In-Hand Images: Takara Tomy Transformers Legends LG04 Roadbuster

The pics are not of high quality but the first thing you will notice is that RB's optics are more luminous than the Hasbro version.

well.... i guess its a tie.

takaras lost the thigh paint apps, but has a tampo'd insignia. hasbro has thigh paint apps, but horrible stickers. i might be mixing and matching. i hope the oranges and browns match.

shajaki wrote:well.... i guess its a tie.

takaras lost the thigh paint apps, but has a tampo'd insignia. hasbro has thigh paint apps, but horrible stickers. i might be mixing and matching. i hope the oranges and browns match.

Horrible stickers? As in, you dont like any stickers, or the ones that came with Roadbuster particularily?

Honestly, I found the stickers on par with Reprolabels, with lots of possible details to apply. (I apply them all). I also love the fact that I could apply the instead of the good old .

shajaki wrote:well.... i guess its a tie.

takaras lost the thigh paint apps, but has a tampo'd insignia. hasbro has thigh paint apps, but horrible stickers. i might be mixing and matching. i hope the oranges and browns match.

I think Takara was going for G1 toy accuracy with the thighs. Since Roadbuster was never on the original cartoon, Takara probably figured that toy accuracy would be the next best thing to screen accuracy.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

shajaki wrote:well.... i guess its a tie.

takaras lost the thigh paint apps, but has a tampo'd insignia. hasbro has thigh paint apps, but horrible stickers. i might be mixing and matching. i hope the oranges and browns match.

Horrible stickers? As in, you dont like any stickers, or the ones that came with Roadbuster particularily?

Honestly, I found the stickers on par with Reprolabels, with lots of possible details to apply. (I apply them all). I also love the fact that I could apply the instead of the good old .

i find it odd that you say theyre on par with RL, as every reviewer ive seen has said that half of them dont actually fit where there supposed to go.

and generally, i dont like any stickers. in no way do i think they are a reasonable replacement for proper paint apps. these recent stickers are either a throwback, or laziness/cheapness. either way im not a fan of it.

shajaki wrote:7i find it odd that you say theyre on par with RL, as every reviewer ive seen has said that half of them dont actually fit where there supposed to go.

Maybe those reviewers have hands full of thumbs, but I had no problem making ALL of the stickers on Roadbuster fit perfectly where they belong.

I'll say it now: all of the woes people have had with Brainstorm's Headmaster could have been averted if they'd made his Headmaster's head out of metal.

I really think metal should make a comeback in Transformers, especially for small and fragile parts or for joints.

Delta Magnus wrote:I'll say it now: all of the woes people have had with Brainstorm's Headmaster could have been averted if they'd made his Headmaster's head out of metal.

I really think metal should make a comeback in Transformers, especially for small and fragile parts or for joints.

*looks at Titanium Series and its floppy arms and legs* Yeah no. Besides, metal would make figures even more expensive that they already are.

The main problem with "Arcana" lies within misassemblies, and people overlooking the fact he can be unlocked by pushing down the grey piece on Brainstorm's chest.

Well the Titanium series was a victim of people who weren't used to making action figures being made to...well, make action figures. Metal can be used to great effect- just look at Bandai's Soul of Chogokin and Super Robot Chogokin figures and the Takara Binaltech TFs.

The cost would be an isuue, but on the plus side, if it was done right then it would be much, much sturdier, and fixing the misassembly wouldn't risk breaking the head.

True, but if memory serves me right all joints were still plastic: only the outer shells are metal. I know that definitely goes for Binaltech and Alternity, but I'm not too sure on Soul of Chogokin.

SoCs often use metal joints- in fact that's where the majority of the metal is found (along with the lower body and feet for stability). Metal works well for joints due to its strength and weight.

This can't be a lena auction, its not mistransformed enough!

-Kanrabat- wrote:

shajaki wrote:7i find it odd that you say theyre on par with RL, as every reviewer ive seen has said that half of them dont actually fit where there supposed to go.

Maybe those reviewers have hands full of thumbs, but I had no problem making ALL of the stickers on Roadbuster fit perfectly where they belong.

For wanting to pimp Tomy RB here you go

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231375117632?mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5336631220&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

Official by Ocean

Delta Magnus wrote:Well the Titanium series was a victim of people who weren't used to making action figures being made to...well, make action figures. Metal can be used to great effect- just look at Bandai's Soul of Chogokin and Super Robot Chogokin figures and the Takara Binaltech TFs.

The cost would be an isuue, but on the plus side, if it was done right then it would be much, much sturdier, and fixing the misassembly wouldn't risk breaking the head.

Strategical use of metal parts are indeed a plus.

In Jetfire for instance, that connecting strut to the cockpit module. Brainstorm needs his neck as diecast, or the joint that allows for rotation. Similar to the metal "axels" used on G1 Optimus Prime. Again, fans/consumers should be prepared for the added cost.

Great SOC analogy btw. Take a look at A-3 by Artstorm. Great use of die-cast (he is non transforming) at par with SOC. The paint on the die-cast parts are top notch that you can't tell the difference from its ABS/PVC parts, unlike Takara's MP-01. The frickin paints is corroding already and chips off.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Delta Magnus wrote:I'll say it now: all of the woes people have had with Brainstorm's Headmaster could have been averted if they'd made his Headmaster's head out of metal.

I really think metal should make a comeback in Transformers, especially for small and fragile parts or for joints.

*looks at Titanium Series and its floppy arms and legs* Yeah no. Besides, metal would make figures even more expensive that they already are.

But metal parts have a certain advantage where durability is concerned. After all, you can't kill the metal. Those who try are smote to the ground.

TFYUKI has taken to twitter yet again, this time to show us an in package image of TakaraTomy Transformers Legends Roadbuster! Due to be released on the 29th of this month, let us know what you think of him in the Energon Pub! Check out the images we've mirrored below and remember keep your optics tuned to Seibertron.com for the latest in news and updates, plus the best galleries around!

I think I'm in love with the shade of green they used for his visor...

doest hasbros RB have light piping?

shajaki wrote:doest hasbros RB have light piping?

Nope. Hasbro's version has the visor painted over in green paint.

Wolfman Jake wrote:

shajaki wrote:doest hasbros RB have light piping?

Nope. Hasbro's version has the visor painted over in green paint.

well dang. i hope the plastics match between hastak, cause ill mix and match if at all possible (hasbros thighs on takaras body).

We've seen some terribly mistransformed Takara Tomy Transformers Legends Whirl before - so how about a nice shot of the Japanese LG-05 counterpart to Hasbro's Generations release of everyone's favourite homicidal watchmaker? Check out the mirrored image below.

He looks awesome! I've had him preordered for a while and when the RB pics came out I was hoping Whirl wouldn't be far off. Woo!

I wonder if this Whirl will be a shelfwarmer like the U.S. version. No matter WHAT store I go into, there are at least three or four Whirls on the shelf.

i really need to see a review of takaras whirl. if they fixed his terrifying knees, im in.

shajaki wrote:if they fixed his terrifying knees, im in.

? I haven't come across that, could you elaborate for me?

RotorstormNZ wrote:

shajaki wrote:if they fixed his terrifying knees, im in.

? I haven't come across that, could you elaborate for me?

Gen. Whirl's knees can be easily broken since they're so thin. I even have an example saved, from David Willis:

YIKES!!!!

We'll just leave him on the shelf.

Cobotron wrote:YIKES!!!!

We'll just leave him on the shelf.

Not saying he will break at the slightest touch, but caution is advised when manipulating his knees, like no sideways movement.

Yeah, you can still play with and transform Whirl. Just... don't bend his knees.

You can mess with the knees, and after you move them once it gets easier. Trick is to manipulate them at the base of the joint. If you try bending the knee by moving the lower leg or 'feet' it will break. But bending the knee at the knee should be OK.

Bounti76 wrote:I wonder if this Whirl will be a shelfwarmer like the U.S. version. No matter WHAT store I go into, there are at least three or four Whirls on the shelf.

Good for you that it reached your locality. I'm having to wait for the Tomy version via amiami

Bounti76 wrote:I wonder if this Whirl will be a shelfwarmer like the U.S. version. No matter WHAT store I go into, there are at least three or four Whirls on the shelf.

Still 100% better to see multiples of him on the shelves then a certain yellow scout.

Besides, I'm waiting until super-clearance and I'm gonna stockpile some of them. You can never have too many Whirls or Waspinators.

New comparison photo from @TFYUKI:

Cyberpath wrote:New comparison photo from @TFYUKI:

Which one is which?

Seibertron wrote:

Cyberpath wrote:New comparison photo from @TFYUKI:

Which one is which?

Takara on the left.

Quickest way is Takara's has an amber cockpit, and Hasbro's is greenish yellow.

I'm a bit torn on whether to go with Hasbro's or Takara's version of Brainstorm. Takara added some subtle, but nice details to make the sculpt pop a little more, and I like the amber color of the cockpit better than the light yellow-green one on the Hasbro version. However, the lack of paint apps on the shoulders and waist are technically more screen accurate on the Hasbro version.

Hasbro's has the more Josh Burcham-accurate colored abdomen.



Though, what was Takara thinking putting the on the cockpit windshield instead of on the perfectly good spot above the windshield?

*sigh*
both it is then!

Why both?

I've already got the Hasbro one but really wish I'd waited for the Taktom one instead.

Those extra paint apps and darker cockpit look great.

Wolfman Jake wrote:Why both?

well, basically for both their separate pros: hasbros is comic accurate, takaras just looks amazing!

shajaki wrote:

Wolfman Jake wrote:Why both?

well, basically for both their separate pros: hasbros is comic accurate, takaras just looks amazing!

But, which will you put in your Classics/Neo-G1 display?

Wolfman Jake wrote:

shajaki wrote:

Wolfman Jake wrote:Why both?

well, basically for both their separate pros: hasbros is comic accurate, takaras just looks amazing!

But, which will you put in your Classics/Neo-G1 display?

no idea

i actually still plan to get TW brainwave. and if TW makes a full headmasters line then ill keep them together (preserve aesthetics) as my neo headmasters. but who knows? maybe hasbro will make all our headmasters

Managed to snag a Takara Roadbuster off of eBay, thought I would do a brief review for those who are interested.

Robot Mode:

Now first I would like to say I dont own the Hasbro version so I cannot really comment on the differences between the two, and secondly I recieved this loose of a China based eBayer, the version I recived has some differences to the version previewed earlier on this thread, so I'm not sure if it is a test shot or the figure has had some last minute changes.



I must say I really like the bot mode, love his proportions and my initial worries about his feet being too big disappeared once I got him displayed just so, the colour pallet is pleasing to the eye and screams Roadbuster. Lots of ratcheted joints is reasuring for stability, although I will say some of them seem pretty tight, especially the upper thigh ratchets which seem to be a bit on th squeeky side, leading me to think they may strip over time (time will tell on that one), if anyone can reply with similar problems with the Hasbro version I would appreciate it. Other tight joints include the bicep swivel and knee swivel , but these are not ratcheted so should not cause any problems in the future. Theres a nice level of articulation to the figure and I really like the customisable nature of the weaponry. Paint apps are very good with no blemishes.





One interesting point is the preview shot posted earlier in the thread shows Roadbuster to have very distinctive metallic green paint on his visor, however my version has very lightly tinted green light piping.



Again I'm not sure if this is a test shot or the figure has been subject to last minute changes, we shall see.

Alt Mode

Transformation is quite simple, but very rewarding, everything slots and tabs away nicely, there is very litte kibble. The alt mode is very pleasing to the eye and there are plenty of 5mm slots to accomadate and customise the weaponry.













In summary I am very happy with this figure, some of the joints are quite tight in places and some of the ratchets may be prone to stripping which is a bit of a worry, however as I have mentioned this may not be the retail version of the figure. Also the figure came loose so no sticker sheet as with the Hasbro version but I belive that the Takara versions dont come with sticker sheets anyway.

Nice review, thanks man.


I definitely prefer this version over the Hasbro one, but I already have the Hasbro one, ah well.

Robogeek1973 wrote:Nice review, thanks man.


I definitely prefer this version over the Hasbro one, but I already have the Hasbro one, ah well.

No worries, thanks, can you comment on the Hasbro versions upper thighs (where they meet the pelvis) do they have a bit of a squeeky sound when you move them?

leakin' lubricant wrote:

Robogeek1973 wrote:Nice review, thanks man.


I definitely prefer this version over the Hasbro one, but I already have the Hasbro one, ah well.

No worries, thanks, can you comment on the Hasbro versions upper thighs (where they meet the pelvis) do they have a bit of a squeeky sound when you move them?

I haven't handled him in awhile, but I don't remember them squeaking. I'll try to remember to check when I get home from work tonight.

Robogeek1973 wrote:

leakin' lubricant wrote:

Robogeek1973 wrote:Nice review, thanks man.


I definitely prefer this version over the Hasbro one, but I already have the Hasbro one, ah well.

No worries, thanks, can you comment on the Hasbro versions upper thighs (where they meet the pelvis) do they have a bit of a squeeky sound when you move them?

I haven't handled him in awhile, but I don't remember them squeaking. I'll try to remember to check when I get home from work tonight.

OK thanks.

Just checked my Hasbro RB's hips. I would say they are just right. Not too tight, Not too loose, and no squeak. On mine one foot ratchet is super tight, the other is super loose.

Great review.
Tak version looks fine without stickers.
Sure wish Hasby hadn't skipped out on the light pipe.

edit:
I've also got one super loose knee, rather annoying actually.