Well, my idea that maybe they didn't push up Wheelie's car-mode nose to be flush with the brick-like bit was wrong, looking at some of the new pics that there isn't a joint there at all. Which is really odd, since it certainly looks like that was the intent of the entire shape of the front end, otherwise...
Last minute cost cutting?
Pictures of Ironhide are out -
Studio Series 86 Voyager Ironhide First Look
Making its way across the web is our first look at the upcoming Studio Series 86 Voyager Ironhide! Shown only in robot mode for now, Ironhide is looking pretty accurate to his G1 cartoon model and comes with his gun. He also appears to be a new mold and not based on the WFC releases...
news.tfw2005.com
Looks okay without looking amazing... his legs are very wide - it would help if that hinge section actually swings behind the legs, and if you can reposition the thighs so they're a bit nearer the centre of the lower legs that would help a lot, so let's see if he's mistransformed a bit. If not... seems a bit lacking for a deluxe in Voyager packing.
It's really too early to get a final opinion based on that first (low quality) picture. I'm pretty certain that cut job on the image also removed parts from the figure, but we'll have to wait and see.
At least the feet look to form the back of the van this time, though.
At least the feet look to form the back of the van this time, though.
Looks like a fairly lateral move compared to Earthrise. If I hadn't managed to snag an Earthrise one, I'd be happy for the second chance, but I don't feel a need to upgrade.
Wait, so Ratchet is stuck at core class, but Ironhide gets to be a voyager?! 
I, for one, welcome our new tiny van overlords. Any and all color schemes are welcome.
As someone else in (I think) this thread said (probably) jokingly: the current design team is so committed to cartoon accuracy that they want people to be able to recreate this animation error. 8DWait, so Ratchet is stuck at core class, but Ironhide gets to be a voyager?!
That aside, it could just be the poor quality of this pic, but Ironhide is looking kind of... puffy there. Like novelty gummy candy. =P Also, I'm not particularly filled with confidence by the additional rumor that majority of this guy's parts are translucent pieces painted red. >.<
Seconded. I like how solid the upper torso is looking, too. I'm also not sure why that mattered so much before now.
Yeah, that is a much more flattering shot.
That said, a deluxe in a voyager box isn't even getting us flaps to cover arm gaps now :-/
That said, a deluxe in a voyager box isn't even getting us flaps to cover arm gaps now :-/
Alt-mode pics are up now. Surely this is an unfinished sample though since it's missing his stripe and it appears he has nubs for Ratchet's light bar on the roof. It'd be interesting if there's a high-top that snaps on over those nubs to give him a shield, but that seems unlikely.
Then again, due to all the panel breaks, they may have decided they couldn't do the side stripe which this really needs. It is a better looking van but only marginally so; I might be able to resist this particular temptation.
Then again, due to all the panel breaks, they may have decided they couldn't do the side stripe which this really needs. It is a better looking van but only marginally so; I might be able to resist this particular temptation.
Funny enough, I find there are some things that ER Ironhide does better than SS86 in the vehicle mode (the front end and side hinges come to mind first). But, SS86 has its benefits, too. If I had replacement wheels and feet on my copy, I'd probably not feel any real urge to switch.
However, getting said upgrades will probably cost me as much as this new Ironhide will on its own, so that will likely tip the scales in favour of me picking it up.
I think PvP's review is going to drop shortly, so we'll all soon have a better look.
However, getting said upgrades will probably cost me as much as this new Ironhide will on its own, so that will likely tip the scales in favour of me picking it up.
I think PvP's review is going to drop shortly, so we'll all soon have a better look.
It's a bit hinge-y on the outside, and the back window just... not existing is embarrassing.
But it is definitely better than the last go.
But it is definitely better than the last go.
I dunno, this could be the finished product. In our current era of vehicle modes with fists and feet sticking out and such, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to see those nubs just hanging out on Ironhide. Regardless of whether this is the finished version or not, there will definitely be 3rd party upgrade kits for him.