The Energon Pub

TFSource and ToyArena also has Down Force in stock.

My order processed. You know... I still don't get how some of you say that FP is dropping the ball. We've seen all five of their Stunticons in all modes, and three of them are in stock in various online stores. That's better than MMC's Predaking, at least. And TFC's Superion's got that add-on kit to make it 'complete', if you want it.

From where I'm sitting, they're doing a damned good job.

Sitting in my POL.......I can't wait for the rest to come out. I have seen all the pics they have shown, and I don't see anything wrong with the set, myself.

RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:My order processed. You know... I still don't get how some of you say that FP is dropping the ball. We've seen all five of their Stunticons in all modes, and three of them are in stock in various online stores. That's better than MMC's Predaking, at least. And TFC's Superion's got that add-on kit to make it 'complete', if you want it.

From where I'm sitting, they're doing a damned good job.

Sure, except some of use (myself included) will not view this set as 'complete' until we do get some sort of 'add-on' set (which FP is very unlikely to make themselves); and whilst I'm not in quite at that extreme side of the spectrum, some have even speculated on desiring replacement figures for 2 or more of these guys. Kinda rough reviews all around for such a 'good job' if you ask me, but alas, it's better than nothing and certainly the best 3rd party Stunticon set to date (though I fully believe that ANY competition at this point would put FP's offering to shame, though I don't blame them for that, as I suspect this set was designed loooooong ago, well before any of us had seen the 'new generation' of 3rd party figures we're seeing in this current 3P renaissance we're experiencing now).

xyl360 wrote:

RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:My order processed. You know... I still don't get how some of you say that FP is dropping the ball. We've seen all five of their Stunticons in all modes, and three of them are in stock in various online stores. That's better than MMC's Predaking, at least. And TFC's Superion's got that add-on kit to make it 'complete', if you want it.

From where I'm sitting, they're doing a damned good job.

Sure, except some of use (myself included) will not view this set as 'complete' until we do get some sort of 'add-on' set (which FP is very unlikely to make themselves); and whilst I'm not in quite at that extreme side of the spectrum, some have even speculated on desiring replacement figures for 2 or more of these guys. Kinda rough reviews all around for such a 'good job' if you ask me, but alas, it's better than nothing and certainly the best 3rd party Stunticon set to date (though I fully believe that ANY competition at this point would put FP's offering to shame, though I don't blame them for that, as I suspect this set was designed loooooong ago, well before any of us had seen the 'new generation' of 3rd party figures we're seeing in this current 3P renaissance we're experiencing now).

I don't know about that... I wouldn't go so far as to say -ANY- 3rd could come out with anything that would put this set to shame..., but even if they could, being the first one to design and market a figure offers other inspiring 3rds to take notes and capitalize on the mistakes of the one's who first dared to try.

So far the only real collective gripe has been pertaining to the arms of Menasor. I myself am in this category, but I also believe the way they have the legs set up is genius. It's only a shame they didn't figure something similar out for the arms, but I still don't see this as dropping the ball as so many seem to feel. Regardless, if FP pays attention to the complaints perhaps they'll release an arm addon. After all, it's not like addon kits are foreign territory for them.

People are more back and forth with the individual figures themselves. It was only recently a lot of hate was hurled in Dragstrips direction and now with some official pics he's becoming a bit more accepted. That's just collectors for you, I suppose.

I think it's a great set with a few imperfections. If TFC or MMC made these guys the individual bots would tower over OP and Megs which would look ridiculous, not to mention TFC would likely push for a 'complete' add on after their first run with QC issues.

In any case, I think it's far too early to claim "FP dropped the ball" until we get the full set out and in the hands of the consumer.

RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:My order processed. You know... I still don't get how some of you say that FP is dropping the ball. We've seen all five of their Stunticons in all modes, and three of them are in stock in various online stores. That's better than MMC's Predaking, at least. And TFC's Superion's got that add-on kit to make it 'complete', if you want it.

From where I'm sitting, they're doing a damned good job.

Make them slightly bigger to face off against Autobot cars, make the heads more G1 cartoon accurate, make Menasor’s arms better without the “thighs become elbows” look, and flush that Knockout looking thing down the toilet and make a Dead End that’s G1 accurate. Then Ill say good job. Right now TFC is the new Fansproject.

I've got to wait for the Takara Senator Ratbat repaint before shipping my POL but other than that, it's good to go!

And the usual "where's Motormaster?" follow up.

hmm.. Think I'll hold off for Ratbat before I ship as well. oh and Cogs. Still very excited to complete these. I'll take these over TFC's offerings any day.

cannot wait to get Downforce! He looks awesome.....

Rated X wrote:Right now TFC is the new Fansproject.

False!

Completely different companies. They differ on design philosophy, plastic quality, and overall reputation (IMHO, FP wins on all points). That, combined with the fact that not everyone sees TFC as THE dominant 3rd party player, where FP was exactly that for an extended period of time (the market is infinitely more fragmented now than it was even a couple years ago), causes me to question your statement.

Of course, you're entitled to your opinion

megatronus wrote:

Rated X wrote:Right now TFC is the new Fansproject.

False!

Completely different companies. They differ on design philosophy, plastic quality, and overall reputation (IMHO, FP wins on all points). That, combined with the fact that not everyone sees TFC as THE dominant 3rd party player, where FP was exactly that for an extended period of time (the market is infinitely more fragmented now than it was even a couple years ago), causes me to question your statement.

Of course, you're entitled to your opinion

TFC aren't the new FP, but they do make better combiners. With all the great stuff being released/about to be released by a number of different companies I no longer believe that there is a dominant group anymore. FP has released a lot of good stuff (and I've bought a lot of it), but IMHO they are only good and not great.

For me, many of the toys could've been great, but something always got in the way. Defender looks over engineered, Assaulter has that stupid Macros alt mode, the insecticons transformation is annoying. Explorer and Munitioner are cool, but they are scout class toys that enhance a set that is really showing its age now. The only FP figure I have the I personally think is awesome is Code. The way the Headmaster's cockpit and Codes face disappear during transformation is what really makes that guy stand out for me!

Going back to Explorer and Munitioner (and getting back on topic ), the single greatest issue I have with Not-Menasor (aside for being slightly to small) is that the arms continue the outdated look started with those two. Explorer and Munitioner can be forgiven because of what they are updating, but FP really should've taken the Stunticons back to the drawing board for an update before releasing them

Arctorro wrote:

megatronus wrote:

Rated X wrote:Right now TFC is the new Fansproject.

False!

Completely different companies. They differ on design philosophy, plastic quality, and overall reputation (IMHO, FP wins on all points). That, combined with the fact that not everyone sees TFC as THE dominant 3rd party player, where FP was exactly that for an extended period of time (the market is infinitely more fragmented now than it was even a couple years ago), causes me to question your statement.

Of course, you're entitled to your opinion

TFC aren't the new FP, but they do make better combiners. With all the great stuff being released/about to be released by a number of different companies I no longer believe that there is a dominant group anymore. FP has released a lot of good stuff (and I've bought a lot of it), but IMHO they are only good and not great.

For me, many of the toys could've been great, but something always got in the way. Defender looks over engineered, Assaulter has that stupid Macros alt mode, the insecticons transformation is annoying. Explorer and Munitioner are cool, but they are scout class toys that enhance a set that is really showing its age now. The only FP figure I have the I personally think is awesome is Code. The way the Headmaster's cockpit and Codes face disappear during transformation is what really makes that guy stand out for me!

Going back to Explorer and Munitioner (and getting back on topic ), the single greatest issue I have with Not-Menasor (aside for being slightly to small) is that the arms continue the outdated look started with those two. Explorer and Munitioner can be forgiven because of what they are updating, but FP really should've taken the Stunticons back to the drawing board for an update before releasing them

I can respect that. I feel that the FP Insecticons remain some of the best 3rd Party figures ever made, but of course, that's just me. FP was great a couple years ago relative to everything else out there - they were so innovative. Now, they have to step up their game to catch up with the leaps and bounds forward other companies have taken. I, personally, don't mind the legs as elbows look for Intimidator. With my Bruticus, I hardly notice it because the elbow joint is actually utilized and posed dynamically. It does a lot to hide that particular flaw. But I can see where it would annoy some people.

I think MMC may become the new premiere 3rd Party Collectible company (vs. 3rd Party Toy company, which is what I see TFC as being). With not a single classics figure out in the market yet (excepting Mech iDeas Apex & Geminus, which I don't count for this purpose since they were released under that other name), MMC has whipped up an incredibly large amount of fervor & demand. If they prove they can execute Terminus Hexatron & Feral Rex, I think they can really establish themselves as the preeminent 3rd party. We'll see.

megatronus wrote:I can respect that. I feel that the FP Insecticons remain some of the best 3rd Party figures ever made, but of course, that's just me. FP was great a couple years ago relative to everything else out there - they were so innovative. Now, they have to step up their game to catch up with the leaps and bounds forward other companies have taken. I, personally, don't mind the legs as elbows look for Intimidator. With my Bruticus, I hardly notice it because the elbow joint is actually utilized and posed dynamically. It does a lot to hide that particular flaw. But I can see where it would annoy some people.

They do need to step up their game, but not by that much thankfully. Realistically all they needed to do was cover the knee joints and it wouldn't have been a big issue. For me the problem comes from the fact that Maketoys were able to do Giant (which I personally can't stand) with the modern arms, yet FP, who have more experience, still couldn't

megatronus wrote:I think MMC may become the new premiere 3rd Party Collectible company (vs. 3rd Party Toy company, which is what I see TFC as being). With not a single classics figure out in the market yet (excepting Mech iDeas Apex & Geminus, which I don't count for this purpose since they were released under that other name), MMC has whipped up an incredibly large amount of fervor & demand. If they prove they can execute Terminus Hexatron & Feral Rex, I think they can really establish themselves as the preeminent 3rd party. We'll see.

That is a really good way of looking at it! If Hexatron & Feral Rex are at the quality we are expecting and they continue with more Neo-Classics figures I believe you will be correct.

Arctorro wrote:They do need to step up their game, but not by that much thankfully. Realistically all they needed to do was cover the knee joints and it wouldn't have been a big issue. For me the problem comes from the fact that Maketoys were able to do Giant (which I personally can't stand) with the modern arms, yet FP, who have more experience, still couldn't

I can't stand Giant either, to tell you the truth. Between not-very-G1 robot modes, the combiner's club foot, huge shoulder pads, and general busy-ness... let's just say I definitely fall on the Hercules side of the fence

Also, to be fair to FP, Giant kind of cheats on the arms by not really having them. Unless you count those random generator attachments...

megatronus wrote:

Arctorro wrote:They do need to step up their game, but not by that much thankfully. Realistically all they needed to do was cover the knee joints and it wouldn't have been a big issue. For me the problem comes from the fact that Maketoys were able to do Giant (which I personally can't stand) with the modern arms, yet FP, who have more experience, still couldn't

I can't stand Giant either, to tell you the truth. Between not-very-G1 robot modes, the combiner's club foot, huge shoulder pads, and general busy-ness... let's just say I definitely fall on the Hercules side of the fence

Also, to be fair to FP, Giant kind of cheats on the arms by not really having them. Unless you count those random generator attachments...

P.S. Arctorro, I LOVE your signature pic

megatronus wrote:

Arctorro wrote:They do need to step up their game, but not by that much thankfully. Realistically all they needed to do was cover the knee joints and it wouldn't have been a big issue. For me the problem comes from the fact that Maketoys were able to do Giant (which I personally can't stand) with the modern arms, yet FP, who have more experience, still couldn't

I can't stand Giant either, to tell you the truth. Between not-very-G1 robot modes, the combiner's club foot, huge shoulder pads, and general busy-ness... let's just say I definitely fall on the Hercules side of the fence

100% agree

megatronus wrote:Also, to be fair to FP, Giant kind of cheats on the arms by not really having them. Unless you count those random generator attachments...

I completely forgot about that, forget I even said anything

megatronus wrote:P.S. Arctorro, I LOVE your signature pic

Thanks!

Thread name updated.

I just bought Dragstrip from Kapow and he is the one i'm least looking forward to is he better in hand anyone ?

Autobot Genocide wrote:I just bought Dragstrip from Kapow and he is the one i'm least looking forward to is he better in hand anyone ?

Just got mine today. I'll see if I can snap some pics tonite.

Okay, quick review of Down Force (not-Dragstrip). I have not seen any other reviews, so I may be repeating some things that have already been said. Also, it should be noted that I have been ecstatic that this set is being done and I have a lot of respect and admiration for Fansproject. (Fairness is bias reporting!)

The bot mode is nice. In many ways, it's less fiddly and seems locked in more. Initially, he was back heavy and kept falling over. Then I noticed that the tire had a slot and the leg a tab (pic below). Once this was seated, there were no more stability issues. (There hadn't better be with his bell bottomed stance.) One other note, the gun is tiny; like I'm afraid I'm going to lose it in my belly folds tiny. And like the others, it comes apart in half to store. However, it stores better than the others. Anyway, here are the pics in bot mode.











If you can see it, wheel is now tabbed right behind the shin allowing for greater stability. (Pic didn't come out great. I'll see if I can get a better shot. Not using a very good camera.)



There is one fiddly thing in the transformation that isn't really addressed in the instructions, namely that you have to deal with the purple toes going into the cockpit.





The car mode is pretty cool, though I think the rear wheels look too small. Perhaps that's the thinness due to how he transforms. Be very careful of the front wing. I swear I was going to break it in trying to snap the nose together.











I do have a couple of comparison shots with Car Crash and T-Bone.







That's right. Down Force is bigger than the other two. Perhaps this is due to the arm function as Menasor, where the other two are just the shins.

All in all, I'm fairly happy. The transformation is far simpler and less fiddly than the previous two. I never came close to poking a hole through my finger or severing an artery. I might lose the gun, and the whole front assembly feels like it's going to break the next time I transform him (due to design, not plastic quality.) However, I will not be transforming these guys over and over like I do with Assaulter and Function(x). I have a feeling that once I build Menasor, he's going next to FP Superion and that will be it.

If you want to see other pics, let me know.

Great review, thanks

My latest PoL should arrive in a few days and I'll have these guys in hand. Not as excited about them as I was/am about Uranos and Feral Rex, but still looking forward to having them in hand

Thanks a lot Agamemnon that helped me out , i think that's the first time iv'e seen Dragstrip in robot form from the back he looks quite tidy i think i'll end up liking this guy . cheers.

Great pics. They look fine! I get mine Monday. Thanks for the early preview.

c/o yoonakron of TFW2005 from Botcon

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