It seems Mechanic Studio has started to follow the footsteps of Hasbro to shrink down their figures, starting from their Wreck Gar, and now their Hot Rod... Below is the MS-21 Hot Rod compared to (left) NA Starscream and (right) NA Jazz...
A look at the past few Mechanic Studio figures...
The car mode tail fins are designed with opposite directions in the cartoon, hence I use a small pin pusher to force out the pin a little before using a pair of pliers to slowly wedge and pull it out. Repeat for both sides.
Note that you have to swap the 2 pieces with one another when reversing the direction of the fin.
Trim off the hinge post to allow the fin to fit in the lower leg.
Fins looks good in all modes now...
" ~ Saber in your hand !!! ~"
Scene re-enactment from the 86 movie...
Bought it because I cannot find Wreck Gar... And also OG has 20% discount... Anyway, this copy happens to be the "corrected" version where the leg panel pins are hammered in more fully, and the legs are more stable. I did still try to push in the pin a little more and also lengthen the tab. The 2 tail fins were swapped, but it still have the problem of popping out when transforming into car-jet mode. This is still quite a good TF, especially after the leg issue is resolved, though it still have its flaws similar to the Masterpiece version (visible hollow torso, "break-off" feet, etc).
Bought it in a local toy shop at Bugis, costs SGD8. Very cute little figure, with lots of simplification from the original design. The combined mode Predaking is about the same height as the Studio Series '86 04 Voyager Class Hot Rod. A pity the wings are not able to swivel up to display for Predaking. Will probably do some modding.
