Just a quick review for the bumblebee , for what it’s worth at 15-16 usd the price I got it at , it’s pretty worth it . Taking gunpla for example it’s usually an addition 3-4 bucks for a base stand .
Now for kit itself, articulation for the limbs were quite surprisingly good for the design being slightly more than 90degrees for knee and biceps bends . Arms are attached to the shoulders on a dumbbell joint which has sufficient space and articulation for the bee to fold his arms but has limited shoulder/ bicep swivel due to design . Hands are unfortunately on a peg connection which renders it only down to swivel same goes for the waist , there isn’t any ab crunch for this model . Head is on a ball joint which I have to clarify is a different size from it’s studio series counterpart incase you wanted a simple head replacement for your off-road bee . There’s a great range for it’s ankle tilts which greatly offsets the blockage from the thigh design.

Comes with 2 sets of hands , 2 closed fists and 2 open hands . Designated arm blade which only attaches to it’s left forearm from the peg design. Arm cannon is technically capable to be fitted to both arm due to peg but more aligned to right arm. 2 heads being it’s masked and unmasked head which both came prepainted . 2 sets of window wings depending on your aesthetic taste one tru at looks like Mpm and the other folded down , both are attached into a peghole and can swivel around.

Let’s go for the build , it’s deceptive as there’s very little parts but it’s not as intuitive as a normal gunpla . So while it’s an easy build if you follow instructions, it’s not as smooth as you need to finesse parts into place . It’s not all hard plastic , there are a few rubbery plastic parts. I found the leg to ankle build section a little confusing but you basically had to shove the ball peg through the rubbery ankle guard middle hole to get it through to fit into the ankle . It’s quite weird if you’re used to modern gunpla .
It’s been awhile since I did a review , so so ask any questions below if you have any , and I’ll facilitate any answers if possible

 

How's the plastic quality? Does it feel solid once assembled?

 

I’ve done a few 30cm drop test . It’s rather solid

 

He’s a little guy.
Did you paint it, or did it look that good out of the box?

 

It’s mostly pre painted out of the box , only did some weathering and washes on the grey/silver parts and the silver linings of the shoulder pads and knee .

 

I'd totally buy these on impulse for the price you paid, if they were more widely available.

 

Nice! Where can I get this dude?

 

I would try hitting up your local hobby retailers , any that carries trumpeter brand models .

 

i want the hell out of this thing

 

HE’S SO ADORABLE. I love the small size and wonderful detailing. And so affordable! Just ordered mine for $25 shipped.

I hope Trumpeter does many more sets.

 

hopefully if this sells well , but I think they at least have some plans with it , especially since there was that showcase awhile back with shatter and op grey models as well if I’m not mistaken

 

He looks tiny and fun and I want him, but the only place anyone in north america can find him is showz and he's going for $25 there, which seems like a lot considering how small he is. But I still want him!

 

Looks like it’s sold out at showz now.

 

I really want this kit, and I really want to support this line, but I have no idea where I’d actually be able to buy him from. I was so certain HLJ would have him but they have no plans to carry these kits according to their CS.

 

I just found the kit at Robo toy base. Are they a good place to buy from?

 

I can’t say myself, but I noticed most of their stuff is slightly overpriced, and Bumblebee is listed for $21. Maybe he really will/would be around $15 when/if regular retailers get him?

 

Thanks! I didn't even know this was out already. Hope to get the entire line!

 

This could make for an excellent display once everyone's released. I hope the larger figures also get made so we can have a Blitzwing to scale with Bumblebee by mixing sizes.

 

OK please forgive my smitten gushing but this thing is FANTASTIC. First of all, I do not typically go for non-transforming Transformer toys. It's not a strict assy bias or anything, I just rarely see any that 'do it' for me enough to spend money on them. I DO love kits, especially kits for tiny bots that are well made, and this kit is superb. I don't build a lot of kits, maybe one every couple of months. Usually Super Mini Pla with some Moderoid and Gundam thrown in here and there. This kit feels better than all of those for one simple reason: It's an action figure disguised as a model kit.

The materials are strong ABS like you'd get on a standard TF toy, and PVC like what you get in a Star Wars or Marvel Legends figure. With the generous pre-painted parts and the way it handles once you're done: It's an action figure. The PVC parts even give it a lot more weight and robust feel than a regular model kit would at this size. But yes, you have to build it. And it's a goddamn satisfying build. Everything fits together precisely as it should, I had to trim nothing, and for the first time in I think EVER, I didn't have to use an Xacto to trim sprue marks off.

It's a crime that this isn't widely available. I mean, it wasn't hard for me to find one for $23 shipped from China, but this thing is such a sweet little (FULLY LICENSED) morsel that people should be able to just walk into Target or WalMart and buy one. As it is, you can't even get one at the usual online retailers like BBTS. And, FFS HLJ, what the hell is wrong with you? This is exactly what people expect to find at your store and you're all, "Mmm...I dunno...meh..." Come on. Hopefully word gets out more on how good this is and it'll be easier to find the other kits Trumpeter has planned.

Enough of the blah blah blah, here's some photos.

 

I love it! Excellent overview. That's exactly what I wanted this kit to be, a small action figure, and it makes me hopeful for the rest of the line to follow suit.

It's still maddening that it's not more widely available. Like you said, this si someone you should be able to pick up at target, or at least a hobby store. Where did you buy yours?