Heat Seeker

Made in 1985, MR49 Falcon Robo is a jet from the “Machine Robo” 600 series. He was also available in Europe under the “Robo Machine” line, and in North America’s “Gobots” line where he was called Heat Seeker.

Although somewhat obscure, Mr 49 Falcon Robo is to me, the quintessential “Machine Robo” figure. I have yet to see another figure from the 600 series that perfectly embodies the iconic style and engineering that gives these figures their own distinctive look and feel.

In fighter jet mode, Falcon Robo is mainly a very light grey with red/orange highlights as paint on the nosecone, and stickers on the wings. Application of chrome is done sparingly, on the singular fuselage, missiles, and rear landing gear. Colors aside, the jet mode looks fine, large screws on the wings and 2 small spaces near the main body being the only visual flaws that separate the alt. mode from a real fighter plane.

As far as size is concerned, Falcon Robo’s jet mode is a bit longer than a standard Legends class Transformer.

The transformation from jet to robot is just brilliant. Pulling out the tail section of the plane unlocks hidden hinges, which, when folded up instantly creates arms, legs, and a body in one swift, decisive movement. The remaining few steps transform this unassuming little plane into a solid brick of a robot mode.

Falcon Robo’s robot mode is nearly great. The fuselage form some awkward looking feet which thanks to clever engineering still touch the ground despite appearing as though they are just balance-less semi-circles. The arms are bricky as can be with the right one having a single landing gear wheel hanging off of one side. each arm also rotates 360 degrees. The legs and body are tight, compact, and clean, with a die-cast panel behind the nose cone chest plate to give the figure some extra weight.

In their robot modes, Legends class Robots in Disguise 2015 Optimus Prime is only a bit shorter.

Although pretty good on it’s own, the part that i really do love about this figure most, is the head. Its a classic chrome pilot’s helmet with some additional scuba mask vibes that really speak to me. Overall, a very clean, well designed robot mode that isn’t amazing, but I think is pretty close.

Putting all this into consideration, I really, really like his figure. It has very few flaws that I can see, and both modes look really good, despite the jet mode wings having some large screws showing. I think this figure is good for “Machine Robo”/”Gobots” collectors, but if you are a fan of classic japanese robots there are very few reasons to pass up on MR49 Falcon Robo.