Yeah, fake parts FTW! (I don't see another solution really).

I mean, loot at that!

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where did you administer the floor polish to fix his upper leg thigh hips floppiness issue?

 

I have to warn you that this might not be a good idea for the reasons I'll describe below, and it doesn't totally get rid of the play between ratchet stops (I'm going to try one more application to a different spot and I'll let everyone know how that goes if it has any effect). But I dripped a generous amount into both the (side-to-side) hip ratchets and onto the axle joint, for lack of a better term, that goes through the pelvis and that both legs are attached to. This made the thighs significantly tighter (such that for the time being, there's no danger of "losing" a pose if I pick him and move him somewhere)...

...BUT--after it sat in vehicle mode for a few days sooner after application, the hip ratchets became SO tight that they felt like they were incapable of any movement at all (I probably just put way too much in, but I don't know if using less would have had the same positive effect later). After working them a little bit they started moving again and are now just "pleasantly" tight. It also made the retractable hip skirt pieces very tight for a while, such that they wouldn't automatically retract or spring back into their neutral position automatically and I had to apply a bit of manual force to move them back and forth. They've loosened up to the point where they usually move automatically again, but it may or may not be worth the extra hassle/fear for a few days  

And once again, just to be fair, it doesn't make completely get rid of the free movement between ratchet stops, but makes it feel much closer to Megatron's stability in that area.

 

If you go to the mp-44 general fix thread I’ve posted a solution for using floor polish to tighten up the waist swivel and have also posted about a better fix for the thigh ratchets. I took clear blister packaging plastic and cut two disks to slide inside the ratchet joints. Nothing is loose anymore and the hip skirts rotate freely still. Nothing gets gummed up after leaving him alone for a while (unlike his waist from time to time).

 

Oh cool, I hadn't seen that, I'll try your method if I do anything further!!!

 

My post isn’t too in depth so if you do end up trying it and want more info, let me know, I’d be happy to help!

 

Here’s my way of storing everything (except the stand adaptor because I have no use for it):



I’ve found that Starscream’s shoulder vents sit very securely in the back seat of roller; the seat divider actually keeps the vents from moving left-to-right if positioned like in the picture above. Screamer’s vents don’t even budge unless the whole thing is tipped upside down.

You can even still fit Prime’s gun in the back of roller with the vents stored (I’m using the pegs on the left side of the trailer to store the fueling hose so the gun doesn’t fit over there).



I’ve also found that when Screamer’s head is nestled right up against this tab on the turret section, it fits perfectly when the trailer is closed and doesn’t move around too much even when open.

I also like to store the rocket pack right in front of roller. Attaching Ironhide’s flame effects to it prevents it from sliding around too much when everything is closed up.

 

Wow man, these posts are why I love tfw! Thx

I picked up MP-44 on the original drop but I’ve been delaying fiddling w/him bc of the notorious QC rep ... sure enough, despite generous double coats of Future, his damn yellow abdomen paint came off in parts as did the grey abs ... the fickle nature of the paint apps has me cursing Hades

 

I am on the fence as to whether to get mp-44 or not. I don't have a mp prime in my collection and really want one. That said since I missed the Amazon sale, I will have to pay MSRP. With the knee issues and paint issues, is it worth getting one now or waiting for a reissue? The transform element looks good but lacks a trailer which is a bummer. Thoughts?

 

I would wait till it comes down in price, I really like it but I think the price was way too high. Also having to fix both knees straight out of the box kind of soured it for me along with the scratched yellow paint on his nether regions. It is a great toy though, once you look past all that

 

Thanks..it looks really good but the knee issues do worry me

 

You’re welcome man, glad I could help!

 

It's not too hard of a fix to be honest, even for someone with little experience in fixing joints! Also the mp44 general fix thread is really helpful, there's video's to follow along to and plenty of pics so don't let it put you off if you don't mind the price.

 

I’d like to add I never did the knee fix, and both of the knees on my copy work perfectly.

 

Same here...

 

Before this issue gets overblown again, Id like to add that even if the knees do "break" The friction joints are plenty tight and will hold any pose just fine. you just don't get the clicking of the ratchet... not an excuse, but not sure if it's something to fear that much. For months, I played with my MP-44 busted left knee and all with no issues whatsoever.

 

Same.

 

No matter how many times we mention that not everyone has the knee issue or how easy it is to actually fix it, will matter.

Paint issues?

Expect that on every single MP that comes out with this level of complexity, TT or whatever. You want something that will not have paint issues because you'll likely never want to transform it?

Buy FT.

Price?

Not cheap. But then again the MP line stopped being a budget line a long time ago.

 

Thanks!
I'll keep these points in mind.

I agree, I think lots of figures get paint chips. Perhaps its been overblown. I don't mind the price either, but part of me feels that for something at the 450 usd mark, shouldn't break straight out of the box. If handled incorrectly, then of course anything could break. There are some reviewers who went for TE or MS noting price and knee issue and the backpack as negatives for the TT figure. But I know FT have lots of break issues as well and don't hear much complaint about that as well. Difference is FT will send you a replacement part free of charge..happened to me on my ft-05.