Mixtape for the Apocalypse

Overview and First Impressions

The Action Toys Mini Action Series 09 Voltron Vehicle Force represents an ambitious attempt to bring the beloved Dairugger XV (Vehicle Voltron) to collectors at a more accessible price point. Standing at approximately 5.9 inches when fully combined, this figure manages to capture the essence of the fifteen-vehicle combining mecha while maintaining the intricate transformation sequence that made the original so compelling.

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At first glance, the figure impresses with its vibrant color scheme and cartoon-accurate proportions. The plastic construction feels solid despite the budget-oriented nature of the release, and the attention to detail on each individual vehicle component is commendable for a figure in this price range.

Individual Vehicle Modes – The Building Blocks

Land Team (Forms Lower Body)

The five Land Team vehicles serve as Voltron’s foundation, literally and figuratively. Each vehicle features distinct sculpting that, while simplified, captures the essence of their animated counterparts. However, there are some notable compromises:

Strengths:

• Clean, cartoon-accurate sculpting
• Vibrant paint applications
• Solid plastic construction
• Good proportional scaling between vehicles

Weaknesses:

• No functional wheels (vehicles slide rather than roll)
• Some vehicles require imagination to sell their functionality
• The chest-forming vehicle looks particularly awkward with its tiny wing appendages

Air Team (Forms Upper Body)

The Air Team vehicles generally fare better in their individual modes, with the helicopter components being particularly well-executed. The rotor blades (which double as Voltron’s Spinning Laser Blades) are appropriately scaled for vehicle mode, though they appear undersized when the figure is fully combined.

Sea Team (Forms Arms and Accessories)

The Sea Team vehicles showcase some of the most detailed sculpting in the set. However, they also demonstrate one of the figure’s most frustrating aspects: the need to remove substantial plastic chunks during transformation. Large sections must be detached to reveal connection points, breaking the illusion of a seamless transformation.

Combined Vehicle Modes – Intermediate Transformations

One of Voltron Vehicle Force’s unique features is the ability to form three larger combined vehicles before the final robot combination. Action Toys has faithfully recreated this aspect:

Land Formation: Unfortunately remains the weakest of the three combinations, appearing somewhat ungainly and lacking the sleek aesthetics of its companions.

Air Formation: Delivers a satisfying combined mode that genuinely looks like it could take flight, with good proportions and clean lines.

Sea Formation: Perhaps the most successful of the intermediate combinations, creating a vessel that appears both functional and formidable.

The friction-based connection system holds these combinations together adequately, though concerns about long-term durability are valid as repeated transformations will inevitably loosen these joints.

The Main Event – Robot Mode

Articulation and Poseability

For a figure comprised of fifteen separate components, the articulation achieved is genuinely impressive:

• Head: Ball joint with good range
• Shoulders: Ball joints with excellent mobility
• Elbows: Hinged joints (revealed by removing vehicle spoilers)
• Waist: Surprisingly functional tilt joint
• Hips: Ball joints (with noted quality control issues)
• Knees: Functional bending joints
• Ankles: Limited but present articulation

The engineering that allows for waist articulation deserves special recognition – it’s an unexpected feature that significantly enhances the figure’s dynamic potential.

Aesthetic Success

When properly assembled, Voltron Vehicle Force is genuinely striking. The proportions are excellent, the color separation is clean, and the overall silhouette perfectly captures the animated character. The figure manages to look cohesive despite being assembled from fifteen distinct components.

Accessories and Equipment

Blazing Sword

The standout accessory is undoubtedly the Blazing Sword. This piece features excellent sculpting with sharp detail work and a substantial feel that belies its plastic construction. It’s appropriately scaled and fits securely in Voltron’s hands.

Spinning Laser Blades

While functional as helicopter rotors in vehicle mode, these accessories suffer from scaling issues when displayed with the combined robot. They appear noticeably undersized compared to their animated counterparts, somewhat diminishing their impact as signature weapons.

Transformation Parts

The figure includes necessary transformation pieces such as alternate faceplates and connecting joints. However, the reliance on removable parts is one of the figure’s more frustrating aspects.

Major Issues and Quality Control Concerns

Hip Joint Problems

Multiple collectors have reported issues with the right hip connection, including:

• Loose connections that don’t hold securely
• Misaligned joints causing uneven leg positioning
• Difficulty achieving stable standing poses

This appears to be a widespread manufacturing issue rather than isolated incidents, representing a significant quality control problem.

Part Removal Requirements

The transformation process requires removing numerous parts:

• Vehicle spoilers and fins for arm connections
• Rear sections of cars for proper arm assembly
• Large chunks from Sea Team vehicles for leg formation

This part-swapping approach, while enabling more accurate individual vehicle modes, undermines the elegance of the transformation sequence and increases the risk of losing small components.

Durability Concerns

The friction-based connection system, while functional, raises questions about long-term durability. Repeated transformations will inevitably wear down connection points, potentially leading to loose joints over time.

Value Proposition

At its price point, the Action Toys Mini Action Voltron Vehicle Force represents solid value for fans of the character. While it doesn’t achieve the premium quality of higher-end releases like Soul of Chogokin versions, it successfully delivers the core Voltron experience at a fraction of the cost.

Best For:

• Fans seeking an affordable entry into Vehicle Voltron collecting
• Those who prioritize display over frequent transformation
• Collectors who appreciate engineering complexity in compact packages

Not Ideal For:

• Those expecting premium build quality
• Collectors who frequently transform their figures
• Anyone seeking a completely seamless transformation experience

Final Verdict

The Action Toys Mini Action Voltron Vehicle Force is an ambitious figure that largely succeeds despite notable flaws. The engineering required to create a stable, articulated robot from fifteen individual vehicles is genuinely impressive, and when displayed in robot mode, the figure is undeniably striking.

However, quality control issues, particularly with hip joints, and the frustrating reliance on part-swapping transformations prevent this from being an unqualified recommendation. Potential buyers should be aware of these limitations while appreciating the figure’s achievements.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

A solid, affordable take on a complex design that delivers impressive visual results despite technical shortcomings. Recommended with reservations for Vehicle Voltron fans seeking budget-friendly options.

Recommendations for Potential Buyers

1. Handle with care during transformation – the small connection points are fragile
2. Consider this primarily a display piece – frequent transformation may exacerbate joint issues
3. Check hip joints immediately upon receipt – contact retailers if issues are present
4. Keep track of small parts – consider a parts tray during transformation
5. Moderate expectations – this is a budget figure with budget compromises

The Action Toys Mini Action Voltron Vehicle Force succeeds in making the dream of owning Vehicle Voltron accessible to a broader audience, even if the execution isn’t flawless.