Review: #166
Name: Railspike (J-Five)
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Robots in Disguise
Year of Release: 2001
Size Class: Mega (Wave 2)
Variations: the Japanese version featured transparent windows while the Hasbro version did not
TRAIN MODE:
First thing's first, the toy in this review is actually the Japanese version, J-Five. Featuring transparent windows as the only difference, the mold and (general) colour scheme remained the same, I will be referring to this toy as Railspike though. So anyway, Railspike transforms into a bullet train, based upon the Nozomi 500.
This is a unique alternate mode, we rarely get Transformers that transform into trains, let alone Japanese specific bullet trains. This is a well formed alternate mode, there is a hitch at the back to link up with Rapid Run and Midnight Express (more on that later).
As a reference to the real life version of the train (as well as mimicking the logo), Railspike sports "500 Cybertron" on either side of the cab.
As mentioned, the Japanese version featured clear windows but it required a LOT of paint applications, which, over time, meant that the mismatching of plastic colour and paint gets more and more obvious. Pretty much 70% of the train is transparent plastic with white paint.
As you'd expect, Railspike is long and thin. His size and mass is between a Deluxe and Voyager, not truly fitting into either size class.
Railspike's play value include the ability to roll on a smooth surface as he features eight rolling wheels.
As mentioned earlier, Railspike has a hitch on the back to link up with the other two members of Team Bullet Train. He also has a slot underneath the nose for him to link up.
While it looks somewhat ridiculous linked up like this (because instead of one cab and two compartments, it's three cabs linked together which just doesn't seem right), it's an unobtrusive gimmick and gives the team a feel of unity.
A quick comparison for size against Team Bullet Train, Railspike is the second longest.
My favourite train mode of the team, the blue and white works really well and the model of the train looks amazing. That said, the second half of Railspike tends to sag downwards when you pick him up as it doesn't actually tab into the first half.
A wonderful alternate mode, the only negative being the extensive paint applications (this point is nought on the Hasbro version). Railspike displays well and generally looks amazing.
TRANSFORMATION:
Very easy to transform, which adds to the charm of the figure. Basically, you extend the back to form the legs and unfold the halves of the front to get his arms. There are a few extra joints at the waist for the combined mode but generally, they don't get in the way much. The toes have some tight joints which requires some effort to unfold them. I guess you could just say that it is basically only the train standing up but it works.
ROBOT MODE:
Railspike's robot mode is pretty sweet. His colour scheme is still centred around blue and white, unlike the other members of Team Bullet Train, Railspike is well proportioned.
There is barely any kibble (okay, maybe the giant shoulder pads but they're like an iconic element of this character). It is unfortunate that he has half the train as a blocky, square torso. This is somewhat eliminated when you fold the waist skirts out but it is still there.
The head sculpt is decent but the proportions is a bit off when compared to the cartoon version. The unpainted face ruins it's somewhat as the white plastic is slightly milky and transparent which doesn't bring out the sculpting.
He has giant shoulder pads made from the cab of the train, there is some generic mechanical sculpting including something that resembles missile pods. It is interesting to note that the sculpting for each shoulder paid is slightly different.
By far the biggest negative is the fact that he has Rail Racer's head protruding from his chest. It's too big to ignore and ruins the otherwise streamlined robot. To make matters worse, the joints don't allow the head to sit flush against his chest.
He is about the height of a Deluxe toy, and about the same width. He feels heavier though so is clearly more than a Deluxe but it still somewhat feels like a rip-off that he was sold as a Mega.
Articulation is decent, he has balljoints and swivels. The knees are a little bit limited in that he can't fold back very far (about 45 degrees). You can fold the waist skirts out to free up the hips.
His weapon is a block of plastic with a transparent green barrel. The train hitch acts as a sort of sight.
The reason for the large block of plastic is that it has a light up gimmick, it generally works.
Railspike has the hold the weapon in his hands, there is no other place in robot mode to store it when not in use.
He's stable in a variety of poses thanks to the large feet and giant heelspurs.
Another comparison as part of the Team Bullet Train. In my opinion, Railspike has the best robot mode.
A great robot mode thanks to the simple transformation which allows good aesthetics, placement of train parts and articulation.
OVERALL:
This is a stellar figure. There isn't too many compromises made for the combiner gimmick (the combiner head on the robot mode chest is the only one I can really think of) and there is enough play value to make this a fun figure. He displays well, there's a realistic train mode and a fantastic robot mode. I only wish that we could have gotten some train compartments (maybe as power-up armor?) to go along with the cab. All in all, recommended even if you don't intend to form Rail Racer.
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Interested in reviews for the other members of Team Bullet Train? Check them out here!