Look at all that fancy "masking" tape  . I didn't touch the chest, as mine came with chipping pre-applied, lol. But no further chipping has occurred I think.

 

Turns out that I should've overtaped a bit like I did with the left side. Some of the sealant leaked into the tape and warped the black paint a bit, but not too too bad. I still have to tighten up some joints, but here's my M09.

Thought I'd share some more pics

 

I have the much more expensive Toyworld version and this version, and I prefer this way the heck more.

 

I don't have the TW version, but from all the pics and reviews I've seen, I also prefer M09. I'm really glad that ShowZ offered the no box option!

 

So I thought I'd share this for anyone who cares. I really hated how the led lights would bleed through Prime's forehead, as well as the bridge of his nose.

So I added a few layers of electrical tape inside the forehead, as well as the bridge of the nose, which fixed the issue.
I think that it's a huge improvement, and makes dark photoshoots that much better!!

 

I finally got my copy in and was wondering what "fixes" ppl had been applying. Is painting/coating different areas of the figure really necessary?

Initial thoughts....

As having had both the model Wizard and black mamba /aoyi Mech versions... I gotta say, i like the m09 much more than the MW, but am kinda torn between the BM and m09.

BM is much more bulky overall, paint is more vibrant, I like the chest how it's angled and how the lower torso is smaller than the chest (more heroic), and that all important joints are ratcheted or tight (with exception of ankles which ase just OK).

M09 is more streamlined and clean, paint is good but more dirty /darker, which fits with battle damaged motif, but chest is a bit odd with upper torso just being a block with cab windows not really angled at all and lower chest just a block the same size as upper chest (my biggest complaint), many joints not as tight without ratchets and don't hold their own weight, not terribly floppy but no where near great.

Push comes to shove, would probably recommend m09 but honestly don't think it's a clear winner between BM. It's too bad as it's got some great things going for it.. Just seems like they cheaper out on a couple items (ratcheted joints).

I disagree with some reviewers that kept referencing that the reason for the short comings was bc of wj being shut down. I would imagine designing the figure is a long process and would have needed to have been planned far (as in a year or more) in advance. I dont think that they would have known 1-2 years ago when they were designing the figure that they were going to get shut down and therefore would have had any impact. Just my 2 cents.

 

Glad to hear that you finally got him!! My best advice for the coating is to double coat.

I unfortunately learned that the hard way lol. I thought I applied enough coating, but the paint started chipping, so I had to repaint, and reseal the thighs, as well as the skirt pieces.

 

Got mine yesterday. Apart from a minor scratch on one window piece everything is great.
Couldn't be happier with this guy.

 

What does truck mode look like next to a 1:18 scale (3.75”) action figure?

 

You will need a screwdriver, but yes you can.  

 

I still want this. I had it preordered and canceled. Even with the qc issues id buy it. I just can’t pull the trigger though.

 

IMHO, he's nowhere near worth the $120 they asked for, but if u can get your hands on one for abt $50-$65, I'd say grab him.

I think he's still a little over priced at the $80 price point without the box.

 

I know the box less is still available at showz. I keep looking. And I agree. $50 is more reasonable. I’d not hesitate then.