Via Hobbymizer Studio Facebook Group we have our first in-hand images of the new Transformers Kingdom WFC-K43 Core Class Hot Rod.
We have clear and close images of the packaging and robot and alt mode of this rendition of Hot Rod for the small Core class scale. Hot Rod comes with a red and blue sword rather than any gun. The figure seems pretty poseable and well-designed, but with some hollow parts in the back of the figure.
See all the images after the break and then join to the ongoing discussion on the 2005 Boards!
Gamerlingual
Whatever negatives it has, I managed to find a lot to like about it. I mean, if I buy anything and complain, it would be about QC. That’s it. Video reviews helped a lot in me deciding to buy this figure despite how most reviewers felt it was mediocre. It’s a fun figure for $10 and it won’t break on you. Rolls like a champ and it actually has a bit of paint. I don’t own other core class figures and I only bought this because I like Hot Rod. He’s worth every penny, comprises and all.
ziltama
I guess I should clarify what I mean by worst Core Class (we have them all except Rattrap):
Extreme hollow plastic syndrome, the rather large leg kibble, knees that don't lock into place, the odd bot mode proportions (stubby forearms in particular), the odd port at the front tip of the spoiler that makes it look a lot worse in alt mode (and has no apparent function either), strange looking vehicle mode with a cab that doesn't even look like it was designed to fit (hence the gap), and the cab panels barely staying in place in alt mode.
For some bizarre reason, Hasbro took out the locking tabs at the front of the cab panels…makes no sense whatsoever. There's even ports for them and mentioned specifically in the instructions. This would've helped a lot.
I'm meh about the removable spoiler. To use as a 'shield' is laughable. Changing it to the opposite panel orientation does improve the rear of bot mode appearance but then takes away the backpack stability.
Hot Rod feels a lot of steps backwards compared to the other Core Class figures, and especially next to Iguanus, who feels like a mini-Deluxe figure and is taking steps forward in design.
Aigis
Hot Rod is my favorite Autobot so I was really looking forward to this. He's, uh…eh. Robot mode seems to be based on the evergreen design which is really weird since the other Core Class figures are like shrunken down ER toys. Odd proportions, the forearms are so short and the shoulders are huge. Getting the roof of the alt mode to stay tabbed in is very difficult, it likes to keep popping up and you have to push really hard to get it to stay. (oof, I really need to dust my shelves)
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Fafnir72
Life is how we make it work for us alright. Nothing is ever perfect.
Gamerlingual
You can if you’re creative. Even if this idea fails
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Fafnir72
I'm getting the vibes the Rodster is a good fig
Gamerlingual
I have him bedside with MP Arcee and MP Skids. Those are my figures to fiddle with to keep me relaxed. Go fig
Fafnir72
Overstock?
Fafnir72
Two opposing views among two veteran members with street cred! Dang! One hates the weapon mode while the other loves the vehicle……how do I choose?
Gamerlingual
I find him fun to transform. The vehicle mode is really cool
VVa
What a sloppy end to WFC.
ziltama
Picked up Legacy Hot Rod only because of the sword. Worst Core Class figure by far. Even the combiner sword feature doesn't work like it's supposed to due the other bots' parts having issues.
This is after modding the other sword parts to work like they're supposed to. Also, the detachable spoiler as a "shield" is rather laughable at best. Used the oddly placed 3mm port under the forearm for the spoiler.
Rodimus Prime
This bait is just…
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Shepard Prime
Odd statement given that almost all the Cores so far come from and are styled after that cartoon that no one remembers, especially since those are some of the OLDEST characters in the entire franchise and lore.
Radi0ActivSquid
I just got mine today and did anyone else notice that the figure and instructions don't match.
Dexatronic
Yeah. Bit of extra paint and I think he will look passable. Haven't seen one in the wild yet myself
Also… Is his leg kibble removable?
mikeax24
Honestly, seeing in-hand photos, he looks way better than he does in the render. He's still naked on paint, but that's an easy fix.
Q Prime
YOU'VE GOT THE TOUCH! YOU'VE GOT THE POking stick!
Cardion
SWEET!
I also like your picture of him poking Unicron in the eye.