The most important part is the leg mod. I have the UW Bruticus and Onslaught have a bad case of "noodle legs". Look way more solid here than the original.
Great review, instructional, and comparison video. I also like the aesthetic of the TDW parts. The design is reminiscent of the Studio Ox style to my eyes.
First off, thank you for doing this video because I would not have been able to do the modifications on my own. Now, on to your questions. I prefer this kit over perfect effects for the reason that the feet are more stable, those amazing hand-to-miniguns, and the overall look of Bruticus. That being said, I put this kit on the Unite Warriors version so it does look way better all around. This kit does kind of turn Bruticus into a display piece so if you want a more fun Bruticus just go for perfect effects add-ons. If you have both kits, the PE cannons for Bruty's back look great on the DW kit.
Video was very insightful and very accurate. Did find out when you put the new head mold on why its so loose, the neck part inside the head mold is on a track that you push the head forward a little and it locks in place making it tighten up.
I got this upgrade myself & while its certainly the most labor involving upgrade I've ever gotten I really didn't have any trouble installing any of the parts or understanding the (admittedly vague) instructions. I would simply recommend to anyone considering getting this to take your time, don't rush and make sure you understand what you're supposed to be doing before you do it. That being said I absolutely love this set, its actually my first combiner upgrade but since Bruticus has always been my favorite combiner this set seemed solid and it didn't disappoint! I actually took him with me to a local Transformers Collectors Meet Up here in Vegas and a few of the other collectors thought he was an entire 3rd Party bot and didn't realize it was just an upgrade on the regular Hasbro bot! If that isn't the sign of an awesome add-on then I don't know what is?! 8/10 for me
I think this looks better than the perfect effect upgrade but it makes the arms & legs look a bit basic in comparison to the torso, it seems more uniform with the standard torso if that makes sense great review/tutorial
Yeah, that makes sense. I wish they had at least added some biceps fillers or something. I am surprised no one has made any yet to make the arms look better.
I just got the 01B. I immediately took the instructions to the copy machine and lightened them up to the lowest setting. SO much easier to see now. On a side note I bought that lonely MegaOctane off ebay and when I started installing the kit there were no screws in the legs! WTC?!
i have mixed the two sets, I used this ones waist piece, hands, onslaughts leg bulk up piece, and gun barrels for his toy guns but used them as his hand gun/rifle. Then I used Perfect effects feet , back guns, and head and thenI used a in between leg transformation , not hasbros and not this ones. I also used the Takara United warriors Combaticon set and not Hasbro's so that made a big difference too. It looks GREAT now, real bulky and beefy but not too much. I felt this ones longer leg transformation looks too skinny/elongated so it wasnt for me. Super happy with the one I came up with.
That's exactly what I did: got this KO PerfectEffect PC09 set that has the feet the same colors as Swindle & Brawl, and I got the TCW01 EX set for the Onslaught parts... and using the TCW01 hands & feet as extra weapons.
Maybe if I had the Takara version I might consider this. But I already have the Hasbro version with both PE kits (hands/feet + head/guns) as well as Shapeways kits I used on Vortex and Blastoff. Thanks for taking the time to show all of us what this kit does and looks like though.
I am allright with the bruticus' own parts, though the arms and feet would be nice to have for his combiner form. Maybe chest part too... I'd not bother to change head or the crotch piece though.
Sorry for the lttp, but I just picked the equivalent of this set up off ebay. Set came without instructions. Right leg was incorrectly assembled, so I've been fighting with this all afternoon, and after it's all said and done, is there really no way to get Onslaught's vehicle rear end to sit correctly? Just doesn't seem right. I've been looking for some more information online.
I think I'll stay with some of my perfect effect stuff, but I won't waste it; I will use my current head, the hands and feet will go to unite warriors menasor+lonewolf because I bought the purple ones, I will use the perfect effect cannons as guns for something I'm unsure of. I bought the unite warriors one
If I ever get this I'm going to mix and match parts (I got both PE kits for ol' Bruty over time). Keep the more solid and posable head and way bigger/better looking cannons of the PE kits. Switch out for the gun hands. And most importantly replace the PE combiner feet which can only barely support the sheer weight of the figure. Solid if slightly limited ratchets >>> posable but not strong enough ball joints IMO. As for the other upgrade stuff: I'm definably not risking breaking the figure to get longer legs, the skirt armor it too loose for my taste, though the chest is a maybe for me.
Interesting. I don't know how those legs will hold up over time - especially since the Onslaught/Hotspot mold has ridiculously weak hip ratchets (I got my CW Bruticus shortly after it first came out, but the hips gave out after just two combinations...it only stands via pelvic thrust positioning.) - but it's still a cool kit. I got the KO PerfectEffect PC09 kit, and I like that. Too bad that they don't take repaints into consideration; I would love to have been able to get their Superion kit for my CW G2 Superion.
@@WLMjolnir Yeah, I pulled the trigger on the CW color version of the Bruticus kit, too. But they *don't* have one for G2 Superion, at least not that I've seen.
Hasbro and Takara have different levels of build quality and the issues come from this toy being the Hasbro version rather then from the produce itself since they were stress tested with the Takara versions.
Kevin Ly They're actually almost identical; the Defensor kit simply has a Defensor head & chest, the hands & feet are black, the other parts are the same but painted to go with the Hotspot version of the mold...and likely the Unite Warriors version at that.
Do you mean the mushroom peg? Its really just about getting some leverage against the upper thigh, then pressing against the back. It takes a decent bit of force, but just push parallel to the peg, and you should be good.
I actually recorded doing it, but I smacked into the camera because of the force needed. Essentially you have to get a good grip of the thigh joint and hold it stead while you push the peg apart on the leg. It doesn't have a lot of give, so once it goes, it will fly apart. Also push close to the peg to avoid any angular pressure. It appears hard, but once you get it going, its not to bad.
So are all the screws on the leg the same or do I need a screwdriver for one screw then anther screwdriver for the other screws Basically do I need a screwdriver for one screw or are they all the same
Anyone else wish Fansproject did a CW version of their Blastoff and Swindle add on kits for Energon ROTF reissue Booticus Maximus? Or maybe Brawl instead of Blastoff since the United Warriors version was a proper Space Shuttle. Edit: On second thought keep Blastoff because the United Warriors one is horrible in robot mode. Brawl is at least passable.
Chaotic Tyrant its the same as bruticus but if Hasbro made a combiner wars ruination he would have onslaught body and defensors head for combined mode.
I'm conflicted. On one hand, I really like how it changes the figure but on the other I don't like any of the parts used to do so; the built of the new thighs in particular looks really frail.
loliH9 looks frail but the quality of the overall set is phenomenal. The thighs are sturdier than a bitch and the mushroom pegs for some reason make it super strong, also has good ratchets
@@darkpuppet3690 You might want to put a search alert on eBay. I don't think they have made them for a while. So either some NOS from overseas or used on eBay. GL.
HMMM PE has a more functional to their kits where this has a better display but never touch appeal. Not a fan of breaking parts to change out for items that seem less durable. PE has my vote for this round but TCW seems to be more focused on Takara sets not Hasbro where PE focuses their kits on and not Takara key example is Computron.
Thats why I wanted to show all the options, because the look might not be for everyone. I think the thighs could be a little thicker, but for my taste I think the way hasbro had them was just too wide. Have you seen the C+ kit? Do you like that look? So far they have not announced a Bruticus though.
No I haven't seen that C+kit, what does it have. So far the feet from pf seems to look ok, I would leave the bulky hands and get me two guns from from the cyclonus Cw figure for the shoulder cannons. They have the same color and are big enough.
C+ So far is for defensor and Victorian. It replaces the chest, hands and adds some new feet/ calfs. I want to find another cannon solution. I do not like the one from this kit much at all. Here is the C+ kit. I am still on the fence about it. tfsource.com/c-plus-custom/thc-02-defensor/
![BRUTICUS VS METROPLEX [EPIC SHOWDOWN]](/img/n.gif)
The most important part is the leg mod. I have the UW Bruticus and Onslaught have a bad case of "noodle legs".
Look way more solid here than the original.
Great review, instructional, and comparison video.
I also like the aesthetic of the TDW parts. The design is reminiscent of the Studio Ox style to my eyes.
Thanks. That is one of the studios I was trying to think of.
First off, thank you for doing this video because I would not have been able to do the modifications on my own. Now, on to your questions. I prefer this kit over perfect effects for the reason that the feet are more stable, those amazing hand-to-miniguns, and the overall look of Bruticus. That being said, I put this kit on the Unite Warriors version so it does look way better all around. This kit does kind of turn Bruticus into a display piece so if you want a more fun Bruticus just go for perfect effects add-ons. If you have both kits, the PE cannons for Bruty's back look great on the DW kit.
Video was very insightful and very accurate. Did find out when you put the new head mold on why its so loose, the neck part inside the head mold is on a track that you push the head forward a little and it locks in place making it tighten up.
Thanks for the tip. I'll give its shot.
I got this upgrade myself & while its certainly the most labor involving upgrade I've ever gotten I really didn't have any trouble installing any of the parts or understanding the (admittedly vague) instructions. I would simply recommend to anyone considering getting this to take your time, don't rush and make sure you understand what you're supposed to be doing before you do it. That being said I absolutely love this set, its actually my first combiner upgrade but since Bruticus has always been my favorite combiner this set seemed solid and it didn't disappoint! I actually took him with me to a local Transformers Collectors Meet Up here in Vegas and a few of the other collectors thought he was an entire 3rd Party bot and didn't realize it was just an upgrade on the regular Hasbro bot! If that isn't the sign of an awesome add-on then I don't know what is?!
8/10 for me
HomicidalThrill can you send me some info on how you removed the legs?
HomicidalThrill :)😁😀😊☺👑💲💵💴💶good
I think this looks better than the perfect effect upgrade but it makes the arms & legs look a bit basic in comparison to the torso, it seems more uniform with the standard torso if that makes sense
great review/tutorial
Yeah, that makes sense. I wish they had at least added some biceps fillers or something. I am surprised no one has made any yet to make the arms look better.
NoriMovingPictures in bbts this set looks like plain grey does it comes with colored parts like yours or not
Thank you. I just used your guide to upgrade my Bruticus with US version of the Dream Wave kit
I just got the 01B. I immediately took the instructions to the copy machine and lightened them up to the lowest setting. SO much easier to see now. On a side note I bought that lonely MegaOctane off ebay and when I started installing the kit there were no screws in the legs! WTC?!
i have mixed the two sets, I used this ones waist piece, hands, onslaughts leg bulk up piece, and gun barrels for his toy guns but used them as his hand gun/rifle. Then I used Perfect effects feet , back guns, and head and thenI used a in between leg transformation , not hasbros and not this ones. I also used the Takara United warriors Combaticon set and not Hasbro's so that made a big difference too. It looks GREAT now, real bulky and beefy but not too much. I felt this ones longer leg transformation looks too skinny/elongated so it wasnt for me. Super happy with the one I came up with.
Now that TDW has made a proper US version of this kit, I think it's a no brainer. I might still get the PE kit just to use the hands and feet.
That's exactly what I did: got this KO PerfectEffect PC09 set that has the feet the same colors as Swindle & Brawl, and I got the TCW01 EX set for the Onslaught parts... and using the TCW01 hands & feet as extra weapons.
I'm still saving up to get the rest of bruticus including the potp blastoff and the TDW kit aswellas some shapeways pieces. Same for Defensor
Maybe if I had the Takara version I might consider this. But I already have the Hasbro version with both PE kits (hands/feet + head/guns) as well as Shapeways kits I used on Vortex and Blastoff. Thanks for taking the time to show all of us what this kit does and looks like though.
I am allright with the bruticus' own parts, though the arms and feet would be nice to have for his combiner form. Maybe chest part too... I'd not bother to change head or the crotch piece though.
I like the pose you made at the last few minutes of the video, looks menacing
Sorry for the lttp, but I just picked the equivalent of this set up off ebay. Set came without instructions. Right leg was incorrectly assembled, so I've been fighting with this all afternoon, and after it's all said and done, is there really no way to get Onslaught's vehicle rear end to sit correctly? Just doesn't seem right. I've been looking for some more information online.
I think I'll stay with some of my perfect effect stuff, but I won't waste it; I will use my current head, the hands and feet will go to unite warriors menasor+lonewolf because I bought the purple ones, I will use the perfect effect cannons as guns for something I'm unsure of.
I bought the unite warriors one
hi there, this is a much better look for Bruticus cos the chest really stand out!
How does it look without the leg modifications, but with the rest of the stuff?
good kit but i think ill stick with the 2 pe kits for this guy
If I ever get this I'm going to mix and match parts (I got both PE kits for ol' Bruty over time). Keep the more solid and posable head and way bigger/better looking cannons of the PE kits. Switch out for the gun hands. And most importantly replace the PE combiner feet which can only barely support the sheer weight of the figure. Solid if slightly limited ratchets >>> posable but not strong enough ball joints IMO. As for the other upgrade stuff: I'm definably not risking breaking the figure to get longer legs, the skirt armor it too loose for my taste, though the chest is a maybe for me.
actually in the PE hands you turn the thumb to the other side on weapon mode
Interesting. I don't know how those legs will hold up over time - especially since the Onslaught/Hotspot mold has ridiculously weak hip ratchets (I got my CW Bruticus shortly after it first came out, but the hips gave out after just two combinations...it only stands via pelvic thrust positioning.) - but it's still a cool kit. I got the KO PerfectEffect PC09 kit, and I like that.
Too bad that they don't take repaints into consideration; I would love to have been able to get their Superion kit for my CW G2 Superion.
They have. I've just ordered the US coloured version. They also done Baldigus and G2 versions
@@WLMjolnir Yeah, I pulled the trigger on the CW color version of the Bruticus kit, too. But they *don't* have one for G2 Superion, at least not that I've seen.
Great review helps a lot :)
Hasbro and Takara have different levels of build quality and the issues come from this toy being the Hasbro version rather then from the produce itself since they were stress tested with the Takara versions.
Hi how tall is with this set? Will it fit with Legacy Menasor + DNA Kit
i just bought a Bruticus with the add on kit and glad i did
hi Nori, I picked up this kit and the defensor kit. are they different? I haven't opened either but am curious
I don't have the defense kit, but from the pics I have seen it looks similar enough to where this guide should help.
Kevin Ly They're actually almost identical; the Defensor kit simply has a Defensor head & chest, the hands & feet are black, the other parts are the same but painted to go with the Hotspot version of the mold...and likely the Unite Warriors version at that.
I'm wondering if you can apply TCW-01 Bruticus Upgrade Kit on Kubian Bruticus set (Bootleg Bruticus)
Only if it is the same scale, I know a lot of KO tends to be oversized.
I've got the defensor version of this set. I have done a review of it if you are curious on how that looks.
What I want to know if how you removed the leg? Can you send me some info on that please? This video is awesome!🙏🏼👍🏼
Do you mean the mushroom peg? Its really just about getting some leverage against the upper thigh, then pressing against the back. It takes a decent bit of force, but just push parallel to the peg, and you should be good.
Ok thank you, that did it, I took a little bit but I got it. THank you once again.
I"m 99 % sure I got two left pieces for the leg with the teeth once you unscrew. The leg doesn't click flat.
Nice vid, but may I ask how tall are the CW and UW bruticus?
bruticus in combined mode can u turn onslaughts legs instead of using screwdrivers to make bruticus a little bit taller?
since the one for the dinobots are coming... hows the quality compared to PE?
I'd say the plastic quality is slightly lower, however I think for a display piece there would be no problems.
How did you manage to remove the mushroom head joints? I'm worried I might be breaking mine.
I actually recorded doing it, but I smacked into the camera because of the force needed. Essentially you have to get a good grip of the thigh joint and hold it stead while you push the peg apart on the leg. It doesn't have a lot of give, so once it goes, it will fly apart. Also push close to the peg to avoid any angular pressure. It appears hard, but once you get it going, its not to bad.
Are you going to do TCW-02? Because the is a problem with foot I try to force it the smaller hole of Groove and what the best way to solve it?
I don't think I will be getting that one. I don't have the defense set. Sorry.
So are all the screws on the leg the same or do I need a screwdriver for one screw then anther screwdriver for the other screws
Basically do I need a screwdriver for one screw or are they all the same
One could use the same screw driver. The key is making sure it seats properly to keep from damaging the screw's head.
It reminds me of the... wait for it... DREAM WAVE comics design.
Mind blown, right? That run in the comics was the really manga-esque art style
lulz gph.is/2cpbE6Y
I bought this but didn’t use the extra chest peice or waist peice and it looks way better in my opinin
Will the normal legs for onslaught work instead of using the joints that are used for the kit
Yes, you just have to transform them the way hasbro intended.
@@NoriToy ok will that get in the way of the upgrade kit for movement or no
Good review
Anyone else wish Fansproject did a CW version of their Blastoff and Swindle add on kits for Energon ROTF reissue Booticus Maximus? Or maybe Brawl instead of Blastoff since the United Warriors version was a proper Space Shuttle.
Edit: On second thought keep Blastoff because the United Warriors one is horrible in robot mode. Brawl is at least passable.
Does the upgrade work for the g2 repaint
Mechanically it should, but colors will not match.
I wish I’ll could get this kit.
Had 2 use this review for my unite warriors baldigus but it helped alot. Thanx!👍
What if I damage the head of the knee?
Anyway of just taking it out and use a new screw
I have not tried taking it out, If the parts are still in tact, you might be able to just glue it back together and it might not stand out.
Is this upgrade kit still available anywhere?
Most likely not unless you can find it used.
Is there a black version of this for G2 Bruticus?
AFAIK no. Only option is to customize one. I wish they made one for Victorian myself.
NoriMovingPictures And a version of the Defensor kit for UW Megatronia (Victorion repaint, all Decepticon girls) would've rocked as well.
If they do one for UW Baldigus/Ruination I'll probably get it.
Chaotic Tyrant Yeah, I don't think even PerfectEffect did a set for Baldigus. Would be nice if it happened, though.
Chaotic Tyrant I'd say just get this and custom paint it, Ruination is just a repaint after all.
Chaotic Tyrant Unite Warriors did it its on bbts well the toy is there is no upgrade kit
Chaotic Tyrant its the same as bruticus but if Hasbro made a combiner wars ruination he would have onslaught body and defensors head for combined mode.
I'm conflicted. On one hand, I really like how it changes the figure but on the other I don't like any of the parts used to do so; the built of the new thighs in particular looks really frail.
loliH9 looks frail but the quality of the overall set is phenomenal. The thighs are sturdier than a bitch and the mushroom pegs for some reason make it super strong, also has good ratchets
Like there knock off and combiner wars set does this kit work on all
If the KO is identical, I would suspect it should. Some KOs are oversized.
@@NoriToy ok next question what website can I get one
@@darkpuppet3690 You might want to put a search alert on eBay. I don't think they have made them for a while. So either some NOS from overseas or used on eBay. GL.
@@NoriToy ok thanks dude
Dude! I didn't even get that instruction sheet for Onslaught in my box! No wonder I was having so much damn trouble!
Hopefully my notes will help on your install.
NoriMovingPictures oh I already did. this is TFKaiser from the tfw2005 boards :)
when do you publice tcw-02 for Defensor?
Currently not right now. I am leaning towards the C+ kit if I get anymore add ons.
Do they sale these thing how do i get them
Places like BBTS, TFsource, Thechosenprime all have these.
how do you take the thighs off initially?
Its been a while, but I think you just remove the screws.
HMMM PE has a more functional to their kits where this has a better display but never touch appeal. Not a fan of breaking parts to change out for items that seem less durable. PE has my vote for this round but TCW seems to be more focused on Takara sets not Hasbro where PE focuses their kits on and not Takara key example is Computron.
I need that now.
If u get a wooden chopstick. Break it into 2, shave it down and rubber band them to Shockwave, Bruticus will be able to hold it
In myopinion you should get the power of the primes blast off your make up looks so much better trust me
a very good review.thank you
Id rather buy warbotron, less head ache, and you don't get to destroy the action figure
Leaning tower of Bruticus amirite?
ba-dum tshh
everytime i see the PE hands gun mode mistransformed...
so good that i bought bruticus whier i was 7 yers old
personally I like the vanilla Bruticus more, better head IMO and the chest is meh
Great
You sound abit like optibotimus
My wife just told me today that the voice in the video sounds nothing like me. I am curious if his voice sounds the same IRL vs through a speaker.
I'm sorry but it just looks horrible, the legs are very skinny in that mode and the skeletal hands don't help at all.
Thats why I wanted to show all the options, because the look might not be for everyone. I think the thighs could be a little thicker, but for my taste I think the way hasbro had them was just too wide. Have you seen the C+ kit? Do you like that look? So far they have not announced a Bruticus though.
No I haven't seen that C+kit, what does it have. So far the feet from pf seems to look ok, I would leave the bulky hands and get me two guns from from the cyclonus Cw figure for the shoulder cannons. They have the same color and are big enough.
C+ So far is for defensor and Victorian. It replaces the chest, hands and adds some new feet/ calfs. I want to find another cannon solution. I do not like the one from this kit much at all. Here is the C+ kit. I am still on the fence about it. tfsource.com/c-plus-custom/thc-02-defensor/
Oh wow, what a he'll of a difference. Love the feet and gun. Any chance you will do a review of it?
I will if I manage to find a decently priced Victorian.
No sir, I don't like it
Dream wave is better
No one care about the box … let’s see what’s inside
stop constantly complaining over one detail that is only need to be mentioned once and not every time you bat it with your hands
Nerd...