TRANSFORMERSToys Generations War for Cybertron: Kingdom Deluxe WFC-K32 Autobot Pipes Action Figure - 8 and Up, 14 cm Multicolor F0682

Nice figure and the package arrived intact

The original toy of Pipes was released as part of the third batch of mini-Autobots, which were all reworked moulds of the first with new colour schemes (with the exception of the continued inclusion of Bumblebee).Pipes was probably the most re-worked of them and the only one that possessed a bit of re-engineering. Excluding the new colour scheme and a slight change to the top of his smokestacks, his vehicle mode was essentially the same as his mould mate, the much more famous Huffer. However, his new body sculpt was on the opposite side of the figure to Huffer. This resulted in a slightly different transformation, one that was sort of the reverse of Huffer’s. It gave the two of them a different look from each other in robot mode.Inevitably, the ‘Kingdom’ version of Pipes follows this trend and, in doing so, makes worthwhile use of it. He is much the same mould as ‘Kingdom’ Huffer, but, once more, possesses a new body and head sculpt. However, his cab can be swivelled around 180 degrees during transformation. In robot mode this slight adaption allows the ‘Kingdom’ version to resemble the look of the original Pipes whilst also allowing for a look that makes use of the Huffer configuration. It’s a nice touch and homage to that difference between the original toys.As a redeco of Huffer, ‘Kingdom’ Pipes has the same strengths and weaknesses. He has the taller and slimmer look with a smaller proportioned ‘hood’ that is more in keeping with his portrayal in comics and cartoons. But, although it emulates the original, the truck cab mode does seem a little out of proportion with the large exhaust pipes. It also doesn’t roll particularly well (although Pipes rolls better than Huffer). The main flaw, however, is the inexplicable bend in the middle of the vehicle mode. It looks wrong and significantly hinders the wheels.However, even though the transformation process is effectively the same, it is a little less awkward than Huffer’s. There feels like a bit more clearance in the shoulder area and the wheels don’t pop off during transformation like Huffer’s.Unlike Huffer (and, indeed, Road Ranger), Pipes doesn’t come with the excellent blaster that splits into two to form panels for the truck bed. Instead he has two blaster cannons that can be mounted in a couple of places on his arms (and several places in vehicle form). This emulates the original toy that possessed no hands but just the end of the smokestacks instead.Of course, ‘Kingdom’ Pipes can also be used with the Optimus Prime trailer, just like Huffer; although it doesn’t have the same significance.Strangely, and I don’t think it was the original intention of Hasbro, Puffer, who is a repaint of Pipes with a different face, came out a couple months before Pipes (as part of the Golden Disc collection alongside Road Ranger). Thus, there is nothing unexpected or new about Pipes, including the clever cab gimmick.