The Energon Pub

Okay, pic time. And I think I'll just keep all of the pics here rather than necroing the Grindrod thread too.




I have to apologize to whoever was concerned that these were a little big. After having them next to Bumblebee, I kind of agree. The Alt Modes are fine, but in bot mode, BB is a head shorter. Still, they look awesome!

^-- Here with Not-Twintwist. Nice scaling here.


^-- Decent scaling with Prowl



^-- Had to do a couple with Hound!!

Now, on to my main complaint about Aurora, the weapon. I tried to take some pics of what I am talking about.

The barrel folds nicely down into that cavity. I was happy, until I tried to extend the barrel again.



I don't know how well y'all can see it in the picture, but there is no ledge on the back side to lever the barrel out, nor is there a way to easily reach the barrel inside the cavity. I have to use my (highly scratch-prone) custom made tool to grab the receiver below the barrel to pull it out. I have already scratched it some. Still, given the pattern already on the barrel, it's hardly noticeable. Still, I expect more from a $50 toy...

Nice pics, personally I'm glad BB is shorter. Shame about the weapon issue.

Well, I flip flopped on these guys big time. I was only going to get the cars (assuming they were decent sports cars), but after a discussion with a friend of mine about how 'awesome' these first two looked, I bit. I'm all in and these two are now in my POL.

Based on what I've seen so far (and yes, thanks for the pics ), I don't think I'll be disappointed. They look like decent, solid figures to fill out the ranks of my Autobots a bit more.

No combined mode needed, but I guess that's just an added bonus.

xyl360 wrote:Well, I flip flopped on these guys big time. I was only going to get the cars (assuming they were decent sports cars), but after a discussion with a friend of mine about how 'awesome' these first two looked, I bit. I'm all in and these two are now in my POL.

Based on what I've seen so far (and yes, thanks for the pics ), I don't think I'll be disappointed. They look like decent, solid figures to fill out the ranks of my Autobots a bit more.

No combined mode needed, but I guess that's just an added bonus.

I hope you really enjoy these.

I was somewhat ho-hum about Rollbar till I got him in hand.
While there is nothing extraordinary about him, he exceeded my expectations in every way.

He is a shining example of the type of figure we should be seeing from Hasbro, and hearkens back to the early run of the Classics line. He is a good, solid, fun figure with a cool and original transform that really works as an updated version of the original character.

I have Aurora & Hardhead in my PoL, and I'm just waiting for Harrier to hit the ship button. But I have to admit I'm getting antsy.

I've been a bit critical of Aurora, but it is a matter of aesthetic choices, not design quality that I have critiqued. I'm still psyched for this line.

Andy from Kapow has this to say:

It is with regret that we will no longer be stocking or offering coverage of any upcoming Toyworld products due to the poor level of service and communications offered at wholesale level, if you currently have Aurora or Hardbone still on pre-order please contact us with regard to what you would like to do, we will be able to source these products for you but a full refund is also available, please accept our apologies but sadly Toyworld seem to have little to no interest in dealing with the European market. Kind regards, Andy

rpetras wrote:

xyl360 wrote:Well, I flip flopped on these guys big time. I was only going to get the cars (assuming they were decent sports cars), but after a discussion with a friend of mine about how 'awesome' these first two looked, I bit. I'm all in and these two are now in my POL.

Based on what I've seen so far (and yes, thanks for the pics ), I don't think I'll be disappointed. They look like decent, solid figures to fill out the ranks of my Autobots a bit more.

No combined mode needed, but I guess that's just an added bonus.

I hope you really enjoy these.

I was somewhat ho-hum about Rollbar till I got him in hand.
While there is nothing extraordinary about him, he exceeded my expectations in every way.

He is a shining example of the type of figure we should be seeing from Hasbro, and hearkens back to the early run of the Classics line. He is a good, solid, fun figure with a cool and original transform that really works as an updated version of the original character.

I have Aurora & Hardhead in my PoL, and I'm just waiting for Harrier to hit the ship button. But I have to admit I'm getting antsy.

I've been a bit critical of Aurora, but it is a matter of aesthetic choices, not design quality that I have critiqued. I'm still psyched for this line.

I agree with your comparison of Grindrod to the early Classic figures. Grindrod comes off as a solid figure (literally, the plastic is more solid and weighty compared to figures that Hasbro is turning out now).

Just wanted to say that I finally got my Aurora yesterday. I liked Grindrod a lot. A lot. Surprisingly fun to play with, solid, and was shocked that I liked it more than my Fansproject not-Stunticons. In face, Aurora came in the mail yesterday with the 2 newest not-Stunticons, and I opened Aurora first, and still haven't opened the others.
I am pleasantly surprised by the improvements. I thought Aurora was going to be nearly identical to Grindrod, but is actually a lot better.
I can't wait for Chase.

hpfabe wrote:Just wanted to say that I finally got my Aurora yesterday. I liked Grindrod a lot. A lot. Surprisingly fun to play with, solid, and was shocked that I liked it more than my Fansproject not-Stunticons. In face, Aurora came in the mail yesterday with the 2 newest not-Stunticons, and I opened Aurora first, and still haven't opened the others.
I am pleasantly surprised by the improvements. I thought Aurora was going to be nearly identical to Grindrod, but is actually a lot better.
I can't wait for Chase.

I had the exact same reaction to Aurora. He is a great looking toy that is incredibly fun to transform

Thanks for sharing. Good to know.