The Energon Pub

[Emerje]

That's a sacrifice you have to be willing to accept when dealing with real car alt modes. A real Corvette is a narrow car so it would be hard to get a bulky robot out of it.

Binaltech/Alternators Tracks was a real Corvette that turned into a bulky robot (though, I said "stout" and "stocky", not "bulky"), so it's not completely impossible.

That's sort of a moot point since the Alternators figure wasn't trying to be G1 accurate. Besides, stout and stocky are just nice ways of saying short and fat. Alternators Tracks (and Ravage) is nearly a head taller than a most Alternators so he certainly isn't short, and his bulk mainly comes from the doors hanging off his legs and the entire rear of the car acting as shoulder pads.

BTW, I don't see the problem with Ironhide's back, most of the cars don't look quite right from behind, especially the most recent ones like Wheeljack and BB.

Emerje

[frogbat]

I think it's got to do with the fact that we've seen ironhide's back a few times in the cartoon thnx to the flying scenes.

We can nitpick bout these details... but like Ultra Magnus, the little niggles don't compromise what I reckon are great additions to the mp line (as I see peeps complaining bout tracks' proportions too).

And I really really appreciate the number of accessories this guy comes with as it was what made this guy interesting to me as a kid... together with being somewhat of a bodyguard to Prime and the fact that Peter Cullen voiced him too made me take notice too. And the fact he comes with a sled to hold them all is great as that's always my biggest pet peeve with transformers.

Ironic side might be a better name for this guy cos he probably had the most uninteresting or plain robot mode and vehicle mode in the series. If he weren't Ironhide he could easily be some drone trooper in the background... and lets face it.. he was a VAN. Not even an ambulance.. he was a little minivan that you see in films being used by serial killers or potheads...

And yet.. as someone mentioned, it's taken 30 years to finally deliver a figure that does him justice. I like the generations robot modes but I think we can all agree the vehicle modes were not the high point of that line.

Buttwheels? Sure, but i won't have him mooning people... and yeah i'm sure 3rd party companies will jump at the chance...

[Cyberpath]

Ironhide is one of the characters that I've wanted the most in the MP line --

Great personality on screen. Prominent character. Second in command & Prime's bodyguard -- so would look cool with MP-10. And another variation in height for the Autobot lineup.

And he deserves it after his "G1" toy. ;)

I'm glad that the sledge is not part of the vehicle mode (insofar as we know.) But I'm also glad that it's included as an accessory to accommodate his many other accessories.

We've seen the degraded copies of the stock photos, now I'm curious to see some in-hand pix!


And now just for fun, comparison with the character model, and the upcoming 3P toy --

[padfoo]

Ironhide is one of the characters that I've wanted the most in the MP line --

Great personality on screen. Prominent character. Second in command & Prime's bodyguard -- so would look cool with MP-10. And another variation in height for the Autobot lineup.

And he deserves it after his "G1" toy.

I'm glad that the sledge is not part of the vehicle mode (insofar as we know.) But I'm also glad that it's included as an accessory to accommodate his many other accessories.

We've seen the degraded copies of the stock photos, now I'm curious to see some in-hand pix!


And now just for fun, comparison with the character model, and the upcoming 3P toy --

Thanks, for the images. That sloping windshield is making his chest look narrow. I bet it wont as bad in person. I am still hoping those side panels rotate around to cover that wheel butt, Ehhh!

[G1COLLECTOR]

Easy PASS for me, bring on MP Jazz & Sunstreaker!

[Optimum Supreme]

The butt wheels make it look like he's wearing those pants Prince wore in the early 90's with the buttcheeks cut out. Maybe they should have the hubcaps be black or something, it would make the van look a little worse but the robot backside a lot less wtf.

[munkimus prime]

Besides the Front of the vehicle being the chest, a couple of side skirts and wheels on his butt. I have no idea where the rest of his vehicle mode has even gone? have takara mastered mass shifting?, Is there some sort of black magic at work here? or is it just the sled attaches and adds to the bulk of his vehicle mode? I guess I'll have to wait and see when more pics come out.

One last thing on the butt wheels is that I'll be having Ironhide on a shelf with his back to a wall so whatever is on his back won't be on show most of the time.

[fenrir72]

Having the wheels show at his back ain't so much a big issue. OCD preference I guess.

[Desslok2201]

Besides the Front of the vehicle being the chest, a couple of side skirts and wheels on his butt. I have no idea where the rest of his vehicle mode has even gone? have takara mastered mass shifting?, Is there some sort of black magic at work here? or is it just the sled attaches and adds to the bulk of his vehicle mode? I guess I'll have to wait and see when more pics come out.

One last thing on the butt wheels is that I'll be having Ironhide on a shelf with his back to a wall so whatever is on his back won't be on show most of the time.

I also really don't mind the butt wheels, but I'm very interested in the black magic angle. Perhaps we can now get micromasters that fit in Prime's hand, like the commercial. I'm prepared to go blind squinting.

[Ultra Markus]

this is G1 ironhide done right!

[-Kanrabat-]

Besides the Front of the vehicle being the chest, a couple of side skirts and wheels on his butt. I have no idea where the rest of his vehicle mode has even gone? have takara mastered mass shifting?, Is there some sort of black magic at work here? or is it just the sled attaches and adds to the bulk of his vehicle mode? I guess I'll have to wait and see when more pics come out.

You already got your answer.

They DID manage to make a show accurate bot mode and vehicle mode, PLUS the infamous G1 toy weapon platform!

Impressive.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Pretty cool looking Ironhide. He is my sisters favorite so I Always keep an eye out for him. Must admit: really cool. Me approves

[padfoo]

Besides the Front of the vehicle being the chest, a couple of side skirts and wheels on his butt. I have no idea where the rest of his vehicle mode has even gone? have takara mastered mass shifting?, Is there some sort of black magic at work here? or is it just the sled attaches and adds to the bulk of his vehicle mode? I guess I'll have to wait and see when more pics come out.

You already got your answer.

They DID manage to make a show accurate bot mode and vehicle mode, PLUS the infamous G1 toy weapon platform!

Impressive.

From this angle it looks like a win. I knew the original toy was crap, so I wasn't even comparing it to the masterpiece rendition with its strong animation influence. Seeing these two versions compared to each other I have better appreciation for this update it's a solid amalgamation of the original toy and the animation models.

[-Kanrabat-]

From this angle it looks like a win. I knew the original toy was crap, so I wasn't even comparing it to the masterpiece rendition with its strong animation influence. Seeing these two versions compared to each other I have better appreciation for this update it's a solid amalgamation of the original toy and the animation models.

I personally think that the G1 Ironhide and Ratchet toys are FANTASTIC! Yeah, these bots are derpy looking as hell, but you just have to take them how they are. In fact, it's the cartoon who took a very liberal interpretation and made brand new characters. In fact, it's not the G1 toys who are not show accurate. It's the show that did not give a crap about the original toys. Even more so than Megatron.

I love the "cabin head" Super Gobots so I consider G1 Ratchet and Ironhide more as Gobots than Transformers. I bought a G1 reissue recently for just 20$ shipped brand new. I LOVE it! It even come with a cardboard cut-out to fill in the chest and give Ratchet a head. The transformation is fun and there is a lot of playability with this toy. Finally, perfect vehicle is perfect.

[sol magnus]

From this angle it looks like a win. I knew the original toy was crap, so I wasn't even comparing it to the masterpiece rendition with its strong animation influence. Seeing these two versions compared to each other I have better appreciation for this update it's a solid amalgamation of the original toy and the animation models.

I personally think that the G1 Ironhide and Ratchet toys are FANTASTIC! Yeah, these bots are derpy looking as hell, but you just have to take them how they are. In fact, it's the cartoon who took a very liberal interpretation and made brand new characters. In fact, it's not the G1 toys who are not show accurate. It's the show that did not give a crap about the original toys. Even more so than Megatron.

A sentiment I don't see expressed much, but one I happen to agree with.

[galvatron00]

I really wish I picked up those add-on head pieces that came out a few years ago for the G1 figures. I don't often see them on eBay by themselves.

I'm getting pretty excited for this figure and the eventual Ratchet repaint! It looks like I need to brush up on my Japanese (re: completely learn the language for the first time), Takara Masterpiece is moving faster than Hasbro can keep up (as per usual ) and I'd like to understand what is said on the product cards and those instruction booklets are so much nicer..

[padfoo]

From this angle it looks like a win. I knew the original toy was crap, so I wasn't even comparing it to the masterpiece rendition with its strong animation influence. Seeing these two versions compared to each other I have better appreciation for this update it's a solid amalgamation of the original toy and the animation models.

I personally think that the G1 Ironhide and Ratchet toys are FANTASTIC! Yeah, these bots are derpy looking as hell, but you just have to take them how they are. In fact, it's the cartoon who took a very liberal interpretation and made brand new characters. In fact, it's not the G1 toys who are not show accurate. It's the show that did not give a crap about the original toys. Even more so than Megatron.

A sentiment I don't see expressed much, but one I happen to agree with.

I am glad you all are enjoying those older toys. Your right they were very good for what they were. I am more into the modern interpretations, with updated articulation and more cartoon accurate humanoid modes. I love Masterpiece figures for that reason and collect the heck out of them.
Its great to see there is so much passion on these boards for all aspects of collecting and the fandom.

[Seibertron]

I love reading the past 1/2 dozen pages of this thread, some funny comments throughout (I lol'ed at the Amazon "build your own" block head link).

Quick thoughts ... I think many fans put way too much weight into the capabilities or specific design styles of the designers, as shown by some of the later revelations of who actually designed Ironhide. I think fans are noticing patterns where there is only a small handful of data to make claims to support those patterns. Artistic styles can easily change amongst artists and designers. I doubt these guys are 1 trick ponies.

As for the rest of the comments, all I know is I'm thrilled to finally have an Ironhide toy with a decent noggin' that actually looks straight ahead. It might not be perfect, but it appears to be leaps and bounds above and beyond any previous Ironhide toy that has ever been sold before. Looking forward to the inevitable Ratchet remold.

[Burn]

Having the wheels show at his back ain't so much a big issue. OCD preference I guess.

Now now, just because there are some people out there who probably like to display their Transformers turned around doesn't mean they have OCD.

Oh the controversy we've had this year over butts and elbows and fembots not looking feminine.

[fenrir72]

Having the wheels show at his back ain't so much a big issue. OCD preference I guess.

Now now, just because there are some people out there who probably like to display their Transformers turned around doesn't mean they have OCD.

Oh the controversy we've had this year over butts and elbows and fembots not looking feminine.

I'm a self admitted OCD TF fan. No offense meant or to anyone intended. Should have stated "my OCD preference I guess". If TT releases an MP, that's good enough for me.Heck, buying MPs is already a pain in the el burro, I want 'em to be perfect by adding the decal enhancements so I can display them perfectly. That is a bit of obssessive compulsive btw and nothing to be ashamed off as we all have our own quirks and neurosis'

[-Kanrabat-]

Having a bot with a butt made out of 2 wheels is genius and hillarious. A firm, soft, round, well defined butt...

[Cyberpath]

I like the look of this figure more and more. The wheels on the backside don't bother me. Can't say I'm crazy about the hip panels though.

But I have a feeling that everyone will love this figure once in hand as a three dimensional object. And then it'll be Hound's turn. :)

I do think that every designer has their own personal approach and genius. And interviews give us some more insight into their process. Hasui is my favourite, the guy is an artist. I'm looking at his MP-Autobots right now and they are little works of art; they really are.

I'm very happy with Kobayashi's work too so far, he's clearly taking cues from SH's MPs and keeping things consistent, like using the "Hasui"-style hands (most of the 3P designers use them too now.) the way the waists work (no skirts like on MP-1 and 9.) And so on. (Outside of MP, I also love his Arcee and EMOP.)

That said, I want Hasui back if only for a new MP-Megatron; I want the same mind that imagined MP-10 working on Megatron so they'd be as consistent as possible.

[Burn]

Having a bot with a butt made out of 2 wheels is genius and hillarious. A firm, soft, round, well defined butt...

Suddenly your numerous objections to Victorion makes sense ...

[-Kanrabat-]

Having a bot with a butt made out of 2 wheels is genius and hillarious. A firm, soft, round, well defined butt...

Suddenly your numerous objections to Victorion makes sense ...

[MemphisR56]

I, for one, like the butt.

Reminds me of Beast Wars Rattrap and his show model's buns of steel.