Shinkansen Transforms into a Robot! Trainbot is back in the new "Transformers" "MPG" series! In-Depth Review of the First Trainbot Shoki, Part 1 [Taiyuki's Toys and Games Vol. 20

In this popular series, voice actor Yasuyuki, who loves robots more than any other voice actor in the industry, plays around with the latest toy toys and hobbies that interest him!

This time, we will be looking at a renewed version of one of the most popular characters from Tomy's Transformers series, the Trainbot, the MPG-01 Trainbot Shoki!

This time we will be introducing the MPG-01 Trainbot Shoki, a renewed version of one of the most popular characters from the Transformers series.

The "Trainbot" is a six-car train that transforms into a robot, which first appeared in "Transformers: The Headmasters" in Japan. The six train cars transform into robots, which then combine to form the giant heavy-duty warrior "Raiden". The well-crafted transformation gimmick, the beauty of the train form, and the overwhelming coolness of the combined robot Raiden have made him a character that many collectors still pursue items from the time the anime was broadcast.

While Shoki has not been completely redesigned in the past, this is the first time that he has been completely redesigned!

And when it comes from the newest "MPG" line of the top Transformers brand "Masterpiece," you can't help but have high expectations for this item! The "G" in "MPG" stands for GATTAI, GIANT, and GREAT! The "G" in "MPG" symbolizes GATTAI, GIANT, and GREAT, so we are very enthusiastic about this project.

Let's start with the packaging.

The package is a long type, which has never been seen before in the "MP (Masterpiece)" series. It makes me think again, "Of course, this is a train.

The color of the car body also makes me cry.

On the back of the box, there are explanations about "MPG" and "Series 0 Shinkansen". To quote a few key points about this product: "Officially licensed by the JR Group," "Cooperation from Tomytec, which owns the TOMIX brand of railroads," and "Sculpted in HO gauge size, the international standard for model trains. You can tell that they are not only committed to the Transformers, but also to the Shinkansen model.

On the top is the name of the product. On the bottom is the product name, and on the left and right lids are information about the product, including various precautions.

On the left and right lids, there are pictures of the Shinkansen and robot modes, respectively.

Now, let's take a look at the contents.

In addition to the main unit, 2 seats, 2 types of rails, Mach Laser weapon, chest parts for Raiden, joint parts, character cards, and instructions are included. The character cards and instruction manual contain explanations worth reading, so be sure to check them out for yourself.

Let's take a look at the vehicle form from the front.

The left side is the "MPG" version and the right side is the "Diaclone" "Tokaido Shinkansen Machliner" which was the original "Trainbot", not the then product ...... (sorry! Unfortunately, I don't have the "Transformers" version from that time (......).
The "MPG" version has been reproduced as precisely as possible, not only in terms of shape, but also in terms of rivets, wipers, and other small details. Even though the "Diaclone" version also omits a lot of details, you can see that it was a product that was deformed to capture its features well.

The rear of the car. The doors have also been painted. Even parts that are rarely seen in real life have been reproduced in great detail.

The shape of the vehicle's connection parts have also been well reproduced!

As one would expect, I do not have real-time experience of the era in which this train appeared, but considering the conditions in Japan at the time, it must have been a dream come true for the super express.

And this cool yet charming figure ....... I can see why it has been loved by the Japanese people for so long.

Come to think of it, there was an episode in the first anime in which a "Shinkansen-like" train appeared.

It can also be placed on the rail connected to the train. This is a very nice accessory that makes it look very nice. The "Diaclone" version also came with rails, so I guess this is a homage to that version.

Since the body is long, let's split it and look at it from the side. Although there are lines for deformation, it looks so realistic that it could be mistaken for a model train at first glance.
If you look closely, you can see that the windows of the car are packed with mecha, which I like because it is very Transformer-like.

This is the "Diaclone" version, which is a slightly shorter version of the Transformers. The number of windows is also obviously smaller, but I think it was an excellent design for a Shinkansen toy at the time.

This is the bottom of the car body. I think it is very interesting to reproduce the details of the Shinkansen as much as possible, such as the area around the wheels, while at the same time allowing robot mode parts and other parts to coexist.

Of course, it can be placed on HO gauge rails.

The rails have been treated with a metallic finish, which gives a very realistic feel when viewed from this angle.

It would not look out of place even if it were displayed as is.

Masterpieces in recent years have been "unified in size in robot mode. Therefore, when placed alongside the human figures included in the Masterpiece (sold separately), Shoki's Shinkansen form is a little smaller in proportion, but it is possible to have the Daniel figure included in the Masterpiece "Ultra Magnus" in the driver's seat.

Unfold the leading part of the vehicle to the left and right, and attach the included seat.

Put Daniel in the seat and close the open part again.

Daniel's face peeks out from the driver's seat.

Incidentally, in the "Diaclone" version, the crew member figure can be placed in the same place.

Those who felt a sense of déjà vu in Daniel's boarding method must have been reminded of this.

I guess this gimmick is a service to "Diaclone" fans, since the "Trainbots" from "Transformers" at the time had no crew figures or boarding gimmick.
...... Wait?　Couldn't they also carry figures other than Daniel and the new "Diaclone" troopers that are starting to get big for the "Robot Base"!

The key to the boarding process is the seat height and leg length. As you can see, Daniel's seat height is just barely the size where his head does not touch the ceiling.

Melissa's figure, which is included in the "Delta Magnus" masterpiece, cannot be placed because her head would go over the ceiling.

The Diaclone member is smaller than the Daniel figure, so there is plenty of room for him to sit. but you can see the figure from the driver's seat at ......

The figure cannot be seen from the driver's seat.

Then, there is a mysterious movable part of the seat. When this is folded down, the seat is raised!　No way!

Yes!　Now I can see the Diaclone crew just fine!

The reason I came up with this idea is because I was a member of the Himawari Theater Company when I was in kindergarten, and when I played the role of an elementary school student sitting in a classroom in the drama "Abare Hacchaku" as an extra, I was made to sit on a telephone directory because the seat was not high enough.

Sorry for the digression.

Next, let's take a look at the other accessories.

The Mach Laser weapon looks like a highly detailed and enlarged version of the original model. We are glad that they have made it look so much like the original.

The Mach Laser can be mounted on the bottom even in vehicle mode. It will not become a surplus part.

Chest parts for Raiden. The one on the bottom is the "Diaclone" version. This part has also been volumized up and arranged in high detail.

This part can also be folded at the split line to ......

It can be kept inside the lead car without the seat installed. In other words, it is selectable with the seat.

Finally, there is a joint as an accessory, which is a part to combine with the "TF Power Base (included in some Masterpiece products)" to display the vehicle mode in a flying state.

Transform the panel on the bottom of the vehicle body and insert the joint parts.

I am sorry to say that I did not own the TF Power Base, so I can only show you this much, but with this joint, you can also display a bullet train running in the sky.
Romantic.

Transform Shoki into a robot!

Let's see..! Let's transform Shoki into robot mode!
Since this is an "MPG" model, the transformation process is not very long, so this will be a digestive introduction, but hopefully it will give you an idea of the atmosphere of the transformation!

In the instruction manual, the transformation of the arms and legs are explained in detail. The area behind the driver's seat transforms into the arms, and the rear of the vehicle transforms into the legs.

First, unlock each part and unfold it.

The top part of the vehicle will be carried on the back, so it moves greatly. Some parts are thin, so be careful where you put your force when moving them.

The legs are extended and the ankle section begins to deform.

The arms are moved to their approximate positions. The shape of the legs is also coming together.

The leading part will face down, so let's flip it around so that the leading part faces up.

Now that the legs are in place, we can stand it up. Wrist and head are still stored.

The arm lids are opened and the wrists are deployed. Rotate 180° on the roll axis of the second arm.

The chest panel is also rotated into position.

The lead car section, once deployed far to the rear, is compacted and connected to the back.

The head is also deployed here.

This completes the transformation.

Compared to the Diaclone version, it is clear that the original design has been respected.

Finally, the claw-like parts inside the cloak-like parts can be laid down to complete the entire transformation!

The robot mode of Shoki, the high-speed commander of Cybertron (Trainbot Leader), is now complete!

He has the looks and coloring that would make him a great hero if the world were a better place.

Above all, his face is super handsome! One of the charms of the Trainbot is the bullet train design visible on the legs and other parts.

This is the "Diaclone" version in robot mode. (The sticker on the chest is damaged.)

Looking at the color scheme and the bullet train design on the legs, it is clear that this "MPG" version has firmly inherited its coolness from the figure depicted in the toys and the animated "Transformers" series.