Voyager-class Autobot Tread Bolt
Review by EVA_Unit_4A
Tread Bolt is a member of the Autobots’ Air Patrol; one of the few of their numbers capable of sustained flight. As such, this means he usually operates alone far from support, and thus needs to eliminate any Decepticon threat quickly or risk being overwhelmed. But he isn’t concerned about being detected, since his entire chassis is covered in radar-refractive armor, making him invisible to all but the most advanced enemy sensors. And his speed & aerial prowess make him a formidable opponent as well. His fellow Air Patrol bots often team together high in orbit around Earth with their rocket engines for high-speed air drops & interception missions behind Decepticon front lines, taking them by surprise. Unfortunately, in his off-time, Tread Bolt likes to practice his stealth techniques on fellow Autobots much to their chagrin, making him an honored-yet-less-favored member.
. . .
This Transformers Universe (aka Classics 2.0) figure is a repaint of the original 2006 Voyager-class Autobot Jetfire set- itself based on a character that appeared in the classic Generation One cartoon series in 1984. The first (and, thus far, only) version of Tread Bolt appeared as a Micromaster-sized (1½ - 2” tall) robot during the debuting Generation 1 era (1984-86). He was not a part of the original cartoon- re-colored or otherwise- as the first toy was an original design made after the series ended in 1986.
Vehicle Mode
(unarmored)
Robot Mode
(unarmored)
Tread Bolt’s original vehicle mode was a “sub-orbital craft”, and his color scheme was metallic blue and basic yellow, and highlights of silver. The gold “Air Defense” label across the Classics 2.0 version is a carryover from the Micromaster toy which had it in an identical position (but said "Air Patrol" instead). Unlike earlier toys from the Transformers Classics line in 2007, Tread Bolt lacks the temperature-sensitive decal which shows his allegiance- a gold Autobot logo has been printed behind his cockpit, which eventually ends up in front of his head on top of his chest.
Accessory armor
(details)
Vehicle Mode
(armored)
Robot Mode
(armored)
I got this specific set because I missed my chance to get Jetfire the first time around, being that he was so popular with Trans-fans. While the toy itself is still fantastic (I didn’t like the arms not transforming at all and just hanging off the sides), the color scheme just doesn’t work for me. Blue and black, with highlights of orange and yellow would have been fine, but it’s the brown which throws that off. For example, if there was no blue or even yellow, the brown would have worked. Starting out as a supped-up F-14 Tomcat in a livery reminiscent of the United States Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron is fine, but then to dump a lot of dark coloring on the robot mode spoils that.
For a repaint, it’s not that great. No special or unique details beyond the original Jetfire mold. But, those same molds are still awesome. So, if you can ignore the coloring (maybe repaint it yourself so you don’t have to damage your Jetfire), then the Voyager-class Autobot Tread Bolt set will satisfy your needs.
Be sure to read the more-detailed description of Voyager-class Autobot Jetfire, reviewed by CollectionDX’s own Atom.
And now, for some special bonus material!
Posted 13 November, 2009 - 00:58 by EVA_Unit_4A |
Comments
10 comments postedYou've combined Treadbolt w/ Ultra Magnus in a unique fashion. Very inventive EVA!
That's thinking outside of the geek box. Excellent conversion EVA, Excellent!
-R78
I wish I could take credit for it, but I can't. I didn't make that combo.
I found it online some months ago, while randomly browsing the TFormers forum. I was researching about getting Tread Bolt (who was then-new), and I came across the vid on YouTube.
..If you had watched the second video, you would have known that before you posted. ;)
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CollectionDX Staff
What's with the scuff marks on the wing behind the shoulder close up of the arm & wing, is that wear happening during the transformation rubbing parts on parts? I like these new universe designs this color looks better on this guy than the original I think.
I picked up the reissue of universe Unicron. Every Transformer fan should have him. Wish I bought him first time around that toys real cool.
It's probably just a manufacturing error. The shoulders don't come into contact with the wing(s) at all, so it's not that. (I didn't even notice it until I started uploading the pictures to CDX!)
I have seriously considered getting Unicron, but without the nostalgia of "TF:TM" and "...Energon", I can't overlook things like the faulty wings, or half-sphere Planet Mode, or even the coloring. I am much more satisfied with my slightly-smaller "...Galaxy Force" Primus (which I have yet to review).
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CollectionDX Staff
Great review Eva! I have always loved this figures design since I first bought the classics Jetfire. The figures design, IMO, is quite possibly the best I have ever encountered when buying a Transformer. I have to say that this is one satisfying toy.
-Dan
CollectionDX LLC
Vice President/Co-Owner
Oh, absolutely- I love the design too! It's just Tread Bolt's coloring I hate.
Oh, speaking of repaints, there's a new Japanese-exclusive Jetfire repaint coming out soon that was just announced the other day. it will be all black with highlights of purple and neon green (Bakuren-Oh!). (Now that's a repaint coloring scheme I'd love to get!)
Plus, there's the SDCC '09 Shattered Glass repaint (name?) which is mostly white with teal blue, pink, & light green. So that makes now-four issues of the Classics design out.
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CollectionDX Staff
Here is Robot Kingdom's page for what they're calling Dark Skyfire.
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CollectionDX Staff
" it will be all black with highlights of purple and neon green"
which reminds me of..........................drums.............
EVA-01
All that was missing was some yellow and gray, and I would have said the same. ;)
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CollectionDX Staff
This is easily one of the best Transformers molds of all time. I like the Micromaster homage, and the whole Blue Angels thing too. I just think he's a bit drab. The black, grey, and brown are just too dark to complement the blue well. If the brown was more of a gold, or even yellow, it would look far better IMO.
I really hope that Dark Skyfire hits US shelves at some point! Nice.