I think it shows how Hasbro and Takara really downgraded their quality in toys since then, the fact that an expensive toy from today can't even come close to a mass release toy from years ago it's really depressing.

 

I think that might be the factory's fault. Didn't the mold break or something?

 

In fairness I'm in many cases comparing the MPM's to at least the most premium versions of these molds available, and in many cases 3P ad ons and/or additional customization has been done. They aren't neccesarily losing against the most plain mass release versions, they're stumbling against some pretty tricked out versions (although I have the 3P painted MPM Prime knock off and have added significant paint to my general release MPM Prime and Bee- so they're tricked out as well).

But yes, the way things have changed is disapointing.

 

Well, fairly, i was comparing the molds (leaving aside PREMIUMS jobs editions and so), wich it's even more depressing.

 

The MPM’s articulation has double jointed knees, above 90 degrees of bend in the elbow, upwards and limited downwards movement in the head, increased backwards movement at the hips, and while the feet have slightly less articulation, they’re made from sturdier joints.

 

Get LT2. I just got him and he rocks. I put mpm4 on eBay, so if you don't mind a used, slightly modded one, it's starting at $25 plus shipping.
I think I'll put my dmk on eBay next. This guys robot mode is so good and easier to play with.

 

MPM has better articulation. It's fluid and can kneel very easily. Double jointed knees, better ankle joints, elbows that can bend more than 90 degrees, more range for thigh swivels, hip hinges that can extend for more range, the MPM is the clear winner to me.

Where the leader excels is being far more stable and secure in truck mode. It feels very solid whereas MPM Prime in truck mode is prone to accidentally knocking something out of place.

That was a rumor going in where we had some pictures that were hard to make out and someone saying the mold broke. We never got official confirmation and probably never will(aside from maybe an allusion to it when pressed for an answer at a con).

However something definitely went wrong as many members here had botched samples. I tried to fix 2 71 run figures(1st was missing a part so I exchanged it) and discovered absolutely atrocious quality control on my 2nd copy. Judging by the horrendous misassembly I discovered on the waist/hip assembly, I can only deduct that the factory worker seriously screwed up and tried to speed up assembly by literally making the problem worse and shoving the pieces together incorrectly by screwing the together.

My 2nd copy was beyond saving. Got a 3rd copy(72 run) and that one while not the greatest, was far better than my 1st 2. Have yet to mod it. If at all, might just trim down the window tabs.

 

He should be a bit bigger, maybe i will do for him Feet mod and print

 

Does anyone know whether or not the Takara release of this fixed the hood problems?

 

It did not

 

image test

 

Great design. Just love it!

 

Excellent pictures!
He really is a great figure.

 

Havn't transformed it yet, have you lol

 

I appreciate the mod you did to his swords.

 

Gee, I know different tolerances here and there but transforming the thing is probably one of my favorite pastimes.

(I really should've been grading tests & writing reports.)

 

Not really. It's a second hand figure I bought at a very reasonable price, and merely the robot mod is already beyond my expectation.
Tried to transform once but the tabs seemed very tight so I guess I should wait till summer to do it with the help of a small file.
Anyway I rarely transform Leader Class figures, most of my big fellows have been standing there for many years without being touched. Voyager Class figures are more often played with by me. I think SS05 Optimus Prime is more playable .

 

Bought a cheap base for him 

 

Great pics, just be careful not to scratch the truck grill on his feet. It's super susceptible to chipping