This is the good one. A proper normal size Trailcutter toy hasn't been made as a "Classics" toy until 2013, meaning it was one of the few remaining Autobots from 1984 to get an update - and there was a Prime Trallcutter this year, too. A much smaller Legends Trailcutter came out a few years ago but was tough to find. I'm happy to report this new version is not only worth the wait, but it's a fine toy - transformation is fun, parts fit together, and it looks good. And it's only thirteen bucks.
The robot mode has about 16 meaningful points of articulation with nice big boots and fists plus a really great head sculpt. All of the head sculpts have been good in this wave, but Trailcutter is far and away the best with a blue visor and silver face helping to make the black plastic noggin really sizzle. There's a lot of detail including multiple colors of paint, tons of sculpted vents and panels, and some silver on the grille. Before I move on, I should touch on the articulation benefitting from the design - his big feet allow him to assume numerous goofy poses without falling over. You can get him standing up with his knees at nearly a 90-degree angle without falling over, simulating any sort of invisible robot toilet fan fiction you so desire. If you have Mini-Cons or other 5mm post accessories, the figure sports at least 9 places to attach them. This feels like a toy designed for kids to enjoy, but that also rewards long-time collectors and accessory fanatics. Everything here just plain works.
The only robot mode complaint I have: there are panels and tabs that do not fit together on the shoulders. The joints are stiff enough so it doesn't matter, but it does look wonky when you're up close. Functionally, it doesn't get in the way, so I don't consider it a significant flaw.
Transformation is fun and simple, every thing basically slides into place and there are plenty of slots, tabs, and other elements which fit together easily. I don't even think you'll need instructions for this one, it's intuitive and fun. The figure's shield weapon becomes the back chunk of the truck, and in robot mode it can be mounted on his back or even in his hand. It's not a great blaster weapon, but it's better than nothing. Of this wave, this was the most satisfying transformation. You owe it to yourself to play with this one.
The vehicle mode is OK. It doesn't do anything too neat, but it's loaded with 5mm holes to attach other weapons. This is, of course, awesome. Deco is superb, with a really nice metallic-ish Autbot symbol plus red, orange, and yellow stripes on the doors. It pretty much looks like you would hope for, with wheels that roll fairly well and a mode that locks together fairly well, but not perfectly. You're going to want to keep him in robot mode, but he's a ton of fun to fiddle with and should be a great Coffee Table Toy for older fans.
Get a Trailcutter. If you have any love of Generation One's less famous members, this is a can't-miss addition to your toybox. The mold will be retooled and redecorated into Hoist (just like his Legends-class toy) and we'll probably see those any day now. This is the gem of the batch, so get yours now before some putz asks for $60 for one on eBay next year. You'll pay it - it's that good.
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