Quick review (with tons of pictures): Universe Classics Tankor

[Pascal]

I'll say it right away: it's probably my favorite deluxe of the past few years. Let me tell you why.

TRUCK MODE

GOOD

-G1 homage (oil tanker, blocky cab, silver trailer)
-6 rolling wheels (out of 8)... ok, that's a lame reason to like the toy, I admit
-guns on the trailer are well integrated and do not distract much (and you can also use them as smokestacks if you want)

BAD

-truck looks unfinished (especially from the rear)
-trailer is not articulated (ok, that's a really minor thing to complain about)
-painted windows (I was hoping they would be clear like on the proto)

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3846.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3847.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3848.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3850.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3851.jpg

[Pascal]

JET MODE

GOOD

-crazy transformation, a lot of stuff happening (you're basically turning the toy inside out)
-more unified look
-spinning propellers

BAD

-bottom part (what becomes the weapon) could have been better integrated
-short wings
-inner truck cab halves could have been painted to match the creamy white of rest of the plane

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3852.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3853.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3854.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3855.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3856.jpg

[Pascal]

ROBOT MODE

GOOD

-again, pretty cool transformation
-very good articulation: head, shoulders (2), elbows, wrists, hips, upper legs, knees
-huge comb of doom (reminds me of BW2 Galvatron)
-alternate robot mode (I prefer my version to the official version because it looks cleaner, gives the toy better arm poseability and shoulder cannons)
-great headsculpt
-can sorta hold the melee weapon as a shield

BAD

-huge comb of doom (massive)

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3858.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3857.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3867.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3859.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3860.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3861.jpg

[CobraCommander]

Kudos to the digital chef :p

Nice pics and review as expected from you!

[GMfan]

I agree with you about the planes downsides, should have had white on the cab's inside and bigger wings (personally i think this guy should have been an ultra and Powerglide been a deluxe). Also I thought he only had 6 spinning wheels, the 7th and 8th look attached to his shoulder...But I can't wait for these I really wanted animated figures but I'll wait to buy them loose, I don't mind paying retail for these classics 2.0 figures!

[Pascal]

I hated Classics Astrotrain. I hated the train halves in shuttle mode and the rear section of the train mode. So this one being even more imperfect in both alternate modes, why do I like it so much?

-crazy transformation
-very good articulation
-Octane was my favorite G1 triplechanger
-his G1-esque imperfections

Ok, I don't know how to word it properly, it's just that with its imperfections, I'm getting a stronger G1 vibe from that toy than from any other Classics toy released so far... and that's just fun.

[Dark Rage]

Mmm "Kibbles 'n Bits" Triple-changer leftovers! Thanks for the review.
Maybe it's just the camera angles, but the eyes just don't look mad or mean enough.

You can always use the comb at home...Well your wife can :D

I'm thinking of a Takara Octane with a Chrome Comb weapon, much nicer.

[Pascal]

Also I thought he only had 6 spinning wheels, the 7th and 8th look attached to his shoulder...

You're 100% correct, I was on crack for that one. :p I'll change this right away.

[GMfan]

Like the original Octane's square folded up arms sticking out of the side in truck mode? :P

I liked Astrotrain but I hate his improper colours (AGAIN) luckily Takara got it right and gave him the anime colours so I'm gonna have to cave and get the Japanese version too.

[Pascal]

Yeah... Tankor revived my interest for the Astrotrain mold, I'll get the Henki version too. I think what disapointed me with Astrotrain was the deceptively simplistic transformation. I was expecting more from a triplechanger.

[Dark Rage]

We need another Purple Triple Changer, come on Blitzwing, you deserve more than Animated! Classics Homage!

I also have a feeling that some members are going to create Repro-combiner parts for the upcoming Superion and future Classics toys.

[Wodicus]

I like the looks of Classics Octane (refuse to call him Tankor) though I do agree that his wings are to short in plane mode and I'm not sure if I like his giant claw hand, I would prefer it if that was a detachable weapon and he had two hands.

As for Astrotrain, I actually like him, even the colours, he's probably one of my favorite Classics.

[zuffyprime]

pascal, you're awesome man, thanks for the pics, I'm drooooling, can't wait to get this fig!!

[pud333]

Thanks for the review Pascal.

The general unfinished nature of this figure of this dude is kind of lame. Too bad. I'm guessing it's a problem with the tripple changing nature of this guy? I dunno. Regardless, sometimes I wonder what hasbro's designers are thinking. Stuff like that and the open chest of Animated Grimlock just make me shake my head. Pass for me.

[Pascal]

I think the melee weapon could have had an additional foldable panel to close the rear of the truck. I'm already having ideas on how to repaint it so it looks better in truck and jet mode.

[pud333]

I think the melee weapon could have had an additional foldable panel to close the rear of the truck. I'm already having ideas on how to repaint it so it looks better in truck and jet mode.

For sure, a decent paint job would certainly improve this figure a great deal. It has that same unfinished look that Movie Incinerator had.

[Pascal]

With a shield...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/PascTF/100_3867.jpg

[Team Jetfire]

Great review, looks neat.

I love the Propellers in the plane mode. It is a nice detail that they didn't really need to put on.

Consider it bought.

[An3ID]

Wait... Tankor has no fingers!? Or does he?

[Pascal]

Fingers are molded on the inside.

[Slave]

You mention about

-alternate robot mode (I prefer my version to the official version because it looks cleaner, gives the toy better arm poseability and shoulder cannons)

Difference between the 2? Photos? :-)

Is it already out in canada to buy? Or you ordered it somewhere? :-)

[Pascal]

Look at my pics... The first one is the official version (wings deployed and horizontal), the 2nd one is my version (wings up and folded).

It won't be out until August, I got it privately from a guy in HK.

[Slave]

Oh ok :-) Thought it would be something a bit more "major" haha

Still are those new classics available in local TRUs already?

[Pascal]

No, like I said, no until August, mine is just a loose sample.

[Robimus]

Awesome. A must have for me.:)

[jacobot]

Cool... My son says truck mode looks like Animated Ultra Magnus

[Pascal]

Yeah, if you forget about the tank cover, you can almost make it look an armored truck or something (like G1 Onslaught).

[Ozrein]

Thanks for the pics Pascal. I've been unsure about this one since the first pics were revealed but your gallery here is making me change my mind. I think I'll have to pick this one up when they are finally released in... what? 2015?

[soundwaveCA]

Have to say I was never a fan of the toy versions of the triple-changers, looks like the tradition continues with this one.

[brr-icy]

another must buy lol, thanks for the review pascal, informative as always

[Nocturn]

Well.

Let's just stay calm, shall we?

Breathe, Nocturn, breathe.

[SPLIT LIP]

Pascal, you are the freaking MAN! I adore Classics Astrotrain, amnd this looks like he could easily be his best friend. I was originally just going to get Sunstreaker, but not anymore.:cool:

[Tech Spec]

Pasc thanks for the pics buddy can't wait for the mass release of this bad boy.

Autobots watch out for the 'Comb of Doom' :D