Another +1 for TCP. It's really obvious now that they are Primus' Preferred Retailer. Forget Eddie, etc. They got no cadence with Primus.

 

Excellent work!

 

Hmmm...surprisingly, I too find myself disappointed having this in hand. Mine has the paint chip, but I can't tell if it was already like that or if it happened when things shifted as I removed it from the packaging.

Another paint thing to note...if the knees are at all over-extended when you collapse the lower legs, you may end up with paint scrapes on the thighs as well.

I'm NOT an articulation-focused person, but even I find the head kind of awkward. He almost looks like he's permanently looking down, and the lack of a neck doesn't help.

Ultimately he's only for display on my shelf so the paint issues don't affect me hugely, but it is definitely unacceptable and disappointing. It is definitely making me question my future FT purchases, even though they are my #1 for aesthetics. Maybe I'll just finish off the S3 autobots and then call it a day for MP.

 

Thank you

 

It really does in the looks department. If you want one that looks the part, this one is for you. If you want something that isn't too terribly involved to transform but isn't quite as good looking, then the official is for you.

BBTS just got theirs so I just shipped it today so I'll see if I have the dreaded paint chip from there in 6-8 days.

 

The hoodlum arrived today and cant believe how hefty this fella is..havent transformed him yet but by the looks of it, the paints of both parts are joined together that will be chipped once separated..
This is my first FT guy that i bought but not totally disappointed coz i bought it on PO coz of its aesthetic..lesson learned is to wait for reviews with how FT is trending..im more of a displayer by the way..

 

was planning to put some clear tape over it if it wasn't chipped but this is how it was fresh from the box   looks like it rubbed or didn't dry properly, hoping there's an easy fix/cover up. I wish that it was moulded plastic rather than diecast. The colour looks like it might be tough to match, maybe toyhax will have some tape/sticker to do an easy cover-up job

 

While probably less accurate, the deco is much, much better. I picked up one for custom fodder and fell head over heals in love with it. Also the white paint on the crotch plate and the lack of shoulder paint do wonders concealing the mold's biggest weaknesses- where as the other paint really draws your eyes to them.

 

This should help. Fanstoys FT-17 Hoodlum (Masterpiece Hot Rod)

 

You can also try color match car wax. It works pretty well.

 

Sorry not picking this guy up as I have the official... have not been following the issue with the neck on this as well

 

I am really surprised by some of the negative comments on Hoodlum, especially when comparing it with MP-28. I have both figures and MP-28 sucks compared to Hoodlum.

Most ppl criticising Hoodlum refer to Hoodlum’s lack of mobility (see TMan’s video on youtube). Man, it’s true that Hoodlum is less flexible, but MP-28 is so cheap. He’s basically made of plastic recycled from McDonalds toys, especially his legs... Plus, Takara clearly had no intention of putting out a figure based on the cartoon character. MP-28 is just an interpretation of Hot Rod as its proportions are not even close to the real Hot Rod... It’s almost like a Toys’r’us line of transformers sold for 20 bucks. Great, it can move its arms and legs better, but again, from where would the resistance come from? MP-28 is in the same category as Tracks, pure shit.

As for Hoodlum, the figure is not perfect but can legitimately be called a masterpiece. I have never seen better legs (most of it diecast) on another figure, Takara or any other Fanstoys. The chest is also amazing. And finally I get a decent face for Rodimus Prime (unlike MP-09, which I also have, Takara and Hasbro; but I don’t have the Carry from DX shit). And frankly, I don’t give a dam that Hoodlum’s feet cannot touch the back of his head.

Also, many ppl have complained about the Hoodlum’s arms detaching easily from the chest. Man, am I the only one to understand that there is a Hot Rod and Rodimus Prime mode for the arms? The same for the legs if you look carefully. Just like MP-09.

Also, I want to add that it’s not a subjective call to consider Hoodlum far superior to MP-28... It’s just the reality. And I won’t settle for the Takara shit (which they have been consistently producing since MP-22 or so).

 

Upon transformation I have a very tiny chip; I certainly feel fortunate compared to what other’s paint chips look like. Other than that, it’s a very good toy with an easy transformation. I don’t think anyone with the MP version would need it unless they are a big Hot Rod fan, but if you don’t already have the Takara I’d get Hoodlum as my Hot Rod.

 

There is not two modes for the arms.

If you are happy with the lower position and all the caveats that come with it (not secured and unable to use articulation) then that would explain why you are happy to overlook his other short comings

 

sad to say i can call him Chipper Jones now..

 

Any chance you can take a few more shots of where you took off from to give him the head motion? Ive shaved a little bit off but it hasnt gleened the same results.

 

Check here @Optimus_Prowl for some better photos: Fanstoys FT-17 Hoodlum (Masterpiece Hot Rod)

Some decent posts on the matter following too including a video if I am not mistaken.

 

Horrid  

 

Exactly, it's Akom animation cartoon accurate  

Yup, happened to me, tiny little scrapes on the tighs. But then I also scraped the white paint on the hip of MP-40 (you can see it in the pic I posted one page back) when I transformed it. It was an unfortunate day.... And none of these are perfect, apparently. To me, the shoulders and the downward looking head of FT-17 are still the biggest disappointments though.

 

Yeah sure