I was wondering if they’d bother doing a set for Jackie as his toy is pretty well done as far as details. They found a different way to go.

 

I like the addition of some green to the chest with the Toyhax set.

 

I'm enjoying this guy more than I thought I would.

 

I'm so conflicted about the Toyhax labels set. I'm absolutely loving the idea of getting Lancia Stratos accurate decos but I adore the factory deco on this toy. Might have to get a second one....

 

Continuing the trend of only opening one Transformer from my recent acquisitions a day, today was Wheeljacks turn.

It's interesting, that upon reflection, I have found that I actually don't like many of the original classics figures. Some, such as Ironhide/Ratchet I passed on at the time out of distaste, others such as Smokescreen and Red Alert were one and done dips. While I have Classics Wheeljack, I've never actually liked Classics Wheeljack.

First of all, I had a minor QC issue, nothing on the same level as some of the other complaints, but I had some excess molding on the wing/spoiler and had to use a blade to trim down a little bit so that they could form the spoiler.

Somewhat distressingly, I find myself not loving any transformation in Earthrise so far, oh, they're not all as frustrating as Cliffjumpers, but so far, there hasn't been any that I've just loved doing, and while Wheeljack isn't an exception, it is adequate. There's an interesting tidbit that on my first transformation, I had zero issues, but on most of the subsequent transformations, I found that I often pop the double peg swivel that the chest is attached out out of the pelvic region; I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or different from the first time, but it happens often and only didn't when I was being more careful then I would normally be.

Now, that said, actually I quite like him. It's a solid robot with very solid articulation, a very sleek racecar, and the transformation is just fine, so overall, I'm very pleased. I get the complaints about wing size and wanting a larger launcher or an extra gun, but it doesn't bother me. I find him to be a quite enjoyable figure for what he is, I think it's because I can see the character in him.

So far, from Earthrise, I'd rank them Hoist, Starscream and Wheeljack, and then Cliffjumper.

 

Yeah, this is a real tough one. Hasbro really out did itself with his deco and details, but man those G1 details are nice.

 

Finally managed to pick one up the other day during a grocery run (along with Cliffjumper. This pretty much fills my ER Wave 1 quota aside from maybe getting Optimus depending on my mood and willingness to spend Leader class money for the addition of the trailer over the Siege Optimus that I already like. But that's not really relevant to this thread)

I really, really like this one.

The robot mode is solid and very nicely evocative of G1 Wheeljack in his design. Overall they managed to do a lot with his design to do what he needs to be, including having the spoiler be those "wings" on his back in a clever little twist.

I also really enjoy the off-white color. It weirded me out a little at first but it helps him stand out from the reasonably noticeable number of crisp white figures from Siege and other recent lines.

The transformation is mildly finicky but not the worst I've ever seen. The one thing that kind of frustrates me is getting the little nubs of his windshield pulled out form his shins and in place correctly.

Car mode is where I think this figure shines. The car looks fantastic, both very evocative of his G1 car while also being different enough to look modern and cool. And all those racing decals with their fanservicey references are both thematically appropriate and really really cool.

This might be my favorite Earthrise figure so far and a strong contender for the top tier in the WFC trilogy run so far

 

If I got it I would only apply some of the labels. The additions to the roof and hood, maybe the spoiler, lights and license plate. I don't have the heart to cover the sides.

 

Like I said, I don't have that much love for Wheeljack, but given that there's a listing for an upcoming Netflix Wheeljack, I'd see what that's about before getting a second Wheeljack and the reprolabels kit.

 

The only thing I don't like about this figure are the windshield pieces on the legs, they pop off way too easily. Other than that, I love the figure, especially the car mode. I gave him Generations Wheeljack's gun

 

Yeah and he looks great with the modded wings

 

I am not a fan of that windshield sticker with the Toyhax set, what so ever.
Otherwise it’s great, I just aren’t getting it now, those things are on the back burner.

 

I can do without the windshield, too. But the Alitalia racing livery? HNNNG goddamn it's sexy as hell.

 

Had this figure for a bit. Picked up the nonnef kit for him ad it really fleshed him out in the way that everyone was wanting. Bigger shoulder cannon, bigger back wings, a secondary gun, even came with wrenches (that are seemingly recasts of his wrenches from his last Generations release)

Though I gotta say even without this kit, it's still a decent wheeljack. Definitely puts his last figure to shame, that's for sure.

EDIT: The wrenches are not recasts, but original molds. I stand happily corrected.

 

The nonnef wrenches are original molds, not recasts. The ones from the old generations release had a hinged c-clip. They look similar though, the generations wrenches were the basis of wheeljacks wrench weapons in the devastation game and the devastation wrenches were the basis of design for the nonnef wrenches (I sent him the screenshots from the game when he was coming up with ideas for the kit)

nonnef wrench is on the left, generations on the right

 

Then I'm glad I said seemingly, as admittedly I haven't dug my Generations Wheeljack out of storage to double check.

That isn't to say they are bad wrenches by any means, I love the entire kit.

 

Im gunna get the stickers but im with you on the windshield

 

Fair   I just don’t want nonnef getting accused of stealing designs   someone already tried to say that about his wings at one point haha

 

Oh geez, I didn't mean to imply that at all, Sorry about that