Flame Toys updated their Twitter with some images of their upcoming model kit Furai Model 05 Thunder Cracker. This is a repaint of their Starscream model they did not too long ago. He’s priced at $36 and will come out in May.
Flame Toys Furai Model 05 Thunder Cracker Official Images
Flame Toys Furai Model 05 Thunder Cracker Official Images - Additional Images
Maximus Danz
AHHHH thanks.
Digger
Yeah. That’s why the changed to the softer flatter plastic.
Maximus Danz
I've also heard about QC issues.
Digger
Oh well nah you don’t always need a brush. I just got back to model kit building and it’s not too bad. I think that Optimus mould actually has an older mould design which is shinier plastic.
Maximus Danz
Hence why I am semi-scared to get the SG prime. I'm horrible with a brush.
Digger
They always paint their figures for promotion. If you can mask it up and take your time, you’ll get a great figure.
David Hingtgen
Having seen good pics of the actual release, there's absolutely no silver at all–it's just "plain boring light grey plastic"—no sheen/sparkle at all.
Doesn't look half as good as the promo pics. And the grey for the hands/feet/shins, is even lighter than the box—they used medium grey, not dark. So 2/3 of his main colors are wrong, and far too much work to paint (especially the joints). He's blue, light grey, and medium grey, instead of blue/silver/black. Going to pass, though I was originally planning on getting him. (I do not like, but am generally ok with, "dark grey instead of pure black" on TC) . But it's not even dark grey.
Sigh—"black and silver" looks awesome—both TC and SW use that combo to great effect. "Grey and another grey" is boring.
AzT
@flametoys_staff on Instagram: “「風雷模型 #05 TRANSFORMERS Thunder Cracker」& 「風雷模型 #02 TRANSFORMERS Starscream」(resale) PRE-ORDERS ARE OPEN!! Get it now or regret it…”
TCJJ
I only have Megatron so far but he's GREAT. No paint necessary, though if you wanted to paint something, I'd say the faces could definitely use paint (the grey is okay but a little bland). The silver out of the box is nigh-on perfect on him. I'll probably still paint mine at some point but he's a lovely little figure. Articulation isn't amazing but it does what it needs to.
My only real issue is the price – it seems just a bit high for what is basically a high grade model which stands barely taller than an SD Gundam.
Maximus Danz
If you make a Starscream, you are legally contracted to do a Thundercracker and Skywarp.
WhiteMocha
I wasn't planning on getting Starscream, but I might get Thundercracker; he's still my favorite Seeker, both in terms of characterization and color scheme.
Though really, given how these things are always posed, I think the redeco we really need is Thrust.
Jerrymiru
How are those btw? Been looking at them and love the look of them. Any paint needed or looks good straight out of the box?
TCJJ
Robot Kingdom's shipping alone is nightmarishly expensive, unfortunately. Bought from them a couple of times years back but it's not really worth it. And good luck unsubscribing from their mailing list…
Got no problem putting work into them though! Love me some models. Been stockpiling a bunch of small ones for a while, actually, so I'm finally getting around to building them again. Still need to get a D-Style Optimus Prime to go with my Megatron. I really wish that Kotobukiya would continue making those, but I guess they didn't sell well enough…
Jerrymiru
You've looked at Robotkingdom? I think they ship out of Hong Kong.
Do wish you luck though. They are good kits though you will have to put a little work into them.
Like as for Tcracker here, I know that the knees are not that color. That is one solid piece. In this case grey. And Skywarp Purple.
TCJJ
Oh, interesting, I didn't even think to check eBay. I'll have a look. Cheers.
Oh, online, definitely, but the best places to shop for Gundam kits in New Zealand tend to be the Japanese stores, and they (for whatever reason) don't seem to be carrying this, unfortunately. Still, it sounds like eBay might be a good option.
inturnmike
I loved Starscream's and Prime's models from these guys. I will get the rest of the three main seekers and Bumblebee
OriginalFire
I only wish this was true
MrSoundwave64Z
Those anime proportions are awesome
Jerrymiru
Best spot is online really. Look on the Gundam websites for the best prices.
Try USA Gundam store and there are 10% off discount codes out there as well.
Not sure if they ship to ya but the starting price is good and that discount might help.
Digger
Dope shit! Thundercracker has always been my favourite of the seeker trio with the powerful blue and silver. This is no disappointment.
Man I wish this had a buster.
Oh I see. Ehh I could take or leave black or purple shoulders. I feel like this works better anyway. But yeah hopefully he comes next. And boy that devastator is gonna be great. And I would like to see where hound went.
Damn that’s pretty good. I may go hunting for some later.