Post by rookwise on Apr 5, 2012 0:02:33 GMT
Name: Battle Tanker
Function: 3rd party add on (Armour, weapons and mobile assault attachment)
Size Class: Deluxe/Voyager (when connected to Reveal The Shield/United Laser Optimus Prime)
Battle Tanker is the 1st creation by the new 3rd party maker Maketoys. It has been designed to be used with the 2010/11 line Transformers Reveal The Shield/Transformers United Laser Optimus Prime. This Optimus Prime figure itself was based on the Transformers Generation 2 figure of the same name. Although the G2 version was bigger from what I gather (I never saw/owned the original version) and also came with a fuel/oil container type trailer which transformed into a battle platform.
Unfortunately. The Reveal The Shield version of Laser Optimus Prime did not come with any trailer and also had a head sculpt you either liked or disliked.
This is where Maketoys have stepped in. Early images in 2010 of the Battle Tanker were mistaken for a product by 3rd party manufacturer Fansproject. In fact. Fansproject had assisted Maketoys in the creation and development of the product. Shortly around the same time.
Maketoys also announced that they were also designing and building other figures. Their second set of figures. Hover & Bomber have just been released at the time of writing/typing this review and a further 6 or 7 figures have since been announced.
On first impression when holding the package. The whole product feels quite heavy for something made from plastic. The box is coloured all white with images of the battle tanker in trailer and in combined form on both front and rear sides and also on the outer sides. The front section of the box actually opens up to reveal a window which displays all of Battle tankers component parts. On the bottom left of the window. There is a gold sticker showing the Drift Sword which is a limited edition packaged with the 1st release of Battle Tanker.
On the inside of the box door. There is more artwork of the combined mode.
On opening the the box. Every part is held in a clear plastic insert which is the same size as the box. The drift sword is taped to the inner side of the insert. There is also a backing card where the instruction sheet is taped to. On one side of the backing card. There is a full colour image of the Battle Tanker combined with Laser Optimus Prime.
Box Front
Box Rear
Inner Box Window
Inner front box flap
First version release sticker showing the Drift sword
In box card insert/poster
Unlike other 3rd party products which come boxed all asslembled. Every single piece of Battle Tanker has its own section in the plastic insert. This is an attractive option for those MISB collectors who will never touch the set and have no clue to how it all comes together and how good (or bad) the build quality is.
Upon removing each item from the plastic. You can tell straight away that the quality and finish is really good. Almost to the standard of the official products. There is detailing everywhere on each item. Straight out of the box everything has been packaged to go straight onto the robot mode of Laser Optimus Prime. Only the main tanker/backpack section needs some slight transformation to get it to go on.
The first thing needed to do though however (if you don't like the original head), is to remove the original head of RTS/United Laser Prime and replace it with the Maketoys version. There is a handy how to guide below.
Removal and installing the head.
Before going any further. There are two versions of the head. As the Battle Tanker I'm reviewing is the V1 first release. It came with the head in one piece. This has caused some problems for people when fitting the head causing them to break the figures neck balljoint. Maketoys has issued a second version of the same head. This time the head comes in two sections held together via a screw (same as the official TF release heads) and also comes with a replacement neck balljoint to repair a damaged Laser Prime.
Removing the original Laser Prime head is easy. Basically undo the plus shape screw on the back of the head and the head splits into two pieces exposing the balljoint.
Location of original head screw
Original head removed showing ball socket
There have been various reported methods on how to install the one piece head along with the official Maketoys suggestion.
Maketoys suggest that you pop the head in boiling water for 1 minute to soften the plastic. Then fit it to the figure.
Personally. This seems quite risky still as when I tried this method first. The head didn't really seem any softer than it did before its hot bath.
Other suggestions involve using a hairdryer on the head to heat it up/sanding the figures neck balljoint and also around the hole of the Maketoys head.
I found the easiest way was to put the head in ¼ cup of cold water. Pop it in the microwave for 1 minute (used an 800w microwave). Leave the head in the cup for a further 2 minutes (stirring twice to mix the water). Whilst soaking in the cup. Get some lubricant (eg WD40, Spray Silicone etc) and some kitchen towel. Next hold the piece of kitchen towel behind the exposed head balljoint of Laser Prime and spray the lubricant onto the balljoint. There should be enough for the lubricant to run a little.
Next get the new head. Using your thumb and finger on both hands. Keep the head straight on top of the balljoint and push the head onto the balljoint while using your fingers for support on the flat underside of the head section. Try not to wobble/move the head while doing this. With enough pressure. The head will go on with a click.
Overall a much better looking head over the standard Generations version.
Replacement head fitted
The next step is to remove the crotch section of Laser Prime. This is again held in place via one screw. Remove the screw and seperate the front of the crotch. Replace with the new white Maketoys version. The new version has a slot in for the larger black crotch section when assembled in armored form.
Armored Form
After fitting all the pieces to Laser Prime we get the armored form. This comprises of larger fists and forearms and also leg extentions. This form is enhanced further by weaponary. These come in the shape of two twin barreled blasters which are similar in design to the shoulder cannons of G1 Powermaster Optimus Prime/Masterforce God Ginrai. The next is the sword. The hilt handle of the sword is attached via wire to a backpack. The hilt handle is also fitted with an LED which is powered by a switch on the backpack. The handle guard is then attached next (looks like the design was taken from the Sword of Omens from Thundercats). For the sword blade. There are two options. One is a solid thin silver/grey blade similar to the one seen on Drifts sword. The other is a much better, larger, semi transparent red blade. This blade looks similar to the Master sword from the Takara G1 Fortress Maximus figures. When the red blade is attached. You can use the LED to give the blade a nice glow. Unfortunately. This is a downside also as the cable used to power the led can limit the pose-ability but not by a great deal. The sword also has a storage point on the backpack via a C clamp.
Overall. The armored form is a big improvement over the look of the basic figure. Gives Prime a much stronger appearance and stands slightly taller than the standard deluxe class version. Articulation isn't really any different over the standard mode. The only problem here depends on how well the build is of the actual Deluxe Laser Prime figure. On mine. The upper leg/hip ball sockets are slightly loose. While this wasn't a big deal for the basic figure. Adding the leg extentions has increased the weight and therefore has made the legs seem looser. This can create some stability problems. Again. This does depend on how well screwed together your figure is.
Fully assembled armoured mode 1
Fully assembled armoured mode 2
Powered Up Super Mode
This mode takes the rest of what is left of the trailer section and turns it into a backpack of sorts. This backpack is equipped with a targeting viewscreen, 2 arm mounted missile salvo launchers with twin blaster cannons attached and also a missile pod attached to each lower leg.
On the rear of the backpack there is a stand so that you can support the figure. This can be lifted up and the assembled Laser sword can be attached and also used as a support. The backpack does need at least one of these methods in use as once attached. The backpack certainly makes the very back heavy.
There is not a lot of movement from the arms in this mode. Mostly up and down. The arm mounted missile launchers are attached to the backpack via a swinging arm and balljoint attached to the backpack. This swinging arm is what concerns me the most. To me these two pieces are or seem to be made of a weaker plastic. This is seen when you come to move the swinging arm as there seems to be a lot of flex in the plastic. These arms are attached to the backpack by a ratchet joint. This joint is also not very strong as it still lets the arms move easily instead of it locking into each section/teeth and not moving. Secondly. To get the arms into the correct position to attach to the figure. They have to be rotated 360 degrees via a circular shape of plastic which is attached to the ratchet joints. The circular disc is quite stiff and hard to turn. Basically you have to turn the whole part by holding the ratchet joint section. Again. This causes the plastic to flex. I can see this whole section getting damaged irreparably after some time.
Overall. Going back to the combined form itself. It looks quite nice and gives Prime a look like other bots should run far far away to avoid getting picked off and blown into lots of pieces.
Powered up super mode
Tanker/Trailer mode.
Every part that makes up the armor and missile launchers (including the weapons and accessories) get tucked away in their own places either in, or around the tanker/trailer I found that the piece that folds over onto the top of the trailer can be quite hard to get into place and line up correctly. In this mode it certainly does look the part though and most of the armored parts do seem to blend in with the trailer. It even has red pipes to simulate the pieces used empty the tanker of its fuel/oil.
There are what seems to be C clamp posts dotted around the trailer. Possibly for additional weaponry that would be compatible from other figures. These C clamp pegs are also useable in the Super Combined Robot Mode.
One thing you have to be careful of is the female connector on the backpack that the sword handle is wired into. I've managed to cause a split in one corner attaching it to the trailer. Probably due to the male connectors being made slightly too big.
Connecting the tanker/trailer to Laser Optimus Prime is easy as the trailer hitch just locates into the section that the figures original sword forms when in truck mode. It is a tight fit though and there’s not much room for the truck and trailer to pivot.
The Battle Tanker fits in well with the Laser Optimus Prime figure when in its alt mode and does seem to be in scale compared to the trucks size. However. When put next to other Deluxe class or Voyager class figures. Its not to scale the whole form would actually be. If the Generations Laser Prime was a Voyager size figure along with a Battle Tanker of equal size (Like Classics/Henkei Optimus Prime/Convoy with the Fansproject G3 Trailer add on) it would certainly look more in line with other figures.
Trailer Mode 1
Trailer Mode 2
Trailer Mode 3
Trailer Mode Comparison With Henkei Convoy and Fansproject G3 Trailer
Still. Does look nice and glad I purchased it as overall it makes a HUGE improvement to the Generations/United Laser Optimus Prime figure.
There is however. Another mode that the instructions do not show. This mode actually just includes the left over trailer section after the armored robot mode is completed. It has also been shown on the promo images that were going around before Battle Tanker was released. This is the battle station mode. Its unknown why Maketoys chose not to show it in the instructions but its there nonetheless.
It doesn't take much to transform the trailer into the battle station and it actually looks similar to the Transformers Generation 2 Laser Optimus Prime's trailer/battle station. A nice little extra.
Battle Station Mode
Marks out of 10 for the following:-
Transformation Design: 8 Certain parts can be fiddly at first but take your time and you will have it mastered eventually.
Durability: 7 Seems quite well put together. However. A few possible QC/design issues on certain sections of the plastic are a concern.
Fun: 7 Nice piece to mess with and everything goes together quite well. First time messing with Battle Tanker took me just over an hour to get put together and transformer
Aesthetics: 8 Lots of detail, the colours work well together and fit in with the Transformers Reveal The Shield Laser Optimus Prime figure.
Articulation: 7 Same amount as before but once the trailer backpack is added. Articulation becomes rather limited.
Value/Price: 6 High price (Approx £80 from UK online retailer) but as can be expected with these 3rd party creations. Battle Tanker has been quite popular and has already pushed the price of a RTS/United Laser Optimus Prime up a considerable amount. That is. If you can actually find one.
Overall: 7 A nice start for Maketoys very first offering. Lets hope it continues with their other items.
Function: 3rd party add on (Armour, weapons and mobile assault attachment)
Size Class: Deluxe/Voyager (when connected to Reveal The Shield/United Laser Optimus Prime)
Battle Tanker is the 1st creation by the new 3rd party maker Maketoys. It has been designed to be used with the 2010/11 line Transformers Reveal The Shield/Transformers United Laser Optimus Prime. This Optimus Prime figure itself was based on the Transformers Generation 2 figure of the same name. Although the G2 version was bigger from what I gather (I never saw/owned the original version) and also came with a fuel/oil container type trailer which transformed into a battle platform.
Unfortunately. The Reveal The Shield version of Laser Optimus Prime did not come with any trailer and also had a head sculpt you either liked or disliked.
This is where Maketoys have stepped in. Early images in 2010 of the Battle Tanker were mistaken for a product by 3rd party manufacturer Fansproject. In fact. Fansproject had assisted Maketoys in the creation and development of the product. Shortly around the same time.
Maketoys also announced that they were also designing and building other figures. Their second set of figures. Hover & Bomber have just been released at the time of writing/typing this review and a further 6 or 7 figures have since been announced.
On first impression when holding the package. The whole product feels quite heavy for something made from plastic. The box is coloured all white with images of the battle tanker in trailer and in combined form on both front and rear sides and also on the outer sides. The front section of the box actually opens up to reveal a window which displays all of Battle tankers component parts. On the bottom left of the window. There is a gold sticker showing the Drift Sword which is a limited edition packaged with the 1st release of Battle Tanker.
On the inside of the box door. There is more artwork of the combined mode.
On opening the the box. Every part is held in a clear plastic insert which is the same size as the box. The drift sword is taped to the inner side of the insert. There is also a backing card where the instruction sheet is taped to. On one side of the backing card. There is a full colour image of the Battle Tanker combined with Laser Optimus Prime.
Box Front
Box Rear
Inner Box Window
Inner front box flap
First version release sticker showing the Drift sword
In box card insert/poster
Unlike other 3rd party products which come boxed all asslembled. Every single piece of Battle Tanker has its own section in the plastic insert. This is an attractive option for those MISB collectors who will never touch the set and have no clue to how it all comes together and how good (or bad) the build quality is.
Upon removing each item from the plastic. You can tell straight away that the quality and finish is really good. Almost to the standard of the official products. There is detailing everywhere on each item. Straight out of the box everything has been packaged to go straight onto the robot mode of Laser Optimus Prime. Only the main tanker/backpack section needs some slight transformation to get it to go on.
The first thing needed to do though however (if you don't like the original head), is to remove the original head of RTS/United Laser Prime and replace it with the Maketoys version. There is a handy how to guide below.
Removal and installing the head.
Before going any further. There are two versions of the head. As the Battle Tanker I'm reviewing is the V1 first release. It came with the head in one piece. This has caused some problems for people when fitting the head causing them to break the figures neck balljoint. Maketoys has issued a second version of the same head. This time the head comes in two sections held together via a screw (same as the official TF release heads) and also comes with a replacement neck balljoint to repair a damaged Laser Prime.
Removing the original Laser Prime head is easy. Basically undo the plus shape screw on the back of the head and the head splits into two pieces exposing the balljoint.
Location of original head screw
Original head removed showing ball socket
There have been various reported methods on how to install the one piece head along with the official Maketoys suggestion.
Maketoys suggest that you pop the head in boiling water for 1 minute to soften the plastic. Then fit it to the figure.
Personally. This seems quite risky still as when I tried this method first. The head didn't really seem any softer than it did before its hot bath.
Other suggestions involve using a hairdryer on the head to heat it up/sanding the figures neck balljoint and also around the hole of the Maketoys head.
I found the easiest way was to put the head in ¼ cup of cold water. Pop it in the microwave for 1 minute (used an 800w microwave). Leave the head in the cup for a further 2 minutes (stirring twice to mix the water). Whilst soaking in the cup. Get some lubricant (eg WD40, Spray Silicone etc) and some kitchen towel. Next hold the piece of kitchen towel behind the exposed head balljoint of Laser Prime and spray the lubricant onto the balljoint. There should be enough for the lubricant to run a little.
Next get the new head. Using your thumb and finger on both hands. Keep the head straight on top of the balljoint and push the head onto the balljoint while using your fingers for support on the flat underside of the head section. Try not to wobble/move the head while doing this. With enough pressure. The head will go on with a click.
Overall a much better looking head over the standard Generations version.
Replacement head fitted
The next step is to remove the crotch section of Laser Prime. This is again held in place via one screw. Remove the screw and seperate the front of the crotch. Replace with the new white Maketoys version. The new version has a slot in for the larger black crotch section when assembled in armored form.
Armored Form
After fitting all the pieces to Laser Prime we get the armored form. This comprises of larger fists and forearms and also leg extentions. This form is enhanced further by weaponary. These come in the shape of two twin barreled blasters which are similar in design to the shoulder cannons of G1 Powermaster Optimus Prime/Masterforce God Ginrai. The next is the sword. The hilt handle of the sword is attached via wire to a backpack. The hilt handle is also fitted with an LED which is powered by a switch on the backpack. The handle guard is then attached next (looks like the design was taken from the Sword of Omens from Thundercats). For the sword blade. There are two options. One is a solid thin silver/grey blade similar to the one seen on Drifts sword. The other is a much better, larger, semi transparent red blade. This blade looks similar to the Master sword from the Takara G1 Fortress Maximus figures. When the red blade is attached. You can use the LED to give the blade a nice glow. Unfortunately. This is a downside also as the cable used to power the led can limit the pose-ability but not by a great deal. The sword also has a storage point on the backpack via a C clamp.
Overall. The armored form is a big improvement over the look of the basic figure. Gives Prime a much stronger appearance and stands slightly taller than the standard deluxe class version. Articulation isn't really any different over the standard mode. The only problem here depends on how well the build is of the actual Deluxe Laser Prime figure. On mine. The upper leg/hip ball sockets are slightly loose. While this wasn't a big deal for the basic figure. Adding the leg extentions has increased the weight and therefore has made the legs seem looser. This can create some stability problems. Again. This does depend on how well screwed together your figure is.
Fully assembled armoured mode 1
Fully assembled armoured mode 2
Powered Up Super Mode
This mode takes the rest of what is left of the trailer section and turns it into a backpack of sorts. This backpack is equipped with a targeting viewscreen, 2 arm mounted missile salvo launchers with twin blaster cannons attached and also a missile pod attached to each lower leg.
On the rear of the backpack there is a stand so that you can support the figure. This can be lifted up and the assembled Laser sword can be attached and also used as a support. The backpack does need at least one of these methods in use as once attached. The backpack certainly makes the very back heavy.
There is not a lot of movement from the arms in this mode. Mostly up and down. The arm mounted missile launchers are attached to the backpack via a swinging arm and balljoint attached to the backpack. This swinging arm is what concerns me the most. To me these two pieces are or seem to be made of a weaker plastic. This is seen when you come to move the swinging arm as there seems to be a lot of flex in the plastic. These arms are attached to the backpack by a ratchet joint. This joint is also not very strong as it still lets the arms move easily instead of it locking into each section/teeth and not moving. Secondly. To get the arms into the correct position to attach to the figure. They have to be rotated 360 degrees via a circular shape of plastic which is attached to the ratchet joints. The circular disc is quite stiff and hard to turn. Basically you have to turn the whole part by holding the ratchet joint section. Again. This causes the plastic to flex. I can see this whole section getting damaged irreparably after some time.
Overall. Going back to the combined form itself. It looks quite nice and gives Prime a look like other bots should run far far away to avoid getting picked off and blown into lots of pieces.
Powered up super mode
Tanker/Trailer mode.
Every part that makes up the armor and missile launchers (including the weapons and accessories) get tucked away in their own places either in, or around the tanker/trailer I found that the piece that folds over onto the top of the trailer can be quite hard to get into place and line up correctly. In this mode it certainly does look the part though and most of the armored parts do seem to blend in with the trailer. It even has red pipes to simulate the pieces used empty the tanker of its fuel/oil.
There are what seems to be C clamp posts dotted around the trailer. Possibly for additional weaponry that would be compatible from other figures. These C clamp pegs are also useable in the Super Combined Robot Mode.
One thing you have to be careful of is the female connector on the backpack that the sword handle is wired into. I've managed to cause a split in one corner attaching it to the trailer. Probably due to the male connectors being made slightly too big.
Connecting the tanker/trailer to Laser Optimus Prime is easy as the trailer hitch just locates into the section that the figures original sword forms when in truck mode. It is a tight fit though and there’s not much room for the truck and trailer to pivot.
The Battle Tanker fits in well with the Laser Optimus Prime figure when in its alt mode and does seem to be in scale compared to the trucks size. However. When put next to other Deluxe class or Voyager class figures. Its not to scale the whole form would actually be. If the Generations Laser Prime was a Voyager size figure along with a Battle Tanker of equal size (Like Classics/Henkei Optimus Prime/Convoy with the Fansproject G3 Trailer add on) it would certainly look more in line with other figures.
Trailer Mode 1
Trailer Mode 2
Trailer Mode 3
Trailer Mode Comparison With Henkei Convoy and Fansproject G3 Trailer
Still. Does look nice and glad I purchased it as overall it makes a HUGE improvement to the Generations/United Laser Optimus Prime figure.
There is however. Another mode that the instructions do not show. This mode actually just includes the left over trailer section after the armored robot mode is completed. It has also been shown on the promo images that were going around before Battle Tanker was released. This is the battle station mode. Its unknown why Maketoys chose not to show it in the instructions but its there nonetheless.
It doesn't take much to transform the trailer into the battle station and it actually looks similar to the Transformers Generation 2 Laser Optimus Prime's trailer/battle station. A nice little extra.
Battle Station Mode
Marks out of 10 for the following:-
Transformation Design: 8 Certain parts can be fiddly at first but take your time and you will have it mastered eventually.
Durability: 7 Seems quite well put together. However. A few possible QC/design issues on certain sections of the plastic are a concern.
Fun: 7 Nice piece to mess with and everything goes together quite well. First time messing with Battle Tanker took me just over an hour to get put together and transformer
Aesthetics: 8 Lots of detail, the colours work well together and fit in with the Transformers Reveal The Shield Laser Optimus Prime figure.
Articulation: 7 Same amount as before but once the trailer backpack is added. Articulation becomes rather limited.
Value/Price: 6 High price (Approx £80 from UK online retailer) but as can be expected with these 3rd party creations. Battle Tanker has been quite popular and has already pushed the price of a RTS/United Laser Optimus Prime up a considerable amount. That is. If you can actually find one.
Overall: 7 A nice start for Maketoys very first offering. Lets hope it continues with their other items.