Transformers: The Movie: Studio Series Leader Class Astrotrain

Astrotrain

Train Mode: I just reread my review of Siege Astrotrain, Hasbro’s last attempt at a G1 Astrotrain. I was way too kind to that pile of shit. It is truly a pile of shit. Why is this relevant? Well, somehow, I missed the announcement that this Astrotrain was a whole new mold. Not sure how that happened. I had of course ordered it anyway and then found it at Target. I barely looked at it when I bought it and only when I went to open it, did I realize it was a new mold. Thank Primus, and thank you Hasbro for actually putting some effort into Astrotrain’s steam engine mode. He looks phenomenal. He actually looks like a steam engine! He has drive rods attached to his wheels that actually move as the wheels roll. As a train fan, I really appreciate that. I love the smoke accessory. My only complaint is the panel on the side that meets the front edge of his wings (circled in red in one of the pics). It doesn’t quite plug in properly to the flat gray tab. Not sure what the issue is, but it seem like it should fold up flat and is stuck slightly out at an angle.

Space Shuttle Mode: Unfortunately, Astrotrain’s space shuttle mode is not as well done as his steam engine mode. Seems like Hasbro doesn’t have the ability to fully design Triplechangers anymore. The front looks great, as do his wings, but the back half of the fuselage is a brick with lost of chunks cut out of it. It’s not awful, and if they can only get one vehicle mode right, it’s nice that it’s the steam engine for once.

Robot Mode: Astrotrain looks great in robot mode. He is not perfect. He has some big chunks of kibble on his legs, but it’s not too bad. I love his head sculpt. The only unfortunate thing is that when you put his wing out to make him look more like the toy, he has a big whole in his stomach.

Overall: While he is not perfect, Astrotrain is pretty awesome, and I will be happy to have him in toy colors, prototype colors, and that weird G1 repaint that came out a few years ago. He is a must have.

Thanks for reading!