Transformers Prime Deluxe Class Starscream Part 5

Transformation helps articulation? or articulation helps transformation


A look at Transformers Prime's Deluxe Class Starscream's articulation design after the previous posting. ^^



Horizontal and vertical bends are no problem for the head.
As a matter of fact, due to the way the head is stored in jet mode, it can be tilted upward for a very wide degree. ^^


While there's indeed a waist joint, it's an eerie cut from the transformation gimmick that severe the waist when turned, much like the design of Voyager Class Optimus Prime from the same series. ^^;


Enabled by the transformation design as well, the shoulders have very wide range of movement. ^^
As you can see, the pair of ball-type joints connecting the body and shoulder armor is on a separate hinge joint.


The hinge joints allow the shoulder to bend up and down.


The ball-type joints allow it to bend to the front, an articulation design that isn't exactly common with Transformers action figures. ^^


Just 90 degrees for the elbow bend.


Thanks to the transformation design again, a separate joint at elbow level allows the forearm to bend inward without turning the upper arm. ^^


Due to the transformation design again, the wrist is on a double hinge joint that allows the hand to bend inward for 180 degrees.



Thanks to the ball-type hip joints, the legs can be expanded for a very wide degree. ^^


The ball-type joint socket on the thigh seems to be on a swivel as well, but I can't get it to work as the thigh joint would pop off the moment it's move beyond the hip joint's limit. ^^;


Like the elbow joint, the knee is capable of just a 90-degree bend as well.
The thigh's forward movement seems to be limited by the hip as well (left image). ^^; Even though the ball-type hip joint does give it some clearance, the bent leg ends up looking kind of awkward (right image). ^^;


As shown in Part 3, the ankle and heel can be bent wider than how they are shown in Starscream's standing pose. The foot's articulation would come in handy for any pose with the leg bent forward I suppose. ^^
Application of the joint design in supporting Starscream's action poses:











With support using Soul Stage Act 3 Action Support Clear Type.










Despite its small feet, Starscream can be posed in a rich array of action poses. ^^ With that smirk on his face, most of the poses look really cool and fitting for Starscream's characteristics as well. ^^

More action poses from Starscream in the next posting. ^^