That's the 1st thing I think when I see pics of this guy. I've been watching this closely since it was announced...but as soon as pics surfaced, I looked at the legs. Something about the legs and feet just look all wrong... Then, I see those connections between the waist and each leg, and I'm thinking "if everything I've read, about the umteen-zillions of posts about MP Rodimus falling apart...MP05 spine breaking...and the myriad of other design/QC issues...I just see a potential in a few weeks reports rolling in like... "MY MP SOUNDWAVE'S LEG BROKE OFF?!??!!" ok...seriously...I'm gunna buy the eventual Hasbro release, but you guys that have this in hand, what is that joint made of? It looks SO DAMN small to be such a major joint..I just foresee problems, but then, I don't have one in hand..
It hasn't been mentioned in any of the reviews yet, but someone needs to show Soundwave's little storage compartments for Rumble & Frenzy's weapons. And actually throw in 3 cassettes (MP Laserbeak + 2 G1's since they fit) to better show the ejection function. Please.
Guys, I can't really comment about the leg connectors because I'm seriously a noob in terms of analyzing the engineering of a toy or the materials used - despite all these years of collecting. Anyway, I intend to simply leave him in bit mode - that should mean that he's safe from breakages yes?
Taking better looks at the video review and a few photos, it's a weak point for certain. I don't expect it to be a major problem, though. It's going to be a fairly thick part, all things considered. Even with a tight ratchet, much smaller parts haven't had breakage issues. Also, the main good thing, that joint is not required for transformation. The transformation moves all around the thigh joint. I'd say, as long as you're careful, you shouldn't have a problem unless you get some bad QC and a super, super tight joint.
Hey man! Thanks for saying something. I'm not the only guy that is looking at those parts and getting wierded out with fear of another Rodimus issue...I know a few guys on these boards that are waiting to get it in the mail, and are a bit freaked by how that looks. It's such a small connection point...even if its die cast it could be a problem. Hopefully its a part made of steel, or...a piece of steeljaw's lower jaw..
I'll post pictures later but ill quickly go over some questions people have been asking that haven't been answered. The legs: This is potential an area which I forsee weakening or possibly even breaking if excessive force is used or you transform him too many times. The reason is because the connecting piece is too small for a major stress point. Also the hips are on ratcheting joints that are very tight which can be a good thing for stability but worrying each time you pose his legs. The way around this is to transform the legs carefully and near the joints. In saying that I transformed it twice already, played with for a couple of hours, posing it without taking this in consideration. No problems so far, no stress marks or anything. One QC issue people shoud be aware of is the chrome around buttons. The edges are chipped and though its unnoticeable at first glance, if you look closely its there. All in all, MP SW really is a beautiful figure or should I say package. The figure has so much play value with som many features and great accessories.
Got mine in and I absolutely adore it! No QC problems on mine except a few bits of mold flashing and a very minor gouge along one side of his face plate. It's only noticeable if you're looking for it (which I was after reading another posters feedback). One question guys: I've got the plastic bit that plugs into the normal cassette door and has the molded grid on it, but is there supposed to be a decal or cut out or something that has the schematic on it and goes behind that piece? I searched all around my box and through the manual but found nothing of the sort.
Judging by the photos I've seen, it's in the color booklet with the photos of all the different Soundwaves from all the different series. Pretty crappy place to put it. I really hope someone puts a nice, high quality scan of it up so I don't have to cut up my booklets.
I think that when I finally get mine I will just make a copy on digital photo stock and use that. No way in hell I'm cutting up that booklet.
Here is my take on MP13 - Soundwave. He comes in a bog standard MP packaging. The innards of the box you will get:- 1) Soundwave himself 2) Laserbeak 3) Mini Megatron in Gun mode 4) Instruction booklet 5) Bio cards for both Soundwave and Laswebeak 6) Energon cube attachment 7) Grid display screen to mimick one of his abilities to display schematics like in the animation 8) Hand attachment (as seen in the animation) In the instruction book, you will also have a copy of an addendum explaining the steps you need to slot in 3 casseticons and the right method of releasing them Transformation is very simple and straight forward. Even without instructions, you can figure out where all the panel lines up and everything locks into place. On my copy there are no floppy joints and the paint apps are spot on. I will not delve into the articulation, suffice to say, he has enough to make decent poses and his range is respectable for a masterpiece toy. One point to note, that is the hip joints. Mine come very tight out of the box and moving them made me very nervous. It almost felt that I am going to break the toy. This is because the ratchet joints on the hips looked thin and every time you try to move them, it looked like it can snap off if extra force is applied. Tread with caution on this. His rifle is nicely integrated behind his body disguising as batteries (similar with his shoulder cannon). Nothing special here, but it is serviceable And he holds the Prepare to Eject pose very nicely. The accessories whilst neat are just added icing to a already great figure. Energon Cube maker Schematic Grid display Mini Megatron Arms replacement Which can be stored behind hs back But perhaps the biggest and the most impressive accessory for Soundwave is none other than Laserbeak What impresses me so, was the jet and turrets on Laserbeak is now integrated into the cassette mode and no longer requires a separate attachment to make it look animation accurate. He even comes with the head camera attachment which he used to spy in the Autobots at the beginning of the Animation movie. All in all, I am very impressed with this MP and from what I have heard, Soundblaster wit Ratbat is already been slated for release. But I reckon that he will definitely look awesome being displayed next to MP Megatron V2. Call it what you will, but it will happen, Megatron V2 will compliment Soundwave and make them a formidable pieces in any display collection.
*Drools* I have never been anticipating the arrival of a figure more than him and I was originally gonna pass on this guy. The only thing I don't get is why people are paying as high as 265 for this guy when he's readily available for 190-ish
well, a fool and his money are soon parted Btw, how are the new tapes vs the old G1 tapes in terms of size? Anyone got some comparison pics?
Your photos look amazing and have me mega hyped to receive mine! I loved your transformation photos in particular, it makes him looks extremely powerful. Were there any paint flaws? It looks perfect really in the pics.