Amazing, thank you!

 

Actually, the problem is that it lacks the bulk in the waist (some type of diaper), also the golden accent are meant to be side-in-side with the crotch, not on it
This was something easy to fix.

*Inserts an excuse of why the legs should become the cab*.

 

But couldn't you just plug one in upside down?

 

Ok, I've run into a bit of a problem...because the Takara release is sold out on online retailers, I've turned to eBay. And, issue is, because of the box on both releases being the same...I can't tell the difference in the listings. I search Takara specifically, and some say Takara, but I'm a bit paranoid of ending up with a Hasbro release, which I do not want...any way I can tell them apart? Because if there's something I'm missing, please, someone enlighten me.

 

This here's the Takara box. It's got Japanese instead of saying Optimus Prime.

 

Thank you, I really appreciate it! Now to just actually find one...

 

It would probably be fairly straightforward to design an add-on piece that plugs into the tab at the bottom of the gun's handle to give him the blue panel he had in the movie.

 

I was just thinking the same thing.

 

Being of one mind with the great savio-prime is pretty neat.

 

Actually I decided to take a different approach. Since AE cannot get me a replacement blade I decided to modify the extra right blade to become a left blade.

I took a box knife and shaved off the tab that holds the blade to the wrist. I then shaved off a little plastic from the opposite side and super glued the tab to the correct side of the blade to make it a left one.



I then took a metallic silver sharpie and painted the side where the tab used to be. All said and done it holds great.

 

While at the hobby shop today, I saw a new display for chrome markers. I bought one and all I can say is wow! Molotow liquid chrome markers have made a believer out of me. I did a practice run on leader prime's air filter, front wheel, and windshield visor and they look great. I'll post some pics tomorrow morning.

 

I've heard good stuff about that marker, anxiously awaiting pics to see if it truly is much better than others.

 

wait... isnt the tab that makes them both right blades on the Side of the blade? the orange one in the last pic

 

It really is mirror chrome, not shiny silver. I can't vouch for durability and all reviews say not to clear coat it (seems to be that way for all chrome paints). Only going to a chromer or going through the multiple step alclad process can compete.

 

Got mine today. He's a nice figure.

 

Thats one of the most meh reactions to the figure so far. Either everyone hates it, loves it, or hates and loves it at the same time.  

 

Transformed my leader HFTD battle hook charcoal face Prime last night. It's been a long time but for the sake of comparison...

The ROTF leader mode has a much more solid truck mode than MPM04. The main advantage being that it's a solid brick with wheels and easier to connect sans gaps.

MPM04 meanwhile, has a far more streamlined transformation that seems a lot more intuitive and easier. HOWEVER, it just doesn't tab/connect anywhere near as solidly as ROTF leader Optimus.

All in call, ROTF leader has the better truck mode. MPM04 by far, has the better robot mode. I also prefer the MPM04 transformation since it seems smoother, until you try to connect the gaps in truck mode.

Also I don't mind MPM04 having separate swords that aren't integrated as part of the forearms. The ROTF leader has spring loaded blades on hair triggers which fight against you when transforming to truck mode. Separate swords allow for longer blades, which I prefer.

I think Takara will rerelease MPM04 in Spring of next year. Hopefully they go for a cooler grey and darker blue...like the TF1 leader or better yet, DA28 Striker Optimus/MB17

 

This is the money shot right here. My Hasbro sits that way too. If somebody could figure out why maybe it would be possible to come up with a fix for it.