I would love there to be 3rd party diecast Transformers, obviously done well. I am talking about 60-80% metal content, on interior and exterior parts. I know robots can be made this way because bandai does it.

Would you pay a premium to be able to have this sort of thing?

 

I'd love to see the lost art of diecast revived.

 

Diecast is very overrated. Rather have it in certain parts like feet to help with stability.

 

What, like soul of Chogokin transformers? Nah pass.

 

I'd be willing to pay a comparative premium for 3rd party figures that included die-cast for reasons like the above, where it improves the functionality, play value, or (standing) poseability of the figure. Not metal just for metal's sake.

Another example would be included accessories like the stands that have come with uses of the Masterpiece Starscream molds.

 

Given the massive problems with tolerances in the Titanium line, I'd think that it'd be a nightmare for the 3rd parties to do.

 

No. I'm fine with Plastic. Die Cast is cool on the small simplistic G1 toys but I don't want it on my modern toys. I guess a small amount is ok, but not in the percentage that was outlines in the first post.

 

It's nice in small bits (mainly UNPAINTED bits that look good in steel/silver color) but it's a nightmare for color-matching and paint-chipping. I can't think of a single G1 car that had the plastic and diecast parts match that well. Red plastic doesn't look like red-painted metal. If you want it to match, you have to paint ALL of it. And that means lots and lots of chips, and/or lots and lots of places to have bad paint apps---look at MP Sideswipe. If Takara can't consistently paint large areas nicely, what hope do the 3P guys have?

 

No it's not as good as plastic for posing, paint, or just transforming, the stuff chips and makes things unbalanced.

Even if you had it in the feet for balance say you want to do a one foot off the ground pose and had it balanced and not on a stand, the diecast would pull down the other foot.

Pretty much what the other nos said.

 

Fuck no. Die-cast is one of the most overrated features in toys. Use die-cast for helping toys balance or don't use die-cast at all.

 

Die cast in certain parts of the figure only please. Warbot Assaulter is such a perfect use of die cast.

 

I'd buy diecast 3rd party figures that used diecast for the internal stucture of the toy like the joints and connection bars to increase durability. As for exterior diecast, its not a bad thing when used properly, some in the feet, the legs and possibly a bit in the chest usually works. Of course more weight means the joints have to be much much stronger with well designed ratchet joints.

 

Definitely.

 

It works with ex-gokin type of figures, but heavy diecast on a toy that transforms isn't a good mix IMHO.

It'd look magnificent though.

 

Diecast isn't required and never really was for TFs imo. Personally I can't stand the stuff as it adds un-needed weight and cost to already expensive figures.

The only exception is with characters with a lot of upper mass, big arms, etc and the added weight in the legs helps keep them nice n balanced.

 

I had to vote no. There was no option of "yes, but only if done right."

Too much diecast or diecast in the wrong places can really hurt a figure. A transforming figure made mostly of diecast and painted also poses a problem with chipping paint.

So, yes I'd support the USE of diecast, but not a figure done in mostly or complete diecast, and only if the diecast was used wisely.

I think Quakewave is a prime example of diecast being used correctly

 

You don't have to wait, diecast Wheelie was great!

 

That is a good point, I have that Wheelie.

I bring this up because I just got SOC Godmars and he is made up of transforming diecast robots ( about 50% metal I guess ) and his finish + quality is fantastic.

A lot of people automatically go straight to TakaraTomy as the place to judge diecast quality but they are actually pretty bad at it. Take a look at Bandai Japan and what they do then imagine that in our area of interest. I know even Bandai are cutting back on diecast but that is why I specify "pay a premium".

Titanium were pure crap. I have most of them and they seem in the same category that Starwars Transformers are now. Bad designs and poor execution. Their failure is more to do with the people who came up with them and less to do with what could be done.

 

Diecast has a place when used in appropriate amounts, and a in a way that doesn't hinder the figure.

Fans Toys Quakewave, Fans Project Assaulter, and the Perfect Effect motor bikes are great examples of proper useage. To me, the problem with die cast isn't just about weight though. If you chip the paint (assuming it's painted), the metal is exposed. Many will argue that is a great effect, but that isn't what I want to worry about in regards to my collection.

 

No.....use it like FT did with Quakewave. Gives nice heft and stability.....nothing more is needed IMHO.