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)

[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

[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)

[CobraCommander]

Kudos to the digital chef

Nice pics and review as expected from you!

[GMfan101]

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

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

[Pascal]

Originally Posted by GMfan101

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. I'll change this right away.

[GMfan101]

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.