If you don’t know, Transformers ‘07 live action movie was the one got me interested in Transformers. But it is really The Movie in ’86 that put me so much into Transformers and then into the toys collection. Before Jazz took over, Hot Rod is my favorite character even though he suffered from many critics about being the guy who got Prime killed. But really, if you looked at the cartoon carefully, it was Prime who got himself killed. Leaving this topic to the forum and back to Hot Rod. He is somewhat a typical American cowboy; courage, curious, head strong, and naïve. But when it was time for him to be chosen to take the leadership, he became Rodimus Prime and it was where he met his downhill. For the entire season 3, it was wasted on trying to develop him. He was just whining until the end of the season when he finally realized his fate but then Optimus was resurrected to take things back. Honestly I was happy he is back to Hot Rod.

Now to the toy. 2010 and 2011 is pretty much the year for Hot Rod, aka Rodimus. He has a brand new mold in the ending Animated line as a TRU exclusive and then the highly anticipated FansProject announced making an upgrade set for Classic mold. Takara then followed to be competitive and announced the new Master Piece design. Hasbro took the chance of cashing in by FP’s new set, they re-released couple multi-packs including Cyclonus and Galvatron in different set in different region. The Classics mold was then used for Takara’s store exclusive and club member’s annual exclusive figure and Bot Con will be using the Animated mold for its event exclusive. Lots of things here and there and all the sudden fans have many choices to get the used to be hard to find Classics Hot Rod. Me, too.

Since I’ve got the Classics mold already, things are much easier for me, but I still couldn’t decide I should choose either the FP set or MP one. MP one was dropped quickly due to the high cost. Also I am not interested in getting two Hot Rod and the MP is so much bigger that will ruin my Classics display (MP Skywarp is the one causing the issue now). Since I was so satisfied with Bruticus upgrade set, FP’s Protector upgrade set should be an easy choice but I kind of don’t like the new head design plus the price is still high and I got a pretty much useless trailer. So I decided to drop them both and be happy with my Classics one. Time goes by, MP approved to be a failure that is only a display piece with no play value and suffered from many quality issues. Protector set, on the other hand, got Reprolable’s new sticker set. For some reason, that rang the bell and made me want to get this figure even without the stickers. Now I really did it, even plus his targetmaster Sidearm (Firebolt). Well, that’s it for my possible longest intro.

The package is quite standard and nothing special. The trailer is packed in the bubble while accessories are in a small plastic bag. The instruction book contains few pages of comic and the art work is mediocre. Well, the most important part is the toy, right? The trailer can be easily attached with Hot Rod to form the Winnebago mode and it does look very beautiful. Hot Rod’s gun and flame can be attached at the end of trailer as well to give him that feeling of speed. The Winnebago mode is much heavier now but still rolls well. It’s pretty sturdy and lifting the trailer up won’t drop Hot Rod.

Now following the instruction, the trailer can be converted to a tank. Not a very convincing mode plus it does not roll, but just something extra to play with. There is an empty slot and can act like a seat for Sidearm to stand and to look like he is controlling the gun. Couple more tweaks, the trailer is now a battle station. This is a better mode comparing to tank and there are two handle bars for Transformers to hold. The scale is fit for Protector but I feel it would be better if it can raise up a little be more. So that Protector doesn’t have to lower his position that much. That means, this battle station looks kind of small if voyager Prime is operating it. He has to lower his body so much so his hands can reach the handle bars. On the other hand, it’s kind of big for a deluxe class to operate. Kup can barely see through the aim and the station rod isn’t that flexible to adjust multiple heights. Again, another nice additional mode to play with.

Now let’s talk about the accessories. This set provides you enough accessories to keep you busy with and make you from getting bored. Besides the trailer, there is the small Roller that you can detach from underneath. Yes, G1 Prime’s trailer style Roller. This is a neat little car that contains 6 double wheels and it rolls perfectly well. It is well detailed and nicely painted. Hot Rod’s flame can be inserted at the end to provide the boost. On top of the vehicle, the slot hole can be switched between 3mm and 5mm so you can attach different weapons on top of it. And, that’s all. This is all Roller can do, fun little car rolling around carrying weapons. Also what sold separately and better to have (but still optional) is Hot Rod’s targetmaster Firebolt, well, Sidearm. This additional purchase also includes golden chromed wing extensions and spoiler to make your protector look even better. His robot mode is okay, totally not painted and articulations are not much. He can transform to a two barrel gun and also provides two different size of holder for either Hot Rod’s hand (which is smaller) or the standard size. The two wing extensions can be attached to each side to make it like a bow gun. Unfortunately the gun mode doesn’t hold itself tightly together and the 3mm holder isn’t at the very right place.

“Arise, Rodimus Prime…” Oh no, try again, “Arise, Protector……”. Now to the main target, Protector. Man, this guy looks fabulous. Attaching all the parts to Hot Rod isn’t that difficult and they are all very tightly connected. Only back wings are somewhat loose. Hot Rod’s chin is visible after attaching the new head and this problem can be solved by sliding down Protector’s face plate a little bit to cover it. His legs are still very poseable and the feet now have ankles to adjust. Hot Rod’s biggest flaw swinging only arms are now fully articulated. Credit to FansProject that they really made this impossible job possible. The original forearms are now some extra kibbles hanging back there, not that good looking but I don’t think there are other solutions. The shoulder movements are still somewhat limited but the extra arm joint improves that a lot. Rodimus (oh well, Protector) is now much taller. If comparing head to head with voyager Prime, he is only a tad shorter. Protector’s armor color fits with Hot Rod very well. Not 100% completely match but a tiny bit difference wasn’t bad. Hot Rod’s original flame gun is now replaced with a better barrel but now since his few fist holes are in standard, he cannot hold it using the original handle bar but have to use the one around the middle sliding down from the barrel instead. It is okay but now the extended backward gun actually limited his elbow movement unless changing the angle. Overall, Protector set is fantastically made and even though the trailer is still too much of an optional addition to add up the price, there is no way of making a Winnebago Rodimus Prime without the trailer. So FP really did a good job.