MP-25 Cybertron Warrior Tracks
Function: Warrior
Motto: “Looking good is what life's all about.”
Profile:
Tracks is a narcissist who is enamoured with his own body. Has a passion and love for Earth and its people and hides a secret yearning to be human himself. Armed with a Black Beam Gun and a Heat Seeking Incendiary Launcher he is a reliable Cybertron Warrior and his aerial techniques rival the Jetrons.
STR...6; INT...6; SPD...7; END...8; RNK...5; CRG...6; FBL...8; SKL...8
Other Resources:
- Transformers Masterpiece Toy List
- Transformers Masterpiece Translated Bios
- Transformers Masterpiece Translated Extended Bios
- Full MP-25 Tracks Gallery
- MP-25 Tracks Instructions Scan
- MP-25 Tracks Extended Profile Scan
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Overview
Tracks is based on the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 released between 1980-82. He made his debut in the G1 cartoon partway through Season 2 in Dinobot Island Part 1 and certainly made his mark as a unique and stand out character.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 1981 (Source: Cargurus.com) |
MP-25 Tracks was released in late November 2015 for 7,500 Yen. Apart from
the great looking car mode, I've always felt the original G1 Tracks was one
of the weaker Autobot cars, and I have the same feeling with this
Masterpiece figure. Compared to the other original G1 cars, Tracks was more
plastic than diecast metal and it felt rather fragile to handle, especially
when folding the arms out of car mode. Overall it is a good figure and the
car mode looks fantastic but there is just something about it.
The Masterpiece version comes packaged in vehicle mode with the following
accessories:-
- Flight Stand (a clear version of this stand was also available on its own through the Takara Tomy Mall)
- Black Beam Gun
- Black Beam Gun for front grill
- Blaster / Broadcast cassette deck non transforming figurine
- Raoul figurine
- Two sets of wing mirrors
As mentioned above the vehicle mode does not have the wing mirrors attached
and they come still attached on a sprue as well as a second spare set. The
vehicle mode is fantastic and looks just like the actual car. Given Takara
Tomy haven't made the complete move to cartoon accuracy yet, the flame
decals adorning the bonnet are a replica of the original G1 toy sticker. The
animation model only features a bland red flame and the roof features a
yellow square with an Autobot logo in its centre. This is present in this
Masterpiece although it is flipped out for robot mode.
The blue plastic features a metal flake finish which looks really good and
there are other great details such as the Corvette logo on the bonnet and
beneath the rear window. This is also the first Masterpiece car to feature
an opening bonnet and although this is part of the transformation into robot
mode, the designers added engine detail. What you may notice however is the
engine is the one seen in the episode "Tracks the Warrior" (or "Make
Tracks") and not an actual Corvette engine.
Also seen in this episode is Raoul, a human who would also appear a second
time in the episode "Broadcast VS Soundwave" (aka "Auto-Bop"). Raoul is a
small non-movable figurine on a plastic base and doesn't really interact
with Tracks.
Track's car windows are a transparent light blue and you can see the robot
mode head inside. I would have preferred opaque or even painted windows
however the decision must have been made based on accessory storage as you
can fit the included Broadcast (Blaster) figure inside and Tracks' Black
Beam Gun, although not at the same time. As the windows are clear you can
see either Broadcast or the gun. This gimmick can be a pain as you have to
almost transform the rear of the car to flip up the car roof for access.
The Masterpiece figure also includes Track's third flight mode. During
transformation you have to tab in the robot arms to the side of the car
mode. My tabs were rather stiff and given the plastic is rather thin I had
to be careful when doing this. The flight mode is based off the animation
model rather than the G1 toy so gone are the missiles and instead there are
the rear fins. The second Black Beam Gun for the front grill, as seen in the
cartoon, can also be attached.
The included flight stand can also be made of use for this mode.
Transformation is good although it does feel very fragile when doing so. The
simple hand transformation is great and it is nice to see the designers did
not opt for a faux robot chest and were able to use the actual car roof,
complete with the flip out logo. Caution should be used for transforming the
robot legs as the robot shins are known to be easily broken. The robot head
does not snap into place very well either, if you swing it out, it can be
pushed back very easily and if you do force it to click, the head swings
forward very easily so there does not appear to be any middle ground.
Posability in robot mode is okay but is dated compared to the likes of later
releases. When you do try and pose the figure, especially the arms, the
chest becomes untabbed from the shoulders very easily. The Black Beam Gun
fits snugly in Track's hand. As Tracks' backpack and chest are easily
untabbed when handling this figure it does take out a lot of the fun. Upon
revisiting this figure I hoped I would be able to see past the flaws but I'm
still of the opinion this is the weakest of the Cybertron cars.
Translations
■
A beautiful warrior flying in the majestic blue sky (Translated from the back of the box)
The Corvette is a Chevrolet sports car owned by General Motors (GM). Called the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3, the C3 model is the third generation launched in 1968. It is a famous American car with a large V8 displacement engine and a curved body design known as the “Coke Bottle Line”. The eye-catching Corvette Stingray C3 transforms into “Tracks”, the Cybertron Warrior who appeared in “Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers.” He was presented as a very unique character who admires his own body, especially in vehicle form and often made narcissistic comments. He also has a strong admiration for the Earth and its people and was shown to be frequently engaging in activities with the humans. He has a flight mode which can be called his third mode and has taken part in many battles providing his fellow Cybertrons with air support. With this item, we were very particular with details such as Tracks' “beauty” as well as recreating the engine under the bonnet. Also included are many accessories as seen in the cartoon. We hope you enjoy the charm of Cybertron Warrior Tracks which has been recreated using modern techniques.
The Corvette is a Chevrolet sports car owned by General Motors (GM). Called the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3, the C3 model is the third generation launched in 1968. It is a famous American car with a large V8 displacement engine and a curved body design known as the “Coke Bottle Line”. The eye-catching Corvette Stingray C3 transforms into “Tracks”, the Cybertron Warrior who appeared in “Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers.” He was presented as a very unique character who admires his own body, especially in vehicle form and often made narcissistic comments. He also has a strong admiration for the Earth and its people and was shown to be frequently engaging in activities with the humans. He has a flight mode which can be called his third mode and has taken part in many battles providing his fellow Cybertrons with air support. With this item, we were very particular with details such as Tracks' “beauty” as well as recreating the engine under the bonnet. Also included are many accessories as seen in the cartoon. We hope you enjoy the charm of Cybertron Warrior Tracks which has been recreated using modern techniques.
■ Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 (Actual Car Notes) (Translated from the back of the box)
The third generation model known as the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 was introduced in 1968 and had inherited the coke bottle design of the Mako Shark II concept car. It is said to have been inspired by the aerodynamic concept of the “Area Rule” for jet fighters which could surpass the speed of sound. Its structure was inherited from the first generation Sting Ray C2, adopting a double wishbone in the front and a rigid axle and horizontal leaf springs at the rear. The engine was either a big-block or small-block Chevrolet V Type 8 Cylinder OHV and with the use of a special unit known as the LS-6, it was possible to reach 7440cc/425 horsepower. This vehicle could truly be called the embodiment of an American large displacement sports car with an abundance of torque and powerful performance. Its evolution continued up until 1972 when a series of environmental and safety regulations took the edge off. It was transitioned to a mild GT car but it remained a sleek and glamorous Chevrolet flagship car until it was discontinued in 1982.
■ Length: 4636 mm
■ Width: 1753 mm
■ Height: 1214 mm
■ Wheelbase: 2489 mm
■ Weight: 1552kg
■ Engine: LS-6 V Type 8 Cylinder 7440cc
■ Maximum Output: 425 horsepower / 5600 rpm
■ Maximum Torque: 65.7kgm / 5600 rpm
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 Vehicle Mode (Translated from the
instruction booklet)
Tracks Robot Mode (Translated from the instruction booklet)
Weapon: Black Beam Gun (Translated from the instruction
booklet)
Track’s gun fires a beam of black light at his enemies to temporarily blind them. It can also be used as a normal weapon and its power can be adjusted to blow up a Destron robot car factory in a single shot to melting guns held by humans. Additionally it is shown to have the same ability as Broadcast's Electro Scrambler Gun in episode 51 “Broadcast VS Soundwave”.
Mode: Flight Mode (Translated from the instruction booklet)
Has the ability to fly, deploying wings stored at the base of his vehicle mode. Has a wide range in flight mode, as shown in Episode 51 “Broadcast VS Soundwave” where he is shown to out manoeuvre and fight off Starscream. Additionally in Episode 25 “Megatron's Plan to Rule Earth”, a laser emerges from his front bumper to blind Dirge.
Ally: Raoul (Translated from the instruction booklet)
Lives in New York and was a car thief from an early age. Initially tried to sell Tracks, but after his rehabilitation he has become a close friend.
Ally: Broadcast (Translated from the instruction booklet)
Cybertron warrior Broadcast transforms into a cassette deck. Tracks and Broadcast have a close friendship as they both share an affinity to Earth's culture.
Diaclone 1984 (Japan)
Diaclone 1984 (Italy)
Tracks transforms into the Corvette Stingray C3, an attractive vehicle
mode with a unique curvaceous design. As well as the beauty of his
Corvette vehicle form, it’s also blue in colour, much like the Earth
which he is incredibly fond of. It also has a fire pattern on the
bonnet which gives a strong impact to the overall design. Tracks is
particularly fascinated by the beauty of his vehicle mode and much
prefers this form to his robot mode. Even during battle he is worried
about his appearance and would rather remain in vehicle mode until
conditions force him to transform to robot mode.
Although he likes to show off the beauty of his vehicle mode, he has
put himself into situations where he has suffered severe damage; his
bonnet has been squashed against a telephone pole by a car thief and
he was crushed by Blitzwing in his tank mode.
In vehicle mode his land speed is 448km/h and he can also extend the
wings housed underneath his rear fender to enable him to fly at
semi-sonic speeds. He has even defeated Starscream, out manoeuvring
him with his aerial techniques and is considered a valuable addition
to the Cybertron's aerial forces.
● Function: Warrior
● Motto: “Looking good is what life is all about.”
● Profile
Cybertron Tracks appeared from the middle of the “Fight! Super Robot
Lifeform Transformers” series. Although he is noticeably narcissistic,
at the same time he has great affection and an affinity with the
humans on Earth. Enjoys being involved in Earth culture, from playing
basketball with Commander Convoy and his comrades to being invited to
film a movie with Hoist. Together with Broadcast, he loves Earth's
culture and there are many scenes depicting his friendship with the
humans and Bumble. In particular he loves New York city where he met
the young car thief Raoul and together they foiled a Destron plot.
Since then he became friends with Raoul and worked with him a second
time during the Disco Dancitron case. Uses his Heat Seeking Incendiary
Launchers equipped in his back and also his hand held Black Beam Gun
in battles against such foes as the Insectrons when they were
devouring Earth's crops and when confronting a huge organism from
space that was attacking San Francisco. Although his
self-consciousness can be a little overbearing, he has a captivating
personality and is respectful and friendly to the humans. His charming
character makes him stand out amongst the other Cybertron warriors.
Track’s gun fires a beam of black light at his enemies to temporarily blind them. It can also be used as a normal weapon and its power can be adjusted to blow up a Destron robot car factory in a single shot to melting guns held by humans. Additionally it is shown to have the same ability as Broadcast's Electro Scrambler Gun in episode 51 “Broadcast VS Soundwave”.
Has the ability to fly, deploying wings stored at the base of his vehicle mode. Has a wide range in flight mode, as shown in Episode 51 “Broadcast VS Soundwave” where he is shown to out manoeuvre and fight off Starscream. Additionally in Episode 25 “Megatron's Plan to Rule Earth”, a laser emerges from his front bumper to blind Dirge.
Lives in New York and was a car thief from an early age. Initially tried to sell Tracks, but after his rehabilitation he has become a close friend.
Cybertron warrior Broadcast transforms into a cassette deck. Tracks and Broadcast have a close friendship as they both share an affinity to Earth's culture.
History
Diaclone 1984 (Japan)
Source: TFSource.com |
Source: tf-1.com |
Diaclone 1984 (Finland)
A black version of the Corvette Stingray was found to have been released in Finland as an R-Kioski store exclusive. The black version finally came to have an official Transformers release as an exclusive in the June 2016 Tokyo Toy Show - a repainted Masterpiece Tracks, now a Destron called Loud Pedal.
Source: tf-1.com |
Joustra Diaclone 1985 (France)
Source: tf-1.com |
Source: tf-1.com |
The Transformers 1985 (Hasbro)
Source: eBay |
The Transformers 1985 (Takara)
The Transformers 1985 (MB)
When Tracks was released in the Transformers line he was originally going to be red like the Diaclone version and was also depicted in the red colour on the artwork on the back of the box. Milton Bradley took stock from the Joustra Diaclone line which is why this Tracks was released in his intended colours (later to be retconned as Road Rage).
When Tracks was released in the Transformers line he was originally going to be red like the Diaclone version and was also depicted in the red colour on the artwork on the back of the box. Milton Bradley took stock from the Joustra Diaclone line which is why this Tracks was released in his intended colours (later to be retconned as Road Rage).
Source: 20thcenturytoycollector.com |
The Transformers 1991 (Hasbro UK)
For some reason the 1991 reissue is slightly different from its 1985
release as its diecast metal legs are now painted black rather than left
unpainted, although it does now resemble the box art. Later reissues
reverted to the unpainted version.
Source: TFSource.com |
The Transformers 1991 (Hasbro Spain)
Source: eBay |
e-Hobby Exclusive 2002 (Takara)
The red Tracks was now intentionally released in the Transformers line now as a different female character called Road Rage.
Exclusive 2002 (Takara)
As well as the red Tracks being released, Takara also reissued the black version as a lucky draw exclusive, limited to 300 pieces. This version features noticeably different colours from the Finnish Diaclone version and unlike the red version this has no character card with it.
Commemorative Series 2003 (Hasbro)
The red Tracks was now intentionally released in the Transformers line now as a different female character called Road Rage.
As well as the red Tracks being released, Takara also reissued the black version as a lucky draw exclusive, limited to 300 pieces. This version features noticeably different colours from the Finnish Diaclone version and unlike the red version this has no character card with it.
Source: TFSource.com |
Commemorative Series 2003 (Hasbro)
Source: eBay |
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