I’m beyond excited to kick off my reviews of the amazing new offerings from B2FIVE as they’re based on one of my favorite anime – Armored Trooper VOTOMS!
Let’s kick things off with none other that the SCOPEDOG ATM-09-ST, piloted by the heroic Chirico Cuvie! For those of you unfamiliar with Armored Trooper VOTOMS, let’s take a look at the SCOPEDOG in action against another upcoming review item, the BRUTISHDOG –
General and Technical Data
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Model number: ATM-09-ST
Code name: Scopedog
Unit type: mass production standard mid-class armored trooper
Manufacturer: Gilgamesh Confederation/Melkian Federation
Operator(s): Gilgamesh Confederation/Melkian Federation; civilians
First deployment: Astragius Year 7198
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso/head
Dimensions: overall height 3.804 meters, 2.208 meters (standby mode); overall width 1.936 meters; overall depth 1.763 meters
Weight: dry 6.387 metric tons; full 6.627 metric tons
Armor materials: unknown material, armor thickness 6-14mm
Powerplant: unknown
Muscle cylinder system: 1P-MJ-S2
Polymer ringers (PR) liquid type: DT-MO
PR liquid power: 10.2 hp per liter squared
PR liquid capacity: 184 liters
Reserve PR liquid tank capacity: 20 liters
PR liquid replacement time: 218 hours
Performance: gliding wheel speed (dry weight): 82.6 km/h; gliding wheel speed (full combat weight): 41 km/h; gliding wheel power: 230 hp; gliding wheel torque: 51 kg/m
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown; MCT-128-C control computer; optional ATC-BR01-S Roundmover, can be mounted on back; optional ATP-BP01-ST Parachute Mission Pack, can be mounted on back
Fixed armaments: 2 x arm punch, uses replaceable cartridges
Optional fixed armaments: SMAT-38 9-tube shoulder missile gun pod
Optional hand armaments: GAT-22 30mm heavy machine gun w/grenade launcher; GAT-49min 50mm Pentatrooper; SAT-03 60mm solid shooter bazooka; GAT-35 long gun
Technical and Historical Notes
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During the Hundred Years War between the Gilgamesh Confederation and the Balarant Union, military technology takes great leaps forward with the introduction of humanoid “machine troopers” and later “armored troopers” (code named VOTOM: Vertical One-man Tank for Offense and Maneuvers). However, the creation of the ATM-09-ST Scopedog in Astragius Year 7198 marks the turning point in the war. With its compact design, the Scopedog is suitable for various combat environments, including space, terrestrial battlefields and urban environments. The Scopedog is highly maneuverable thanks to gliding foils installed in the feet that allow it to roll on the ground. Muscle cylinders powering the limbs allow the Scopedog to perform human-like movements. The Scopedog also features a camera lens turret that links directly to the pilot’s goggles. In addition, the Scopedog can load cartridges for its standard hydraulic-powered arm punch.
As part of its design, the base Scopedog can be outfitted with several pieces of optional equipment and weapons. The Roundmover pack provides space mobility, and the Parachute Mission Pack allows the Scopedog to be air dropped by an AT carrier. The Scopedog is commonly armed with a heavy machine gun/grenade launcher, but it can also carry optional weapons that include bazookas, Gatling guns and rocket launchers. Although a cease fire is announced in 7213, the mass produced Scopedog remains the mainline unit of the Melkian forces. Many units fall into civilian hands for use in the the arena combat game Battling. In addition, many variations are created for military and civilian use.
Miscellaneous Information
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Pilot(s): Chirico Cuvie, Kudal Conin, Chiark Oriya, Smir, Delachin, Nol Berkoff, Gary Godan (aka Sirasko), Glenborash Droka Zaki, Dare Kochak
Original mechanical designer: Kunio Okawara
Now that you have the history on the VOTOM SCOPEDOG, let’s take a look at this killer offering from B2FIVE!
The SCOPEDOG comes in gorgeous packaging, with a window box showing the upper portion of the Mech. As with previous B2FIVE offerings, the Mech, Pilot and accessories are enclosed in a plastic clamshell, with vibrant colors and description throughout the packaging.
What else is pretty cool is the inclusion of papercraft crates with the B2FIVE logo printed along the top. Here you can see the size of the crate next to Chirico.
The Engineers at Beaver LTD really hit a home run with the design of the SCOPEDOG, as it lowers in to docking position exactly like in the anime. Positioning it immediately gave me a flash of nostalgia. Before we check this awesome mech out, let’s take a look at its pilot, Chirico Cuvie!
Chirico is the main protagonist of the Armored Trooper Votoms franchise. His B2FIVE offering is highly articulated, with points at the shoulders, elbows, wrist, ab crunch, waist, thighs, knees, ankles and head. He includes his signature pistol. It’s incredible how much articulate B2FIVE crams in to these offerings. I think that’s what makes me like them so much!
Now let’s get on to the star of the show, the SCOPEDOG!
The SCOPEDOG’s cockpit fits the pilot perfectly. The control panel moves forward, allowing for room to get your pilot in without having to bend his legs in awkward positions. Again, for a small piece, the detailing in the cockpit is great. The hatch closes over the pilot without issue and the scope elevates, showing the pilot just like in the show!
The overall articulation of the piece is incredible. If this is the kind of articulation we can expect from the VOTOMS line, then you can count me all in for the entire run!
Again, the detailed paid to this piece really does it justice. It’s dual antennas hang off the size of the helmet, while it’s scope can rotate all 3 lenses. I really love the look of the SCOPEDOG and really appreciate the work that BEAVER Ltd put in to it.
The SCOPEDOG comes with its signature GAT-22 30mm heavy machine gun w/grenade launcher. Expansion sets include the Round Mover and Red Shoulder Custom which will be reviewed later this holiday weekend.
The SCOPEDOG is able to hold his weapon in all sorts of poses and the removable ammo clip is a really nice touch. The handle and stock are also removable, allowing for easy storage of its weaponry.
One of the coolest aspects of the new VOTOMS line is its interchangeability with B2FIVE Acid Rain offerings. For this series, Chirico meets the legendary Bob from the Bucks Team and upgrades his SCOPEDOG with parts from a Stealth Stronghold!
Folks, I can’t recommend the SCOPEDOG ATM-09-ST enough! It’s a fantastic reproduction if its anime counterpart and with such an awesome wave 1 line up, it’s one you definitely don’t want to miss. You can get yours here – B2FIVE VOTOMS SERIES – SCOPEDOG ATM-09-ST
Join me tomorrow as I’ll be taking a look at another offering from the first wave, the BRUTISHDOG ATM-09-GC with FYANA!
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