Thanks site sponsor TFsource, we have images of TakaraTomy’s next entry in the Transformers Masterpiece toyline, MP-35 Masterpiece Grapple. As most expected, Grapple is a retool and repaint of the upcoming MP-33 Masterpiece Inferno in similar fashion as the original toy in Generation 1.
Like Inferno, Masterpiece Grapples appears to include a plethora of accessory as well. In vehicle mode, there appears to three different attachment for the crane arm including the default hook, a scoop, and a grapple claw as seen in the episode “Auto Berserk“. Also there is an alternate plate to change between realistic chrome and animation grey for the front end of the vehicle.
On the robot mode side, the figure comes with an orange head to match his primary animation model and a black one to match the original Generations 1 toy. In addition, there seems to be accessories modeled after the Power Tower Plans and the Solar Power Tower as seen in the episode “The Master Builders“. No word on the price or release date for this Masterpiece figure at this time, but stay tune to TFW for the latest update. For now, check out the image of the reveal after the break.
Staff Edit: Higher resolution images added after the jump!
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Moonminer
wow that is IMPRESSIVE! What kind of paint did you use? was it airbrushed? i wanna do something similar with TR bee.
tekering
Yeah, I painted it myself.
I'm trying to get a Terraegis Rally to round out the collection, but TFSource is ignoring my e-mails…
Moonminer
Is that blue bumblebee a custom?? Has your diaclone collection grown since? Would love to see some pics if thats cool!
songrobin
I've posted a tutorial for installing KFC KP-14ND hands onto MP Inferno and Grapple. Here are the photos; for the instructions, check out my page here:
Posable Hands for MP Inferno & Grapple | Facebook
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mcart
Yeah I'm a fan of the KFC hands myself. Add a lot of character.
ChromeMagnus
@songrobin has done excellent work with the KFC hands. I can't wait for his tuturial: Masterpiece MP-33 Inferno
The good news is those who want the upgrade can get them those who don't like them don't have to buy them. Everybody wins.
@songrobin pay no attention to the naysayers. Keep doing what you do.
franpincho
An abomination is what those things are.
I'd be happy if every MP from now on gets the same hands that MP-36/39 have.
These are robots, they are supposed to hold their guns and do some poses pointing the index finger, not flip you off or fingering themselves.
Sam
Two gripes with KFC hands:
They're usually too oversized
So many different fingers to pose just makes them too fiddly.
The Eness ones for MP-10 are the only ones which come close to the right size, but the ones I got were loose as heck. Ultimately it was fun for some poses, but just casually putting them on the shelf I like my MPs to look badass, and that's usually really easy to do but putting posable fingers into the equation makes it a lot less easy.
The Magnus ones are way too big.
ChromeMagnus
I'm cool with the KFC hands. The add so much life and realism to TT MPs.
malware5
Amazing figure, but even though this guy was one of my most coveted figures/characters since the inception of the line, he's somehow gone under the radar for two reasons. Firstly, although he's been remolded so much to almost being like a new toy, Inferno has kind of stolen his thunder for me, Grapple being a retool and all. Secondly, there have just been so many heavyweights on the both the official and third party fronts this year that I feel this guy has been kind of drowned. It's still a phenomenal figure but it just didn't quite have the effect on me I thought it would have had.
The image above is why I will never, ever own a pair of KFC hand upgrades, just look at it, it looks stupid and terrible and, the fingers are pretty much the same length which is just wrong, it's like the robot is wearing a glove whenever he has them on. But they also look inorganic and not humanoid which is an aspect most of the hands of the transformers should have. MP-36 excels in this department, exponentially!
Sy-Rein
Ok, dang it, I may have to fall for a set of those hands for Grapple. If he can properly hold his model, I might just be sold. I haven't bothered with any other MP, but I may have to make an exception for Grapple (and an oh so hopeful Hoist).
Wh33l JcK
My Grapple has Yellow paint flaking off after 1 transformation … in a pretty noticeable spot too (hinge on his head guard), I may not transform again him and just sit him on a shelf.
songrobin
Just putting this out there. KFC MP-11ND hands for Dirge CAN be modded for Inferno and Grapple. I may be wrong, but I am guessing that KFC may not want to make posable hands for Inferno and Grapple because it may affect sales of XT Dante & DaVinci. Anyways, the color is very close. I'd say 97-98% color match. I'll post tutorial and answer questions later this weekend!View attachment 27821182 View attachment 27821183 View attachment 27821184 View attachment 27821185 View attachment 27821186
SentaiTFMechaLover
if I can get it signed by Peter Renaday i'll buy it.
wildfly
Jury is out on how durable that paint is….
XXLMagnus
A meaningless thread bump?! … I thought this was news goddamnit! (I kid)
Afterburner
They certainly have found a way to take something and make it so simple in transformation yet so complicated in articulation. That's one of the things that sets the MP series apart from the rest of the TF stuff, movie MP product included.
franpincho
Well said. This is one of TT finest molds. The engineering is so far beyond any other company out there, even surpassing Arcadia's (Macross).
The other amateur options don't even compare.