MP-41 Masterpiece Dinobot (Pic Heavy)

Discussion in 'Transformers Feedback & Reviews' started by SPLIT LIP, Jul 31, 2018.

  1. chrisr291

    chrisr291 Master of the Unknown

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    My quick 2 cents about MP Dinobot.

    Price
    Depending on location, the price ranged from $180 to $320 on eBay for whatever reason (Don't believe me? Check the completed auctions section). IS IT WORTH IT?? I mean, if you're not a Beast Wars fan, probably not. Since you're reading this, I'm assuming you have a vague interest in the show so the answer is yes.

    Figure
    Dinobot certainly feels like a pre-mp Megatron release; tons of articulation, screen accuracy, and relevant accessories that increase displayability. The Raptor mode is certainly the weakest of the two modes but it doesn't take away from the overall design. Additionally, the figure fits with previous BW MP releases seamlessly.

    Thankfully, unlike G1 MP's, the figures stay true to their animated designs and have not struggled with transitioning the line from toy to toon accuracy. Of course, Primal received a toy accurate release, but that was more of a repaint than a line reconfiguration.

    QC Issues
    My figure is free of QC issues so I can't speak to any of the issues previously reported.
     

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  2. smkspy

    smkspy Remember true fans

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    Fiddled around with him some more. Is the knee articulation.suppose to be that limited?

    ETA: saw a knee-down pose, must have done some wrong in the leg transformation to only get a 90 degree knee movement.

    Double edit: That little tab was hitting behind his knee which gave me the impression it couldn't move any further.
     
    Last edited: Aug 7, 2018
  3. ElekTriC

    ElekTriC Well-Known Member

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    he can do this soo

    [​IMG]
     
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  4. Super4Ever

    Super4Ever Well-Known Member

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    Finally transformed mine yesterday. What a clever transformation, truly a feat of engineering.

    I did notice a couple issues though, and I’m wondering if it’s just my figure.

    1. Left side panel on the chest, there is a small but noticeable gap between where the front and back tab into each other. The other side tabs fairly perfectly and I tried multiple times to adjust everything but it keeps happening. Is it a tolerance issue?

    2. Holding the weapons. Both the sword and his tail shield I feel fall out of the hand peg holes very easily. Anyone else have this issue?


    Any input would be greatly appreciated.
     
  5. chrisr291

    chrisr291 Master of the Unknown

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    Can you snap a photo of question 1 and my Dinobot holds his weapons great so it could be your copy. However, that issue can easily be fixed with a dip of clear nail polish :) 
     
  6. Optimus Prime

    Optimus Prime TFW2005 Supporter

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    When this toy was first announced, I was thrilled. Beast Wars was pretty much my G1--between me and my brother, we owned all but 3 Beast Wars toys by the end of the line. Watched the show religiously, and distinctly remember running to the bathroom to hide my tears at the end of "Code of Hero." Seeing BW characters get the MP treatment means a lot, when the line holds such a nostalgic value to me in spite of many people despising the series. Seeing a practically spot-on Masterpiece version of Dinobot become a reality...what a time to be alive.

    Over a year of hype had me eagerly anticipating the day I'd get my shipping notice for this toy. But then, in-hand reviews started coming in. Soon, anticipation turned to dread as review after review decried the "exploding" shoulder, paint-chipping, and weak joints. I tried to convince myself it was a few isolated incidents, but soon it sounded like the overwhelming majority of MP Dinobots were flawed and prone to breaking right out of the box. After the first week of feedback, I had decided that I was going to just return my MP Dinobots as soon as they arrived for a refund, not wanting to deal with the disappointment of a flawed $250 "Masterpiece" version of a favorite character.

    My MP Dinobots arrived from TFSource today. When I got the delivery notice, I was leaning about 80% toward returning them without even opening the box. For whatever reason, I opened the box and opened one of the Dinobots. And I'm beyond glad that I did.

    First off, I guess I got one of the "lucky" copies that doesn't have the manufacturing defect in the left shoulder ratchet joint. Even if I'd gotten one of the more common defective copies, I see now that it wouldn't have made that much difference. This is truly a Masterpiece by every definition.

    The raptor mode is by no means accurate to what a real-life velociraptor would've looked like, but it is spot-on to the animation model. Beyond the pain-staking attention to detail (all those molded scales!), Dinobot is super expressive in raptor mode, with exceptional poseability and the eye-changing gimmick/retractable teeth.

    Robot mode is where Dinobot truly shines, though. Generations Dinobot was an okay attempt at making a more show-accurate Dinobot toy, but missed the mark on a lot of counts. MP Dinobot, however, looks like it stepped right out of an animation frame. The meticulous attention to detail while still managing to be a fully-transformable toy is incredible. This is far and away the ultimate physical representation of Beast Wars Dinobot. I really am astounded by the engineering that went into making this toy possible. Looking at Dinobot in robot mode, it's hard to believe that it actually transforms into a raptor, yet the process of transforming him isn't overly complicated (I used wotafa's video review as a guide). The poseability, variety of facial expressions, different LED eye colors, laser-eye effects, and display stand give this toy endless display potential. The head/face sculpt(s) alone are proof that this was designed by someone who truly cared about capturing the character, and that blend of characterization and organic/technorganic detail puts Dinobot well above your run-of-the-mill G1 character MP toys, in my opinion.

    Is this toy without flaws? Of course not; is any Transformer toy flawless? In a perfect world, the raptor arms would be hidden better in his "backpack" (hardly even a backpack if we're being fair here) and his sword would be plain silver chrome instead of light pink. Also, those shoulder ratchets wouldn't be prone to breaking. But considering the near perfection of this toy on the whole, those details seem like nitpicks (barring the fragile ratchet joint, which despite being a serious issue won't actually render the toy "broken").

    I've owned/handled every Masterpiece Transformer aside from Sunstreaker, and MP Dinobot has immediately risen to the top of the list, in my opinion. This is a Masterpiece that will never be surpassed, not by a "+" version or 3rd party attempt or what have you. If you're a Beast Wars fan, buy this. If you're a Dinobot fan, you need this. If you're a collector who enjoys remarkable feats of engineering and detail, buy this. My one singular reservation would be the potential of Takara issuing a revision that includes a fixed ratchet joint on the left shoulder, but I'm glad I didn't hold out for that possibility. This is a Masterpiece Transformer that deserves a spot in any Masterpiece collection.

    Well done, Takara. Masterpiece Dinobot is the new gold standard for MP beastformers!
     
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  7. Triggerhappy

    Triggerhappy Well-Known Member

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    fantastic review, I think this is the best robot mode ever, may well save up for this one...
     
  8. ...Optimus...

    ...Optimus... Well-Known Member

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    Seems like a very impressive figure all around, save the panel issues in raptor mode. Probably worse in pictures than it is in person.

    I am sincerely worried about where this figure (and MP BW Megatron) are leading this collection, though. Collecting MPs has been a light hobby for me since the original Optimus was released (probably 1-2 figures a year), but at $250 and up I feel priced out. That's a large chunk of change (beyond casual collecting) and I would suspect I'm not the only person feeling this way.

    The most interesting part of MPs (for me) is the cool feats of engineering used to achieve show-accuracy in an elegant, intuitive way. It's what makes a $50 Bumblebee figure just as fun as, say, a $200 MP10 Optimus. Accessories, well...I could take them or leave them, honestly. If they released a version of MP Dinobot with less accessories for significantly cheaper I'd be all over it.

    Do you think tiered pricing based on accessories could become a thing in the future? Just like real cars, basically - different option packages at different price points.
     
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  9. nobleboivin

    nobleboivin Well-Known Member

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    I feel like he could be a tad bit shorter. Other than that, he looks great
     
  10. KABAR432

    KABAR432 giving beasts a forever home

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    My first impressions:

    I knew this figure was big. I knew it would go toe to toe with MP-10 and SS Grimlock; however his size does not sink in until you open the package and see those 3 extra face plates! My god this thing is massive (and weighty too). The second you pick up the dinosaur mode out of package and just feel how chunky he is! Man I gotta tell you it's awesome. Another thing that doesn't come across very well without feeling it in hand is that this thing is covered in sculpted detail. Every surface of this figure was given some love and that really becomes apparent as you handle it. Also the paint job is astounding. Its almost like they studied every single stripe he had on the show and painstakingly replicated it. The eye swap gimmick is very cool and part of me thinks that's how they'll pull off a Tarantulas in the future.. with the show bug mode eyes swapping in for the differently shaped toy accurate ones (if you don't know what I mean just watch the show and watch Tarantulas transform). It's a nifty touch that quite frankly they didn't have to include. The only negatives (for me) in Raptor mode are A. The pegs in the hands - I get why they are there... but it annoys me, B. Loose ankles - I know I am not the only one with loose ankles and I know there was a "real" reason for the included stand, C - maybe some of the gaps are a bit distracting.. but honestly Mainframe made it pretty tough for Takara here so I give them a pass.. if this thing had gaps and it felt "hollow" in any way I would slam them for it... but again the Dino mode is a Big Chunky Boi (Jobby fans?).

    Moving on to transformation next. The transformation was incredibly intuitive and fun.. with the only fiddly part being aligning the raptor arms into the back. All I will say is watch Emgo's just transform it episode and you will get it. I honestly didn't even look at directions I just watched his vid.. its great! Here's where it gets damn scary. That tail. Oh god that tail transformation is bad. All they had to do was just give it a fraction of a mm more play just to allow it to move in and out freely. I get what you are supposed to do.. pull the tail out and then spin it... but yea its deathly tight in there and I was sure I was going to break it. It just didn't feel right. I guess they have to make it tight enough so it doesn't droop in beast mode.. but still... just too damn tight takara and on a thin piece like that. Very scary.

    Bot mode is where this figure shines. Show accurate to the nine. Brilliant paint apps and very expressive face sculpts. Not to mention the freaking mouth opens on all of them. This figure makes me want to go get some of those batteries just to see the eyes light up.. and that's something I can't say Primal ever made me feel. Individually articulated fingers... which by the way are damn sharp be careful... is just crazy and uh yea.. just like AAOP this figure can flip you the bird (somebody already snapped a pick in the news thread). Dinobot just oozes attitude. It's like he's about to brutally destroy Rattrap! Even now typing this up you just look at him and hear Scott McNeil snarling! Negatives of bot mode. Semi loose ankles in addition to a top-heavy figure mean this thing will take a slow shelf dive in a matter of seconds. If you get it balanced right its not a problem.. but if it feels even remotely off balance when you set it down.. make sure to re-adjust the ankles. Really as alot of people have said.. it needs ratchets down there.

    Accessories: I can't speak for the stand other than its solid. The joints are super tight and it feels like it will last forever. Haven't actually posed the figure on it yet... The Sounds of Earth is such an amazing recreation of the disk in the show. Now I don't feel the need to track down that Unicron.com disk set for Megs. Its perfect and I love the little picture frame stand that it comes with! Its great. The sword. Amazing. I would change nothing. I think the pink makes sense even if you ignore that yes in some scenes it has a pink hue.. could it be that TT was just going for the reflection of the red spinning shield? Either way its not even that pink like people are making it out to be.. and it doesn't bother me at all. Oh yea.. it spins too! Tail spinning shield.. here is where I have a bit of an issue. For some reason mine feels like it gets hung up inside and doesn't actually engage a spin everytime you press it. I may be doing something wrong.. but either way it could and should feel more robust IMO. Maybe even should have been die cast. Also the connection to the hand is not very secure. Its a very small peg and it doesn't go in that far. Eye beam - can't speak to it because.. no batteries.

    Summary and Worth it?
    Is it worth $249.99?
    If you are die hard like me. You've already bought it.
    If you are a mild beast wars fan. This is the best Dinobot ever made. So if you can stomach the price I say do it. Notable alternatives would be the Henkei... considering that goes for $150 I don't really know why you would get a Henkei unless someone gave you a deal. This is way freaking better than the Henkei.
    If you are really on the fence.. I would consider skipping it. Ultimately it is expensive. There is really no getting around this and it is the price of 5 leader class CHUGs. I could see why someone would just say no simply on the principle of 1 character vs 5.

    The hinge debacle
    I can tell you that my stomach was in knots opening this guy. "Am I gonna get a misassembled hinge? What do I do if it happens? To soap or not to soap?" lol All of this crap was running through my head. Its stupid. A lot of people are shrugging it off like "oh... well its just a transformation hinge not an articulation hinge" BS bro! that's straight BS and I am not smelling what you are stepping in. Ultimately its a misassembled hinge that is affecting a handful of MP-41s. I can tell you this... if you go to move it and it is overly tight... you have the problem hinge. Return it. I don't think any amount of soap can save it. Watch primal sabbath's vid on the hinge. There is an interesting convo happening in the news thread about a spacer? That sounds cool but I am not sure even that would work. I don't even think its about the gap in between the peg and the hole like people are saying... I think its litterally that some of them are misassembled leading to the peg missing the hole entirely and getting ground down on the surface of the hinge until it fails. Then you are left with a freely spinning non clicky hinge up there. Ultimately in the end it sucks. Its a ketchup stain on the perfectly good plain white tee that is this figure. I would hate to have it happen to me and I really feel sorry for all who were effected. And I say shame on everyone trying to blow it off like its no big deal. It may be no big deal to you but don't try and put others down.

    I'd give it 4.5/5 stars. It could be better in some areas but its damn good IMO.

    IMG_1489.jpg IMG_1490.jpg
     
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2018
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  11. Shin Densetsu

    Shin Densetsu I WILL DESTROY YOU Content Contributor Veteran

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    The spacer(or a shim, anything that will physically push the ratchet just a tiny bit closer) will work. It's just a matter of maintaining contact so that the ratchet doesn't go out of alignment. Whether this means a spring was too short or the tab was molded 1mm short, all it needs is to be pushed closer.

    Very easily fixable. The soap/lithium grease works by loosening up the ratchet teeth enough so that there's no tension to keep them from moving.

    Either fix should work.
     
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  12. Del Smith

    Del Smith Active Member

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    Just got him today, perfect shoulder joints thank Primus, such an amazing figure, the price may be a bit hard to swallow, but damn...so worth it.
     
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  13. KABAR432

    KABAR432 giving beasts a forever home

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    just wanted to make a small addition to my earlier post.

    The tail gets better as you transform it a few times and the stand freakin' rocks!!! I got this sweet "kick Megatron in the face" pose out of it.

    I hope they start selling these stands by themselves and adapters for all of the masterpiece figures. But I'd be happy with a cheetor and a primal adapter first :) 

    IMG_1492.JPG
     
  14. Jetbolt

    Jetbolt Maximal Air Commander

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    I'm still in disbelief that I was taking pictures of something that I thought would only exist in my dreams. So looking forward to taking pictures of the robot mode later on.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Dinobot: "Eater of garbage!"
    Rattrap: "Pre-evolved birdbrain!"
    [​IMG]
     
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  15. SPLIT LIP

    SPLIT LIP Be strong enough to be gentle

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    Every day I have him the more I'm glad I got over the price. Having this character, at last, just as he was in my childhood, it's a feeling I don't often ascribe to this hobby despite the fact that it's nostalgia-fuelled.

    It's almost... emotional.
     
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  16. chapsy

    chapsy Well-Known Member

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    I just got this guy and man what a wild transformation. Very fun, and it looks like my shoulders were intact. No breakage, not too tight, not too loose.

    My only concern is on the rear waist piece. Are these hairline cracks or am I seeing things? I noticed that right out of the box.

    15338373007975999212963037201029.jpg 15338373579004280630047053931283.jpg
     
  17. SPLIT LIP

    SPLIT LIP Be strong enough to be gentle

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    The waist is unpainted plastic. What you're seeing is the swirls in the different types mixed to create the bronze colour. (they're likely there from running down the posts for the screw holes during the casting process)
     
  18. chapsy

    chapsy Well-Known Member

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    Phew, that's a relief. Wife thought that's what it was but I wasn't too sure. They seriously look like fine cracks at first glance.
     
  19. mx-01 archon

    mx-01 archon Well-Known Member

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    That's a pretty common occurrence with metallic-flaked plastic like that. I think the thinner areas might create a bit of a pinch point and catch more of the metallic granules. Theoretically, that area might be a bit weaker, structurally, as a result, but I wouldn't worry, as that particular spot doesn't look to be load-bearing.
     
  20. pegasusprime

    pegasusprime Well-Known Member

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    Do you guys believe there would be reissue soon?