Introduction: What Are GLA-01 & GLA-02?
Gla-01 and Gla-02 Set of 2: The GLA-01 & GLA-02 set is part of the Mecha Invasion / Giant Legion third‐party toy line, designed as homage / reinterpretations of the classic Mixmaster & Scrapper construction bots (from the Constructicon / Devastator motif).
Marketed as a “set of 2”, the GLA-01 and GLA-02 figures are intended not only to function independently in robot mode and construction vehicle mode, but also to combine into a larger combiner robot when integrated with other members of the set.
Each figure is approximately 21.5 cm (8.5 in) tall in robot mode. The final combiner (when all members are present) is said to reach around 38 cm in height.
These figures are part of a trend in third-party transforming robot toys: offering homage, good articulation, and combiners without needing external “accessory” parts.
Design & Transformation Features
One of the key appeals of the GLA-01 & GLA-02 set is how they transform and how they function as a combiner component.
Dual Modes: Construction & Robot
- In robot mode, both figures feature articulation at major joints (shoulders, elbows, hips, knees) to allow dynamic posing.
- In construction vehicle mode, GLA-01 becomes a loader (Scrapper), while GLA-02 becomes a mixer (Mixmaster).
- The transformation is relatively straightforward: parts fold, rotate, and reconfigure without needing to add extra parts or armor pieces. This ease of transformation is praised in reviews.
Combiner Integration
- One of the standout features is that these figures are designed to combine into a larger combiner (in the style of Devastator), without requiring extra accessory parts.
- When combined along with other GLA figures, the final combiner reaches around 38 cm tall.
- The design ensures that both bots contribute structural and aesthetic parts (arms, legs, torso) to the final form
Materials & Detailing
- The figures are made primarily of ABS plastic, with some die-cast or alloy parts included to add weight and solidity.
- Paint finish, pad printing, and sculpt detail are used to replicate construction machinery aesthetics (e.g. hazard stripes, panels, mechanical components).
- The balance between articulation and structural integrity is generally handled well; the bots feel sturdy in many poses.
Overall, the design is praised as clever and satisfying for fans of transforming robots and combiners.
Performance & Articulation
How do GLA-01 & GLA-02 perform in terms of poseability, stability, and transformation usability?
Articulation & Poseability
- The joints allow for combat poses, dynamic stances, and stable leg positions. Reviewers mention that the lower body gear joints help retain stability.
- However, limitations include lack of finger articulation, and limited head swivel or wrist movement depending on the version.
- The bots transform cleanly without too many loose or wobbly parts, which helps preserve poseability across modes.
Stability & Weight
- Because some alloy/die-cast parts are used, the figures have a decent heft, which helps maintain stability in larger poses.
- The construction mode also locks parts in place relatively well, reducing unintended shifts during handling.
- As combiners, the parts must support additional weight; the design is lauded for being “well balanced” when all members are combined.
Ease of Transformation
- Many users praise the simplicity of transformation relative to other combiner lines — no overly complicated sequences or fragile parts.
- Instructions sometimes lack English translation, which can challenge non-native collectors.
- Video reviewers often show that transformation is straightforward and reliable.
In sum, GLA-01 & GLA-02 give good performance for the price and intended fan market.
Pros, Cons & Collector Considerations
For collectors or potential buyers, these are the advantages and trade-offs of owning the GLA-01 & GLA-02 set.
Advantages (Pros)
- Combiner without extra parts: The set is fully integrated so you don’t need add-ons to complete combination.
- Good scale & presence: At ~21.5 cm, the figures have good presence, and the combiner is substantial (~38 cm).
- Solid design & articulation: Balanced articulation, decent material quality, thoughtful engineering.
- Appealing homage: For fans of classic construction combiners, this set captures that vibe without being a direct copyright violation.
- Collector appeal: Third-party lines like this offer alternative designs and are often limited in production, which increases desirability.
Trade-offs / Limitations (Cons)
- Quality control / fit issues: Some units may have loose parts or slightly misaligned panels (common in third-party toys)
- Lack of full articulation: No finger joints, possibly limited head rotation or wrist swivel depending on version.
- Instructions & packaging: Instructions may not always include English or be fully clear.
- Price & availability: Because it’s a third-party item, pricing may fluctuate, and shipping, customs, or import costs can add significant overhead.
- Collectors’ compatibility: It may not exactly match scale or aesthetics of licensed lines, which can be a drawback for those combining with other brands.
What Collectors Should Check
- Fit & tightness of joints
- Paint clean lines and absence of smudging or over-spray
- That the combiners’ parts interlock properly
- Completeness of parts (no missing small detail pieces)
- Packaging condition (if mint in box is important)
How to Buy & Where to Look
If you’re interested in acquiring the GLA-01 & GLA-02 set, here are useful tips and places to look.
Primary Vendors & Marketplaces
- TFSafari: They list “GLA01 Loader (Scrapper) & GLA02 Mixer (Mixmaster)” set, with details on modes and prices around USD 89.99.
- ShowZ Store: Offers “Mecha Invasion GLA01 & GLA02 Giant Legion Heavy Builder Mixmaster & Scrapper Set of 2.”
- BigBadToyStore (BBTS): They carry the “Giant Legion GLA-01 + GLA-02 Figure Set” with listing details.
- ToyGeek: A specialist retailer listing the set with collector warnings and photos.
- Amazon / Mechatoys: Some listings exist under Mechatoys branded variants of the same set.
- eBay / secondary market: Some suppressed or collector units appear for higher prices.
Tips for Buying
- Always check seller reviews / reputation when buying from third-party sources
- Confirm package contents (both bots, instructions)
- Ask for real pictures (especially of joints, paint, and parts)
- Be aware of import taxes / customs duty
- When possible, order from well-known TF / robot collectible shops to reduce risk
Because these sets are niche, availability may rotate, so set alerts or monitor restocks.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The GLA-01 & GLA-02 set of 2 by Mecha Invasion / Giant Legion is a compelling entry in the third-party transforming robot toy market. It offers:
- Dual modes (robot ↔ construction),
- Combiner capability without extra parts,
- Solid design and articulation,
- Good scale and homage value.
While it has trade-offs—such as potential QC issues, limited articulation in small joints, and the standard risks of third-party collectibles—it represents strong value for collectors seeking combiners beyond mainstream lines.
