Toy Review: Fansproject TFX-04 Protector and Sidearm aka Rodimus Prime.

More Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime madness! Today we have the classic TFX-04 protector. Most of these shots were done back in 2011 I believe. The shots with Toyhax backdrop were done recently. Without haste, let's get started!

Boxing and contents.

 

 

 

 

So for those who are new to this, the is Fansprojects upgrade of Classics Hot Rod to Rodimus Prime also known as autobot protector. Classics Hot Rod was often blasted for being too small so Fansproject stepped in handled consumer complaints. Because this is also third party, his targetmaster Firebolt is renamed Sidearm due to trademark reasons of course.

The Winnebago with RTS Hot Rod (Guest starring Universe Hot Rod)

 

 

 

Universe Hot Rod

 

 

 

 

 

Sidearm and Roller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I did this shoot, I had a neighbor who was also into TF collecting. He owned Universe Hot Rod and I asked him if I could borrow his Hot Rod to do comparison shots. At this time, Protector Armor was made specifically for the Universe or Henkei versions. The RTS version is too red for the Winnebago but looks ok overall. It is not consistent but looks ok in vehicle mode. As you use some of the Winnebago parts, you can open up the remaining portions and release out a turret battle mode and Rodimus's version of roller. Sidearm can, of course, turn into a targetmaster and be utilized as one of Rollers weapons. Sidearm is easy to transform and play with btw. The set also comes with a extended chrome wings (Henkei) or the duller plastic version wings the Hasbro version uses. 

Robot mode 

Universe Hot Rod

 

 

 

 

 

With Universe Ultra Magnus

RTS Hot Rod

 

 

 

Like I said, the armor was made for the Henkei or Universe version. The Protector armor comes with a new head and another gun that attaches to classic gun to form a longer and bigger weapon. At the time I really dug the Universe version. But since Universe Hot Rod wasn't mines, RTS took the place of Rodimus Prime. The light red really sticks out and like I mentioned earlier made the colors inconsistent. The front part with the RTS figure looks ok but once you start to look around him, the colors do look off. Because the RTS version also has yellow spoilers, there is not a match for his extended shoulder wing usage. If anything, the Universe version probably comes the closest. 

2017

RTS Revisited

Alt mode

What kills this for me is the light blue paint Hasbro and Takara is using these days. The light red still sticks out... not in a bad way but not in a good way either.

Robot mode

 

Posing with Henkei Hot Rodimus and United Rodimus Convoy. 

Henkei Hot Rodimus

Alt mode:

 

 

Robot Mode

 

 

 

A definite match. I could finally put the chrome wings to use. Colors are a match. No qualms here. 

United Rodimus Convoy (Prime)

Alt mode:

 

 

 

Looks great. Though the red does look a bit more maroon, I love how the flame decals match the decals that came with the winnebago. United Rodimus Convoy looks great here in vehicle mode as well.

Robot mode

 

 

Almost perfect. I think the protector armor looks great here too. The flames on the side of his arms and thighs make nice visuals to the figure. Sadly, his yellow G1 colored shoulder blade wings are the only thing that is off to the extended wing set that comes with protector set. Still, not bad looking at all.

Conclusion: Your choice on who you want Protector armor on. The armor was the Rodimus Prime version back then but now with Power of the Primes toyline coming out, we now have a more official and suave looking Rodimus Prime. Until then, I selected Henkei Hot Rodimus as my Rodimus Prime for the time being. Ciao!