But this wasn't the first time they've handled an MP and some of them even had the cracks straight out of the box. I hope it's the factory that screwed up some copies rather than a design-flaw / material allocation.
Transformed him back into Jeep! Figured now's the time while he's still under AJ "warranty." But also principle (fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, Transformers gonna transform.) It was a better experience this time. Might even remember the steps.
Love how he has one cannon design in alt-mode and another in robot-mode. Maybe I'll try again leaving it on for the next transformation.
Might have spoken too soon about my Hound, there are some panels in Jeep mode that right out of the box aren't lined up right. Hopefully it's something that'll work it's way out in transformation. I do appreciate the extra insert that clears up some of the steps, 4 in particular looks like it could've led to some breakage.
Ironhidensh wrote:I'm gonna wait for the Amazon Japan price before I continue my freakout.
I'm guessing Amazon Japan will be around $125 shipped
Dmax, you were spot **** one with this.
I have now transformed Hound several times. Yeah, he definitely has some fragile parts, but so do all Masterpieces from the last several years. Take it easy, with no rush, and you will be fine.
This figure is simply amazing and fun. It really captures the feel of good 'ole G1 Hound.
Between yesterday and today I transformed Hound once. Not bad, the feet are a bit fiddly as are the panels going back to jeep mode. It is imperative that you read the directions before transforming, especially the supplemental sheet. You can rip the sides off if you aren't careful with step four.
Same spot as has been reported on all the others (side jeep panel). I wasn't forcing it, it quite literally just broke on the hinge. Its very easy to hide in bot mode, so I think that is just how Hound will now spend his life.
I have 2 here, one for a friend, and transformed both of them this weekend to check on the condition. On one i couldn't find any defects, the other has a small straight line in the fixed hinge eye of the car side/rear calf panel. Took a picture and magnified on my pc but i couldn't make out if it's a crack or a mold leftover. In any case, i'm handing him the good one next weekend. Mine will be transformed only once when he finally goes into the display case and that'll be the end of it. I'll advise him to do the same.
Same spot as has been reported on all the others (side jeep panel). I wasn't forcing it, it quite literally just broke on the hinge. Its very easy to hide in bot mode, so I think that is just how Hound will now spend his life.
Perhaps you could try something like this, a fan from Japan fixed it with a small screw:
Translated from Japanese by Google (Actually, it was damaged immediately in the early process. It broke because it opened further to avoid another part at the time of "Opening the rear a little."
It was delicate whether it could be repaired because it was near the hinge and very small, but I could fix it while reinforcing it with a metal rod. Now the strength is higher than the original state, but it should be easy to break here ...)
well, I have transformed my hound a dozen or so times, gently have you, and have had no cracks or breakage. use extra care collapsing the feet, overall I'm very pleased
I got mine yesterday and thanks to some youtube videos, I managed not to broke mine. That being said...this is a one horrible masterpiece toy. The worst I have thus far.
There is really nothing wrong with the looks and poseability as such. Those are fine, but man that transformation. Not too difficult, but it is like disarming a bomb. One false move and it's game over man. Also the plastic feels like super cheap for some reason. Did they make the whole thing from clear plastic and then just painted it. Or could this be the same kind of plastic one uses with scale models, where the plastic itself might be good quality, but too thin for someting like this. Then there are also some paint issues, but those alone wouldn't be THAT bad.
For a toy that costs this much, this is not ok. There is no way to defend this kind of a crap. The prices go up and the quality and qc goes down. There is not even a proper way to do a reissue, since they would have to roll over this one and do a completely new figure (using perhaps the same desing). It is just ridiculous that most likely some KO company will come and make a better version of this, unless you have already got some 3p not-Hound.
If you are on the fence about this one, then I would recommend not to buy. Or if you will get one, check some of those youtube videos first. Like from Peaugh, Bobby Skullface (who btw breaks his one), Kuma Style (if he does one) etc. I followed the video by Peaugh and it was a very very usefull, since some parts of those instructions in the Takara manual are just plain wrong.
Like I said, nothing wrong with the looks of this one and that is a even bigger shame. For I don't know, if I can accept this kind of overall quality anymore. Not with these prices. 3P and even some plain KO companies do things better.
Dorkimus wrote:There is really nothing wrong with the looks and poseability as such. Those are fine, but man that transformation. Not too difficult, but it is like disarming a bomb. One false move and it's game over man.
That's hilarious and sad.
And I think I'm done pre-ordering MPs. Let other people take the gamble and try out the product first. If the figures turn our to be of good quality, well then, you can generally still find them for pre-order price months after the release day.