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2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee

Transformers News: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee

Friday, May 20th, 2011 6:12PM CDT

Categories: Movie Related News, Toy News, Editorials
Posted by: Blurrz   Views: 157,626

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Good day Transformers fans! How’s everything going? I happen to be Seibertron.com staff member Blurrz, and I'm with my fellow colleague robofreak. Funny story short, we are the Gunpla (Gundam kit) enthusiasts on the staff, and therefore that makes us qualified to help you out with Takara Tomy's upcoming Dual Model Kit series. For those who don’t know, Takara is going to release kits for Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. The buyer will receive a package with a robot skeleton, and will have multiple sprues and instructions to put their robot masterpieces together. The duo of Autobots are set for release in Japan on June 25th.

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Since these are expensive products and this is the first time many of you here will be exposed to building kits, we thought it would be a good idea to answer some of the likely questions many of you will ask. Hopefully all of you will know what you’ll be getting into with your purchase, or perhaps our words of wisdom will lean you into the direction of these kits not being for you. So without further ado, shall we?

Q: Will I need paint for the Model Kits?

Blurrz: Straight up answer, no. These sets are a bit different from your regular kits. Some of the pieces are pre-painted (i.e. Optimus Prime’s flames). Maybe you’ll need paint to highlight some features of Optimus Prime or Bumblebee, but if you don’t paint or customize Transformers, then no need to start now.

Robofreak: You don’t need paint, but if you want to add some extra flare, then paint away! From what I’ve seen, the kits do come pre-painted, but where’s the fun in that? If you’re up for the challenge I’d recommend hitting the hobby shop and buying some paints, primer, and masking tape. I’m a Tamiya paint fan myself because of how easy it is to fix mistakes if they occur. I could go on for a while about different paints and mixing, but I think that would be an article in itself. If you need to know more about paint then feel free to stop by Transtopia and some other art sites to learn about paint. You can even PM me. I love these kind of questions.

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Q: Do I need glue to assemble them?

Blurrz: No. It’s nice to have handy, but it’s not necessary. For example, if Bumblebee’s armor on his arm keeps coming loose, etc.

Robofreak: As Blurrz said, you don’t really need it, but I would heavily recommend it. It will help reduce the risk of losing parts.

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Q: What tools should I have on hand while building the kits?

Blurrz: (Nail)clipper and file. Since the snap-on parts are off sprues, you’re going to need force to pull them off. And since you might be left off with some plastic residue after pulling your parts off sprues, a file is good to even out the figure’s surface. For those wishing to have more of a nicer look on their kits, I suggest a Gundam marker, to help bring out the features.

Robofreak: If I catch anyone using their hands to twist these pieces out, I will smack you. Now that that’s over with, a nail clipper and file will work fine for removing the parts and sanding off the sprue nubs. However, I would like to encourage anyone taking these kits on, to go to the hobby shop and buy a set of nippers. They are specially designed with a flat edge to reduce the amount of sprue sticking out of the cut piece. I would also recommend some jewellers files that you can get at any hardware store. They’re thin and you won’t risk sanding more than you want as much with them.

Q: How good will the instructions be?

Blurrz: Well I’m glad someone wants to use instructions! If you don’t, you’re going to be lost. Gunpla instructions are a lot different from let’s say ‘Lego’. They tell you where each piece goes exactly and sometimes gives you the sequence in which pieces need to be placed. Keep your eyes on those instructions at all times! One silly mistake and you might be spending half an hour trying to pry off a piece that shouldn’t be there.

Robotfreak: Robofreak: Instructions are great, but I’m going to doubt that the instructions for these kits will be as refined as the Gunpla instructions. I’m basing this off how vague most of the TF instructions have been as of late. One thing that I will encourage is to lay all the parts out on a desk or something so that you can see exactly where everything goes. Basically make an expanded view of what goes where. Here’s a picture of a Gundam Astray Red Frame I built a couple years ago and the first thing I did was trim all the parts and lay them out exactly where they should go on the mech. It helped me get familiar enough with the parts to where I didn’t need the instructions to identify the many little pieces. As you can see in the picture, everything is layed out and not a jumbled mess of parts.

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Q: Will there be stickers with these kits?

Blurrz: We haven’t seen anything yet, but I’m guessing we’ll get a little sticker pad. Maybe for the eyes, license plates and GMC/Chevy logos. Not good with applying stickers? Trust me, it’s better than trying to paint eyes…

Robofreak: You want to talk about painting eyes Blurrz? Take on an anime figure and that will make a robot eye look easy. So far, nothing on the Prime and Bumblebee kits shows stickers, but I’m going to guess that we might see a couple. If there are any, I think the only one that would be worth anything would be the license plate.

Q: Any other tips in regards to building these kits?

Blurrz: Make sure everything flushes well. If some piece is sticking out, it’s because you didn’t file down the plastic, or didn’t push the piece in far enough. These pieces are engineered to stick together, so it’s all up to the builder!

Robofreak: Test fit! Test fit! Test fit! I cannot stress that enough. Always doublecheck the instructions and make sure you know what’s going where. For those feeling slightly brave, the parts do use pegs. If it’s anything like a Gunpla kit, you’ll be able to cut the pegs at a slight angle on the tip which will allow you to fit the parts properly. However, this method will require that you use glue afterwards to ensure everything stays where you want it.

Q: How tall are Optimus Prime and Bumblebee?

Blurrz: They’re going to be huge! Okay, you’ve got a better answer, right robofreak?

Robofreak: I may have an answer, but I could be wrong. From what I’ve seen of the kits and have gathered on pics, they appear to be 1/35 scale. (Shout hooray all you military modelers) That should put Prime at about 10-11 inches and Bumblebee should be about 6-7 inches. We’ll know more once we see the official release.

Q: How much time will it take to build these?

Blurrz: For a first time kit maker, I wouldn’t even put a time limit in hours, but I’d give a good afternoon or evenings work. Bumblebee should be smooth sailing, while Optimus Prime might be a bit tricky as he has more than a handful of sprues to deal with.

Robofreak: Time is relative to how much effort you’re going to put into it. If you want something you can fiddle with think it cool, then probably an afternoon. If you want to take it the extra mile and do all the painting, weathering, and awesome detail work (maybe even do a diorama?) then the project can take a lot longer. I’ve been known to spend weeks on a single kit so your results may vary depending on what you want out of the project.

Q: Do these transform? If not, how come?

Blurrz: Does yellow snow taste like lemons?

Robofreak: You have 2 options. It can either transform or it can look good. If you want something that transforms, the kit may not be for you. Generally, transforming kits can be a pain to deal with and sometimes don’t look as good as you want. If you want something that looks great, then go for the kit and have an awesome display piece.

Q: Why are these so expensive compared to regular Transformers toys?

Blurrz: That’s a really good question, and I can’t say because they are imports. These are a little bit more expensive than their Gundam brethren that are the same size. But still, for what we’re getting here, pre-painted plastic, and sprues with multiple colors on them, I just have to admit that we’re getting a steal with these kits.

Robofreak: Considering the amount of money, I’ve dropped on model kits over the years, I think these are rather cheap. Especially after dropping $150 on a anime resin figure that requires a whole lot more than just snap assembly.


Q: Is Dual Model Kit better than Robot Replicas? Trans-Scanning Series?

Blurrz: These are a 100 times better than Robot Replicas because these figures have articulation. Bumblebee and Optimus Prime are different sizes, and not the same! I could see comparisons with the 2007 Trans-scanning series, but even then, those were pretty awful. Both BB and Optimus Prime were the same size, and their alternate modes were garbage. I have to give credit to these Model Kits, because despite having no alternate mode/transformation, they are going all out in how the robot mode looks and feels.

Robofreak: I don’t own any of the Robot Replicas or Trans-Scanning figures if that answers the question. The difference between these kits and the Trans-Scanning is that the focus went into the robot mode instead of worrying about it transforming. For that, I’m much more interested in them and will be buying them.

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Q: Will the Dual Model Kit series survive? Who do you think will be in the next installment?

Blurrz: To see Transformers finally take that extra step into Gunpla territory is very impressive. Perhaps the Kabaya Candy toys were a little test in the water for Takara. I honestly think that if you’re a Transformers fan, and you enjoy building Lego, you’ll have a lot of fun with these. Sure, they’re nothing compared to a Deluxe Class Bumblebee and ROTF Leader Prime, but they are far from being gimmicky and useless compared to their previous non-transformable predecessors. In terms of future kits, I think Takara Tomy will go with the opposite side of the spectrum, perhaps countering with Megatron and Starscream. Or perhaps they’ll follow up with more of the Autobot cast, in Ratchet and Ironhide. All I know is that I’ll have something different to fix, rather than just the odd broken spark of a fembot on Cybertron. :KREMZEEK:

Robofreak: It’s going to depend on sales. If the kits don’t sell, then we won’t see the line expand. Sadly, economics plays a huge role in this. All I can say is that if you like the way they look, then buy them. The sales will really help determine what Takara does with the line.


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Robofreak's Astray Gold Frame

So there you have it toy collecting Bots and Fembots. We hope our insight was informative and helpful, and that you enjoy the Dual Model Kit series! If you have any more questions along your path to build these kits, reply to the topic, or shoot a PM to me or Robofreak.

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Blurrz's Exia - Terminate all unnecessary Autobots!

The Dual Model Kits are available for pre-order at sponsors BigBadToyStore and Hobby Link Japan (Prime/Bumblebee)

All the best,
Blurrz and Robofreak
Credit(s): Blurrz, Robofreak

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Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226032)
Posted by dragons on May 20th, 2011 @ 7:05pm CDT
thanks for sharing so bassicly its gundam model only transfromer related to get to the point no offense but for me i plan on making purchase on these 2 someday.

i put gundam 1/60 scale togeather in 1 day right to make it challenging for myself i do piece at time with MSA-0011 (ext) Ex- S gundam to last longer for me who knows maybe ill take chance & preorder them again for good see where it takes me :lol: spend moremoney on imports than i do anything else
Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226041)
Posted by BATTOUSAIXD on May 20th, 2011 @ 7:48pm CDT
These look good and I think they would be fun. I used to do some Gundam kits and I've always liked legos, so I really want Prime, but I won't get him unless I know they'll make Megatron at least.
Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226045)
Posted by Slayershoop on May 20th, 2011 @ 7:57pm CDT
Great advice guys! Good thing I'm already addicted to model kit plastic crack or my wallet would be in for an unpleasant shagging. These scratch the Gunpla itch, but alas MG 00 Raiser and MG Epyon take priority :lol:
Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226050)
Posted by Ultra Magnus on May 20th, 2011 @ 8:08pm CDT
Okay. I'm a HUGE fan of Model kits, and I REALLY like these; I'm ecstatic to see Transformers model kits FINALLY! However, I would tend to think that Model Kits of these characters would lend themselves to being more realistic with their conversions; we would actually see all of the mechanisms and how they work together. Just because it's a model kit with focus on Robot Mode it does not mean that either mode needs to suffer. Quite the opposite, actually. Take these for example:

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN71690?utm_source=seibertron.com&=&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=news%20post

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN52673?utm_source=seibertron.com&=&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=news%20post

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN75680?utm_source=seibertron.com&=&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=news%20post

See? I think Transformers Model Kits are in their infancy. In time, we will see some really cool stuff once someone sees the huge potential here.

8)
Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226055)
Posted by Anonymous on May 20th, 2011 @ 8:13pm CDT
Ok I read the Q&A and it was very informative, but I am curious, why is it not a good idea to twist parts off the spruse? I've done it sometimes and nothing bad has happened yet.
Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226056)
Posted by Slayershoop on May 20th, 2011 @ 8:15pm CDT
Cyberpredicus wrote:Ok I read the Q&A and it was very informative, but I am curious, why is it not a good idea to twist parts off the spruse? I've done it sometimes and nothing bad has happened yet.


Discoloration and ugly nub marks will happen, it's inevitable.
Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226068)
Posted by Anonymous on May 20th, 2011 @ 8:25pm CDT
OK, thanks, I'll be sure to never twist off pieces again.
Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226164)
Posted by robofreak on May 20th, 2011 @ 11:43pm CDT
Slayershoop wrote:
Cyberpredicus wrote:Ok I read the Q&A and it was very informative, but I am curious, why is it not a good idea to twist parts off the spruse? I've done it sometimes and nothing bad has happened yet.


Discoloration and ugly nub marks will happen, it's inevitable.


Yep. it's easier to sand off a bit of sprue nub then twist it off and take out a chunk of plastic and not fix it without a lot of putty work.

Ultra Magnus wrote:Okay. I'm a HUGE fan of Model kits, and I REALLY like these; I'm ecstatic to see Transformers model kits FINALLY! However, I would tend to think that Model Kits of these characters would lend themselves to being more realistic with their conversions; we would actually see all of the mechanisms and how they work together. Just because it's a model kit with focus on Robot Mode it does not mean that either mode needs to suffer. Quite the opposite, actually. Take these for example:

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN71690?utm_source=seibertron.com&=&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=news%20post

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN52673?utm_source=seibertron.com&=&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=news%20post

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN75680?utm_source=seibertron.com&=&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=news%20post

See? I think Transformers Model Kits are in their infancy. In time, we will see some really cool stuff once someone sees the huge potential here.

8)


That's what I thought, but I'm not so sure anymore. Gundam transformations are a lot less complex than anything we've seen for TFs.

I could definitely be wrong and yes the kits are in their infancy. We'll have to wait and see where this line takes us.
Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226180)
Posted by TimothyR on May 21st, 2011 @ 12:18am CDT
looks like drift is getting one uncomfortable sword wedgie.

Slayershoop wrote:
Cyberpredicus wrote:Ok I read the Q&A and it was very informative, but I am curious, why is it not a good idea to twist parts off the spruse? I've done it sometimes and nothing bad has happened yet.


Discoloration and ugly nub marks will happen, it's inevitable.


yeah, i too have never had any problems with twisting the pieces off. i usually just get rid of the excess plastic with an x-acto knife. but i've never had an actual part of a piece come off with the sprue.
Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226210)
Posted by Sideslap on May 21st, 2011 @ 2:33am CDT
Bandai's Macross Frontier Kits are a shining example of transformable models. In fact they're even triple changers to boot! Granted they are pricey especially where I live however compared to how many years it took for a proper transformable Valkyrie, they are little pieces of art. I look forward to getting prime and maybe doing a nemesis repaint.
Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226262)
Posted by guarayakha on May 21st, 2011 @ 7:10am CDT
IIRC, Optimus is supposed to be 24cm tall. The average 1/100 Gundam kits stand around 18cm of height. If anything he might be around the same size as the ROTF leader toy.
Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226417)
Posted by Blurrz on May 21st, 2011 @ 2:37pm CDT
guarayakha wrote:IIRC, Optimus is supposed to be 24cm tall. The average 1/100 Gundam kits stand around 18cm of height. If anything he might be around the same size as the ROTF leader toy.


Aye, the 10-11 inches that robofreak suggested is >24cm. What makes me happy about the line is that they are willing to go all out for scale. I really think Dual Model Kits are going to go far! I really can't wait for a Sideswipe with his huge blades.
Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226482)
Posted by robofreak on May 21st, 2011 @ 4:49pm CDT
Blurrz wrote:
guarayakha wrote:IIRC, Optimus is supposed to be 24cm tall. The average 1/100 Gundam kits stand around 18cm of height. If anything he might be around the same size as the ROTF leader toy.


Aye, the 10-11 inches that robofreak suggested is >24cm. What makes me happy about the line is that they are willing to go all out for scale. I really think Dual Model Kits are going to go far! I really can't wait for a Sideswipe with his huge blades.


What makes this awesome is that they are in fact 1/35 scale. That means they are compatible with all of those awesome military modeling supplies.

I'm so happy. :D
Re: 2Fast 2Blurrious - Common Q&A For Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (1226508)
Posted by T-Macksimus on May 21st, 2011 @ 6:19pm CDT
Sideslap wrote:Bandai's Macross Frontier Kits are a shining example of transformable models. In fact they're even triple changers to boot! Granted they are pricey especially where I live however compared to how many years it took for a proper transformable Valkyrie, they are little pieces of art. I look forward to getting prime and maybe doing a nemesis repaint.


While I haven't checked out any of the newer Macross models, I remember what kind of hell it was having to deal with the early transforming Robotech/Macross models in the '80s. The non-transforming versions were masterpieces back then but the triple-changing Valkyrie models...omg! The Gundam models of today are simplistic, more like dealing with Alpha and Beta fighter model kits and definitely no comparison.

I have no doubt that it is going to be a long time before we see the Transformer model kits, that actually transform, be of the same caliber of the Macross Frontier models. At least not if they want to be able to maintain the same degree of detail. This current set intrigues me and I might just have to pick up one of the Optimus kits. I'm sure it won't be long before 1 or 2 of the specialty collectors shops near me has these buggers in stock.

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