Mech iDeas has revealed new official images of their Longblast Upgrade kit via their Facebook page. This kit will upgrade your Reveal the Shield Jazz figure into a Shockwave homage and includes; a mono-eyed head, weapon hand, decal sheet, a gun G1 Megatron gun and a mini G1 Shockwave gun. This is a great kit if you’re a fan of Alternators Shockblast, 2012 Botcon Longarm or (if you’re a fan of IDW’s More Than Meets the Eye) if you desire to punish your figures through the ancient Cybertron act of empurata. Also shown in these pictures are photos of the miniature G1 guns being held by various figures including voyager Classics Prime and Mech iDeas upcoming Demoltion Crue figures.
Click on the title bar to check out the pics.
Autoboty
It's been a long four years since I last posted here, but I am pleased to report that I have finally gotten my hands on this elusive kit! It was in fact the very last piece Robotoybase had on hand, which only means I must be extra lucky for being able to procure it! It didn't come with the sticker sheet for Jazz, but since I hate crummy stickers, it wasn't a huge loss. Without further ado, let's take a comprehensive and detailed look at what's included.
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You all know the contents by now – an Alternators-inspired Shockwave head and gun hand for the RTS Jazz mold, plus a G1 Shockwave handgun and a G1 Megatron handgun. The paintwork was crisp, and even though there was no dedicated packaging (they all came in a tiny ziploc bag) no part of it was damaged or bent.
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The Shockwave head is actually a bit more rounded and streamlined than your average Shockwave since it's based on the Alternators Shockblast toy, which turns into a similarly streamlined sports car. It's close enough to pass as a G1-style Shockwave for any body, however. I don't have the RTS Jazz mold and wouldn't customize it into Shockblast even if I did, but I am still going to keep them around for a future Shockwave custom I have in mind (from a different mold). The light-piping works well, albeit slightly orangish than the usual Shockwave yellow, and the ears and triangle on the top of his head are painted silver.
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The gun hand is molded in translucent purple plastic and features a ball joint wrist. Nothing specific to mention, and it is not compatible with WFC Trilogy Fire Blast effects. (Actually, neither are the Megatron and Shockwave handguns, though it's to be expected given these are super old.) Like the head, this hand will be kept for a future custom.
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The Shockwave handgun is seemingly molded in a similar translucent plastic to the gun arm, but painted over entirely in silver and purple. This allows the targeting sight to be translucent, which is a nifty feature. Another thing that this Shockwave gun has going for it is that it's actually purple, unlike the one included in the Hasbro Centurion Drone set! The barrel is molded open, but still cannot accommodate WFC Trilogy Fire Blasts unless one physically cuts the posts on the effect parts down to size.
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Naturally the gun has a 5mm post handle, allowing most modern Transformers toys to wield it. So of course, I gave it to its larger counterpart, Siege Shockwave. The gun was slightly loose in his hand, presumably to prevent damaging the silver paint on the grip, but not excessively so. The purple isn't an exact match to Siege Shockwave's purple, but it's close enough.
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The Megatron gun is actually composed of two pieces, the gun body and the stock, and the stock pegs onto the end of the gun's handle to complete the look. Unlike the gun in the Centurion Drone set the silencer is not removable, but since this one has a stock I'm willing to call that an equal trade. The silver is all paint, of course. Inserting the handle too far into the stock can scratch this paint and make the stock near impossible to remove, so users beware! Aside from that, however, this is clearly the best 5mm-compatible Megatron gun accessory available on the market. The one in the Centurion Drone set lacks a stock as previously mentioned, and Dr. Wu's offering only has half of one because the stock is parallel to the forearm instead of sitting in an angle. Like the Shockwave gun, the handle js slightly loose on most modern figures' hands but not excessively so. Here's some shots of Megatron being wielded by Earthrise Starscream…
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…and Netflix Soundwave… (the forearm kibble did NOT make it easy, but it was just barely possible)
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…and Earthrise Optimus Prime, who in my opinion wields it the best.
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Both guns are very enjoyable accessories that are a good fit for any Generations collection, and the Megatron gun in particular goes a long way in getting Optimus to feel more 'Masterpiece-esque'. The Shockwave head and gun hand are… well, I don't actually have much of an opinion on them, but they're cool bonuses for sure. This is an old set, and it's accordingly very rare; but it's well worth the effort to search for it. If you can find it, don't hesitate to snap it up.
Autoboty
Thanks!
BScorpinok75
chimungmung Toy Shop
Autoboty
Sorry, I need the guns too. Anyone with a full set?
Electro Rush
I bought this upgrade only for the bonus guns. I still have the stickers, Shockwave head and gunhand.
Autoboty
I'm extremely sorry to bump a 4-year-old thread, but is anyone selling this set? I'm in need of one, but I can't find any e-tailer or eBay seller who has this.
Joevette8
i was thinking of picking this set up just for the megs and shockwave guns, think its worth it for those two? only complaint is the extra silver on the shockwave gun.
anybody out there have more pics of them with their chug/prime toys?
mind sharing?
jbz
pictures are always appreciated
phantomfharlock
I like the citadel miniatures color xereus purple for this figure… Any interest in pictures?
SurlyJ
I just cancelled my kit. Stopped caring.
Frognal
Just got my kit and the translucent piece inside his head didn't come with it.
barrelks
Thanks encline, so the Testor Grape Pearl is probably the best bet then. I have very limited painting skills, and the only thing product I have used is Tamiya, and it worked out pretty well for me, but its not like I am partial to a brand at this point.
encline
Actually, check out the Testor grape pearl. Or Tamiya x-37..the only issue is it is flat and a little more on the lighter side of purple. The kit is a nice dark metallic purple.
barrelks
Sorry to bump this up, but any suggestions on a purple Tamiya spraypaint to use on this guy for painting the whole figure. Thanks in advance.
Neekotron
I'd love to do that, but removing the head also removed the neck ball. Now I need to either find a working ball joint to replace it with or another Jazz. Color me bummed.
Sidecutter
Boil some water and dip the head in there with a strainer, or something to contain it and keep it near the top for a few seconds, then it should install easily. Same thing that had to be done with the original Battle Tanker head. Once in place it was fine but installing it was difficult.
Neekotron
So I got my set, I really like it a lot. But, I ran into a problem, the light pipping section of the Shockwave head doesn't want to fit the neck ball on Jazz and I can see it has already put stress marks on the neck.
I'm afraid to remove it now without breaking his neck.
Mizzinno
I'm calling Jazz Scatman from now on. This is a great way of describing why the body is white. If I had a spare Scatman (Actually… If Zip-Zip is Wheelie… Nah, colors would clash) I'd be in.
kmopotato
Anyone else notice how the ears on the head stop the wheels from touching the ground in vehicle mode?
Don't roll him around in vehicle mode, the ears will scratch and break off!
Dark Skull
Color me interested (pun intended)
I'd like to see how it turns out as I'm planning on painting mine.