The Energon Pub

I received CW Silverbolt this week and immediately realized Superion's antennae are not going to last. I don't know what Hasbro was thinking using supper soft rubber on any part of a figure, especially such an iconic and important part. So I did a quick search on Shapeways and I found this:

http://www.shapeways.com/product/3E2CAJUK4/cw-superion-antennae?li=search-results-1&optionId=42291416

It's still in the testing phase and based on the comments there are kinks to be worked out, but if anyone wants to get it cheap now and sand down the imperfections yourself, this would be the time to strike. I'm going to wait for the final product and pay a little more for the part once it's ready for prime time. And the best part is it's already been tested in both Yellow Strong & Felxible Polished as well as Orange Strong & Flexible Polished, so no painting required!

I hope this helps!

P.S.

Thanks to Autobot032 for helping me navigate the forums so I could share this information.

They already sell these on e-bay molded in matching orange plastic. I paid about 9 bucks for mine which included shipping. No sanding or painting required.

Rated X wrote:They already sell these on e-bay molded in matching orange plastic. I paid about 9 bucks for mine which included shipping. No sanding or painting required.

This is the eBay item he's talking about: http://www.ebay.com/itm/261800029008

Nonnef makes quality stuff, I'd recommend these.

Autobot032 wrote:

Rated X wrote:They already sell these on e-bay molded in matching orange plastic. I paid about 9 bucks for mine which included shipping. No sanding or painting required.

This is the eBay item he's talking about: http://www.ebay.com/itm/261800029008

Nonnef makes quality stuff, I'd recommend these.

Very cool. Thank you! I guess I'll go with these.

Thought the rubber CW Superion antennae's was needed. In order for gestalt head and Antennae to squeeze into the tiny compact torso area when not in superion mode.

Would like for someone to buy these. Then try to transform the CW Silverbolt toy. To see if the head with replacement Antennae's can still fit into the tight compact torso area.

Tsutsukakushi wrote::-? Thought the rubber CW Superion antennae's was needed. In order for gestalt head and Antennae to squeeze into the tiny compact torso area when not in superion mode.

Would like for someone to buy these. Then try to transform the CW Silverbolt toy. To see if the head with replacement Antennae's can still fit into the tight compact torso area.

I bought some, I'll let you know for sure, but I can't imagine the rigid antennae would present a problem. The "ears" are flexible more for children to not hurt themselves on them.

I ordered a recast antenna from a guy on TFW, but he hasn't shipped it yet and that was over a week ago. So I almost want to cancel that and order one of the eBay ones. Especially since they are molded in color, whereas the one I am getting is painted.

Crosscheck wrote:I ordered a recast antenna from a guy on TFW, but he hasn't shipped it yet and that was over a week ago. So I almost want to cancel that and order one of the eBay ones. Especially since they are molded in color, whereas the one I am getting is painted.

That guy's from Japan if I remember correctly, that might be why it hasn't shipped yet.

Autobot032 wrote:

Crosscheck wrote:I ordered a recast antenna from a guy on TFW, but he hasn't shipped it yet and that was over a week ago. So I almost want to cancel that and order one of the eBay ones. Especially since they are molded in color, whereas the one I am getting is painted.

That guy's from Japan if I remember correctly, that might be why it hasn't shipped yet.

Well that makes sense! Still, regretting not checking eBay.

Tsutsukakushi wrote::-? Thought the rubber CW Superion antennae's was needed. In order for gestalt head and Antennae to squeeze into the tiny compact torso area when not in superion mode.

Would like for someone to buy these. Then try to transform the CW Silverbolt toy. To see if the head with replacement Antennae's can still fit into the tight compact torso area.

Mine fit just fine inside silverbolt.

Rated X wrote:

Tsutsukakushi wrote::-? Thought the rubber CW Superion antennae's was needed. In order for gestalt head and Antennae to squeeze into the tiny compact torso area when not in superion mode.

Would like for someone to buy these. Then try to transform the CW Silverbolt toy. To see if the head with replacement Antennae's can still fit into the tight compact torso area.

Mine fit just fine inside silverbolt.

Any tight problems trying to remove the head with the new plastic Antennae's during transformation. Guessed HasTak did rubber to make removing the heading during Transformation less tight and easier.

Might consider buying this Ebay sellers replacement CW Superion plastic antennae's. As my CW Superion rubber Antennae's had that deformed bent thing going on. like Cybertron Voyager class Vector Prime's rubber toy sword had.

Tsutsukakushi wrote:

Rated X wrote:

Tsutsukakushi wrote::-? Thought the rubber CW Superion antennae's was needed. In order for gestalt head and Antennae to squeeze into the tiny compact torso area when not in superion mode.

Would like for someone to buy these. Then try to transform the CW Silverbolt toy. To see if the head with replacement Antennae's can still fit into the tight compact torso area.

Mine fit just fine inside silverbolt.

Any tight problems trying to remove the head with the new plastic Antennae's during transformation. Guessed HasTak did rubber to make removing the heading during Transformation less tight and easier.

Might consider buying this Ebay sellers replacement CW Superion plastic antennae's. As my CW Superion rubber Antennae's had that deformed bent thing going on. like Cybertron Voyager class Vector Prime's rubber toy sword had.

No problems getting the head out at all. I believe the reason behind hasbros rubber antenna is more of a safety concern. They truly believe some dumb kid will poke his eyes out staring down on superions forehead. Never mind the gun because it wont poke out eyes.

Anyways, buy the ebay antenna. Its a quality piece for a very fair price. And the orange matches nearly perfect.

Rated X wrote:

Tsutsukakushi wrote:

Rated X wrote:

Tsutsukakushi wrote::-? Thought the rubber CW Superion antennae's was needed. In order for gestalt head and Antennae to squeeze into the tiny compact torso area when not in superion mode.

Would like for someone to buy these. Then try to transform the CW Silverbolt toy. To see if the head with replacement Antennae's can still fit into the tight compact torso area.

Mine fit just fine inside silverbolt.

Any tight problems trying to remove the head with the new plastic Antennae's during transformation. Guessed HasTak did rubber to make removing the heading during Transformation less tight and easier.

Might consider buying this Ebay sellers replacement CW Superion plastic antennae's. As my CW Superion rubber Antennae's had that deformed bent thing going on. like Cybertron Voyager class Vector Prime's rubber toy sword had.

No problems getting the head out at all. I believe the reason behind hasbros rubber antenna is more of a safety concern. They truly believe some dumb kid will poke his eyes out staring down on superions forehead. Never mind the gun because it wont poke out eyes.

Anyways, buy the ebay antenna. Its a quality piece for a very fair price. And the orange matches nearly perfect.

Actually, I am betting they are more concerned that a hard plastic piece will be prone to breaking and representing a choking hazard. And if they or other manufacturers had not been subject to innumerable lawsuits due to such things happening in the past, they probably wouldn't have to do that. Blame toy safety laws instead of the manufacturers.

Crosscheck wrote:

Rated X wrote:

Tsutsukakushi wrote:

Rated X wrote:

Tsutsukakushi wrote::-? Thought the rubber CW Superion antennae's was needed. In order for gestalt head and Antennae to squeeze into the tiny compact torso area when not in superion mode.

Would like for someone to buy these. Then try to transform the CW Silverbolt toy. To see if the head with replacement Antennae's can still fit into the tight compact torso area.

Mine fit just fine inside silverbolt.

Any tight problems trying to remove the head with the new plastic Antennae's during transformation. Guessed HasTak did rubber to make removing the heading during Transformation less tight and easier.

Might consider buying this Ebay sellers replacement CW Superion plastic antennae's. As my CW Superion rubber Antennae's had that deformed bent thing going on. like Cybertron Voyager class Vector Prime's rubber toy sword had.

No problems getting the head out at all. I believe the reason behind hasbros rubber antenna is more of a safety concern. They truly believe some dumb kid will poke his eyes out staring down on superions forehead. Never mind the gun because it wont poke out eyes.

Anyways, buy the ebay antenna. Its a quality piece for a very fair price. And the orange matches nearly perfect.

Actually, I am betting they are more concerned that a hard plastic piece will be prone to breaking and representing a choking hazard. And if they or other manufacturers had not been subject to innumerable lawsuits due to such things happening in the past, they probably wouldn't have to do that. Blame toy safety laws instead of the manufacturers.

Well if that was the case I would blame kids for just being the dumbest creatures on Earth. I couldn't fathom how a lawsuit against Hasbro would even hold up in court. Seriously...

Mom vs. Hasbro: My dumb kid ate your toy

Rated X wrote:Well if that was the case I would blame kids for just being the dumbest creatures on Earth. I couldn't fathom how a lawsuit against Hasbro would even hold up in court. Seriously...

Mom vs. Hasbro: My dumb kid ate your toy

Agreed. This is not the Battlestar Galactica missile that actually was life threatening (and the cause of safety laws which are now out of hand because parents no longer parent and expect the world to do their job for them).

I placed my order on Ebay last night and look forward to replacing Hasbro's mess. I wish the same guy would have made a replacement of the black tail piece to go with the antennae as that will likely disintegrate as well. It looks like that piece is held in by a screw. I don't know why Hasbro went with super soft rubber, neither piece had to be that soft. I think the nose is a tougher material, but that could just be because its larger and has thickness and body to it.

IF Hasbro was smart they would make replacement pieces in normal plastic available to order on Hasbro Toy Shop. They must know adult collectors (and likely some parents) are going to get a KO replacement for the faulty parts at some point, so why not make money themselves? It might be as simple as making the exact same part using the exact same mold in normal plastic in the correct color, no paint costs, and all the profit goes directly to them.

The rubber antennae's CW Superion ears don't bother me that much. So I'm going to be saving my money.

When I buy 3rd party add on or replacements parts. Prefer they did something more important. Like replace Hands with no articulation with newer hands with articulated fingers. Or replace a ugly HasTak TF robot head with a more beautiful robot head.

It sis abit silly having the floppy rubber antennae but at least someone is prepared to give a nice alternative. I hope the same gets done for Menasor's horns maybe some pointy bunny ears to match his cartoon style head?

Tsutsukakushi wrote:The rubber antennae's CW Superion ears don't bother me that much. So I'm going to be saving my money.

When I buy 3rd party add on or replacements parts. Prefer they did something more important. Like replace Hands with no articulation with newer hands with articulated fingers. Or replace a ugly HasTak TF robot head with a more beautiful robot head.

The only reason they bother me is because they will not stand the test of time. I don't want my Suprion to not have his iconic antennae a decade from now because they ripped or disintegrated. So for me this lone purchase is worth it now.

As for more parts, like I said above, I wish he also had a replacement for the tale piece because I'm afraid that will also disappear. However, missing that piece won't be as big a deal as missing the antennae.

I think a 3rd party is making replacement hands and feet, so they will probably also have some new weapons. I think the same company is making guns for the Stunticons for the Menasor addon set. I would not be surprised if they include replacement antennae in the Superion set. I don't know anything about Menasor's horns needing to be replaced, but I would think there will be options for those as well.

Bradimus wrote:

Tsutsukakushi wrote:The rubber antennae's CW Superion ears don't bother me that much. So I'm going to be saving my money.

When I buy 3rd party add on or replacements parts. Prefer they did something more important. Like replace Hands with no articulation with newer hands with articulated fingers. Or replace a ugly HasTak TF robot head with a more beautiful robot head.

The only reason they bother me is because they will not stand the test of time. I don't want my Suprion to not have his iconic antennae a decade from now because they ripped or disintegrated. So for me this lone purchase is worth it now.

As for more parts, like I said above, I wish he also had a replacement for the tale piece because I'm afraid that will also disappear. However, missing that piece won't be as big a deal as missing the antennae.

I think a 3rd party is making replacement hands and feet, so they will probably also have some new weapons. I think the same company is making guns for the Stunticons for the Menasor addon set. I would not be surprised if they include replacement antennae in the Superion set. I don't know anything about Menasor's horns needing to be replaced, but I would think there will be options for those as well.

New Weapons would be nice Actually just extra weapons in general would be good.

Menasor's horns are hard plastic so they wouldn't need replacing due to degradation or anything. But it would be nice to have his pointy bunny ears to match since HasTak gave him his cartoon head over the G1 toy head

Thadicon wrote:New Weapons would be nice Actually just extra weapons in general would be good.

Menasor's horns are hard plastic so they wouldn't need replacing due to degradation or anything. But it would be nice to have his pointy bunny ears to match since HasTak gave him his cartoon head over the G1 toy head

After looking at pictures of the G1 Superion toy I would not be surprised if both figures get brand new heads from somebody since Hasbro went with a mouth plate for Superion like in the animation and comics. I wish they went without the mouth plate like the toy, but I can only spend so much to replace what needs to be fixed (basically what I saved with Hasbro's sale). This is another area where Hasbro would be wise to make the replacement option themselves for collectors.

Bradimus wrote:

Thadicon wrote:New Weapons would be nice Actually just extra weapons in general would be good.

Menasor's horns are hard plastic so they wouldn't need replacing due to degradation or anything. But it would be nice to have his pointy bunny ears to match since HasTak gave him his cartoon head over the G1 toy head

After looking at pictures of the G1 Superion toy I would not be surprised if both figures get brand new heads from somebody since Hasbro went with a mouth plate for Superion like in the animation and comics. I wish they went without the mouth plate like the toy, but I can only spend so much to replace what needs to be fixed (basically what I saved with Hasbro's sale). This is another area where Hasbro would be wise to make the replacement option themselves for collectors.

Options are always good. Lets just hope some other 3rd party companies come up with some nice stuff soon. I am looking at Dr Wu for weapons

Thadicon wrote:Options are always good. Lets just hope some other 3rd party companies come up with some nice stuff soon. I am looking at Dr Wu for weapons

If I had to bet on anything it would be Dr Wu releasing a new head for Superion along with a shorter rifle for Silverbolt/Superion. I would also bet on Dr Wu releasing a G1 head for Menasor, bunny ears and all.

If I was not so bothered by the lack of a waist on Menasor I would very much be interested in a replacement head for Motormaster. I hate the box around the head look as it ruins what should be a very cool head sculpt.

I heard about the Menasor add-on pack while watching a video review. I don't remember which review I was watching so I can't go back and find out which company is making it.

Bradimus wrote:I heard about the Menasor add-on pack while watching a video review. I don't remember which review I was watching so I can't go back and find out which company is making it.

Perfect Effect.

None of my Transformers toys from Twenty plus years ago that use rubber parts have broken or worn away. So i'm confident the rubber Antennae's on CW Superion will also last Twenty plus years.

Tsutsukakushi wrote:None of my Transformers toys from Twenty plus years ago that use rubber parts have broken or worn away. So i'm confident the rubber Antennae's on CW Superion will also last Twenty plus years.

I wouldn't be concerned if they weren't super soft. I've heard and seen nightmare stories about rubber melting because of exposure to sun or being stored at the wrong temperature. I also have old toys with rubber that have lasted 30 years, but the rubber isn't this soft. As an adult I'm not so worried about damaging them myself, but as I have options available to avoid the problem should it arise in the future I am taking advantage of them. It's a personal preference.

Like I said above, Hasbro is ignoring market demand as I'd rather pay them for the collector replacement option they should be selling than go through a 3rd party, but this is the way the market is right now.