Transformers Fans Toys FT-43 Dunerunner (Masterpiece Beachcomber)
Fans Toys items usually come with an outer plastic baggie to protect the box.
Sheesh, FT messed up the packaging and put in Sheridan/ Warpath’s bio on Dunerunner’s …
Oddly, it seems that FT went back to making “twin layer” styrofoam packaging for their figures. The Combiners were already using the new “single layer styrofoam with plastic bubble” trays for packaging.
When you first open him up, remember to pull out his arms, a small section of it is tucked in for some reason.
Dunerunner weighs 202 Grams and stands roughly 5.75 inches tall.
Diecast parts include:
-Sections of the torso
-Thighs
-Shin panels (both types)
-Feet
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.
Dunerunner features rubberized tires. So be mindful of that when you leave it displayed in vehicle mode in a hot environment. He also has chromed mags so be careful when touching it with bare hands to avoid fingerprint smudging and eventual tarnish.
He comes with several alternate heads.
To swap the heads, just do a simple twist and pop, as the head is on a ball joint.
Figure features an ab crunch joint, so he is fun to pose.
The Autobot’s geologist. Peace-loving and laid-back, he has no real interest in the Autobot-Decepticon war, Beachcomber only joins battles when he is specifically told to do so. He prefers to be alone and abhors the aftermath of battles between the two factions.
Originally, the figure was named “Dunerider” but a mix up at the factory resulted in the name being accidentally changed on the packaging (or so I’ve heard), so we wound up with Dunerunner.
While peace-loving, he does come with a pistol, guess you can’t stop the Decepticons with just cool vibes.
Alternate “happy” head.
Alternate “scanning for resources” head.
With his fellow minibots.
I’ll do a proper group shot with the minibots once FT rolls out their Spindrift/ Seaspray 2.0, the last minibot missing from the original team. Hopefully FT makes a MP Outback later on as well.
For his dune buggy vehicle mode, he does come with optional shin plates, as it’s the only way to get his look right for both modes without making the transformation overly-complex.
1982 M1040 Chenowth “Hellfire” Fast Attack Vehicle mode
You can also opt to put the “solid” hood on Dunerunner.
I don’t know if I messed up or something but I cannot get Dunerunner to roll, as there’s resistance underneath the chassis thanks to this piece dragging on the floor. Strange…
You can also equip his pistol on the dune buggy, but it will require undoing the roll cage first to get the pistol properly positioned.
Overall, pretty good. I do feel he’s a bit pricey for his size and what he comes with. The transformation is decent and won’t drive you crazy, but I did have some trouble changing him back to robot mode due to the roll cage giving me some problems. He’s definitely a huge improvement over the XTB Arkrose, especially when looking at him from the back. It’s also too bad FT didn’t include any forest animals to recreate the “Golden Lagoon” scene like what X-Transbots did with Arkrose.
Now to hope FT makes Outback and comes through with Spindrift 2.0 so we can close the book on the MP minibots (character-wise).
Big shout out to Fans Toys for their post sales service! I received Dunerunner with a broken/ chipped nose and I asked the local store where I picked up my figure from (Hobby Korner) to ask for a replacement piece. Lo and behold, they came through. Nice! Sure wish it was this easy to get replacements from big toy companies like Bandai and Hasbro over here in Manila.
“Let’s boogie!”
Gold
