FansProject is currently developing an add-on kit for Classics/Henkei Rodimus. I first reported this add-on kit back in April of this year. FP have recently released color pics of the set. Appearance wise, this kit is shaping up to be excellent. If the quality of this add-on is anywhere close to the usual high standards of FP products (and I have many), then we can assume we have another winning product on our hands. But enough talking. Check out the pics below.

Many reputable dealers are already taking pre-orders for this set. Get yours now! Transform and Roll Out!

I love the Masterpiece line. Figures made in the MP line are most definitely worthy of the Masterpiece designation. They are well-designed, show accurate, large, robust, and possess complex transformations that would appeal to the mature Transfan. MPs are the ultimate interpretation of G1 characters in their G1 incarnations. The only exception to this rule I can think of is Movie MP Starscream. In the US he is released as a Leader class ROTF figure. I’m not sure why Hasbro chose to release him as a MP in Japan. Maybe they just want to milk the MP brand.

The next MP to be released is Rodimus Prime. News of his upcoming release came out either last month or the month before. But at that time we only had very early prototype pics that were not colored. I’m happy to report that there are more finalized pics of MP Rodimus Prime. Click here for the full report. The post is in Japanese but you can still drool over the pics.

Go Rodimus! He’s getting some big time love in 2010. In addition to this, there is the FansProject Protector add-on for Classics/Henkei Rodimus that I reported earlier in the year. There is also an Animated Rodimus Minor toy that many people have already reported sightings of. 2010 is looking like the year of Rodimus! I must have all of these!

Right after Hot Rod became Rodimus Prime, his first directive to Autobots inside Unicron was… Transform and Roll Out!

Long-time readers of this blog know that I am a fan of all things FansProject. The add-ons and figures that they produce are of the highest caliber. TF qualities valued by the hardcore TransFan, such as show accuracy, attention to detail, transformation mechanism, character appearance, robust construction, and room for all accessories in every mode (no lame concept of hammerspace here), are clearly evident in every piece they design and produce. I have posted news and reviews of offerings from FansProject in previous posts, such as the TFX-03 City Commander Add-On Set and news of Warbot Defender. Oh, BTW, I have received Defender some weeks back. I give Defender the highest recommendation possible, so if you are on the fence about buying one, hesitate no more and order one now. Yes I know the price is a turn off, but once you have the figure in your hands, you will realize the money was well spent. Anyway, I have every intention of doing a full review on Defender (aka Springer), so look for it soon.

Today’s post is about the upcoming “Protector” add-on set for Classics Rodimus, aka Hot Rod. Much like the City Commander add-on set, this package will enhance the appearance of Hot Rod so he appears more like Rodimus Prime. FansProject have released new images of this set. In alt mode it is attached to Hot Rod as his trailer, and in robot mode it puzzle-forms into his “armor” so his appearance more resembles the not-so-famous Autobot Leader.

Sharp TF fans have probably noticed by now that FansProject is using the functions of these characters as their names. FansProject is not tied to Hasbro in any way, shape, or form, and to get around licensing issues they have creatively came up with these identifiers. In G1, Rodimus Prime’s function was Protector, Springer was Aerial Defense, and Ultra Magnus was City Commander. See the pattern? I’m also guessing Warbot corresponds to Autobot.

Anyway, feast your eyes on these new images of Protector. I know I will be buying one.

I’m very excited about this add-on! Transform and Roll Out!