The MLP Arena

Pony Talk => Pony Corral => Topic started by: FiddlePhan on November 19, 2018, 05:09:09 PM

Title: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: FiddlePhan on November 19, 2018, 05:09:09 PM
I was wondering how many of you have had problems develop with your anniversary ponies put out by Basic Fun.
I've had a few people tell me about issues.
Sunbeam - Glitter falling off.  Hair breaking.
Moonstone - Multiple people having theirs discolour.
Parasol - Discoloured
Starshine - Head turning yellow

I went and looked at mine and saw Cotton Candy and Butterscotch both have dark bluish grey discolouration coming.  Each on the same areas.  Right ear tip, two spots on cheek and edge of right front hoof.   They weren't like that when I took them out of the box in January.  They've been sitting on a shelf ever since.   

How wide spread are issues with these new ponies?    :shocked:
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on November 19, 2018, 05:32:38 PM
Why is her hair breaking? 0_o

My Moonstone has yellowed a little, presumably from the scenting. Other then that, we've had no problems.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Taffeta on November 19, 2018, 05:42:09 PM
No wave 3 ones here yet in the UK, but mine are fine.

We also need to remember these are (at least in the US) $10 ponies, not collector items. G1 ponies had a lot of flaws from factory which we just pretty much accept as part of the deal. These are an equivalent price point given inflation over the years.

 I am happy just to see and have them. And if wave 3 ever gets here, it will be the first time since they were originally sold in 1984 in the US that that set has got to the UK.

That kind of matters more to me than whether they are collector perfect.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: FiddlePhan on November 19, 2018, 06:40:02 PM
G1 when I was growing up I never had any major flaws show up within a year or two.  That's out of hundreds of ponies.  Now that they're 30+ years old for some of them I'm not shocked if something happens like plasticizer leakage.  For a pony that is just bought this year though, there shouldn't be discolourations happening.   They were made with collector's like us in mind who had the originals as children. 
I've never even had a fakie start discolouring or have weird marks start happening.   
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: KottonKandy on November 19, 2018, 10:20:28 PM
I’ve not noticed any problems with mine, but they’re still in the box so I can only see one side of them. If they do start to discolor, I’m not gonna lose my head over it. After all, they’re only reproductions and aren’t sentimental or valuable in any way to me. They’re just neat little momentos.
It is interesting to hear that they’re already breaking down though. No telling what they used to make them since I’m sure they were just created to make a few bucks off of collectors and those with nostalgia.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: milko on November 19, 2018, 11:54:09 PM
I went to the toy store the other day and saw yellow discolouration on a Starshine in the rainbow pony collection
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I wonder if it’s because she’s one of the scented ponies?
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: mlp4me on November 20, 2018, 05:38:43 AM
Yup, scent discolors. We've learned this from Sweet Berry ponies and perfume puffs... I won't buy this new line unless they release them unscented.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: tailrustedtealeaf on November 20, 2018, 05:43:20 AM
Mine are all still in the box and I can't see any issues with them, but I'll say Moonstone has discoloration the worst overall from what I've seen.
Also, are certain bow colors staining over others?
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Wardah on November 20, 2018, 09:27:37 AM
I’ve not noticed any problems with mine, but they’re still in the box so I can only see one side of them. If they do start to discolor, I’m not gonna lose my head over it. After all, they’re only reproductions and aren’t sentimental or valuable in any way to me. They’re just neat little momentos.
It is interesting to hear that they’re already breaking down though. No telling what they used to make them since I’m sure they were just created to make a few bucks off of collectors and those with nostalgia.

They aren't breaking down, it's just the scent that the retailers insisted on discolored. The collector ponies and the Unicorn and Pegasus sets don't have scent and are relatively free from issues.

I personally wonder if there's a way to restore the scented ponies to their original color or if they are simply destined for the custom bait bin.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Galactica on November 20, 2018, 10:00:59 AM
Well, so far my scented ponies look okay.  But it does appear that many have problems.  Of course it didn't stop me from getting them...

My unicorns and pegs look good! I only have a couple of the first wave, but they look okay too :D
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on November 20, 2018, 10:05:36 AM
We haven't had any problems with ribbon staining our ponies. I did take Sunlight's off because I didn't think it suited her. Tbf, cloth staining can happen period. My daughter got a Pumpkin Tart in box last year I think, and her ears had grayish stains from the cat ears.

That could actually be why, ponies get plastic clothes nowadays. Come to think of it.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: achab1984 on November 20, 2018, 03:18:52 PM
So far mine look ok. I sure hope that its stays that way! :)
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Carrehz on November 20, 2018, 03:37:19 PM
Mine are okay so far, but then, I haven't had them for too long... I guess as long as there's no _major_ problems I'll be fine with it.

It sucks that the scents are causing the Rainbow ponies to discolour, though :( I admit that's been a dealbreaker for me.. I wasn't as interested in the Rainbows to begin with, to be fair, but the scents turned me off them completely ('specially when we found out they're causing issues).
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: CinnamonOnions on November 20, 2018, 04:12:47 PM
I have just seen horrible levels of discoloration on the rainbow ones on store shelves.
 I managed to find a non discolored Moonstone last month, wich I will never put back into it's box. She still has turned slightly greener in over all tone though (or then it's my imagination). Starshine has been displayed with her box open, wich has so far helped avoiding discoloration. She is still crispy white.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: TheBeatlesPkmnFan42 on November 20, 2018, 06:20:51 PM
The only 35th anniversary Rainbow Pony I've bought is Sunlight, since she's the only one I didn't have the original of. She's fine so far, but after hearing about staining issues with her bow, I removed hers to avoid it ever happening. I initially wanted to buy every 35th anniversary release TBD put out, but after hearing about the issues with the Rainbow Ponies set, I don't plan on getting any others.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on November 20, 2018, 06:32:17 PM
Can anyone confirm if the SSC dolls have issues then?
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Taffeta on November 20, 2018, 10:16:59 PM
G1 when I was growing up I never had any major flaws show up within a year or two. 

Mm, my first pony Windy has one leg shorter than the others. She doesn't stand well and never has. There are numerous problems like this and across multiple batches from store, rather than developing later, although they are not always clear. I am not talking about G1s now, I'm talking about the flaws they came with - symbol prints, misplaced blush, plastic bubbles, misaligned heads, etc. And we still love them all the same.

In regards the issue you have with the CP set - you're the only person I've heard mention that particular issue, so it may be to do with how you are keeping them or where? Just a thought since as Wardah says the CP set seems pretty stable thus far (haven't seen the peg.uni set yet).

We've talked ad nauseum in other threads about the scent discolouration issue on the Rainbows but even that seems to be limited to some not all. It's a nusiance and a pain but then again of all the ponies I've seen on shelves here near where I live, I've seen minor discolouration on Starshine twice and major discolouration on Parasol once and no issues on any of the others through about five restocks. Of course that doesn't rule out it getting worse as time goes on though. None of mine have discolouration (yet) but if they get it I will live with it.

I want them to keep selling these, and I'll reiterate. They're cheap ponies. They're toy retail price. They're not intended as collector items. We are part of their market but they wouldn't be sustainable if we were their market. Their real market is much broader and includes the demographic that plays with ponies. And honestly, the only flaw that really is a big problem for that demographic is the occasional pony with hair loss issues (which do exist but again seem to be a minority).

I dunno, I think we're lucky to have any kind of retro program like this, with such attention to detail. Hasbro didn't get things right either at times, and now they really don't care about us at all. Basic Fun are at least trying, even if their customer service operates at dinosaur speed and their production ideas may not be perfect. I'm grateful for that effort and the opportunity to see G1 in stores again, albeit replicas not originals. To me that's a bigger thing. Just my personal view.

And honestly, I worry about the risk of the line disappearing because of overzealous nitpicking. I would understand if it were a $30 or $50 pony. But it isn't. Whatever price other countries (like the UK) put on these items, they are at source a $10 pony. And there's only so much you can expect from that price point.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: PoserBeachball on November 21, 2018, 01:41:44 AM
Taffeta, I agree.

It was lovely to get some of the CP ponies, in boxes, with accessories (mine are on display still in their boxes because they look so attractive - as far as I know they are fine).

The original 80s ponies were never the cheapest toys in the shop - I think the equivalent prices today would probably be more than $10.
With regard to the price point, I know it's not a direct comparison, but I'd venture that it is difficult to find an original pony with accessories that's near mint for $10, at least here in the UK - there is likely to be some flaw.  And it's for each of us to decide what we can live with and what we can't (I don't mind the odd flaw, it gives the pony character, and some of my favourites certainly have some flaws!) ETA - thinking of my own collection here, a near-mint Butterscotch with accs, a near-mint Windy without, and a Minty who's near-mint but who needed a darn good clean, were all more than $10 each

I'm pleased that the retros are about - hope the uni/peg set comes here soon, I'd like some of them :)
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: CinnamonOnions on November 21, 2018, 02:57:14 AM
I wouldn't mind minor flaws like misplaced symbols on TOYS, and I'm not picky with G1 conditions for example either. But even I don't like seeing Moonstones and Starshines with this level issues everytime I stop to go trough the 35th rainbow ponies at a store:
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10$ toys (that cost well over 20$ on Europe) or not, I would expect something better than THIS. They're great otherwise and I shouldn't feel lucky I found a white Starshine and a normal Moonstone.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on November 21, 2018, 06:55:33 AM
I wouldn't mind minor flaws like misplaced symbols on TOYS, and I'm not picky with G1 conditions for example either. But even I don't like seeing Moonstones and Starshines with this level issues everytime I stop to go trough the 35th rainbow ponies at a store:
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10$ toys (that cost well over 20$ on Europe) or not, I would expect something better than THIS. They're great otherwise and I shouldn't feel lucky I found a white Starshine and a normal Moonstone.

That is ridiculous. These girls aren't even a year old and look like they've been around for years.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Taffeta on November 21, 2018, 07:10:30 AM
I'm not saying that the discolouration isn't an issue, it obviously is. But it doesn't affect all batches of the ponies as present.

As for the prices, I'm in Europe too, so I also have to pay more for them than the US pricing. I used the US pricing deliberately because it's a US product. We pay extra because of all the import export stuff going on. That doesn't change the fact that it is a $10 item as far as the toy producers are concerned. I can understand the frustration of a higher price and flawed ponies, I am absolutely not condoning that - but I don't want it to be the case that problems in the minority of products ultimately end up bringing down the whole of the line.

(I think Rainbows here are about equivalent $18, and Collectors $14).

I want to see retro products and this is better than what Hasbro managed 10 years ago. It's not perfect. I'm not a perfectionist. It's not a collector item, it's a toy that's sort of aimed to snare us as well. I feel like if Mattel can get away with goophaired MH dolls for most of the franchise with a higher price point, there's not a lot to be done about this except deal with it and move on.

I want wave 3 to come to Europe. For that to happen wave 2 has to sell in Europe. For me this is the bigger picture. It's fine if you happen to live in a country where the wave 3 characters were sold but there are a lot of people in the UK who never had that opportunity 30 years ago, and don't now without importation hassles and currency issues. To get that set onto shelves here for me is enough. I can deal with it if the symbols are a bit squint or the hair a bit crinky or the hooves squashed at the base a little or whatever the problem might be. I just want them to come out here. And I absolutely get the frustrations everyone has. But for me this is a "bigger picture" problem. Yes, the issues should not be there, in a perfect world. BUT the choice is retro ponies with a percentage that have flaws or no retro ponies. And I like seeing them on the shelf.

I think that the percentage of CP with flaws is also extremely minimal. At least I've seen them in three different store chains here now and I've yet to see any with problems. (Though I've also seen plenty of Rainbows as well and have only seen three, total, with any problems - only one of which was severe).

Time will tell, of course, how well they hold up. But I really feel frustrated that we've been given this unexpected bonus in getting G1 back in stores and yet it's all negative and complaining. To be blunt, the QC on the retros is better than it's been for most G4 products for the past x number of years...

Incidentally, have the CP ponies made it to Europe?
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: CinnamonOnions on November 21, 2018, 07:12:34 AM
I wouldn't mind minor flaws like misplaced symbols on TOYS, and I'm not picky with G1 conditions for example either. But even I don't like seeing Moonstones and Starshines with this level issues everytime I stop to go trough the 35th rainbow ponies at a store:
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10$ toys (that cost well over 20$ on Europe) or not, I would expect something better than THIS. They're great otherwise and I shouldn't feel lucky I found a white Starshine and a normal Moonstone.

That is ridiculous. These girls aren't even a year old and they've been around for years.

Yuup. I'm not expecting the best from them and I'm really glad with them otherwise, but this level of discoloration shouldn't be seen on store shelves.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on November 21, 2018, 07:46:10 AM
I understand what your saying Taffeta, I wanna see lots more waves. I want all three of whatever years they're planning and then some. I'm gonna buy these regardless.

 But and I'm playing devil's advocate, its not much different then complaining about any other faulty, new product being made either.

I honestly don't think we'll see these kinds of problems all throughout the line, as I've only heard of one incident with the collector ponies, and I doubt the rest of the sets will be scented.

Ribbon staining is totally preventable. Although none of my daughter's CPs have it, nor does my Moonstone.

It is unfortunate and aggravating, that the Rainbows had to suffer because some dunderhead wanted them scented. I was so looking forward to having a pristine Starshine. And that level of discoloration is completely unacceptable. I'm sure even little kids don't want their toys screwed up right outta the package.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Pokeyonekenobie on November 21, 2018, 07:48:29 AM
The only one of mine I've deboxed so far is Moonstone because I was worried that the plastic in the packaging might contribute to discoloration.  So far she seems fine (I don't have a pic of her).  There is an extremely slight head/body mismatch that I had to look very closely in good lighting to notice and I've got her out of the sun on a shelf where I can see if that changes at all.  As far as I've been able to tell my Starshine is very white and there's no discoloration on my other Rainbows.  I've considered deboxing the set just in case it is something to do with the packaging.  I blame the packaging because I had a turquoise vinyl piggy bank that was wrapped in plastic and I left it that way for several months while I decided what to paint on it.  When I did pull off the plastic, it had discolored, much like Moonstone seems to, and had a yellowish tinge to it.  It also felt sticky, much like ponies with plasticizer leakage, so I wasn't sure if that had contributed to the discoloration.  I had another piggy bank of the same brand/style that didn't have the plastic on it and it didn't have any discoloring/plasticizer issues.

I suppose if I find the discolored ponies at the thrift store they would be good for custom bait but it is sad that they're showing up in the stores damaged like this.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Ponyfan on November 21, 2018, 12:03:11 PM
I have two sets of the 35th anniversary Collector ponies (both MIB hoping to eventually debox one set) Moonstone, Starshine and Windy, Twilight, Moondancer and Sunbeam. I just checked my Rainbow ponies and Moonstone and Starshine are fine. :cheer: Windy does have very faint discoloration around her neck but it hasn’t spread since last time I checked her. I noticed that my Starshine and Windy’s box flaps are not completely closed and the scents are fading even though they are MIB. I’m hoping to be able to complete the Rainbow ponies and unicorn/pegasus set but last time my Target restocked they stocked the Collector Ponies.

I think the discoloring is due to the Rainbow ponies being scented but I have seen a poor Snuzzle at Target that has two blue marks on her. I can’t say for sure whether she is new or was returned by someone that didn’t want her/let their child play with her first before reboxing and returing her.


Ponyfan
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Noasar on November 21, 2018, 12:56:31 PM
I won't be buying the rainbow ponies. I wouldn't mind a bit of paint smudging, wonky heads or 'factory errors' but I don't want a pony that will start looking yellow a few weeks in. They'll be totally discoloured in no time. They're not collectors items as such but I have ponies from my childhood collection that look better after 30+ years and they were not well looked after as kids toys, they enjoyed playing in the mud, dips in the bath and nice sunny stints on the window sill! They were not sold as collectors toys originally either but they were clearly well made as they still look good now.

I don't think a few collectors choosing not to buy a kids toy will make much difference to whether they decide to produce more lines or not. The unscented ones look like they're holding up much better so I'll stick to those :)
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: rosierjay on November 21, 2018, 01:41:07 PM
wow. they aren't that old are they?
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: FiddlePhan on November 21, 2018, 03:21:26 PM
I don't really think it's "overzealous nitpicking" that a pony less that a year old has started to develop flaws.   Dollar store ponies can look pristine after years so it's not expecting too much for a $10 one to look nice for at least a few years I'd hope.   I didn't think then posting that it was going to be some mass issue where everyone is having problems with their ponies.  My two collectors that changed colour was just so weird that I wondered if anyone else had the issue as I was baffled.  If they'd had those issues when I'd purchased them then I would have taken them back for replacement.  They were stored in the same room with identical shelves as all my ponies with nothing touching the discoloured areas.  No sunlight, no excessive heat, cold or humidity.

When I said my G1s when new didn't have flaws shortly after I didn't mean issues right out of the package.  Sorry I didn't state that right earlier.  My bad on that.   I meant I never had one start to have issues develop in less than a year or even two or three after buying them. Even my scented ones didn't discolour in short periods of time nor are they yellowed badly now.

I'm totally happy that we have the new ponies out and definitely hope we get more in this series.  Sooooo hoping that there is a Gusty along the way somewhere.   The rainbow ones I won't be getting any more of but it's more of because the scents are too strong for me.  I just got the ones that were my fav of the set.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Taffeta on November 22, 2018, 03:20:04 AM
To make things clear, I'm not saying that the problem doesn't matter or exist. With the Rainbows, it clearly does.

I just have two concerns or frustrations I suppose.

One is that we've already discussed the discolouring issue extensively months ago. I feel like we all know it could happen. It's not really logical to me to start a new complaint about it since anyone buying Rainbows now has the ability to be prepared for problems down the line.

The other thing is context and perspective. People complain about things when they go wrong more than they comment on them when they are normal or going right. I worry not about whether collectors buy the ponies. That's a superficial concern because as I said, we're a small part of the market. I am more bothered about negativity getting back to the company - reviews, complaints, feedback on websites, returns in store - those things are what might have an impact on production. And Basic Fun only does care really about the feedback from the domestic market. Complaints from US patrons could stop the line for everyone. They don't even know what stores they stock ponies in here, because they leave that to other people. That's why I focused on the $10 price point. Because it's only the US market that matters really to the company.
 

In any case, we have to leave it to time to see how these ponies will age. They are not made from the same things as G1s, which probably have some things in the plastic which are no longer legal anyway. I am not defending manufacturing imperfections or bad decisions. But in terms of the bigger picture, I think we all want to see the line continue. The bigger picture is making sure that happens.

There's plenty of time to complain about the products after the line is over.

On the subject of discolouration, my Windy from childhood is very beige. I don't really remember her ever being anything else, but my mother remembers she was much more lavender in the store. For that to be the case she must have discoloured really very quickly into my childhood...
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: banditpony on November 22, 2018, 08:59:01 AM
G1 when I was growing up I never had any major flaws show up within a year or two.  That's out of hundreds of ponies. 

Eh. Some ponies had regrind early on, Maybe not within 1-2 years... but I can remember it from 3-4 years. (It could of been earlier then that, since it was a friend's pony and not mine). Come to think of it, I remember discoloration on one of the Big Brothers too when I met her (I dunno if it was Chief or Trucker).

And flutters had an obvious flaw.

And any kid who left a saddle on their pony too long would have stains from the saddle. So. That's similar to the bows discoloring ponies.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on November 22, 2018, 09:10:18 AM
I really don't think we'll have anymore probs. Aside from white ponies, but that can strike any toy, old or new.

The plastic is sturdy, the ponies, playset and accessories are great, the hair is thick and silky-shiny and the boxes are so dreamy that I have to keep one of each.

Good points about older ponies. Imagine my surprise when someone showed me a lavender Windy.  :biggrin: I've never known my childhood Windy being any color other then white, and lots of Windys on eBay are white too.

Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Taffeta on November 22, 2018, 09:38:17 AM
G1 when I was growing up I never had any major flaws show up within a year or two.  That's out of hundreds of ponies. 

Eh. Some ponies had regrind early on, Maybe not within 1-2 years... but I can remember it from 3-4 years. (It could of been earlier then that, since it was a friend's pony and not mine). Come to think of it, I remember discoloration on one of the Big Brothers too when I met her (I dunno if it was Chief or Trucker).

And flutters had an obvious flaw.

And any kid who left a saddle on their pony too long would have stains from the saddle. So. That's similar to the bows discoloring ponies.

If we're going down that line, curls washed out, sea ponies got water inside and went mouldy and pale pink hair faded in the sun.

Bottom line is that G1 did have flaws sometimes really early on. The thing is what we notice as kids and what we look for as adult collectors is probably different. When I think about it, my Baby Blossom also faded really quickly as I had her in 1985. Like Windy, she started off as lavender because my mother also chose her for her colour and I have a photo of her in 1986 when she is clearly not her proper colour. So that's a year..?

With G1, some folk have already done some research on how different batches of certain ponies behave differently (Pinwheel for example) depending on the batch. We know not all rainbow ponies thus far are discolouring but some are doing it right in box on store shelves. So it is indeed a matter of how many ponies are affected...and whether it is going to be the huge problem later on or not. We really don't know yet. This is why I commented on people complaining but not necessarily praising. We need more data on how many ponies this affects, rather than just panic and assumption that it will affect all of them. I mean, G1 scented ponies - Cherry Treats, for example - sometimes discolours and sometimes doesn't. I've never seen a discoloured one in person so I can't really comment on how long that process takes, but I remember in 1998 there were rumours that she had a tan variant. It was only later that proper research proved that she didn't, but it was discolouration. The thing about that was that for people not to remember their ponies discolouring, it suggests it was something that often happened in childhood and so they didn't remember her being white. Otherwise someone would've dispelled the rumour sooner. But to the same token, some stayed white, because otherwise everyone would just assume she was meant to be tan.

As for the ponies that come next...I want wave 3 here first. I don't trust anything really, since it's taken 11 months for the collector ponies to get mainstream release here since the US release last January. But if that goes smoothly and all sets that are made happen here (playsets excepted) then I am hoping for ponies released in the US in the early years that didn't make it to the UK. 2nd year sea ponies? Bring it on :D Also 2nd year rainbows, year 3 unicorn and pegasus (though less fussed about Gusty tbh as we had her) and the early baby ponies. It would be nice to have others, but I really want to fill those gaps. Hasbro promised us them so long ago and never delivered. I'm really hoping this will be an opportunity to put that right, which is why I'm going to save my negativity about the line in general until the retro project is over.

By the way, I had a thought about the CP ponies flaw the OP mentioned. Since I've not seen anyone else mention it, and considering where it is on the ponies, I wonder if it's to do with the product they use on the pony hair?
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on November 22, 2018, 09:40:10 AM
Hair Product?  :what:
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Taffeta on November 22, 2018, 09:41:50 AM
Hair Product?  :what:

In the package, there's something in the manes of the ponies, to keep the forelock together or whatever, I don't relaly know why. It combs out or it seems to, but I just wondered whether if the conditions were right it might have an adverse effect, given that the marks are around the head.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on November 22, 2018, 09:43:42 AM
Hair Product?  :what:

In the package, there's something in the manes of the ponies, to keep the forelock together or whatever, I don't relaly know why. It combs out or it seems to, but I just wondered whether if the conditions were right it might have an adverse effect, given that the marks are around the head.

Hmm. I didn't notice that with her CPs? Interesting.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Taffeta on November 22, 2018, 09:54:34 AM
Hair Product?  :what:

In the package, there's something in the manes of the ponies, to keep the forelock together or whatever, I don't relaly know why. It combs out or it seems to, but I just wondered whether if the conditions were right it might have an adverse effect, given that the marks are around the head.

Hmm. I didn't notice that with her CPs? Interesting.

Maybe it's just the ones with the turning head. The Snuzzle you sent me is from the earliest release I think and her head doesn't turn, she also I don't think has stuff in her hair. But the Rainbows we have definitely had something, and Butterscotch and Minty have turning heads...I can see it just still on Butterscotch though they've been well combed. In fact, maybe there's some relation with that and the rainbow discolouration, if there's something in the product reacting with the plastic and the scent while the ponies are in package. I don't know yet, it's too early to say really - but there is a theory that it affects boxed ponies worse than ones out of box...
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on November 22, 2018, 11:12:47 AM
Hair Product?  :what:

In the package, there's something in the manes of the ponies, to keep the forelock together or whatever, I don't relaly know why. It combs out or it seems to, but I just wondered whether if the conditions were right it might have an adverse effect, given that the marks are around the head.

Hmm. I didn't notice that with her CPs? Interesting.

Maybe it's just the ones with the turning head. The Snuzzle you sent me is from the earliest release I think and her head doesn't turn, she also I don't think has stuff in her hair. But the Rainbows we have definitely had something, and Butterscotch and Minty have turning heads...I can see it just still on Butterscotch though they've been well combed. In fact, maybe there's some relation with that and the rainbow discolouration, if there's something in the product reacting with the plastic and the scent while the ponies are in package. I don't know yet, it's too early to say really - but there is a theory that it affects boxed ponies worse than ones out of box...

Ahhh.


Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: lovesbabysquirmy on November 22, 2018, 12:13:15 PM
G1 when I was growing up I never had any major flaws show up within a year or two.  That's out of hundreds of ponies. 

Eh. Some ponies had regrind early on, Maybe not within 1-2 years... but I can remember it from 3-4 years. (It could of been earlier then that, since it was a friend's pony and not mine). Come to think of it, I remember discoloration on one of the Big Brothers too when I met her (I dunno if it was Chief or Trucker).

And flutters had an obvious flaw.

And any kid who left a saddle on their pony too long would have stains from the saddle. So. That's similar to the bows discoloring ponies.

My bought-from-TRU-in-the-80's Cloud Puff started getting regrind within a very short time of purchase.  I remember being very surprised she was changing colors, thought it was the Gimmick on my Flutter Pony and that she was MAGIC.  Took me years to learn what regrind was!

I think a lot of people had flaws in their G1s, they either just don't remember or don't have those ponies anymore.  Look how many colour variations there are for Cotton Candy and Blossom! 
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: CinnamonOnions on November 22, 2018, 01:00:25 PM
I'm not saying that the discolouration isn't an issue, it obviously is. But it doesn't affect all batches of the ponies as present.

As for the prices, I'm in Europe too, so I also have to pay more for them than the US pricing. I used the US pricing deliberately because it's a US product. We pay extra because of all the import export stuff going on. That doesn't change the fact that it is a $10 item as far as the toy producers are concerned. I can understand the frustration of a higher price and flawed ponies, I am absolutely not condoning that - but I don't want it to be the case that problems in the minority of products ultimately end up bringing down the whole of the line.

(I think Rainbows here are about equivalent $18, and Collectors $14).

I want to see retro products and this is better than what Hasbro managed 10 years ago. It's not perfect. I'm not a perfectionist. It's not a collector item, it's a toy that's sort of aimed to snare us as well. I feel like if Mattel can get away with goophaired MH dolls for most of the franchise with a higher price point, there's not a lot to be done about this except deal with it and move on.

I want wave 3 to come to Europe. For that to happen wave 2 has to sell in Europe. For me this is the bigger picture. It's fine if you happen to live in a country where the wave 3 characters were sold but there are a lot of people in the UK who never had that opportunity 30 years ago, and don't now without importation hassles and currency issues. To get that set onto shelves here for me is enough. I can deal with it if the symbols are a bit squint or the hair a bit crinky or the hooves squashed at the base a little or whatever the problem might be. I just want them to come out here. And I absolutely get the frustrations everyone has. But for me this is a "bigger picture" problem. Yes, the issues should not be there, in a perfect world. BUT the choice is retro ponies with a percentage that have flaws or no retro ponies. And I like seeing them on the shelf.

I think that the percentage of CP with flaws is also extremely minimal. At least I've seen them in three different store chains here now and I've yet to see any with problems. (Though I've also seen plenty of Rainbows as well and have only seen three, total, with any problems - only one of which was severe).

Time will tell, of course, how well they hold up. But I really feel frustrated that we've been given this unexpected bonus in getting G1 back in stores and yet it's all negative and complaining. To be blunt, the QC on the retros is better than it's been for most G4 products for the past x number of years...

Incidentally, have the CP ponies made it to Europe?

I myself see severe discoloration in about every batch. Yesterday I for the first time saw more than one Moonstone without the severe discoloration issue. Nice to hear though that atleast someone mainly has seen normal looking ponies.

Even though it's a 10$ item quality wise, it feels annoying to have to pay double the price or more for ponies that have notable discoloration in every batch in atleast three or four ponies.

I'd love for the third wave to come to Europe, but I just feel like it's highly unlikely. For me my country DID have year two unicorn and pegasi set, they're just hard as heck to find here - not to mention our Moondancer is yellow. So I as well would love for them to be sold here.
 I agree with the minor flaws part, I don't care either as long as they don't have errors you can see from a mile away like the discoloration.

I myself have seen more people complaining about the severe issues (discoloration, big stains) than the small issues (sticky manes, small stains, slightly misplaced symbols), but it's true in general especialy the rainbow set has had a lot of negative attention.

Also I feel like the rainbow ponies are doing well even in countries where they cost over double the amount of basic G4s, I once saw nothing but Skydancers and discolored Moonstones at a store. All others had sold out from that batch.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: KottonKandy on November 22, 2018, 03:09:05 PM
I'm sorry, but no amount of complaining is going to make these problems cease to exist. Discoloration is/has happened. Collectors are aware. The end.
Honestly, I'd think collectors of the old gen would be thankful for these things being released at all, and thankful they have expendable funds to potentially buy these.
It's just frustrating at this point watching adults argue over toys that they don't have to buy and are privileged enough to have access to them. Especially considering what day it is.
/end rant
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Taffeta on November 22, 2018, 03:10:03 PM
I'm sorry, but no amount of complaining is going to make these problems cease to exist. Discoloration is/has happened. Collectors are aware. The end.
Honestly, I'd think collectors of the old gen would be thankful for these things being released at all, and thankful they have expendable funds to potentially buy these.
It's just frustrating at this point watching adults argue over toys that they don't have to buy and are privileged enough to have access to them. Especially considering what day it is.
/end rant

As the thread demonstrates, people have already made similar points :)
Happy Thanksgiving :)
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on November 22, 2018, 03:29:45 PM
I'm sorry, but no amount of complaining is going to make these problems cease to exist. Discoloration is/has happened. Collectors are aware. The end.
Honestly, I'd think collectors of the old gen would be thankful for these things being released at all, and thankful they have expendable funds to potentially buy these.
It's just frustrating at this point watching adults argue over toys that they don't have to buy and are privileged enough to have access to them. Especially considering what day it is.
/end rant

We are on this thing. This thing is called a Toy Forum. This may surprise you, but people discuss toys on a toy forum. :rolleyes:

Part of that discussion includes complaining about poor quality control.  You will find that other toy forums have similar conversations to ours.

As consumers it is our right to be irritated at faulty stuff we have already spent money on, and to let fellow consumers know what to watch out for. A better informed decision isn't a bad thing when your buying stuff.

G4s are already made, but that doesn't stop people complaining about bad hair, weird greasy residue and misplaced eyeballs.

Sometimes constructive feedback even helps people who make products aware of problems, that they can use to fix or avoid next time.

Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: ThePoneZone on November 22, 2018, 05:00:50 PM
I got mine back in September, so far I haven't noticed any issues aside from a few stray marks on Windy's head and a slightly botched symbol on Moonstone (i scraped most of it off but you can see a mark next to the planet)

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I did have to take them out of the box to brush the stray glitter off that got knocked loose in transit, but so far they're fine. Crossing my fingers that they stay that way. They don't sell these in my area and I paid way more than I'd have like to for this set. :yikes:
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Ponyfan on November 23, 2018, 09:06:27 AM
I think discussing the problems with the anniversary ponies is good so we can make an informed descion. When I bought my Rainbows I don’t think the discoloring issue had really been dissussed yet.

I can see both sides. Flaws will happen even with new toys but if Basic Fun/stores see a lot of ponies being returned then any future waves (if there are any) might be cancelled.

I’m still missing 3 Rainbows and 3 unicorns/pegasus ponies. I worry that my Target might not restock Wave 3 since they’re overstocked on Collector Ponies.


Ponyfan
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Taffeta on November 23, 2018, 09:45:04 AM


I can see both sides. Flaws will happen even with new toys but if Basic Fun/stores see a lot of ponies being returned then any future waves (if there are any) might be cancelled.

Ponyfan

This is my concern too, since I know that Basic Fun rootled around in Collector information and stuff before this line even happened, they have said so a few times. And I have no idea if they are reading, but what I don't want to happenif they are is that they get a warped impression that everyone hates the Rainbows and they're all discolouring. They're not and we don't. It's all a matter of perspective. And we don't have wave 3 yet in the UK. Our getting it rather depends, as I said before, on sales of previous, as well as product feedback. And every time someone centres a thread JUST on the problems, it worries me.

A more balanced approach to the subject, in essence ;) The first post in the thread implies that all the retros have major flaws which is not the case at all. It's not about denying the flaws exist, but putting it all into context.

For the record, I love the retro CP set more than the original set. I guess that's treason or something but it's true. I never much liked the original 6 ponies but I have been won over by Snuzzle, Butterscotch and Minty completely xD.

For me also, the weirdest aspect of the Rainbow Ponies is the colour of Windy, because, well, as I said...my childhood one is graduated shades of beige O.O.

If the retros ultimately have problems then they do. But I am willing to wait until the whole project ends before getting into the nitpicking. Right now if a pony doesn't look right I might not buy it - but I'd rather have a few flawed ponies than no retros, so I guess that's where I stand on this right now.

Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Bebopgroove on November 23, 2018, 10:55:19 AM
Would having them around baking soda maybe help with removing the scent from the plastic? Or even leaving them outside in the sun? I still haven't deboxed mine yet, but I'm starting to wonder if I should.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Galactica on December 04, 2018, 09:16:38 AM
So since many of the same people seem to see the same issues in the ponies in their area-  I can only conclude that there either some batches that were more prone to discolor than others and those areas got those batches

Or MORE likely the ponies in those areas that discolored ponies are being consistently found-  those ponies were stored somewhere or shipped somewhere with high heat or cold (or both) and somehow this triggered or exacerbated the situation.

I know that my ponies and LadyMoondancer's ponies (we are both in Seattle) look fine- and I mean COMPLETELY fine- not a touch of discolor on mine- and I have them right here in my office so I can check regularly (and I got them when they first came out!)

Plus every time I see them in Target they look fine too-  so I can only assume that something happened to those ponies in areas where they are discoloring (bad batch or shipping or storage)

Would having them around baking soda maybe help with removing the scent from the plastic? Or even leaving them outside in the sun? I still haven't deboxed mine yet, but I'm starting to wonder if I should.

No- It is not the scent that is causing the problem, but how the plastic of hte pony is interacting with the oil used to scent the ponies. No removing that I think unless it is something they sprayed on? Most likely though they added it to the plastic.  If it was sprayed on than washing them would help!

Can anyone confirm if the SSC dolls have issues then?

I can confirm that the SSC dolls that my friends and I bought (granted we are all in Seattle) have no issues- and as far as I know, the SSC "community" has reported no issues. (The dolls look great)

(unlike the poor Bandai SSC dolls who all lost their hair)
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on December 04, 2018, 09:52:33 AM
Thank you for the confirmation Galactica. Perhaps it was the different types of plastics involved? The SSC dolls were only in my hands briefly, as I picked some up for friends.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Taffeta on December 04, 2018, 03:32:20 PM
Thank you for the confirmation Galactica. Perhaps it was the different types of plastics involved? The SSC dolls were only in my hands briefly, as I picked some up for friends.

Maybe it's something to do with how they colour the plastic and how the scent is worked into the plastic or applied that reacts? It might be as simple as the quantity of one with the other and if one is too heavy it creates a chain reaction. Different batches may have slightly different mixes which is why not all ponies are affected and why it tends to be ones in the same kind of packaging I believe (ie all in English rather than bilingual, or has that been disproven now?)

In any case, when I was home last mine were all fine. There are now no Rainbows in stores near me as they've all sold out and not been restocked (despite John Lewis's claims they would be) but the Skydancer who was there for weeks before this didn't show any issues whatsoever. (So glad it looks like she has a new home for Christmas xD)
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: CinnamonOnions on December 13, 2018, 04:13:45 PM
I could mention I have stopped seeing crazy amounts of discolored Moonstones. I mainly see normal ones nowadays, really. Maybe they solved the issue? Also instead a lot of head-body mismatch Parasols are showing up here...
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Tiara546 on December 19, 2018, 06:12:49 PM
Wow, I had no idea... however unboxing mine seems not an option, they reek so badly I am happy they are in the box they came in. Bought them from french Amazon when I was over there during summer. Didn't notice anything weird but will check back next time I'm in the cellar. Wouldn't even want them in my apartment due to their scent, not even in their original Amazon box. But I don't tolerate artificial scents/perfumes in general so it might be better for most of you. Still I can't understand they made them that heavily scented, even more when kids are intended to play with them. It is utterly toxic... :(
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: FiddlePhan on December 19, 2018, 07:31:09 PM
I unboxed Windy but can't keep her in my pony room I spend time in because she's too scented.  Kept the rest in their boxes.  I figure with time the scent will probably be less strong.

Maybe the discoloured ones were just some bad batches since it's not a lot with issues.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: toyjunky on December 20, 2018, 08:41:29 AM
My rainbows are fine and are deboxed in a cabinet. They still smell really strongly (or at least Starshine does) but otherwise no complaints. They are sort of battling it out with each other and my SSC in regards to smell (they are in the same cabinet). Starshine is winning and I even let her air out for about 2 weeks before putting her in the cabinet.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: invaderhorizongreen on December 21, 2018, 04:06:29 PM
I think I will pass on them, if the smell is that terribly strong.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: lovesbabysquirmy on December 22, 2018, 07:09:04 AM
Mine do not have overpowering smell nor do they have discolouration.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: banditpony on December 22, 2018, 07:26:53 AM
I think I will pass on them, if the smell is that terribly strong.

I wonder if it's maybe some have more scents then others?

I am certainly sensitive with scents. Certain lotions and scented candles will trigger migraines, for sure. My ex boss's boss had a certain perfume that I could smell even if she just walked by and 75% of the time it would give me a migraine.

My moonstone is in a small drawer with other things. There is no scent that hits me when I open the drawer (as what another smelly things might do). She does smell if I put my nose to her and sniff her. And the smell does transfer to my fingers if I touch her (but I have to put my fingers to my nose). So a quick handwashing after handling is fine.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Annichen on December 29, 2018, 08:25:08 AM
I just bought the only ones available in Norway and can't wait to compare with the originals..so, my only problem yet is that very few are available in Norway.
BUT..I wonder if they plan to release all the original playsets too !
I'd love to get my hands on the rare ones in mint condition but it will never be the same as the ones born in the 80s  :P
I see people mention the scent but the scented ones from the 80s still have some scent and they look good too.
But as with everything - they had better quality before. Seriously. I'm not shocked to hear about this issue but it sucks !
I suppose with the trend they wanted to make some extra $$$$ and then quality isn't really a priority.

Also, anyone else here from Scandinavia - do you find only the Rainbow ponies ? I don't even find the first Collectors pose ones - they were released first right, of the 35th ones, yes ? Is there a guide, overview, over what's been released for the anniversary ? I am a lazy collector and haven't been all over the internet hunting for a while.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Ponyfan on December 29, 2018, 12:38:50 PM
If you are still looking for ponies like I am, check the ponies you find on the shelves extra carefully since we are in the post Christmas/high returns  season. I was excited to see the last 3 Rainbow ponies I needed to complete my set and picked up Sunlight. Sadly Sunlight had been opened, played with, boxed back up and returned to the store. :sad: There was a piece of scotch  tape on inside her box filled with glitter from her symbol on it. 



Ponyfan
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Taffeta on December 29, 2018, 01:05:51 PM


Also, anyone else here from Scandinavia - do you find only the Rainbow ponies ? I don't even find the first Collectors pose ones - they were released first right, of the 35th ones, yes ? Is there a guide, overview, over what's been released for the anniversary ? I am a lazy collector and haven't been all over the internet hunting for a while.

I'm not from Scandinavia, but I may be able to answer your question. As far as I understand it, the UK is the only European country where Collector Ponies have been released, but I have asked this many times as to whether anyone in other European countries have found them and nobody ever replies so I may be out of date with my information. In any case, mass floods of the CP set only really appeared in the UK in the leadup till Christmas, in mainstream toy stores like Entertainer. Before that they only appeared sporadically in specific regions and stores.

Rainbow Ponies were here too from Summer till about Hallowe'en but only in a limited region of the country and only in limited stores. They've now all vanished as far as I can see. No idea if they will come back.

No sign of Wave 3 in the UK at all yet but we were given a rumoured date of possibly February for them. No idea about Europe in general but maybe much the same? That would be the set with Firefly and Medley in.

I believe the Parlour is not coming to Europe as it doesn't meet regulations. Though I don't know about Norway's regulations or if there are any differences as that seems to be an EU ruling...
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Teddy on January 01, 2019, 09:25:03 AM
Also, anyone else here from Scandinavia - do you find only the Rainbow ponies ? I don't even find the first Collectors pose ones - they were released first right, of the 35th ones, yes ? Is there a guide, overview, over what's been released for the anniversary ? I am a lazy collector and haven't been all over the internet hunting for a while.

I have only found the rainbow ponies here in Sweden as well. The Parasol was very discolored, Starshine was perfect, and Moonstone's symbol was missing the silver parts. So weird! Not the best quality control, that's for sure.

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I didn't buy any of them because they are super expensive. I got the few 35th Anniversary ponies I wanted online instead. ;)
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: FiddlePhan on January 01, 2019, 03:28:10 PM
In another thread the stripes on the manes of some Glory, Moondancer and Sunbeam have instead of their two colours blended together instead of a stripe.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: tailrustedtealeaf on January 01, 2019, 03:43:57 PM
Gave my retros a closer look, it looks like Glory has a thin, defined stripe but has some blue blended into her mane further down her neck. None of the ones I have have clear stripes. I don't mind it, as I'm not using them as substitutes for the originals and it is easy to tell them apart, but I see why it is irkful.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Ponyfan on January 01, 2019, 07:30:05 PM
Here are pics of the unicorn/pegasi set when I found them in stores.

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I bought Moondancer, Sunbeam and Twilight from this set. :) I couldn't afford to them all at once.


My Moondancer has a stripe but she does have the blended hair also.


Ponyfan

Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Ponyfan on January 04, 2019, 12:32:11 PM
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Poor Bluebelle, I feel sad that someone did this to her box and walked away.

:sad:

Ponyfan
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on January 04, 2019, 12:42:25 PM
Probably some bratty kid whose parents can't be bothered to control them.
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: DreamvalleyMLP on January 05, 2019, 06:14:25 AM
I wouldn't mind minor flaws like misplaced symbols on TOYS, and I'm not picky with G1 conditions for example either. But even I don't like seeing Moonstones and Starshines with this level issues everytime I stop to go trough the 35th rainbow ponies at a store:
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10$ toys (that cost well over 20$ on Europe) or not, I would expect something better than THIS. They're great otherwise and I shouldn't feel lucky I found a white Starshine and a normal Moonstone.


Kid: "Mommy, what's with the different coloring on these ponies' bodies?"
Mom: "Because they're rainbow ponies honey."

 :silly:
Title: Re: Issues with 35th Anniversary Ponies
Post by: Ponyfan on January 05, 2019, 11:21:43 AM
That poor reboxed and returned Sunlight was still at Target today.

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I thought this was a piece of tape with glitter but it's some kind of stain.

Ponyfan
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