Yey ! got me self an Armada Prime …
Last week I got myself a Transformers Armada Optimus Prime. Original 2001 Hasbro version. I got the KO version before, which pretty much sucked.
This Prime version transforms into a truck with a tank-tracked trailer. Also comes with SparkPlug, the mini-con. The Japanese/Takara version , MC-01, was more hard to get, the price is also quite ridicilous. Other differences includes, gold paint is bright yellow on MC-01 and the Mini-con/Micron name is Prime.
The cab comes with 3 LR44 batteries pre-installed. All that is needed next are 4 AA batteries for the trailer. 4 AA batteries ? WTF ? thats like 6V to operate the thing. Now turn the trailer switch to ‘On’. Hehe .. nothing happened …
This is the cab and the Mini-Con transformed. Prime’s smokestacks can combine to form a gun. Both of them are fairly articulated. Best looking Mini-Con too.
Like most modern Prime/Convoy designs, the Matrix is also included. It’s not removable like Galaxy Convoy though …
Oh, did i mentioned that when I transformed Prime, the trailer automatically transforms into a Mini-Con base ?
It’s magic, witchcraft, black magic, sihir !!! It’s damn cool.
The trailer just poped open by itself. It’s triggered when you pull the left arm of Prime. There’s also light & sound FX after the trailer has completed the transformation.
The best part is, even though it uses infra-red to transform the trailer, you don’t need to be in the line of sight of the sensor on the trailer. You can even transform the trailer when standing up and the trailer is on the floor.
Base mode has lots of goodies for Mini-Cons. It’s more a battle platform than a base to me.
Pop-up cannon activated using a Mini-Con.
Spring-loaded knee-cap cannon.
Storage compartment + Launcher for Mini-Cons.
Prime can combine with his trailer to form its Super Mode. Just change him into the upper body and the trailer/base will rise automaticaly to form big set of legs.
In this mode, Prime is really big. Not to mention heavy too. Very stable. There’s a button on the shoulder that will tun on a small light in Prime’s fist. Attach his bad-ass gun an press the button. The gun will light up.
The problem here is just that he lacks articulation. Almost as brick as Star Convoy. I don’t mind that. The auto transforming gimmick justified it. This guy can combine with two other TFs, JetFire and Overload. I’ll be getting those two in a month or two. Stay tuned …
Here’s a comparison between the real thing and it’s KO counterpart + KO JetFire.
To those whose wondering about the auto transformation, i’ve put here a video of it.