Review: #540
Name: Astrotrain
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Generations - War for Cybertron: Siege
Year of Release: 2019
Size Class: Leader (Wave 3)
Mold Status: new
SPACE SHUTTLE MODE:
Astrotrain remains a triple changer and is able to transform to both his train and space shuttle mode. Unlike the Titans Return version, Siege is a lot more faithful to his G1 incarnation.
The shuttle mode is good for the most part. Unfortunately, as a compromise for the triple changing gimmick, there's an ugly square block in the front portion, and uncovered gaps everywhere at the back.
At least it is still immediately recognizable for what it is supposed to be. Despite being sold in Leader class, Astrotrain is closer to the size of a Voyager.
He is heftier than a typical Voyager though. Above is a further comparison against Leader AOE Optimus.
The shuttle mode does not use the "box". Instead of just lying around doing nothing, it can be unfolded to form some sort of parking space.
The shuttle just lies on top of the panel.
However, you can fold out the sides and flatten the back to form a much cooler launch pad.
The thrusters at the back peg onto the panel and as a launch pad, it does look pretty neat.
The "battle damage" is done really badly here. Overall though, the space shuttle mode is passable. If it didn't have those gigantic panels wrapping around the cockpit, it would have been perfect.
TRANSFORMATION (TO TRAIN MODE):
Transforming from space shuttle to train mode is deceptively easy despite a completely different look. A lot of it is due to the fact that you turn the shuttle upside down and effectively flip all the panels to reveal the train parts. As a final touch, the box attaches at the back to add extra length.
TRAIN MODE:
For the first time in quite a long time, Astrotrain's train mode is a steam locomotive, and not an updated modern train like his recent figures.
The back cheats a bit since it's an empty box that's pegged onto the back but overall, this looks fantastic.
In this mode, Astrotrain feels much more on par with a typical Leader classed figure.
The box at the back can detach and left alone if you wish.
The end result is a shorter train that still looks great. There aren't many gimmicks here, just the various rolling wheels.
You can see the shuttle's thrusters which is where the box would attach to.
There is a surprisingly large amount of sculpted detailing. At first, the front of the train looks a tad bit small but you'll soon get used to it.
The weapons peg around the vehicle and looks pretty good with it all attached. The train holds together solidly.
A great effort and is the stronger alternate mode of the two.
TRANSFORMATION (TO ROBOT MODE):
Going back to robot mode means you'll go through shuttle mode. Then from there the front splits to form the legs, and the back unfolds to reveal the chest and arms. Once again, it's fairly simple, but intuitive.
ROBOT MODE:
Astrotrain's robot mode is extremely accurate to his G1 character model.
There is a bit of kibble in terms of his shuttle wings but otherwise, for a triple changer, he is surprisingly little kibble.
The headsculpt is a tad bit too stoic.
A quick comparison against a Voyager and Leader figure so you can see that Astrotrain leans more towards Voyager height.
Most of the purple is hidden and he's mostly grey here. The battle damage effect is mostly limited to his legs.
He's quite poseable with joints for his head, shoulders, elbows, waist, hips, knees and ankles.
Astrotrain comes with quite an arsenal of weapons, with a total of four guns and a missile launcher.
He features various ports on his body and you can attach the weapons in some pretty cool configurations.
While he does have the poseability, the wings can get in the way and for some reason, the purple panels that his shoulders are attached to don't actually peg into place. As a result, you can easily lift the purple panels instead of the shoulders when posing him.
All five weapons can merge into one bigger weapon that actually looks imposing.
The combined weapon looks great and since it's fairly hollow, there are no weight issues.
When not in use, the weapons can all store inside the box.
The top of the box splits into two to be panels that stick onto the bottom of Astrotrain's feet.
The two panels give Astrotrain a tiny bit of extra height, and you can peg the box onto his back.
It does make Astrotrain chunkier. It would have been nice if they could have incorporated the remainder of the box more with the core robot, giving it more armor. As it is, having it as a gigantic piece of kibble kind of sucks.
Nevertheless, this is an impressive robot mode.
OVERALL:
Astrotrain is yet another winner in the Siege line. The transformation scheme is simple but works really well. His two alternate modes are instantly recognizable and isn't compromised too much. The robot mode is a winner and looks mighty impressive with an awesome arsenal of weapons. Astrotrain is highly recommended.
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