FansProject WB002 – Steel Core

Interesting….when I first pre-ordered Steel Core here, I had no intention of keeping him. But now….he’s taken a center spot on my shelf.

You see, as I’ve previously done with Generations Swerve, I’ve taken Steel Core and created my own cannonized story for him. But this time using Fall of Cybertron. As some of you remember from War for Cybetron, there are big “Brute” enemies on both the Autobot and Decepticon sides that serve as rather difficult enemies to deal with. Well, Steel Core here is going to serve as my FOC Autobot Brute. He even has a big, glowing back section (aka, the cockpit canopy).

I won’t go into a big back ground like I did with Path Finder, but basically the gist of the character idea is that, he’s part of the Autobot Guardian Class, who, like the Decepticon Seekers, take on the form of their commander. However, Steel Core volunteered for an experimental procedure developed by Perceptor and was bianary bonded with a smaller Autobot partner, Nova. (This technology would later be perfected as the PowerMaster technology).

Steel Core features his Hammer (seen above) as seen in War For Cybertron, which can transform into a bladed energon bolt gun:

For those of you looking to keep the blade tucked away in robot mode, simply insert it in his back like this, I’ll fit snug without causing any problems.

As well as his assault rifle (also seen above)

Nova is a demolitions expert who specializes in bomb diffusing techniques.

When Nova joins with Steel Core, it provides him with a tremendous boost of energy, strength and power, however he loses the ability to transform while Nova is linked up.

So there we go, that’s the gist of my “back story”. I now have three FOC Autobots that I really do like (and yes, I bought another Jazz, because my previous mod really didn’t work well…)

As for the figure himself, FansProject has really done a great job here. Steel Core feels VERY Solid and sturdy, features NO die cast metal (which is a bonus!) and transforms very effectively, as many of you who’ve tried to Transform Defender (aka Springer) into his various modes will be glad to hear.

Now, the thing is, I do love his head sculpt, I just feel its not very transformer-y looking. I think if he had a visor or a full face plate, he would look spot on, but it’s a very minor complaint.  People have claimed he bears a slight War Within Grimlock or even an Ultra Magnus homage, but I really don’t see it except the exhaust pipes on his shoulders kinda look like Grimlock’s in War Within.    He is one of the most flexible and pose-able figures I’ve ever seen.  Everything feels nice and solid in his joints which is quite a good thing.

As for his alt-mode, well, he forms a Cybertronian Armored Truck –

I added a few Repro labels I had left over for some detailing and the two Autobot badges on the back here end up on the sides of his shoulders which worked out quite well…

And of course Nova (Steel) can fit in the cockpit in vehicle mode as well!

The cool thing is, FansProject has commented at TFCon that not only are they are not only going to produce some more “Heartmaster” figures like Steel Core, but they are also going to produce some additional items for Steel Core himself! I’m very excited. For as much as I planned on selling him right away, I’m very happy I kept him and look forward to what FansProject produces in the future (not to mention the Stunticons they’re working on…don’t even get me started on that.)

That’s all for now on Steel Core

Stay tuned, I’m planning a few general topics including pictures of my modest, but rapidly growing collection and some Transformers that remain my all time favorites!