Review: #47
Name: Drag Strip
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Universe (2008)
Year of Release: 2008
Size Class: Deluxe (designated SE-03)
Variations: a repaint from Classics Mirage, this was also made into Movie Fracture
VEHICLE MODE:
Drag Strip transforms into a Formula racing car, and a very sleek and well proportioned one at that. I loved the red hubcaps, and the red cockpit. The yellow paint is very obvious and does not blend in well with the duller yellow plastic, apparently the yellow paint can get sticky over time and rub off, this hasn't happened on mine yet... but might explain the different colour issue.
The back is not so nice since his joints are exposed, there are, however, four exhaust pipes (unpainted). For a repaint, there are a lot of paint applications, and he is really well done, the red highlights work very very well and it is a suitable mold to repaint as Drag Strip.
Due to the nature of the alternate mode, Drag Strip feels a tad bit smaller than normal Deluxes. All four wheels roll, as you would expect, but that's the only play value here. The spoiler is on two ball joints (one on each side) so you can angle it however you want.
No real negatives in racing car mode, it's very well done and I like it very much. The paint applications are clean and simple, making him visually appealing.
TRANSFORMATION:
As you'd expect, the transformation is very simple and easy to do, enjoyable to go between the modes. One thing to note is that the swivel for his waist feels very thin and easy to break, a bit too fragile for my liking. Even after all this time, I'm still not too sure on how the chest works and how it folds back up into vehicle mode since it's three pieces of plastic on a joint. However, I still find myself to this day transforming Drag Strip back and forwards since it's so easy to do.
ROBOT MODE:
The only thing that goes against Drag Strip in robot mode is the thing waist, it just does not look great. All the other elements are great, from the spoiler as his feet, to the upper chest to the arms. The air dam as a gun doesn't work that well, mainly due to it still looking like an air dam (but the middle section is molded like a gun). Again, the paint placement is good, he doesn't feel like he's lacking any major details.
I really like the way how the back kibble (the front of the race car) sits at an angle out of his back, it adds much to his stature. Apparently you can store his gun at the back, but to this date, I have still not figured out how to do that (the instructions don't help), oh well, I'm content to let him hold his gun anyway. Drag Strip is really poseable with a lot of joints, most of this joints are required for his transformation, but it doesn't mean you can't use them to their full potential here.
Mass wise, he feels less than he should compared to other figures his size, and it really shows here with this thin stature. Drag Strip doesn't have any gimmicks going for him but he's great just to fiddle around and pose, very easy to balance.
The head is still clearly Mirage, but with no remolding, they did what they could here. One weird thing they did here was paint over the already translucent red eyes with... red, so he could and should have had a lightpipe but now it's neutered. Overall, a decent mold that's just fun by itself, and holds a certain charm.
OVERALL:
A silent winner, this is a very solid figure that has enough going for him to be fun, and that you'll find yourself picking him up every so often just to fiddle around. He is not without his flaws, the waist being the major detractor (apart from not looking great aesthetically, the thin single swivel makes it a bit fragile) but they are easily overlooked. However, I would only recommend him if you like the character or the mold, I would not go out of the way for him (in truth, I only got him since I found him on clearance).
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Other photos of Drag Strip can be found here.
Credits: everything is mine, except for the links to other webpages
As always, feel free to have a look at this page for more reviews if you're interested.