Not much I can say: the figure is wonderful! I don't see any real defects or differences between the pp05W and the pp05D I already purchased, they're great. I do like the variety of heads, and went straight for the grizzly old Ironhide face.

The part that IS different and very impressive is the weapons. I've seen a lot of people question the usefulness of so many weapons, but it truly is exciting how many options this figure comes with. I think I even received a random extra sword, as there were two in my package but only slots for one. I like having the options, and ability to re-pose and change things up for this figure frequently.

I notice this thread and these figures don't seem to get much attention anymore, as it's been a while since release. Somewhat of a shame, as these are some really nice toys, and definitely the ideal Ratchet and Ironhide I always wanted as a kid.

 

It's mainly due to the fact that these figures were initially released some time ago with no signs of reissues on the horizon.

 

I agree. I also think anyone still putting it off should grab one while retailers still have some in stock. I'm a little put off by the PP05W/pp05M package most are selling for $300, but grabbing a PP05M for $160 and a PP05D for $70 was a pretty good compromise. The extra weapons from Ironhide can be displayed with Ratchet, and the Reprolabels made the PP05D a great substitute for Ratchet. Even fixed the red shoulders.

 

I'm waiting on TakaraTomy at this point, I think.

 

I've been holding out hope for a black Ironhide version of this, but I haven't heard any rumors about it. Should I just give up hope on that?

 

Huh?

Same here. They're more than likely going to be made, that's why I sold these two guys. Still great figures that goes really well with Classics scale, which was why I bought them in the first place. But now I'm just doing MPs.

 

These guys fit perfectly with MP. I think if you're waiting for HasTak, you'll be waiting a while.

 

I'd say they're actually a cm or 2 too short if you're really bothered about scale - I'm still happy with my Ratchet (which I got to make sure I had one with a red head) but I'm waiting for the eventual Takara Ironhide.

 

I think they're spot on. Depends on which episode you want to reference since sizes were all over the place in the 80's, but I always had them pegged a hair taller than the other bots. Seems like a good fit to me.

 

It definitely looks good. Personally for height (I mostly don't worry about it) I always thought of Ironhide a little more then a head taller then the cars.

 

The great thing about these is they fit in well with either MP-10 or TW Orion scaled figures  

 

I wouldn't say that's necessarily true. As two of the most popular G1 characters, with built-in repaint potential and easy-to-license vehicle modes, I'd be surprised if Ironhide and Ratchet weren't on Takara's short list for upcoming MP figures. I bet we'll see them in the next couple years.

For me the iGear versions don't fit into an MP lineup well at all (weird proportions, inaccurate detailing, etc.), so I too am content to wait for official versions.

 

Agreed that these guys, as cool as they are, don't quite measure up to MP aesthetics or standards, but they can be decent stand-ins for lack of any other alternative. I display my van bros. with Classics alongside PP01 Faith Leader and they look stellar there (TW Orion would work too). I got the Medical Specialist repaint for my IDW Lost Light crew display as well.

 

Yeah -These figs do look pretty good, but I think they fit much better in a Classics display than MP. They are descent enough stand-ins, but I certainly wont pay their price for stand ins when I expect Takara will produce official MP figs in the coming years.

 

Can someone tell me what is the difference between the Medical Specialist and the Defense Specialist? As far as I can tell they are both Ratchet.

 

I believe Defense Specialist has far fewer accessories than Medical Specialist. It also has a First Aid styled alternate head sculpt included.

iGear Defense Specialist

iGear Medical Specialist

 

Plastic colors and detailing are different too.

Defense specialist has:
Inverted crosses on shoulders.
Red thighs instead of white.
Blue windows instead of black.

I have Defense, but I think Medical is much more representative of toon Ratchet.

 

Damn, looks like they are different prices and I need the more expensive one. Links threw me off for a second because they used the same vehicle mode on both so they both matched Splendic's description of D, though the other pics are right.

Thank you both!