major manufacturer would risk losing that contract just to make knockoffs on the side.

However, in the 80s, yeah, that was a thing that happened. Back then storage space for molds was at a premium so metal molds were routinely destroyed and recycled, because hey, it isn't like Hasbro is ever going to use them again (hence so many missing G1 molds that can't be reissued). But that costs money so it wasn't uncommon for factories to sell molds under the table instead.

Emerje

So technically, the alternative to help our fellow collector to repair their MP 36 is to either buy another original or wait for the Takarsa versions which are KO and not over runs.

Isn't it really surprising that we only get MP "over runs" and not the regulars? (Yup, I've seen a lot of KO regulars, but their packaging are so easy to spot).

So spacekase, you have to bite the bullet and just choose either option. New one or the sometimes 50% less KO for replacement parts to fix that darn barrel.

Lol, I wasn't the one who broke the barrel. I was just trying to help out w how to fix one when we kinda got side-tracked with the "over run vs. ko" debate. In point of fact, mine just got here today!

[Wolfman Jake]

My MP-36 Masterpiece Megatron arrived this evening from TFSource! Yes, he didn't include an orange safety plug in the scope/fusion cannon or in the silencer. Woot! I love the figure. It was a real process to convert him into a gun. Turning him back into robot mode was easier, though I got stuck for a good 15 minutes trying to get the shoulders spikes back out. Some of the hinges are VERY tight the first time, but seem to work just fine after the first use or so.

I will note that there is already some paint rub on mine. It's not just around the gun barrel where the silencer attaches, or the back of the feet where the stock attaches. There's just a bit of random rub in all sorts of little places where I handled the figure to transform him back and forth. It really doesn't bother me all that much, though. The rubs are imperceptible from just a couple of feet away. If they ever do annoy me, I can try to touch them up with a silver paint Sharpie.

I tried out all of the accessories too. Great stuff, and everything attaches or stays in place like it's supposed to. Even the way the stock, silencer, and scope attach to one another to form that G1 "gun emplacement" for Megatron is kinda fun to figure out. I briefly put on the battle damaged face and chest plate, along with the purple blaster, for that "The Transformers: The Movie" look during his final battle with Optimus Prime. My fiancé got a kick out of it when I then pointed Megatron at him and shouted, "Fall! FALL!" with a terrible Megatron impersonation. This is truly a Masterpiece Megatron. Naysayers, I don't think you can be pleased. Anyone on the fence should get this guy fast, while he's still available.

[SpaceKaseJase]

I don't know how to post an image from my iPhone, but I was going to send a pic of my Megs that arrived today from A-E. It shows the original tape uncut. The reason I mention this is because I had stated awhile back that A-E told me they offer the orange plug free of charge upon request. I told them back in November I wanted one as well as just recently (why risk it, right?)

Opened him up and--you guessed it: no orange plug!! Am I mad? Heck no! They said they might have to transform it in order the insert the plug, for crying out loud! What a fubar that would've been. I now have a mint-condition Megs 2.0 that I only paid $167 OTD for! Either A-E forgot or just figured that the orange plug was unnecessary to ship to the US. Feel bad for those who paid $230 (not incl shipping) from BBTS that included the orange plug (sorry fellas-- not trying to rub it in). Score another for A-E!!!

[fenrir72]

My MP-36 Masterpiece Megatron arrived this evening from TFSource! Yes, he didn't include an orange safety plug in the scope/fusion cannon or in the silencer. Woot! I love the figure. It was a real process to convert him into a gun. Turning him back into robot mode was easier, though I got stuck for a good 15 minutes trying to get the shoulders spikes back out. Some of the hinges are VERY tight the first time, but seem to work just fine after the first use or so.

I will note that there is already some paint rub on mine. It's not just around the gun barrel where the silencer attaches, or the back of the feet where the stock attaches. There's just a bit of random rub in all sorts of little places where I handled the figure to transform him back and forth. It really doesn't bother me all that much, though. The rubs are imperceptible from just a couple of feet away. If they ever do annoy me, I can try to touch them up with a silver paint Sharpie.

I tried out all of the accessories too. Great stuff, and everything attaches or stays in place like it's supposed to. Even the way the stock, silencer, and scope attach to one another to form that G1 "gun emplacement" for Megatron is kinda fun to figure out. I briefly put on the battle damaged face and chest plate, along with the purple blaster, for that "The Transformers: The Movie" look during his final battle with Optimus Prime. My fiancé got a kick out of it when I then pointed Megatron at him and shouted, "Fall! FALL!" with a terrible Megatron impersonation. This is truly a Masterpiece Megatron. Naysayers, I don't think you can be pleased. Anyone on the fence should get this guy fast, while he's still available.

So the criticism was unfounded all this time?! Wish they'd just wait and own one THEN criticize!

Paint chipping will forever be a bane especially in transforming action figures.

[Cyberpath]

According to the tracking service it shouldn't take much longer.

So Seibertonians that already have MP-36, any areas I should clear-coat before the first transformation? His head and face maybe? That's the worst place to get paint scratches. His chest? I don't know yet you tell me.

I'm trying to be prepared as possible, there's a bunch of stuff to do already.. (file down the inside of the silencer; loosen the screw in his behind, push/file the pin that scratches the shoulders..) It does sound like his paint is quite delicate. Does it not work well with this plastic? Did they skip or rush a step in production? On Smokescreen for example, it looks like the paint is one with the plastic.

[fenrir72]

According to the tracking service it shouldn't take much longer.

So Seibertonians that already have MP-36, any areas I should clear-coat before the first transformation? His head and face maybe? That's the worst place to get paint scratches. His chest? I don't know yet you tell me.

I'm trying to be prepared as possible, there's a bunch of stuff to do already.. (file down the inside of the silencer; loosen the screw in his behind, push/file the pin that scratches the shoulders..) It does sound like his paint is quite delicate. Does it not work well with this plastic? Did they skip or rush a step in production? On Smokescreen for example, it looks like the paint is one with the plastic.

Wouldn't clear coating cause more chipping by lessening the clearance on some parts?

[Wolfman Jake]

According to the tracking service it shouldn't take much longer.

So Seibertonians that already have MP-36, any areas I should clear-coat before the first transformation? His head and face maybe? That's the worst place to get paint scratches. His chest? I don't know yet you tell me.

I'm trying to be prepared as possible, there's a bunch of stuff to do already.. (file down the inside of the silencer; loosen the screw in his behind, push/file the pin that scratches the shoulders..) It does sound like his paint is quite delicate. Does it not work well with this plastic? Did they skip or rush a step in production? On Smokescreen for example, it looks like the paint is one with the plastic.

You can loosen that screw in his pelvis, but you don't absolutely need to. You can get the hip joints to collapse by turning the legs around to put the joints on the outsides of the hips, then squeeze the legs together to get them to collapse. Again, once you do it the first time, it's easier afterwards, and you don't have to fiddle with the screw at all.

As for clear coating, I wouldn't do it. You'll ruin tolerances in some areas, especially if you don't work each joint at least once or twice first. I'd rather have a bit of paint rub than a broken figure. The silver paint can always be touched up in the future if a few paint rubs make you really unhappy.

[nycPrime]

According to the tracking service it shouldn't take much longer.

So Seibertonians that already have MP-36, any areas I should clear-coat before the first transformation? His head and face maybe? That's the worst place to get paint scratches. His chest? I don't know yet you tell me.

I'm trying to be prepared as possible, there's a bunch of stuff to do already.. (file down the inside of the silencer; loosen the screw in his behind, push/file the pin that scratches the shoulders..) It does sound like his paint is quite delicate. Does it not work well with this plastic? Did they skip or rush a step in production? On Smokescreen for example, it looks like the paint is one with the plastic.

You can loosen that screw in his pelvis, but you don't absolutely need to. You can get the hip joints to collapse by turning the legs around to put the joints on the outsides of the hips, then squeeze the legs together to get them to collapse. Again, once you do it the first time, it's easier afterwards, and you don't have to fiddle with the screw at all.

As for clear coating, I wouldn't do it. You'll ruin tolerances in some areas, especially if you don't work each joint at least once or twice first. I'd rather have a bit of paint rub than a broken figure. The silver paint can always be touched up in the future if a few paint rubs make you really unhappy.

Toy Dojo recommended loosening the hip screw. I gave it about a quarter to half circle turn and the transformation still felt slightly tight. Can't imagine what it'd be like without loosening it.

[Wolfman Jake]

According to the tracking service it shouldn't take much longer.

So Seibertonians that already have MP-36, any areas I should clear-coat before the first transformation? His head and face maybe? That's the worst place to get paint scratches. His chest? I don't know yet you tell me.

I'm trying to be prepared as possible, there's a bunch of stuff to do already.. (file down the inside of the silencer; loosen the screw in his behind, push/file the pin that scratches the shoulders..) It does sound like his paint is quite delicate. Does it not work well with this plastic? Did they skip or rush a step in production? On Smokescreen for example, it looks like the paint is one with the plastic.

You can loosen that screw in his pelvis, but you don't absolutely need to. You can get the hip joints to collapse by turning the legs around to put the joints on the outsides of the hips, then squeeze the legs together to get them to collapse. Again, once you do it the first time, it's easier afterwards, and you don't have to fiddle with the screw at all.

As for clear coating, I wouldn't do it. You'll ruin tolerances in some areas, especially if you don't work each joint at least once or twice first. I'd rather have a bit of paint rub than a broken figure. The silver paint can always be touched up in the future if a few paint rubs make you really unhappy.

Toy Dojo recommended loosening the hip screw. I gave it about a quarter to half circle turn and the transformation still felt slightly tight. Can't imagine what it'd be like without loosening it.

Yeah, I suspect it's not that the joint is especially tight. It's a design quirk that makes that step so difficult. Using my method makes it a lot easier to get the right leverage on the joints. Once you do that, it's not hard to get the legs together. Loosening the screw probably helps you brute force it without fiddling around with the upper leg swivels, but that might mean you're pushing the plastic in a way that it "doesn't like," which could lead to plastic fatigue over time.

[Ironhidensh]

I dunno. I have zero issues with that joi . I honestly think people are just overly concerned based off early reports/reviews that are turning out to be not entirely accurate. Or based on alternative facts.

[Agamemnon]

<snip>

I will note that there is already some paint rub on mine. It's not just around the gun barrel where the silencer attaches, or the back of the feet where the stock attaches. There's just a bit of random rub in all sorts of little places where I handled the figure to transform him back and forth. It really doesn't bother me all that much, though. The rubs are imperceptible from just a couple of feet away. If they ever do annoy me, I can try to touch them up with a silver paint Sharpie.

<snip>

I thought I read in this thread that we should be careful of Sharpies as they can contain solvents that can make things worse. Did anyone else remember seeing/writing that? (Still catching up on threads after the big move, so apologies if I misread/misremembered anything...)

[fenrir72]

<snip>

I will note that there is already some paint rub on mine. It's not just around the gun barrel where the silencer attaches, or the back of the feet where the stock attaches. There's just a bit of random rub in all sorts of little places where I handled the figure to transform him back and forth. It really doesn't bother me all that much, though. The rubs are imperceptible from just a couple of feet away. If they ever do annoy me, I can try to touch them up with a silver paint Sharpie.

<snip>

I thought I read in this thread that we should be careful of Sharpies as they can contain solvents that can make things worse. Did anyone else remember seeing/writing that? (Still catching up on threads after the big move, so apologies if I misread/misremembered anything...)

It WILL make it worst.

First, the silver must match.

That post was from me. Sharpies/Tamiya pen/Gundam markers have thinners too. End result will NOT be pretty.

[Wolfman Jake]

<snip>

I will note that there is already some paint rub on mine. It's not just around the gun barrel where the silencer attaches, or the back of the feet where the stock attaches. There's just a bit of random rub in all sorts of little places where I handled the figure to transform him back and forth. It really doesn't bother me all that much, though. The rubs are imperceptible from just a couple of feet away. If they ever do annoy me, I can try to touch them up with a silver paint Sharpie.

<snip>

I thought I read in this thread that we should be careful of Sharpies as they can contain solvents that can make things worse. Did anyone else remember seeing/writing that? (Still catching up on threads after the big move, so apologies if I misread/misremembered anything...)

It WILL make it worst.

First, the silver must match.

That post was from me. Sharpies/Tamiya pen/Gundam markers have thinners too. End result will NOT be pretty.

Can you cite an independent source on the matter? I've been using silver Sharpies for a few years now to touch up silver paint on some of my figures, and I've never had an issue. Just a dap will do ya. I even customized an Evasion Mode Optimus Prime from a few years ago. Nothing happened to it after all this time.

[fenrir72]

<snip>

I will note that there is already some paint rub on mine. It's not just around the gun barrel where the silencer attaches, or the back of the feet where the stock attaches. There's just a bit of random rub in all sorts of little places where I handled the figure to transform him back and forth. It really doesn't bother me all that much, though. The rubs are imperceptible from just a couple of feet away. If they ever do annoy me, I can try to touch them up with a silver paint Sharpie.

<snip>

I thought I read in this thread that we should be careful of Sharpies as they can contain solvents that can make things worse. Did anyone else remember seeing/writing that? (Still catching up on threads after the big move, so apologies if I misread/misremembered anything...)

It WILL make it worst.

First, the silver must match.

That post was from me. Sharpies/Tamiya pen/Gundam markers have thinners too. End result will NOT be pretty.

Can you cite an independent source on the matter? I've been using silver Sharpies for a few years now to touch up silver paint on some of my figures, and I've never had an issue. Just a dap will do ya. I even customized an Evasion Mode Optimus Prime from a few years ago. Nothing happened to it after all this time.

Personal. Silver sharpies sometimes don't approximate the silver. So I used alternative Tamiya (much better than the gundam markers). Depending on how "thick the paint" is on the site you will repair, the base solvent will "sometimes" damage the area.

[Big Grim]

I sold my Despotron, but it was a very hard decision to make. If 36 had not been a gift, I might have kept Despo. That figure is amazing, and equal to 36, in my humble opinion, and I have really, really come to love 36.

I admit, I didn't expect to see this! Is 36 really that good? I admit, I am seeing some freakin' amazing poses and it obviously wins over Despotron in terms of accessories but wow! I adore Despotron but the reviews of 36 are making me wonder. His head still looks a little too big too me though and I wish he had red on the inner lower legs.

[Cyberpath]

Got my MP-36!

Haven't transformed him or used any of the accessories yet, except for the swappable face.

For now just wanted to stop by and say how weird and awesome it feels to finally hold a proper "G1" Megatron! I think I was smiling on the way back from the post-office despite the price and import tax. (I may be smiling right now, too.)

The likeness is uncanny. This is really the best Megatron head and face-sculpt to date, official and non-official, toy or merchandise. It screams "Toei Animation." Takara based it on the style that I wanted.

He looks so great, I hope he holds up.

There are probably tons of video-reviews by now, but any specific ones you'd recommend in case I'll need help with the transformation? Preferably someone who's familiar with the problem areas.

I do wish the cannon had lights instead of sound bites.

Nice to see that they put another pin in the index finger.

[fenrir72]

Got my MP-36!

Haven't transformed him or used any of the accessories yet, except for the swappable face.

For now just wanted to stop by and say how weird and awesome it feels to finally hold a proper "G1" Megatron! I think I was smiling on the way back from the post-office despite the price and import tax. (I may be smiling right now, too.)

The likeness is uncanny. This is really the best Megatron head and face-sculpt to date, official and non-official, toy or merchandise. It screams "Toei Animation." Takara based it on the style that I wanted.

He looks so great, I hope he holds up.

There are probably tons of video-reviews by now, but any specific ones you'd recommend in case I'll need help with the transformation? Preferably someone who's familiar with the problem areas.

I do wish the cannon had lights instead of sound bites.

Nice to see that they put another pin in the index finger.

You got yours first?!

Unfounded indeed with all these "the face is too long" etc. Can only judge if you have it in face.

[Cobotron]

Got my MP-36!

Let the photo shoot, BEGIN!!!!

[Ironhidensh]

I sold my Despotron, but it was a very hard decision to make. If 36 had not been a gift, I might have kept Despo. That figure is amazing, and equal to 36, in my humble opinion, and I have really, really come to love 36.

I admit, I didn't expect to see this! Is 36 really that good? I admit, I am seeing some freakin' amazing poses and it obviously wins over Despotron in terms of accessories but wow! I adore Despotron but the reviews of 36 are making me wonder. His head still looks a little too big too me though and I wish he had red on the inner lower legs.

I didn't expect it, either! 36 really is that awesome, even with his flaws. However, Despotron is that awesome as well. I really wish I had space to keep them both. And seeing as how the winning bidder on Despy turned out to be a non payer (or possible an anti 3rd party fake account) I may still keep him. The two are different enough, and represent different aspects of the character (original tv and comics) so it isn't really doubling up on the same figure. For me, space is an issue though.

Don't feel, by any means, that you need to replace Despotron with 36. In my humble opinion, both figures are equal, if different, in awesome sauce. Neither one is better than the other one is. They can both hold their own. Although, I do feel 36 is a mold everyone should experience. Still though, Despotron rules, and you should be very happy with him. If you ever do decide to try out 36, I fully believe you will be happy with him as well. Its a very good time to be a fan, with all the choices we have these days.

Now, 'cause its been a few posts, some picture love.



Megatron is a sexy beast!



Megatron approves of this beer!

[fenrir72]

Just a heads up to those interested.

"If there is a god, there must be a demon." "If there is Chojin so much come Kyo"

So If there is an Emperor of Destruction,there must be a Cybertron Supreme Commander

so MP-10 is being re-issued again

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/review ... agecnt%3D1

so check 'em out

together with Air Commander Starscream ( kind'a late though, supposedly the last week of April)

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/review ... agecnt%3D1

https://hlj.com/search/go?p=R&srid=S1-3 ... &view=grid

So for the Cybertrons we have the G1 big shots

Convoy, UM,Prowl,IH for the upgraded scales (iirc, they were like the top echelon leadership)

the Destrons, we have the big baddies'

Megatron, Soundwave (re-issued + the Cassetrons),Starscream (re-issued) and Shockwave.(So for the Destrons, all we need are the Reflector and the Season #1 are nearly complete except Devs which we'll never have )

[Big Grim]

Don't feel, by any means, that you need to replace Despotron with 36. In my humble opinion, both figures are equal, if different, in awesome sauce. Neither one is better than the other one is. They can both hold their own. Although, I do feel 36 is a mold everyone should experience. Still though, Despotron rules, and you should be very happy with him. If you ever do decide to try out 36, I fully believe you will be happy with him as well. Its a very good time to be a fan, with all the choices we have these days.

Thanks for the write up! I'm still super happy with Despotron, so he stays. Maybe in the future, finances allowing, I will try 36. Some of the poses I've seen him in are incredible.

[Kurona]

Well there are, like, four major G1 continuities by now (Cartoon, Marvel, Dreamwave, IDW), so if you do get 36 you could use Despotron as one of the non-cartoon ones. Heck, you could maybe sort of use one of them in a Beast Wars MP display if we get Ravage out of Cheetor!

[Big Grim]

Well there are, like, four major G1 continuities by now (Cartoon, Marvel, Dreamwave, IDW), so if you do get 36 you could use Despotron as one of the non-cartoon ones. Heck, you could maybe sort of use one of them in a Beast Wars MP display if we get Ravage out of Cheetor!

Hah! Don't encourage me!