can you see what they did to the hips? curious to see if they went with the design changes i sent them!

 

So, it looks a lot like your prototype in your video. Problem is, it isn't screwed in, it's pinned. It looks like it could get loose over time. So far though, it's very tight.

 

Seconded, the hips on mine are very solid. At this point, the largest remaining issue is the floating backpack, which for me is a minor irritation. Hope this gets some love with a larger release and Reprolabels or Ocean support.

 

Gotcha! Definitely an easy fix if it gets loose... But should hold up OK I would think

 

How does Animus compare to the MP Ironhide? Worthy of a MP collection?

 

It may never be redone with the new hips to be honest...he didn't sell really well and a rerelease...that just won't happen. I'm actually amazed they came back with their Ironhide at all.

That said, the person who came up with the idea for the non ratchet fix is @jream here and he posted how to do the fix yourself with 2 small hardware store screws and nuts in this very thread. He then gave it to Voodoo or they saw the video and they incorporated it into their new Ironhide. Sooo...yes you can do it yourself if you have an old Salus. It's super easy to do and should take you like 10 minutes to do it if you'd be interested.

Video and everything!

 

So, after years (originally order in Aug of 2016!) of waiting, going through the ups and downs of seeing this announced, then delayed, then canceled, then not canceled and, finally, delivered, I received a copy of VooDoo's Animus (Iron Hide).

I had gotten their Ratchet (Salus) years ago and always liked his size and sculpt, especially compared to the overly-animated look of the Official MPs, so I knew I would enjoy their Iron Hide as well. Could not wait to get him and move one step closer to finishing off the Ark crew. But, when Animus was said to be canceled, I very reluctantly went out and bought a KO of MP-27. He was an OK placeholder and all of the accessories he came with are nice, but all of the issues I thought I had with him (the overly-animated look, hip flaps, forearm windows, poor head sculpt, tire butt) became even more glaring in person. I actually began to resent this guy taking up space on my shelf. When word came that Animus was once again going forward towards release I was ecstatic.

Fortunately, VooDoo took advantage of the extended lead time for this guy and tightened up some joints, refined their head sculpt and fixed the hip ratchet issues that affected Salus. The result is a very, very nice MP Iron Hide.





















I was able to get my copy from ToyDojo.com Not sure if they have anymore in stock but there is word that VooDoo is going to have another release soon.

 

That is definitely the face of a man who's two years late.

Did you have to apply fillers? I seem to recall their Ratchet looked like swiss cheese with all the holes.

He looks pretty cool actually.

 

Thanks fort the comparisons. I have been waiting for Animus for a looong time.
I still like it way better than the official, although that face on him looks like someone stepped on his puppy, I still like it.

 

Wow....... what a surprise.

This actually looks better tom me than the official MP. I like that it doesn't have such an anime look. The only major thing I dont like is the face-sculpt. He looks SO SAD. Are there any other faces?

Also, I went to Toydojo to order and they only have it for "Pre-Oreder" now. Anybody know where I can get it now?

Also do you think they will release and Updated Salus (Ratchet)?

 

I like his overall frame much more than the MP, but, yeah, that face will have to go. I have a spare head from the iGear one, or else it's off to Shapeways!

 

Maybe it's the lighting, but the face on mine is nowhere near so "flustered" or "sad" looking. Just a generic neutral expression. Will try to take some more shots later. I have to say that in the photos above, the Official Release face sculpt is no charmer either.

 

Ok I am waiting for their Ratchet I hope they wont change the old face.

 

I picked up the Ratchet Salus during some black-friday sale. I like it but kind of regret the purchase. His head is a bit fat and round and he feels much more light and less solid than the official.

I also have had both official Ratchet & Ironhide but sold them both off and replaced them with KO's, which have had some issues (loose hips, broken parts out of the box, etc.). Honestly, if this Annimus was better, I'd gladly upgrade but unfortunately, at least in my eyes - I'm not a fan. His face looks pretty ugly but the hips are better. I dunno - I don't see it as an upgrade over the official mold.

 

Hah, he does look sad.

I, too, would buy another copy of the black version.

 

Ok, it's mostly the lighting. Mostly. Some of the sadness is exacerbated due to the helmet not being pushed all the way down, leaving some expressiveness above the eyebrows. See below for how it looks pressed all the way down:

 

Maybe they gave the sad face to folks who had it pre-ordered for two years.  

I dig my Salus. He's my MP Ratchet.

 

I dont suppose, that by some quirk of fate the accessories of the officials are usable by these right? Or the KFC articulated hands for that matter.

 

Looking for help on mine. I'm old and my eyesight is not what it used to be.
Is there a guide for installing the plugs? I have the map to where they go but, CAN NOT read the numbers on the parts themselves.
Please help if you can

 

Yeah I'm sorta the same so don't feel bad. The closer it gets to my eyes, the harder it is  

I used a magnifying glass to read the numbers on the parts...they're on there, just super small. Then match it to the guide on where they go. My Swiss army knife magnifying glass was good enough but any type would probably work I suspect. I keep one of those bigger ones with the "arms" around that I got at Harbor Freight for like $5 for just this sort of nonsense.

Do yourself a favor and make sure you test fit them before you shove them in. Even if you have it in the right port, some of those plugs have an "up" and a "down" because of the curve of the body. Pay attention to that because if you put it in upside down, then it doesn't follow the curve and it's a bitch to get them back out. I used an exacto to cut them off the sprue and trim them to tuck them in. It took about an hour to do but don't let the project dissuade you from doing it. He looks WAY better in alt mode once it's done. It's almost night and day in the difference when you have those holes plugged.

Good luck!