Practically every copy, including the one used for demo shots, have either one or both kneepads slightly askew. Just look at any previously posted photos, they're all like that unless the owner straightened them out.

Fortunately it's a simple adjustment, using either a Phillips #1 or JIS #1 screwdriver to minimize stripping:

1. partially transform the leg, to freely access the screw behind the kneepad
2. hold the kneepad in place, as you slightly loosen the screw behind the kneepad (don't need to completely unscrew)
3. adjust kneepad
4. hold the kneepad firmly in place, to prevent it from twisting out of alignment, as you retighten the screw
5. transform leg back into place, see if the kneepad is straight
6. if needed, repeat steps 1-5 to adjust accordingly

 

@plastyxdistress

I can do that, but the silver knee cap pegs into a blue peg on the shin. It's easy to loosen the kneecap, straighten it, but when I try to peg the kneecap into the peg on the shin, the peg gets all chewed up because the hole in the back of the kneecap doesn't line up with the peg on the shin.

When u shifted ur kneecap piece, how did u get it to line up with the shin peg beneath?

 

LOL, I stripped out one kneepad's screw hole threads, by going through this process again. But I can probably fix it with a slightly larger screw, or add a slight shim to the screw hole.
DO NOT COMPLETELY UNSCREW the screw so that your kneepad comes off entirely, just loosen it enough for the kneepad to be loose for adjustment.

I revised my instructions above.

@rubadubspawn The kneepad fits fine onto the peg for my figure. Note that the kneepad's peg hole is larger than the peg, so there is some leeway with the fit.

 

Just got this in today from TFS-Express, only took 3 days to get to my door from China.
I have to say, I am pretty impressed from my initial interactions with the figure. This is really like Mirage jumped out of the cartoon, off the television screen, and into my room.

 

For those that have this guy in-hand, is the head ball joint super tight? When trYing to turn the head it is very tight and I can see the peg flex at the base while trying to get the head free to turn. I put a little shock oil on it already, but it only helped a little.

 

Yes, changed the faces out and it was one of the scariest moments of my MP Transformers life, lol.

 

The first transformation with this guy was not smooth and frankly frustrating most if the time. I didn't really use any vise or instructions, so I gueSS that was to be expected, but definitely did not have fun with it. Alt-mode looks good, I guess, but here is where the toon accuracy falls a little flat, imo. Sure, it looks like it did in the cartoon from the 1980's, but that was not exactly packed full of interesting details.

 

Another thought on your issue. After you partially transform the leg to tinker with the kneecap, it's possible that the tab on the inner leg (by the calf section) came unpegged.

You need to ensure that the leg is all properly tabbed in prior to the final step of pegging the kneecap hinge back into place. Otherwise if your leg is not fully tabbed together, when attempting to peg the kneecap on, it will not smoothly align onto the shin tab correctly.

 

Transtormed him back to robot, which went better than the first transformation from robot to alt mode. The materials seem pretty good, in general. Still wouldn't say the transformation was fun. I have some paint flaking on one of the sides that I will have to find a way to effectively touch up, which I am not happy with.

 

Just got my copy from TFs-Express (thanks for the heads up on this, Jarrod   ). No QC issues at all, and everything is TIGHT.

I want to swap out the defaul head for the smaller one, but like I said, shit is tight. Any advice on the head swap?

ETA: Ok, got his head swapped, but now I can’t get his red chest piece to sit flush. Arrrgh
ETA part II: Got his chest to sit. Man, he looks sweet. I was gonna see how FansToys version would look like, but I’m satisfied with TE’s work here.

 

Do you think I’ll get the second head even if I didn’t preorder? I purchased from TFs-Express as well.

 

I didn't pre-order and I got the second head.

 

Yup, I didn’t preorder and got the second head and smiling face. Ordered mine from TFs-Express.

 

Finally got my invoice from TCP

 

That sucks. Yep I’m waiting for the 2nd or 3rd run when the pandemic is over and the QC gets back up to par. Also I don’t know what they did with the Legendary Toys painting or Wei Jiang but man, the figures I got from them were awesome. My LT01-02 are fantastic and there hasn’t been any paint chips or flaking. I wish TE could make sure that is the case with a ver 2-3 or 4 for this guy. Also want a repaint with new head for a release down the road. Crasher from Gobots would be cool.

 

Me too. Of course he shows up right after I shipped my stash.  

 

Same, shipped Wheel Blade and Athena 2 days ago

 

I was almost in the same boat. Had this guy on preorder from TCP, and had Fans Hobby Double Evil waiting in my Stash to ship with TE-03. Got tired of waiting for TCP to get their stock, so I went with TFs-Express and Speed Star came in yesterday.

 

Old news to most, but I just recently received MMC Sphinx as well, so I am really getting to experience the two figures for the first time, at the same time, together.
I feel Sphinx has more charm and "personality". As well, Sphinx has such a great alt mode, it really stands out, imo. His legs are not slim and streamlined like Speed Star's, which is definately noticeable having them side by side.
As well, I find Sphinx's transformation to be more fun, again, imo.
Speed Star certainly captures that cartoon look pretty darn well.
I definitely would not say one is batter than the other. They do different things well. I am lucky to have both on my shelf.

 

I just got mine today from TFS-Express. Is there any way to swap the heads other than trying to yank it off the super tight ball joint?

**Edit, I was able to swap the heads after angling the ball joint to a proper position to get enough leverage to take it off**

Right off the bat, I have noticed that not of a lot of things tab together around the chest or back section. It all relies on the tightness of the hinges to stay together.