In the first part of this review, we discussed how the current lack of an official Masterpiece Trailbreaker toy made assessing this Generations version all the more interesting, and needless to say that’s even more true when it comes time for transformation and robot mode. After all, given that the MP line is the go-to for reproducing such classic characters in faithful form, what can we learn from how this lad has been tackled for a mainline setting?

As far as the conversion process goes, it’s all pretty straightforward. Everything folds away essentially as one would expect if they’re familiar with the basics of Trailbreaker’s classic design, although it’s very pleasing to see that this modern update of the 1984 original now has all of his appendages and most of his accessories integrated, as opposed to the various bits and bobs that required partsforming on the original.

The result is an extremely pleasing affair too, and again clips together seamlessly just as on the alternate form. Overall, I’ve definitely found Trailbreaker to be one of the most fun and, crucially, the most satisfying Earthrise examples to convert, in that respect.

Going into this line I was really hoping for some good “fiddle-formers”: toys that you can pick up, play with and put down with ease, but sadly it becomes less enjoyable when some stuff squishes together without the kind of definitive click-clack that I expected. Not so with Trailbreaker, fortunately.

It leaves a very solid and robust-feeling robot indeed, and despite noticing that a few of the joints on mine have lost a little bit of friction since first opening him, he remains as such. I wish there was a little less give in the knees, but on the whole this guy comes off as a good build.

As for looks, well, just take a gander! There’s little doubt which character this toy is intending to represent, as even though there are definitely some stylistic elements to it, the robot mode does a brilliant job at bringing Trailbreaker’s vintage look up-to-date in faithful form.

That includes even some of the more bizarre elements, of course, such as the backpack-mounted doodads and his signature shoulder ‘wings’. I feel like these unusual elements have mostly been handled really well here though, as they definitely make sense on this modern figure despite being such obvious quirks of the original.

I do wish the shoulder cannon sat a little more naturally (as moving it backwards means also moving the backpack a little) but it’s a very minor nitpick indeed. The wings can also looks a little award in certain positions, but on the whole I feel like the designers have done a good job at accommodating their appearance and still giving Trailbreaker some meaningful articulation thanks to those shoulder joints. It’s only really when pointing the arms out to about a 45 degree angle that it looks a bit odd.

Besides, the articulation elsewhere is really quite good, and especially so in the legs. He’s rocking a very welcome ankle tilt and the double-hinged knees allow for all kinds of poses, most notably a highly-convincing kneel. It’s incredible to see how such elements have been incorporated into mainline toys these days, and Trailbreaker is certainly one of the more fluid, in my experience.

Then there’s a very strong look on offer, which as I say all manages to bring the character to life with aplomb. No doubt a large part of that is the headsculpt, which is one of the more intriguing elements of this toy, in my opinion. I mentioned in part 1 that it’s been interesting to see how some Generations toys have re-used Masterpiece heads to great effect, but this one leaves me wondering to what degree an eventual Masterpiece iteration of Trailbreaker would resemble what we see here.

Needless to say, I wouldn’t be at all dissatisfied if indeed it did, as I honestly think they’ve nailed it. It’s full of expression without being overdone and manages to capture the feel of the character rather brilliantly. I’m also a big fan of that baby blue visor.

So, on the whole there’s certainly a lot of positives to be found with this toy. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it’s easily been one of the more gratifying experiences in my recent dive into the world of mainline toys, and as I alluded to above, definitely meets what my hopes and expectations were for such an experience on the whole.

I say that as it’s not been universally the case with Earthrise toys, were a few of them have felt a little lacklustre for how they hold or clip together, or because of the drab fit and finish on display. I have precisely none of those grumbles here, and in that regard Trailbreaker soars.

In fact I enjoyed him so much that he easily convinced me to give his mould-mate, Hoist, a go too, so that’s perhaps all the verdict you need!

Ultimately my hope for a Masterpiece take on these characters would of course involve significantly more variance between the body types of the two characters, but for a mainline release it’s hard not to think that HasTak have done a good job with them both.

In fact I’d go as far to say that of all the 1984 crew that have made it into my burgeoning mainline line-up so far, Trailbreaker ranks as a favourite. I think what’s also notable is that he’s one of the more immediately classic-looking examples too, which no doubt adds to the appeal!

Will we ever see a Masterpiece release of the character? Maybe, maybe not. If TakaraTomy ever do go that route though, one thing is for certain – they could certainly do worse for inspiration than the toy we see before us here.

Until that day, I’ll continue dreaming of what might be, all whilst enjoying Earthrise Trailbreaker for everything he has to offer.

WHAT’S HOT? Great vehicle mode, very nice robot mode and a fun, repeatable and very satisfying transformation in-between!

WHAT’S NOT? There’s a tiny bit of kibble underneath the alt’ mode, the ‘wings’ in robot mode may prove irritating for some.

TTFN