MP-04 anyone?

[Caken Lagann]

Well, after all the hoohah about MP-03 it seems that MP-04 the so-called "Perfect" Convoy has been forgotten or ignored. I was wondering if anyone had ordered or purchased one to see what they thought of it. Thought of the trailer as the Convoy part is just a re-release of MP-01 with new stickers in the communicators. Please note though, the lack of Roller is a similar situation to MP03 SS's colour in that it does not detract from the figure itself. I admit it is a shame but not a 'make or break' point for myself.

I have just been informed, by my darling wife, that mine has arrived and I am now in a high state of anticipation to get the day done and go home...

[Minion]

Nice, i await your review in comparison to other Primes including your new Hybrid Convoy.

[Caken Lagann]

When I get a chance to see them in daylight rather than under electric lights, I shall endeavour to do a report/review in full and compare him with THS-02. Here for now is my 'first viewing' feelings and comments.

I will say that from my initial perusal of the MP-04 set, the quality issues reported so far appear to have some truth in them. The paintwork applied to the die-cast parts of Optimus is not the usual level of quality but I have only noticed very minor amount on mine. Molding and trimming ont he plastic seems okay all round. Only thing I have noticed is mis-aligned cabin/chest doors which seems to affect 90% of the Convoy's, MP-01 and the subsequent re-releases including Anniversary editions, although it's only a millimetre out it's still noticeable.

The trailer is very nearly a giant GeeWun trailer, in that it feels the same and externally appears a carbon copy, the stripes are painted and white rather in silver but it still looks great. Its does feature the side supports, in blue and chrome, where the chrome pieces slide down on to teh ground level and support the sides perfectly. The rear doors, split centrally, open out to the side and reveal the ramp which is softly clipped inside. When opened it is missing the Diaclone seats/consoles from the original but does have the natty little clips for the accessories which is a very good idea. The robot station does open to reveal a seat but does not have firing missiles and remains true to the original apart from the claw side gun rotates over to allow more freedom of use of the claw arm itself. The doc also features a solid molded handle for use as gun station too.

Overall a fantastic and impressive piece for play and display! I found it almost entrancing to sit with an Optimus Prime that seemed in scale to me now I was an adult compared to when I was a kid. Not seeing a Roller in there didn't detract from the "WOW!" effect but I'm sure many will ask or comment on his abscence, perhaps one day he'll be available.

Well that turned into a lengthy description but I need to look more closely later and with holiday due I will soon have the chance.