The Energon Pub

shajaki wrote:damn! ive seen lena list those, but its labelled improperly as "generations" instead of takaras "legends". i may have to watch those...

theres also been some more developements since the last time this thread surfaced. like the revolver upgrade being a real thing:
preorder at BBTS for $54.99

I got a Takara Roadbuster from Lena a while back, its a nice figure, get him if you can.

Heres my review.

Managed to snag a Takara Roadbuster off of eBay, thought I would do a brief review for those who are interested.

Robot Mode:

Now first I would like to say I dont own the Hasbro version so I cannot really comment on the differences between the two, and secondly I recieved this loose of a China based eBayer, the version I recived has some differences to the version previewed earlier on this thread, so I'm not sure if it is a test shot or the figure has had some last minute changes.



I must say I really like the bot mode, love his proportions and my initial worries about his feet being too big disappeared once I got him displayed just so, the colour pallet is pleasing to the eye and screams Roadbuster. Lots of ratcheted joints is reasuring for stability, although I will say some of them seem pretty tight, especially the upper thigh ratchets which seem to be a bit on th squeeky side, leading me to think they may strip over time (time will tell on that one), if anyone can reply with similar problems with the Hasbro version I would appreciate it. Other tight joints include the bicep swivel and knee swivel , but these are not ratcheted so should not cause any problems in the future. Theres a nice level of articulation to the figure and I really like the customisable nature of the weaponry. Paint apps are very good with no blemishes.





One interesting point is the preview shot posted earlier in the thread shows Roadbuster to have very distinctive metallic green paint on his visor, however my version has very lightly tinted green light piping.



Again I'm not sure if this is a test shot or the figure has been subject to last minute changes, we shall see.

Alt Mode

Transformation is quite simple, but very rewarding, everything slots and tabs away nicely, there is very litte kibble. The alt mode is very pleasing to the eye and there are plenty of 5mm slots to accomadate and customise the weaponry.













In summary I am very happy with this figure, some of the joints are quite tight in places and some of the ratchets may be prone to stripping which is a bit of a worry, however as I have mentioned this may not be the retail version of the figure. Also the figure came loose so no sticker sheet as with the Hasbro version but I belive that the Takara versions dont come with sticker sheets anyway.

UPDATE:

Based on the recent video review from Rocket Punch Army I think it's safe to say my version is the final one. That said, based on the tightness of some of the joints and the possibility of some of the ratchets stripping, I would say if you already own the Hasbro version the Takara version is not worth the extra premium you would pay, they are virtually identical in appearance and if anything the Takara version is somewhat lacking in paint apps compared to the Hasbro one. I bought this one because I missed out on the Hasbro release and this guy cost me less than half the cost of the Hasbro one, would I drop £30-£40 on this guy? Based on the version I have? I would have to say no.

shajaki wrote:damn! ive seen lena list those, but its labelled improperly as "generations" instead of takaras "legends". i may have to watch those...

theres also been some more developements since the last time this thread surfaced. like the revolver upgrade being a real thing:
preorder at BBTS for $54.99

That's maybe why they've been going away for 8.50$ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



http://www.ebay.com/itm/Takara-Transformers-Generations-2014-30-Thriling-Voyager-Class-RoadBuster-Loose-/231425066530?pt=BI_Circuit_Breakers_Transformers&hash=item35e2024622#ht_7618wt_1170

Seriously, I bought my hasbro Roadbuster off Lena for 18$, I thought it was a bargain. But this is just bonkers.

shajaki wrote:damn! ive seen lena list those, but its labelled improperly as "generations" instead of takaras "legends". i may have to watch those...

theres also been some more developements since the last time this thread surfaced. like the revolver upgrade being a real thing:
preorder at BBTS for $54.99

That set is the worst.

Just...the worst.

william-james88 wrote:

shajaki wrote:damn! ive seen lena list those, but its labelled improperly as "generations" instead of takaras "legends". i may have to watch those...

theres also been some more developements since the last time this thread surfaced. like the revolver upgrade being a real thing:
preorder at BBTS for $54.99

That's maybe why they've been going away for 8.50$ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



http://www.ebay.com/itm/Takara-Transformers-Generations-2014-30-Thriling-Voyager-Class-RoadBuster-Loose-/231425066530?pt=BI_Circuit_Breakers_Transformers&hash=item35e2024622#ht_7618wt_1170

Seriously, I bought my hasbro Roadbuster off Lena for 18$, I thought it was a bargain. But this is just bonkers.

I think that may also be due to Lena being a little harder to find through a general search as of late.

The addition of an over-priced add-on doesn't make the FP Not-Roadbuster any more appealing; the opposite, in fact. Now it's a brick with another brick attached, and the whole thing will set you back, what, $150? Compared to $20 for the Hasbro version.

GuyIncognito wrote:The addition of an over-priced add-on doesn't make the FP Not-Roadbuster any more appealing; the opposite, in fact. Now it's a brick with another brick attached, and the whole thing will set you back, what, $150? Compared to $20 for the Hasbro version.

just curious, why do you say its a brick?

shajaki wrote:

GuyIncognito wrote:The addition of an over-priced add-on doesn't make the FP Not-Roadbuster any more appealing; the opposite, in fact. Now it's a brick with another brick attached, and the whole thing will set you back, what, $150? Compared to $20 for the Hasbro version.

just curious, why do you say its a brick?

To be fair he does look like he's made out of Lego.

shajaki wrote:

GuyIncognito wrote:The addition of an over-priced add-on doesn't make the FP Not-Roadbuster any more appealing; the opposite, in fact. Now it's a brick with another brick attached, and the whole thing will set you back, what, $150? Compared to $20 for the Hasbro version.

just curious, why do you say its a brick?

Because it's shaped like one. It looks like a brick on wheels.

GuyIncognito wrote:

shajaki wrote:

GuyIncognito wrote:The addition of an over-priced add-on doesn't make the FP Not-Roadbuster any more appealing; the opposite, in fact. Now it's a brick with another brick attached, and the whole thing will set you back, what, $150? Compared to $20 for the Hasbro version.

just curious, why do you say its a brick?

Because it's shaped like one. It looks like a brick on wheels.

ok. normally the term "brick" implies no posability. but yeah, he's blocky, and thats an aesthetic i really like. so thats just a matter of personal taste.

The Fansproject Roadbuster is in no conceivable way a "brick".

Counterpunch wrote:The Fansproject Roadbuster is in no conceivable way a "brick".

Guys, please know that this post is all in good fun and I could simply not resist when reading this comment:


Which looks more like a brick

? :

I believe the hips on the Generations version prevent something like this:

william-james88 wrote:Which looks more like a brick

point taken

Yotsuyasan wrote:
The only minor issue I had was that the post on the missile firing gun seemed a bit small, as it was loose in any of Roadbuster's holes. A bit of clear nail polish seems to have fixed that, though, and he's all better! (Anyone else come across that, or was it just a peculiarity of mine?)

I realize this post is months old, but just wanted to say that yes, my Roadbuster has a similar issue with the post on the missile launcher. In some holes it fits okay, but in others no way. Unfortunately the shoulder holes seem to be in the no way category. Fortunately the guy's got enough weaponry that it doesn't hurt. And I love all the ways you can put them together -- WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAy better than Whirl's weapons.

Optimum Supreme wrote:. And I love all the ways you can put them together -- WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAy better than Whirl's weapons.

Whats your best configuration? I try but it always end up looking lopsided towards the right.

im not sure if i told everyone the conclusion i came to, so...
today i finally won a legends roadbuster from lena, and i also plan to get the generations one (if i ever find it) to mix and match if the plastics match. and double the guns!

however, i do plan to still get revolver. hes currently on sale at BBTS ($79.99), and has been for a little while. when the time is right and assuming the sale price stays, ill grab him. probably the upgrade kit too.

So your conclusion is that everybody wins and that one should not limit himself to one or the other when one can have both? Sounds great! And congrats on that Lena win!

william-james88 wrote:So your conclusion is that everybody wins and that one should not limit himself to one or the other when one can have both? Sounds great! And congrats on that Lena win!

well, i decided probably even before i made this thread to commit to revolver. it was hastaks that i needed convincing on. ultimately i figured why pass on a figure that i can (presumably) find locally? and the price was right on takaras. besides, there is enough positives on hastaks side to make me want to bite.

shajaki wrote:

william-james88 wrote:So your conclusion is that everybody wins and that one should not limit himself to one or the other when one can have both? Sounds great! And congrats on that Lena win!

well, i decided probably even before i made this thread to commit to revolver. it was hastaks that i needed convincing on. ultimately i figured why pass on a figure that i can (presumably) find locally? and the price was right on takaras. besides, there is enough positives on hastaks side to make me want to bite.

To be honest, if I didnt get that deal I got with Lena on my hasbro Roadbuster, would have been a bit bitter. His legs are a nightmare in terms of illogical positioning and articulation. Thew discusses that problem well. But for less than 20$ shipped, I cant and dont complain too much. I do really like how he is faithful in appearance to his G1 toy and his alt mode is very sweet.

thread revival! i got my legends RB showed up today.... and my brains got more thinkins...



i am really torn now. hastaks RB has limitations. BUT I LOVE IT. it is a damn fun figure. i was dead set on getting him and revolver, but now i dont really know if i need him.

first off, i would recommend hastaks RB to anyone - especially given the price. transformation is simple but neat, and his vehicle mode is solid. the robot mode looks great, and my misgivings about his aesthetics have pretty much done out the window now that he's in hand. that arsenal... you can have fun playing around with the configurations for hours.

but as i said, he has limitations. his biggest gun (missile launcher) doesnt like to peg in to any holes as firmly as the others for some reason. he pas peg hole everywhere, but i wish that there was one more on his back/roof. thats where i have the missile launcher right now held on with an elastic which i think looks great. his posability is really good, but his legs suffer from the thighs hitting his waist, which causes him to lose a lot of forward motion. however one of my main issues before getting him were his clown feet, which yes he does have. but thanks to the hinge his foot is attatched to, it can be set back to make his feet look more normal. though i think that might affect his stability in some poses. honestly the feet dont bug me anyways.

the main point id like to make, is HE'S SUPER FUN! i honestly dont know if ill get revolver now, but its still a posibility with BBTS's sale price.

shajaki wrote:thread revival! i got my legends RB showed up today.... and my brains got more thinkins...



i am really torn now. hastaks RB has limitations. BUT I LOVE IT. it is a damn fun figure. i was dead set on getting him and revolver, but now i dont really know if i need him.

first off, i would recommend hastaks RB to anyone - especially given the price. transformation is simple but neat, and his vehicle mode is solid. the robot mode looks great, and my misgivings about his aesthetics have pretty much done out the window now that he's in hand. that arsenal... you can have fun playing around with the configurations for hours.

but as i said, he has limitations. his biggest gun (missile launcher) doesnt like to peg in to any holes as firmly as the others for some reason. he pas peg hole everywhere, but i wish that there was one more on his back/roof. thats where i have the missile launcher right now held on with an elastic which i think looks great. his posability is really good, but his legs suffer from the thighs hitting his waist, which causes him to lose a lot of forward motion. however one of my main issues before getting him were his clown feet, which yes he does have. but thanks to the hinge his foot is attatched to, it can be set back to make his feet look more normal. though i think that might affect his stability in some poses. honestly the feet dont bug me anyways.

the main point id like to make, is HE'S SUPER FUN! i honestly dont know if ill get revolver now, but its still a posibility with BBTS's sale price.

That alt mode is amazing! I have a big problem with his leg poseability, as I wrote before, but that is all I have problems with and the only reason why I would understand someone getting Revolver. But what really sets him apart from revolver is the alt mode. It has so much personality to it while revolver's looks too by the numbers and not as iconic (it looks like a brick on wheels). I agree that Hastak did an amazing job on Roadbuster and I am super impressed with how easy his transformation is and how that doesnt hinder any of the modes in aesthetic. They both look good and distinctive with minimal kibble. Really glad you enjoy this guy.

shajaki wrote:thread revival! i got my legends RB showed up today.... and my brains got more thinkins...



i am really torn now. hastaks RB has limitations. BUT I LOVE IT. it is a damn fun figure. i was dead set on getting him and revolver, but now i dont really know if i need him.

first off, i would recommend hastaks RB to anyone - especially given the price. transformation is simple but neat, and his vehicle mode is solid. the robot mode looks great, and my misgivings about his aesthetics have pretty much done out the window now that he's in hand. that arsenal... you can have fun playing around with the configurations for hours.

but as i said, he has limitations. his biggest gun (missile launcher) doesnt like to peg in to any holes as firmly as the others for some reason. he pas peg hole everywhere, but i wish that there was one more on his back/roof. thats where i have the missile launcher right now held on with an elastic which i think looks great. his posability is really good, but his legs suffer from the thighs hitting his waist, which causes him to lose a lot of forward motion. however one of my main issues before getting him were his clown feet, which yes he does have. but thanks to the hinge his foot is attatched to, it can be set back to make his feet look more normal. though i think that might affect his stability in some poses. honestly the feet dont bug me anyways.

the main point id like to make, is HE'S SUPER FUN! i honestly dont know if ill get revolver now, but its still a posibility with BBTS's sale price.

That alt mode is amazing! I have a big problem with his leg poseability, as I wrote before, but that is all I have problems with and the only reason why I would understand someone getting Revolver. But what really sets him apart from revolver is the alt mode. It has so much personality to it while revolver's looks too by the numbers and not as iconic (it looks like a brick on wheels). I agree that Hastak did an amazing job on Roadbuster and I am super impressed with how easy his transformation is and how that doesnt hinder any of the modes in aesthetic. They both look good and distinctive with minimal kibble. Really glad you enjoy this guy.