@VelsR Probably you're right. Though, there are some improvements here and there and I think WJ did their best with these molds. In fact, I didn't expect any improvements over Hasbro version - their most recent KOs of TR figures (Wolfwire, Mindwipe and Chromedome) weren't improved in any way - only upscaled, simplified in terms of paint applications and slapped die cast in random places - so I expected more or less the same in case of the Predaking. I guess that in case of KOs the best way is to set expectations low, that's what I do to avoid disappointment .
The legs are in mid or low position, but the abdomen is modified. The abdomen broke during shipping, and I have stuck a plastic bottle in the torso to give me something to easily plug it to waist. This adds 1/2 to 3/4 inch (1-2 cm) to the height. You can see it more clearly in following post, the white piece under the lion mane is the plastic bottle. Eventually I want to add a sliding tube, so that Predaking can have a more proportional body in gestalt mode, without affecting Razorclaw's height. KO POTP predaking
Wei Jiang's Predaking is what I'd wished Hasbro's had been. The Hasbro wings were too tiny and the hands were kind of a joke (imo). And there was no sword. The Wei Jiang wings are my favourite, design-wise, compared to Hasbro's and DNA's. The hands, while not as spiky as I'd originally hoped, are better articulated, and definitely more intimidating than the POTP ones. I also like the fact that they used two different coloured plastics for them. They also made the feet bigger. I've always thought Hasbro's combiner feet were too small, so that's good too.. The sword is of the type of fantasy design that I like, and the bigger combiner arm cannon is a plus as well. I'd happily buy a few more of those for Titan Metroplex. Throw in the bigger lion's mane and the elimination of hollow sections, including the way they dealt with the empty space in the back of Predaking, I'd pick Wei Jiang's version over Hasbro's any day. I wish we could get a similarly improved Titan Volcanicus.
Yes the side fillers work with this, they are also kept firmly in place by Razorclaw's legs from the back. AFAIK, on Hasbro/Takara figure, the side fillers are just held by friction.
Wei Jiang's is what Takara's would've been if Hasbro didn't have them bound and gagged in a broom closet as part of some secret non-competition agreement.
i know i always say this, but please provide proof that takara was an unwilling participant in brand unification
Well got my Tantrum in, and Razorclaw just left China so shouldn't be too long now. I'm still pretty impressed with this guy so far. I haven't had any problems with joints or ratchets aside from the one in Rampage I replaced so I don't see a problem with him holding poses or weapons. till trying to decide if I want to fully paint and weather him. If it was the more expensive Hasbro version I don't think I would even consider it but at this ones more reasonable price point I might give it a go.
Completed the set with Razorclaw today. Just FYI, he actually does hold his gun just fine, despite the reviews. Just need to orient his forearm and wrist a certain way. Praise WJ for releasing the group in fairly short order, unlike some companies... *cough* YM Defensor *cough*
Yeah, I've got him carrying it underslung. I dig it. Even if my eldest managed to snap off one of the connector pegs for Razorclaw and Rampage's guns. Sigh.
I would get it in a heart beat. I'm OK with Devy being huge and if the improvements on Predaking are any indication they should really end up making the definitive Devastator.
revert this part to your divebomb. and the divebomb one's insert to rampage. just unscrew the three screws.. 5 minute job.. walla.. there you go..
