For my full video review, click through to the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel below and check it out :)
The packaging is the usual simple yet classy Masterpiece black box style, with nice photo art of the figure and accessories. Since I got this from the great folks at Robotkingdom, I also got the collector coin included, which is a very nice addition to the MP coin collection!
The set also comes with a flight stand to cater for the flight mode, and the mini-Blaster and Raoul figures straight out of the classic G1 cartoon episode. Great little touches there by Takara!
The standout feature of the car itself is how amazing that metallic blue deco looks in hand! The paint application was pretty much flawless on mine, and the way it rolls on the wheels is very smooth. The only issue I had with the alt mode was getting the little side mirrors to sit flush with the car door. I would've preferred that they were just molded in. But I think a bit of hot water or old hairdryer trick should make it sit in properly.
The flight mode also looks great, but I did have trouble pegging in the arms against the front sideskirt hole. I was more worried about scratching the paint than anything, but most other collectors have done it with no problems.
Pulling out the rear of the car was a little tricky at first, but it's one of the main components of the transformation and gets easier with time.
The flight stand works really well with joints that allow for a wide range of flight angles etc. Just be careful putting in and taking out the peg into the bottom of the car as the fit is pretty tight.
The transformation sequence is not overly difficult, but I always struggle with these MPs anyway. The most difficult parts were the rear at first, and then separating the front hood. The front is pegged in so tight the first time, a totally excessive amount of force is needed to pull them apart. I almost pulled my finger nails off doing it the first time, and many collectors have had the same issue.
The other faults with the transformation include the way in which the shoulder areas are pegged into the back of the body. They tend to become unpegged while posing, so just be sure to push them in tightly.
The backpack pegging into the side doors (or torso in bot mode) is also a little tricky, and depending on how you do it will determine how high the backpack sits above the head. If you peg it in right, it is quite secure and does not sit too high.
One step in the transformation that is missed by many collectors, myself included, is the rotation of the little blue hood piece near the ankles. This needs to be rotated to close the gap between the lower legs and ankles. It also allows the side and shin panels to peg in nicer. You can see in the group photo below that I have not rotated the blue piece, and so the gap near the ankles is more visible.
The other thing missed by some collectors is the head. The head is on a neck joint that needs to be pulled up past a click point. Then it will rest at that point without collapsing back into the backpack. Some have complained that the head is not stable, and it's just because they need to pull it up past that click point.
On the head sculpt, I think it's a perfect representation of the cartoon character, and one of the best in the MP line. Together with the other Lambor, Nissan, and Lancia molds, Tracks and this new Corvette mold fits in beautifully with the MP line.
Many collectors are still on the fence with Tracks. I was initially not overly impressed with the bot mode due to the issues I mention above. But after messing around with it for a while, the articulation and accuracy to the cartoon just wins you over!
The poseability is really one of the best out of the current group of MP cars, and when you think about it, the flaws are no more apparent than they are on the previous molds. I still think the Lancia mold design is the best and most elegant, but Tracks has some great design elements too.
So all in all, I think MP-25 Tracks is a fantastic addition to the MP line. If you're a G1 fan, then I think this is pretty much a must have to continue getting the cast of Autobot cars in this incredible MP line.
Click the link below to head on over to Robotkingdom and pick up this awesome Autobot Warrior for yourself! :)
Robotkingdom - Transformers Masterpiece MP-25 Tracks