Why is Hasbro re-using parts incorrectly with the new figures they make?

[G.I.Eddie]

Originally Posted by A.V.A.C

...i just wish they would use two kinds of packaging, vintage cards/ultra movie uber black techo bat-x suit cards. the older art is the tractor beam that sucks me in, and i would be bummed if it changed

HAH!..."MOC" collecting will be a thing of the past for Joes if they ditch the vintage card art

[murphbri]

Originally Posted by shlappyguy

I bet that the poor selection of parts is probably due to some really mundane, cost-cutting reasons. Like, the reason that they used the textured-pads torso for Tripwire instead of the smooth-pads torso is probably because the factory that's making Tripwire already had the textured mold. The people who cost this stuff out probably see this as a minor detail, so why bother sending the smooth torso all the way there when they already have practically the same thing.

This was the answer that Hasbro gave the Star Wars collectors over in the official Q&A, so it most likely applies here as well.

Personally, I feel ripped off by the constant reuse of parts. A new head with two other character's body parts sucks. I know recycling is going to be done, but don't do it on characters that haven't been done yet, such as Major Bludd, Falcon, Iron Grenadier...the ratio of new stuff to re-used stuff is way out of whack compared to the other Hasbro stuff I collect.

[kissmekillme]

Originally Posted by murphbri

This was the answer that Hasbro gave the Star Wars collectors over in the official Q&A, so it most likely applies here as well.

Personally, I feel ripped off by the constant reuse of parts. A new head with two other character's body parts sucks. I know recycling is going to be done, but don't do it on characters that haven't been done yet, such as Major Bludd, Falcon, Iron Grenadier...the ratio of new stuff to re-used stuff is way out of whack compared to the other Hasbro stuff I collect.

And if that's the only way those characters cost out? Would you rather have no Major Bludd, Falcon, and IG released? Personally, I'd prefer some form of product put out. But then, I can fix whatever I'm unhappy with.

[minstrelboy]

Consider - the military in the real world is all about uniformity. Let's just pretend that they're all wearing slightly altered versions of the same 5 or 6 uniforms. I'm fine with that.

Actually, I'm planning on buying up a bunch of Snow Jobs and Torpedos and replacing the heads with other Joes from the line to make Arctic Such-And-Such, or Deep Sea Soldier Dude. I've got no problem with similar-looking bodies, as long as I know who's who. And if it keeps costs down and productivity up, all the better.

[murphbri]

Originally Posted by kissmekillme

And if that's the only way those characters cost out? Would you rather have no Major Bludd, Falcon, and IG released? Personally, I'd prefer some form of product put out. But then, I can fix whatever I'm unhappy with.

Yeah, it's a real catch-22 isn't it? If I want these characters in my collection, I have a choice between nothing or buying a Frankenjoe, and Hasbro laughs all the way to the bank. Personally I would rather have something than nothing, but I hate sending the message that it's OK to constantly re-use parts by buying the same effing molds with a new head 3+ times.

What I don't understand is why Hasbro doesn't do an all-new sculpt, then repaint it into a couple of different sub-groups. Keep the retools to army builders like the air trooper, and non-classic characters, like the Devil's Due stuff.

[Deckard]

kill its this very simple thing. If your gonna re use the parts and bodies A: use the proper ones for these figures. IE triper wire using the smooth pads body and Falcon using TF flints body. B: At least TRY to make them different. How hard is it to remove a small tiny lil emblem on the pper part of the Duke chest? Answer not very. ITs like they're not even trying to disguise the fact they're re-using these parts. I think thats the whole point. If ya gonna re use the basic mold add a few lil tweeks to make it stand out and for the love of chirst use the right damn mold. NO MORE GORAM DUKE ARMS.

[snakeeyes0217]

Originally Posted by minstrelboy

Does anybody on this board happen to know anybody involved in the design process here? It would be great if somebody could actually explain or verify why certain things are done, instead of everyboday speculating or assuming.

I made die-cast vehicles of all types for years for a major toy manufacturer.

I have friends of friends on the Hasbro figure design teams.

It's not bad design...it's economics, guys. For every sacrifice they make reusing a part, they "get" to make something new in return.

But that reused Gung-Ho hat for the new Cutter...yuck! I don't care what we're getting in exchange for that. Give the man a ball cap or he ain't Cutter! Sheesh!

[jasonong]

if they made it correctly in the first place, there wont be anymore reason to buy extra TF Flint and swap his arms.

[Barefoot Jedi]

I don't mind them recycling parts if we keep getting classic characters updated on the retro card art.

I don't agree with some of their choices, though, like who gets all-new parts and who gets kitbashed. But I don't run Hasbro either. If I did you'd all be broke and I'd be rich, rich, rich...