The Energon Pub

Mkdlmr wrote:Curious: any advice on cleaning transformers or preserving non-box packaging while opening (e.g. Micromasters packaging)? Thanks!

For cleaning, dry brushes work best. I would recommend a tooth brush and a 1" paint brush to remove dust and grime, finish with compressed air. If you have to use a liquid use isopropyl alcohol as it's plastic safe, non-reactive to metals and evaporates quickly.

If you're talking preserving carded figure packaging then really the only way is to remove the bubble with sharp knife like a box cutter or X-acto/hobby knife.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

Mkdlmr wrote:Curious: any advice on cleaning transformers or preserving non-box packaging while opening (e.g. Micromasters packaging)? Thanks!

For cleaning, dry brushes work best. I would recommend a tooth brush and a 1" paint brush to remove dust and grime, finish with compressed air. If you have to use a liquid use isopropyl alcohol as it's plastic safe, non-reactive to metals and evaporates quickly.

If you're talking preserving carded figure packaging then really the only way is to remove the bubble with sharp knife like a box cutter or X-acto/hobby knife.

Emerje

Thanks so much for the advice! I was honestly thinking of something along the lines of an archaeologist brush or barber shop shaving cream brush.

Hmm... That Black Zarak figure looks pretty cool. Shame there's no actual product photos at this time. I don't have Scorponok, and probably won't have the funds for Black Zarak either.

However, if I had to choose one...?

Mkdlmr wrote:Hmm... That Black Zarak figure looks pretty cool. Shame there's no actual product photos at this time. I don't have Scorponok, and probably won't have the funds for Black Zarak either.

However, if I had to choose one...?

If you don't care about the characters, go for the one that you think look the coolest. You should hurry while you can still preorder one at normal base price. Wait a bit more and you'll have to pay double, just like for Trypticon.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Mkdlmr wrote:Hmm... That Black Zarak figure looks pretty cool. Shame there's no actual product photos at this time. I don't have Scorponok, and probably won't have the funds for Black Zarak either.

However, if I had to choose one...?

If you don't care about the characters, go for the one that you think look the coolest. You should hurry while you can still preorder one at normal base price. Wait a bit more and you'll have to pay double, just like for Trypticon.

Yea... More of a G1 first three seasons fan, so a Metroplex would be preferred, but he's nowhere to be found at a reasonable price.

Anyone have issues with Omega Supreme's rocket mode's top door popping off? Any advice?

Mkdlmr wrote:Anyone have issues with Omega Supreme's rocket mode's top door popping off? Any advice?

Not really. Is it popping off too easily with playtime? Regardless, just pop it back in. Better that than just outright breakage.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Mkdlmr wrote:Anyone have issues with Omega Supreme's rocket mode's top door popping off? Any advice?

Not really. Is it popping off too easily with playtime? Regardless, just pop it back in. Better that than just outright breakage.

Okay, thanks! Yes, looks like it just pops off very easily. Little one kept trying to open the door too far... I took a photo, pointing to the bottom of the hinge.

Mkdlmr wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Mkdlmr wrote:Anyone have issues with Omega Supreme's rocket mode's top door popping off? Any advice?

Not really. Is it popping off too easily with playtime? Regardless, just pop it back in. Better that than just outright breakage.

Okay, thanks! Yes, looks like it just pops off very easily. Little one kept trying to open the door too far... I took a photo, pointing to the bottom of the hinge.

PXL_20210818_221149230-01.jpeg

It happened to me too. Be used to it. It's a safety feature that is pretty common.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Mkdlmr wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Mkdlmr wrote:Anyone have issues with Omega Supreme's rocket mode's top door popping off? Any advice?

Not really. Is it popping off too easily with playtime? Regardless, just pop it back in. Better that than just outright breakage.

Okay, thanks! Yes, looks like it just pops off very easily. Little one kept trying to open the door too far... I took a photo, pointing to the bottom of the hinge.

PXL_20210818_221149230-01.jpeg

It happened to me too. Be used to it. It's a safety feature that is pretty common.

Thanks so much!

So, even unite Warriors Devastator has super stiff wrist rotation. Any advice on how to loosen that or pin the wrists so they don't unhinge at the fold/transformation point?

I was thinking of maybe trying some like this on them, but I'm apprehensive to do anything to such an expensive figure.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0013J41KW/ ... REX436ED7B

Mkdlmr wrote:So, even unite Warriors Devastator has super stiff wrist rotation. Any advice on how to loosen that or pin the wrists so they don't unhinge at the fold/transformation point?

I was thinking of maybe trying some like this on them, but I'm apprehensive to do anything to such an expensive figure.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0013J41KW/ ... REX436ED7B

Hey, if you got some new cool things, share your hauls over here:
transformers-toy-haul-thread-t13.php

As for the super stiff joints, I think that the plastic safe lubricant would do the trick nicely. Put in the bare minimum so to not make a mess.
I never used that myself (nor ever felt the need to) but it could be a good idea to have such a can on hand.

As for super loose ball joints, I heard that this stuff can do miracles.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/324295747593?_t ... %3A2334524

I think I'll buy some myself. It would be MUCH safer to use than super glue.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Mkdlmr wrote:So, even unite Warriors Devastator has super stiff wrist rotation. Any advice on how to loosen that or pin the wrists so they don't unhinge at the fold/transformation point?

I was thinking of maybe trying some like this on them, but I'm apprehensive to do anything to such an expensive figure.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0013J41KW/ ... REX436ED7B

Hey, if you got some new cool things, share your hauls over here:
transformers-toy-haul-thread-t13.php

As for the super stiff joints, I think that the plastic safe lubricant would do the trick nicely. Put in the bare minimum so to not make a mess.
I never used that myself (nor ever felt the need to) but it could be a good idea to have such a can on hand.

As for super loose ball joints, I heard that this stuff can do miracles.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/324295747593?_t ... %3A2334524

I think I'll buy some myself. It would be MUCH safer to use than super glue.

Thanks for the links and info!

Yes...I definitely need to get my collection together. A few items are "saved for later" (Christmas presents, my family never knows what to get me. Devastator is an atta-boy for a work project that should wrap up mid-september, etc.)

I did pick up Micromasters Red Heat and Stakeout... You look at them funny and they're legs practically fall off... Any advice? Maybe that loose joint fix? Thanks!

Loose joints fix may help, but at that size, do not make things too tight or breakages may occur.

You can also use floor wax like Mop and Glow or clear nail polish, stuff you might already have in your house. Just brush it on the ball half of the joint and let it dry completely. May take more than one coat to build the ball up.

Emerje

Any idea what the next titan will be? You mentioned cybertron metroplex. I've heard rumors of SS86 Devastator as well. I know some people want the nemesis to transform as opposition to the ark [Trypticon? Fall off Cybertron video game reference]...

Next titan is rumored for being Cybertron Metroplex. If they succeed at improving the altmode while keeping the two robot modes, it may be quite awesome.

The original is pretty nice! I just wish I had the minicon too.

-Kanrabat- wrote:Next titan is rumored for being Cybertron Metroplex. If they succeed at improving the altmode while keeping the two robot modes, it may be quite awesome.

The original is pretty nice! I just wish I had the minicon too.

I was never a fan of that design. I guess the alt-mode being the largest vehicle kinda makes sense?

I would love to see realistic alt-modes for titans:

Rocket ship + gantry (maybe a couple M1 Abrams for defense/tank mode or some other stationary cannon?) for Omega Supreme

Air-craft carrier for Metroplex

Dunno what else... A realistic military line would be awesome IMHO

Really regretting not getting the haslab Unicron btw. At ~$650 shipped he was a little too expensive IMHO. $400-ish (a little more than double a standard titan seemed more appropriate). Sadly I don't see them doing a reissue...

Mkdlmr wrote:Really regretting not getting the haslab Unicron btw. At ~$650 shipped he was a little too expensive IMHO. $400-ish (a little more than double a standard titan seemed more appropriate). Sadly I don't see them doing a reissue...

Haslab Unicron would NEVER be able to be cheaper than that 650$US initial price. It's huge, heavy, and have an insane amount of parts.
Now to get one, it's 1000-2000$ easy...

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Mkdlmr wrote:Really regretting not getting the haslab Unicron btw. At ~$650 shipped he was a little too expensive IMHO. $400-ish (a little more than double a standard titan seemed more appropriate). Sadly I don't see them doing a reissue...

Haslab Unicron would NEVER be able to be cheaper than that 650$US initial price. It's huge, heavy, and have an insane amount of parts.
Now to get one, it's 1000-2000$ easy...

Ha! Yea... I would never pay more than that initial price... Hopefully they do a second run, but I'm not holding my breath...

Any thoughts on the titan class ark? He looks neat, but feels overpriced and lacking in playability (sorry, already mentioned as much). Please let me know if I'm in error.

I keep hearing good things about Scorponok. A lot of people like him and Omega Supreme (really liking him!).

Any good, small transformers? I have a few modern Micromasters, and those legs just won't stay on...

Mkdlmr wrote:Any good, small transformers? I have a few modern Micromasters, and those legs just won't stay on...

To interact as Titan minions? Look no further than the current Legion / Legend class figures. Also don't be confused about the name, but look for the Transformers Prime and Dark of the Moon Cyberverse toys if you don't mind universes crossovers. Many of them are SO good!

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Mkdlmr wrote:Any good, small transformers? I have a few modern Micromasters, and those legs just won't stay on...

To interact as Titan minions? Look no further than the current Legion / Legend class figures. Also don't be confused about the name, but look for the Transformers Prime and Dark of the Moon Cyberverse toys if you don't mind universes crossovers. Many of them are SO good!

I'll look into them. Thanks!

So, opinions about the Ark?