The Energon Pub

[Amelie]

Its possible the backs of the arms had to be hollow because of how the toy was being cast\molded.

[Wolfman Jake]

I'm fine with some easily hidden gaps in the torso and hollowness in the arms and legs like we mostly see in combiners. What I can't overlook is what we've seen with Ironhide and his gaping holes.



How did that even get out of the production stage!? I'm seriously on the fence about getting him, he had better be a surprisingly large Deluxe to make up for all that empty space in his back and arms, but I doubt it looking at his SDCC display.

Emerje

The hollow forearms seem to be par for the course the past few years. Maybe something gets tucked away in there during transformation? The hole in the back, though, I think is more off putting, but it may not be as bad as it seems. Being a gray plastic prototype may be playing with our sense of depth, along with the bright photography lights creating strong shadows and contrasts along with the increased greebling in the sculpt, which is known to create a false sense of increased "depth" in an object. Other visual cues are also probably distorting our perception, such as the 5 mm hole, which actually seems to be protruding quite a ways out from the outer plane of the back. I think the bulk of that recess probably only goes about 1 mm or so deep. If you look lower in the back, where the deeper gap is, you start to get a sense that the majority of that recess isn't quite as drastic as it at first appears. Some in hand picks are going to answer a lot more questions, so we just have to be patient until then.

[Full-Tilt]

I'm fine with some easily hidden gaps in the torso and hollowness in the arms and legs like we mostly see in combiners. What I can't overlook is what we've seen with Ironhide and his gaping holes.



How did that even get out of the production stage!? I'm seriously on the fence about getting him, he had better be a surprisingly large Deluxe to make up for all that empty space in his back and arms, but I doubt it looking at his SDCC display.

Emerje

To be fair I think that the hole in the back is where the head goes. The fore-arms are a bit annoying but there may be a reason.

forearms only appear to peg together, and it does not appear that the hands fold into the arms. Only reason I could see would be to bulk up the figure. I may be wrong though.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

Its possible the backs of the arms had to be hollow because of how the toy was being cast\molded.

Thank you for bringing up casting, as that's the only real way to create the arms as a single piece.

What needs to be kept in mind is that casting 3-dimensional objects with a hollow interior, like an egg, can not be done as everything is a heavy solid chunk: you'd have to separate the halves and cast those. Of course that'd require more molds with drives up the cost for material, plus extra assembly. The hollow arms are a necessary evil here.

[Seibertron]

I'm fine with some easily hidden gaps in the torso and hollowness in the arms and legs like we mostly see in combiners. What I can't overlook is what we've seen with Ironhide and his gaping holes.



How did that even get out of the production stage!? I'm seriously on the fence about getting him, he had better be a surprisingly large Deluxe to make up for all that empty space in his back and arms, but I doubt it looking at his SDCC display.

Emerje

I have been thinking about this a lot lately as well. One thing that has been sorely missing from Transformers toys are hands that slide in and out of the forearms via a tab (such as G1 Soundwave). I'd really like to see a return to that transformation concept again to overcome some of the hollow forearms, though I'm not sure I'd want to see that applied to the legs like with G1 Shockwave because it seems like there often was the problem of the upper legs sliding back into the lower legs due to friction wear or whatever.

[Seibertron]

Its possible the backs of the arms had to be hollow because of how the toy was being cast\molded.

Thank you for bringing up casting, as that's the only real way to create the arms as a single piece.

What needs to be kept in mind is that casting 3-dimensional objects with a hollow interior, like an egg, can not be done as everything is a heavy solid chunk: you'd have to separate the halves and cast those. Of course that'd require more molds with drives up the cost for material, plus extra assembly. The hollow arms are a necessary evil here.

I hadn't thought of that issue. Still think nicer figures like Masterpiece would benefit from the hands sliding into the forearms. Bumblebee especially.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

I'm fine with some easily hidden gaps in the torso and hollowness in the arms and legs like we mostly see in combiners. What I can't overlook is what we've seen with Ironhide and his gaping holes.



How did that even get out of the production stage!? I'm seriously on the fence about getting him, he had better be a surprisingly large Deluxe to make up for all that empty space in his back and arms, but I doubt it looking at his SDCC display.

Emerje

I have been thinking about this a lot lately as well. One thing that has been sorely missing from Transformers toys are hands that slide in and out of the forearms via a tab (such as G1 Soundwave). I'd really like to see a return to that transformation concept again to overcome some of the hollow forearms, though I'm not sure I'd want to see that applied to the legs like with G1 Shockwave because it seems like there often was the problem of the upper legs sliding back into the lower legs due to friction wear or whatever.

Telescoping limbs is one of my pet peeves actually, and I'm so happy that Hasbro devised an alternate mechanic for them for Combiner Wars on. So it uses more parts and molds, but the longevity is worth it.

[william-james88]

Its possible the backs of the arms had to be hollow because of how the toy was being cast\molded.

Thank you for bringing up casting, as that's the only real way to create the arms as a single piece.

What needs to be kept in mind is that casting 3-dimensional objects with a hollow interior, like an egg, can not be done as everything is a heavy solid chunk: you'd have to separate the halves and cast those. Of course that'd require more molds with drives up the cost for material, plus extra assembly. The hollow arms are a necessary evil here.

I hadn't thought of that issue. Still think nicer figures like Masterpiece would benefit from the hands sliding into the forearms. Bumblebee especially.

I preffer a flap opening and folding the hand into the forearm. My problem with sliders is the friction aspect and having that outwards tab/button and slide visible, which kind of disrupts the look of the forearm.

[Seibertron]

Its possible the backs of the arms had to be hollow because of how the toy was being cast\molded.

Thank you for bringing up casting, as that's the only real way to create the arms as a single piece.

What needs to be kept in mind is that casting 3-dimensional objects with a hollow interior, like an egg, can not be done as everything is a heavy solid chunk: you'd have to separate the halves and cast those. Of course that'd require more molds with drives up the cost for material, plus extra assembly. The hollow arms are a necessary evil here.

I hadn't thought of that issue. Still think nicer figures like Masterpiece would benefit from the hands sliding into the forearms. Bumblebee especially.

I preffer a flap opening and folding the hand into the forearm. My problem with sliders is the friction aspect and having that outwards tab/button and slide visible, which kind of disrupts the look of the forearm.

Moreso than a giant gaping hole where a fist was previously?

[william-james88]

Its possible the backs of the arms had to be hollow because of how the toy was being cast\molded.

Thank you for bringing up casting, as that's the only real way to create the arms as a single piece.

What needs to be kept in mind is that casting 3-dimensional objects with a hollow interior, like an egg, can not be done as everything is a heavy solid chunk: you'd have to separate the halves and cast those. Of course that'd require more molds with drives up the cost for material, plus extra assembly. The hollow arms are a necessary evil here.

I hadn't thought of that issue. Still think nicer figures like Masterpiece would benefit from the hands sliding into the forearms. Bumblebee especially.

I preffer a flap opening and folding the hand into the forearm. My problem with sliders is the friction aspect and having that outwards tab/button and slide visible, which kind of disrupts the look of the forearm.

Moreso than a giant gaping hole where a fist was previously?

No, thats why I preffer the flap I mentioned.

[Seibertron]

No, thats why I preffer the flap I mentioned.

I completely glanced over the first part of your post. Doh! Yah, the flap method works well too. I'd still like to see that on Masterpiece Bumblebee at some point.

[william-james88]

Most Transformers War for Cybertron Siege toys have now been found in the US. You can view all the DPCI codes to help you locat the particular figure you wish here. For those who are still on the fence, we have some great galleries at your disposal which show what you can accomplish with the figures. You can see them here:

New Galleries: War for Cybertron Siege Micromasters Wave 1

New Galleries: War for Cybertron SIEGE Battle Masters Blowpipe, Firedrive and Lionizer

New Galleries: War for Cybertron SIEGE Deluxe Class Cog, Hound, Sideswipe and Skytread

Of course, some people also like looking at video reviews so we have made a round up below of some for the deluxe, micromaster and Battle Master class.

[Seibertron]

Ironically, I took "scale" pics the other day while the news from another user made the headlines here without knowledge of others taking "scale" pics. There are some interesting things to learn from this info, though I'll let you come to your own conclusions.


Individual G1 Micromaster Roadhandler: 0.3 ounces




All 4 G1 Micromasters Race Car Patrol: 1.4 ounces (someone weighs more than 0.3 ounces!!!)




WFC Siege Micromaster Roadhandler: 0.4 ounces




WFC Siege Micromaster Roadhandler and Swindler: 0.7 ounces




Power of the Primes Legends Class Windcharger: 1.1 ounces ($9.99 toy year ago weighs 0.4 ounces more than $9.99 figure today)




Generations Legends Class Bumblebee with Micromaster: 1.2 ounces ($9.99 toy)




WFC Siege Battle Masters Firedrive: 0.4 ounces




WFC Siege Deluxe Class Sideswipe: 2.9 ounces




WFC Siege Voyager Class Optimus Prime: 5.3 ounces




Masterpiece MP-12 Lambor (Sideswipe): 4.8 ounces

[Ultra Markus]

what im wondering is wheres the legends class figures, i get the two micromasters = one legends but,
why dont we get cybertronian versions of the minibots how cool would that be

[Sabrblade]

what im wondering is wheres the legends class figures, i get the two micromasters = one legends but,
why dont we get cybertronian versions of the minibots how cool would that be

There is no Legends class in this line because of the Micromasters. But, Bumblebee with his saucer altmode has been alluded to as a possibility for this line, so if we get him, he'll probably be in the Deluxe class somehow. Maybe a tiny Deluxe with a big accessory a la TLK Sqweeks.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

what im wondering is wheres the legends class figures, i get the two micromasters = one legends but,
why dont we get cybertronian versions of the minibots how cool would that be

There is no Legends class in this line because of the Micromasters. But, Bumblebee with his saucer altmode has been alluded to as a possibility for this line, so if we get him, he'll probably be in the Deluxe class somehow. Maybe a tiny Deluxe with a big accessory a la TLK Sqweeks.

Energon Rods

[Ultra Markus]

what im wondering is wheres the legends class figures, i get the two micromasters = one legends but,
why dont we get cybertronian versions of the minibots how cool would that be

There is no Legends class in this line because of the Micromasters. But, Bumblebee with his saucer altmode has been alluded to as a possibility for this line, so if we get him, he'll probably be in the Deluxe class somehow. Maybe a tiny Deluxe with a big accessory a la TLK Sqweeks.

Saucer mode bumblebee is all I would really care for in this line
Besides this is a trilogy maybe one segment will have earth modes and chances are the other guys may show up later

[Emerje]

Its possible the backs of the arms had to be hollow because of how the toy was being cast\molded.

Thank you for bringing up casting, as that's the only real way to create the arms as a single piece.

What needs to be kept in mind is that casting 3-dimensional objects with a hollow interior, like an egg, can not be done as everything is a heavy solid chunk: you'd have to separate the halves and cast those. Of course that'd require more molds with drives up the cost for material, plus extra assembly. The hollow arms are a necessary evil here.

Here's the thing, most "hollow" parts aren't entirely hollow (unless they're for hiding hands or whatever), they include extra molded details or cross beams to add structure. This is just a big empty area. Hound does it right:



They also usually place the hollow areas on the inside to help hide them (like above). Since the arms are straight in alt mode they should have been able to pull that off at least. And, I'm not sure, but I think the hollow space in the back is to reduce plastic and cut costs, not part of the transformation. Ironhide just isn't feeling like the more premium figure we were promised. He had better be surprisingly tall.

Emerje

[jtanimator]

It's amazing to me how much more dynamic Storm Cloud looks in posing than the others simply because he has elbow joints. I mean they all look good, but posability with these little guys goes up 100% with something that simple.

[AcademyofDrX]

The pegs for Storm Cloud's hands support Fire Blasts, right? It might be difficult to balance, but that would also allow for some cool display options.

[jtanimator]

Didn't notice that before, but now that you mention it, I'm that much more excited! Storm Cloud's lookin' to quite possibly be my favorite Micromaster from this wave.

[X3ROhour]

is anyone else bothered
by the fact
that Skytread
doesn't become
two separate bots
as well as vehicles?

or is that just me?

maybe i missed a post.

I'm a bit disappointed by that fact, but then Hasbro spoiled us by giving us two completely new Legends Class figures in POTP with Roadtrap and Battleslash to create Battletrap. Originally both Duocons were comprised of two vehicle alt modes that didn't have individual Con modes, but both vehicles combined to form one Con, just as we're seeing with Siege Skytread. If Hasbro had introduced Battletrap into the POTP Deluxe Class line as just one Con that transforms into two different vehicles, as it was originally in G1, then the reveal of Siege Skytread (Flywheels) wouldn't be an issue. Apparently there's no Legends Class in the WFC line, otherwise we might would've gotten a "Skyspear" and a "Dirt-Tread" that combine to form Skytread.

Considering I'm going to display both my POTP Battletrap and WFC Siege Skytread (Flywheels) in their combined Deluxe Class size Con forms, I'm okay with the way Skytread is.

oh
dont get me wrong
me too

i like Skytread a lot!

BUTT

wouldnt it have been great!?

four bots rushing into battle
flippin
and shifting
and changing
shape
positions
attacks
partners
TORSOS!

the pandemonium!

[Hellscream9999]

I love Flak, there's just something infinitely cuddly about how tiny his alt mode is

[Skritz]

I've been thinking: do any of you think Brunt might get retooled into Slammer? Granted that would mean two weaponizers associated with Metroplex.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

I've been thinking: do any of you think Brunt might get retooled into Slammer? Granted that would mean two weaponizers associated with Metroplex.

With a new turret and chest piece that actually may work. That work result in new legs as well actually: