Post by Jo'Roq on Mar 7, 2005 23:05:39 GMT -5
Vehicle:
2004 Subaru Impreza WRC
Variants:
Takara Binaltech #7
Takara Binaltech #8
Takara Binaltech #1 (with shoulder missiles)
Takara Binaltech #2 (with shoulder missiles)
Pictures taken by and vintage G1 Smokescreen provided by CkRtech
The first vehicle for the new collector’s line, this one almost turned me off from the entire line from the beginning. I found the paint scheme, while accurate, to be extremely busy and distracting. Since then it has grown on me, but is still not one of my preferred paints.
The main attraction for me for the entire line is a larger scale (1:24) Transformers figure that is based on a real vehicle, much like the original G1 figures were. Also, I like the fact that there are no loose parts. The body folds and unfolds to form either mode, and the gun becomes the car engine, held in place by pegs. And as an added feature, the front wheels (when transformed correctly) turn together.
The primary downside is the transformation process. While relatively straightforward, there are a few tough spots. First, when removing or replacing the gun/engine, the car hood does not open very far without popping off, making it a bit difficult for adult-sized fingers to reach in. The legs unfold from car mode easily enough, but pay attention – if you don’t know exactly how to refold them, getting Smokescreen back into car mode will be a frustrating endeavor.
However, the worst part of the transformation is the arms. The arms fold up into the engine compartment in car mode, and then fold and rotate for robot mode. The trick comes from the way the arms must rotate. Part of the shoulder is the front tire, which includes the magnet that connects each wheel to the “axle” that provides the unified movement feature. This magnet has to be moved to the opposite side of the tire for each mode, which is the real trick – there is very little room between the tire/shoulder and the car body to maneuver. This part alone will take me a few minutes to complete, with an arm popping out at least once as I try to rotate the magnet correctly. Fortunately, the arm pops right back in without any problem, but eventually wear will make the arm loosen and eventually fall off.
In comparison to the G1 Smokescreen, the resemblance is passing. Besides the change from a Datsun to a Subaru (not to mention over 20 years of body style changes), most resemblance is superficial. Both cars are race vehicles (with different numbers), and the base color is blue (different shades). The head is accurate to G1, and the shape and components of the robot mode match well, but otherwise there is little to bring a visual connection between the two figures.
Overall, an average figure. Great for display, with a good amount of articulation available for posing (just watch the balance). However, any play should be limited to one mode, otherwise your play will be cut in half by the time it takes to make the figure transform.