The Energon Pub

[megatran]

This is honestly a pretty glaring oversight IMO. Hasbro more than just "kinda" slipped with this one.

The way I see it, they should do a recall and replace the part considering that backers paid a pretty penny to get this figure made. At the very least, a recall would be a gesture of good faith.

I mean... they probably won't do a recall, but they should.

It's my understanding Hasbro Customer Care team has replied to some customers with (I'm paraphrasing here) chill, sit tight and we'll get back to you once we have formulated a plan of action.
Source is from another TF site which will remain nameless.

[TF-fan kev777]

Anyone hoping for a second wave of shipments needs to understand all of them were produced at the same time and the ones destined for the US were loaded into shipping containers and shipped across the Pacific, likely all on the same boat. Just because you haven't received a shipping notice yet, really means nothing about waves of shipments since they were made all at the same time and likely crossed the ocean on the same boat. Rather any delays are likely on Hasbro's US distribution, which has long been all over the place.

The only possible exception is if the problem is so bad that they halt shipments and implement a fix before delivering the rest. I would put this as highly unlikely at best. They already have our money. Their best bet from a business is wait and just appease anyone who complains. Kinda sleazy, but much more profitable than halting everything unless the problem is really bad and they are looking at most of them being returned, then getting ahead may cost less than hoping most don't get returned.

[Sabrblade]

Worst case scenario: DNA Design creates an improved replacement part in a upgrade kit for the set, with an estimated release no earlier than December since it takes a while for DNA to release their sets since they tend to be so high quality.

[-Kanrabat-]

Worst case scenario: DNA Design creates an improved replacement part in a upgrade kit for the set, with an estimated release no earlier than December since it takes a while for DNA to release their sets since they tend to be so high quality.

December of NEXT YEAR of course.

[Emerje]

Source is from another TF site which will remain nameless.

Unless it's personal you can name other sites here, we name them all the time in the news.

Emerje

[Sabrblade]

Source is from another TF site which will remain nameless.

Unless it's personal you can name other sites here, we name them all the time in the news.

Emerje

I believe they're referring to an email response someone on TFW got from Hasbro's customer service.

[Emerje]

Source is from another TF site which will remain nameless.

Unless it's personal you can name other sites here, we name them all the time in the news.

Emerje

I believe they're referring to an email response someone on TFW got from Hasbro's customer service.

I just meant if they had a personal reason for not wanting to name the site like having been banned there or something, not that the info was personal.

Emerje

[Sabrblade]

Source is from another TF site which will remain nameless.

Unless it's personal you can name other sites here, we name them all the time in the news.

Emerje

I believe they're referring to an email response someone on TFW got from Hasbro's customer service.

I just meant if they had a personal reason for not wanting to name the site like having been banned there or something, not that the info was personal.

Emerje

I think this news story is what they were referring to.

As for not wanting to name TFW, that site appears to have a bit of a stigma towards it in some parts of the fandom.

[megatran]

Source is from another TF site which will remain nameless.

Unless it's personal you can name other sites here, we name them all the time in the news.

Emerje

I believe they're referring to an email response someone on TFW got from Hasbro's customer service.

I just meant if they had a personal reason for not wanting to name the site like having been banned there or something, not that the info was personal.

Emerje

I think this news story is what they were referring to.

As for not wanting to name TFW, that site appears to have a bit of a stigma towards it in some parts of the fandom.

I'm new here. So wasn't sure name dropping another TF site was kosher or not. From responses, still not sure. So I err on the side of caution. Don't want to get tap on shoulder by a Staffer while still on probation.

[Emerje]

That reply from the rep was... confusing. Send it back and when we have a replacement part we'll send you the part? Is that separate from the replacement figure or are they sending both at the same time when both are available? Send the whole thing back with the Ultra Magnus and the box, or just Optimus and his accessories in a separate shipping box from one he arrived in? "Directions unclear" as they say. At least it's good to know there's a separate replacement part being made, I just don't understand why they'd require a return if they're just going to ship you a part to fix it yourself anyway. Or are they calling Optimus and his accessories a "replacement part"? it's all very confusing and could use a lot more clarification.

Source is from another TF site which will remain nameless.

Unless it's personal you can name other sites here, we name them all the time in the news.

Emerje

I believe they're referring to an email response someone on TFW got from Hasbro's customer service.

I just meant if they had a personal reason for not wanting to name the site like having been banned there or something, not that the info was personal.

Emerje

I think this news story is what they were referring to.

As for not wanting to name TFW, that site appears to have a bit of a stigma towards it in some parts of the fandom.

I'm new here. So wasn't sure name dropping another TF site was kosher or not. From responses, still not sure. So I err on the side of caution. Don't want to get tap on shoulder by a Staffer while still on probation.

I work here, it's fine. We source and credit other fan sites for news all the time, it's not an issue.

Emerje

[megatran]

Yeah, confusing. How I read it was return Optimus Prime and accessories. Replacement to be shipped out at a later date, once manufactured (June?).

However, very few units had Ultra Magnus yellowing already, whether straight out of box or shortly thereafter. Would Hasbro need to replace him too?

[-Kanrabat-]

I work here, it's fine. We source and credit other fan sites for news all the time, it's not an issue.

Emerje

Indeed.
Also, the only sites that are a no-no to refer to are porn, pirate, and other sites that would make an anti-virus breathe in a paper bag.

[megatran]

I work here, it's fine. We source and credit other fan sites for news all the time, it's not an issue.

Emerje

Indeed.
Also, the only sites that are a no-no to refer to are porn, pirate, and other sites that would make an anti-virus breathe in a paper bag.

Let me try something.
******* of the Caribbean.

[Sabrblade]

Well, it's about doggone time!

Just now, I finally got an email from Hasbro Pulse saying my Omega Prime has shipped. Had to go deep into Pulse's older system in order to get the tracking info, but they're shipping it via FedEx and the tracking says it should arrive to me by the end of this Saturday (which is unfortunate for me since I'll be going out of town that morning until Monday and won't be at home to sign for it. Ugh).

[kirbenvost]

Mine just shipped too. But wouldn't it make more sense for them to solve this design issue before shipping the rest? I'm in Canada and shipping it back so they can fix the problem is going to be an expensive ordeal I shouldn't have to deal with.

[Sabrblade]

Mine just shipped too. But wouldn't it make more sense for them to solve this design issue before shipping the rest? I'm in Canada and shipping it back so they can fix the problem is going to be an expensive ordeal I shouldn't have to deal with.

It's not like these were manufactured just recently. Recalling and fixing all the figures would require a whole second production run that wouldn't see the corrected figured finally released until sometime next year at the earliest, which is an expense Hasbro is likely unwilling to commit to.

[-Kanrabat-]

I bet DNA Design or a similar company will make an "upgrade kit" that will fix the issue. It will be expensive for sure, and it will be an expense anyone shouldn't had to be burdened with, but at least the Omega Prime will be fixed.

[Sabrblade]

I bet DNA Design or a similar company will make an "upgrade kit" that will fix the issue. It will be expensive for sure, and it will be an expense anyone shouldn't had to be burdened with, but at least the Omega Prime will be fixed.

Worst case scenario: DNA Design creates an improved replacement part in a upgrade kit for the set, with an estimated release no earlier than December since it takes a while for DNA to release their sets since they tend to be so high quality.

December of NEXT YEAR of course.

[TF-fan kev777]

Min finally shipped as well. I have Fedex delivery manager, so I found out yesterday from them, and today got the email from Pulse. Mine arrives Saturday too.

Grrr, I was looking forward to a nice weekend, Fedex now says Tuesday.

[megatran]

Good luck with the deliveries.

Apart from the well documented Optimus ab crack, few have reported other issues such as:
Missing wheel(s)
Missing Autobot insignia
Ultra Magnus yellowing

Make sure to check yours.

[Sabrblade]

Grrr, I was looking forward to a nice weekend, Fedex now says Tuesday.

These concerns got me to double check the tracking on my shipment. Sure enough, it too says Tuesday now instead of Saturday. But, this is better for me since I should be back home on Tuesday (since, as I mentioned before, I'm going out of town this weekend).

[kirbenvost]

Mine just shipped too. But wouldn't it make more sense for them to solve this design issue before shipping the rest? I'm in Canada and shipping it back so they can fix the problem is going to be an expensive ordeal I shouldn't have to deal with.

It's not like these were manufactured just recently. Recalling and fixing all the figures would require a whole second production run that wouldn't see the corrected figured finally released until sometime next year at the earliest, which is an expense Hasbro is likely unwilling to commit to.

I'd rather receive it late than broken. I'm thinking more like they provide an updated part with the order that the consumer can then install themselves. It's frustrating that it's like this, but at least it would be a resolution. At any rate, I received an email from Pulse saying my shipment is being returned before even leaving California and will receive a new tracking number. I guess I'll see what that's about.

[Sabrblade]

We yet another couple of QC issues being reported.


1. Ultra Magnus's wing posts being so tight they get stuck and feel like they're gonna break:

Magnus's wings are worrisome, not sure how to fix their 'get stuck so tight I feel plastic bending' issue around the posts.

Mine had paint that had "glued" the posts in place, I had to just crank on them to get them to move. It was scary.

Depending how they’re attached, if they’re not screwed in or ratcheted, a tiny bit of oil or grease worked into the joint can help loosen them.

I did do some light sanding on Magnus's wing posts and added some Cube Lube, seems to have helped a lot and still locks in place, but without feeling like I will crack the casing.

2. Optimus's hip ratchets being damaged from the inside:

Ugh...just so everyone knows, there is ANOTHER part of Optimus in this set to watch, it has a miniature version of Trypticon's issues. The hip forwards/backwards ratchet springs (ACTUAL METAL SPRINGS!) are so strong they can damage the ratchet teeth or even force the plastic apart, breaking the screw holes. I had noticed the tightness and opened it to give it some cube lube, then saw the much worse report in TFW, so I reopened it and saw that despite the lube I was getting some tooth chips, so I just removed the two tiny springs and plastic ratchet teeth, and put them in the box to save. The hips are so big they work as giant smooth swivels without falling over, and he does have multiple figure stand options anyway. The hips don't actually have to even move for any of the modes, either, but I figure better to be able to reassemble it properly later than have to glue it together as best I can. The springs despite being very small are so strong I have trouble squeezing them with my fingers.

[TF-fan kev777]

We yet another couple of QC issues being reported.


1. Ultra Magnus's wing posts being so tight they get stuck and feel like they're gonna break:

Magnus's wings are worrisome, not sure how to fix their 'get stuck so tight I feel plastic bending' issue around the posts.

Mine had paint that had "glued" the posts in place, I had to just crank on them to get them to move. It was scary.

Depending how they’re attached, if they’re not screwed in or ratcheted, a tiny bit of oil or grease worked into the joint can help loosen them.

I did do some light sanding on Magnus's wing posts and added some Cube Lube, seems to have helped a lot and still locks in place, but without feeling like I will crack the casing.

2. Optimus's hip ratchets being damaged from the inside:

Ugh...just so everyone knows, there is ANOTHER part of Optimus in this set to watch, it has a miniature version of Trypticon's issues. The hip forwards/backwards ratchet springs (ACTUAL METAL SPRINGS!) are so strong they can damage the ratchet teeth or even force the plastic apart, breaking the screw holes. I had noticed the tightness and opened it to give it some cube lube, then saw the much worse report in TFW, so I reopened it and saw that despite the lube I was getting some tooth chips, so I just removed the two tiny springs and plastic ratchet teeth, and put them in the box to save. The hips are so big they work as giant smooth swivels without falling over, and he does have multiple figure stand options anyway. The hips don't actually have to even move for any of the modes, either, but I figure better to be able to reassemble it properly later than have to glue it together as best I can. The springs despite being very small are so strong I have trouble squeezing them with my fingers.

Yikes! mine arrives today. At this point, depending on whether things look good or are already broken, I may just take the full refund option if I have to return anyway.

[Sabrblade]

Well, mine finally arrived, but I haven't had the chance to open it yet. I'm kinda scared to, frankly.