New Image of Masterpiece Tracks in Tag Hobby Magazine

chuckdawg1999 wrote:

shajaki wrote:

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Never had Tracks as a kid but I wanted it. One of my favorite G1 characters so I pre-ordered mine. Although I now remember the last time I did that, for Bumblebee I believe, another listing popped up later on that had the collectors coin. Hopefully the BBTS listing is for the coin version.

BBTS typically has two separate listings for with and without coins.

Yeah I know, I hope the one they have up now is for the one with coin

I wouldnt bet on it the last few pre orders they did the w/o coin version first then the coin version just sorta appears magically sometime there after...

Hmm, what's going on with Tracks forearm? Looks like the hand rotates into the arm and some other piece rotates out but what is that piece?

He looks less trim so that's a little better.

He looks good ... but only Generations / Combiner Wars good, not Masterpiece amazing like Wheeljack or Ultra Magnus. It seems like his backside is hollow or something. I can't figure out what's not quite right about this figure but something seems off to me. I just don't have that "oh wow, they knocked it out of the park" feeling that I usually have after Masterpiece leaks.

Seibertron wrote:He looks good ... but only Generations / Combiner Wars good, not Masterpiece amazing like Wheeljack or Ultra Magnus. It seems like his backside is hollow or something. I can't figure out what's not quite right about this figure but something seems off to me. I just don't have that "oh wow, they knocked it out of the park" feeling that I usually have after Masterpiece leaks.

A side effect of the changeover from Shogo Hasui to Hironori Kobayashi, perhaps?

Seibertron wrote:He looks good ... but only Generations / Combiner Wars good, not Masterpiece amazing like Wheeljack or Ultra Magnus. It seems like his backside is hollow or something. I can't figure out what's not quite right about this figure but something seems off to me. I just don't have that "oh wow, they knocked it out of the park" feeling that I usually have after Masterpiece leaks.

I would challenge that - as far as I can tell, the only post-MP10 Masterpieces without gap or backpack issues are Optimus Prime & Wheeljack (and maybe Bumblebee). Sideswipe has a hole going through his side, Prowl has an extended backpack, Magnus has huge gap issues around the waist... I think the gap issue with Tracks will be alleviated once we have color test shots. That bright yellow background doesn't do the prototype any favors

The big issue I have with Tracks is the same issue I have with Magnus: articulation. It looks like Tracks has none of it in the waist, which is a big deal. In a line that tries its best to minimize the number and severity of compromises, going a step or so backward in the articulation department on Magnus, and now on Tracks, is a huge let down for me.

At the very least, Tracks silhouette looks really nice. I think the overall look hits it out of the park, and I'm definitely looking forward to future updates, and the various redeco reveals.

megatronus wrote:The big issue I have with Tracks is the same issue I have with Magnus: articulation. It looks like Tracks has none of it in the waist, which is a big deal. In a line that tries its best to minimize the number and severity of compromises, going a step or so backward in the articulation department on Magnus, and now on Tracks, is a huge let down for me.

In the first picture his waist is definitely turned, which is what makes him seem "thin".


I think he's looking much better than the first picture and I expect him to look even better once painted prototypes are revealed.

To me, this looks to be as good as the other MPs, and I've already preordered. That being said, I just don't find the character or the original design of Tracks to be that compelling. I think the designers of this mold have done the absolute best they could given the character, and they once again will get my money. I'd really like to see Mirage, Jazz or Ironhide, though.

megatronus wrote:

Seibertron wrote:He looks good ... but only Generations / Combiner Wars good, not Masterpiece amazing like Wheeljack or Ultra Magnus. It seems like his backside is hollow or something. I can't figure out what's not quite right about this figure but something seems off to me. I just don't have that "oh wow, they knocked it out of the park" feeling that I usually have after Masterpiece leaks.

I would challenge that - as far as I can tell, the only post-MP10 Masterpieces without gap or backpack issues are Optimus Prime & Wheeljack (and maybe Bumblebee). Sideswipe has a hole going through his side, Prowl has an extended backpack, Magnus has huge gap issues around the waist... I think the gap issue with Tracks will be alleviated once we have color test shots. That bright yellow background doesn't do the prototype any favors

Just to clarify, I didn't say "gap or backpack issues", I said it looks hollow like there's not much going on behind the chest area. It looks like the side panel is there to try to fill out the back but on the backside it appears so far to be hollow or extremely minimal. The backside reminds me of the Universe/Classics Inferno/Grapple mold, which is probably the best example I can think of offhand. Ok for a regularly priced retail figure, not acceptable for a Masterpiece figure.

Due to his transformation in the G1 cartoon and G1 toy, he does turn at the waist and to complete the transformation by bringing the hood of the car inline with the rest ofthe car.

Color photos will do Tracks more justice for sure. WST Blaster would pair greatly with Tracks.

Seibertron wrote:

megatronus wrote:

Seibertron wrote:He looks good ... but only Generations / Combiner Wars good, not Masterpiece amazing like Wheeljack or Ultra Magnus. It seems like his backside is hollow or something. I can't figure out what's not quite right about this figure but something seems off to me. I just don't have that "oh wow, they knocked it out of the park" feeling that I usually have after Masterpiece leaks.

I would challenge that - as far as I can tell, the only post-MP10 Masterpieces without gap or backpack issues are Optimus Prime & Wheeljack (and maybe Bumblebee). Sideswipe has a hole going through his side, Prowl has an extended backpack, Magnus has huge gap issues around the waist... I think the gap issue with Tracks will be alleviated once we have color test shots. That bright yellow background doesn't do the prototype any favors

Just to clarify, I didn't say "gap or backpack issues", I said it looks hollow like there's not much going on behind the chest area. It looks like the side panel is there to try to fill out the back but on the backside it appears so far to be hollow or extremely minimal. The backside reminds me of the Universe/Classics Inferno/Grapple mold, which is probably the best example I can think of offhand. Ok for a regularly priced retail figure, not acceptable for a Masterpiece figure.

I would have to say I am in the same boat as Seibertron, although I do have to say it would be hard to make a solid back for tracks, the roof of the car being his chest, rear of the car being behind his head, and the engine hood being on the leg. So there is lil to work with to make his back.
Not to mention his arms have to fit into a slim vehicle.

I am having some faith that it will turn out fine

A new scan from the Tag Hobby Magazine

Tag Hobby isn't the name of the magazine, it's the name of the website that scanned the magazine page. The magazine is Dengeki Hobby Magazine.

Emerje

i want to see the flying car mode!

Now I'm worried about Jazz.
It may just be that my expectations are too high. After I got MP-01 in hand, all those years ago, I expected all future MP 'formers to have a good amount of die cast and heft (and little chrome.). The amount of heft and size to require a hand and a half to hold.
MP Tracks just doesn't seem to form a well fit together alt mode.
The MP line is starting to feel like Alternators that should be Binaltechs.
CW Devastator could almost pass as a modern MP.

Why are his wings so long!? Arrgh.

Cyberpath wrote:And I agree with him, Tracks is not vain, he just has very well-developed sense of self.

I really wish they'd do a G1 series with as many original voice actors as possible and for the rest people imitating the original actors.

that newest pic does look gappy. but im with megatronus. and i dont think im just being hopeful

sol magnus wrote:

megatronus wrote:The big issue I have with Tracks is the same issue I have with Magnus: articulation. It looks like Tracks has none of it in the waist, which is a big deal. In a line that tries its best to minimize the number and severity of compromises, going a step or so backward in the articulation department on Magnus, and now on Tracks, is a huge let down for me.

In the first picture his waist is definitely turned, which is what makes him seem "thin".

I think he's looking much better than the first picture and I expect him to look even better once painted prototypes are revealed.

Hmmm...



Well I'll be... the waist is turned. I happily retract my statement!

I also expect the color protos to look better; he'll probably be more finely tooled to fit together a bit better as well.

Seibertron wrote:Just to clarify, I didn't say "gap or backpack issues", I said it looks hollow like there's not much going on behind the chest area. It looks like the side panel is there to try to fill out the back but on the backside it appears so far to be hollow or extremely minimal. The backside reminds me of the Universe/Classics Inferno/Grapple mold, which is probably the best example I can think of offhand. Ok for a regularly priced retail figure, not acceptable for a Masterpiece figure.

The clarification helps - I see what you're saying. But I would hesitate to say possible hollowness is unacceptable until we know the extent of it. So long as whatever hollowness exists can be largely hidden by panels (in the vein of MP Sideswipe's legs), it probably won't be too bad.

At any rate, hopefully more photos will be leaked soon, and we'll know for sure.

Convoy wrote:CW Devastator could almost pass as a modern MP.

I can't tell if you're saying that because you're that impressed by CW Devastator, or if you're saying that as an insult to the MP line. Either way you're wrong IMO.

I'm not too worried about any of the pictures of Tracks. The early shots of Wheeljack had me very worried, but once we saw him in color all of the strange gaps went away, or at the very least blended in. Remember, at this stage the parts don't always snap together properly (or they don't want them to incase of breakage) so there's going to be gaps.

I'm actually happy to see him as a little skinny, makes the rumor of Road Rage coming after him all the more likely.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

Convoy wrote:CW Devastator could almost pass as a modern MP.

I can't tell if you're saying that because you're that impressed by CW Devastator, or if you're saying that as an insult to the MP line. Either way you're wrong IMO.

Emerje

I'm saying both. Humbly, I'm wrong in your opinion.
Sometimes I wish the bar wasn't set so high for the first Prime (Optimus) and so low for the last Prime. (Rodimus)
The ditching of all the diecast isn't totally lost on me. Soundwave had minimal metal and was pretty great. I haven't heard anything bad about Wheeljack yet despite the lack of metal.
Hollow. That might be the magic word.
It's just a prototype and I'm sure it'll look better in color but at this point, as great as it looks, there's something to be desired...Something.

edit: I'll be taking a black MP-25, thank you.

My feelings for MP Tracks are at the 10 second mark...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9zijc_sulA

JustPlainME wrote:My feelings for MP Tracks are at the 10 second mark...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9zijc_sulA

JustPlainME wrote:My feelings for MP Tracks are at the 10 second mark...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9zijc_sulA

Ryrynz wrote:Why are his wings so long!? Arrgh.

Probably for flight mode.

unexpected panda digibash! though im not a fan of the hood flames

Courtesy of site sponsors' RobotKingdom.com Facebook page and Kapow! Toys Facebook page, we have a first look not only at the official colours for the upcoming Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-25 Tracks, but also showing off both Corvette and flying mode, the inclusion of a flight stand, and accessories in Raoul and mini-Blaster boombox mode - check it all out in the mirrored image from Kapow below!

New pictures found on the Kapow Toys Facebook page.




Edit: too slow

If it wasn't a must buy before (it was), it definitely is now.

Raoul. Who'd ever guess that?

Va'al wrote:

Wow, things are moving really fast this time.

Raoul, lol. Obama is fighting to keep Raoul from being deported.

Should we be concerned about the inclusion of the extras? Aren't they normally used to make up for a smaller or less impressive figure?

Ravage XK wrote:Should we be concerned about the inclusion of the extras? Aren't they normally used to make up for a smaller or less impressive figure?

I wouldn't. Most of them have come with at least a few accessories, regardless of size.

I can see Sunstreaker in there, somewhere.

His torso doesn't look hollow anymore.
But the biggest news? MP BLASTER!!!!

Awesome, can't wait to get the KO version at $30 in about six to nine months! It will go great with my KO Prowl, Sideswipe, Silverstreak, Red alert, and Smokescreen.

Is this like, the fastest that Takara has gone from rumor to confirmed to grey prototype to color images ever with a Masterpiece figure?

Nemesis Maximo wrote:Is this like, the fastest that Takara has gone from rumor to confirmed to grey prototype to color images ever with a Masterpiece figure?

Probably! Maybe they're just trying to make up for lost time

shockblast2 wrote:Awesome, can't wait to get the KO version at $30 in about six to nine months! It will go great with my KO Prowl, Sideswipe, Silverstreak, Red alert, and Smokescreen.

HERESY!

Anyways, in all honesty, this may be one of my favorite MPs to date. Tracks was a favorite of mine from G1, and got a fair share of valuable screen time, too, unlike some other favorites of mine *coughProwlcough*. The mini Blaster just makes things that much better.

Stardrift wrote:

shockblast2 wrote:Awesome, can't wait to get the KO version at $30 in about six to nine months! It will go great with my KO Prowl, Sideswipe, Silverstreak, Red alert, and Smokescreen.

HERESY!

Anyways, in all honesty, this may be one of my favorite MPs to date. Tracks was a favorite of mine from G1, and got a fair share of valuable screen time, too, unlike some other favorites of mine *coughProwlcough*. The mini Blaster just makes things that much better.

Yeah, he basically got two whole episodes to himself in season 2. Can Prowl or Bluestreak say the same?

Spike and Raoul are totally gonna have a Breakdance dance off on my desk.
I already cut out a little piece of card board for backspins and windmills.

Shuttershock wrote:

Stardrift wrote:

shockblast2 wrote:Awesome, can't wait to get the KO version at $30 in about six to nine months! It will go great with my KO Prowl, Sideswipe, Silverstreak, Red alert, and Smokescreen.

HERESY!

Anyways, in all honesty, this may be one of my favorite MPs to date. Tracks was a favorite of mine from G1, and got a fair share of valuable screen time, too, unlike some other favorites of mine *coughProwlcough*. The mini Blaster just makes things that much better.

Yeah, he basically got two whole episodes to himself in season 2. Can Prowl or Bluestreak say the same?

The closest Prowl got to an episode of his own was when Chip took control of his combat systems. And that wasn't even for very long.

Cobotron wrote:Spike and Raoul are totally gonna have a Breakdance dance off on my desk.
I already cut out a little piece of card board for backspins and windmills.

You deserve a fully-stocked cookie jar.

Darn,they're doing the yellow square around the Autobot symbol. I know it's accurate, but it looks ugly as sin. Also, why is Raoul a static statue instead of 'articulated' like all the other humans so far? Granted, he looks better, but consistency would have been nice. And where's Carly?! Or Marissa? We need some spaceladies on our MP shelves!

Nitpicks aside, Tracks is looking pretty good. The color pic doesn't excite me as much, but I'm definitely picking him up.

They need to include some tiny cardboard pieces and some Dancitron tickets, hahaha

Ultra Magnus wrote:They need to include some tiny cardboard pieces and some Dancitron tickets, hahaha

Michael Jackson Raoul sold separately.

He looks awesome. I hope that stand will be clear and it looks like Raoul will have a stand? That's a nice touch, but i hope it will be like the figures we got before.

Tracks. It seems to me that Takara's choice of Transformers to make as toys are starting to become random. Any chance of us seeing a Masterpiece Optimus Primal? That would be nice. Right?

OptimalOptimus2 wrote:Tracks. It seems to me that Takara's choice of Transformers to make as toys are starting to become random. Any chance of us seeing a Masterpiece Optimus Primal. That would be nice. Right?

Telemocha Series Convoy is better than any MP Primal could be.

RhA wrote:Raoul. Who'd ever guess that?

Everybody!

Me likes in color. Tracks with a flight mode and mini Blaster and Raoul... TT is giving no quarter. They are certainly and definitely serious! Flight mode tail fins are so cool looking! I happen to like the yellow square around the bot symbol. It certainly sells the animation accuracy for me.

Road Rage with Twincast repaint? Evil Raoul?

Tigertrack wrote:Road Rage with Twincast repaint? Evil Raoul?

Tracks can come with "Make Tracks" Raoul while Road Rage can come with "Auto-Bop" Raoul.