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Post by Gold on Mar 26, 2013 6:05:17 GMT -5
According to the TFsource FB page? www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151333387411711&set=a.186495981710.135698.100983336710&type=1Today Takara pulled back all of the Fort Max stock for a second QC inspection. Due to this some stock did not pass, and Takara has to do a new run. This will not be finished until the end of April. The good news - TFsource will receive all of our stock on schedule shipping out later this week. Many shops will not. The bad news - all of the first run of Fort Max will be double-taped. Some collectors are very particular about this, so be aware all stock we receive will be double-taped. It's unavoidable due to the circumstances, but also a check to show that the product passed the QC check. Takara did not release any information on what the QC issues are that caused this. ------------------------------------------- Well... at least it's good to know Takara is minding the QC this time. Gold
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Post by cupnoodles on Mar 26, 2013 9:13:22 GMT -5
Thank you for the info gold. I was looking around and didn't see anything about this on a few Japanese sights, so TFSource is right on top of things.
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Post by Gakken on Mar 26, 2013 18:50:57 GMT -5
Somebody help me understand the big deal with this thing. It's a 25+ year old hunk of plastic for 350-400 bucks? I guess it's owning something you never had as a child right?
It's not that cool of a robot to be honest.. it's just big. Big isn't always better haha. I understand they released it because the old versions sell for 1,000 - 1700 bucks. There is a market there to exploit... but no improvements at all? Seriously?
Can't even throw in a swivel joint to the legs?
I'd rather buy a Maxgokin, or Fewture toy myself. Or maybe something from medicom.
I don't get people who idolize the old transformers sculpts. I grew up with them and they have a quaint charm, but toys have moved on for me. I collect masterpiece because they actually look like the cartoons! haha
The old stuff just looks quaint.
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Post by locidm on Mar 26, 2013 18:57:00 GMT -5
Isn't most toys plastic these days?the FM sells for the same reason any other super robot toy sells, nostalgia. Why belittle those who are willing to spend money for it?
In case you didn't know, none of the reissues feature major improvements(we got masterpiece for that). It's just a way for the thirty something years old to relive their childhood.
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Post by Gakken on Mar 26, 2013 20:00:23 GMT -5
I'm not belittling. Just voicing my opinion. It's not about them being plastic or diecast. I think plastic is more expensive these days anyway. But why is this thing $300 bucks? Isnt the two foot Metroplex going to be like $150? But yes, I mean no offense. Toys are all about fun. Buy what makes you happy
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Mar 26, 2013 21:10:39 GMT -5
It's $300 because its Takara. Metroplex is Hasbro. Takara stuff is always more expensive.
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Post by Gold on Mar 27, 2013 1:06:27 GMT -5
I'm not belittling. Just voicing my opinion. It's not about them being plastic or diecast. I think plastic is more expensive these days anyway. But why is this thing $300 bucks? Isnt the two foot Metroplex going to be like $150? But yes, I mean no offense. Toys are all about fun. Buy what makes you happy I take it you've never handled a Fort Max? The thing is insanely heavy. I think it's around 3 Kilos or more? Given the cost of plastics now, it's why the toy costs $300(that plus it's Takara). 10 years ago, the Car Robots Brave Max was selling like $180? As for Metroplex, I'll wait and see if it's really "better" than Fort Max. It's 2 feet tall for $125, but I'm curious how hollow it will be. I'm getting the sinking feeling it'll be like the Prime Cyberverse Optimus Maximus toy. As for improvements to Max, I wish they could've thrown some diecast in there somewhere (assuming there is none?). But as for adding joints, nah, it's the nostalgia that's fueling the sale of this baby, changing it too radically might turn some folks off. Also, on Metroplex, there's also a Takara Version upcoming, along with an SDCC version supposedly. I'm wondering if they will add any extras like last year's SDCC Avengers Helicarrier. Gold
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Post by Gakken on Mar 27, 2013 11:45:49 GMT -5
I've handled an original copy at my local toy store. It is pretty heavy.
But yeah to me it's all about engineering and sculpts.
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Mar 27, 2013 15:00:28 GMT -5
As for improvements to Max, I wish they could've thrown some diecast in there somewhere (assuming there is none?). But as for adding joints, nah, it's the nostalgia that's fueling the sale of this baby, changing it too radically might turn some folks off. Actually, the central chest are near the waist is diecast. Other than the size of the figure in general, this makes the figure quite heavy. I am glad they didn't mod the figure/mold, but I think if they felt it was necessary, this is one figure they could have gotten away with putting an extra joint/swivel on the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee joints to give him the ability to turn his arms and legs out a bit to get some small poses out of him. They'd have to be fairly strong because of the heft of the figure, but again, if they changed it, it would be an update rather than a "vintage reissue".
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Post by cupnoodles on Mar 29, 2013 18:21:42 GMT -5
I just got a message that Fortress Maximus has shipped in Japan. Anyone have any pictures yet?
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Post by Chen on Mar 29, 2013 18:30:02 GMT -5
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Post by zeomare on Mar 29, 2013 19:17:20 GMT -5
very cool i love the box cover it is one of my favorites. by the way i see he comes with the sword, did he have that originally? i thought it was some sort of bonus i do not remember the us version having that but then again it has been a long time since looked for anything of fortress maximus
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Post by Chen on Mar 29, 2013 19:56:00 GMT -5
I think only the Japanese version came with the sword.
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Mar 29, 2013 21:32:00 GMT -5
Yes only the Japanese version came with the sword originally.
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Post by mrclean08 on Mar 30, 2013 22:44:44 GMT -5
If any Encore Fort Max's empty boxes with the styrofoam inserts ever get listed on eBay, I'll probably pick up a couple for storage for my (2) vintage G1 Fort Max's
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Post by optimusprimesg on Mar 31, 2013 2:51:46 GMT -5
Here's my video review for Encore 23 Fortress Maximus!
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Post by Gold on Mar 31, 2013 4:54:07 GMT -5
Very nice and detailed review OptimusprimeSG. Thanks! Gold
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Post by cupnoodles on Mar 31, 2013 6:29:04 GMT -5
Great review optimusprimeSG. These are selling at very reasonable prices in Japan 2,1000 yen or so. From what I have heard, sales are very fast. What is the word in Singapore on sales of this?
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Post by mrclean08 on Mar 31, 2013 12:27:02 GMT -5
optimusprimesg, are there any noticeable differences between the colors on the plastic between the Encore vs vintage? Reason I ask is I'm trying to purchase vintage parts from eBay sellers but concerned about the risk of getting tricked with receiving Encore parts instead.
Can you please confirm if there's a difference or way to tell them apart?
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Post by optimusprimesg on Mar 31, 2013 22:52:34 GMT -5
Gold - Thank you. =) cupnoodles - It is selling very well in Singapore as well. Prices range between SGD350-420 (USD280-340) The price is Japan is really cheap (USD225)! It's 25% cheaper than the cheapest price in Singapore! Wow! mrclean08 - I don't own a vintage fort max so I can't really comment on the color difference. But it seems to me that the reissue version has a slightly lighter shade of blue and grey. Hope someone who owns a vintage one can make a comparison.
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