The Energon Pub

I know there are at least two chest cover add-ons for the Generations Voyager Grimlock.
I'm thinking of Iron Factory and Zenith Forge - are there others?

What are people's experiences with the two? Any recommendations?
On the one hand, Cretaceous advancement has a new head, but Iron Factory makes the wing thing in robot mode.

I'll post some pics when I get my Iron Factory version in, and will be better able to give my opinion. The wings on the back was what sold me.

I have the Zenith Forge kit, and adore it. The new head is great - it really solidifies FOC Grimlock as my Classics Grimlock. And the weapons are a much better fit.

I have the Takara Grimlock, so the Iron Factory kit doesn't quite match up. But the wings looks great, and I would probably get it if they did a Takara deco.

So maybe I'm not the best person to ask

I haven't been able to find a good image of the Zenith Forge chestpiece in dino mode, could you help, megatronus?

EDIT: Found it!

The Iron Factory kit gives it a better shape overall, I think.


But Zenith Forge has the head. Hmmm.

How about combining Workshop's King Kickbutt head with the Iron Factory add-on?

I didn't want any wings on my Grimlock so I got the Zenith Forge kit and love it. The new head rocks and the back piece is more than enough for me. Also, bigger shield and sword are a nice bonus. I really don't like Grimlock with a gun so...

Va'al wrote:EDIT: Found it!

Phew! I normally don't have the chest plate on, since it doesn't match, and was about to install it to give you a looksie. I'm glad you found a professional photo.

The side profile/silhouette is essentially the same with the chest plate. The thing doesn't add any bulk, and doesn't allow for the light up gimmick in robot mode), but it does allow for G1-esque head storage. The creator of the set did a very detailed youtube review, and discusses the chest plate around 17:15.



I took a few pictures anyway, just to give you an idea of how Grimmie looks with an amateur taking the shots





As I (and synapse) have said, the weapons are a huge improvement over the originals, and the head sculpt is gorgeous. I like the King Kickbutt head, but I see that as fitting Classics Grimlock more than FOC Grimlock. The ZF head has a much more defined look IMHO, with crisper lines and detailing. But combining the King Kickbutt head and the Iron Factory wings isn't a bad idea at all (and would put you back just $5 over what the ZF kit costs in total), so I see the temptation!

Nice shots, and thanks for the post.

I see both of your points, and choose to ignore them by ordering the King Kickbutt and Iron Factory upgrades.
I did some further research, and really like the look of the headsculpt from The Workshop.
And the added bulk in dino mode looks very good in my opinion.

Va'al wrote:I see both of your points, and choose to ignore them by ordering the King Kickbutt and Iron Factory upgrades.

I look forward to seeing some Va'al pics once you get the sets in!

Will definitely be taking some.
Though it might take a couple of weeks, due to US-UK shipping.

megatronus wrote:But combining the King Kickbutt head and the Iron Factory wings isn't a bad idea at all (and would put you back just $5 over what the ZF kit costs in total), so I see the temptation!

That's what I am planning to do, as I like the "wings" look, but could not justify the ZF kit just for the head ... However, every time I see the ZF kit on in people's pics, I am tempted. The bigger weapons were not much of a draw for me initially, and I have a Twin blaster gun for Grimmy already, but I'm starting to like the larger weapons too.

I'll get those 2 kits in my next PoL (early Feb most likely), and if I still feel the need for the Zf set, I'll pick one up.

Now, What I REALLY want is for Iron Factory to put out their set in Takara colors!!!!!!

Get both sets and mix and match like im doing. I have seen a few people break up the ZF set on ebay for those who only want the head.

rpetras wrote:That's what I am planning to do, as I like the "wings" look, but could not justify the ZF kit just for the head ... However, every time I see the ZF kit on in people's pics, I am tempted. The bigger weapons were not much of a draw for me initially, and I have a Twin blaster gun for Grimmy already, but I'm starting to like the larger weapons too.

I'll get those 2 kits in my next PoL (early Feb most likely), and if I still feel the need for the Zf set, I'll pick one up.

The weapons were always a big deal to me - the original shield always felt a bit small, and the ZF weapons do make quite the difference in-hand. I regard the weapons & head with equal affection, and both exceed my expectations.

rpetras wrote:Now, What I REALLY want is for Iron Factory to put out their set in Takara colors!!!!!!

Indeed! I would get the Iron Factory kit in Takara colors. I don't care for the gun, but I love the wings.

Once completely upgraded, this will be one expensive Grimlock.

I have plans to buy the 3rd party SXS Blitzwing add-on kit. Because this mold can be saved & made to look more awesome. Due to the base mold not having any major Sculpting or engineering problems.

I don't think the FOC Grimlock mold is worth spending extra to get all the 3rd party add-on kits. The base mold itself is riddled with sculpting & engineering problems. Like the badly engineered robot arms that are on weird joints when they transform underneath the chest plate. The oversized & weird sculpted robot chest.

I was seriouly considering buying the various 3rd party newer heads sculpts. But they all only looked a pinch better than the Hasbro version. The 3rd party heads were still ugly & missing something good.

Spending over $70 to buy the Two 3rd party add-on kits to fix FOC Grimlock is not something I'm willing to do. Because the Foc Grimlock toy only $19. Buying the toy & the Two add-on kits will average out to over $90. After all this,the toy still won't be perfect.

I'd rather just write off the FOC Grimlock. Then wait for all of the TF4 Grimlock toys. The TF4 Voyager & Leader toys for Grimlock will no doubt be home runs. Honestly it can't be any worse than the FOC Grimlock toy was.

I think the Classics 1.0 Grimlock toy had the better sculpt & engineering in both modes. The toy in those Takara colors were better than The Hasbro colors. If only it had been Voyager size,It would be better than the Foc Grimlock toy.

I have the MP Grimlock toy,This is my best Grimlock toy. What HasTak Should have done was release a downsized version of MP Grimlock in the 6.5 inch Voyager scale. So it would better fit in with the Classics toys.

The only way to save this FOC Grimlock mold. Is if Hasbro does some serious major Resculpting to it to turn it into another character like Beastwars Transmetals 1 Megatron. Similar to the massive resculpt Hasbro recently did with the Generations Springer mold by turning it into Sandstorm.

I like the figure, even with its flaws. *shrugs*

The hole in dinomode is the only thing that really bothered me, and the Iron Factory kit will fix that.

Va'al wrote:I like the figure, even with its flaws. *shrugs*

The hole in dinomode is the only thing that really bothered me, and the Iron Factory kit will fix that.

I'm with you. I think it's a decent mold, and I actually like the light-up chest gimmick that requires the hole. I wish there had been something in the original figure that covered that chest cavity, but it's not unprecedented to have Hasbro ignore the bottom side of a figure.

Now, if only there was a third party add-on to fix this flaw I see in the figure...

Agamemnon wrote:

Va'al wrote:I like the figure, even with its flaws. *shrugs*

The hole in dinomode is the only thing that really bothered me, and the Iron Factory kit will fix that.

I'm with you. I think it's a decent mold, and I actually like the light-up chest gimmick that requires the hole. I wish there had been something in the original figure that covered that chest cavity, but it's not unprecedented to have Hasbro ignore the bottom side of a figure.

Now, if only there was a third party add-on to fix this flaw I see in the figure...

The Iron Factory one allows to cover the hole *and* it transforms with the figure rather than partsforming!

*hint hint*

Va'al wrote:

Agamemnon wrote:

Va'al wrote:I like the figure, even with its flaws. *shrugs*

The hole in dinomode is the only thing that really bothered me, and the Iron Factory kit will fix that.

I'm with you. I think it's a decent mold, and I actually like the light-up chest gimmick that requires the hole. I wish there had been something in the original figure that covered that chest cavity, but it's not unprecedented to have Hasbro ignore the bottom side of a figure.

Now, if only there was a third party add-on to fix this flaw I see in the figure...

The Iron Factory one allows to cover the hole *and* it transforms with the figure rather than partsforming!

*hint hint*

I was going to reply to the other guy, but stopped mid-response. I think it'll be easier to just say that I agree with both of you - I think he's a real nice Grimmie. I'm all in on the Iron Factory kit in Takara colors. Until then, I'm more than happy with my ZF head/weapons.

Va'al wrote:

Agamemnon wrote:

Va'al wrote:I like the figure, even with its flaws. *shrugs*

The hole in dinomode is the only thing that really bothered me, and the Iron Factory kit will fix that.

I'm with you. I think it's a decent mold, and I actually like the light-up chest gimmick that requires the hole. I wish there had been something in the original figure that covered that chest cavity, but it's not unprecedented to have Hasbro ignore the bottom side of a figure.

Now, if only there was a third party add-on to fix this flaw I see in the figure...

The Iron Factory one allows to cover the hole *and* it transforms with the figure rather than partsforming!

*hint hint*

Oh, Iron Factory is sitting in my POL as we speak.

I grabbed a ZF set based on feedback in this thread.
It is shipping now.

I have the Kickbutt head and IF set in my PoL, but I have both the US and JP releases, so I'll be doing a mix 'n match to make both Grimmies unique.

rpetras wrote:I grabbed a ZF set based on feedback in this thread.
It is shipping now.

Huzzah!

rpetras wrote:I have the Kickbutt head and IF set in my PoL, but I have both the US and JP releases, so I'll be doing a mix 'n match to make both Grimmies unique.

I also have Hasbro Grimmie, but recently decided to sell it. May need to wait a couple weeks to see how he looks armed with the Kickbutt Head and Iron Factory Wings

Shipped yesterday from BBTS (IF+KK). Should be here in a week.
Will take photos then!


EDIT: Ooooh, there's a Reprolabels set too...
http://reprolabels.com/Prime/focgrimlock.php#

I am told my order is now sitting with customs in the UK!

Does anyone have the Reprolabels set? Is it any good/worth it?

Va'al wrote:I am told my order is now sitting with customs in the UK!

Does anyone have the Reprolabels set? Is it any good/worth it?

Woohoo!

I don't have the reprolabels set...

Va'al wrote:I haven't been able to find a good image of the Zenith Forge chestpiece in dino mode, could you help, megatronus?

EDIT: Found it!

The Iron Factory kit gives it a better shape overall, I think.


But Zenith Forge has the head. Hmmm.

How about combining Workshop's King Kickbutt head with the Iron Factory add-on?

Did any of the FOC 3rd party robot heads. Ever get the fanged teeth on the side of the face plate? or was this deleted from the finished design.

Tsutsukakushi wrote:

Va'al wrote:I haven't been able to find a good image of the Zenith Forge chestpiece in dino mode, could you help, megatronus?

EDIT: Found it!

The Iron Factory kit gives it a better shape overall, I think.


But Zenith Forge has the head. Hmmm.

How about combining Workshop's King Kickbutt head with the Iron Factory add-on?

Did any of the FOC 3rd party robot heads. Ever get the fanged teeth on the side of the face plate? or was this deleted from the finished design.

I've seen it with fangs in some reviews, and our own GetRightRobot used it in a custom job!