Earlier in the WFC Kingdom series we were treated with a great modern update on the Autobot minibot Huffer so it doesn't come as a surprise that his mold mate, Pipes, was also getting a new figure.
Huffer comes packaged in the now standard WFC type blister box similar to the Siege and Earthrise. There is a small window on the front that allows you to see the figure inside while the rest of the box is covered in some absolutely gorgeous artwork. The back of the box has two images of the figure, one for robot mode and one for vehicle mode. It lets the consumer know that in just 17 steps (3 more than Huffer) you can transform the figure between either mode.
While Pipes and Huffer are similar and their new figures do share some parts (basically the arms, legs and truck cab), the majority of the figure is new. While the original Generation One toy had chromed smokestacks/arms, this one trades that for white. While this is a little disappointing, the white doesn't look bad. The rest of the figure, especially the head sculpt is a great representation of the original toy. Pipes has the same articulation has Huffer, no changes in that department.
One of the biggest differences between Pipes and Huffer is how the truck cab is configured. For Pipes, the back of the cab sits on his shoulders where as with Huffer, the head sits inside the truck cab. This this new version of Pipes, you have an option of sorts of how you want the cab to sit on the back. Above you can see that the cab can be position diagonally downwards if you'd like to give the robot mode a slightly different look. This isn't necessarily highlighted in the instructions, just something I "discovered" while fiddling around with the toy.
Pipes' accessories are two silver painted rifles that can also be stored on the "bed" of the truck. These weapons look more like his arms on the original G1 toy. I'm unsure if this was an intentional homage, or just a coincidence. These can attach to the side of his arms or he can wield them in a traditional manner.
In truck mode he does share the same cab as Huffer, even the paint applications on the side mirrors, grill, headlights and bumper are the same. The same silver paint was applied to the windshield wipers whereas Huffer had black wipers.
Overall I am very happy with the outcome. Like Huffer, Pipes doesn't have too many official toys so this one was a welcome addition to my collection. I believe all of the original minibot cast have received a modern update in one shape or another. Hasbro has shifted to using the deluxe size lately for many of these characters, which I'm OK with, as many of them still scale with the "larger" Autobots quite well. The non-beast characters in the Kingdom line have been really, really good and Pipes here is no exception. Highly recommended.
