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Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set

Transformers News: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set

Monday, April 9th, 2018 10:34PM CDT

Category: Toy News
Posted by: william-james88   Views: 24,462

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We recently wrote of the possibility of Takara recalling some Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy (RID Omega Prime) sets in Japan. Due to the high price tag for a toy may fans already have in one way or another, not many had experienced this rerelease to know exactly what was wrong with it. And fans who were saving for this set or wondering if they should get it were left confused as to what might be wrong and if it was still worth getting it.

Well, fellow Seibertronian megamanfan wrote down all the issues this rerelease has, from experience with the toy. So, if anyone is still wondering if this is worth getting and what the fuss is all about, here are the words from megamanfan:

megamanfan wrote:i got mine a few days ago. here's some problems I've encountered:

1: prime's cab doesn't fit together perfectly. the arm panels are actually to blame for this, they're slightly warped and don't sit flush with the top of the truck.
2: one missile really, REALLY likes to fire off even if you don't touch it.
3: the panel that covers the hole the combined mode head leaves behind doesn't sit flush, in either combined or vehicle mode.
4: UM's hands don't peg into prime's without sanding them down first.
5: plastic quality in prime's vehicle back end feels... off. if you try to move the ladder ,it bends the connection points between pieces. not in a way that permanently damages it, but enough to cause worry
6: prime's legs leave a small gap in the cab when in vehicle mode.
7: the pieces that are screwed together to make prime's base shoulders don't line up with each other.
8: some of the plastic parts on UM split along the seams, where they'd normally be glued to held together. he still holds together and transforms fine, but it's worth mentioning.

I haven't tested the electronics because I didn't care about putting in batteries.
now, a few things to note:

1: the plastic quality overall feels good. a few parts seem worrying, but they'll likely disconnect before breaking.
2: paint is good
3: the joints are all solid, and i found not a single one that needed tightening.
4: everything still transforms and combines perfectly fine.


Transformers News: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set

Transformers News: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set

Transformers News: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set
Credit(s): megamanfan

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Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1951998)
Posted by william-james88 on April 9th, 2018 @ 11:44pm CDT
Holy Shit, someone just posted this on our facebook page:

Just FYI: Yeap, there was product recall email sent out last Friday by Hasbro Singapore to all Singapore retailers. The recall was due to IC Chip Issue, but there was more than that. You can go to Amazon Japan and see their product feedback on this item. 69% of the feedback is 1 star. Amazon Japan has stopped selling this item.

More detail about product recall. Takara Tomy will issue official statement on April 11. Customer can return this product on voluntary basis, by no later than April 20. No replacement will be offered.


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Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952002)
Posted by SpikeyTigertron on April 10th, 2018 @ 12:43am CDT
So being recalled.... would that up the value if you held on to it? Or would it be known as a lemon.... and worth less in the long run? I have the original RiD release; but the non-chrome and sword are tempting.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952003)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on April 10th, 2018 @ 12:50am CDT
SpikeyTigertron wrote:So being recalled.... would that up the value if you held on to it? Or would it be known as a lemon.... and worth less in the long run? I have the original RiD release; but the non-chrome and sword are tempting.


No, yes, wait for the fixed release.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952016)
Posted by Emerje on April 10th, 2018 @ 3:42am CDT
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
SpikeyTigertron wrote:So being recalled.... would that up the value if you held on to it? Or would it be known as a lemon.... and worth less in the long run? I have the original RiD release; but the non-chrome and sword are tempting.


No, yes, wait for the fixed release.

If they aren't offering a replacement they may not be planing a fix. I'm going to keep mine, mainly because it would cost a lot to ship it back to Japan and I doubt AmiAmi would refund the shipping costs here or back. In the end I'll have spent nearly as much on all the shipping as the set itself cost.

If they do offer it again with everything fixed I'll probably just buy it a second time... [-( We'll see what they have to say today.

Emerje
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952036)
Posted by Evil Eye on April 10th, 2018 @ 8:10am CDT
Egads, what a colossal cock-up. A shame, I kinda wanted this set to replace my knackered old childhood figures. Guess that puts the kibosh on that idea.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952043)
Posted by william-james88 on April 10th, 2018 @ 8:41am CDT
Interesting, the recall might actually not be aout the QC problems but instead about licensing problems with sound clips. That would mean that there will be a lot less on the market, especially with these sounds, so this toy might become a rare collectable if Takararecalls and destroys al the copies they get a hold of.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952044)
Posted by optimeow on April 10th, 2018 @ 8:43am CDT
I just got mine. Have not opened. Not sure what to do now :( :( :(

I foresee TT releasing it down the road with fewer sound effects because this edition has more than the original.

Don’t see much improvements to QC because I have dozens of TFs modified over the years due to QC issues. Even my 1988 Made in Japan Takara God Jinrai had QC issues back then.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952061)
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on April 10th, 2018 @ 11:46am CDT
Yeah I don't see Takara putting out a fixed version. First, from the statement it seems like their main concern is a sound issue. Second, it would cost way too much to make the adjustments at the factory to fix the issues with the mold and/or the quality of the plastics used.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952071)
Posted by ScottyP on April 10th, 2018 @ 12:56pm CDT
I'm glad I didn't care about this one, but it's a real bummer regardless. If they did something like this set with Armada Prime + Jetfire + Overload or Cybertron Prime + Wing Saber + Leobreaker and it turned out to be a mess of stressed joints and mold flash I'd be crushed!
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952081)
Posted by Emerje on April 10th, 2018 @ 1:15pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:Interesting, the recall might actually not be aout the QC problems but instead about licensing problems with sound clips. That would mean that there will be a lot less on the market, especially with these sounds, so this toy might become a rare collectable if Takararecalls and destroys al the copies they get a hold of.

I thought they re-recorded all of the audio? They even showed those pictures of Satoshi Hashimoto's recording session. I wonder what the specific audio issue could be?

Emerje
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952091)
Posted by william-james88 on April 10th, 2018 @ 2:12pm CDT
Emerje wrote:
william-james88 wrote:Interesting, the recall might actually not be aout the QC problems but instead about licensing problems with sound clips. That would mean that there will be a lot less on the market, especially with these sounds, so this toy might become a rare collectable if Takararecalls and destroys al the copies they get a hold of.

I thought they re-recorded all of the audio? They even showed those pictures of Satoshi Hashimoto's recording session. I wonder what the specific audio issue could be?

Emerje


Could be just sound effects from the original show.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952094)
Posted by ScottyP on April 10th, 2018 @ 2:55pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:
Emerje wrote:
william-james88 wrote:Interesting, the recall might actually not be aout the QC problems but instead about licensing problems with sound clips. That would mean that there will be a lot less on the market, especially with these sounds, so this toy might become a rare collectable if Takararecalls and destroys al the copies they get a hold of.

I thought they re-recorded all of the audio? They even showed those pictures of Satoshi Hashimoto's recording session. I wonder what the specific audio issue could be?

Emerje


Could be just sound effects from the original show.
In the US, the only true "recalls" are for safety concerns. Through that lens, could be a wiring issue or some other fire hazard with the chip. If it isn't that, idk ask Tyler Durden or something.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952107)
Posted by Seibertron on April 10th, 2018 @ 4:01pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:
william-james88 wrote:
Emerje wrote:
william-james88 wrote:Interesting, the recall might actually not be aout the QC problems but instead about licensing problems with sound clips. That would mean that there will be a lot less on the market, especially with these sounds, so this toy might become a rare collectable if Takararecalls and destroys al the copies they get a hold of.

I thought they re-recorded all of the audio? They even showed those pictures of Satoshi Hashimoto's recording session. I wonder what the specific audio issue could be?

Emerje


Could be just sound effects from the original show.
In the US, the only true "recalls" are for safety concerns. Through that lens, could be a wiring issue or some other fire hazard with the chip. If it isn't that, idk ask Tyler Durden or something.


If licensing problems are the real issue, which I somehow doubt, it seems like it'd be cheaper to just pay the licensing fees or whatever the damages are then recalling the entire product. Though I could be absolutely wrong about that!
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952114)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on April 10th, 2018 @ 4:45pm CDT
Seibertron wrote:
ScottyP wrote:
william-james88 wrote:
Emerje wrote:
william-james88 wrote:Interesting, the recall might actually not be aout the QC problems but instead about licensing problems with sound clips. That would mean that there will be a lot less on the market, especially with these sounds, so this toy might become a rare collectable if Takararecalls and destroys al the copies they get a hold of.

I thought they re-recorded all of the audio? They even showed those pictures of Satoshi Hashimoto's recording session. I wonder what the specific audio issue could be?

Emerje


Could be just sound effects from the original show.
In the US, the only true "recalls" are for safety concerns. Through that lens, could be a wiring issue or some other fire hazard with the chip. If it isn't that, idk ask Tyler Durden or something.


If licensing problems are the real issue, which I somehow doubt, it seems like it'd be cheaper to just pay the licensing fees or whatever the damages are then recalling the entire product. Though I could be absolutely wrong about that!


If it was licensing I highly doubt the set would have been released with the sounds promised to begin with. We'll find out tomorrow what's really behind the recall from TakaraTomy themselves.

On the subject of TakaraTomy responding to QC, anybody remember Go! Jinbu? TakaraTomy put a notice on the subject of Jinbu's misassembly, good from them, but I don't remember if there was a voluntary recall.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952133)
Posted by Tigertrack on April 10th, 2018 @ 7:52pm CDT
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
Seibertron wrote:
ScottyP wrote:
william-james88 wrote:
Emerje wrote:
william-james88 wrote:Interesting, the recall might actually not be aout the QC problems but instead about licensing problems with sound clips. That would mean that there will be a lot less on the market, especially with these sounds, so this toy might become a rare collectable if Takararecalls and destroys al the copies they get a hold of.

I thought they re-recorded all of the audio? They even showed those pictures of Satoshi Hashimoto's recording session. I wonder what the specific audio issue could be?

Emerje


Could be just sound effects from the original show.
In the US, the only true "recalls" are for safety concerns. Through that lens, could be a wiring issue or some other fire hazard with the chip. If it isn't that, idk ask Tyler Durden or something.


If licensing problems are the real issue, which I somehow doubt, it seems like it'd be cheaper to just pay the licensing fees or whatever the damages are then recalling the entire product. Though I could be absolutely wrong about that!


If it was licensing I highly doubt the set would have been released with the sounds promised to begin with. We'll find out tomorrow what's really behind the recall from TakaraTomy themselves.

On the subject of TakaraTomy responding to QC, anybody remember Go! Jinbu? TakaraTomy put a notice on the subject of Jinbu's misassembly, good from them, but I don't remember if there was a voluntary recall.


I believe there was a voluntary recall on Jinbu. Mine was delayed getting to me by the seller because he sent it back to get fixed, then sent it to me when it was returned. I'm sure the wiki knows for sure though.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952134)
Posted by Ultra Markus on April 10th, 2018 @ 8:04pm CDT
voluntary recall? like all of you are going to return a potentially rare and collectable figure :lol:
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952150)
Posted by fenrir72 on April 10th, 2018 @ 9:59pm CDT
From Amazon Japan

"My individual, like the others, had a voice difference between the Vulcan and the laser, and it was not possible to shake hands when uniting. I heard that there are more Hydoy individuals, so I think that I am still better."

"Like other reviews, Magnus's voice is reversed and the hinge's tightness is really the worst. If you contact a customer, it is obviously bad, but let me deposit it and let me inspect it. It will take 3-4 weeks! ! I was disappointed that it was not correspondence of expensive items. I think I will return a refund to Amazon."

"It is an opinion as a person who does not have an old fire convoy ... No, it is not bad

, the strength of the left and right ankle of fire convoy is different, right ankle is too loose and it turns at once.

And the extreme is an image. The hole and the petch for placing the parts of Transmain are opposite to each other, that is, the same shape was attached, which

makes it impossible to become a Fire Fire God. If it is just an ankle, I will consider whether I will allow it yet, but this is a little. I am very sorry to just want it because I wanted it. I will apply for returns or exchanges even tomorrow"

"The thing that arrived at us was not such a terrible individual, and the painting and molding were also beautiful at the level where it can be deformed normally.
However, even if "handshake" is forcibly pushed in, it can not be done, or the head at the time of coalescence does not fit nicely and floats.
Well it is a level that I manage to some extent on my own. I do not think any premise is to add a product with a price of 30,000 fixed price, but I'm accustomed to Takara Tomy ... It's sweat

, but a mistake in voice at God Magnus! I can not defend this alone!
When weapons are set in God Magnus, the sounds sound, but the two patterns of sounds activated by recombination are opposite to the notation of the manual. It is not a misprint of instruction manual, but a mistake of voice. This is impossible with self.
It can be seen quite a lot of people, but on the contrary if there are few normal people ...?
At that time I raised the price greatly from the goods and I can not convince the selling point which appealed extensively at this, and I think that it is not worth the price even if the state is good unless it is firm here.


How does Takara Tomy respond? Like the MPM Optimus roof, does it say that it is a specification? I think that it is described in the instruction manual and I can not say that I can not escape ... I
will watch for correspondence for the time being. I do not want you to stop the flow of commercialization of the reprinted version made here, so I would like to face the kitchen and prepare for the future."

"It is too bad compared to the old version. Bali is terrible and hip joint clicks are not decent. Magnus's voice is also reversed. Even though the price is higher than the old version. It is better to buy second hand if you can find second hand. I want you to secure quality before adding new voice. It is disappointing because I was looking forward enough to reserve it as soon as I started booking."

" Although the completion degree of Gotfire convoy was expensive, there
are some defective parts
① Firecomboy Vehicle mode can not be deformed
② Got Magnus electric garage reverse "

"It is certainly a commodity with a price of about 30,000, which is out of the question such as putting it at the lowest quality so far.
It is not that you should postpone the release so much that you should
never resell it as a terrible thing so far ... The sound of God Magnus in the previous review is not proportional to individual differences as it seems to be in every product.
Compared to the old version of my own, the right leg of the main body of the convoy was distorted first, it was not deformable.
Furthermore, the matrix cover only opens up to 90 degrees, the cover turns white.
The neck is not properly aligned with the ball joint, and the neck of the convoy is caught at the time of deformation.
Even in Magnus, the head of Godfire convoy was not hooked on the ball joint and could not be stored."

"As purchasers here say, it is full of troubles.
I did not try speech on my own individuals, but before that I could not become a Fire Fire God. Arm parts of super fire convoy, parts to connect front and rear of car body parts are different on the left and right, but the board parts with all parts, the board with the fist ball joint are the same on the left and right Because of the plate, the notch for joining with the front part of the car body was misaligned up and down and could not be joined.
Also, many of them are told, but clicks of the hip joints, perhaps both of them are left.
I could not shake hands the first one to become a Godfire convoy. "

"I just bought one but it seems to be faulty comp.
"Left ankle diagonal", "anomaly of click joint" and "reverse voice" all seemed to be applicable.
Others

· Super fire convoy head does not move obliquely.
 When looking inside, the ball joint was poorly shaped, and the ball bearing was broken by impossible screw stopper.
· The ladder is distorted, the bottom side, side does not follow the inside ladder.
· The panel of the chest matrix does not open halfway and it bleaches.
· The thighs of God Magnus are reversed (The official pictures are also reverse, so subtle?)
· You can not coalesce handshake."

"There are a lot of interfering parts, do not get fucked well. I felt compassion to a certain extent that it was the fate of Transformers Toy and so on.
However, it is a
voice that can not be satisfied in myself if it can not be convinced even if doing according to the instruction manual .
The weapon of Got Magnus is a beam on the right and the Vulcan on the left, but
this is the only thing that turns the sound into the opposite direction.

I
wonder if you did not really do inspections or final checks or something? I doubt it.
I will also contact customer service and I will keep it on Amazon. "


So based on the majority of compalints

1. GM's SFX are f'cked up
2. Neck problems with Super Fireconvoy
3. No hand shake or can't do the handshake
4. Reversed Thighs for GM
5. Matrix cover too tight
6. Fireconvoy can't be fully transformed
7. Joint issues or broken joints
8. Alignment issues
9. Issue with the Fireconvoy "boots"
10. Not worth the price of headaches!

So there are no licensing issues or anything. Just a slag hitting the proverbial fan and the JP customers/consumers are really voicing their outrage. In JP, you lose face and you lose everything!

Really one big cluster f'ck on Takara. Btw, is this made in Vietnam or India now?

Anyone selling the Sword? I'm interested!
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952157)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on April 10th, 2018 @ 11:37pm CDT
fenrir72 wrote:
(...)

1. GM's SFX are f'cked up
2. Neck problems with Super Fireconvoy
3. No hand shake or can't do the handshake
4. Reversed Thighs for GM
5. Matrix cover too tight
6. Fireconvoy can't be fully transformed
7. Joint issues or broken joints
8. Alignment issues
9. Issue with the Fireconvoy "boots"
10. Not worth the price of headaches!

So there are no licensing issues or anything. Just a slag hitting the proverbial fan and the JP customers/consumers are really voicing their outrage. In JP, you lose face and you lose everything!

Really one big cluster f'ck on Takara. Btw, is this made in Vietnam or India now?


India's new to me, but I don't think location is a main factor in this. The warping, alignment, tolerance... the molds must be in really bad shape. The sounds being incorrectly programmed... who is usually in charge of the electronics?
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952170)
Posted by fenrir72 on April 11th, 2018 @ 3:03am CDT
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
fenrir72 wrote:
(...)

1. GM's SFX are f'cked up
2. Neck problems with Super Fireconvoy
3. No hand shake or can't do the handshake
4. Reversed Thighs for GM
5. Matrix cover too tight
6. Fireconvoy can't be fully transformed
7. Joint issues or broken joints
8. Alignment issues
9. Issue with the Fireconvoy "boots"
10. Not worth the price of headaches!

So there are no licensing issues or anything. Just a slag hitting the proverbial fan and the JP customers/consumers are really voicing their outrage. In JP, you lose face and you lose everything!

Really one big cluster f'ck on Takara. Btw, is this made in Vietnam or India now?


India's new to me, but I don't think location is a main factor in this. The warping, alignment, tolerance... the molds must be in really bad shape. The sounds being incorrectly programmed... who is usually in charge of the electronics?


Someone O D'd on Sake most probably :lol:

Seriously though, this was announced waaaaaaaay back in 2013.Feels like a rushed job on Takara's part. As one of the Amazon JP purchasers mentioned, all the bling is for naught if QC wasn't maintained. Kinda similar to the videogame industry, the rush to make the next deadline in order to impress the investors......gaaah! Leads to a very sloppy results.

Reason why I asked if it's Vietnam or India, I kinda heard somewhere that India might be the next hub for manufacture. Maybe the transition of locale affected the result? Though the sound chip encoding is quite baffling indeed.

I'll still support Takara and Hb and thank my fortune I have the original sans the sword............Y 30000 is nothing to sneeze at.

P.S. Seems like Amiami pulled out their stocks already.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952227)
Posted by Knightsword on April 11th, 2018 @ 1:49pm CDT
The recall rumor was retracted the same day by the same people that posted it initially.
https://tformers.com/encore-god-fire-co ... /news.html
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952246)
Posted by Hellscream9999 on April 11th, 2018 @ 3:37pm CDT
Man what a frickin' joke, so glad I didn't get myself hyped into buying it, it's easily one of my most desired set of figures, alongside energon o/p and wingsaber/o.supreme.

If I were has/tak, I'd take this bad boy all the way back to the drawing board and start again from scratch. Here's my list of design changes I'd implement:

-Keep them the same size

-keep the arm components, just make new molds; they are clever and straight forward and kinda iconic for the character, no need to change them

-Integrate cw combiner port designs into magnus' thighs, like godbomber did

-Gut the electronics and batteries, he's already going to be quite top heavy, and this would make the combined mode much better

-Nix the rubber tires, don't need 'em and they just add an extra material to the cost (keep the painted rims though, that's important)

-Nix magnus' giant gun and primes multi missile ladder, honestly they are low on my list of what I need out of a redesign of these guys, and they would only drive up the cost

-Redesign prime's legs, they have a huge load to bear, I would make the thighs bigger/less curvy/humanoid and use the space to add stronger ratchets with more detents to the thighs and knee's

-Cut the translucent plastic, it's not really needed and just adds to the production cost, besides, if they're in combined mode most of the time, you won't see the cabins anyways

-Rework the combined mode legs/feet to be sure they can hold up the figure

-Rework primes torso extension gimmick to at least lock together much better, as it's the primary function for supporting all the combined modes, having this be really robust is essential

Well, that's about all I got, hope to one day see a generations style update that includes some of these improvements :PRAY:
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952282)
Posted by fenrir72 on April 11th, 2018 @ 8:48pm CDT
Knightsword wrote:The recall rumor was retracted the same day by the same people that posted it initially.
https://tformers.com/encore-god-fire-co ... /news.html


Or just a polite way of saying there won't be anymore figs to be sold anymore.

Amiami is supposedly the largest online JP store. Just a day after the report of recall, their GodFireconvoy stocks which were aplenty is now "not available"

hlj is order stop

hobbysearch is "sold out"

The last two have limited quantities in their catalog( no offense intended for the two as they are my go to suppliers if the first fails)

The first one, Amiami going "unavailable" in just a day after the recall rumor....very interesting.

A bit of tough love towards Takara. The QC supervisor for this project needs to commit sepuku for this clusterf'ck! This reminds me of Yamato's exploding shoulders in their 1/60 Valkyries due to the misplaced pins. Only this one, concerning the electronics, misassembled parts, mold degradation(?) is like x 3 clusterf'ck!

Will this be a big write off on their part? Y 30,000 a unit is no laughing matter! What is the % of the lemons sold?

Not every stock will be sold for a flat Y30,000 ( give or take their domestic TAXES). So just round it off to Y 30,000. Then, multiply that by 10,000 units which let say is Takara's minimum manufacturing capacity ( 5,000 is a yardstick for a small company consider it a profit for a figure release in Japan)

The total would be Y 300,000,000 or US$ 2,800,000+

If the target was 20,000 units sold, that would be US$ 5,600,000+

This is a big ouch :BOOM: if the lemons are more than 10%!

I hope this won't affect Takara's financial ability to make more of our plastic crack! :PRAY:
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952283)
Posted by Burn on April 11th, 2018 @ 8:53pm CDT
If you're going to swear, just fucking swear and let the swear filter do it for you. As far as I'm concerned, self-censoring is just a blatant attempt to by-pass a part of the forum software.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952304)
Posted by Emerje on April 11th, 2018 @ 11:23pm CDT
Hey, maybe there is a silver lining here. Maybe after they screwed up this release so badly they'll finally make that Masterpiece set they've always wanted to make but didn't without the incentive to try to out do the original. Now that the original is off the board maybe it's time to give that another look.

Emerje
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952358)
Posted by optimeow on April 12th, 2018 @ 8:13am CDT
Just opened mine. Damn. I have 2 right arms for Fire Convoy’s Super Mode. Not possible to transform into the fire truck. If anyone has 2 left arms, we can parts swap!
Thanks!
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952360)
Posted by william-james88 on April 12th, 2018 @ 8:25am CDT
Holy cow, I was curious and went to Amazon Japn to see what reviews this toy qas getting. Over 60% are 1 star reviews.

Image
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952362)
Posted by Sabrblade on April 12th, 2018 @ 8:36am CDT
william-james88 wrote:Holy cow, I was curious and went to Amazon Japn to see what reviews this toy qas getting. Over 60% are 1 star reviews.

Image
I'm hoping they're from people who are already familiar with these molds and recognize the shortcomings specific to this release, rather than people who have had no experience with these molds and might possibly instead be deriding them for their complexity level and curious stability that some--but not all--took issue with back when the molds were originally released.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952364)
Posted by william-james88 on April 12th, 2018 @ 8:54am CDT
Sabrblade wrote:
william-james88 wrote:Holy cow, I was curious and went to Amazon Japn to see what reviews this toy qas getting. Over 60% are 1 star reviews.

Image
I'm hoping they're from people who are already familiar with these molds and recognize the shortcomings specific to this release, rather than people who have had no experience with these molds and might possibly instead be deriding them for their complexity level and curious stability that some--but not all--took issue with back when the molds were originally released.


Yo can read them if you wish. It seemsits eople familiar with the toy

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%BF%E3%8 ... iya-konboi?tag=seibertron00-22&
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952405)
Posted by ExciKaiser on April 12th, 2018 @ 1:30pm CDT
What I don't understand is how the mold can be so damaged ?
Or is it a change of plastic plastic/quality which creates all these issues ?

The mold is not so old (compared to G1) and has not been reused so much (compared like.. Classics Optimus, classics seekers.. even some of the cars brothers have been repainted more..)
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952407)
Posted by Sabrblade on April 12th, 2018 @ 1:37pm CDT
ExciKaiser wrote:What I don't understand is how the mold can be so damaged ?
Or is it a change of plastic plastic/quality which creates all these issues ?

The mold is not so old (compared to G1) and has not been reused so much (compared like.. Classics Optimus, classics seekers.. even some of the cars brothers have been repainted more..)
They're 18-year-old molds. Even several younger molds from the Unicron Trilogy are said to now be mush from age.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952493)
Posted by fenrir72 on April 12th, 2018 @ 9:44pm CDT
ExciKaiser wrote:What I don't understand is how the mold can be so damaged ?
Or is it a change of plastic plastic/quality which creates all these issues ?

The mold is not so old (compared to G1) and has not been reused so much (compared like.. Classics Optimus, classics seekers.. even some of the cars brothers have been repainted more..)


Even back in 2002, the FireConvoy HB version already had some tilting issues. So even by 2 years, there was a frickon degradation already when HB started releasing it for the USA market.The JP releases, mine
anyway which was pre owned, does not have any tilting issues despite having such a narrow center of gravity in the design when in God Fire Convoy mode.

So the degradation and maybe, just maybe, a greenhorn QC Takara employee being assigned a job bigger than he can chew is the reason for the fiasco.

Quite sad :(
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952504)
Posted by william-james88 on April 12th, 2018 @ 11:41pm CDT
There has been a lot of noise regarding an actual response from Takara rearding the issues expressed with the recent Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy (which is scoring terribly on Amazon Japan). Well, Takara has indeed posted an official apology on their site and will accept these sets back and give customers refunds (rather than a fixed version). This is of course only applicable to customers in Japan.

What does come as a surprise is the highlighted reason for the voluntary recall. From what is written in the text, it seems principally based on the sound clip issue where they swapped the activation sounds for “Magna Laser” and “Magna Vulcan”. They also highlight an error on the box where there should be the combined mode rather than an image of the sword.

Image
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952531)
Posted by Emerje on April 13th, 2018 @ 5:51am CDT
The molds are made of steel, if they aren't being stored properly it doesn't take much for them to get damaged.

So I was taking pictures of my Encore God Fire Convoy, noting some of the changes and where the problems are... then one of my lights fell over the bulb broke. :roll: I'll pick up a new bulb Friday, in the meantime here are a couple things worth pointing out.

First off the box is MASSIVE!

IMG_4234.JPG

Easily dwarfs the God Ginrai box and it's packed full. But it's also relatively flat, being based on packaging from a time when bigger packaging in Japan was supposed to be more attractive. They could have easily done them in a layer rather than stacking them on end and cut the height in half.

Out of the box the most glaring issue is Fire Convoy's chest.

chest.jpg

Bunch of problems with the chest. First it's molded in clear plastic now and they painted the back side blue making the screw holes and molding points now visible through the back side. No idea why they would choose to do this, it's not like you could see through his chest in the cartoon so being clear is entirely pointless. Also notice that the red parts that stick into the clear parts are just a blob of paint where the original had sharp lines between the blue and red. In fairness this is cartoon accurate, but the figure isn't molded for that. They should have molded this in red like the rest of the figure, painted the chest windows glossy light blue, and kept with the silver painted abs.

OK, so the big sticking point is his feet, but it's actually just his right foot.

foot.jpg


Can you see what's wrong here? There's actually two problems here thanks to a botched repair job. First off the gray part the foot is connected to, the hole isn't aligned properly. If you follow it from left to right they made the hole crooked. And it's not warped, the plastic is actually thinner on the right end and mine has a very small hairline crack in it even though the hole maintained its shape. It's likly the part of the mold that makes that hole was bent and not realigned. This is why you're supposed to do test molds!

Second problem is on the red part just to the right of the hinge. Do you see how you can see the clear plastic on the side of the joint where it connects to the red part? This is from a poor repair job, that red part is supposed to be a tiny bit longer if you compare it to the original to prevent the gap. The hinge actually slides side to side now thanks to the gap.

OK, that's all of the negative things I've noticed this far, here are a couple interesting observations. First, all of the screws are now black instead of silver, and on the battery door they've added an arrow showing which way to unscrew it.

IMG_4244.JPG


Second, and this is a big one, the hips are much, much tighter compared to the original which was the biggest problem this figure had. I just hope the joint can withstand the tightness.

More later.

Emerje
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952589)
Posted by shajaki on April 13th, 2018 @ 1:17pm CDT
Dammit. Now I need to open mine. #-o
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952615)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on April 13th, 2018 @ 2:14pm CDT
Emerje, about the feet: I've noticed that they're attached to the clear window piece. Isn't it possible that the figure has two windows of the same side, if the rod the panel is on isn't in the exact middle?
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952707)
Posted by Ultra Markus on April 13th, 2018 @ 7:57pm CDT
do you really think people are going to send them back
if this set wont be fixed and are not making anymore wouldn't this set be worth something
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952714)
Posted by shajaki on April 13th, 2018 @ 8:29pm CDT
I got my Encore God Fire Convoy a few weeks ago but I wasn't planning to open him any time soon. But after all the reports on QC and then the actual recall, I decided to find out how mine was.

I have an original, and honestly he feels slightly better in some places and slightly worse in others. But nothing I'm terribly worried about. You know what I am upset about? He's missing his fucking foot!!!!

I'm pretty pissed off, and feel like returning it just for spite. But at the end of the day, I bet this version will become pretty rare, and I can buy a junker Magnus for that foot. But Jesus Christ Takara. Get your shit together :BOOM:

Image

Image
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952724)
Posted by william-james88 on April 13th, 2018 @ 9:11pm CDT
shajaki wrote:I'm pretty pissed off, and feel like returning it just for spite. But at the end of the day, I bet this version will become pretty rare, and I can buy a junker Magnus for that foot. But Jesus Christ Takara. Get your **** together :BOOM:


The fact that many people are thinking this will be rare, and thus keeping theirs, is gonna do the opposite effect. Since people are keeping theirs (and no non-Japan based retailer has any incentive in returning them to Takara), there will instead be a bunch of overpriced sets that no one wants due to QC gathering dust for years. Speculation routinely fails in these hobbies, like how the Combiner Wars toy to be the most expensive right now is Optimus Prime (a figure people didnt care about much) and the RID 2015 line is selling for way more on the secondary market than any mainline Titans Return toy.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952725)
Posted by Ironhidensh on April 13th, 2018 @ 9:13pm CDT
Can I just say how happy I am that canceled my preorder for this?
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952728)
Posted by shajaki on April 13th, 2018 @ 9:43pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:The fact that many people are thinking this will be rare, and thus keeping theirs, is gonna do the opposite effect.
Even if that's true, my decision isn't based on profit or reselling. It just means that, mine is secured, and I don't have to (possibly) pay an inflated price later on. Because I want this set for the differences it has from the original.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952731)
Posted by william-james88 on April 13th, 2018 @ 9:48pm CDT
shajaki wrote:
william-james88 wrote:The fact that many people are thinking this will be rare, and thus keeping theirs, is gonna do the opposite effect.
Even if that's true, my decision isn't based on profit or reselling. It just means that, mine is secured, and I don't have to (possibly) pay an inflated price later on. Because I want this set for the differences it has from the original.

I can completely get behind that. Its one of my main reasons when I debate getting something or not, I weigh how much I might have to pay later in case I want it then.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952732)
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on April 13th, 2018 @ 9:52pm CDT
Knowing this set is damaged doesn't make it collectible, it makes it a lemon. I wouldn't pay more than $40 for this set.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952741)
Posted by Emerje on April 13th, 2018 @ 11:09pm CDT
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Emerje, about the feet: I've noticed that they're attached to the clear window piece. Isn't it possible that the figure has two windows of the same side, if the rod the panel is on isn't in the exact middle?

The problem isn't the clear part, it's the gray part it goes through. It isn't warped, the shape is fine, but the hole is offset instead of straight through leaving the part opposite the window dangerously thin on one side.

BTW, I got an email from AmiAmi offering to take mine back on recall for a full refund and cover the shipping. It's nice to see them extend the recall outside Japan, but I'm going to pass on the offer. ;)

Emerje
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952747)
Posted by shajaki on April 13th, 2018 @ 11:22pm CDT
Emerje wrote:BTW, I got an email from AmiAmi offering to take mine back on recall for a full refund and cover the shipping. It's nice to see them extend the recall outside Japan, but I'm going to pass on the offer. ;)

Emerje
HLJ goes one step further. If you bought from them, and want to keep it, they're offering a 25% refund anyways.

Image
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952755)
Posted by Emerje on April 13th, 2018 @ 11:48pm CDT
shajaki wrote:
Emerje wrote:BTW, I got an email from AmiAmi offering to take mine back on recall for a full refund and cover the shipping. It's nice to see them extend the recall outside Japan, but I'm going to pass on the offer. ;)

Emerje
HLJ goes one step further. If you bought from them, and want to keep it, they're offering a 25% refund anyways.

Wow, nice. Here's AmiAmi's response:

Dear Customer,

This mail has been sent to all customers who have purchased the following item:

FIGURE-033857 Transformers Encore - God Fire Convoy

We regret to inform you that this item has arrived with a defect. According to the maker, the wrong photo was printed on the product box. Furthermore, there is an issue with the editing of the sound gimmick.

We understand this to be a mistake on part of the maker, and for this reason, we would like to confirm whether or not you wish to return this item for a refund. The return shipping fees will be covered by AmiAmi, and a refund for your order will be processed once the item arrives at our warehouse. Please note that all refunds are processed via PayPal, and they may take up to two weeks to process. AmiAmi can only provide refunds through PayPal (we do not refund via AmiAmi points).

When the item is delivered, please confirm if you would like to return this item, so that we may provide you with the return instructions.

Please make sure to include your order number when replying to this e-mail.

We apologize for the inconvenience.
Thank you for shopping at AmiAmi

Best Regards,
AmiAmi


Emerje
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952763)
Posted by Ultra Markus on April 14th, 2018 @ 1:17am CDT
william-james88 wrote:
shajaki wrote:
william-james88 wrote:The fact that many people are thinking this will be rare, and thus keeping theirs, is gonna do the opposite effect.
Even if that's true, my decision isn't based on profit or reselling. It just means that, mine is secured, and I don't have to (possibly) pay an inflated price later on. Because I want this set for the differences it has from the original.

I can completely get behind that. Its one of my main reasons when I debate getting something or not, I weigh how much I might have to pay later in case I want it then.

wouldnt the fact that this set comes with the matrix sword be enough :-?
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952849)
Posted by noctorro on April 14th, 2018 @ 2:17pm CDT
OMG what drama.

I have the Optimus Prime and had Ultra Magnus twice...
I love the design of Ultra Magnus, but he's such a damn big armor drone.
Hollow chest, giant back pack, Tower legs.

I might rebuy him and just 3d print more normal versions of those legs.

What a disaster peoples. Never heard this before and I'm old (33).
Anyway, good thing I hear about recalls and refunds.

Hope it all works out for the peoples who bought the set.
Re: Description of Issues with the Takara Transformers Encore God Fire Convoy Set (1952954)
Posted by fenrir72 on April 15th, 2018 @ 12:38am CDT
8-} Licensing issues....... :lol:

Good thing how consumer voices mean something in Japan even with regards to toys.

Really! This slag that hit the fan is such a frickon big deal! The sound chips may have some alibi in the encoding. Maybe the company subcontracted to do the encoding might have been a green horn in the industry. MoOlding issues ( age related and a half ass effort to restore them ( again, this fig was announced waaaaaaay back in 2013) but the packaging snafu? The type setter who prepared the negatives for the packaging and the supervisor who should have triple checked this before approving this is sooooooooo LAME! Or could this be sabotage? Someone needs to perform sepukku!

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