ROTF Brawn paperback plastic bubble package.

ROTF Brawn package back shows biodata as well as feature.

However the rendition of Brawn in ROTF styled robot had made my jaw dropped all thanks to my friend TCracker.

The robot mode is the reason that I sought to get this Autobot, we will explore the reason later. The package comes with the toy, transformation sheet and catalog of transformers toys.

ROTF Brawn Transformation Instructions with non-attractive color.

ROTF Catalog colorful.

Continuing with Brawn. Out of the box, it is in Alternate mode.

ROTF Brawn alt mode.

In its Alt Mode Brawn is just a normal looking military 4WD truck with a minigun mounted on its roof. All the wheels is workable but it is made from plastics.

ROTF Brawn alternate mode with NEST logo at the side.

Too bad the doors as well as the windows of Brawn in truck mode is not functional. But the details of the truck is unmistakably beautiful.

There is not a single part of the robot visible at the back.

Unfortunately, the head and chest of Brawn can be seen from the bottom of the Alt Mode.

The robot head, chest as well as part of the feet is visible.

For transformation wise, like most figures of ROTF toyline even in Deluxe Class, the transformation can be considered as complicated compared to G1 Transformers. Due to the complexity of the transformation it seems that future toys are more worth the buck paid for its high tech design. As a summary, the bonnet of the alternate mode is its legs and feets, the back of the truck is its arms, and the middle part is the body of the robot.

First step is to unlock or open the main "lock".

Open the back cover of the back wheel.

Sway the roof to back of the truck.

Forming the legs.

Splitting off the bonnet to expose leg and form leg armor.

Tranformation of front truck to robot legs finally completed.

Twisting the waist to front of the robot body.

Fold down the part of the mud protector of the back wheels.

Moving the side plate of Alt Mode.

Folding of roof make form for Brawn arms.

By twisting the shoulder and arms, will complete the transformation.

Once the transformation complete, ROTF Brawn looks very beefy at the top, with big and long arms.

Top heavy ROTF Brawn Transformation complete.

One of the complain discovered during the transformation is, the ball joint of the legs connecting to the body is loose. The joint pop out from the ball a few times during transformation. With the heavy top, it is quite a feat to strike a pose with ROTF Brawn.

In term of sculpt and details, it is amazing for this Deluxe Class transformers figure.

The only thing that is giving weight is its "cloak".

The main cannon is stored in between the "cloak".

The next thing that worth mentioning is deployment of the main cannon to make Brawn looks like those highly stylized Japanese Mecha. Lets have a closer looks to the robot mode.

Darkened eyes but there are details.

Another perspective of Brawn robot mode.

Expect no slack in giving details to Brawn's arms.

Bumper as knee, half bonnet as leg armor.

On to review of deployment of the main cannon.

Details of Brawn's cannon.

Swivel up the cannon from original position.

Unfold the barrel of the cannon.

Make a full proper straightening of the cannon barrel to finish the deployment.

Once the canon is deployed, twist the root of the cannon which is attached to the back of Brawn the the left or right to make it a shoulder cannon. The only gripe is the cannon unable to be detached.

ROTF Brawn with full glory of its armaments.

Now on towards the twin blaster of ROTF Brawn.

Each pistol is a mirror to the other with same design.

Ventilation vents and blaster short barrel is added.

So much the same and there is also difference.

Next, articulation wise will leave the pictures to do justice for it. Just a note that the ball joints connecting the pelvic part and the legs is loose even for a new figure.

Arms and Legs stretch out.

Some random strike a pose before closing.

Robot Mode Brawn strike pose.

Gunfu inspired pose for ROTF Brawn.

ROTF Brawn bracing for cannon to fire.

ARC Brawn ?

Brawn at front of a bright backdrop.

As a conclusion, ROTF is not without flaw such as kibble at the bottom view of the Alternate mode as well as poor loose joint to support heavy top robot mode.

The detailed as well as Japanese mecha similarity is ROTF Brawn’s charming point for collectors.

Until the next post. Thanks for reading and visiting my site.

*Note : Finally able to squeeze time to update the blog. Do not worry as I will not abandon this blog. Also no cropping or white balancing. Just resizing and add water mark to the pictures to this post.

Let's Dance Pose - TF Edition.

JetFire and Optimus Prime getting ready for combination.

One of the main reason getting both Leader Class Optimus Prime and Leader Class JetFire is both Leader class toy can combine to form Powered-Up Prime. Contrary to the combinati0n, in the Revenge of the Fallen (ROTF) movie Powered-Up Prime is form after JetFire sacrifice himself to allow its body to beef up Optimus Prime weaponary and giving flight capability to Optimus Prime in the ROTF movie climax.

Regardless of TakaraTomy or Hasbro version of the toy, both is able to be combined without issues.

For the combination, start of with transforming both Optimus Prime and JetFire in their robot mode.

Step 1 - Attach Gatling Gun and transformed blaster to Optimus Prime.

Step 2 - Divide body of JetFire into 2 half horizontally, hook the silver piece of JetFire at the back of Optimus Prime.

Step 3 - Snap 2 peg of Optimus Prime feet to JetFire feet.

Step 4 - Fasten the seat belt and ready for flight.

In the nut shell, in the transformation or combination Jet Fire is more like a jet pack complete with buckle, attachment on to the feet and hook to the back.

Original leg configuration, the dual toes is tuck to the back.

JetFire the Jet Pack.

Unfortunately, the original configuration of the legs looks plain. From the Transformers forum source of alternate powered-up prime leg configuration gives a better configuration.

Alternate leg configuration for Powered-Up Prime.

Front view of the alternate leg configuration of Powered-Up Prime.

Other than the feet and back pack, from the frontal view after the combination, the head and the torso is still clearly is Optimus Prime.

JetFire robot part is still visible.

With alternate feet configuration, it looks more closer to the original Powered-Up Prime concept art.

When the combination is completed, Powered-Up Prime is lacking of articulation at its lower part of the body. Hand are less articulated at the shoulder due to new shoulder pads. However the energon sword is still extensible on the part of arm without the big blaster.

With jet pack buckle at its abdoment.

The mech-alive feature of Optimus Prime is removed. However, it can be triggered by pushing Optimus Prime backwards. In Powered-Up mode, there is a sound effect. Which is located at the lower back of JetFire.

Button to trigger weapons activation.

By moving Optimus Prime head to the back, the chest and eyes will light up simulating effect of mech alive.

There is a few configuration available for the shoulder pad. One involving folding up the 2 half of the cockpit/fuselage back into the position of JetFire robot arm. The only downside is it exposes JetFire claw but it does not matter for JetFire head can be seen in any configuration.

Alternate configuration makes the legs and feet stubby from the back.

JetFire trying to play peek-ka-boo at the back.

Alternate configuration of the shoulder pads and feet.

Another view at all the glory of Power-Up Prime.

As summary, Powered-Up Prime is a great display piece meant to be displayed face to face to would be on lookers. In term of articulation, it is severely lacking.

Not meant for those that is fear of grotesque appearance of having your ally’s carcass mount on your back with his dead head dangling at the back of your head.

Thanks for reading. Until the next post.

Notice JetFire head is sticking up like a sore thumb behind Optimus Prime head.

Leader Class JetFire robot front view.

One compound word to describe JetFire in the Transformers : Revenge of the Fallen movie, Old Geezer. In the movie JetFire was a former Decepticon and grew tired of war. I do not recall that the movie explicitly mentioned that JetFire is an Autobot. I guess the enemy of my enemy is my friend is in effect here. The version of this JetFire is the Takara version. Perhaps if you have the Hasbro version, you may spot the difference.

Leader Class JetFire package in the front shows of the Takara version have Japanese stickers all over it.

Fundamentally, there is not much difference of the Takara version and the Hasbro version JetFire. Everything is the same, except there is some makeshift stickers sticked all over the place in which is implied it is for consumption in Japanese market. The transformation sheet is in Japanese but the illustration is the same for the Takara and Hasbro is the same.

All English, Leader Class JetFire package at the back no Japanese stickers.

At the bottom of the package, in which there is no picture of in the review. There are stickers for Japanese consumers to contact TakaraTomy. Basically, there is not must noticeable difference between the Takara version and Hasbro version. However, there are some of my friends did mentioned that the whiskers of JetFire of Takara is thicker.

Leader Class JetFire has meshes of wires and rubber band.

It took me about 5 minutes to untie JetFire from its coffin package. Unfortunately other than the mech-alive feature and the voice electronics as well as light up of chest and the eyes legs do not have any commendable articulations. Articulation of the hands and arms are good but not impressive if you make comparison to the ROTF leader class Optimus Prime.

Default Leader Class JetFire back without removal of parts.

In order to make the robot figure stand, the body needs to be made leaning slightly forward. The joints of the legs at the pelvic region is tight with ratchet joints. However, like any senior citizens JetFire too suffers from weak knees.

Close up shot of Leader Class JetFire robot chicken leg.

Leader Class JetFire posture leaning slightly forward.

The trick to solve the heavier body of Jetfire due to the weak knees, lean the body of JetFire slightly forward using the joints of the legs connected to the hips.

The most articulated appendage of JetFire is it’s arms.

Leader Class JetFire robot arm articulated at the shoulder and elbow.

JetFire hand claw is able to twist at the wrist, unfortunately the claw unable to move individual. But it provides good grip to his walking stick.

JetFire robot claw on his walking stick.

The only movement given to the head is swaying left and right. Though the electronic and lighting uses the head to add effect of JetFire eyes glowing red.

JetFire robot head close up shot.

JetFire mech-alive gimmick other than the short speech, is its firey red eyes.

The mech-alive gimmick is achieved by pulling the yellow lever which is placed at the middle of the robot chest. The speech is “JetFire is my name”. Red lights flash in the eyes and at the chest, head turns horizontally left and right.

JetFire battery is placed at the back.

The battery compartment can only be accessible when JetFire is in its robot mode. The procedure involves lifting up the back plate/trench coat of JetFire. A small phillip head screw driver is needed to complete the operations. The battery is provided. AA sized batteries are needed, 2 of them.

Leader Class JetFire robot comes with 2 AA batteries included.

In term of accessories, JetFire only has a Gatling gun and a walking stick. Unforturnately, the walking stick or cane does not transform into an energon axe.

JetFire Gatling cannon with missle attached.

JetFire Gatling cannon back exposing the clip to hold onto SR-71 and both arms of JetFire and Optimus Prime.

JetFire Gatling canon looks better with missile detached.

Of course JetFire review is not complete without its alternate mode the SR-71 blackbird. Unfortunately, the alternate mode in my opinion is not even a half baked job. The transformation is relatively simple compared to Optimus Prime.

Step 1 - close JetFire whisker and lift up JetFire's cloak.

Step 2 - Bring up the panel to hide the head of JetFire.

Step 3 - Have all the major pieces of SR-71 shell aligned and combine proper.

Step 4 - With the SR-71 shell aligned, snap the boosters, engines to the side of the shell.

Step 5 - Check all the SR-71 shell ensure it is properly snapped.

Step 6 - There should be 2 part of dangling belt leave it as is.

Step 7 - Divide the body of JetFire into 2 vertical parts.

Step 8 - Have the upper half and lower half snap on to the SR-71 shell.

Step 9 - Twist the arms and shoulder to prepare to form the SR-71 nosecone.

Step 10 - Move the shoulder up closer to the head.

Step 11 - Snap the nosecone, the fusalage with the cockpit area.

Step 12 - Align the hands together and place the cane to JetFire claws.

Step 13 - Twist the shoulder part which is silver to facing you.

Step 14 - Rearrange the foot of JetFire into position.

Step 15 - Rotate the joints from the hips to peg a connector from the leg into the SR-71 shell.

For the transformation, JetFire alternate mode the SR-71 is only half done after the transformation is complete. From the top, it is a sleek SR-71 profile no doubt about it. But from the view at the below, it is a robot twist itself to follow the shell of the SR-71.

Superb accuracy when looking from the top.

Mesh of twisted robot at the bottom.

Even in the SR-71 mode, JetFire blue claws are clearly visible from the front.

Claw is not visible but the silver part of the robot is still sticking out.

The trigger or button of the sound effect is placed at the back of the SR-71. It gives effect of high pitched jet engine screaming.

Sound effect button.

There is  decent attempts to put details to the SR-71 Blackbird mode of Jetfire.

Name and rank of pilot assigned to the SR-71 Backbird printed at the lower part of the cockpit canopy.

There is tampo print below the cockpit canopy at the left which read as “LT. COL. BRAWLEY Warning : This aircraft contains a seat containing explosive charge seek maintenance manual before removing.”

Skunkworks logo/mascot on top of Decepticon emblem at the tail fins.

Decepticon insignia defaced.

Decent try to make details at the inner part of the thrusters.

Too bad the the back of the SR-71, the part of the robot hips is exposed.

SR-71 engine details.

The view at the side of the SR-71 is not so pleasant, as it is visible that JetFire make himself to a shape similar to SR-71 shell which is place on top of its robot back.

Closer view at the side of the fuselage.

JetFire robot parts is clearly visible below the SR-71 shell.

The main part of the SR-71 still expose the robot parts.

JetFire SR-71 overall view from the front.

From reviewing this toy, it is impossible to hide robot parts of JetFire if you plan to take overall isometric angle of JetFire in its alternate mode.

There is no redemption in the JetFire alternate mode, for the entire robot is visible at the bottom of the SR-71.

The robot mode is decent though. A small modification can be made to take away the old geezer image of JetFire. It can be done by transforming part of the cloak of JetFire into the primary blaster of Powered-Up Prime.

Lend me your primary blaster Powered-Up Prime.

Part of the "Trench coat" transformed into the primary gun.

JetFire the gunslinger.

Giving JetFire Powered-UP Prime, makes JetFire a walking weapon and a complete bad ass.

Summary, the robot mode of JetFire is good but lack of articulation of the legs is a bit of a bad point. It takes time to grow onto liking JetFire in its old geezer robot mode.

In the alternate mode, SR-71 Blackbird is unbelievable. It seems more like a rushed product just to be a shell to combine with Optimus Prime.

The only reason that I see that you should get Leader Class JetFire is because you want to have a complete ROTF toyline. Or because you want to make Powered-Up Prime. Other than the other 2 reasons I do not see why Leader Class JetFire is prefered Please enlighten me

Till the next post. Thank you for reading.

Optimus Prime ROTF and TFTM Compare Robot Head.

Transformers the Movie (TFTM) made in the year 2007 has brought Transformers back in to the main stream. Of course it is not without controversy, name calling or mud sling between Transformers fan. The Transformers fans is divided between the G1 purist and non purist.

What was transpired then, has actually breath a new life in to the Transformers fandom.  The Leader Class Optimus Prime was indeed the pinacle of Transformers toy. Although it is lack of  accuracy to the actual Movie Optimus Prime. It was indeed a Transformers toy that every Transformers fan wish to have.

With the new movie a new Leader Class Optimus Prime were released. Which one of the Leader Class Optimus Prime is better.

Although in both Transformers Movies, Optimus Prime is having the same designed. But the Leader Class Optimus Prime is 2 different design in the TFTM toyline and the ROTF toyline. Though both toys transforms into a Semi Truck.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck Comparison Front.

Due to the difference transformation of both toy, there is slight difference in the Truck mode. For TFTM Leader Class Optimus Prime, the legs and the chest is formed as the part for the Semi Truck cabin, the arms is stored at the back of the cabin, also forming the back of the Semi Truck.

Whereas, ROTF Leader Class Optimus Prime the upper part of the Semi Truck cabin and and the upper park of the back wheels is Optimus Prime upper body, the rest forms Optimus Prime legs.

TFTM Prime in truck mode is about 5mm shorter than the ROTF version.

Optimus Prime Semi Truck back comparison.

Optimus Prime Semi Truck Compare Top.

The other difference is the sound electronics, the TFTM Optimus Prime is having activation button at the top of it SemiTruck cabin. The electronic sound is a truck horn, with golden yellow LED lights blinking at the front screen of the cab.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck Compare Electronic Button TFTM.

ROTF Leader Class Prime SemiTruck mode, gives sound of roaring engine with red LED emitting blinking light at the front screen of the cab. The button is located at the back of the cabin.

ROTF Optimus Prime SemiTruck Electronic Button.

In terms of weight, the TFTM Optimus Prime is heavier than the ROTF counter part. Both the detailing of the Truck mode is different. Some part uses different material.

TFTM Optimus Prime SemiTruck back wheels.

The TFTM wheels are made of real soft latex. The ROTF wheels are mode of hard PVC or plastics and it is slightly smaller.

ROTF Optimus Prime SemiTruck back wheels.

TFTM Optimus Prime SemiTruck Wheels.

ROTF Optimus Prime SemiTruck Front Wheels.

The shape of the TFTM SemiTruck is more blockier than the ROTF.

ROTF Optimus Prime SemiTruck Wind Shield.

TFTM Optimus Prime Semi Truck WindShield.

Anatomically, the Truck mode of TFTM Optimus prime is more fat and blocky feel to it.

TFTM Optimus Prime SemiTruck side tank.

ROTF Optimus Prime SemiTruck side tank.

Without checking the underside of the SemiTruck, TFTM Optimus Prime has exposed its robot component, the gun is stow at the back of the semi truck with the barrel pointing to the back of the semi truck. For ROTF Optimus Prime, the only robot exposing part is the underside of the SemiTruck.

But the ROTF alt mode is Leader Class Prime pelvic part is exposed at the back of the Semi Truck. The back bumper is ROTF Prime robot butt.

ROTF Optimus Prime SemiTruck Cab.

However, in terms of details each of the toy alternate mode has its on beautiful detailing though they have their differences.

ROTF Optimus Prime Semi Truck Cab Side.

TFTM Optimus Prime Semi Truck Cab Side.

In the ROTF toy, the designer has made many effort to make Optimus Prime robot mode harder to detect. Or it would simply means they have try to improve the 2007 Autobot leader design to more closely resembles the screen accuracy.

The smoke stacks in Revenge of the Fallen toy is in 2 pieces. The Transformer movie 2007 counter part is only 1 piece.

ROTF Optimus Prime SemiTruck Smoke Stacks Side.

TFTM Optimus Prime SemiTruck Smoke Stacks Side.

ROTF Optimus Prime SemiTruck Smoke Stacks.

TFTM Optimus Prime SemiTruck Smoke Stacks.

Perhaps the attempt is to make the convoy leader to be a creator grade toy while maintaining is durable playability. Though the ROTF Prime or Convoy is less durable than the TFTM counter part. It is due to the fact there are more parts and the ROTF is more complex toy as well as complex transformation.

TFTM Optimus Prime SemiTruck Fuel tank.

Where the TFTM Optimus Prime fuel tank is literally the place for battery to power the electronics. The ROTF fuel tanks is just aesthetics. Though the Buster Prime version, it will becomes the blaster or a gun.

ROTF Optimus Prime SemiTruck Fuel tank.

However, the Autobot insignia of TFTM is better than the ROTF counter part.

TFTM Optimus Prime SemiTruck Insignia.

ROTF Optimus Prime SemiTruck Insignia.

From a quick glance, no doubt that ROTF Leader Class Optimus Prime beats TFTM Leader Class Optimus Prime hands on in term of aesthetics.

However, a closer comparison is needed to compare, the details , feature wise and articulations. The main different is in the Transformers Movie 2007, the marketed gimmick is automorph and the current one is Mech Alive.

Optimus Prime Robot Comparison.

A test and comparison is not enough without testing the articulation.

Optimus Prime Robot Compare Legs Articulations.

Legs articulation for both robot is similar, the only different is ROTF prime can bend its knee to make avian like legs.

Optimus Prime Robot Compare back to back.

Optimus Prime Robot FaceOff.

Optimus Prime Robot Compare Arms Articulations.

Due to the Transformation of TFTM Prime, the elbow are double jointed, giving it extreme articulations. ROTF Prime elbow can only bend at 90 degrees, and due to the long energon sword, it has severely hindered the articulations of ROTF Prime.

Optimus Prime Robot Compare Hand.

Another road block for ROTF Prime is lacking of articulated digits at the hand. Where the TFTM Prime has 5 articulated fingers. Though the wrist is not able to articulate and twist in the TFTM but the ROTF has twist articulation at the fist.

It is easily determine that the TFTM Prime have the best articulation in robot mode.

The robot head of ROTF maintain better screen accuracy. However, it is worth mentioning that both version of the robot head had good detailing to it.

ROTF Optimus Prime Robot Head Back.

TFTM Optimus Prime Robot Head Back.

TFTM Optimus Prime Robot Head Side.

ROTF Optimus Prime Robot Head Side.

ROTF Optimus Prime Robot Head Front.

TFTM Optimus Prime Robot Head Front.

The details of the chest is astonishing for the ROTF, it is a few notch up compared to the TFTM Prime. This chest is actually the feature of the mech-alive and auto morph. The trigger remains at the same position. However, the difference is auto morph is used to complete Optimus Prime transformation with electronic sound with yellow lights blinking at the eyes and chest.

For Mech-Alive, Prime chest will move upwards like inhaling chest action, followed with voice “I am Optimus Prime”. With yellowish gold LED at the eyes and red blinking LED lights inside the chest. A side note, the gears in the chest move when the Mech-Alive lever is pulled.

Blocky TFTM Optimus Prime Chest.

Modern ROTF Optimus Prime Chest.

From the back of the Robot Mode, ROTF Prime again best TFTM Prime hands down on movie and on screen accuracy.

ROTF Optimus Prime Robot Back Details.

TFTM Optimus Prime Robot Back Details.

The leg details of ROTF is better than the TFTM, it only lose to TFTM from lack of Auto-Morph. The TFTM Prime foot hasa Auto-Morph feature. But I can live without Auto-Morph for better details.

TFTM Optimus Prime Robot Leg Details Front.

ROTF Optimus Prime Robot Leg Details Front.

TFTM Optimus Prime Robot Leg Details Back.

ROTF Optimus Prime Robot Leg Details Back.

Optimus Prime Robot Compare Legs.

Optimus Prime Robot Compare Legs Side.

The final verdict, the ROTF Optimus Prime clearly dominate TFTM Optimus Prime in terms of aesthetics and accuracy portrayal of Movie Optimus Prime.

However, in terms of playability wise and possibility is where TFTM Optimus Prime shines.

To compensate for lack of articulation ROTF Leader Class Prime as it has ability to combine with ROTF Leader Class Jetfire and it has complex transformation.

For individual that prefer aesthetics and movie accuracy, ROTF Prime is definately the best toy at the moment.

Until the next post. Thank you for reading.

Passing of TFTM Prime to ROTF Prime.

Optimus Prime Single Energon Sword Attack CloseUp.

Hasbro Revenge of the Fallen (ROTF) leader class is definately the most movie accurate representation of Optimus Prime in both the 2007 and 2009 Transformers Movie.

This toy easily outdone any Takara masterpiece Transfromers in term of details, complexity of transformation and playability. Out of the box, Optimus Prime is in his robot mode ready to be pose with various pose. Transforming Prime into the SemiTruck is very complicated and it shows superb engineering of current toys compared to the G1 transformers.

A look at Optimus Prime alternate mode which is a SemiTruck, the mode is almost perfect.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck Front.

Only the back of the Truck , the coach and the bottom view show the robot parts. Overall, Optimus Prime is more than 90 percent recognizable as a SemiTruck.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck Back view.

The bottom part of the truck would transform into Optimus Prime pelvic and the legs. Where the cab and the engine part forms Optimus Prime upper body.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck Pelvic.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck Bottom view.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck Front Details.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck MechAlive exposed.

The only sound effect of the truck mode is roaring of the SemiTruck engine. Which the button is properly hidden at the back of the SemiTruck cabin. The sound effect button face has an engraved triangle .

Battery Compartment and button to activate Sound Effect.

Batteries are included with Leader Class Optimus Prime. Too bad the default batteries does not carry any well known brand. The good thing is the screw has a valve or a piece of plastic attached, there is no worry of screw gone missing after changing batteries. It is easy to conclude that this toy design is to make battery replacement easy as well as conforming to child safety standards.

Battery Compartment Opened.

In this review, Leader Class Optimus Prime were in its alternate SemiTruck mode. The following are the transformation sequence from SemiTruck mode to robot mode. By default from the package, Optimus Prime is in its Robot mode.

The first part in which is recommended to tansform is the upper body, overall the SemiTruck upper part of the engine and the cabin is Optimus Prime body.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 1.

The most important part of the transformation is to detach side of the cabin apart to start the transformation.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 2.

After the lower part of the cabin is detached, gently pull the side of the cabin upward, the side of the cabin is locked by a simple peg.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 3.

Most of the part is held by plastics pegs and latches. However, the plastic is durable and is not hard and brittle.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 4.

Plastic pegs has its matching connector in both mode to ensure that Optimus Prime remains in its mode after transformation.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 5.

On the transformation, all the details such as simulation of robot circuitry and internal structure is molded on the plastics. Which is really nice to see and behold how much effort the design team of Hasbro and TakaraTomy has worked to develop this product. I could not imagine how many man work hours put in developing this toy.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 6.

At this point of the transformation, all part of leader class Optimus Prime uses just the right type of plastics for the transformation. It is a bit flexible but it hold to its original shape.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 7.

The top part of the smoke stacks is made of soft PVC bendable and able to retain its original shape. You will not get a deformed smoke stack while it maintain child safety standards.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 8.

Even the rivets like detail is not left out in the mold. This is really a WOW factor for a mass produced toy.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 9.

Another critical part of the transformation, you need to push the engine block downwards and the semi truck grill need to be pull away from the engine block to unlock the arms.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 10.

Lift the back of the cabin to separate the cabin into 2 parts the upper body and the lower body.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 11.

To separate the arms that forms the engine block, at the seam push downwards into the seam slowly.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 12.

Once the arm is expose pull the arm away from each other.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 13.

Once the arm is move away, the cabin wind shield should be pull all the way back and arms all the way to the side. It will expose the head. The most annoying part of this transformation, Optimus prime voice electronics is sensitive enough to be activated by exclaiming it existance with the phrase “I am Optimus Prime”. The only way to avoid such annoyance is remove the batteries before the transformation. However, if you do so, you will miss another sound effect.

Folding the arm could be tricky I have created a sub part on folding the truck engine cover to form the arms.

Optimus Prime Arm Transformation step 1.

Optimus Prime Arm Transformation step 2.

Optimus Prime Arm Transformation step 3.

Optimus Prime Arm Transformation step 4.

Only 4 simple steps to transform the arm.

Continuation of the body transformation, once Optimus Prime head and neck is put proper.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 14.

Without its chest piece, Optimus Prime will look like it suffers from beer gut. The chest piece is really the wind screen of the SemiTruck, in which it is designed to pay homage to the G1 Optimus Prime transformation.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 15.

The final step of the body transformation is pretty tricky, you need to attach the plastic tab at the end of the chest piece to the upper side of the beer gut belly.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 16.

As demonstrated on the photo, the plastic tab of the chest piece can only be fit in to the belly from the side at the top. In which the gap is larger to fit in the plastic tab. Do another attachment the other side. The transformation of Optimus Prime upper robot body is complete.

Transformation of the upper body of ROTF Leader Class Optimus Prime is the hardest transformation. The legs tranformation is more straight forward, you would not need a transformation manual to make the conversion.

Optimus Prime Legs Transformation step 1.

Continue from the body tranformation, you will notice that the entire lower part of the SemiTruck is actually Optimus Prime leg and its lower body.

Optimus Prime Legs Transformation step 2.

The first step is to split the legs. The it is all folding and defolding the truck lower part to form the feet.

Optimus Prime Legs Transformation step 3.

Optimus Prime Legs Transformation step 4.

Optimus Prime Legs Transformation step 5.

Optimus Prime Legs Transformation step 6.

The transformation is almost done. Only left is making a few final adjustment. The final phase is locking the upper body and the lower body together. Followed by touching up the back of Optimus Prime.

Optimus Prime Transformation FinalPhase 1.

Optimus Prime Transformation FinalPhase 2.

Attaching the upper part and the lower part of the body gives the 80s transformation sound effect. Which I think is the coolest sound effect for this toy.

Optimus Prime Transformation FinalPhase 3.

The final touch up of the transformation phase is folding the back wheels mudflaps and lock it onto the back.

Optimus Prime Transformation FinalPhase 4.

Finally transformation is completed. The new feature of the ROTF toyline is the mech alive. By flicking of a lever or button, it gives impression that the robot is alive. The feature requires pushing down the lever which masked as part of the abdomen piece the gears in the chest piece move and the chest piece seems to move upwards. Prime will exclaim his existance by saying “I am Optimus Prime” . At the same time , the chest will blink with red led lights and the eyes will flash with yellowish green led light.

MechAlive Activation Lever.

MechAlive Activation Lever Pulled Down.

Optimus Prime MechAlive Electronics.

Its a shame that the TakaraTomy version did not exclaim “Watashi wa Convoy Sama” Direct translation would be I am Master Convoy.

The accuracy of the head is very closely resemble Optimus prime in the movie. Unfortunately due to the chest piece design the articulation of the neck is limited. You need to lift up the head to improve the articulation.

Optimus Prime Head Details Front.

Optimus Prime Head Details Side.

The chest details attempt is very commendable, articulation are actually added to the shades at the windscreen.

Robot mode Chest Details.

Articulated sun shades at the windscreen.

Another piece feature is the energon sword used to impale to kill BoneCrusher in the 2007 movie.

Optimus Prime Energon Sword Details CloseUp.

Optimus Prime Energon Sword Activation Switch.

Energon Sword Activation mechanism.

There is a hidden feature for Optimus Prime at the legs. I discovered it from the internet.

Optimus Prime Leg Details.

Optimus Prime Leg secret revealed.

In the articulation department, only the legs has more articulation. There is no articulation at the waist, to make things worse the arm articulation is hindered by the energon swords.

Optimus Prime robot mode articulation limits.

The detailing at the hand and the energon sword is the feature and also the down fall that limits the robot mode articulations.

Optimus Prime Practice SkyDiving.

Forming Arch using all limbs.

The legs articulation is good, that you can simulate Optimus Prime got a chicken leg.

Optimus Prime Knee Articulations.

I had tried a few limited posing without using any support. Bear in mind that the upper body of Optimus Prime is heavy. Leaning too much front or too much back will make him fall.

Optimus Prime Single Energon Sword Attack.

Optimus Prime Counter Attack Pose.

In a summary, ROTF Leader Class Optimus Prime is an excellent toy to be added to any toy collector inventory. The only reason that I can think an avid fan of Transformers skipping this toy is because of too fanatical and head strong that G1 design is better than Michael Bay Transformers.

My friend had made some mod to the existing piece giving Optimus Prime articulated hands and additional blaster .

If you have not get yours today, I would highly recommend you to get your piece today

Till the next post.

P.S. : I am still waiting for my leader class JetFire

Optimus Prime taking leave.

Skids holding a bunny.

The final day of the Transformers Convention 2009 at Queensbay Mall Penang, Malaysia. There is still alot of activities and yes the Mikeala Banes look alike winner will be determined. Most importantly to capture a slice of the event on the people that has made this Transformers Convention a meaningful one.

A Transformers convention is never complete without the visitors. Toys will be just a piece of expensive plastics if there is no one to adore its scuplt and details.

Unicron in robot mode.

Primus in robot mode.

In the Galaxy Force series of Transformers, Unicron were given an arch rival in a form of Primus which is an oversize robot, indeed size does really matter.There is some improvement made to the diorama of the pyramid battle scene to reflect free for all royal rumble.

Royal Rumble at the pyramid.

An Autobot spotted trying to bring down The Fallen desperately.

Sneak attack of Autobot.

Of course there is also a moment of some Autobot slacking off take the battle at a lighter side.

Skids holding a bunny.

Not to forget tried a few shots of photos from the perspective of transformers. It is fun to try capturing Transformers with a blur background bustling with people.

Lugnut point of view.

Unicron point of view.

Without further delay, the Mikeala Banes look alike competition contestants. Please bear in mind that do not proceed scrolling down if your company or organization is strict on models with provoking poses. You been warned. Also if there are kids in close proximity do not scroll down.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 1.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 2.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 3.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 4.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 5.

This post must be the blog post with the most photo shot so far.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 6.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 7.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 8.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 9.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 10.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 11.

About 50% completing the photos for the Mikeala look alike contest.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 12.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 13.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 14.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 15.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 16.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 17.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 18.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 19.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 20.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 21.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 22.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 23.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 24.

Mikeala look alike photoshot 25.

The close shots of all contestants, if you notice, there is not all close up shot I took. Some contestant either I have left them out or I have missed them out.

Mikeala look alike contestants.

Mikeala look alike contestants another shot.

Not forgetting the winner of the contest is this Hot babe. So hot that it will blow your mind away.

Mikeala alike hot babe.

Other than the Mikeala look alike contest; Are you hot enough ? There is others events to look up to. Informal event that started on day 2; Bumblebee Pimping. People of different ages likes BumbleBee at least in Penang, Malaysia. Not sure about other region though but I like your feed backs

Bumblebee pimping day 3 with Venoth.

From the observation of the BumbleBee pimping visitors are really showing patience and orderly. Something which is rare these days in Penang, Malaysia.

Photo session with BumbleBee.

Bumblebee gets adopted.

BumbleBee being cuddled.

BumbleBee posing with girls.

This is a testimony and proof to support in my previous post that single guys who is a Transformers fan can pimp BumbleBee to attract girls. Just make sure that you have RM450++ to invest on the Ultimate BumbleBee, the result would be priceless. At least at the current trend of the time in this post.

BumbleBee involved in brothers bonding photo session.

The number of person attending is encouraging. Let the pictures speak for themself.

Crowd photoshot 1.

Crowd photoshot 2.

Crowd photoshot 3.

Anxious GF look on as BF being indoctrinated.

There is of course some tense moment, as uninterested patron were dragged by their partners to listen to the gospel of Transformers. There are some crowd would ask if the item on display is on sales. In which we responded by ¨NO, it is just on display and not for sell…¨. There are also keen visitors and photographers.

Streching out the get close shots.

DSLR, aimed and ready to snap.

The final event of the day is Auctions. The highlight of the day were undisclosed until the final moment. The cut outs and the pyramid diorama each for RM100 which is surprisingly cheap affordable.

Highlight item the pyramid diorama.

Some auction stuffs.

Auction highlight Transformers promotional character Cutout.

Of cos other than the MC, we have our crews taking care of things and review the inventory from the side.

Crews standing by at the inventory segment.

If there is begining there will be also an end. Took a photo with the TransMYians with the Queensbay Event organizing crew.

Transformers Convention 2009 crews.

Then time to pack. Haul up our stuffs and went home.

Stuffs packed and drove home.

Your persistance in this post is rewarded by revelation of the real winner (who is a pretty and hot IMHO) in the Mikeala look alike; Are you hot enough ? Contest. Till then

Really more than just hot.

City Commander

We do glad to interact with all the visitors that has choose to spend their weekends to follow us with a short Transformers Escapade.

Armada Prime

Can´t help to relate that the Return of the Fallen transformers where Optimus Prime combines with JetFire is inspired by Transformers Armada. Oh yes, one can use his or her knowledge of Transformers to draw which series of Tranformers that had inspired Micheal Bay to make Optimus Prime and Jet fire combines to a more powerful form. Coincidentally, in Transformers Armada Jetfire forms the legs of Optimus Prime power up mode.

Armada Prime back view.

There is also another possible inspiration of the Optimus Prime and Jetfire combination. Answer lies in the Transformers Galaxy, Optimus Prime and Jetfire combines, in this series, Jetfire becomes Optimus Prime´s back pack and give additional firepower. Sound kinda more familiar with ROTF Optimus Prime and Jetfire combination.

Galaxy Optimus Prime merged with Jetfire.

Another alien looking Transformers in which were created prior to Michael Bay´s Transformers. It was the ever contravertial Beast Wars and Beast Machines. Where it sparks a war among the most ardent Transformers stance. Yeah before 2007 there is actually a civil war between fans due to organic looking bots. History always repeats itself

Beast Wars toyline on display.

The most far right fans of G1 Transformers were screaming for heresy and blasphemy commited by the creators of Beast Wars and Beast Machines. Reasons are many and amusing, the most common reason is Robots are not supposed to be organic looking. I hope this post does not sparks another cyber heated debate and arguement

Beast Machines toyline.

There is other event such as Mikeala look alike contest. Managed to take some of the girls.

Mikeala look alike contestants.

Some shots were taken outside.

A contestant of the Mikeala Look Alike.

Another contestant of the Mikeala Look Alike.

Other than that we have tried to get cute and closer to the visitors of Transformers Convention by sharing the most famous bot at the moment, BumbleBee.

Ultimate BumbleBee pimped.

Another sighting was Spike from G1 transfromers.

Hakim cosplay as Spike Witwicky.

In transformers G1, there is a human character Spike Witwicky. Current Transformers Movie 2007 and Revenge of the Fallen, the main human is Sam Witwicky. The parallel is both Witwicky are human friend to BumbleBee. On a side note to male readers, if your GF or wife watch Transformers Movie in 2007 and continue to watch with you Revenge of the Fallen, buy a cute BumbleBee for them. For single men, if your romantic interest watches ROTF, start the topic using BumbleBee

BumbleBee and more BumbleBees.

We encourage that visitors take advantage of bringing in camera for the Transformers Convention to take snapshots of their favorite robot. Some uses camera phone and there are alot using DSLRs. Most important the satistfaction of framing your favorite Transformers bot in your digital frame or album.

HandPhone cam caught in the act.

At last, the next post will be the final day of the Transformers Convention. Remember that if you are able to look at the Tranformers robot they will look back to you

Megatron looking back at the visitors.

Optimus Prime looking back at the visitors.

Readjusting Diorama

Had little time to take some of a few exhibits using software panaroma.

Panaromic view 1

Panaromic View 2

Panaromic View 3

At the very last minute of the Transformers Convention, the TransMY crew before bracing for the flux of curious visitors for the Transformers Convention.

Double checking the list of transformers.

Making a last video recording before the Convention goes into full swing.

Transformers convention is never sweeter when curious and eagered visitors feeds their eyes with transformers eye candies.

Visitors phase 1

Another group of visitors of Transformers Convention.

A young visitor being indoctrinated into a Transformers fan.

A visitor scurry away to 1st floor for more transformers eye candies

To answer questions of inquisitive visitors, our crew is ever ready to give an enthusiastic explanation.

Our crew member enthusiastic shares his passion of Transformers G1.

There are various toy lines of Transformers is being displayed at the Transformers Convention.

BinalTechs realistic diecast car model Transformers.

G1 reissues that started the Transformers craze.

G1 SixShot

Metroplex, first Autobot transformable fortress.

The ever adorable MiniBots

Thanks to advanced manufacturing and material innovation, newer Transformers toys other than transformable, it also becomes durable. Example of those articulated and transformable Transformers toy line is Transformers Energon series.

Transformers Energon series.

With advent of better manufacturing and design technology, Transfomers toy makers and Hasbro has answer to it Fans dream to a perfect transformation, highly detailed every collectors must have collectible toy, The MasterPiece series. And Yes, Transformers Convention at Queensbay Mall has those toy lines displayed on this special occasion.

Masterpiece Ultra Magnus and Grimlock.

Masterpiece Starscream and its seekers.

To spice things up, Queensbay Mall has orgnize many more activity such as transformation competition and a look alike Mikaela contest.

Competition to transform Bumblebee.

The competition winner is...

On the Transfomers Convention second day there will be more activity and more fun. Hope to see you there participating in this first ever Transformers Convention hold in Penang at Queensbay Mall.

Masterpiece Prime and THS Prime showcase.

We have members from all around Malaysia contributing to make the event successful. Some of our members has created a Pyramid desert diorama on the face off between good and evil.

Original pyramid diorama without figures.

The details of the pyramid is improved by using actual sand and some detailing by adding desert vegetation.

Close up shot of structures surrounding pyramid.

Of cos a diorama is not complete without filling it with heroes and villian and everything in between.

Pyramid environment overview.

TransMY are trying to capture the essense of the climatic battle of Autobots and Decepticons in the Revenge of the Fallen, 2009 Transformers Movie.

Desert climatical battle diorama of ROTF.

Other than the diorama, TransMY have setup other attraction on different Transformers toylines.

Prime and Megatron FaceOff.

One of the common line is the Transformers Classics as well as the Transformers Henkei.

Transformers Henkei and Classic line up.

Another line up of Henkei and Classics.

ROTF Leader Class Prime show chase.

There are many many more, which is best you go to Queensbay Mall and meet with the TransMY Crew there. Do take your friends and family along.

Revenge of the Fallen banner.

Just want to share with the netizens about Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Expo in Penang, Malaysia.

The event will be hold from 26th till 28th June 2009 GMT +8 at Queenś Bay Mall, Penang.

For more details kindly visit Transformers Fan Community Malaysia Chapter .

Activity of the Revenge of the Fallen Expo will be updated from Transformers Fan Community Malaysia Chapter from time to time.

Where is Queen´s Bay Mall ?

If you happens to stays in Penang see you on there