Masterpiece Megatron (MP5)

I grew up with Transformers and so I've been collecting a lot of the reissues, along with the Binaltech (Alternators) and Masterpiece editions, which are both larger scale than the originals.

I finally found a store that carries Masterpiece Megatorn (I was going to use ebay as a backup), the rarity of which is mainly due to the orange tip issue.

He's quite nifty, but I'm having trouble tranforming him. These are clearly not toys, since they are actually quite delicate.

The problem is in step 03 where you're supposed to lift the head up and out so the folding bar that is doubled back is straight and vertical. I can tilt the head forward, but I can't unlock it from the chest part. I've tried to apply force, but I'm afraid of breaking it.

Anyone know how to get it unstuck?