Ok, fixed the dino mouth problem for Vintage Beast Wars Predacon Megatron. Don't have the original but noticed the same problem on old video reviews. Basically, reversing the hinge fixes the problem. The mouth even locks into place now when fully open.

Note: Only tested on 2021 Re-Issue.

I also put the tutorial in my bloated modding thread for future reference: Heavy/Scratch: - Various mods (of mods), custom stuff

Tools Needed: #0 Phillips screwdriver with a blunted tip (if pointy, may strip screw head, otherwise use a metal file or low grit sandpaper to make it blunt).

Remove this screw.


Pry open lower jaw halves just wide enough to release the bottom part of the inner hinge. Notice how the triangular bumps are on the front side of the hinge. Simply rotate the hinge sideways to release the top part.


This is the inner hinge...which was installed backwards.


Now replace the hinge in the proper orientation with the triangular bumps facing backwards: Basically, do the reverse of above to get the hinge back into place. Turn sideways to get the top part of the hinge back in. The triangular bumps should now be on the back part of the hinge. Then pry open the bottom jaw halves just wide enough to get the bottom part of the hinge back into place. Replace the screw.


Even with the water cannon piece in place, he is finally able to hold his jaw open. The water cannon also works (marginally) better.


"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS..........."


Edit:
(Partial) Fix for the Dino Tail mechanism

The spring loaded mechanism definitely doesn't work like the original out the box after viewing various videos. The left arm does not want to collapse but stays extended.

This is the dino tail arm extended:


There were multiple loose screws on the dino tail, but tightening them didn't seem to improve the problem, except for one. [On a side note, NEVER overtighten screws.]

This screw was quite loose (closest to the latch bar). Tightening the screw did help to keep the arm collapsed (it may extend a little bit and then stay). However, when fully tightened, the dino tail arm then did not want to comfortably extend. Loosened the screw a little bit and then found a happy medium where the arm would stay collapsed most of the time but still able to extend out when the latch is pulled. For me, this was around 1/2 rotation counterclockwise of "snug".


After playing around more with the dino tail arm, it does work better now. It seems that the latch bar and the gears get out of position. 1st, adjust the screw as above. If the arm is collapsed and the latch bar is out, then push the latch bar all the way in with the arm still collapsed. That should then keep the arm in place. If not, then consider tightening the screw a little more (again, never overtighten). If the arm is collapsed, the latch bar is in, but still doesn't stay in place, then with the arm still collapsed, pull the latch bar out and then all the way back in to "reset" the bar and gears position.

Of course, the simplest (but not "proper") fix is to simply close the tail flap like this:


The tab from the flap will bump into the circular part of the arm and help it stay collapsed.

 

Nice catch on the misassembled part in the T-Rex head.

As for the tail, it’s supposed to be fully extended. When you push the lever, the claw opens up and it snaps back closed when you release it. At least, that’s how it worked on the original toy as well.

If you fold down the pincer after collapsing the tail, it will stay in place. That’s what I’ve always done.

 

The tail doesn't work like that on this one. May be mold degradation or the tolerances in the mechanism are now off. Folding down the pincer didn't help.

 

Ah ok, that's weird and kinda sucks. I've never taken the original apart but I assume there is a spring in there to make the mechanism work.
Could it be that the spring was omitted in the reissue?

 

Indiana Jones

Snakes..why does it always have to be snakes?

 

Loving these. Missed out on many of the original Beast Wars figures when I was a kid so it’s awesome having these reissues. Planning on taking Primal out of the box later. All my other BW (& Kingdom) figs are still in storage since I just moved into my new apartment so I look forward to unearthing them to display alongside the reissues later. G1 Prime for scale.

 

I checked most of my megatron molds (i have them all) and none of them had the revised head assembly that you pointed out. Weird that it was never corrected.

 

It's real interesting getting into the original toyline after the show, and modern toyline sensibilities too. A full combiner being no taller than a captain of some random exploration crew is a hell of a thing.  

 

The spring is definitely there. I've taken apart the whole mechanism. If anything, the spring may be a bit strong. I don't have the original to compare to. The latch bar has teeth to touch one of the 4 gears, but not sure if it should be touching 2 of the gears since another one is close enough but not touching.

 

My next vintage BW figure. I had mentioned liking the look of the Cheetor mold but not really being into either of the Maximal cats, but Shadow Panther was too expensive... and then shortly thereafter, a friend directed me to a very cheap one. Robot mode pics later today.

 

If all the rain drops were T-bone steaks and Pork chops,
Oh what a day that will be.

 

And yet, somehow accurate.  

 

I just checked out PrimeVsPrime’s review of the figure, but the tail seems to be working identical to the original there.

On the original (and previous reissues) folding the pincer down like in the pictures below allows the ratchet to hold the tail in place. Unless the ratchets are all messed up on the reissue, it should work.

Hope that helps  

 

Did you watch PVP's whole video? He never showed his staying in place. Granted, this is also PVP we're talking about.

The pincer folding makes no difference on the re-issue. Watched Emgo's old video on an original Megatron. I saw him collapsing the arm in place, including the pincers being closed. Copied that earlier. It does NOT work that way on the re-issue. The mechanism is jank, even after adjusting screw tension.

Edit: fixed some spelling / grammar errors

 

No idea if this is going to be a release we can all jump on or just if it’s just a custom but of course I hope we end up being able to get this. It may turn out to be a similar situation to that 3rd party transmetal tarantulas where all these images were being shown but no info was given until all of a sudden a preorder was up! Also I know the backpack bit is a bit large but I don’t actually mind it, I just want it!

 

I want that backpack/shoulder kit they showed off for TM2BA a while back  

 

Yeah, I did actually watch the whole video. The video didn't show any issues. What he was suggesting by "forcefully ratcheting a few of the clicks", is the way that it had to be done on the old toy.
But yeah, you did mention that you tried that and it didn't work. If it doesn't stay in place with the pincher closed, it sounds like there's not enough friction to make the ratchet work properly. When the arm springs back in place with the pincher closed, do you hear the ratchet teeth slipping?
Man, what a bummer they fucked that up on this reissue..

 

Is this what your on about?

 

Love this toy, wow.

 

That's the one. Was never able to find those CAD files to 3D print them.