Fans Toys FT-26 Hitch (Transformers Masterpiece Hoist)
Fanstoys items usually come with an outer plastic baggie to protect the box.
Ye ole Fans Toys protective film sheet.
It seems that the film sheet left some residue on the figure? It’s easily removed with a damp piece of cloth or tissue, thankfully.
As usual, Fans Toys figures tend to arrive intentionally mis-transformed in order to save space in the tray.
Simply just rotate the lower body, pull out the muzzle for the cannon, and shift the hips down to properly orient the figure.
Since this is a Third Party, non-official item, it doesn’t come with a faction symbol. It’s best to get some stickers from Reprolabels/Toyhax.com to make this guy more “toon-accurate”. Alternately, you can also use “water slide decals” to make them look even more flawless (you won’t see the edges, unlike with stickers) but I’ve never really had the proper skills, or time (usually needs to be individually cut first) to work with those.
For water slide decals, most folks recommend the one from Ocean Studio. Here:
http://www.unclebillyshop.com/decals-poster/ocean-logo-decals.html
To apply stickers, I find the best way to stick the stickers on is to use the tip of a blade, or a flat, small-tipped object, this way you have more control over the application, as compared to using one’s stubby fingers. You can also use the blade to help gently peel off a corner of the sticker in case you didn’t center it right and need to re-apply.
Up-beat, jovial and loves his job as the one who does maintenance for all of the Autobots, Hoist enjoys what he does. He fine tunes every Autobot so that they’re performing at peak optimum efficiency when they’re in the battlefield. Hoist is also very passionate and strict when it comes to his maintenance schedules, having a “no exceptions” allowed policy.
I got QC 34.
Hitch stands roughly 8.5 inches tall and weighs 455 Grams.
Diecast parts include:
-Full spectrum multi-sensor (the thing behind his head)
-Torso
-Lower legs
-Feet
I love that the figure isn’t just a reuse of their Outrider/ Trailbreaker figure. Unlike Outrider, the hinge (the orange piece) is clearly exposed on Hitch, which is actually show accurate.
I’m not a fan of the execution for the plate at the base of the neck, it sticks out like a sore thumb to me.
Rubber tires
To replace the right forearm “heat-seeking missile” with the alternate forearm, you will have to un-tab the forearm mushroom peg from the slot.
Be sure to check the slots on the forearm, there are proper indicators to show which way everything should line up.
Included in the set is the alien mask from the episode “Hoist goes to Hollywood”.
Hitch comes with a “Full spectrum multi-sensor behind his head determines an objects’ composition, density, tensile strength, energy properties”. I think Trailbreaker got a better deal with this piece being a “force field generator” instead.
The piece actually plugs into the base of the neck and not directly into the figure’s head.
Optional “Full spectrum multi-sensor” always equipped head included. Personally, I prefer the default one, as this head can’t be used for transformation (I think?)
The set also comes with an alternate G1 Toy head for Hitch.
By default, Hoist’s right arm is supposed to be a heat-seeking missile launcher.
Remember to fold up the side view mirrors.
Same as with FT-25 Outrider (Trailbreaker), I really, really love how Fanstoys went about the vehicle mode’s front grill and headlights. Very, very shiny with clear orange plastic parts. Just classy.
Still no clear plastic brake lights though. Oh well…
I love that you can open the door on the vehicle mode. 
No seats (or space) inside for humans though.
The vehicle mode actually has a deployable tow bed.
Comparison with X-Transbots Paean.
Overall, I love it! It’s got great paint details. heavy diecast and lots of extras (alien mask and alternate heads). I’m also really glad Fans Toys went with silvery paint for Hitch’s legs as opposed to doing them in white. Another great release from Fans Toys!
The only thing that I wish they did better for this set is color of the head. The XTB Paean did the head colors right. The use of gunmetal for Hitch’s head just makes it look too dark IMHO.
Gold
