Fantastic Model FM-04 Doc is an unmistakable homage to the Autobot Chief Medical Officer Ratchet. Following the release of FM-03 Warhorse, this mold returns with a fresh coat of paint and noticeably refined quality control. In many ways, Doc feels like the release this tooling was always meant to be.
Packaging
As with Warhorse, the presentation is collector focused and premium. The retro grid backdrop returns, paired with dynamic character artwork in both robot and van modes. The aesthetic leans heavily into that classic 80’s nostalgia while maintaining a modern, high-end finish. Clean typography, sharp print quality, and a glossy sheen give the box real shelf presence, very much in keeping with the type of presentation collectors expect.
 |
 |
Doc includes the same generous spread of accessories: multiple weapons, a selection of spanners, clear orange blast effects, a rocket pack, an alternate head, and four interchangeable face sculpts. It’s a strong load-out that allows for varied display options, whether you prefer a more animation inspired look or a battle-ready stance. The metallic silver weaponry contrasts particularly well against the lighter body colours this time around, and the blast effects add welcome dynamism to posed displays.
Robot Mode
In robot mode, FM-04 Doc truly shines. The white and red colour scheme suits the sculpt far better than the deeper red and grey of Warhorse. The lighter palette accentuates the crisp panel lines, giving the figure a cleaner and more refined overall presence.
 |
 |
Most notably, the paint application here is significantly improved. Edges are sharper, coverage is more consistent, and the overall finish looks and feels cleaner in hand. The white plastic is bright without appearing chalky, and the red accents are applied with precision. The result is a figure that presents as cohesive and polished straight out of the box.
 |
 |
The mold itself remains solid and well proportioned, with broad shoulders and a sturdy stance. Articulation continues to impress, offering a wide range of expressive posing options. Die-cast elements provide welcome heft and balance, reinforcing that premium collector grade feel.
 |
 |
Transformation, while structurally identical to Warhorse, felt markedly smoother this time around. Where the previous release could feel taxing, Doc’s conversion seemed to flow more naturally, with panels aligning more intuitively and tolerances feeling better refined. Whether due to minor adjustments in production or simply improved quality control, the overall experience was less stressful and more enjoyable.
 |
 |
In vehicle mode, Doc forms a compact, boxy van that captures the character’s classic silhouette effectively. Panel alignment appears tighter in places, seams are less distracting, and the finish between painted die-cast and plastic elements blends cleanly. That said, there are still noticeable gaps in certain areas, mirroring FM-03’s appearance. The van rolls smoothly and feels sturdy in hand.
Final Thoughts
FM-04 Doc demonstrates that Fantastic Model does refining work on re-use molds. While the core engineering remains the same as FM-03, the improved paint application, cleaner finish, and smoother transformation elevate this release. The white and red colour scheme complements the sculpt beautifully, bringing out the best in the mold’s detailing.
For collectors who appreciated Warhorse but hesitated over minor quality control issues, Doc feels like a confident step forward. It is a strong, polished third-party interpretation of Ratchet and arguably the definitive version of this mold.
 |
 |
