Hound - Binaltech - Figure

Hound

Thanks to the cooperative development of Daimler-Chrysler and Hybrid Technologies Corporation, this Autobot tracker is equipped with all the latest detection functions. Hound has a supreme love of Earth's natural environment and longs deep in his spark to become a human being. He feels the Binal-Tech Plan is just like the first step to his dream coming true, and as a staunch supporter of the project, he has volunteered his cooperation in advancing the introduction and testing of new technology, with all their accompanying dangers. In addition to his deep loyalty and fearless heroism, he is awakening to a higher level of perception thanks to the high-precision sensors equipped all over his structure.

Bio written by Hirofumi Ichikawa, translated by Doug Dlin.

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Review

Set Includes

Hound's vehicle mode is a Jeep TJ Wrangler, measuring 6 3/4" long, 3" high, and 3" wide. He is mostly green with black trim, accurate front, rear, and signal lights, and Jeep molded into the spare tire cover and front bumper. Speaking of that front bumper, the license plate is emblazoned with the Autobot insignia. On either side of the Jeep, just past the front wheel wells, you can find the words Sport Jeep Wrangler.

Among the amazing features are the "Cybertron Radial" tires with some nice tread on them, the independent suspension on each wheel, pivoting, bucket seats, and working rear-view mirrors. Also, each door opens to grant easier access to the interior than hoping over the rails. The interior has amazing details of vents, dials, six-disc CD changer (okay, I don't know that it's a six-disc CD changer), emergency brake, gear shift, and cup holders.

Pop the hood and you'll find a highly detailed engine block. It's split down the middle, but that's due to the nature of Hound's transform. Additionally, the engine doesn't form Hound's weapon like his contemporaries. His gun is actually folded up and tucked inside the spare tire cover. Binaltech Hound also features die-cast construction in the front fenders, hood, grill, and doors, making this version much heavier than his Alternators counterpart.

Start-Change-Finish

To transform Hound into robot mode:

1. Swing open the doors and separate the rails that connect the windshield section to the mid section and the mid section to the rear from each other.
2. Swing down the front tires, lift the hood, flip the Autobot symbol around, and then swing the back panel back against the windshield.
3. Swing each engine halves out to each side and swing the robot head up. Then close the hood.
4. Straighten out the robot arms and fists and fold the rear seats back.
5. Swing the rear tire/door out to the side and fold half the door over onto the right side, rear tire.
6. Push the front of the tire in and the interior will swing forward to reveal Hound's weapon. Pull out the gun, unfold the barrel and swing the opened tire section back into place.
7. Pull the rear halves of the vehicle back slightly and split the rear section.
8. Swing the rear halves down, fold the black step piece down, fold the rear rail sections down.
9. Flip the rear seats sections forward, then swing rear bumper sections forward. Rotate the rear bumper sections around to form the feet.
10. Fold the waist piece up and lock it into place against the gray torso piece.
11. Rotate the upper body around, swing the steering wheel down, and fold the front seats up.
12. Fold the interior section into the upper body and fold the windshield piece down.

Robot Mode

Measuring in at 7 1/4" to the top of his head, Hound is now ready to battle the Decepticons alongside his Autobot brothers. Hound keeps some of the same aspects of his G1 toy. The front of the Jeep forms his upper torso, with his robot head coming out from the center. The helmet and face bare a remarkable resemblance to Hound's G1 self. Additionally, he has blue eyes, giving tribute to the blue-eyed Autobots from the original cartoon.

Unlike the other toys in the line, Hound's weapon is actually rather puny looking. However, that fits with his function as a scout. It also doesn't lock into his hands like Smokescreen and Silverstreak. He can grasp it tightly in his hands though, so it's not that much of a concern. One concern is that Hound is top-heavy due to the die-cast construction of his upper torso. He can fall over easily if his pose isn't properly supported. And while it hasn't happened to me yet, I imagine that the die-cast parts are prone to chipping, especially the hood latch.

Hound is no slouch in articulation. His head is on a ball-socket, enabling a wide range of positions. Each arm has five points of articulation: ball-socket shoulders and hinges on his elbows, wrists, index finger, and the other three (they're molded together). He can turn at the waist, has ball-socket hips, and double-jointed knees and ankles. The only thing that would make the articulation better would be a swivel join on his elbows as they are limited in the poses they can support.

Overall

Hound is an excellent example of the Binaltech line. The transformation isn't too challenging and it's a great homage to the often-neglected G1 character. Outside of the elbow joint and possible die-cast chipping, there really isn't anything wrong with Hound. This is definitely worth picking up if you get the chance.

Reviewer	Richard C. Mistron
Date	July 5th 2004
Score	(9 out of 10)
Reads	12020

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