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william-james88 wrote:Onslaught's vehicle mode is really not happening. Robot mode and torso mode is fine though. I especially like how the combiner chest tabs into the transformed arms, its very secure. And that Bruticus headsculpt is the best we have gotten so far for the character, I think.

For some reason, I have no qualms with the vehicle mode. Whats odd though, that the vehicle mode has a backpack. I don't think it does a good job of being a turret, or whatever it's trying to pull off. That aside, I'm strangely ok with him being a backwards Hotspot. It looks better in hand for sure. His bot mode is pretty good, but for some reason didn't make me squeal like I did for Hotspot. One thing I realized though is that he is extremely faithful to the OG toy Onslaught, which is cool but makes me sad that CW Hotspot didn't sport a black head like his OG toy self.

william-james88 wrote:Blastoff is a straight up redeco but its a mighty fine one. I will always find it lazy in a way but nothing is lazy about the colours chosen or paint apps. He looks really good in robot mode, better than UW Blastoff.

SO lazy, but I still like Jet-off. Looking forward to receiving my Renderform head though.

william-james88 wrote:I can confirm that Brawl's pelvic area is an issue. Not so much in robot mode but in arm mode it just cant support any strain while posing. And the short forearms arent great. Beautiful tank though and a great leg.

That's a shame. I'm looking forward to experiencing it first hand though.

william-james88 wrote:Swindle is good all around. Phenominal sculpting. I love the pouches at the sides of the dune buggy/jeep. And I just adore how he has a dedicated transformation for arm mode. Its a gorgeous arm!

And this might be my oddest view towards either Bruticus: I don't LOVE Swindle. Something about him... I dunno. Overly sculped or something.

william-james88 wrote:Vortex is fine. The headsculpt is great and while the yellow bugs me, the teal doesnt. I love the front of the helicopter, really nice paint detail there.

Again, the OG toy love (yellow arm missiles) really sets him apart and I I really appreciate that.

william-james88 wrote:The emergency lights from the hotspot mode dont really bother me as much as I would have thought. Especially since they are at the back for vehicle mode and are inconspicuous in torso mode.

They still irritate me in torso and bot mode, but they're almost invisible in alt mode.

william-james88 wrote:Getting UW Computron (already ordered) and I am keeping an eye out for UW Grand Galvatron at the jungle. Nothing I want locally.

I think I've seen Galvy in the Jungle (or it was Grand Convoy?) and the price was pretty relative to the likes of BBTS. Thank Primus that Computron isn't a TTM exclusive eh?

Glad you're happy with him, Will. Funny how a deep discount can change a man's tune.

shajaki wrote:I think I've seen Galvy in the Jungle (or it was Grand Convoy?) and the price was pretty relative to the likes of BBTS. Thank Primus that Computron isn't a TTM exclusive eh?

It was Grand Prime, but there is a difference between the two. Grand Prime (and Defensor) was not only an exclusive but he was limited as well. Grand Galvatron was not limited. Also, Heroes are far more popular in japan. Menasor at the Jungle was really cheap months after his release while Superion kept being the same price as the preorders were. And plus the way the jungle works, they write that its "used toys" on the packing slip when the box is open and that avoids any taxes at the border since only new merchandise is taxed the normal rate (Used books are taxed 5%, not sure about used toys).

I will wait. I played the waiting game for Bruticus and I even played the waiting game for Defensor's deluxe Groove and Menasor's Wildrider and so far it all worked out.

And if I dont get Grand Galvatron, thats ok too, he's more of a nice to have and not a need like Computron

Cobotron wrote:Glad you're happy with him, Will. Funny how a deep discount can change a man's tune.

Its not like I could have passed up on this crazy deal. They lower the prices 33% the week they get new stuff in, I couldnt just let this all go past me and not do anything

william-james88 wrote:Grand Galvatron was not limited.

So Grandvatron was TTM exclusive but not limited? Okay, that's awesome! I'll be watching Mandrake and the Jungle then too! Those other tidbits are interesting too, I wasn't aware. You're quite the guru

So you're saying if I change my mind in a few months, there's a chance I could still get him. Woo! Needs a price drop though.. for me at least..

shajaki wrote:

william-james88 wrote:Grand Galvatron was not limited.

So Grandvatron was TTM exclusive but not limited? Okay, that's awesome! I'll be watching Mandrake and the Jungle then too! Those other tidbits are interesting too, I wasn't aware. You're quite the guru

With comics, I was all about finding ways to avoid getting hit by customs or taking as small a hit as possible. So when I got into TFs, I just transferred the knowledge over, if it helps you I am glad And yeah, unlike the others, he wasnt limited, his page is still up you will see that unlike listings for the others, there is no mention of a limited number of units:
http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/goods/goods.aspx?goods=4904810864769

itscramtastic wrote:So you're saying if I change my mind in a few months, there's a chance I could still get him. Woo! Needs a price drop though.. for me at least..

Sorry Cram, its not related. Shajaki and are talking about the Japan release which isnt being sold anymore. Wherever you might see it right now, its the asian release which was never limited to begin with. Its wasnt priced higher because its limited, its priced higher because the cheaper Japan release is not available for anyone outside Japan to buy. Look at any MP release and you will see that there is one with coin and without coin and the one with coin is more expensive. Well this is just that this time, there was no cheaper option, so you were stuck paying for the more expensive release. So if Defensor at BBTS didnt get a price drop, then this one wont either.

The only way you might get him cheaper is if you decide to order a used one (aka opened box) from a reseller in Japan, which is what I plan on doing.

Also, I messed up before. I said Brawl wasnt good as an arm but I wasnt transforming him properly. The elbow actually locks in so he actually ends up being a really awesome looking arm, very beefy with a cool design. The forearm isnt very sold though and can detach, like what happens with the dead end mold:

william-james88 wrote:

itscramtastic wrote:So you're saying if I change my mind in a few months, there's a chance I could still get him. Woo! Needs a price drop though.. for me at least..

Sorry Cram, its not related. Shajaki and are talking about the Japan release which isnt being sold anymore. Wherever you might see it right now, its the asian release which was never limited to begin with. Its wasnt priced higher because its limited, its priced higher because the cheaper Japan release is not available for anyone outside Japan to buy. Look at any MP release and you will see that there is one with coin and without coin and the one with coin is more expensive. Well this is just that this time, there was no cheaper option, so you were stuck paying for the more expensive release. So if Defensor at BBTS didnt get a price drop, then this one wont either.

The only way you might get him cheaper is if you decide to order a used one (aka opened box) from a reseller in Japan, which is what I plan on doing.

NOOOOOOO!!

Now that that is out of the way..I noticed the no coin (announced first)/coin versions (announced second) and figured they were $7-$10 more just because of the coin being included and not due to the area of release. Interesting.

So, you're saying if I want the UW at a better price I should check the second-hand sites from Japan. Cool.

I'll never do it though

So far, I've purchased items from TF-Direct and SirToys out of the country. I guess I'm used to knowing exactly where my stuff is at all times, weeks with no idea is still scary to me..

itscramtastic wrote:So, you're saying if I want the UW at a better price I should check the second-hand sites from Japan. Cool.

I'll never do it though

Oh I know, I knw that as I wrote that line down. For me in Canada, thats the only option sometimes unless i want to get pummelled by the tax man. The US has dedicated importers and you dont have to worry about tax, so I always recomend people who want UW to go with a US seller. The second hand Japan stores do help a bit though. That Megatron I had told you about finally came in (he's posted above somehwere) and was 75$ shipped, that a better deal than anything else I could find.

And yeah, that deal with the coin is interesting. Its all business though, when there's an easy way to get the one without the coin, the asia release wants to remain competitively priced, so the difference in price is basically the coin. But when there is no cheaper non coin option available, then they can ask for a higher price. Like those MP Seekers. How is it that they are pricier than Starscream and they dont even come with coronation gear? Its just because there is no cheaper non coin version available for international consumers (like Americans) to purchase. So they up the price. But those were famous seekers and they sold out, would it be the same for Ramjet? Maybe not, so they made him 20$ cheaper. Thats the sad thing about Hasbro Asia, the prices are not based on cost (clearly, how can totally new tooling cost less than a redeco?), but they are based on the market instead, they are based on what people will buy them for. Which blows hard.

william-james88 wrote:

itscramtastic wrote:So, you're saying if I want the UW at a better price I should check the second-hand sites from Japan. Cool.

I'll never do it though

Oh I know, I knw that as I wrote that line down. For me in Canada, thats the only option sometimes unless i want to get pummelled by the tax man. The US has dedicated importers and you dont have to worry about tax, so I always recomend people who want UW to go with a US seller. The second hand Japan stores do help a bit though. That Megatron I had told you about finally came in (he's posted above somehwere) and was 75$ shipped, that a better deal than anything else I could find.

And yeah, that deal with the coin is interesting. Its all business though, when there's an easy way to get the one without the coin, the asia release wants to remain competitively priced, so the difference in price is basically the coin. But when there is no cheaper non coin option available, then they can ask for a higher price. Like those MP Seekers. How is it that they are pricier than Starscream and they dont even come with coronation gear? Its just because there is no cheaper non coin version available for international consumers (like Americans) to purchase. So they up the price. But those were famous seekers and they sold out, would it be the same for Ramjet? Maybe not, so they made him 20$ cheaper. Thats the sad thing about Hasbro Asia, the prices are not based on cost (clearly, how can totally new tooling cost less than a redeco?), but they are based on the market instead, they are based on what people will buy them for. Which blows hard.

You have all of the knowledge WJ. I greatly appreciate your teachings

I'm glad your Megatron came in! We talked about it compared to my Chronicles Megatron.

I guess what always REALLY got me was the price difference for the MP Seekers from Japan vs the Hasbro releases in the US at Walmart/TRU. It makes absolutely no sense to me. And now that I'm looking at some of the Takara Legends compared to Titans Return, I'm having a hard time justifying the cost (close to double the price on deluxes/voyagers). I never really looked at the Unite Warriors sets (other than Defensor, since I had him during G1) so the price difference never registered.

I am starting to re-think my spending, maybe due to all of the MPs I've recently picked up and the cost incurred. Boo money.

itscramtastic wrote:I'm glad your Megatron came in! We talked about it compared to my Chronicles Megatron.
I am starting to re-think my spending, maybe due to all of the MPs I've recently picked up and the cost incurred. Boo money.

Thats right we did talk about that. And yes, Boo money!

william-james88 wrote:

itscramtastic wrote:Boo money.

Boo money!

Hooray beer!

itscramtastic wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

itscramtastic wrote:Boo money.

Boo money!

Hooray beer!

Man, if you guys are into beer, you should really come to Canada!

Oh and speaking of coming to Canada, Cobotron, guess what I found another one of those exclusive beast wars japan space boats. You want me to kick it down river for you? Or do I wait till you come to pay a visit?



Also Cobo, look what I found for 3$ today:

william-james88 wrote:

itscramtastic wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

itscramtastic wrote:Boo money.

Boo money!

Hooray beer!

Man, if you guys are into beer, you should really come to Canada!

Oh and speaking of coming to Canada, Cobotron, guess what I found another one of those exclusive beast wars japan space boats. You want me to kick it down river for you? Or do I wait till you come to pay a visit?


Also Cobo, look what I found for 3$ today:

Beer?! Space boats?! Sentinel Prime?!

You've got the coolest freakin' thrift shops ever WJ!! Dang!!

itscramtastic wrote:
You've got the coolest freakin' thrift shops ever WJ!! Dang!!

That I do, and I feel very lucky about it. If you are curious, this is what this space boat is:



Here is a whole article about it: http://www.ntfa.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=4876

It was never released in the US but it must have been released in Canada. I dont know how or under what brand. It might not even have been through hasbro since this wasnt even a Takara toy.

Oh and it is actually a retool of the Andro base which was originally a ship that turned into a robot:

Cool finds!
those are go bots populating that Andro Base. Which leaves me all...
I had a Gobot base that turned into kind of an At-At type vehicle. It's head was shaped much like that thing's.
No need to sail that thing down the Mighty Miss. I have no Idea where I would put it.

As far as Sentinal. At least the one I got you is complete. Did you get the 3 dollar one?

Cobotron wrote:Cool finds!
those are go bots populating that Andro Base. Which leaves me all...
I had a Gobot base that turned into kind of an At-At type vehicle. It's head was shaped much like that thing's.
No need to sail that thing down the Mighty Miss. I have no Idea where I would put it.

As far as Sentinal. At least the one I got you is complete. Did you get the 3 dollar one?

I actually bought you the base since I had remembered you asking for it last time I found mine. But don't worry, I will just put it up as a cheap local listing, I am sure someone will pick it up.

And I didn't get sentinel since I already have one

Hi it's me again, responding to post very late adulting is lame

Will, you do have the best thrift shops

Beer, no

Whisky, yes

Canadian whisky, hell no

That is all, enjoy your sweet cheap finds

PS, I'm pretty close to the mouth of the miss river, hint hint

carytheone wrote:PS, I'm pretty close to the mouth of the miss river, hint hint

Cary, if you want it, it's yours. You just have to pay the shipping along with the 2.55$ cdn it cost.

william-james88 wrote:

carytheone wrote:PS, I'm pretty close to the mouth of the miss river, hint hint

Cary, if you want it, it's yours. You just have to pay the shipping along with the 2.55$ cdn it cost.

Oh no thanks, I was just goofing and you could float that thing down a river.

EDIT: Cobs, you talking bout this?


Orange and yellow grids, not just for Transformers

That's the one Cary.

and my favorite sipping whiskey is Crown Royal.
Canadians do a few things right.

Cobotron wrote:Canadians do a few things right.

Damn straight they do!





Tell me that tune doesn't bring ya back.

and yes, I'm being purposely cryptic

One more thing they got right...

Cobotron wrote:One more thing they got right...

Whoa Kirk, over correct much?

Funny you should mention Kirk. Today while I was mailing Shajaki's toys, I saw that they had new canadian stamps honouring the 50 years of Star Trek. Makes sense they would issue those since the star was Canadien. I bought some for my stamp collection:

Awesome finds Will!

But I must address this...

carytheone wrote:Beer, no

Whisky, yes

Canadian whisky, hell no

No beer... I can maybe let that slide. But you like whisky, specifically not Canadian whisky? You got esplaynin to do.

Or just don't, and try this.