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Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => The Clone Wars '08-'13 => Topic started by: Brian on April 9, 2009, 10:49 AM

Title: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Brian on April 9, 2009, 10:49 AM
I know we have threads for the individual vehicles as well, so I hope this isn't redundant - but I didn't see a thread to just discuss the vehicles in general.  I put it in the CW section since that is where the majority of new releases seem to come from these days - but I'm thinking more of the Star Wars vehicles line as a whole.  Anyways, I was just rearranging the shelves recently, and taking a look at the vehicles - and realized that it seems like Hasbro has really been doing a pretty nice job with new vehicles lately.  I certainly don't have all of the releases, and I'm no expert on the scale of each individually - but looking at some recent vehicles (The BMF, V-Wing, V-19, Obi-Wan's Delta 2 in particular for me), it seems like the detailing is really taking a step up like we've seen with the basic figures in recent years as well.

I like that we're getting more sculpted details (and less stickers) in the cockpits, and it seems like they are adding in "features" that are actually pretty cool as well.  It is this reason that it has been more and more difficult for me to pass on PT/CW vehicles (like I had once planned), and why I really hope we do see more re-dos of the OT vehicles over the upcoming years as well.  I haven't picked up an AT-TE yet, but that seems (aside from the leg issue) to be pretty well received as well.  Anyways, it just seems like we've really seen a pretty nice step forward in quality for the majority of the "new" vehicles lately - and I hope that continues.  The sculpts are well done, and they are just "fun" as far as a toy goes as well.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on April 9, 2009, 11:11 AM
I used to be a faithful collector of most vehicles that Hasbro has released, and although the overall design and sculpting has continued to improve (apart from scale), it's the omission of the weathering and washes that have really curbed my support for this line. Something about the pristine look to them feels less like "Star Wars" and more like model kits that I used to put together as a kid. Sure, it's the ship on the box but it sure doesn't look like the ship on the box.

It's pretty safe to assume that most of us want as accurate a representation in our action figures to their on-screen counterparts as possible for the cost, I simply think the vehicle line should be handled in the same way.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Brian on April 9, 2009, 12:10 PM
I used to be a faithful collector of most vehicles that Hasbro has released, and although the overall design and sculpting has continued to improve (apart from scale), it's the omission of the weathering and washes that have really curbed my support for this line. Something about the pristine look to them feels less like "Star Wars" and more like model kits that I used to put together as a kid. Sure, it's the ship on the box but it sure doesn't look like the ship on the box.

It's pretty safe to assume that most of us want as accurate a representation in our action figures to their on-screen counterparts as possible for the cost, I simply think the vehicle line should be handled in the same way.

That's a really good point, and something I forgot to mention as well.  I see it on something like the V-19 in particular, where its bright and shiny, and some weathering can always do vehicles some good.  I guess I don't notice it on something like the newer Falcon, but that might be something that is "cost cutting" in the starfighter assortment - as it seems to be happening everywhere (a little less for a little more $) in the SW lines.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Darth_Anton on April 12, 2009, 10:16 AM
I'm pretty vehicled out. Last year, I made my first conscious decision to not buy one, the WM EX Gunship. The CW show related ships, like the Delta 2 fighters and the Magna Droid fighter followed suit. As I look to the future, I really look forward to rescaled OT ships like the At-St and won't blink in picking stuff like that up. I'll also be a sucker for X-Wing variants (Hasbro, take note) and Imperial fighter re-releases. When it come to PT stuff though, I'll weigh my decisions carefully. I've got enough Jedi Starfighters, gunships and ARC, but new items like the Turbo tank will be strong candidates for purchase.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: David on April 13, 2009, 11:55 AM
There was an interesting answer in the Q&A this week that said starting this fall the vehicle packaging will include dioramas similar to the packaging from the Indy line. That'll look pretty cool.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Brian on April 13, 2009, 12:16 PM
Yeah, I just read that this morning - kind of cool.  I only picked up one of the Indy vehicles (so far), but that packaging was pretty spiffy.  It will be interesting to see what they can do with the SW line.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on April 13, 2009, 12:21 PM
There was an interesting answer in the Q&A this week that said starting this fall the vehicle packaging will include dioramas similar to the packaging from the Indy line. That'll look pretty cool.

And well worth the price increases.  :P
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Hobbie on April 13, 2009, 05:07 PM
I like the CW fighters that are coming out - the jedi fighters are great toys, and I'm totally pumped about the upcoming Y-Wing.  But I am completely dismayed that Hasbro is not releasing either BP or 2-pack tie-ins for the vehicles (Ahsoka/R7-A7 for her fighter, Shadow Squadron BP for the Y-WIng), or even a pack-in exclusive astromech for the Y-Wing.  At nearly $70, they could surely repaint one little droid for that.  Actually, their entire explicit disinterest in making more droids for all the droid-socket vehicles coming out (Including the ARC) is bizarre to me.  They expect people to put Goldie in all their ships? 
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: iFett on April 13, 2009, 05:21 PM
They expect people to put Goldie in all their ships? 

I think they said to put in any other droid that's not R2 or Goldie from the animated line.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: DoctorPadawan on April 13, 2009, 06:56 PM
I think they said to put in any other droid that's not R2 or Goldie from the animated line.

And there are tons of those available individually at retail right now, if you want to buy a 25 dollar Battle Pack or an entire wave of figures to get all the parts to build a figure.  No need at all to have an R4-P17 at retail at the very least to stick in the Obi-Wan Delta 7 Starfighter.  Just buy all four of those Legacy Collection figures that stores aren't stocking, build an R2 unit, and stick him in there!  Problem solved!  I mean, the kids who are supporting the line have tons of disposable income, right?  They can afford it! 

Thanks Hasbro!   ::)
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Nicklab on April 13, 2009, 08:51 PM
They expect people to put Goldie in all their ships? 

I think they said to put in any other droid that's not R2 or Goldie from the animated line.

Considering the extensive details that went into the Clone Wars R2-D2, I am very surprised that Hasbro isn't pursuing more astromechs for Clone Wars.  R2 and Goldie are the exact same tool with different paintjobs.  But I guess if they made the green R5 unit that might have to be a new tool.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on April 13, 2009, 09:00 PM
Considering the extensive details that went into the Clone Wars R2-D2, I am very surprised that Hasbro isn't pursuing more astromechs for Clone Wars.  R2 and Goldie are the exact same tool with different paintjobs.  But I guess if they made the green R5 unit that might have to be a new tool.

Actually their legs are different. Goldie's legs omit the holes for the rocket booster accessories that are included with R2.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: jedi_master_sal on April 14, 2009, 11:21 AM
Is the MagnaDroid fighter out yet? I haven't seen it.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Darth_Anton on April 15, 2009, 10:16 AM
I've been keeping an eye out for the new Vulture droid, and haven't seen either that or the Magna droid fighter.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Brian on April 15, 2009, 10:31 AM
I think that Hasbro's presentation at Toy Fair said those were scheduled for a June release, although that isn't always completely accurate.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on April 15, 2009, 10:34 AM
I think that Hasbro's presentation at Toy Fair said those were scheduled for a June release, although that isn't always completely accurate.

Yep, the presentation says June, but EE.com (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS87969) has them for an April release. We'll see if that holds true.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 5, 2009, 02:56 AM
We've got a pretty hefty gallery of new images of vehicles from the Clone Wars $20+ assortment...  Head on out to the front page to check them out! (http://www.jedidefender.com/newspro/fullnews.cgi?newsid1241506144,82223,)

Images include P38 Magna Guard Fighter, Anakin's Clone Wars Fighter, and the new (and seemingly to-scale) Droid Starfighter both walking and flight modes!

(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/09CW_MagnaFighter_LooseTN1.jpg) (http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/09CW_DroidFighter_LooseTN1.jpg) (http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/09CW_AniFighter_LooseTN2.jpg)

I am giddy at the new Droid Fighter...  It looks pretty outstanding, and it's something I'll buy multiple repaints of.  I'd buy camo ones, E1 style paintjobs, Clone Wars paintjobs, ROTS Paintjob...  You name it, and I want it basically.  And it looks to have a very cool walking mode.

The Magna Guard Fighter is growing on my want list too.  I figure two will look very nice... 

For those curious, the Magna Guard Fighter's "p38" designation is an homage to the U.S. World War 2 dual-engine P-38 Lightning Interceptor...  It's got a very similar fuselage to the P-38 from WW2.  It was a plane that saw extensive service in WW2 in all theaters.  I believe it's also the fighter credited with shooting down a transport that was carrying Admiral Yamamoto if I'm not mistaken.

Anakin's Fighter is, of course, a repaint of Obi's Clone Wars Fighter.  I liked that ship, so I'll likely nab Ani's, but I think I'm calling it a day then at that.  Any other repaints of that ship are a no-go for me.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Brian on May 5, 2009, 10:13 AM
All three of those vehicles do look pretty nice.  I'm sort of starting to run out of room for vehicles, so I'm trying to really weigh each one that is coming out.  I'd like to pick up that Vulture Droid, as it looks pretty nicely done.  The MagnaDroid fighter looks good too, but I may end up passing - we'll see.  Like you Jesse, I really liked Obi-Wan's Delta 2, and I'll likely pick up Anakin's to go alongside it.  After that, I don't know how many repaints I'd buy.  I started to get sucked in with the ROTS starfighter repaints, and now they're all packed away aside from Anakin's (Yellow) and Obi-Wan's (Red).
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 5, 2009, 01:11 PM
I'm digging the droid starfighter. Maybe 3 for me. Definitely 2 Magnaguard fighters. I'm passing on the Ani Starfighter. I didn't buy the Obi-wan either. (though I may have to rethink this for the both of them, we'll see). I think the gem in this though is the Wedge X-wing. Not only do we get his X-wing, but we finally get an SA X-wing pilot Wedge AND his droid, AND the various ladder!!!

I suspect Hasbro will try to fork us over though and want $60 for the set. I'd really like to see it sold for $40 or less though. Afterall most of those parts are REUSED parts. And there really can't be that much tooling for a ladder accessory.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: David on May 5, 2009, 07:00 PM
Wow! We're getting some great stuff this year in the vehicle line(s)! The Droid Fighter looks incredible! I may even pick up two, which I pretty much never do. I'm still on the fence about the Magna Guard Fighter though, but that background information is pretty neat and I liked it in the film, so we'll see. As for the Anakin starfighter, I'll probably pass on it because I never got around to picking up the Obi-Wan version. They look really nice though so again, we'll see.

Ugh....I'm dreading the release of that Republic tank from Battlefront....yikes. I'm gonna need at least four of those. :-\
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 6, 2009, 01:59 AM
(http://www.monkeydepot.com/v/vspfiles/photos/USX0003-2.jpg)

This is a pic of a P-38 "Lightning" Interceptor just so you can see the plane the Magna Guard Fighter was based on too...  Actually the Magna Guard Fighter was based on a ROTS fighter design that got scrapped, which actually was based on an EU design from the X-Wing series of video games...  which ultimately was based on the real-world P-38. 

The pic of the P-38 there is a 1:18 scale one from 21st Cent. Toys by the way.  They repainted it a lot...  Some have D-Day striping and things.  I got a European Theater deco one but they were really more known for the Pacific.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: David on May 6, 2009, 12:03 PM
Actually the Magna Guard Fighter was based on a ROTS fighter design that got scrapped

I thought it showed up on Utapau?
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 6, 2009, 02:35 PM
That was where it was intended but I don't think it ever made it in the film...  I'm pretty sure it was a dead design that showed up in source books.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Keonobi on May 6, 2009, 04:22 PM
Jesse, not to derail the thread, but wasn't the ARC-170 based on an allied light bomber?
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 7, 2009, 01:52 AM
The ARC-170, physically, reminds me of an Avenger Torpedo Bomber...  That's just physically though.  It's a light bomber/torpedo plane that saw a lot of use in the Pacific.  Also 21st made a 1:18 one of these, their largest plane they ever did IIRC.  I have one, hanging from the ceiling, and it's about the overall size of the new Millenium Falcon if not a bit wider. 

The ARC-170 could also be compared to the German Junkers Stuka Divebomber which was another prominent plane in WW2, especially the earlier years of the war.  Also a 1:18 plane 21st made.

The Avenger plane they made is just insane.  It was $75 originally and kind of uncommon.  Ironically I got mine half off because WM never put them out before Christmas, and just blew them out then.  Very dumb considering how uncommon they were.  Here is one deco of it:

(http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/badcattoys_2053_61151664)

There's a crew of 3 and it came with all 3 figures to boot...  Very cool.  The wings folded for storage on the carrier, and so does the toy.  The torpedo/bomb bay opens and has a removable torpedo...  It's sick, really.

I agree, not to derail the topic, but it is fun to look at the real-world counterpart to the inspiration of many of the ships from Star Wars...  From a customizing standpoint I love to draw parallels between real-world armor/vehicles into Star Wars vehicles.  It's the trademark that, to me, makes Star Wars models unique and interesting.  There was a bit of that lost in the prequals at first that Lucas got back to in the latter films.  E1 lacked it tremendously though, going with more a classic car look...  I didn't care for that as much. 
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Greg on May 7, 2009, 05:50 AM
I loved the Episode 1 stuff... the sleek and shiny designs really appealed to me for some reason. MY favorite vehicle/inspiration is easily the Republic Gunship and the Soviet Hind Helicopter.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Keonobi on May 7, 2009, 01:01 PM
IIRC wasn't the reason that the EP1 stuff was classic car inspired was because GL grew up in the 50-60s SoCal car culture.  That and weren't there supposed to be some Buck Rogers influences?  Either way, seeing the sometimes subtle, real world inspirations is really cool.  I know I've spent hours paging through the various concept books to see the basis for what was in the movies.

Jesse, I think the P-61 was the basis for the ARC-170.  I was doing some poking around wikipedia, and the fuselage, cockpit, engines.... basically everything but the tail look spot on.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-61_Black_Widow
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Phrubruh on May 8, 2009, 01:12 PM
I agree. This looks more like an ARC-170.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Northrop_P-61_green_airborne.jpg/786px-Northrop_P-61_green_airborne.jpg)
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: David on May 8, 2009, 01:13 PM
Jedi Insider has pictures of my new favorite vehicle:

http://jediinsider.net/g/generated/Hasbro/Clone_Wars/Vehicles_03/03__scaled_600.jpg

http://jediinsider.net/g/generated/Hasbro/Clone_Wars/Vehicles_03/04__scaled_600.jpg

(need to cut&paste to get the links to work)
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Ryan on May 8, 2009, 01:18 PM
That looks pretty lame... It needs some serious weathering. I'm almost glad Hasbro has gone away from weathering these new vehicle. It makes them so much easier to pass up.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on May 8, 2009, 01:25 PM
That looks pretty lame... It needs some serious weathering. I'm almost glad Hasbro has gone away from weathering these new vehicle. It makes them so much easier to pass up.

I hear you. Since they dropped the weathering application to their vehicles a while back I dropped the vehicle/walker line, save for the CW Obi-Wan JSF.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 8, 2009, 01:26 PM
Wel, I'm both delighted and a little disenheartened by the TX-130.

I've been wanting this vehicle for a few years now since seeing it in the video game.

The weathering issue is but one thing. I do recall the bottom "wings" for lack of a better term (maybe outriggers?) being angled. If so, Hasbro could have easily created jointed wings instead of making this flat.

I'm still buying it though. Once I get it and open it up to thoroughly examine it, I'll make up my mind if I'm going to get more than one.

There is a BLUE version of this from a later video game that I fully expect Hasbro to reissue at some point. I think Hasbro would take license to make a gunmetal grey Imperial version too. Not sure if I'd by the blue version, but almost positive on the Imperial version depending on deco.


Be nice if we could have gotten a pic of the insides that convert to a diorama.

Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: iFett on May 8, 2009, 02:11 PM
Be nice if we could have gotten a pic of the insides that convert to a diorama.

huh?
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on May 8, 2009, 02:18 PM
Be nice if we could have gotten a pic of the insides that convert to a diorama.

huh?

The packaging insert "Transforms" into a diorama on the new packaging vehicles.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: iFett on May 8, 2009, 02:23 PM
Be nice if we could have gotten a pic of the insides that convert to a diorama.

huh?

The packaging insert "Transforms" into a diorama on the new packaging vehicles.

Duh...I wasn't even looking at the boxed pics.  Silly me.

That looks pretty lame... It needs some serious weathering. I'm almost glad Hasbro has gone away from weathering these new vehicle. It makes them so much easier to pass up.

I agree, but this is Hasbro....give it time.  They'll get your money eventually.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 8, 2009, 02:42 PM
I'm sorta curious to see the tank next to a figure.  It could be to-scale or horribly underscaled.  I'm just not sure... 

Expect repaints methinks.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Keonobi on May 8, 2009, 02:48 PM
I'm sorta curious to see the tank next to a figure.  It could be to-scale or horribly underscaled.  I'm just not sure... 

Not exactly a side by side comparison, but in the otheR Site's Toy Fair coverage there are two pictures that offer some size comparison.

First a clone trooper and his speederbike:

http://www.rebelscum.com/TF2009/Hasbro1/image14.asp

(Notice the clone is roughly the same height as the from the front of the seat to the back of the bike...)

Now the TX-130

http://www.rebelscum.com/TF2009/Hasbro1/image10.asp

The same speeder is on the left of the picture.  Notice how much bigger the tank is than the bike?  I don't know whether that is quite to scale per Battlefront and other sources, but I think the tank will be a pretty good size.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jeff on May 8, 2009, 02:59 PM
Be nice if we could have gotten a pic of the insides that convert to a diorama.

The fold-out dioramas on these ships (almost all of the new ships will have this feature) will work exactly the same way as the Indiana Jones vehicle inserts did (if you bought any of those).  Basically, what you see on the bottom/front of the box (the yellow sky with the gunships) is what the "diorama" looks like.

I'm sorta curious to see the tank next to a figure.  It could be to-scale or horribly underscaled.  I'm just not sure... 

Jesse, the tank is similar in size to the AAT:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3305899788_0f23242f5d_o.jpg

Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: iFett on May 8, 2009, 03:28 PM
Be nice if we could have gotten a pic of the insides that convert to a diorama.
The fold-out dioramas on these ships (almost all of the new ships will have this feature) will work exactly the same way as the Indiana Jones vehicle inserts did (if you bought any of those).  Basically, what you see on the bottom/front of the box (the yellow sky with the gunships) is what the "diorama" looks like.

Well at least we're getting something extra for the higher prices.  Wish the same could be said for everything else.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 8, 2009, 03:58 PM
Interesting.  Thanks Jeff and Keonobi for the pics for some comparisons...  The AAT's underscaled by a margin, but the Republic tank is small I believe, in everything I've ever seen it in.  It's to be faster/agile by comparison.  At least that was how it was portrayed in the old CLone Wars video game for X-Box.  It's more like an armored speeder than a "tank". 

It's interesting...  I'm going to guess it's probably underscaled by a bit though.  It looks like it is made to be a 2-seater inside, which doesn't seem probable for a $20-ish toy.  Too bad if it's too small.  It looks like a nice sculpt.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Hobbie on May 8, 2009, 08:09 PM
The ARC-170, physically, reminds me of an Avenger Torpedo Bomber...  That's just physically though.  It's a light bomber/torpedo plane that saw a lot of use in the Pacific.  Also 21st made a 1:18 one of these, their largest plane they ever did IIRC.  I have one, hanging from the ceiling, and it's about the overall size of the new Millenium Falcon if not a bit wider. 

The ARC-170 could also be compared to the German Junkers Stuka Divebomber which was another prominent plane in WW2, especially the earlier years of the war.  Also a 1:18 plane 21st made.

The Avenger plane they made is just insane.  It was $75 originally and kind of uncommon.  Ironically I got mine half off because WM never put them out before Christmas, and just blew them out then.  Very dumb considering how uncommon they were.  Here is one deco of it:

(http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/badcattoys_2053_61151664)

There's a crew of 3 and it came with all 3 figures to boot...  Very cool.  The wings folded for storage on the carrier, and so does the toy.  The torpedo/bomb bay opens and has a removable torpedo...  It's sick, really.

I agree, not to derail the topic, but it is fun to look at the real-world counterpart to the inspiration of many of the ships from Star Wars...  From a customizing standpoint I love to draw parallels between real-world armor/vehicles into Star Wars vehicles.  It's the trademark that, to me, makes Star Wars models unique and interesting.  There was a bit of that lost in the prequals at first that Lucas got back to in the latter films.  E1 lacked it tremendously though, going with more a classic car look...  I didn't care for that as much. 

This is pretty funny, since actually it was the *Y-Wing* fighter that was based on the design of the TBF!  Colin Cantwell, who was the concept model maker for the first Star Wars movie said that George specifically told him that he wanted one fighter to be a light bomber type, and to base it on the Avenger, with a rear facing gunner.  (And the original model also had a third crewman in the belly).  I think it's neat that the new CW Y-Wing goes back to that design more.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 9, 2009, 02:58 AM
Yeah I know the Y-Wing was based on the Avenger, but I always thought it had more Stuka to it than Avenger...  The 3 crew in particular always didn't jive with the YW.  It's "job" in ANH was definitely more in tune with the Avenger but it wasn't a big clunky ship like the Avenger more or less was.  The YW is listed as a Fighter-Bomber which is definitely not the Avenger's role.  Then again that doesn't seem to mean much, and more the way they look seems to be more what ties them together.

By the way, the Black Widow definitely looks a lot more like the ARC...  I don't know much about it (I don't think it was a particularly common plane during the war.  Not that I'm aware of anyway), but the resemblance is striking to say the least.  Right down to almost every detail...  It's a different use/designation than the ARC I guess, though really the ARC's "uses" weren't explored much in the movie either.

I wasn't sure about any of the ARC's design.  I don't have much material on prequal ships unfortunately. :(  That Black Widow pic really shows that ship's roots though, for certain. 

Concept sketches for the XW, which ultimately turned up as the Z-95 Headhunter, have an interesting similarity to bubble-top fighters of the allies I find.  I get a Mustang/Spitfire, or even P-47 feel to that design that didn't really totally translate to the X-Wing's final design, but still are a little more noticeable in the Z-95.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Hobbie on May 9, 2009, 12:10 PM
It is remarkable how the P-61's center section is virtually identical to the ARC's.  Even the gun pod on top looks just like an astromech!  I'm sure its not a coincidence, as I believe the P-61 was a heavy, long-range nightfighter.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Nicklab on May 9, 2009, 07:49 PM
It's remarkable how similar the ARC-170 is to the P-61.  Even down to the crew compliment!

Hobbie's correct about the P-61.  It was designated as a night fighter.  It sounds odd now, but most WWII aircraft weren't equipped to fight at night.  The P-61 had onboard radar so that it could track enemy bomber formations and attempt to attack them from behind.

It's really not so far-fetched to think that the designers would draw from WWII aircraft for inspiration.  George Lucas made use of WWII aerial combat photography for what we've come to call animatics when he conceptualized the space battle for A New Hope.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Brian on February 5, 2010, 02:10 PM
I figured I'd post this here since it primarily ties into Clone Wars, but I'm wondering if we're going to see anything else from the "deluxe" vehicle line?  I don't think from any of the leaked information and/or DCPI numbers, that anything has been mentioned for this line outside of the already released Y-Wing Bomber and ARC repaint.  Do you think this line is a goner, or we just haven't heard anything quite yet?
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on February 5, 2010, 02:40 PM
The only one I can think of that is close the remote/radio controlled Hailfire Droid that was reported a while back.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Greg on February 5, 2010, 02:51 PM
I figured I'd post this here since it primarily ties into Clone Wars, but I'm wondering if we're going to see anything else from the "deluxe" vehicle line?  I don't think from any of the leaked information and/or DCPI numbers, that anything has been mentioned for this line outside of the already released Y-Wing Bomber and ARC repaint.  Do you think this line is a goner, or we just haven't heard anything quite yet?

Hasbro mentioned a Gunship in a Q&A session, so that could be in the assortment. Outside of the Republic Shuttle, there is nothing I'd really like to see in the assortment so I'd be happy to see it disappear. The price was just too high for what you were getting... I'd rather spend an extra $30 for a bigger and more enjoyable toy.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jeff on February 5, 2010, 03:01 PM
Do you think this line is a goner, or we just haven't heard anything quite yet?

Last time Hasbro mentioned the line in the Q&A, they didn't seem all that optimistic about the $70 vehicle line's future.  There were Twilight rumors and Slave I rumors for a while, but those seem to have dried up since the AT-AT was confirmed.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on February 5, 2010, 07:23 PM
I could name half a dozen great candidates for this price point, including the Twilight, Separatist Super Tank, and the Republic Shuttle...there is no lack of ideas. The marketing weasels probably just don't think they can sell enough because of their spectacularly ill-conceived launching of the Shadow Arc.

I do think we'll see another Gunship repaint as well as a Y-Wing, with the red deco from the Point Rain arc.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Pete_Fett on February 5, 2010, 08:30 PM
I would love to see the Republic Attack Shuttle or the Twilight in this assortment, but I think McMetal is right - we'll definitely get a repaint of the "Crumb Bomber" Gunship we got this year.

I'm not so sure we'll get a repaint of the Y-Wing though - I wouldn't be surprised to just see the Y-Wing in updated packaging, just like what they do with the $20 vehicle range, past vehicles get re-released in the new packaging to bolster the assortments.

Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Brian on February 24, 2010, 10:14 AM
So, I'm guessing that since there was no news (or even a mention?) of the Deluxe Vehicle assortment at Toy Fair, it must be dead (or at least on hiatus).  I think we can all agree that the pricepoint and initial selection of the repaint ARC didn't help this line any, which is too bad because there probably was potential with some of the vehicles mentioned in this thread.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jeff on February 24, 2010, 10:21 AM
Well, the RC Hailfire Droid is pretty much the "big" CW Vehicle they wanted to focus on at TF.

I wouldn't say the "Deluxe Vehicle" line is dead, but it is taking a rest while they figure out where to go next (which ship, timing, retail/exclusive, etc).  They haven't ruled out more, but I think between the RC Hailfire and the ATAT (regular and exclusive "Vintage" versions), there isn't much more room at regular retail for something big... yet.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Brian on February 24, 2010, 10:23 AM
Well, the RC Hailfire Droid is pretty much the "big" CW Vehicle they wanted to focus on at TF.

I wouldn't say the "Deluxe Vehicle" line is dead, but it is taking a rest while they figure out where to go next (which ship, timing, retail/exclusive, etc).  They haven't ruled out more, but I think between the RC Hailfire and the ATAT (regular and exclusive "Vintage" versions), there isn't much more room at regular retail for something big... yet.

Ah yes, forgot about the Hailfire Droid, that does pretty much fit that "niche" for this year.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on February 24, 2010, 12:15 PM
Well, as a diehard TCW loyalist, I think the RC Hailfire does not compare very favorably with the AT-AT. The AT-AT is a marvelous vehicle with tons of cool features and add-ins that fans have been clamoring for. The Hailfire? Not so much.

I do give the marketing weasels credit for finding a way to wring $$ out of the non-RC enthusiasts by scaling it for the 3/4 line and throwing in a clone trooper. I'd never whiff this otherwise.

But if that's the best we (TCW fans) are getting this year, that is a big fat screw IMO.

It's too bad the Mandos didn't have a giant sized vehicle in their arc otherwise Hasbro would be falling all over themselves to get that on the shelves.  ::)

TWILIGHT IN 2010!!!
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: CHEWIE on February 24, 2010, 12:37 PM
Agreed.  A $60 Hailfire droid that rolls around just doesn't hit the mark. At least not for me.  I'd rather see a $60 item be something like a larger AT-AP, and I'd guess that would be much more popular.  Maybe that will happen later on down the road, as Hasbro might not want two big walkers on the market at the same time.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: jedi_master_sal on February 24, 2010, 12:55 PM
But this is a $60 remote control toy that fires missiles.

Are you guys forgetting that? So you're not just getting a toy, but a remote control one to boot, and on top of that you can shoot the missiles (remotely I think too, IIRC). PLUS you get a pack-in figure.

I think $60 is quite worth it and I'm very likely to get one.

Is it an AT-AT? No, but then there really isn't all that much in CW that compares to an AT-AT. Both the AT-TE and Turbo Tank have been done. So Hasbro found a way to make a mid to large vehicle in the Hailfire droid and with some very cool features.

I think you guys are being just a little too hard on Hasbro.

Arguably it was the OT's "turn" since it only has seen the release of the BMF, while PT/CW era has the AT-TE, Turbo tank and even the CW Y-wing.

We complain about Hasbro all the time, but I think this is one of those times that they did a good job of things.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: CHEWIE on February 24, 2010, 01:02 PM
I never got into RC toys, so that's why I don't care about it.  Plus, I don't feel like losing half the missiles the first time I play with it.

We'll see where this idea goes from here, but I doubt it's going to go much further than this first offering.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on February 24, 2010, 03:42 PM
The AT-AT is, I'm sure, being marketed to the CW crowd too...  Like I've said in the past, a walker is a walker to kids even if it's not in the movie.  It's big, it's got lots of play features, and I'm sure kids will be asking for it to go with their Clones as much as adult collectors will want it.

The Hailfire Droid though gives the Seps something menacing, it rolls over Clones, and yes it does fire missles (3 at a time was what we were told).  Plus RC's a popular thing with kids in different lines and standing on its own.  They even made the battlepack to accompany it (anti-Hailfire Team) similar to the Clone Gunner 2-pack they did for the Turbo Tank.

I think the deal though is that both toys are intended to appeal to the Clone Wars market even though only one is very specifically targeted to just them.  That AT-AT has dual  appeal which is one of the big reasons I think it gets made in a year when OT stuff's scaled back.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Greg on February 24, 2010, 04:01 PM
Well, as a diehard TCW loyalist, I think the RC Hailfire does not compare very favorably with the AT-AT. The AT-AT is a marvelous vehicle with tons of cool features and add-ins that fans have been clamoring for. The Hailfire? Not so much.

I do give the marketing weasels credit for finding a way to wring $$ out of the non-RC enthusiasts by scaling it for the 3/4 line and throwing in a clone trooper. I'd never whiff this otherwise.

But if that's the best we (TCW fans) are getting this year, that is a big fat screw IMO.

It's too bad the Mandos didn't have a giant sized vehicle in their arc otherwise Hasbro would be falling all over themselves to get that on the shelves.  ::)

TWILIGHT IN 2010!!!

I don't think your comparison between the RC Hailfire and the AT-AT is fair. The Hailfire cannot be classified as a "large" vehicle just as the AT-AT cannot be seen as a "medium" vehicle. They are at very different price points and it can be argued that they are targeted to different audiences.

As a diehard Clone Wars fan, you shouldn't feel pressured to purchase this because of the Clone Trooper. If you are indeed a "diehard loyalist" you already have the figure. And if you really like the Clone Wars, you should be ecstatic that Hasbro has finally made a vehicle in the animated style.

As for TCW fans getting screwed, I think that's far from the truth. If anything, this year is better that the last two. Not only will kids (and adult fans) have the nifty Hailfire Droid, but the new AT-AT will work great with some Clones and Jedi. Hasbro even had CW items surrounding the AT-AT at one of the European shows, and an ARF trooper could be seen in the NYTF pics.

The Twilight is a vehicle that should not be made, or at least in the large vehicle assortment. First, the design is boring. It looks like a flying box. Second, the ship is barely in the TV show. When it is, it is not very memorable. The Twilight's only appearances in Season 2 were during the three episodes slotted for the first season.  If the Lego model could be used as any indication, the ship did not make a popular toy.

Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on February 24, 2010, 04:08 PM
The Twilight's an interesting point about it NOT being in the show...  Season one it was quite important but Season two it really has been abandoned for one reason or another, so that is important to note too. 

Hasbro's trying (though it's difficult with the timing) to match the cartoon with their figure releases.  As you can tell they're generally a step behind the episode's releases, and thus mandalore figures aren't out yet but are coming.  I think the more the Twilight becomes removed from the series, the less likely the toy is to happen. 

Hasbro really tries to keep "up to date" with the series though, and what they're putting out, since the series is really a commercial for toys.  So I don't know, but I think the less you see something the less likely it is to happen.  The Turbo Tank I guess is/was to play a big part in the series and just either hasn't yet or was removed.  Very strange.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Brian on February 24, 2010, 05:22 PM
I've noticed that with the Twilight as well.  After the movie and much of Season 1, it seemed like it was going to be the "Falcon" of the animated series.  But now, we've barely seen it in Season 2 at all.  Maybe that will change in the future, but like you said Jesse, if it doesn't start showing up regularly again...it might be a tougher sell as a toy.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on February 24, 2010, 08:10 PM

I don't think your comparison between the RC Hailfire and the AT-AT is fair. The Hailfire cannot be classified as a "large" vehicle just as the AT-AT cannot be seen as a "medium" vehicle. They are at very different price points and it can be argued that they are targeted to different audiences.

As a diehard Clone Wars fan, you shouldn't feel pressured to purchase this because of the Clone Trooper. If you are indeed a "diehard loyalist" you already have the figure. And if you really like the Clone Wars, you should be ecstatic that Hasbro has finally made a vehicle in the animated style.

As for TCW fans getting screwed, I think that's far from the truth. If anything, this year is better that the last two. Not only will kids (and adult fans) have the nifty Hailfire Droid, but the new AT-AT will work great with some Clones and Jedi. Hasbro even had CW items surrounding the AT-AT at one of the European shows, and an ARF trooper could be seen in the NYTF pics.

The Twilight is a vehicle that should not be made, or at least in the large vehicle assortment. First, the design is boring. It looks like a flying box. Second, the ship is barely in the TV show. When it is, it is not very memorable. The Twilight's only appearances in Season 2 were during the three episodes slotted for the first season.  If the Lego model could be used as any indication, the ship did not make a popular toy.



Well, this was my point exactly - that the two do not compare at all. If you read the previous posts to mine, I was responding to the assertion that they were essentially equitable offerings. I agree it's an apples and oranges type of deal. My take is : why didn't the TCW line get its own "orange" this year?

As far as the trooper pack in, I have yet to see anyone verify 100% that this is a straight re-pack. I suspect it will be some slight variation, such as the reduced articulation ala Stone. I don't feel any pressure at all, I actually hope it is different. I want as many differentiated variants as possible.

I don't agree with the logic of the TCW having a banner year because of the AT-AT. I have ZERO interest in this thing. Maybe there's a cross appeal for kids, but if you're dedicated to this line exclusively, there's a big glaring gap of large sized offerings this year. (That we know of so far)

I'm not trying to bash the HF at all; it's a cool ship and I'm sure I'll buy it. I just think that as robust as this line has proven to be, that it merits something bigger than the mid-sized starfighter range that isn't a repaint of a gunship or Y-Wing.

As far as the Twilight, suffice to say we agree to disagree. I think the ship has a very strong presence in Season 1, and regardless of that there is very little actual correlation between screen time/show prominence and probability of being released as a toy. Hasbro has shown this time and again. This is why we get some no-name Mandalorian Guard before Suchess Satine. This is why we get the Shadow Arc over the Solar Sailer.

Boring is in the eye of the beholder. The Turbo Tank could is essentially a big box on wheels. At least the Twilight has a transformative functionality, like the B-Wing.

I'll never let that dream die, fully realizing it is a very long shot.  :)
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on February 24, 2010, 08:35 PM
Quote
My take is : why didn't the TCW line get its own "orange" this year?

CW had plenty of large "orange" vehicle offerings last year with the ARC-170, Y-Wing, revised Gunship and the Turbo Tank and with this being the 30th Ann. of ESB and no media support otherwise, this is the best year as any to release something as sizable as the AT-AT.

Quote
This is why we get the Shadow Arc over the Solar Sailer

No, we got the Shadow ARC because it was, at the time, a quick way to get a "new" product on the shelves without new tooling and to serve as a shelf place holder until the all new Y-wing could reach full production and be distributed stateside.

Quote
The Turbo Tank could is essentially a big box on wheels. At least the Twilight has a transformative functionality, like the B-Wing.

Really? The TT has a ton of transformative quality - far more than the Twilight anyway. That's not to say I don't want the Twilight, I do, but if Hasbro was going to strike while the iron was hot for the spice freighter, I'm afraid they've missed their window.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on February 24, 2010, 08:53 PM
Quote
I think the ship has a very strong presence in Season 1


It does for sure...  and the movie even moreso.  2008 would've been a better time to look at this (as of right now... it can come back at any moment).  But, season 1 is done, as is the movie.

Quote
and regardless of that there is very little actual correlation between screen time/show prominence and probability of being released as a toy.

Not according to Hasbro, and especially when it comes to bigger items.

Quote
This is why we get some no-name Mandalorian Guard before Suchess Satine. This is why we get the Shadow Arc over the Solar Sailer.

Poor examples...  You get the Mando Guard because he's more interesting and sells better than female characters.  That's a proven track record Hasbro cites time and again.  I think you may get Satine, but Hasbro's pretty staunch on the, "female characters don't sell" point of view and in general they're right...  especially where kids are concerned.  They'd rather put out something people are more inclined to buy (and buy multiples of at that), than a female character that may be a tough sell regardless of her prominence in the series.

You got the Shadow ARC because it's already tooled and the hoped-for sales of that were planned to help push new tools in that deluxe vehicle line-up.  And the Solar Sailer is anything but "aggressive".  Look back on their commentary there in the past as well.  Look at the Cloud Car coming up.  It's made into a road-warrior vehicle with tons of hidden weapons and things because the vehicle was (for many years) declared "not aggressive" by Hasbro.  The Solar Sailer would be "boring" to many, again (and especially) kids I think, even though it may appeal to me (especially if it were done to-scale, it's not really that large with the sail down and I love that ship too).

Better examples are looking at the Y-Wing, the AT-TE, and the seemingly dropped plans of the Turbo-Tank...  The Y-Wing had a huge story-arc where they were prominent and popular.  The AT-TE's appeared in Season 1 and 2 a good bit.  The Turbo Tank was (supposedly) planned to be more prominent in Season 2 and for some reason wasn't, but Hasbro seemed to have thought it would be.  So TV prominence seems to generally play a large role in why things (especially big things...  comparing figures in and of itself isn't even fair to do) get made.

The tooling dollars become increasingly more costly the bigger and more complex the toy is though...  so that's why it's not fair to compare why you don't get a Satine over a Mando guard, with comparisons of why you don't get this vehicle over getting that one.  They're really whole different balls of wax, and the reasoning why you get one thing over another changes with each.

I'd add again too, that the AT-AT isn't marketed to adult collectors who ONLY collect Clone Wars too...

It's marketed to:

-Adult collectors... period.  But especially the OT crowd which dominates the adult collecting community.

-Kids, who just see a big assed walker for their Clones that stomps, makes lots of sound, and which towers over even their beloved turbo tanks and AT-TE's and such...  Kids don't know (or care?) about the AT-AT being from a 30 year old movie, they just know their clones will look badass in it.  It's a clone walker. 

Really the vehicles overall have been pushed for cross-over collecting more than anything else.  Hasbro can't really afford to differentiate too much with those, even in the $25 range.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: JediJman on February 24, 2010, 09:36 PM
Getting a bit off topic here, but do female figures really sell worse than male figures?  I thought Princess Leia was one of the hardest figures to find in the original POTF2 line.  Figures like ROTJ Leia, Starkiller Hero, Juno Eclipse seem to have sold as well or better than their wave-mates in recent years, so I'd love to see some data behind the female figs don't sell arguement.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on February 24, 2010, 09:44 PM
To Hasbro, yes...  Many (most?) female characters do poorer.  POTF2 Leia's were short-packed back in the day because of that...  Juno Eclipse was a dismal seller I think (I still see them, seriously...  I dig her but that figure was everywhere in abundance).  Even the Starkiller Hero was one I know I saw a lot more than most any other McQuarrie figure too.

It rolls through today though...  Look at Beru from the AOTC wave, or even Luminara from the CW which is everywhere I go now for some reason, but the rest of her wave's not seemingly as abundant.

I dont' think it's a blanket thing though and some figures can perform well, but I think Hasbro likes to control female figure's releases a bit more tight than others. 

ROTJ Leia in the bikini seemed to do really well though, at least near me.  Wasn't she not packed and repacked though, compared to others from the wave?  I forget, but I'm guessing not.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on February 24, 2010, 09:54 PM
There have been a ton of warming female figures in recent years:

Yarna, Stass Allie, Breha Organa, Beru, TPM Queen Amidala, Leesub Sirln, Luminara and even there top selling female character Ahsoka (especially the space suit version) has started to pile up now in some respects.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: JediJman on February 24, 2010, 10:10 PM
I guess my area is different than yours. I don't see any Beru left and I see a ton more Obi-Wan's and Anakins warming the CW pegs than I do Luminara.  The Padme figures in both Legacy and CW have been tough to find as well.  I only think I saw Juno in the store a handful of times and near me she sold as well as anything else in The Force Unleashed lineup.  As for Bikini Leia, I thought she was available in both the Wave 9 initial and revision cases.  It was the ugnaught variant who was short-packed and I see him as much if not more than Leia around here.  Leia is easily the hardest to find from that wave as we have lots of ROTJ leftovers hanging around the pegs, but almost no Leias.

I guess Yarna was a big pegwarmer, but she's more alien than female in my eyes.  That figure was way over-produced.  Leesub and Breha don't have the backstory or following to rely on that most male characters do.  I'm betting you wouldn't see figures like the Tonnika Sisters sitting around long.  There are plenty of male characters in the same boat - Malakili had more screen time than these characters, but doesn't seem to be selling much better.  I'd also argue that Hasbro hasn't had very good sculpts for many of the pegwarming females.  Black Dress Padme and Slave Leia are exceptions that have sold well. 

I don't know about past limited production runs - you might be right on that front.  Would be interesting to see what the production numbers of female figures are compared to their male counterparts in the TAC, Legacy, and CW waves.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Darby on February 24, 2010, 10:31 PM
I think a lot of it depends on who the female is.  Yarna was doomed from the beginning.  Breha, Beru... not going to do very well.  But Padme, Luminara, Leia, and Ahsoka all do fairly well around here.  I think Satine would do fine, and I hope they make her. 
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on February 24, 2010, 10:47 PM
Like I said, it's what Hasbro says...  females don't do as well (generally) than male figures.  My area may be different but it tends to support that notion as well.  The AOTC wave was hard to find in general, but I still saw Beru numerous times...  Luminara from CW, Space Suit Ahsoka, and that adventuring outfit Padme are all readily abundant at any WM or Target here it seems (Luminara's more at Target than WM it seems).

And if every Cantina figure sells slowly, I guarantee the Tonnika's will too if they're put out in the same numbers as Dice Ibegon, or similar figures that lingered forever.

But to the point, it's been Hasbro's stance for years that female characters can stagnate fast, and so they're often short-packed, or released differently than male characters.

EDIT:  I was looking at some case ratios and of course it's changed where a lot are 1x of each character and now more what you see is what is or isn't being carried forward in the next wave or revisions.  I can't figure that ROTJ Slave Leia out but I see a lot of Hasbro's "A-List" characters are what get carried forward...  Maul, Jango, Obi-Wan, Anakin, R2, etc. 

It really reminds me I should pre-order a case of the EU wave from Entertainment Earth too, just to avoid that potential hastle.  ::)
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jeff on February 24, 2010, 11:13 PM
Leia is easily the hardest to find from that wave as we have lots of ROTJ leftovers hanging around the pegs, but almost no Leias.

I can't figure that ROTJ Slave Leia out

Obviously, the main thing that helped keep this Leia in demand was the duality of the figure (sitting/standing legs).  Many folks out there bought two so they could display each version, so that had to help move a lot more than they otherwise might have sold...
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on February 24, 2010, 11:26 PM
I know I did...  I wanted one to whip someone's ass and one to lounge around.  I pondered a third for customs but opted out since 2 of her cost me plenty as it is.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: JediJman on February 24, 2010, 11:33 PM
The Leia is a good point - would be interesting to see if she'd be pegwarming with just one set of legs or if she'd still be outselling the others.  I'd still love to see sales and production figures for myself.  After Hasbro blaming the collecting community for their recent dip in sales I guess I'm not as trusting in their ability to correctly analyze and diagnose their sales. 
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: CHEWIE on February 25, 2010, 12:52 PM
That Leia is such a great figure, and light years ahead of the other Slave Leia figures... even if she didn't come with the spare legs, I think that figure would have done fine.  I think she might be "figure of the year" for me.

Of note, that figure (much less the wave itself) never showed up at any of the retailers around here in big numbers.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: iFett on May 14, 2010, 08:34 PM
Picked up the Imperial ARC a few weeks ago and finally found a chance to crack it open.  Very nice repaint including the tinted "windows" but I would have preferred an all black version with grey highlights.  Was happy to find this at $40 with coupon, but Hasbro is INSANE for wanting $65 for this thing.  I assume this price point is dead as well as this dlx line?
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 20, 2010, 11:45 PM
A couple boxed images of 2010 vehicles...

(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/010CW_BlueRepTankBoxed01_TN.jpg)(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/010CW_ObiJSFBoxed01_TN.jpg) (http://www.JediDefender.com)
Clicky to check them out!

I like the hovertank getting redecoes...  It's an army builder, and given the JSF repaints it's a nice respit from those.  I'd like to see a redeco (dirty, at the very least) V-19 TOrrent...  I wouldn't mind seeing EU paintjobs on it either, that maybe matched Clone decoes they put out?  I'd take one with the ARC Pilot deco, or something goofy like that.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on May 21, 2010, 11:11 AM
Nice photos, loving the new Interceptor deco.

I'm wondering about wave/case assortments for the vehicle line come August though.

At one point, the new tank was listed as Wave 1 - "early August", along with the Droid Gunship and Xanadu Blood. Then Toyfair came around and there was no mention of the Xanadu Blood or the HMP.

By my count, we have at least 5 new TCW vehicles coming this Fall, including the Swamp Speeder and Plo Koon's Starfighter, plus the ones listed above. I'm guessing these will be split into at least 2 waves, along with the obligatory repacks.

If anyone has more detailed info about the individual waves or tentaive schedule, I'd love to know.  ;D
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on May 21, 2010, 11:19 AM
There is a new Kit Fisto JSF coming as well.

I'd like to see some of the Interceptor/Fighter Tanks sport custom graphics akin to the recent "Crumb Bomber" gunship. These being ground forces, it seems like these too would be subject to customization by the troops.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jeff on May 21, 2010, 11:51 AM
If anyone has more detailed info about the individual waves or tentaive schedule, I'd love to know.

2010 Fall Mid-Size Vehicle Wave 1 (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS94804A&id=HA-807301583) - 1x Snowspeeder, 1x Cloud Car, 1x CW Blue Clone Tank, 1x Anakin's CW Starfighter

2010 Fall Mid-Size Vehicle Wave 1, Revsion 1 (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS94804A1&id=HA-807301583) - 1x Snowspeeder, 1x CW Blue Clone Tank, 1x Anakin's CW Starfighter, 1x Obi-Wan's CW Starfighter

2010 Fall Mid-Size Vehicle Wave 1, Revision 2 (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS94804A2&id=HA-807301583) - 1x Cloud Car, 1x CW Blue Clone Tank, 1x Anakin's CW Starfighter, 1x Obi-Wan's CW Starfighter

All three cases should start appearing in the July/August timeframe.  There is nothing "official" for timing of other ships beyond those.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on May 21, 2010, 02:50 PM
Thanks a lot, this is a big help in updating my personal wantlist for the relaunch.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 22, 2010, 06:15 PM
If anyone has more detailed info about the individual waves or tentaive schedule, I'd love to know.

2010 Fall Mid-Size Vehicle Wave 1 (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS94804A&id=HA-807301583) - 1x Snowspeeder, 1x Cloud Car, 1x CW Blue Clone Tank, 1x Anakin's CW Starfighter

2010 Fall Mid-Size Vehicle Wave 1, Revsion 1 (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS94804A1&id=HA-807301583) - 1x Snowspeeder, 1x CW Blue Clone Tank, 1x Anakin's CW Starfighter, 1x Obi-Wan's CW Starfighter

2010 Fall Mid-Size Vehicle Wave 1, Revision 2 (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS94804A2&id=HA-807301583) - 1x Cloud Car, 1x CW Blue Clone Tank, 1x Anakin's CW Starfighter, 1x Obi-Wan's CW Starfighter

All three cases should start appearing in the July/August timeframe.  There is nothing "official" for timing of other ships beyond those.

Wow, what is sad about those three waves is that Hasbro is banking more on a couple of year or two old molds in the Jedi Starfighters to sell better than the NEW vehicles in the snowspeeder/cloud car. That just goes to show Hasbro is dumping movie (and thereby core collectors) toys. It's a slow painful process that we've all been witnessing in the last year or two.

No wonder sales will be slower for movie related stuff.  ::)
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: efranks on May 22, 2010, 07:49 PM
Yeah, those case ratios suck.  Both Obi-Wan and Anakin's JSF sold very slowly in all the stores I visited when they were out previously.  They sold, but they clogged things up for a good period of time.  I see the same thing happening here.  The Snowspeeder and Cloud Car will be gone and other than the blue Tank, the shelves will look just like they do now.

Someone at Hasbro has their head up their ass on this.

   E...
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 22, 2010, 10:23 PM
Yeah, those case ratios suck.  Both Obi-Wan and Anakin's JSF sold very slowly in all the stores I visited when they were out previously.  They sold, but they clogged things up for a good period of time.  I see the same thing happening here.  The Snowspeeder and Cloud Car will be gone and other than the blue Tank, the shelves will look just like they do now.

Someone at Hasbro has their head up their ass on this.

   E...

Would that be Daryl?
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on May 22, 2010, 10:52 PM
Granted this first wave are repack/repaint heavy, but I do think they are paving the way for more new mid size vehicle assortments with the Hyena Bomber, Plo Koon's Jedi Starfighter, Heavy Missle Platform, Clone Swamp Speeder still to come.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: efranks on May 23, 2010, 12:21 PM
I don't know who on the Team picks case ratios or if it's collaborative, but I have to question their thought process on it.  Just to use figures as an example, I really cannot fathom why a new wave doesn't have the first case packed with 2 of most of the new characters and then packed lighter on the revisions, if they do revisions.  Not ever new character in a wave is going to be a hot seller, but even collectors can make a good guess on what's going to peg warm from each release, why can't Hasbro figure it out?

Same with vehicles.  There's no reason not to have a case with 2x Snowspeeder and Cloud Car and then come back with a revision with one or the other plus repacks and a revision of the other new and then repacks.  Yes, I understand that they cost out each case on its own, but if selling a full run of Snowspeeders, for example, at $24.99 each isn't enough to justify the cost of tooling it up then there may be bigger problems. 

But if they have to include that many repacks, why not the Corporate Alliance Tank?  That's never been easy to find.  Neither were the Vulture Droid or V-19, at least not around here.  So why not get them out again before going to the JSF well, especially since they're going to be re-painting and shipping the hell out of them later this year anyway?

   E...
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on May 26, 2010, 07:55 PM
A pic of Ani's fighter was given to us today... 

(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/010CW_AniJSFLoose01_TN.jpg)

This one came and went locally, so I have to say that I'm pleased it's returning as I didn't buy one when I saw them.  Other areas maybe had many, but this was one I didn't see often at all.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on May 27, 2010, 11:16 AM
Easy pass for the Variant hounds like myself, not even a whiff of a deco change.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on June 23, 2010, 10:59 AM
So apparently the re-deco Republic Tank is part of the same case assortment as the Cloud car and Snowspeeder. I guess we knew this, but I saw confirmation on SWAN from some lucky bastage that already picked up a haul of new stuff from his local comic shop.

I assume this is where the whole August 6th Street Date talk started...

I don't think I can wait another 5 weeks!
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on July 22, 2010, 09:33 AM
Wasn't sure where else to stick this, so here goes.

I have seen a couple of pictures of a new SW Vehicle I have never heard of or seen before. I am hoping someone can help identify what this is and what line it will be released under:

http://www.galactichunter.com/absoluteig/gallery.asp?action=viewimage&categoryid=6486&text=&imageid=38253&box=&shownew=

Props to GH for the awesome photo, BTW. It looks like a hybrid of an AT-TE and AT-RT. Very cool. It appears to be in the general vehicle section though, with no packaging display, so not sure where/when this would be coming out.

Thanks in advance for any info!
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on July 22, 2010, 09:36 AM
It's a repaint of the AT-AP rumored a while back. It'll be released under the Clone Wars nameplate. Release: 8/29/2010
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on July 22, 2010, 09:54 AM
Thanks Jayson, I was thinking AT-AP but couldn't quite remember. I still have the Target exclusive TCW version from a few years back, man that was hard to find.

I guess this would be in the $24.99 starfighter type price range?
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on July 22, 2010, 10:06 AM
I guess this would be in the $24.99 starfighter type price range?

Yes (http://www.rebelscum.com/sdcc10/Hasbro_Star_Wars_01/image46.asp)
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on July 22, 2010, 02:39 PM
Nice...I caught that earlier today too. Funny that it doesn't specify it as Clone Wars but then again neither does the Kit Fisto placard.

The new JTA gallery is up now too and has some great shots.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Scockery on July 31, 2010, 07:15 PM
Is this gonna be the first year since ROTS without a Republic Gunship release?

I'm still not clear why they didn't release the gunship with (or even without) doors in the 2009 deluxe series instead of that Imperial ARC 170. The gunship is something kids and parents would recognize. 

The fall 2010 release case packs of the Starfighter series are bit odd in that there's no vehicles currently shipping for the Jedi Fighters or the Clone Tank to fight (Or the Cloud Car, which never really fought, though). I know more repaints are coming, the AAT, Bane's fighter and the new droid bomber.

Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on July 31, 2010, 07:24 PM
I'm pretty sure, based on previous Q&A responses, that Hasbro is planning a Geonosian-deco Gunship from the Point Rain arc. I'm guessing this would be on tap for 2011 though...
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Greg on July 31, 2010, 08:44 PM
Is this gonna be the first year since ROTS without a Republic Gunship release?

2007 was actually the first year. That was also the first time the ARC-170 got released since its initial debut in the ROTS line. Since the introduction of the toy in 2002, there have been only two years (2004 and 2007) in which the RGS has been unavailable at any retail outlets.

McMetal, I remember reading the same Q&A that you did. For some reason I'm thinking that that particular gunship was put on hold or cancelled, but don't quote me on that. Hopefully a Gunship repaint isn't the "big" surprise for CV.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Nathan on August 1, 2010, 11:45 PM
Cool to see a rerelease, but por que on the green trim? Legion colors? Anyone know what the card in the pic is supposed to say?
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on August 9, 2010, 04:58 AM
4 new images popped up for us to share...

boxed shots of the next wave of vehicles:

(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/010MidVeh_AATBoxedFront01_TN.jpg) (http://www.jedidefender.com/image.pl?http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/010MidVeh_AATBoxedFront01_Full.jpg) (http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/010MidVeh_SwampSpeederBoxedFront01_TN.jpg) (http://www.jedidefender.com/image.pl?http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/010MidVeh_SwampSpeederBoxedFront01_Full.jpg) (http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/010MidVeh_ATAPBoxedFront01_TN.jpg) (http://www.jedidefender.com/image.pl?http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/010MidVeh_ATAPBoxedFront01_Full.jpg) (http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/010MidVeh_HyenaBomberBoxedFront01_TN.jpg) (http://www.jedidefender.com/image.pl?http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-08/010MidVeh_HyenaBomberBoxedFront01_Full.jpg)
Clicky each image to check it out (and yes, some of the dioramas are upside down)!

Can't wait for the Swampspeeder...  I'm probably happily passing on all the rest.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on August 9, 2010, 09:34 AM
Hmmm, I hope they correct those dioramas...I don't want to have to search all over for boxes that are properly oriented.

I'll be buying all, but the Swamp Speeder and AT-AP may require openers as well. Those are awesome.

The card at SDCC for the AT-AP had a street date of 8/29 but I'm guessing it will be September or OCtober before we actually see these. Hope it's sooner though.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: iFett on August 9, 2010, 09:56 AM
Is that another repaint of the AAT?  I can't tell and I seem to have lost count.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Nathan on August 9, 2010, 12:47 PM
I'm really hoping it's just the package tinting and not a "dirty" variant.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jayson on August 9, 2010, 01:02 PM
Is that another repaint of the AAT?  I can't tell and I seem to have lost count.

It's a dark brown repaint I believe.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jesse James on August 9, 2010, 03:45 PM
Yeah...  The diorama appears to imply it's from Geonosis.  Was there an AAT variant in the Landing at Point Rain episode?
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Pete_Fett on August 9, 2010, 11:00 PM
Interesting that they show realistic clones on the Swamp Speeder. I guess it's Hasbro's way of trying to get a collector who only collects the movie/"realistic" line to pick up this vehicle even though it is designated as a "Clone Wars" vehicle.

This is going to be the expensive wave for me, I want all four of the vehicles to open and to keep MIB.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Scockery on August 10, 2010, 09:22 AM
It's the 6th release of the AAT, I think. I found the blue and steel coloring odd, so getting back to gritty is cool. Sucks if you were building an army of the blue patterned ones and wanted more of those. I only have the 30th anni version, and this one looks more compatible with it.

I only have an incomplete AT-AP (stripped of everthing but 2 main legs and top gun) I got used for a buck and it's legs don't sit evenly (I assume it's a bad example). Not sure if it's worth getting unless I want to recreate the battle on Upsidedownsis.

$25 for a swamp speeder? I dunno, could get a clone with a big grub for that price!  :D (Though the hard part is finding ROTS clone who can sit down to operate it. (Come back, quick draws, all is forgiven! Well, maybe not all.)

Droid fighters/bombers never did anything for me.



Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on August 12, 2010, 01:13 PM
So I hit up a Walmart earlier today looking for TCW Wave 2. (Utter failure - none are on the pegs here yet) One of the ones I hit was in the process of resetting. They had all new planograms up dated 8/9 showing the new SW section layout. No new figs, but there was a case of the new vehicles and the newest BP's out.

Weirdest thing though - they had a shelf tag for a SW vehicle listed for $59.97. I checked and the tag was dated 8/10, and the planogram confirmed there was some sort of designated space for a new vehicle, right next to the AT-AT.

I cannot fathom what they would stick there though - there is nothing on the horizon that I can think of at that price, unless they are planning to reship some ARC's or Y-Wings, but I've heard nothing about that.

Needless to say, I'll be checking back there this weekend out of sheer curiosity.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: Jeff on August 12, 2010, 01:23 PM
That's for the RC Hailfire Droid...  at least that't the case at the Walmart near me.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on August 12, 2010, 03:17 PM
Duh...of course! Thanks Jeff, I already bought this thing so it's completely off my radar.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on August 15, 2010, 04:03 PM
For the first time in my SW career I have decided to pass on most upcoming cw/prequel vehicles. This is one I will make an exception for. I have zero interest in the Hyena Bomber, AT-AP repaint, Blue Tank repaint, RC Hailfire Droid, Xandu Blood, Tri Droid repaint, Swampseeder, all Jedi Starfighters and 75% of the mini rigs. I am on the fence with the Trade Tank and Droid Gunship most likely I will buy those. I am very down with the Jedi Speeder. With room being an ever increasing issue I have to really pick and choose, I hit a phase where the uninteresting is no interesting to me. I would love a Lars Landspeeder next.
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: jedi_master_sal on August 16, 2010, 04:14 PM
For the first time in my SW career I have decided to pass on most upcoming cw/prequel vehicles. This is one I will make an exception for. I have zero interest in the Hyena Bomber, AT-AP repaint, Blue Tank repaint, RC Hailfire Droid, Xandu Blood, Tri Droid repaint, Swampseeder, all Jedi Starfighters and 75% of the mini rigs. I am on the fence with the Trade Tank and Droid Gunship most likely I will buy those. I am very down with the Jedi Speeder. With room being an ever increasing issue I have to really pick and choose, I hit a phase where the uninteresting is no interesting to me. I would love a Lars Landspeeder next.

I'm just about the same as you. I'll get the Jedi Speeder and Droid gunship. Also will get ONE Swampspeeder. All the others you mentioned I'll be passing on though. Besides just not having the room, I don't have the need or desire for those vehicles.

Give me Jabba's Sail Barge and then we'll talk...
Title: Re: General Vehicle Discussion Thread
Post by: McMetal on October 27, 2010, 11:57 AM
Couldn't find any relevant individual threads so I figured it would be best to post this here:

Apparently the Xanadu Blood and Plo Koon's Starfighter have been spotted at a brick and mortar TRU out west, as per Yakface.

My local stores did not get these in with this week's trucks, but they have 3 trucks coming in next week so odds are good we'll seen these soon. I hope!

Back on the Hunt!