Scopedog

This is a pre-production sample of Threezero’s upcoming 1:12 scale ATM-09-ST Scopedog from Armored Trooper Votoms. The toy is due to be released in Feb of 2017 for $450 USD. It includes a 1:12 scale Chirico Cuvie pilot.

Special thanks to Threezero for sending this sample along.

Being a pre-production sample, the final version may not have the same features or issues that this version has.

This Scopedog is very cool. I’m a Votoms fan, and I’ve reviewed a bunch of Scopedog toys in the past, so I have a special interest in this item. Threezero is known for highly detailed, very expensive models giant robots and action figures. Does the Scopedog live up to the $450 price tag?

As this is an early sample, I didn’t get any packaging. All I have is the toy and some photocopied instructions. In some cases, the instructions made note of things that will be improved upon for the final version.

We’ll talk about the Scopedog first, but make sure to read about Chirico later in the review.

So here it is in all it’s glory. It’s stunning in all angles. It’s sturdy and the paint detail is amazing.

The lens assembly rotates with little clicks between positions. the whole assembly slides side to side with faux wear paint on the visor underneath. The outer ring on the large eye also rotates.

The paint and texture of the plastic reminds me of well-worn iron.

The visor opens, (and the antenna that needs to be attached) moves with it.

The shoulders have articulation that i’ve never seen before. They are attached to the body with a simple ball joint, but under that shoulder pad lies an innovative extension joint. This joint is there so the shoulders can extend forward for more dynamic weapon holding poses.

Elbows are double jointed, and hands are on ball joints with fully articulated fingers.

Like any good Scopedog, this toy features the rocket-punch action, however sadly the punch is not spring-loaded. What is spring loaded though is the button that releases the clip stored inside. Both arms have this feature.

The waist and all the skirts are movable. On the side skirts you can mount either an ammunition box or a series of ammo clips. Each clip is removable.

Leg joints are great. The hips have a wide range of motion and are clicky in every direction. The joints are stiff, a little too stiff even. The knees have a double joint but mostly that’s there to aid in the down form.

The feet are great. They move in all directions, and even have a working spike on the outsides.

A fantastic feature is the retractable wheels on the feet. Click the toes down and they retract the wheels. Up and the lock in place in the out position and fully rotate. It’s really a great solution.

Transformation to down form is pretty much the same as any other Scopedog, but here it’s very, VERY tight. There’s even a note in the instructions to say that this will be much easier in the final retail version.

While in down form it’s a good opportunity to look at the cockpit. It opens easily with two working hydraulic pistons supporting the cover.

Inside, it’s highly detailed, with various bits attached to the surface to add mechanical detailing. Even the inside of the dome has this detail. The central control panel moves back and forward, attached with real tubes to the base. Each handle moves.

You’ll notice that the top of the seat droops forward. This straightens out when the pilot’s inside, but I wish it would click into place.

The door on the front also opens for easier access to the feet. You’ll need it.

Chirico

And then there is Chirico. If you like Threezero’s other 1:12 offerings, you’ll like this. I found it frustrating, as usual.

The figure looks good. It’s an articulated body with a vinyl suit over it. All the straps, pads and hoses are soft rubber. The boots are a two-part assemby with a ball joint at the ankle.

Several variant hands are included. They are easy to swap out because they are made of a gummy latex rubber.

Chirico’s weapon comes in it’s holster, and it’s VERY difficult to get out. The fit is snug. Once you get it out it’s a nicely detailed weapon that fits well in the hand.

In theory, his joint work allows for an insane amount of flexibility, but that movement is limited by the suit.

Getting Chirico into the cockpit is tricky, but do-able. However be prepared to dislocate both of the feet in the process. I also ripped out one of the shoulder pads, which is connected by a thin strip of rubber. Take care with this one. Save yourself some trouble and remove the feet before adding the figure.

In my opinion, the figure is just a bit too big for the cockpit. The controls barely clear his legs, and the lid pops open a bit when you try to close it.

This is how the figure looked once I decided he was much better not in the drivers seat.

Needless to say, i’m not a fan of this style of figure.

Weapons

The large modular rifle has a real cloth strap that is held in place with tiny movable loops. It can separate into three component parts plus an ammunition canister.

For this pre-production sample, the stock for the gun is held in place with a tight metal pin. This will be revised before the regular release.

The microscopic selector switch on the side actually moves.

The barrel on the front can be switched from a short to a long barrel.

The ammo canister snaps onto the side.

The fingers just wrap around the handle. No peg required. It holds quite well due to the trigger finger actually fitting over the trigger.

And here is that pose with both hands on the gun, which necessitates the extension of the shoulders.

If you’ve made it this far, I congratulate you. I’ve spent a fair amount of time with the toys now, for both the photo and video review. As far as the Scopedog goes, I really like it. I think it’s better than the Yamato version, which is the closest comparison. I like the finish more, and it just feels more solid. That being said, for the price, there could be more gimmicks and accessories. I’m also unhappy with the Chirico figure, but that may just be a personal preference to actual action figures rather than 6″ dolls.

The ATM-09-ST Scopedog will be available Feb 2017 from Threezero. A limited “weathered” version is also available for pre-order. I would imagine that based on the success of this version, it’s only a matter of time until we see a Red Shoulder version.

For more information, check out www.threezerostore.com