Smokescreen (BT-01)

Made By:

Takara

Scale:

1/24

MSRP:

¥4980

Overview:
Packaging (Design):	9/10
Packaging (Durability):	10/10
Casting (Body):	9/10
Casting (Interior):	7/10
Casting (Chassis):	N/A
Casting (Engine):	7/10
Paint (Exterior):	9/10
Paint (Interior):	N/A
Paint (Trim/Graphics):	10/10
Overall Panel Fit:	8/10
Total Score:	8.8/10

 

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NOTE: Since this site is generally vehicle-oriented, this review will focus on that mode.

Background

Transformers: Alternators and Transformers: Binaltech were a joint venture between Hasbro and Takara, and represented several firsts for the brand: these were the first toys to have an established and consistent 1/24 scale, they were the first to be direct updates to previous G1 characters, and they were the first to feature extensive detailing and paint applications to give them a realistic appearance. Smokescreen was the first to be released, in part because the extensive paint job used on the figure provided an additional "wow" factor to attract buyers.

Packaging

Nearly all Binaltech figures came in a standard window box. Measuring approximately 8¾" (22cm) x 4½" (11cm) x 4½" (11cm), they were about the same size as a typical diecast car box and were packed in vehicle mode to further emphasize the realistic alt modes of the line. The box had a silver brushed metal background, with a black band at the bottom that had the Transformers logos, character name and portrait, and Takara logo. Each end flap had a circular window cutout so you could see the nose and tail of the car. The back panel featured a large image of Smokescreen in both robot and vehicle modes, plus six smaller photos near the left and right edges detailing features such as the interior, engine, steering, head, hand, and weapon. The interior has a background with the classic grid design from the original toys, the character name, car model, and Transformers logo. Under the interior display is a plastic baggie with the instruction booklet, an ad for the PlayStation 2 game, and a character card. The figure is in a folded plastic tray held closed by a single twist tie, and has smaller plastic tray inserts at either end to support the hood and trunk. It's a decent looking box, but the combination of plastic and cardboard make it surprisingly rugged - after 20 years and even some partial crush damage, the figure is as clean as it was when new.

Casting/Paint

The biggest difference between Binaltech and Alternators is that Binaltech featured diecast metal bodies. It gives the figure substantial heft, though as with typical diecast cars some of the finer details are done in plastic. That includes the hood scoop, C pillars, rockers, spoiler, and rear bumper. Chrome plastic is used for the grilles, headlight buckets, mirror glass, and tailpipe. Clear plastic is used for the headlights, windshield, rear side windows, rear window, and taillights. While panel lines are inevitable, Takara did substantial work to make them fall along existing breaks and character lines as much as possible. There's an extra seam around the hood scoop, a small outline and a metal pin just above each front wheel, a break in the rocker, a break at he top and bottom of each C pillar, and the longitudinal split down the back of the car. From most angles, these all but disappear.

Under the hood is a rough approximation of the WRC's turbocharged EJ engine...very rough, to be honest, but considering that it's made from the folded-up rifle of a toy from 20 years ago, the effort to replicate the intercooler and plumbing is a nice touch. Similarly, the interior required some concessions due to it being a fully transformable figure, but is surprisingly well done with a complete dash, separate bucket seas withe adjustable backs, a center console that includes a shift lever and handbrake, and front and rear door panels. The rear "seat" is made from the folded-up legs in robot mode, but as a WRC car it's easy to pass this off as the metal interior visible after the upholstery was removed. There's no trunk or chassis detail to speak of, though the tires are soft vinyl over gold 10-spoke wheels.

Partly due to the metal bodies and partly for bragging rights, Binaltech figures were fully painted in vehicle mode. The base color is a beautiful WR Blue (a.k.a. "Subaru Blue") that still retains a smooth finish and high gloss. On top of that are the myriad graphics to represent the Impreza driven by Mäkinen-Lindström in the 2003 Rallye Monte Carlo. These include the STI, STI Performance, Prodrive, Robin, Pirelli, and Motul logos on the front bumper; PIAA on the headlights; Subaru World Rally Team, Rallye Monte Carlo badge, safety badges, and swrt.com on the hood; SWRT logos, rally ID, and driver names on the doors; NGK, CATIA, Domino Systems, Standox, Snap-On, IHI Turbo, and Kenwood logos on the C pillar; Subaru strips on the front and rear glass; car number on the roof; and Motul, Robin, Pirelli, and Subaru logos on the rear bumper. In addition to all this, there are a number of extra painted details including a black wash on the grille, black window surrounds and roof strips, silver camera, and orange rear license plate. The work is top notch across the board, with even the smallest logos still legible and everything placed perfectly.

Features/Accessories

As a car, the hood, all four doors, and trunk open. Most of these are pretty good, with a clever sliding system on the front doors to make them appear to correctly tuck inside the front fenders, thought he trunk doesn't open far enough to do anything. But as a Transformer, the big feature here is Smokescreen's ability to turn into a robot. Transformation isn't exactly easy, but nowhere near as frustrating as some others. If you do, just take extra care not to scratch the paint on the Binaltech figures. Once in robot mode, Smokescreen moves at the neck, shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees, and feet.

Accuracy

As a representation of the Mäkinen-Lindström car, this is pretty close. The colors and sponsors are all correct, the wheels are correct, and it even has the correct narrow sideview mirrors. The interior is basically the stock Impreza WRX, but since it's molded in black it's hard to tell unless you're really looking for it.

Overall

When Alternators and Binaltech debuted, it was huge: never before had such pains been taken to create "realistic" Transformers before, and picking such an eye-catching design as Smokescreen for the debut figure was a smart choice. Two decades later and it still looks great.