Transform Element TE-03 Speed Star (G1 Mirage)

Discussion in 'Transformers 3rd Party Discussion' started by oku, Dec 3, 2019.

  1. ShmoopsMcGoo

    ShmoopsMcGoo Well-Known Member

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    Welp finally got in my TE-03 after Pitney Bowes sat on it for a solid 2 weeks straight. Downside is that he has 2 left hands, gotta get with Show.Z & see if they can hook me up with replacement part. How exactly do i tell if the hip sockets are reversed? I keep looking at his crotch, but i can't really tell if that's bad. :rolleyes: 
     
  2. Autobrat Leader

    Autobrat Leader Bratwurst in Disguise

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    If the tops of the thigh plates are about even with bottom of the hip skirts, they are correct. If the thigh is lower than that, they are installed upside down. It won't go into alt mode correctly either.
     
  3. ShmoopsMcGoo

    ShmoopsMcGoo Well-Known Member

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    think i got it watching BSF review. If you can see the hip balls...they're hanging too low. (phrasing!)
     
  4. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

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    Just got a pair of the Second shipment, "fixed" batch of Speed Star from TFs Express.

    Sure enough, both have correct hip joints, tight joints all around, and seem excellent so far, quality wise. So, looks like, at least going by these 2 samples the second batch is, indeed, improved.
     
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  5. Optimus Prime23

    Optimus Prime23 Lighting our Darkest Hour

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    Thinking about cancelling my TCP order and going with TF Express for this. How much did it cost you and how long did it take to receive your shipment, Jarrod?

    ETA: went ahead and cancelled my TCP preorder (still love you, TCP) and bought this guy from TFS Express. $83 with shipping to the U.S. (went with express shipping). Not bad. Hopefully, my copy is QC-free.
     
    Last edited: Oct 24, 2020
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  6. Sup3hobo

    Sup3hobo Well-Known Member

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    And this is what I have been waiting for. I'm back on board to picking one of these up.
     
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  7. PurpleAndBlackSmokeStacks

    PurpleAndBlackSmokeStacks Well-Known Member

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    Ordered from TFS-Express as well and my copy is scheduled to be here this coming Tuesday. Interested to get him in hand and compare him to Sphinx.
     
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  8. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

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    I paid a little less, but that's because I had 3 figures, so the shipping was split and less per figure.

    And yep, always go with Express, which has meant DHL each time for me, which means I get the box in 2-3 days from when it's shipped.

    Honestly, there's just no comparison, imo, Speed Star is the clear winner. Especially if you want the toon aesthetic.

    What Sphinx has going for him is the available real world deco, if you prefer that, a slightly more accurate vehicle sculpt, and more accessories. And that's not to say SS doesn't have a realistic vehicle mode, but Sphinx just captures the proportions of the real Ligier just a little better. Speed Star really looks more like the original G1 toy to me.

    But everything else, from build quality, to paint, to capturing the "feel" of the character, it's no contest with TE the clear winner.
     
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  9. Sup3hobo

    Sup3hobo Well-Known Member

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    Alright, made my first order at TFS-Express. I really enjoyed TE's Prime, and I'm excited for their Mirage.
     
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  10. Windsweeper II

    Windsweeper II Banned

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    Please, TE. Kindly release a G1 toy deco of this figure.
     
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2020
  11. PurpleAndBlackSmokeStacks

    PurpleAndBlackSmokeStacks Well-Known Member

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    You mean G1 toy, right?
     
  12. Windsweeper II

    Windsweeper II Banned

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    Damn. Forgot to type "toy".
     
  13. sndwv

    sndwv Well-Known Member

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    Never ordered from TFs Express, does it matter if you select China or UK, or do both offer the 2nd batch? Also, I noticed something about the extra head sculpt only being included with preorders- does that mean it is not included anymore?
     
  14. edgecrusher

    edgecrusher "She wanted nothin', and I delivered." TFW2005 Supporter

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    That's good to hear! Word is the holdup for TCP's allocation is the issues were caught before theirs shipped, so theirs will all be fixed. I am fine waiting.
     
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  15. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

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    I believe anywhere you order from right now will be the 2nd batch, and I'm nearly positive TFs Express said all their current stock, on both sites is. If you're in the US, or pretty much anywhere except the UK though, I believe it's best to order from the Chinese site.

    Both my 2nd batch versions had both heads, plus the extra face included.

    Yeah, definitely better to wait on this one for sure. I thought I actually got in on the 1st batch, but glad I my order got pushed back after all.
     
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  16. sndwv

    sndwv Well-Known Member

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    Great! Ordered one from China.

    If anyone is interested in my new, unopened (other than to check the hip joints through the plastic plackaging) first batch copy send me a PM. Shipping from the Netherlands. Just couldn't be bothered to attempt the hip fix.
     
  17. SegaSnatcher

    SegaSnatcher Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the TFs-Express recommendation. With premium shipping it actually was cheaper than ShowZ.
     
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  18. rubadubspawn

    rubadubspawn Rubadubspawn deals @ [email protected]

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    Have any of you guys noticed something wierd about his knee pads?

    On my copy, both left and right leg knee pads slant down and to the left. When the legs are split, u can't really notice, but if u put the legs parallel to each other, you can see both have a definite slant. I got a replacement knee pad, but after installing it, it looks exactly the same.

    Also ton the figures right leg, the peg on the shin which the knee pad pegs into is getting slightly chewed up. I thought it was because I had the incorrect knee pad, but after installing the replacement, it's exactly the same. I thought that they should both be straight on each leg or if going to slant, both should slant towards the middle of his body if anything.

    Am I mad? It's bugging me... PhotoGrid_1603726168747.jpg
     
  19. Dead End14

    Dead End14 Well-Known Member

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    Maybe one of them is up side down?
     
  20. Autobrat Leader

    Autobrat Leader Bratwurst in Disguise

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    My right one was the same way. Loosen the screw on the back, straighten it, and re-tighten while holding it straight. I think over tightening skews them a bit.
     
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