In-Hand Images: Takara Tomy Transformers Generations TG-26 Bumblebee Goldbug and TG-27 Trailbreaker & Hoist

I haven't opened my Trailbreaker, does the head have a screen in the back? wondering how easy it would be to paint my hasbro versions eyes red.

To those who have no interest getting them because the cosmetic changes don't justify the cost........well, good news is that the window of opportunity to score them cheap is still open. Online stores like hobbysearch has them still and amiami got them back ordered recently.

Look like Takara is back at being the superior version, well worth the money.

At least, compared to the Arms Micron line with their stupid and annoying stickers.

Aside from the eyes, I think I actually prefer the duller/brighter colors of the Hasbro Bumblebee. While the Takara one is pretty, it reminds me too much of the golden-yellow Movie and Prime Bees, whereas IDW G1 Bee was definitely yellow-yellow in the ongoing.

As for the other two, the Takara versions do look nicer, but I've already bought the Hasbro versions.

The colors on the Bee/Goldbug figure seem a little off, especially considering its a Takara release. But I'm admittedly indifferent to that mold because I have no intention of purchasing it.

Regarding the Trailcutter (breaker) molds, I actually like both the Hasbro and Takara paintjobs for both versions of these figures so don't mistake the following because I can appreciate what they've attempted here, however I carry a lot of ambivalence toward the overall mold. I hate to rehash what many have said before but I firmly believe the designers (although talented) really missed an opportunity to please old and new fans alike here. I totally see the need for the updated alt mode (along with all the other classics & chug figs) but these left me craving more in the area of accessories, design, scale, and accuracy. The robot modes seem to match up ok on the shelf next to other Classics but the alt modes leave a lot to be desired. I don't like how you don't have the option to both hide and reveal "Cutters" weapons and generator in vehicle mode. And I dislike how his rear bed cover becomes a shield instead of being factored into the Transformation to add more "meat" in bot mode, and yes I'm aware that part of the reason of this design was to make it easier to implement Hoist as a tow truck using the same mold, but if they could do it back in 84-85 they should even more so be able to do it by todays design capabilities. And this is going out on a limb, but they also could have added accessories like a clear "bubble" force field (ala Halo 3) for Cutter and using the same amount of plastic for Hoist, a mockup of his (and Grapples) solar generator doohickey presented to Prime from the famous G1 episode would have been a priceless and hilarious nod to adult collectors as well as appealing extras for kids. I would gladly have paid a Voyager price of $20+ for each (I mean a special Deluxe with beefed up accessories, hell yea).
Whatever. They both just look woefully small next to the likes of Prowl & Jazz...drives me nuts. But I still bought them lol. And I plan to purchase the Takara's, probly in person at an upcoming Botcon etc. too much other stuff on the forefront at the moment though (curse you third party).

I find it odd how Hasbro's Trailcutter is more black than Takara's. Not sure which one I like more. Takara's Hoist is the clear winner for me though. As for Bumblebee, I'm not sure there's anything that could make me like this mould at this point. Maybe it's just these photos, but the gold paint looks a little off-colour, a little green. I suppose I could get a Hasbro version and give it my own paint job, but I think I'd rather skip it altogether.