The Imperial Shipyards

Imperial Review => Action Figures => Topic started by: wraithnine on November 06, 2010, 05:46:38 PM

Title: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: wraithnine on November 06, 2010, 05:46:38 PM
hello again its time for another Wraith9  review !

This time its the turn  of our favorite "Overweight Glob of Grease" R2-D2

this is the much vaunted  new sculpt artoo  ...

this artoo is based on the one seen at the great pit of Carkoon  scenes    on Jabba's Barge in Return of the Jedi.

(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102461.jpg) (http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102460.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102459.jpg) (http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102458.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102457.jpg)
this isn't the first "bartender"R2-D2 Hasbro has done  there was a POTF2  one   here are some comparison shots
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102441.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102442.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102454.jpg)
he comes with his drinks tray,glasses ,drinks dispenser,Luke SkyWalker Lightsaber hilt and a SensorScope
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102429.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102430.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102433.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102435.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102436.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102432.jpg)
He has an opening front door with an armature that comes out,unfortunatly both the arm and door feel very flimsy ,plus the door does not close properly.
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102455.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102456.jpg)
both the sensorscope and hilt can be placed in the head cavity ,when the center leg is pushed up the hilt/scope rise out of the head ,the only drawback is that in order to have the sensorscope /hilt down the center leg MUST be extended and the head cannot be turned in that instance ,which is a big flaw in my opinion ,to get a freely rotating head both the scope and hilt must be left out  which then leaves a big gap in the head.
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102453.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102448.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102447.jpg) (http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102446.jpg)
the head is made of a much harder plastic and as such suffers from the same problem as earlier R2's with "play features" I.E. a big seam that runs across the head.
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102444.jpg)
also he is slightly smaller than the standard R4-G9 sculpt astromechs,sort of between them and the CW R2 (altho in size he is closer to the TCW astro than the legacy)

(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102439.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102438.jpg)
altho strangly enough he is virtually the same scale as the old Leia Hologram Artoo from POTJ  

(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102437.jpg)
he has the same standard articulation as the majority of all astromech ,with a couple of oddities...his main feet have 2 wheels each like his TCW counterparts  but his center leg has no wheels and a peghole  which is a very strange set up indeed.....
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/061120102445.jpg)

overall the body sculpt is tighter and neater , but not by much,  the accessories are excellent and well made  ,its just a shame Hasbro didnt include a blanking plate  for when the leg is up ,
on the whole i feel that altho this is a good R2 figure  its not a great R2 figure  and certainly not the Ultra R2 that Hasbro would have us all believing it is ..
so Hasbro, its a case of "Close but no cigar"

Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: B.R. Steel on November 06, 2010, 08:37:55 PM
Great review.

It's nice that Hasbro went with two wheels on each of the two main legs.  Seems it should make him stand just a bit more level in two leg mode.  Not that it was all that noticeable before, but it bothered me a bit.

Not having the wheels on the third leg seems a tad annoying.  How does that mode look?  Does the lack of wheels on this middle leg put him a bit off in this mode--i.e. body lean?
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: CloneSniper78 on November 06, 2010, 10:15:39 PM
Very informative Jay. I was thinking of picking up this R2 but now I think I will pass. Thank you for saving me the disappointment.
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on November 07, 2010, 12:35:45 AM
wow
the figure looks really nice
a lot of accessories and nice features
thanks a lot for the review Jay
I think I'll buy this figure
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: beige-4 on November 07, 2010, 03:57:29 AM
are the drinks removebale  ;D
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: Tamer on November 07, 2010, 05:42:06 AM
Excellent review Jay. I would agree it was close. Ok, time to go to the front page.

are the drinks removebale  ;D

Looks at the pics, you will see one that answers your question. O0

Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: beige-4 on November 07, 2010, 06:31:03 AM
oh bull ! i need my 20/20's lol
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: artilarytrooper321 on November 07, 2010, 09:24:44 AM
i am buying one of those
nice review
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: Luke Sprywalker on November 07, 2010, 11:24:57 AM
Great review Jay. Man it really sucks when they have a perfect mold and they give is something like this. Not that it is horrible, but it could be much better. Man look at that dome line! The front arms make the over all appearance of the figure crappy imo. The only way it looks good is with those arms open...and then it is short...sigh  ::).
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: Clonehead on November 07, 2010, 05:34:22 PM
Great  review, Jay! Nice accessories to this figure but another R2? Only if there was a sail barge present, for me.
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: CaptainLux on November 07, 2010, 09:14:01 PM
Great Review jay, really amazing!
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: Psyclone on November 07, 2010, 10:48:49 PM
Nice review.  Thanks for taking the time.
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: DocOutlands on November 08, 2010, 06:10:03 PM
Jay, you *are* the astromech god of the 'Yards!  Thanks for the effort you put into this review - *very* well-done and informative.

I'll be buying one.  Or more.  The uses to which I will put mine will be showcasing the chest-arm, rather than hiding it, so a poorly-fitted door is not an issue.  That, or I might be copying that chest-arm and trying to built my own ultra-R2.

Now THERE is a project!  Think I'll start with a metal lathe.....
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: B.R. Steel on November 08, 2010, 07:46:19 PM
There seems to be a common consensus in many forums that those figure samples bought early from the over sea market are probably factory rejects.  Most often folks can't tell the difference.  Regardless what one's thoughts are, I think there's hope that those figures making it to the mass market might not have the issue with the poorly fitting door.
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: Tamer on November 09, 2010, 03:38:37 AM
http://www.jeditemplearchives.com/content/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7151

Wraithnine got some love at jeditemplearchives!
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: wraithnine on November 09, 2010, 04:36:38 AM
http://www.jeditemplearchives.com/content/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7151

Wraithnine got some love at jeditemplearchives!

WOW!
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: wraithnine on November 09, 2010, 04:55:02 AM
There seems to be a common consensus in many forums that those figure samples bought early from the over sea market are probably factory rejects.  Most often folks can't tell the difference.  Regardless what one's thoughts are, I think there's hope that those figures making it to the mass market might not have the issue with the poorly fitting door.

yes that is quite possible ,altho all the figs i have got from Tunghori so far have been the same as the production figures,but one thing to note that will not change is the fact that the sensorscope and hilt ,take some fiddling to get to stand upright and even then do tend to fall sideways in the end ,this is due to the head design ,

oh and the pics that were requested :

(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/071120102467.jpg) (http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/071120102468.jpg)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/071120102463.jpg) (http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/071120102469.jpg)
with the sensorscope pushed in to cover the hole (center leg MUST be extended and head CANNOT be turned)
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn93/nosaj37/album%20no2/071120102466.jpg)
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: darthpaul1974 on November 09, 2010, 08:30:51 AM
We are so envious of you wraithnine!  ;D
Nice overview of this new figure! We can't wait to do our own little analysis at the Jedi Temple too! Thank you for posting this!

Paul Harrison
Jedi Temple Archives
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: wraithnine on November 09, 2010, 08:46:46 AM
We are so envious of you wraithnine!  ;D
Nice overview of this new figure! We can't wait to do our own little analysis at the Jedi Temple too! Thank you for posting this!

Paul Harrison
Jedi Temple Archives

and many thanks for the honour   ,i was totally stunned at the Front Page treatment you gave it.
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: SithLord229 on November 09, 2010, 11:17:33 AM
We are so envious of you wraithnine!  ;D
Nice overview of this new figure! We can't wait to do our own little analysis at the Jedi Temple too! Thank you for posting this!

Paul Harrison
Jedi Temple Archives

and many thanks for the honour   ,i was totally stunned at the Front Page treatment you gave it.

Aside from having the mug on that you weren't mentioned by name  ;)
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: wraithnine on November 09, 2010, 01:50:28 PM
We are so envious of you wraithnine!  ;D
Nice overview of this new figure! We can't wait to do our own little analysis at the Jedi Temple too! Thank you for posting this!

Paul Harrison
Jedi Temple Archives

and many thanks for the honour   ,i was totally stunned at the Front Page treatment you gave it.

Aside from having the mug on that you weren't mentioned by name  ;)
i WAS joking you numpty  ;)
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: DocOutlands on November 09, 2010, 03:32:40 PM
Numpty.....is that like another word for "village idiot"?  If not, I may unilaterally declare it to be so for purposes of my fiction.  Numpty.  I like it.
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: wraithnine on November 09, 2010, 04:22:30 PM
its a jokey way of saying idiot/twit/berk/plonker/pillock  etc  basically its calling someone an idiot without actually meaning it
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: B.R. Steel on November 09, 2010, 05:01:58 PM
Thanks for the additional pics, Wraithnine.  Those are the angles I wanted to see.  Looks like the lack of wheels on the middle leg throws of the look a bit; but then again these are nice closeups of a 3.75" scaled figure.  In person, it may be a non-issue.  Is that your take on it?

Not sure how big of a deal it is to you, but I think the old hot/cold water trick might straighten the little compartment door out.
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: DocOutlands on November 09, 2010, 05:05:50 PM
So it's safe to use on my children...gotcha...   ;D
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: wraithnine on November 09, 2010, 06:26:01 PM
Thanks for the additional pics, Wraithnine.  Those are the angles I wanted to see.  Looks like the lack of wheels on the middle leg throws of the look a bit; but then again these are nice closeups of a 3.75" scaled figure.  In person, it may be a non-issue.  Is that your take on it?

Not sure how big of a deal it is to you, but I think the old hot/cold water trick might straighten the little compartment door out.

actually the rake and trail of the legs is not much of an issue for me(the center leg has an ankle joint so it can be adjusted)  .as for the door  ,its not the door thats the problem its the armature behind it,being slightly too thick at one end, that is the problem
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: SithLord229 on November 10, 2010, 03:57:37 PM
We are so envious of you wraithnine!  ;D
Nice overview of this new figure! We can't wait to do our own little analysis at the Jedi Temple too! Thank you for posting this!

Paul Harrison
Jedi Temple Archives

and many thanks for the honour   ,i was totally stunned at the Front Page treatment you gave it.

Aside from having the mug on that you weren't mentioned by name  ;)
i WAS joking you numpty  ;)

I know you Jason Rayner... ;)
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: CloneSniper78 on November 11, 2010, 09:25:44 PM
I like how British english has a lot more words to describe things. I think American english is getting too dumbed down.
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: B.R. Steel on November 12, 2010, 06:24:48 PM
.as for the door  ,its not the door thats the problem its the armature behind it,being slightly too thick at one end, that is the problem

Interesting.  I've been looking at pictures posted by various folks on the rebelscum forums.  Most of them picture this door as completely closed.  Seen here:
http://threads.rebelscum.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=TVC&Number=4083418&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=93&fpart=9

Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: beige-4 on November 14, 2010, 05:12:20 AM
I like how British english has a lot more words to describe things. I think American english is getting too dumbed down.
true
Title: Re: Vintage Collection ROTJ R2-D2
Post by: Tamer on November 14, 2010, 05:58:24 AM
I finally got around to making some buttons this morning and this along with a few of the other new reviews the Shipyards have done are on the front page.

I also, just for your information, crop one of the photos you submit for your review to 100 by 100 so if you want to provide one you would like me to use when you post a new review I don't mind using one of your choice at all. Matter of fact it would save me some time to make you the button!

This one is at the top of our review section.