Thanks to RoboRobo Facebook and YouTube user SoundwaveNL1977 we can share for you our first look at the new Transformers Masterpiece MP-52+ Thundercracker packaging plus some new in-hand images.
The box shows Thundercracker in a running pose while shooting one of his blasters with the alt mode next to him. We also have some images of the robot mode next to Masterpiece MP-52 Starscream, some close-up shots of the accessories and a call-to-the-past shot next to G1 Thundercracker. A very nice redeco indeed, and a great companion for the new Masterpiece Starscream mold.
Thundercracker will be released in Japan as a Takara Tomy Mall exclusive but it’s already available for pre-order in the US via oir sponsors links below.
Update: Additional images thanks to 2005 Boards member pumaking
Check the mirrored images after the break and then join to the ongoing discussion on the 2005 Board!
Mentasm
Sorry I can't help, but I'm in the same boat. My copy arrived with a fair few blemishes, and altjough I was able to get my retailer to obtain spares from Takara, they sadly didn't send the one part that I really needed (the front of the left shoulder, so the blemish is really noticeable). I considered getting a KO to use for spares, but I'm guessing the paint won't be an exact match…
Rahdimus
Sorry to bump the thread but does anyone have a recommendation for a touch up paint for both the blue and grey of the crotch/chest on Thundercracker? Did not realize how prone he was to chipping and scratching compared to the other two and it's way more visible against the light blue.
4249david
Omegalock, Kapow and In Demand Toys are the main UK sellers. Usually Omegalock are a bit cheaper as they buy wholesale from China. Their Chinese supplier, TFs-Express are also sound.
Other Chinese sellers, with no issues and good prices, include showzstore.com and bombusbee.net
Good luck!
Edit: for non TTMall exclusive items, such as MP-56 Trailbreaker, you can usually not beat Amazon Japan with their pre order price promise. They usually knock 30% off rrp and then ship it DHL to your door with no issues. They don't directly sell TTMall exclusive items because, well, they're Japanese exclusive to TTMall!
NoiseMaker
Holy carp! Ok – Omega lock is preferred go to now so that is good to know. Hope i can get a cancelation!
4249david
Who from? That's crazy!
Omegalock just restocked, for £190, so you might want to cancel and secure your copy. TTMall exclusive items will sell out and be gone for good, with 100% uplifts in the secondary markets not uncommon (see MP14+, MP20+ as examples)
NoiseMaker
Yes! I put in a pre-order in July 2021, for the rrlease September 2021, its now late september 2022. Its now a year after release – and they still haven't received stock.
They came through with Skywarp a few months after release, so waited a bit longer.. all replies from them are alomg the lines of: ' sorry, check the website for up to date release information'
h0nchkrow
Very sorry I didn’t reply! Thought I did. I did check and to no avail. I had to return the copy for a new one. But it all ended well and I’m enjoying TC now View attachment 29657946
honestpanda
Preorder? Wasn’t the release date like September of last year?
NoiseMaker
Any one know if there are any delays with Thundercracker?
The shop i put a pre-order in for him for still hasnt recieved their stock. They came through with Skywarp, but, paid for Thundercracker in July 21, and still nothing.
MoonchildVic
Was it straight when you took him out of the box?
If it was, than you must me doing something wrong. Try checking if the middle hinge (the one that collapses after folding the front part of the nose) is fully stretched. I haven't transformed mine in a while, but I think you should hear a soft click.
h0nchkrow
Third MP in my collection (first is Skywarp and second is Prowl.) He’s as amazing as Skywarp…until one part. Does anyone know a way to get the jet cockpit to be straight? It won’t fully line-up.View attachment 29641814View attachment 29641815View attachment 29641817
ChromeMagnus
I'm cool with the Deformation Space version. $84 shipped is too good to pass up.
DirkManus
If you are worried about paint chipping I would not recommend this or indeed any modern MP. If you transform them, you will get minor paint chips.
Rubber John
Me too.
daddytron
I have three of the smiling face on my official MP-52+ Thundercracker and none of the stoic face, which is the one I wanted most. Want to do a trade? PM me if interested.
Shin Densetsu
Overall mine had less issues than my Starscream. My Starscream had cracks on the ankle posts and posts where the engine nozzles connect. My Thundercracker was looser at 1 leg or knee and seemed to have had a thumb pin fired at a slightly offset angle.
alldarker
I got a second stoic face, instead of a smiling face.
Rubber John
Which face did you get two of?
alldarker
Thundercracker is great! I think one of the common' issues is not a mold flaw, but rather that it might come with a wrong (double) face. Actually, I had that with MP Skywarp and not Thundercracker.
Juraash
I remember seeing some issues with this mold, though I think they mostly trouble Starscream. Anything of note on Thundercracker that might keep me from getting in on that BBTS sale?