Masterpiece Raiden may stand only about 29 centimeters tall, and the crew weighs the Trainbots’ HO-scale train focus against Don’s QC worries. HasLab Victory Saber closes at 27,363 backers, and a Beast Wars Tigatron reissue is on the way.

Transformers Hall of Fame voting opens, and the crew remembers Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner. On RFC’s 22nd anniversary, Brian gives away a Kingdom Road Rage.

News

Transformers Hall of Fame 2021 Voting Begins

Hall of Fame fan voting opened unexpectedly, with a few unannounced toys like Slammer and Pipes on the ballot. Brian voted Kingdom Optimus Prime for best toy, even though it is an Earthrise mold. Other hosts picked Cyclonus and the Ark. For Beast Wars season one, one host chose Rattrap, and another chose Dinobot before learning Dinobot is already in the Hall of Fame. [Source: Transformers on Facebook]

Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner Dies at 58

Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner died two days after taking medical leave, after battling cancer since 2014. Brian passes along condolences and notes Goldner led Hasbro’s shift toward media and brands since 2008. Brian has seen a new CEO transform a company, so changes at Hasbro could follow. One host notes Goldner reportedly worked until two days before he died. Later, Brian says a new CEO could even reshape projects like HasLab. [Source: Fortune]

Rumor: Possible Size of Masterpiece Raiden Confirmed?

A TFW2005 member in Japan was told by TakaraTomy customer service that Masterpiece Raiden stands about 29 centimeters. That matches a Combiner Wars combiner or Siege Jetfire. Fans estimate Shouki’s train mode at the same 29 centimeters and its robot at about seven inches. The scale points to HO model trains, as one host predicted. A Japanese interview suggests train accuracy came first, the robot second and the combined mode last. John and Brian have preordered, though Brian is on shaky ground. Don worries about clear plastic and recent Masterpiece QC at $200 each. John compares the Trainbots to Alternators, made as much for train fans as for collectors. [Source: TFW2005]

HasLab Victory Saber Funded

HasLab Victory Saber finished at 27,363 backers, unlocking all three stretch goals. US backing closed near 22,700, and about 5,000 more came from other channels. One host’s 25,000 guess was closest without going over. The crew debates whether any future HasLab could beat that, and suggests Turbomasters, Road Caesar or another try at Big Powered. They agree it needs to arrive with solid QC. [Source: Hasbro Pulse]

Reissue Beast Wars Tigatron Coming Soon

JT Prime uncovered a product code for a vintage Beast Wars Tigatron reissue, and shipments are reportedly in the country. Cheetor, Rattrap, Optimus Primal and Megatron reissues are already at Walmart. Kanine and Cybershark appear to be next, with a more show-accurate Mega Scorponok possible. One host hopes for Transmetal Megatron. The crew thinks the picks reflect which molds still work, not the Rise of the Beasts movie. [Source: TFW2005]

22nd Anniversary Road Rage Giveaway

For RFC’s 22nd anniversary episode, Brian gives away a Kingdom Road Rage. Listeners enter by liking the Road Rage post on the TF Podcast Instagram, and the contest is open worldwide.

What We Got This Week

Chris finally found Studio Series 86 Gnaw at Walmart after a canceled GameStop order, though he has not decided whether to keep it. He also got the roughly $200 HasLab Victory Saber charge.

Matt got another Studio Series 86 Wreck-Gar to build a quad, and plans a six-wheeled ride for the eventual Junkion. He loves his two Studio Series 86 Gnaws, despite a loose fin, and has more on order. At Ollie’s he grabbed another Smashdown, with Soundwave’s weapon as a Forge of Solace hammer for his Alita One.

Diecast got Masterpiece Movie Optimus Prime, the one fans call Bunny Prime, with $25 off at Target. He ordered an upgrade kit right away. He also got Jolt from Amazon and three Gnaws, so Matt cannot beat him to them at TFCon.

Don found Earthrise Wheeljack on clearance and a second Universal Studios Megatron for about $30, so he has one to open. He also gave in on Sweeps, which look different enough from Scourge on the shelf, and flipped a figure to cover the cost. Later he flags an HLJ markdown on Shouki.

John opened Kingdom Waspinator. He loves the intricate head paint, but his torso will not stay snapped shut. He calls it petite but a sweet toy. He also got Shadow Panther and finds Kingdom Road Rage’s QC better.

Brian got a sealed Dutch GoBots LaserDisc from an eBay listing John sent him. He also got Legends Overlord in the Mega and Giga version, with engine inserts and alternate faces. A knockoff Optimus Primal from Amazon feels like Dollar Tree quality, and he cannot recommend it.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:32:41 — 85.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More