MasterPiece Collection v1.1

[Dangard Ace]

The old MPC thread was getting long and old. Time to re-start.

Old MPC thread

[Feyd-Rautha]

sounds good too me

[Chowser]

anybody have QC problems with their Lancer Alpha?

Hopefully, they are fixing things as they go along.

[Ed.Coli]

So far, mine is holding up fine. It seems that all the QC errors of the first release were fixed; joints were tightened, paint was applied correctly, nothing exploded.

I'll post some pictures after I get "not busy."

Here's what I posted in the old thread:

Got my Green (#1365) yesterday in the mail from Valkyrie Exchange (Many many thanks!), with a certain level of apprehension having read this entire thread during my lurking days. Box came with a "FRAGILE!!" label slapped on, so that didn't help.

Anyhow, the packaging is swank, but you knew that already. Didn't have much time to look over it in depth, since I'm 6 kinds of busy, but from what I saw, it was very solid, none of the dreaded QC mishaps that I've been reading so much about. The paint app is spot-on, the joints are solid and tight (regarding the landing gear, almost TOO tight), and it hasn't exploded yet, so that's a plus.

The size surprised me; this seems way too big for a 1/55 scale, especially compared to the 1/48 IMAI kit. From the crazy complaints about size, I almost thought it'd be some tiny thing, but it was respectably sized, and had good heft. Another plus for this one!

Honestly, I can't speak for those who had crappy MPCs, but I think that Toynami finally created a true Masterpiece. In my opinion, this thing was worth every cent I paid for the preorder, and I have none of that "customer's remorse" that usually comes after a dissappointing purchace. Having handled one of the infamous MPC VFs, this Legioss/Alpha really blows the rest of Toynami's crap outta the water, and, IMO, puts the company in the higher echelons of the transforming toy industry. If they really did fix all the QC issues in the 3rd run, then by damn, you need to run the hell out and buy a green one.

Anyhow, that's just my personal experience.

[LtStick]

Mine looks fine all joints tight and I haven't ran across any QC issues on mine.

Here are some pictures i took when I recieved mine. http://www.tmpforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1660 I took some more today but haven't uploaded them yet.

[eriku]

So far, mine is holding up fine. It seems that all the QC errors of the first release were fixed; joints were tightened, paint was applied correctly, nothing exploded.

I'll post some pictures after I get "not busy."

Here's what I posted in the old thread:

Got my Green (#1365) yesterday in the mail from Valkyrie Exchange (Many many thanks!), with a certain level of apprehension having read this entire thread during my lurking days. Box came with a "FRAGILE!!" label slapped on, so that didn't help.

Anyhow, the packaging is swank, but you knew that already. Didn't have much time to look over it in depth, since I'm 6 kinds of busy, but from what I saw, it was very solid, none of the dreaded QC mishaps that I've been reading so much about. The paint app is spot-on, the joints are solid and tight (regarding the landing gear, almost TOO tight), and it hasn't exploded yet, so that's a plus.

The size surprised me; this seems way too big for a 1/55 scale, especially compared to the 1/48 IMAI kit. From the crazy complaints about size, I almost thought it'd be some tiny thing, but it was respectably sized, and had good heft. Another plus for this one!

Honestly, I can't speak for those who had crappy MPCs, but I think that Toynami finally created a true Masterpiece. In my opinion, this thing was worth every cent I paid for the preorder, and I have none of that "customer's remorse" that usually comes after a dissappointing purchace. Having handled one of the infamous MPC VFs, this Legioss/Alpha really blows the rest of Toynami's crap outta the water, and, IMO, puts the company in the higher echelons of the transforming toy industry. If they really did fix all the QC issues in the 3rd run, then by damn, you need to run the hell out and buy a green one.

Anyhow, that's just my personal experience.

This is really great to hear. If it turns out to be unanimous that Lancer is a winner, I'll have to seriously consider getting one. At the rate the improvements seem to be going the Shadow should be a real gem. I can't wait!

I would still like a 'perfect' Scott Alpha to replace the one I got rid of (which was actually on the sweeter end of the banana than most of the ones released). Maybe once these have all gone through their runs Toynami can go back and do that one right. I doubt it will happen, but it would be nice.

I'm still holding a candle for a kick-ass Ride Armor toy, too.

[Ali Sama]

So far, mine is holding up fine. It seems that all the QC errors of the first release were fixed; joints were tightened, paint was applied correctly, nothing exploded.

I'll post some pictures after I get "not busy."

Here's what I posted in the old thread:

Got my Green (#1365) yesterday in the mail from Valkyrie Exchange (Many many thanks!), with a certain level of apprehension having read this entire thread during my lurking days. Box came with a "FRAGILE!!" label slapped on, so that didn't help.

Anyhow, the packaging is swank, but you knew that already. Didn't have much time to look over it in depth, since I'm 6 kinds of busy, but from what I saw, it was very solid, none of the dreaded QC mishaps that I've been reading so much about. The paint app is spot-on, the joints are solid and tight (regarding the landing gear, almost TOO tight), and it hasn't exploded yet, so that's a plus.

The size surprised me; this seems way too big for a 1/55 scale, especially compared to the 1/48 IMAI kit. From the crazy complaints about size, I almost thought it'd be some tiny thing, but it was respectably sized, and had good heft. Another plus for this one!

Honestly, I can't speak for those who had crappy MPCs, but I think that Toynami finally created a true Masterpiece. In my opinion, this thing was worth every cent I paid for the preorder, and I have none of that "customer's remorse" that usually comes after a dissappointing purchace. Having handled one of the infamous MPC VFs, this Legioss/Alpha really blows the rest of Toynami's crap outta the water, and, IMO, puts the company in the higher echelons of the transforming toy industry. If they really did fix all the QC issues in the 3rd run, then by damn, you need to run the hell out and buy a green one.

Anyhow, that's just my personal experience.

This is really great to hear. If it turns out to be unanimous that Lancer is a winner, I'll have to seriously consider getting one. At the rate the improvements seem to be going the Shadow should be a real gem. I can't wait!

I would still like a 'perfect' Scott Alpha to replace the one I got rid of (which was actually on the sweeter end of the banana than most of the ones released). Maybe once these have all gone through their runs Toynami can go back and do that one right. I doubt it will happen, but it would be nice.

I'm still holding a candle for a kick-ass Ride Armor toy, too.

i wil get one later on. jsut bought a gaogaigar

[Feyd-Rautha]

here's a thought..

is anyone out there doing reproduction decals for the mpc alpha?!?

these toys really look MUCH cooler will all the decals.

...yet, many(like myself) want too keep the sticker sheet intact..for collector's value.

so where are the repro's???

glad too hear the greenies are nice and tight! ..can't wait too grab 1-3!

[eriku]

i wil get one later on. jsut bought a gaogaigar

I'm assuming you mean CM's GGG, right? How do you like it? I love my old Takara GGG, but I'm constantly tempted by CM's swanky new version. I wouldn't have to put so much thought into it if it was a little cheaper.

Keeping vaguely on topic, would anyone else like to see Cyclone Morphers? I didn't much care for the Valk morphers (mostly because of the far superior JMs), but the Alpha morphers were pretty cool. Not sure how the concept would work with ride armor, but I'd like to see them done in the SD style.

[Opus]

here's a thought..

is anyone out there doing reproduction decals for the mpc alpha?!?

these toys really look MUCH cooler will all the decals.

...yet, many(like myself) want too keep the sticker sheet intact..for collector's value.

so where are the repro's???

glad too hear the greenies are nice and tight! ..can't wait too grab 1-3!

Takatoys makes some. Twin Moons sells them.

http://www.tmpanime.com/product_info.php?c...roducts_id=1260

[1 VF-1 2NV]

So far, mine is holding up fine. It seems that all the QC errors of the first release were fixed; joints were tightened, paint was applied correctly, nothing exploded.

I'll post some pictures after I get "not busy."

Here's what I posted in the old thread:

Got my Green (#1365) yesterday in the mail from Valkyrie Exchange (Many many thanks!), with a certain level of apprehension having read this entire thread during my lurking days. Box came with a "FRAGILE!!" label slapped on, so that didn't help.

Anyhow, the packaging is swank, but you knew that already. Didn't have much time to look over it in depth, since I'm 6 kinds of busy, but from what I saw, it was very solid, none of the dreaded QC mishaps that I've been reading so much about. The paint app is spot-on, the joints are solid and tight (regarding the landing gear, almost TOO tight), and it hasn't exploded yet, so that's a plus.

The size surprised me; this seems way too big for a 1/55 scale, especially compared to the 1/48 IMAI kit. From the crazy complaints about size, I almost thought it'd be some tiny thing, but it was respectably sized, and had good heft. Another plus for this one!

Honestly, I can't speak for those who had crappy MPCs, but I think that Toynami finally created a true Masterpiece. In my opinion, this thing was worth every cent I paid for the preorder, and I have none of that "customer's remorse" that usually comes after a dissappointing purchace. Having handled one of the infamous MPC VFs, this Legioss/Alpha really blows the rest of Toynami's crap outta the water, and, IMO, puts the company in the higher echelons of the transforming toy industry. If they really did fix all the QC issues in the 3rd run, then by damn, you need to run the hell out and buy a green one.

Anyhow, that's just my personal experience.

This is really great to hear. If it turns out to be unanimous that Lancer is a winner, I'll have to seriously consider getting one. At the rate the improvements seem to be going the Shadow should be a real gem. I can't wait!

I would still like a 'perfect' Scott Alpha to replace the one I got rid of (which was actually on the sweeter end of the banana than most of the ones released). Maybe once these have all gone through their runs Toynami can go back and do that one right. I doubt it will happen, but it would be nice.

I'm still holding a candle for a kick-ass Ride Armor toy, too.

I held out on the first and second one. Hopefully, the third one is a hit...still waiting to see if more people get it and see if any are duds like the first two, then I will get one.

[Graham]

Got my Green (#1365) yesterday in the mail from Valkyrie Exchange (Many many thanks!), with a certain level of apprehension having read this entire thread during my lurking days. Box came with a "FRAGILE!!" label slapped on, so that didn't help.

The box really comes with a 'FRAGILE' label on it? Oh, Toynami, that's so funny!

Graham

[Ed.Coli]

No, it was on the shipping label.

But, putting that kind of warning on their MPC alphas' boxes would probably be helpful, given the number of horror stories from the past thread.

[Ali Sama]

i wil get one later on. jsut bought a gaogaigar

I'm assuming you mean CM's GGG, right? How do you like it? I love my old Takara GGG, but I'm constantly tempted by CM's swanky new version. I wouldn't have to put so much thought into it if it was a little cheaper.

Keeping vaguely on topic, would anyone else like to see Cyclone Morphers? I didn't much care for the Valk morphers (mostly because of the far superior JMs), but the Alpha morphers were pretty cool. Not sure how the concept would work with ride armor, but I'd like to see them done in the SD style.

i got it for $150. Has not arrived yet. will this week

Ali

[sneakers]

are any of the masterpiece alpha getting hard to find?

I heard some places are sold out of the scott, and rook version.

[Uxi]

anybody have QC problems with their Lancer Alpha?

Hopefully, they are fixing things as they go along.

Heh figures mine was the last post in the old thread.

As far as the green Alpha, this is what I put:

I got the green / Lancer one (#1853) yesterday.

Pretty cool IMO. It's definately not as small as I was fearing from hearing it was 1/55 and reading this thread (probably when it was 20 pages or so smaller). It seems well constructed with a good paint job. I was kinda afraid to transform it at first, but the manual is pretty good and toy itself is nice and solid.

Only one of the old complaints that come to mind (this thread is too fracking huge for me to go through it) is the right arm droops when the gunpod is put into it. And I'm having a slight issue with the right arm fitting to the peg hole when it's collapsed in. I usually have to leave it slightly telescoped to reach the whole, which means there's a gap. Left one is fine though and it seems symmetrical everywhere else, though... so I'm kinda confused about it. I've been leaving the left arm with a small gap so it matches up.

As far as the design... the feet are HUGE... but I didn't really notice it until I left it in battloid and stepped back and looked at it. I'm usually leaving it in fighter anyways. My design complaint would be that I can't have the shoulder launcher thingy is an add-on part. Shades of 1/60 heat shields to me.

Anyways, I'm thinking of getting one more green and maybe the red one. I'll definately be getting a shadow when it comes out.

Quality seems beter than 1/60 and only slightly behind 1/48 Yamato IMO. Stickers are way better than anything Yamato has used.

[Ed.Coli]

Now, a more thorough supplementary review:

First off, here's the "FRAGILE!" label. This got my heart racing, especially after all the QC mishaps I'd read about in the old thread.

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/b1.jpg

First off, the box, as with all the other MPCs, is really swank. The certificate of authenticity is even removable! I also got a laugh out of the "no removable parts" guarantee, obviously a stab at Yamato's 1/60 collection. (One thing though; the alpha does require removable parts, namely, the shoulder sensor. Is this the same message from the MPC "veritechs?")

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/b2.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/b3.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/b4.jpg

The instruction manual is also really nice; way better than the black and white Yamatos. The manual also comes with a bio and information page, and a sticker placement guide; another plus!

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/am1.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/am2.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/am3.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/am4.jpg

Now, the toy itself. The thing came packaged in fighter mode, with all the pieces resting snugly in a plastic tub. All the pieces were easily removable, as well as the toy, and showed no signs of damage or wear; a departure from the "exploding" first-issue alphas.

A thorough inspection revealed no immediate paint errors; everything is nice and clean.

Everything locked together tightly; nothing was loose or dangling. I could even grab this thing by the arm thrusters with no fear of them detaching. The tailfins and missile hatches are sturdy, and show no looseness or flopping.

The landing gear is very snugly fit within the wells, almost scarily so. One of the things I think alpha owners overlook is the fact that the rear landing gear will actually lock into place with an audible snap; no, you are not breaking your toy!

Also, the nosecone can be pushed down to fix the "arched back" syndrome present in many of the pictures. Though I wouldn't recommend placing anything heavy on it, the alpha can hold this position quite well. Now, onto Guardian/Armo-Diver mode!

The transformation is explained very clearly and thoroughly in the instruction manual, though that could be partly because of the instructions being in English.

The legs can cant outwards slightly, giving it a more anime-accurate "leg-spread" position than the Gakken. Another plus is the fact that the heels and toes of the feet are rotatable to allow everything to sit even with the floor/table/whatever. My only major beef with the toy lies here; the kneecaps' locking method is way too fragile, consisting of two frighteningly thin pegs that lock into ridiculously small holes in fighter and soldier mode. One should take extra caution when shifting the position of the kneecaps.

Finally, battloid/armo-soldier mode. This thing is way more posable than the awkward MPC VFs. The hips are "pseudo-ball jointed," giving them an edge in posability, and also allowing for a more "spread-leg" stance than the weird MPC legs. On mine, the arms are nice and tight, with enough looseness to pose without any scary exertion. The hands are solid, and I really like how snugly the gunpod fits in them. Also, a cool feature not in any other alpha/legioss toy/model; the cockpit vanes actually fold back in soldier mode, giving a more accurate to the anime look than the Imai or Gakken's ugly gaps.

Some cons? Yes, but just a few. First, as mentioned before, the belly hangs too low in fighter mode. Also, as stated above, the kneecap locking mechanism seems really fragile.

That's it, really. I think the Green Alpha/Legioss is a fantastic toy, and I have no qualms about paying full price (though I did get free shipping; thanks Kevin!) I think this toy is light years ahead of the terrible MPC Veritechs, and if the QC on all of the green ones is as good as mine, then this version goes a long way in helping ease bad memories of the old MPC VFs. I think Toynami has an actual masterpiece on its hands, for once.

Finally, some tips in transforming your alpha/legioss:

-Some have complained that the arms do not sit flush with the legs when you transform it back to fighter. This can usually be remedied by checking to see if the lower legs are locked into the tabs on the hip, and if the waist of the fighter is retracted completely. If done correctly, the arm tabs should be right on top of the leg holes, providing a clean, snug fit.

-Some have also complained that the nose arches too high upward in fighter mode; this can be remedied simply by adjusting the head so that it is not in the way, and applying gentle pressure downward.

-Also, the toes and heels can be adjusted in Fighter mode so that the thrusters do not look too much like a crab.

And now, the pictures:

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/a1.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/a2.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/a3.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/a4.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/a5.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/a6.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/a7.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/a8.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/a9.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/a10.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/a11.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/a12.jpg

http://www.pole-land.com/images/mpcalpha/a13.jpg

[jenius]

Thanks for all the links to the pics! Nice review. Why did they decide to make all the pilots looking off to the left?

[UN_MARINE]

...that last pic's kinda ...off

isn't the legioss' gun supposed to be a beam cannon?

or does it come as a triple barrel gattling gun for the green version?

oh well... mysterious mystery

[mechaninac]

Thanks for all the links to the pics! Nice review. Why did they decide to make all the pilots looking off to the left?

Simple, one single cavity pilot mold to save money; even Yamato did that with their 1/48s at first, only they molded the figure in four pieces (easier to do on 1/48 than 1/55). The piece is, most likely, a single piece that is then painted to represent each individual character's flight suit. The decision to have the figure looking left was probably made to give it a more dynamic look; the same is done with model aircraft--I have a Hasegawa 1/48 F-16C that also has the pilot looking left.

[Ed.Coli]

...that last pic's kinda ...off

isn't the legioss' gun supposed to be a beam cannon?

or does it come as a triple barrel gattling gun for the green version?

oh well... mysterious mystery

No, it really does have three barrels. From Cyclone's Mospeada page:

EP-13 Tri-Barrel 80mm gatling beam gun

EP-13 is the Legioss's primary weapon system in Armo-Solider mode, firing 170 rounds per minute in full automatic mode, also capable of firing all three barrels simultaneously in semiautomatic mode at approximately one shot per second, with its own dedicated HBT fuel cell and capacitor banks in the 'clip'. Weapon is stored under the wing in armo-fighter mode, and in the hand in armo-diver and armo-soldier modes. One is standard, but two can be stored and used.

[Feyd-Rautha]

does anybody got any tips for tightening up the arms???

i just got my 2nd replacment bernard..after much waiting..and

the left arm is practically dangling off the shoulder!!!!!

-it's the white bicep part of the arm where it swivels..

this is a poorly constructed section: as much force is applied(no matter how careful you are)...since you have too pull the arm out of the forarm and shoulder.

i feel like it would require "un-glueing the shoulder too get at this troubled bicep..then un-glueing the bicep itself to try and remedy the prob.

but please..any imput on this problem would be greatly appreciated!

other than that the rest of the toy is quite nice!

[UN_MARINE]

EP-13 Tri-Barrel 80mm gatling beam gun

EP-13 is the Legioss's primary weapon system in Armo-Solider mode, firing 170 rounds per minute in full automatic mode, also capable of firing all three barrels simultaneously in semiautomatic mode at approximately one shot per second, with its own dedicated HBT fuel cell and capacitor banks in the 'clip'. Weapon is stored under the wing in armo-fighter mode, and in the hand in armo-diver and armo-soldier modes. One is standard, but two can be stored and used.

... so they really DO have the triple barrels.

thanks for the info, ed.coli

[Ladic]

My local comic book store has 1 lancer masterpice for $59.99, I dunno weather tu buy it or wait till gamestop hits $39.99

[jenius]

Wow, where is local?? I would definitely pick one up at that price. I have kind of a sick Alpha obsession though. I'd wait to buy my second one until Gamestop clears 'em out

[Toonz]

got my green alpha and my left arm broke

does anyone know how to fix it?

im desperate

[Lynx7725]

got my green alpha and my left arm broke

does anyone know how to fix it?

im desperate

Normally, that would call for a trip to the hospital, splints and probably a cast. You get MC for 2 weeks, and it takes about 2 months or so for the arm to heal up straight.

Can't do jack squat with a description "I broke my left arm". Pics man, pics.

[Toonz]

this is my broken arm....please help

[Toonz]

[zeo-mare]

Toonz what happened to your alpha? you might have to send it back, to have that fixed. mine still has a broken part which i also cannot fix the metal peice on the lower arm and they (Toynami) keep telling me i cannot send it back unless i have a reciept (which i know longer do)

chris

Edited February 6, 2005 by zeo-mare

[Lynx7725]

this is my broken arm....please help

Gee. from the pics, it looks bad. If you can send it back, all the better -- I know shipping back to the states would be a pain, but that's the best way (though you run the Toynami Lottery again..)

If you can't.. well, I guess I can break out the styrene rods and build a replacement if it was my Alpha.

Just wondering how many people have this issue? I think it's fairly rare.

EDIT: Nice touch with the gates.

Edited February 6, 2005 by Lynx7725

[Toonz]

its a little hard for me to send it back cos i bought it from a local shop and he has limited pieces for me to change

hmm maybe i will just go for the superglue.....and have it in fighter mode and the other red and blue alpha in gerwalk and battroid....

damn toynami.....you caused some of us to have a broken arm!

[mechaninac]

Ouch! Toonz, I'd send it back to Toynami for replacement; they are actually very good in the customer service arena. That picture shows one of the major drawbacks in the Alpha's design...almost everthing is glued, instead of screwed together. If the arm could be dissassembled without splitting glue joints, that break could have been easily fixed and made stronger than ever with a brass pin; but as it is, just return it and get a new one...just make sure to keep the sticker sheet, gunpod and pilot to compensate for the extra expense of shipping the thing.

ZM, if you bought the Alpha with a credit card you may be able to use your credit statement as a pseudo receipt. Contact Toynami and ask them; when I had to send a piece for replacement they accepted a Paypal print out. It wouldn't hurt to try.

Edited February 6, 2005 by mechaninac

[Lynx7725]

its a little hard for me to send it back cos i bought it from a local shop and he has limited pieces for me to change

hmm maybe i will just go for the superglue.....and have it in fighter mode and the other red and blue alpha in gerwalk and battroid....

damn toynami.....you caused some of us to have a broken arm!

I meant back to Toynami, not your Local; your local can only do so much and he's going to end up either (a ) taking a hit, or (b ) sending it back to Toynami anyway. So may as well drop them an email to see what can be done first.

If you are dead set on fixing it yourself, it's a difficult break (hmm compound fracture?). You need to extract the broken part from the shoulder first, then see if you can superglue it together.. but truth to be told I think it's still going to be a weak connection, and it would snap again.

mechaninac has the right idea, but I'm not sure whether it is feasible (i.e. the other parts in there might interfere). You need to disassemble it to take a look.

BTW, that's a RIGHT arm. Your gun hand. Which makes it all the more irritating, because that's the one you would pose with.

[zeo-mare]

ZM, if you bought the Alpha with a credit card you may be able to use your credit statement as a pseudo receipt.  Contact Toynami and ask them; when I had to send a piece for replacement they accepted a Paypal print out.  It wouldn't hurt to try.

hi i bought it off of ebay i think i might be able to use the Paypal to print out my own receipt. i will give it a try.

chris

Edited February 6, 2005 by zeo-mare