Here is something interesting for you. The extremely knowledgeable Maz of Transformers Square One has shared some information and images of a prototype of Masterpiece Tracks, which features a toy-accurate battlemask head. As you may know, Masterpiece Tracks went with a cartoon accurate face, while Masterpiece Road Rage used a new, feminine head. So far, the toy-accurate head is nowhere to be seen, but this image seems to suggest that it was at least considered at some point.
According to Maz’s source, “it does have the toy style face. The faceplate/eyes/headcrest is one removable piece“, which suggests a Bumblebee / Ironhide style face-swapping gimmick might have been considered at some point in the production. However, as Maz also points out, there’s a third Tracks variant who might yet get the Masterpiece treatment – the Finnish Diaclone Black Tracks.
So could this be a look at an idea considered and tested, but later written off, or a look at something yet to come? Time may yet tell. In the meantime, check out Maz’s article linked up above for the full story on this interesting piece.
StrangePlanet
That would be nice. Now that this has been shown off, it'd be smart for some enterprising kitbasher or even a Dr Wu to make a masked toy head.
I'd buy Tracks if I could get a toy head for it. I passed so far but that would bring me on board.
Lord Dcast
Don't worry; I'm sure if you ask nicely someone on Shapeways will make a mask like that for you, or a replacement head or something.
chucksbikeorama
Finally! I always loved the original toy and box art, so much cooler than the cartoon Snooty Pants
Mrmwforce
Wow I just saw this post.
Drool…..
I would do anything for that prototype!
Lord Dcast
Thank you. That's why I didn't recognise it.
Are you sure this happened? Its the first I've heard of it.
Not that it matters. Road Rage is on preorder because she looks pretty awesome.
Autovolt 127
I so see this as Black Tracks.
Maz
I've updated the article (Square One: Masterpiece Tracks Prototype – Toy Face?) with the following image of the toy face removed and one other as well:
All the best
Maz
wildfly
Tracks and Road Rage were (still are?) on deep discount on Hobbysearch.
At the moment, their price seems to be about the same on on HLJ as when they were first released.
Did they really do that badly in Japan?
I like Tracks, but i suspect he may be less popular than some other Autobot cars who had already been released as Masterpieces.
Fairly good odds TT were prepared for that tho.
80sforged
Judging by the eyes (implied from the indents, paint easily being different) I could see this used on the Black Tracks repaint, and possibly as a Decepticon, maybe Exhaust can have a buddy to take smoke breaks with.
GizmoTron
I'm not sure that's true, I don't think he's sold any better or worse than any other MP car.
Roadbuster25
What, no alien face mask?
Toolala
Wowie, Maybe I'll finally get MP Tracks.
BWfan86
He really didn't do so hot?
G1StarSaber468
Bring on the black tracks takara!!!!
mytslphlick
I don't think well be seeing anymore repaints of tracks considering the price drop in japan because he did so poorly …
DoubleClouder
I have the same prototype, didn't even notice it had a face place since mine fell off inside the cab.
Cyclonus79
I had in interest in a face plated Tracks , until Maz showed off that prototype . Now , I can't be without it . Takara must make this ! Even if they just package the head as an Amazon exclusive !
Novaburnhilde
I wish Tracks and Road Rage came with an alternate / faceplated head, simply for customization's sake.
I really liked the faceplate look for them.
Gryph
I figure they plan on doing the same thing they did with Wheeljack, and turn Diaclone black Tracks into a new character.
That huge thing behind them is Biklonz Infinity.
Lord Dcast
Might just be a test, like Demolishor…
…who coincidentally happens to be in the same shot.
But in all seriousness, WHAT IS THAT TOY BEHIND THEM IN THE GROUP SHOT?! I really want to know!