The Energon Pub

This isn't G1 where you could look at the figure and figure out how it works simplistically. It doesn't work like that at all, anymore. These are rather intricate and fragile pieces that can't just be toss around and guessed at.

Well... that's no fun, is it?

And yes it is a design flaw, but when you put design flaws together with human arrogance, it leads to a big no no.

Dude. If it's stuck, it's stuck.
No amount of gentle touching or reading of instructions can fix it.

Unless of course you're saying we should all have a psychic fore-knowledge, whip out our screwdrivers, and begin disassembling them so as to "unstick" the problem.

They're toys. Meant for kids. Kids are rough. Kids are impatient.
Worse yet, these are being marketed to AMERICAN kids, not Japanese ones. (lol)
It's not anyone's freaking fault aside from the designers.
Swallow your pride, for you are being arrogant. Not everyone has had "toy playing experience" like you or I to know when things are going wrong.

JTKranix wrote:

Lapse Of Reason wrote:

JTKranix wrote:

Valandar wrote:This is a known issue.

It's also known that there are two versions of this mold out, one with a proper tab there, and one with a 'double-thick' tab that breaks off the piece you circled above.

No word, I don't think, on if you can identify the two different molds in-package.

You can see that part in the package.

Unless you have x-ray vision, or the part is already broken and floating around the package, I don't see how this is possible. Please explain!

Maybe I should just wait until the next wave to exchange this figure.

It's a minor mold change on the "good" version. You can tell by looking though the package at the bottom front of Bumblebee.

You can see the section in question here:

Just for clarificaton, this is a picture of the one we should be avoiding??

EDIT: Whoops, the pic didn't show up. Check the original post on pg 1.

Valandar wrote:

megatroptimus wrote:Push with both thumbs further down, it works.

Dude.

Read, please.

There are two versions of bumblebee out there, and photographic evidence has proved it.

One variant has a thicker tab than the other, resulting in breaking the automorph function when transformed. Period. Using both thumbs further down will STILL break that particular variant.

It is NOT the fault of the people who own the toy, but rather th fault of Hasbro.

I have the thicker version and it works perfectly fine, DUDE.

muswp1 wrote:

JTKranix wrote:

Lapse Of Reason wrote:

JTKranix wrote:

Valandar wrote:This is a known issue.

It's also known that there are two versions of this mold out, one with a proper tab there, and one with a 'double-thick' tab that breaks off the piece you circled above.

No word, I don't think, on if you can identify the two different molds in-package.

You can see that part in the package.

Unless you have x-ray vision, or the part is already broken and floating around the package, I don't see how this is possible. Please explain!

Maybe I should just wait until the next wave to exchange this figure.

It's a minor mold change on the "good" version. You can tell by looking though the package at the bottom front of Bumblebee.

You can see the section in question here:

Just for clarificaton, this is a picture of the one we should be avoiding??

EDIT: Whoops, the pic didn't show up. Check the original post on pg 1.

Yes, avoid the thick one.

megatroptimus wrote:

Valandar wrote:

megatroptimus wrote:Push with both thumbs further down, it works.

Dude.

Read, please.

There are two versions of bumblebee out there, and photographic evidence has proved it.

One variant has a thicker tab than the other, resulting in breaking the automorph function when transformed. Period. Using both thumbs further down will STILL break that particular variant.

It is NOT the fault of the people who own the toy, but rather th fault of Hasbro.

I have the thicker version and it works perfectly fine, DUDE.

Ok, understand this...some thinck versions work ok, but once the Automorph thing gets jammed, the figure is done. All you can do is force the hood forward and that will break the tab.

Are people not getting this?
Some thick joints (as I call them) seem ok, but is it just ofr a while till they get jammed? Don't know.

If you get a thick jointed one and press the button with Lou Ferigno force and it doesn't spring forward...your screwed.

None of the thin jointed ones seem to have a problem, so why risk it?

Unless I'm wrong this is what to look for:



2 Smalls tabs =good
1 Small, 1 fat (like above pic =BAD!

I'm so glad that people on here are able to be civilized, lest I remind you that being evil will not yeild friendships.. and Not withstanding, please be curtious to Hasbro since they browse the forums..especially those with newly uncovered design flaws which are blatently labelked in the title of the thread...I am awaiting official word on this..

I wasn't being evil, egotistical, arrogant, or flaming. Nor does it have anything to do with pride. My argument still stands, no matter how rude it may be perceived, because we have a fellow poster who has the original mold and his still works. Can't debate the fact that it *CAN* work, if handled with care. Which is exactly my point from the getgo.

Gutsman Heavy wrote:Unless I'm wrong this is what to look for:



2 Smalls tabs =good
1 Small, 1 fat (like above pic =BAD!

In that case - my local Target in SA has a few of these out at the moment! And they all have the 2 small tabs, so they must be fine! The only problem is the price... $27!!

Okay, so big tab = bad.
small tab = good.
I'll keep an eye out to make sure I get the better one. thanks for the warning and remedy.

Autobot032 wrote:I wasn't being evil, egotistical, arrogant, or flaming. Nor does it have anything to do with pride. My argument still stands, no matter how rude it may be perceived, because we have a fellow poster who has the original mold and his still works. Can't debate the fact that it *CAN* work, if handled with care. Which is exactly my point from the getgo.

you're oblivious... thats one out of how many? the point is his isn't stuck yet. when it gets stuck its game over.
and yea you are being arrogant. A design flaw is a design flaw, and hardly the carelessness of a human being. Why even argue over something as STUPID as this? because arrogance is bliss? hmmm... how about instead of criticizing someone you don't even know, especially when you weren't a witness to what happened and under what circumstances, you sit back and keep your mouth shut if you can't contribute positively.

I wonder what will become of the Bumblebee in the 2-pack with Barricade?

Ddave wrote:

Autobot032 wrote: It really irks me that some people just do what they want and ruin something perfectly good because they think they know everything.

And to pull the guessing game sh*t with Masterpiece Megatron? Ludicrous. He breaks on his own with instructions, transforming him without them is playing collector's Russian Roulette.

Must be nice to be able to throw money in the fire "just because".

ARGH! /end rant.


NOTE: I'll probably get flamed for this, but I don't care. I'm sick and tired of hearing people yell about this figure breaking, yet it's their own fault because they screw around, then they come to us, whining. READ THE DAMN INSTRUCTIONS! THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE THERE FOR!

Not going to get flamed by me. I totally agree. People are do this kind of stuff are F*$# wits. Just read the damn instructions! I even enjoy reading instructions (when they are actually in english). Why does not using them give you a greater sense of Transformers pride?

"Oh, um, well, I Transformed him in like totally only 20 minutes, without instuructions, which means I am more a hardcore fan than you. Ha"

I have said it before, i'll say it again, people who say they Transformed Masterpiece Megatron the 1st time, without instructions, are just full of pure crap. A large amount of his joints are pretty god damn stiff, and If I didn't have the instructions, I would have thought they wouldn't been able to move. Sure, some bits easy to transform, but others were very difficult and stiff. His transformation is the most complex of any transformer I know of, and some of those transformation sequences, are pretty hard the 1st time.

In closing, I agree with Autobot032, in saying, just get over it, and use the instructions. I hope to god that those who break their transformers due to ignorance, don't get them refunded. Companys have already payed kids to try and break these things. I am sure they don't have time for every idiot adult that breaks a childs toy to refund it.

(Time for me to get flammed.)

I guess then I need a laxative seeing as how I full of
"Pure Crap" and all...

You can transform MP:05 without instructions if you are
patient and lift up on the chest block to free up the
tabs at the top of his shoulders. The rest is just an
exercise in technical reasoning and gentle hand.

GetterDragun wrote:

megatroptimus wrote:

Valandar wrote:

megatroptimus wrote:Push with both thumbs further down, it works.

Dude.

Read, please.

There are two versions of bumblebee out there, and photographic evidence has proved it.

One variant has a thicker tab than the other, resulting in breaking the automorph function when transformed. Period. Using both thumbs further down will STILL break that particular variant.

It is NOT the fault of the people who own the toy, but rather th fault of Hasbro.

I have the thicker version and it works perfectly fine, DUDE.

Ok, understand this...some thinck versions work ok, but once the Automorph thing gets jammed, the figure is done. All you can do is force the hood forward and that will break the tab.

Are people not getting this?
Some thick joints (as I call them) seem ok, but is it just ofr a while till they get jammed? Don't know.

If you get a thick jointed one and press the button with Lou Ferigno force and it doesn't spring forward...your screwed.

None of the thin jointed ones seem to have a problem, so why risk it?

You're only assuming things you're not sure about. I have both versions in hand and both works just fine. And I don't need to push like Lou Ferrigno.

its a design flaw, some BBs have a tab that is too wide, and that snaps the connecting mechanism. it is not caused by ignorance, it is hasbros fault.

Well anyway i'm glad this topic was brought up so now I know what to look for and not get disappointed with a broken version.(the movie toys still aren't out in my area)

commiserations to those of you with broken BB's hopefully you'll be able to exchange them for proper ones, in the end people have to suffer to make things right unfortunately.

My opinion is its hasbro's fault for not testing the toy enough. you guys should stop arguing over nothing.

megatroptimus wrote:

GetterDragun wrote:

megatroptimus wrote:

Valandar wrote:

megatroptimus wrote:Push with both thumbs further down, it works.

Dude.

Read, please.

There are two versions of bumblebee out there, and photographic evidence has proved it.

One variant has a thicker tab than the other, resulting in breaking the automorph function when transformed. Period. Using both thumbs further down will STILL break that particular variant.

It is NOT the fault of the people who own the toy, but rather th fault of Hasbro.

I have the thicker version and it works perfectly fine, DUDE.

Ok, understand this...some thinck versions work ok, but once the Automorph thing gets jammed, the figure is done. All you can do is force the hood forward and that will break the tab.

Are people not getting this?
Some thick joints (as I call them) seem ok, but is it just ofr a while till they get jammed? Don't know.

If you get a thick jointed one and press the button with Lou Ferigno force and it doesn't spring forward...your screwed.

None of the thin jointed ones seem to have a problem, so why risk it?

You're only assuming things you're not sure about. I have both versions in hand and both works just fine. And I don't need to push like Lou Ferrigno.

Did you not read what I even wrote? I said some with the thick part are ok...but some are jammed. Obviously you have one that isn't jammed, but once it gets jammed (if it does), that's it.

Also, how are you forgetting that these toysw are intended for 8 year olds. THey won't read the instructions, they'll get a jammed one and poof, they'll break it. A prime example of latche s not breaking under force is Armada Prime, you can tranfrom the trrailer and all it's latched pieces without fear of them breaking, that's how this should be designed...and actually if the thin tabs are the second version, then it was intentionally redesigned for this purpose.

GetterDragun wrote:
Did you not read what I even wrote? I said some with the thick part are ok...but some are jammed. Obviously you have one that isn't jammed, but once it gets jammed (if it does), that's it.

Also, how are you forgetting that these toysw are intended for 8 year olds. THey won't read the instructions, they'll get a jammed one and poof, they'll break it. A prime example of latche s not breaking under force is Armada Prime, you can tranfrom the trrailer and all it's latched pieces without fear of them breaking, that's how this should be designed...and actually if the thin tabs are the second version, then it was intentionally redesigned for this purpose.

It is a shame for a lot of kids who get the defective figure. I can see them breaking it and the parents getting disappointed in their kids for breaking their new toy so soon. Plus the poor kids will get that sinking feeling over breaking their new toy. I know how bad my 5 year old would feel. There would be tears.

From Hasbros's point of view, I sort of understand. They realize there is a problem and fixed it. However, recalling the defective units is expensive and it seems as if they decided to deal with customer complaints and replacements rather than recall the toy because there is no real safety threat.

On the other hand, it also seems that Hasbro knew the toy was defective and sent it out to retail anyway so not to lose money on the defective ones already made.

Anyway, they can always exchange the broken one for a new one at the store, so I don't see a real problem here.

megatroptimus wrote:Anyway, they can always exchange the broken one for a new one at the store, so I don't see a real problem here.

I agree. Some don't.

Autobot032 wrote:Why people have to pioneer and screw around and then break their stuff and take it back to the store (which will then turn around and sell it to some poor, unsuspecting customer) is beyond my comprehension.

I remember dropping my airwolf toy when I was a kid and I broke its stabaliser. I was so disappointed. I had wanted that toy so bad and I worked hard to get it and as soon as I got it out the pack, it got dropped.

Sunstar wrote:I remember dropping my airwolf toy when I was a kid and I broke its stabaliser. I was so disappointed. I had wanted that toy so bad and I worked hard to get it and as soon as I got it out the pack, it got dropped.

Yeah i remember when I got a remote control monster truck that i wanted so much. my parents tried to get it for me for christmas but it was sold out everywhere and when i finally got it a month afterwards there was a defect where when the charge is low the controls go weird so pressing forwards makes it go backwards and it fell down the stairs and broke... damn these play testers! what are they getting paid for?!

to think that some little kid is gonna break his BB... its saddening (yea i'm a big softy...)

Autobot032 wrote:I wasn't being evil, egotistical, arrogant, or flaming. Nor does it have anything to do with pride. My argument still stands, no matter how rude it may be perceived, because we have a fellow poster who has the original mold and his still works. Can't debate the fact that it *CAN* work, if handled with care. Which is exactly my point from the getgo.

But once it gets jammed, your're done.

Gutsman Heavy wrote:Unless I'm wrong this is what to look for:



2 Smalls tabs =good
1 Small, 1 fat (like above pic =BAD!

Wow, that is the version I have. I just changed it from robot back to car mode and everything is fine for me. Of course because of threads like this I was very careful when changing it back to car mode. I have to agree though when it comes to kids. Even if a kid looks at the instructions if some of the BB's out there break too easily then that is not good.

I just got mine today, and I had transformed him into Robot mode. I went to transform him back to car mode, and the front part kept springing loose. I got freaked out because I thought "Oh crap, it's broken!" After a few seconds though, I figured out how to get it to stay in place.

Hold the front end in place, and press the button again. It locks it right back in. So if it's not actually broken in that spot and you can't get it to lock in, try that.

Also, how do you store the guns in car mode?

One thing I've noticed about people on this forum is that a lot of you have a bad habit of jumping down people's throats and ganging up on them when they're making a very valid point.

Regardless of whether Autobot032 made an assumption about the OP using the instructions or not his point is still very valid because transforming a toy the first time without instructions is stupid and it is a bad idea.

Would you buy a video game and not read the directions first? How do you know the controls then?

Would you buy a $800 computer program and not read the manual? How could you possibly figure out all of the functions?

Would you buy a power tool and not even glance at the instructions? You could seriously injure yourself!

A friend of mine was over last night and he picked up voyager Ironhide and tried to transform it without instructions, I was like, "dude, you really can't transform them without instructions anymore, they're not like they used to be in 1984". It really pissed me off, I just got the figure yesterday and he's fiddling with it not knowing what he's doing and could have broken something. Luckily he gave up after a few minutes because he (guess what?) couldn't figure it out without the instructions.