Things you never realised about Transformers (toys etc)

[Megatran]

Until now, I never realised G1 Blaster's rub sign is positioned on his groin region. :eek: Had to give it a rub on my recently acquired SDCC 2010 Reissue just to make sure it's all in working order.







Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh. Happy ending. :p

[GoktimusPrime]

Weird coincidences from the Decepticon alphabet...
+ The letter "I" kinda resembles Japan.
+ The letter "M" sorta resembles a light microscope, which is what Magnificus transforms into.



Until now, I never realised G1 Blaster's rub sign is positioned on his groin region. :eek: Had to give it a rub on my recently acquired SDCC 2010 Reissue just to make sure it's all in working order.

Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh. Happy ending. :p
That's nothing compared to where Heinlad's Maximal insignia is located. ;)

[KalEl]

I've had Fortmax for about 2 months now and didn't know that there was a flap on spike to cover his headmaster head in robot mode.

[DELTAprime]

I've had Fortmax for about 2 months now and didn't know that there was a flap on spike to cover his headmaster head in robot mode.

Thanks, I never noticed it either and I've had Max since the reissue came out. I feel dumb now.:o

[Hursticon]

Thanks, I never noticed it either and I've had Max since the reissue came out. I feel dumb now.:o

Don't feel dumb - Know though that with all of the regular Headmasters figures, that said Flap is present on all of them; I don't believe it was present on the smaller "Junior" Headmasters however. :cool:

If anything, it just shows that you guys haven't had a heap of experience with G1 Headmasters is all. ;):)

[GoktimusPrime]

Yep, except for the Horrorcons, all the 1987 Headmasters have those flaps, but the 1988 Headmasters don't. The 1988 Headmasters also don't have the "Cross Head On" gimmick that the 87 Headmasters have. i.e. if you switch Nebulans, it doesn't alter the tech specs meter stats since they're fixed, whereas with the 1987 Headmasters it does change. So for example if you put Spike onto Chromedome, Chromedome's tech specs meter will display Cerebros' Strength, Speed and Intelligence (so the idea is that Chromedome inherits Cerebros' traits) and vice versa if you put Stylor on Cerebros. And naturally you can mix and match all the 87 Headmasters' Nebulans and "Transtectors" around. The 1987 and 1988 Headmaster Nebulans are not cross compatible (the former are actually smaller).

[DELTAprime]

Yep, except for the Horrorcons, all the 1987 Headmasters have those flaps, but the 1988 Headmasters don't. The 1988 Headmasters also don't have the "Cross Head On" gimmick that the 87 Headmasters have. i.e. if you switch Nebulans, it doesn't alter the tech specs meter stats since they're fixed, whereas with the 1987 Headmasters it does change. So for example if you put Spike onto Chromedome, Chromedome's tech specs meter will display Cerebros' Strength, Speed and Intelligence (so the idea is that Chromedome inherits Cerebros' traits) and vice versa if you put Stylor on Cerebros. And naturally you can mix and match all the 87 Headmasters' Nebulans and "Transtectors" around. The 1987 and 1988 Headmaster Nebulans are not cross compatible (the former are actually smaller).

Thats another thing I didn't know about the Headmasters. I guess since Max is my only Headmaster I haven't ever had a chance to see any other Headmasters in person.

[KalEl]

Always a learnin'

[GoktimusPrime]

This little discussion inspired me to make this thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=393071#post393071). :)

[griffin]

This is probably something I forgot, rather than not knowing...

Seeing this on ebay, I thought it was a fake at first, but apparently there were two Movie box-sets released at the 2008 Hong Kong ACG convention - and Autobot set & a Decepticon set.

Looking on google, I found these images here of the two sets (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-feedback/544688-ani-con-08-hong-kong-exclusive-box-sets.html). The ebay auction also lists a link to a news article at the time (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/details-regarding-hasbro-hong-kongs-presence-at-ani-con-165489/).

The news posting claims that there were only 100 produced of each, while the ebay auction claims that they were being sold at the event for US$1,000 each! A lot more than the retail cost of the five toys in each boxset (one leader, two voyagers, two deluxes - which retail for about US$110).

The Autobot set - Premium leader Optimus, Premium Voyager Ironhide, regular voyager Ratchet, premium deluxe Bumblebee and premium deluxe Jazz.
The Decepticon set - Premium leader Megatron, premium voyager Deep Space Starscream, premium voyager Blackout with Scopronok, premium deluxe Barricade and regular deluxe Brawl.

At least they don't appear to be anything different, just a repackaging into a fancy new box, so isn't anything I'm interested in. It's still something I need to add to our 2008 checklist.

The thing that first made me suspicious when seeing it on ebay, was seeing that it was released in 2008 but had Pat Lee signing the certificate of authenticity... three years after Dreamwave had collapsed and he went into hiding owing lots of money to his employees.
I'm surprised that Hasbro dared to employ him for this project with so many people out of pocket due to his previous Transformers project (Dreamwave).

[griffin]

While updating the 2013 checklist, I just found out that there were actually two pairs of non-convertible TFPrime toys (http://lmb3.net/2013/07/06/blog-408-toy-reviews-transformers-prime-non-transforming-16-and-12-inch-figures-optimus-prime-and-bumblebee/) (Bumblebee & Optimus).
A 12 inch version of each for $10 each, and a 16 inch version of each as a TRU exclusive for $25 each.
The sculpting is very similar between each size, but there are some missing paint apps on the smaller pair. I bought the smaller pair from Amazon, without even realising that the pair I saw at TRU in America last June was a different pair.
Paulbot even sighted them in December at a Toyworld, but since they were AU$21, it is likely the small pair.
(yes, I know most here won't even consider these as Transformers toys, let alone even think of buying them)

Also while doing up the checklist, I found that the third wave of BotShots doesn't appear to have been released in America yet, but were found here early December.
(and I thought I already had them, but now realise I was thinking of the previous wave... so I'd better go find them while they are still in stores)

Speaking of BotShots,through a process of elimination, it seems that a pairing up of an unknown silver redeco of the 3pack Cindersaur (at the US Toyfair in 2012) with the Hasbro database listing that leaked in November, has resulted in it being known as "Rom the Space Knight (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Rom_the_Space_Knight)" (as that was the actual Hasbro database name).
Since there were two BotShots numbers skipped in Series two (number 7 & 10), this is likely to be one of them. The other one that was skipped was a blue redeco of the 3pack Cindersaur (an unlucky mould with 2 versions missed), which was listed in an Asian catalogue as "Stormrazor (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Skystalker_%28BS%29)". A reason why it was skipped may well be due to a last minute name-change of the main-line Stormrazor toy into Skystalker after the toys were already packaged... but that is just speculation, because the packaging would just be re-labelled, like PCC Spastic was (and Hasbro wouldn't care if a mere BotShots redeco had the wrong name, unless it was a trademark issue with Stormrazor).
In the end, they've used the name Skystalker on one of the next 3packs, that should have been out by now, but it seems as though BotShots are dead in the water (despite being touted as being one of Hasbro's most successful TFs lines last year).

On a related note, the Japanese GO! 3-pack of BeCool/BotShots is not just a redeco, but a mixing of body parts for each.
Kenzan is mostly Prowl with Mirage's bumper section.
Jinbu is mostly Starscream with Powerglide's head & chest section.
Ganoh is mostly Sentinel Prime with Brawl's head & chest section.

[griffin]

This is actually something I've known for a while now, but wanted to share... and this looks to be the most applicable topic.

The most recent Kreo Build set (Autobot Command Base) was shown at the US & AUS Toyfairs last year, but it ended up being completely different to the version that ended up being released. (with some different Kreons too)
So today I found a site (http://www.toysrus.com/buy/kre-o-transformers/kre-o-transformers-autobot-comman-center-a5412-24191316) that actually has the prototype shown WITH the released version. (the prototype is the top image)

I wonder why the set was so significantly changed, in such a short period of time (to have a fully built example as the official product image just a few months before its release).

[UltraMarginal]

This is actually something I've known for a while now, but wanted to share... and this looks to be the most applicable topic.

The most recent Kreo Build set (Autobot Command Base) was shown at the US & AUS Toyfairs last year, but it ended up being completely different to the version that ended up being released. (with some different Kreons too)
So today I found a site (http://www.toysrus.com/buy/kre-o-transformers/kre-o-transformers-autobot-comman-center-a5412-24191316) that actually has the prototype shown WITH the released version. (the prototype is the top image)

I wonder why the set was so significantly changed, in such a short period of time (to have a fully built example as the official product image just a few months before its release).

it does look like the orighinal design is bigger with a higher parts count. Also the newer one has equipment racks along the line of the customisable kreons, so they may have decided to tie them into the design.

[iamirondude]

found out yesterday that the black tower things on my FOC metroplex shoulders actually pull out. they make those towers look a lot better.

[DELTAprime]

Just listening to interviews on Season 1 Disk 3 of the Remastered G1 DVDs. I didn't realise that they changed the age range of the show. It's obvious now that I know that fact. I've been grimacing over some of the obviously kid focused stuff I've noticed rewatching Season 1 for the first time in about 5 years. But I've always liked Season 3 more than the others and now I know why, it was aimed at a higher age range. I always liked shows aimed at an older audience when I was a kid.

[SMHFConvoy]

Just found out that Armada Unicron's box is the perfect size to pack DVDs into.

[Autocon]

I just realised powerpinch is green when held up to the light :D Always thought it was a last minute change from green to black but didn't change the packaging pics :o

[griffin]

I'm not sure if I realised this before, or just remembered it while building the latest Kabaya Models, but the JP Laster (from Liokaiser) and UK Flame (the yellow one) are Lamborghinis like Sideswipe... but the hood transformation is wrong for it to be used for the Masterpiece Sideswipe mould. (you know, to milk this great mould with a different character)

[griffin]

Speaking of BotShots,through a process of elimination, it seems that a pairing up of an unknown silver redeco of the 3pack Cindersaur (at the US Toyfair in 2012) with the Hasbro database listing that leaked in November, has resulted in it being known as "Rom the Space Knight (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Rom_the_Space_Knight)" (as that was the actual Hasbro database name).
Since there were two BotShots numbers skipped in Series two (number 7 & 10), this is likely to be one of them. The other one that was skipped was a blue redeco of the 3pack Cindersaur (an unlucky mould with 2 versions missed), which was listed in an Asian catalogue as "Stormrazor (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Skystalker_%28BS%29)". A reason why it was skipped may well be due to a last minute name-change of the main-line Stormrazor toy into Skystalker after the toys were already packaged... but that is just speculation, because the packaging would just be re-labelled, like PCC Spastic was (and Hasbro wouldn't care if a mere BotShots redeco had the wrong name, unless it was a trademark issue with Stormrazor).
In the end, they've used the name Skystalker on one of the next 3packs, that should have been out by now, but it seems as though BotShots are dead in the water (despite being touted as being one of Hasbro's most successful TFs lines last year).


I've now found on the back of the packaging of the third wave, confirmation of Skystalker being B010 (and should have been in Wave 3), leaving Rom the Space Knight as being B007.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/b721.jpg

One less mystery in the world of Transformers collecting. :p

[Bidoofdude]

Not really a toy thing, but close enough. I just noticed yesterday when opening my remastered TFTM dvd case that you can actually turn the insert thingo inside out, to put the awesome art from the inside cover onto the outside. Has a spine and backing for that side and everything. :)

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah, Madman do that with a few of their titles. ;) The reverse side of that jacket is the Japanese TFTM poster (which was used in Japanese theatres in the 80s). They did the same thing with the Rurouni Kenshin OVA -- the reverse side had るろうに剣心 (Rurouni Kenshin), whereas the front side has "Samurai X" (needless to say I flipped it ;)). It's a pretty neat idea.

[Bidoofdude]

Yeah, Madman do that with a few of their titles. ;) The reverse side of that jacket is the Japanese TFTM poster (which was used in Japanese theatres in the 80s). They did the same thing with the Rurouni Kenshin OVA -- the reverse side had るろうに剣心 (Rurouni Kenshin), whereas the front side has "Samurai X" (needless to say I flipped it ;)). It's a pretty neat idea.

It is a really good idea. Wish more dvds had that option for a more artistic cover. :)

[The_Damned]

just got around to throwing out my fort max postage box and found the collectors coin in the bottom of the box, it was under some foam.

[Ultra Mackness]

I've wondered about the autobot shaped gap in the clear section at the front of the gold part of MP Grimlock's chest. When in T-rex mode there's no symbol in it which I always thought was an oversight. But when I transformed him yesterday I discovered that when sliding the chest into place for Robot mode, the autobot symbol appears! Cool!

[evandouglas86]

Not to do with toys... but anyway, like most G1 fans I've watched the G1 cartoons like thousands of times since it came out. Recorded eps on VHS and watched them over and over again till the tapes wore out yada yada yada.

But it was until the G1 cartoon came out on DVD that I noticed that yellow Cliffjumper actually appears in the G1 cartoon! I think my brain just kept "autocorrecting" him as Bumblebee each time I saw him, but upon closer inspection it's clearly Cliffjumper and not Bumblebee! Heh, so really both the red and yellow colour variants of Cliffjumper appear in the cartoon! Makes me feel that extra bit happy owning both Cliffjumpers. :) I need to keep looking out for any more appearances of Yellow Cliffjumper... or maybe Red Bumblebee! (haven't noticed him in the cartoon... yet?). ;)

Yellow Cliffjumper toy:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Yellow%20Cliffjumper/yellow_cliffjumper.jpg

Yellow Cliffjumper in "More Than Meets The Eye Part 1"
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Yellow%20Cliffjumper/yellow_cliffjumper_mtmte1.jpg

Yellow Cliffjumper in "The Ultimate Doom, Part 3"[/i]
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Yellow%20Cliffjumper/yellow_cliffjumper_ultimatedoom3.jpg

Wow great spotting, I would have never realised! Come to think of it, I've seen a lot of Autobot/decepticon signs swapped and some colour mismatching, but never a whole bot lol. So random the old g1 series, I guess he just changed his colour kinda like how we change our shirts :p

[evandouglas86]

I was given g1 Perceptor as a child years ago (hand me down) and after all this time, I realised the loose piece of translucent plastic floating around in the box was his chest shield. I found them all at my parents a few months back and cleaned them up a bit, and finally connected him together properly... Too bad about both his arms broken off

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I've wondered about the autobot shaped gap in the clear section at the front of the gold part of MP Grimlock's chest. When in T-rex mode there's no symbol in it which I always thought was an oversight. But when I transformed him yesterday I discovered that when sliding the chest into place for Robot mode, the autobot symbol appears! Cool!

I love the way that happens on that figure. MArvellous piece of engineering.

[GoktimusPrime]

Wow great spotting, I would have never realised! Come to think of it, I've seen a lot of Autobot/decepticon signs swapped and some colour mismatching, but never a whole bot lol. So random the old g1 series,
Yeah but it's also a happy coincidence that the colour mismatch on Cliffjumper happens to correspond w/ an actually existing variant of the original Cliffjumper toy. ;) As a kid I saw more yellow Cliffjumpers and red Bumblebees than the other way around. :o


I guess he just changed his colour kinda like how we change our shirts :p
There are some Transformers who do like to regularly change their colour schemes "as fashion dictates." e.g. Hauler (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hauler) and Shockwave (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Shockwave_(G1)/IDW_Generation_1_continuity) (pre-empurata).

[Sky Shadow]

There are some Transformers who do like to regularly change their colour schemes "as fashion dictates." e.g. Hauler (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hauler) and Shockwave (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Shockwave_(G1)/IDW_Generation_1_continuity) (pre-empurata).

Sideswipe and Thundercracker are a couple of others who seem to keep changing their favourite colours.

[DELTAprime]

Just got my Encore Soundwave off the shelf for a play and dusting. I never realised chrome could ware off without play or contact. Oh well, I'm sure Takara will reissue him again so if it ever bothers me in the future that he's not mint I'll just pick up the 50 billionth reissue.

[5FDP]

Just got my Encore Soundwave off the shelf for a play and dusting. I never realised chrome could ware off without play or contact. Oh well, I'm sure Takara will reissue him again so if it ever bothers me in the future that he's not mint I'll just pick up the 50 billionth reissue.

If you have an original release MP Megatron check out his feet ;)

[griffin]

It is weird - my JP Ehobby reissue Insecticons have never been touched, and yet most of the shiny coating has disappeared. :(

[Ravagecat]

Just got my Encore Soundwave off the shelf for a play and dusting. I never realised chrome could ware off without play or contact. Oh well, I'm sure Takara will reissue him again so if it ever bothers me in the future that he's not mint I'll just pick up the 50 billionth reissue.


It is weird - my JP Ehobby reissue Insecticons have never been touched, and yet most of the shiny coating has disappeared. :(

Whaaaattt!!!:eek: Encore is not even that old....what did they draw on the chrome with a marker pen??

[DELTAprime]

I looked it up on TFW's forum this morning, people complained years ago about MISB Encore Soundwave's with chrome wear. I'd guess it's a QC issue on the chrome.

[Sinnertwin]

It is weird - my JP Ehobby reissue Insecticons have never been touched, and yet most of the shiny coating has disappeared. :(

Same with my TFC Bombshell, yet the other two are ok
It's not like i run around the house re -enacting cartoon episodes either, they just stand there.

[Megatran]

I was sorting through my empty TF boxes today & realised that when you stack the Asia Exclusive Seekers Aces box on top of the Asia Exclusive Seekers Elites box, the front of box picture joins like a jigsaw puzzle.

[Bidoofdude]

I found this out a couple of days ago, but I noticed I've been transforming Generations Kickback completely wrong. I've put the chest round the wrong way when transforming, so it ends up above the front. The reason I noticed this was because the claw/insect hand things wouldn't go into the square groove. I also didn't notice that the bottom of the torso in robot mode (the crotch area) could pivot, to allow the legs to sit flush in insect mode. :p:o

[evandouglas86]

Ha great thread!

Man I had G1 Defensor's head mistransformed for a good year before I stumbled upon an ebay auction with a nice big clear photo of him. Didn't realise his head was meant to be rotated so it could sit properly on his upper body...

also I had no idea the Japanese/south east asian region were big on Transformers till after I joined these forums. Always thought they were a western thing :p

Wow! I just did this for the first time! Thanks!

[GoktimusPrime]

It's funny... I've played w/ other people's G1 Getaway figures plenty of times, but it wasn't until I finally got my own and placed him on my 1988 Autobots shelf that I realised that he's substantially taller than Joyride and Slapdash. Bomp.

[SuspectimusPrime]

While updating the 2013 checklist, I just found out that there were actually two pairs of non-convertible TFPrime toys (http://lmb3.net/2013/07/06/blog-408-toy-reviews-transformers-prime-non-transforming-16-and-12-inch-figures-optimus-prime-and-bumblebee/) (Bumblebee & Optimus).

I came across these monstrosities in Melbourne Habourtown's Toyworld last month. Almost batted them away because they looked so much like KO's, but took a photo because of their Hasbro licence.

[Bidoofdude]

Was just in the Whirl review thread on TFW with a picture of him holding the little Generations minicons by the foot when I said they remind me of the Ammonites from MTMTE #22. It now occured to me that that is what they are. :eek:

http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Ammonite

Now I NEED these guys. :(:p

EDIT: Oh, they come with MTMTE #24, which has ammonites in it. Never realised.

[griffin]

After only recently working out what these actually were, and how they differ from the JP BotCon trio, I got my first JP Choro Q toys today (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/collection/1402d.jpg), and had such a laugh with the Megatron one.
There are three moulds (Optimus, Rodimus and gun Megatron) and two decos for each mould (cartoon, and metallic/sparkly)... but the gimmick is the pull back motor on each.

Yes.... even Megatron.
And yes.... he's a gun.

So, transforming Megatron into a gun and laying him on his side, I pull him back and let it go.... and the gun just "drives off" on its own.
It is so funny.
It's like watching one of those couch cars (https://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=666&q=couch+car&oq=couch+car&gs_l=img.3..0l3j0i10j0l2j0i10l4.1653.2749.0.3081.9 .8.0.1.1.0.207.1006.3j3j2.8.0....0...1ac.1.35.img. .2.7.601.fVjeAIkV2FI) driving around.

After doing that a few times, laughing with each one, I then pull back Megatron and say, "Decepticons, transform and roll out" and let go.
So funny.
To me at least... :p

(word of warning for anyone thinking of buying these - the "metallic" ones suffer from Brittle Plastic Syndrom)

[Sinnertwin]

I've been looking for a JP Convoy for a while now. The other two Botcon Choros(mirage & megatron) i can do without, but i want that Convoy :D

[griffin]

I was a bit surprised that those three BotCon ones (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Choro-Q) (Mirage, Optimus, tank Megatron) aren't convertible. They are certainly really expensive on ebay... so I don't have them yet.
These transformable ones were released a couple years after the BotCon ones, are more fun than I had expected.

[Sinnertwin]

$120 just for Convoy :eek: still expensive, but better than what wheeljackslab was selling it for at one point: $200~
I still want one though :D:p

[Jinto]

The shoulders on Transmetal Tarantulas come forward during transformation. I always used to flip the arms out, position the shoulder wheels and flip the arms back in again. I had no idea until the other day that his shoulders pivot out from his orange shell and come forward. I've had this figure for 16 years. It blew my mind.

It makes him look significantly bulkier.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I just realised that Classics 'Bee and that RTS 'Bee have the same paint job, but RTS is in black. Actual application is exactly the same! Wow.

[DELTAprime]

I just realised that Classics 'Bee and that RTS 'Bee have the same paint job, but RTS is in black. Actual application is exactly the same! Wow.

Talk about a lazy repaint.:p

[griffin]

I just realised that Classics 'Bee and that RTS 'Bee have the same paint job, but RTS is in black. Actual application is exactly the same! Wow.

I had a look at my toys and was wondering, what the heck? My Classics and RTS have different paint aps... and looked around for ages in my collection for another Hasbro version of that mould, and failed. :o
So I had to resort to looking it up online, and there is indeed a third one (that I don't own).
The Classics version (http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/classics-autobots-197/bumblebee-1191/)
The RTS version (http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/rts-autobots-470/bumblebee-5212/)
And the Walmart version (http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/classics-autobots-197/bumblebee-legacy-of-bumblebee-5213/) - same paint apps as the Classics version, but black instead of white... which I don't have, because it was packed with two other Bumblebee toys that were identical to their earlier releases.
(I don't like wasting money on duplicates)

Without me looking through the archives, was that 3-pack released here? It was in America September 2008.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I had a look at my toys and was wondering, what the heck? My Classics and RTS have different paint aps... and looked around for ages in my collection for another Hasbro version of that mould, and failed. :o
So I had to resort to looking it up online, and there is indeed a third one (that I don't own).
The Classics version (http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/classics-autobots-197/bumblebee-1191/)
The RTS version (http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/rts-autobots-470/bumblebee-5212/)
And the Walmart version (http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/classics-autobots-197/bumblebee-legacy-of-bumblebee-5213/) - same paint apps as the Classics version, but black instead of white... which I don't have, because it was packed with two other Bumblebee toys that were identical to their earlier releases.
(I don't like wasting money on duplicates)

Without me looking through the archives, was that 3-pack released here? It was in America September 2008.
That 3 Pack must have been released here. I thought that was the RTS Bee, as that's the card back I found after selling it...

SO how many classic bees do I actually have? I must have the RTS bee hanging around somewhere too.

IIRC the triple pack was a myer one.... I think I bought it for the Masked movie Bumblebee, (I thought it was a yellow version of 'stealth bumblebee')

This is getting distressing....:o

[DELTAprime]

I remember seeing a 3 pack of Bee's in Big W many years ago. I think it was the Classics, TFTM and TFA Bee's in the set. I'm feeling old now, thanks guys.:p

[SuspectimusPrime]

After only recently working out what these actually were, and how they differ from the JP BotCon trio, I got my first JP Choro Q toys today (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/collection/1402d.jpg), and had such a laugh with the Megatron one.
There are three moulds (Optimus, Rodimus and gun Megatron) and two decos for each mould (cartoon, and metallic/sparkly)... but the gimmick is the pull back motor on each.

Yes.... even Megatron.
And yes.... he's a gun.

So, transforming Megatron into a gun and laying him on his side, I pull him back and let it go.... and the gun just "drives off" on its own.
It is so funny.
It's like watching one of those couch cars (https://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=666&q=couch+car&oq=couch+car&gs_l=img.3..0l3j0i10j0l2j0i10l4.1653.2749.0.3081.9 .8.0.1.1.0.207.1006.3j3j2.8.0....0...1ac.1.35.img. .2.7.601.fVjeAIkV2FI) driving around.

After doing that a few times, laughing with each one, I then pull back Megatron and say, "Decepticons, transform and roll out" and let go.
So funny.
To me at least... :p

(word of warning for anyone thinking of buying these - the "metallic" ones suffer from Brittle Plastic Syndrom)

This has been super low-priority, but I've been meaning to grab the Browning version for some years now :p

http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/thumb/6/66/Choroq_megatron.jpg/300px-Choroq_megatron.jpg
Image via: http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Megatron_(G1)/toys

[Sinnertwin]

I remember seeing a 3 pack of Bee's in Big W many years ago. I think it was the Classics, TFTM and TFA Bee's in the set. I'm feeling old now, thanks guys.:p

Yep. "The Legacy of Bumblebee" 3 pack

[VERT]

The shoulders on Transmetal Tarantulas come forward during transformation. I always used to flip the arms out, position the shoulder wheels and flip the arms back in again. I had no idea until the other day that his shoulders pivot out from his orange shell and come forward. I've had this figure for 16 years. It blew my mind.

It makes him look significantly bulkier.

Just did that. Wow had him since he came out at the shops. The wheels also have a tab that plugs into the shoulder joint.

[Paulbot]

The Autobot Cars and Decepticon Jets that were Gen2 redecos all had Gen1 allegiance stickers, which was a bit lazy, after spending time and money on all the colour changes and extra accessories.

Never realised this! :eek:

[DELTAprime]

So I just got a Henkei Ratchet in the mail, MISB. I never realise how horrible that mould is. I guess my Henkei Ironhide (which I have just now gotten off the shelf to look at) has never been played with cause now I've played with both these guys they have parts popping off in play and really look terrible in vehicle mode. :(

[SuspectimusPrime]

So I just got a Henkei Ratchet in the mail, MISB. I never realise how horrible that mould is. I guess my Henkei Ironhide (which I have just now gotten off the shelf to look at) has never been played with cause now I've played with both these guys they have parts popping off in play and really look terrible in vehicle mode. :(

Yep, and Botcon SG Soundwave is no different :( The worst part is the torso joint popping clean off, sometimes without much effort or force. That cannon hand/stubby blade weapon isn't too impressive either..

[Verno]

The shoulders on Transmetal Tarantulas come forward during transformation. I always used to flip the arms out, position the shoulder wheels and flip the arms back in again. I had no idea until the other day that his shoulders pivot out from his orange shell and come forward. I've had this figure for 16 years. It blew my mind.

It makes him look significantly bulkier.

Pictures urgently needed!

[GoktimusPrime]

Well played, Hasbro. ;)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/swoop_divebomb_zps6d1d65d0.jpg
TFPBH Divebomb's colours are a homage to G1 Swoop!
1. "Divebomb" was a preliminary name for the G1 Swoop toy.
2. In the G1 comics, Swoop's name was originally Divebomb until he had it taken by a Decepticon (who would later be the Predacon Divebomb).

[VERT]

Pictures urgently needed!

Just try it it obvious once you know about it :)

[Verno]

Just try it it obvious once you know about it :)

I'm currently living away from my collection. They wouldn't all fit in my suitcase.

Are you talking about the joint that allows the back wheel to bend down in bike mode?

[VERT]

No the part his arm is attached to. It swings out from the chrome.

[Verno]

I can't picture it. A quick pic would be great if you've got a spare moment :)

[VERT]

I will see what I can do tonight

[Sky Shadow]

I just noticed that Jetfire and Shockwave are wearing the same knee-high boots. Awkward!

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/9941/eb3r.png

[GoktimusPrime]

Shockwave: "You ripped off my fashion statement!"
Jetfire: "No need to get Macross about it."
Shockwave: "Kiss my Astro-Magnum."

[Paulbot]

This is an old learning of mine that I was reminded of today and thought people might not know.

When I bought Gripper back in the early 90s I was confused why there were all these extra stickers that had no place on the toy.

Wasn't until a long time later, at a time after I learnt about Blacker and Road Casear, that I found this sticker sheet and realised where they were meant to go: on combiner parts I didn't have.

Obviously Hasbro didn't want to go to the bother of creating a different sticker sheet for their non-combining repaint. Would it have been so hard for Hasbro to let the Motorvators be a combiner team?

http://37.media.tumblr.com/7c5fba47258944c184eb104f9b69aa50/tumblr_n3yx7qJyZJ1qbguy1o1_500.jpg

[Sinnertwin]

Come on, man, it's Hasbro we're talking about here :p

[jazzcomp]

I was wondering what the spare sticker sheet on scattorshot was for. Since the bot had stickers on it.

[Sky Shadow]

Obviously Hasbro didn't want to go to the bother of creating a different sticker sheet for their non-combining repaint. Would it have been so hard for Hasbro to let the Motorvators be a combiner team?

Indeed - would that extra handful of accessories really have broken the bank? Maybe they (oddly) thought people would be less likely to buy one if they thought they needed all three to complete the set? They did the same thing with Rescue Force and the Constructicons the next year.


I was wondering what the spare sticker sheet on scattorshot was for. Since the bot had stickers on it.

Like hundreds of other G1 Transformers, Scattershot came with some factory applied stickers, as well as others on a sticker sheet that you had to apply yourself.

[Hursticon]

Shockwave: "You ripped off my fashion statement!"
Jetfire: "No need to get Macross about it."
Shockwave: "Kiss my Astro-Magnum."

Haha, lol, I'll pay that one Goki - That was good! :p:D

[GoktimusPrime]

Peter Cullen's son, Clay Cullen, is a movie stunt double and driver and worked as a stunt driver in Age of Extinction.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1247999/

[GoktimusPrime]

Age of Extinction Dinobot Slug is possibly the first (only?) purple Autobot.

[ILikeSoundwave]

Age of Extinction Dinobot Slug is possibly the first (only?) purple Autobot.

2007 Movie Deluxe Arcee, off the top of my head.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

2007 Movie Deluxe Arcee, off the top of my head.2003 Universe Silverbolt. (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:Universe2003toy-SilverboltDeluxe.jpg)
Which kind of makes his name a bit misleading, but then 'Purplebolt' doesn't really have the same ring to it...

[Mythirax]

Isn't FoC Whirl and Impactor Purple-ish as well?

[GoktimusPrime]

Isn't FoC Whirl and Impactor Purple-ish as well?
Whirl is orange and blue, but you're right about Impactor -- he does have purple on him. Although he's mainly orange with purple as his secondary colour, but yeah, Impactor would certainly take credit as being the first Autobot toy with purple. :) But AoE Slug appears to be the first Autobot toy to be predominantly purple. His secondary colour is lavender! So Slug is very, very purple - which is so unusual for an Autobot as, AFAIK, unprecedented. :cool:

[griffin]

Purple is rare as a prominent colour for an Autobot toy, as it seemed to be reserved for "evil" toys (almost every 1988 Decepticon had purple on it somewhere (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/collection/c02s4.jpg))... but we do have a few contenders.

Grotusque
Trizer
Rodney
AM Skyfall
Euro Deluge
G2 Gobots Ironhide
BW Cybershark
RID Skid-Z
Armada Cheetor
2003 Universe (Fuzor) Silverbolt
JP SCF Alpha Trion
2002 Gorilla-Bot
2003 Beast-Bot II (cheetah)
2003 Buzzer-Bot (wasp)
2004 Beast-Bot (gorilla)
2004 Buzzer-Bot (motorcycle)
2005 Beast-Bot (dinosaur)
2005 Racer-Bot Beta (hotrod)
2005 Racer-Bot Beta Roadster (hotrod)
Universe Minicon-class Windrazor (packaging notes it as Autobot)
Universe Minicon-class Makeshift (packaging notes it as Autobot)
JP Beast Wars Returns (BM) Silverbolt
2007 Arcee
2007 Battle Damaged Arcee
BotCon 2007 Alpha Trion
2010 Autobot Alliance Twins (darker redeco, so looks purplish)
Human Alliance Elita-1
Kreon Alpha Trion
GO! Sensuimaru
One of the Kabaya Aerialbots

[Sky Shadow]

Also, Armada Sideways and one of the releases of Animated Longarm were purple. For an incredibly racist society, it's surprising the Autobots weren't more suspicious of those two. :p And Shattered Glass Optimus Prime. He's evil too.

[GoktimusPrime]

Someone off the board also pointed out a Japanese variant of ROTF Elita One. Either way, it's certainly uncommon to see heroic characters with purple on them -- especially so predominantly.

[griffin]

Also, Armada Sideways and one of the releases of Animated Longarm were purple. For an incredibly racist society, it's surprising the Autobots weren't more suspicious of those two.

You'd think so... but maybe it was illegal to "racially" profile on Cybertron based on colour. :p


I didn't include Longarm and Sideways on my list because they were packaged as Decepticon toys, and were Decepticons on the cartoon.
(Sideways was listed as both on the packaging, but his default allegiance was Decepticon)

[griffin]

Someone off the board also pointed out a Japanese variant of ROTF Elita One.

Ah yes, the Japanese version of the Autobot Alliance Elita-1 (which was bronzy coloured), was purple... matching the Human Alliance Elita-1 the following year.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

You can kind of argue the point with those on the list who are fairly obscure/extremely limited release (i.e. Rodney), or those who aren't technically Autobots (BM/BWR Silverbolt) and TFs like Impactor who have purple as a secondary colour, but even so, Skid-Z and Universe '03 Silverbolt are both undeniably mostly-purple, definitely Autobots, and preceded AoE Slug.

Slug is still a rarity, sure, but he's neither the first nor the only.

[GoktimusPrime]

Skid-Z^Indy Heat is more fuchsia than true purple. Universe Silverbolt is undeniably very predominantly purple. No wonder he pegwarmed so badly (the hurt-your-eyes day-glo yellow doesn't help much). ;) Universe 1.0 = Beast Wars Generation 2. :p

[Sky Shadow]

Universe Silverbolt is undeniably very predominantly purple.

Universe Optimus Primal is also a purpleish colour. I had assumed that they were both Maximals, and didn't affect your purple-Autobot thesis. But it turns out that they were Autobots.

[Deonasis]

It is fun to nitpick... G2 Seaspray purple chrome variant ;)

Following on with toy variants i also want to claim any South American minibot variants. <- I was mostly thinking of Gears in constructicon green and purple but sadly he was not released on a Transformer cardback.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Shattered Glass Optimus, Alpha Trion, Longarm, Junkions.:p

[UltraMarginal]

Animated Longarm, is only Purple when he is revealed as shockwave. so technically a decepticon at that point. <nitpicking some meore>:)

[griffin]

Shattered Glass Optimus, Alpha Trion, Longarm, Junkions.:p

Shattered Glass doesn't count... as they were the "Decepticons" in that universe.
It has been amusing to notice that, from scouring 30 years of Transformers toys, the colour purple is almost exclusively limited to evil factions by Hasbro and TakaraTomy.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Shattered Glass doesn't count... as they were the "Decepticons" in that universe.
It has been amusing to notice that, from scouring 30 years of Transformers toys, the colour purple is almost exclusively limited to evil factions by Hasbro and TakaraTomy.Yes and no...they were technically Autobots, but you know...eeeeevil Autobots.
I'll totally pay not counting them in spirit, but it is fun to nitpick sometimes.;)

Just OOC, how many red 'evil' characters have there been? Red's also much more common as a 'good' colour (mostly because of the faction symbols I'd assume), but not nearly to the same extent as purple for evil.

[GoktimusPrime]

Off the top of my head baddies sporting red include: Rumble, Starscream, Laserbeak, Megatron (inside arms/legs), Insecticlones (eHobby), Ramjet (wings), Astrotrain (white version; eyes, decos), Magnificus, Blitzwing (eyes), Breakdown (face), Dead End (maroon), G1 Predacons, Runabout, Scourge (eyes), Spectro, Flywheels, Apeface, Triggerhappy (face), Soundblaster, Wildfly, Deszaras (eyes, decos, Eaglebreast), Gaihawk, Jalgar (weapons, Jaguarbreast), Dino Force, Stone Cruncher (face), Excavator (crane arm), Knockout (crane arm), Metrotitan (incl. Metrobomb & Metrodash), Black Zarak, Overlord (eyes), Snare, Stalker, Calcar, Aquablast (stripes), Tornado/Windrazor, Dreadwing & Smokescreen, Swindle (G2), Bulletbike, Space Case, Skyjack, Hooligan, Terrorsaur, Scorponok (BW), Lazorbeak, Hydra, Magmatron (Skysaur), Quickstrike (eyes), Spittor (TM), Razorclaw (video ver.), Ravage (BW; eyes), Megatron (BW, eyes, all version - TM2 is predominantly red), Jetstorm, Tonbot, Manterror & Mantis, Shadow Panther (eyes), Big Mos, Powerhug (eyes), Scarem, Dinobot (TM2, eyes), Injector, Terragator (eyes), Sky Shadow (BW), Waspinator (TM), Scavenger (BW), Rampage (BW), Gimlet, Motorarm, Scourge (BW), Bazooka (eyes), Dead End (BW), Sling, Archadis, Airraptor, Sabreback, Autolauncher, Megatron (BM), Scavenger (BM), Blastcharge, Jetstorm (BM, Dlx & Ult), Sonic Attack Jet, Tankor, Strika (eyes, window), Tripredacus Agent, Megabolt Megatron, Megatron & Galvatron (RiD; eyes), Scourge (RiD), Nemesis Prime, Megatron (Armada), Starscream (Armadaverse), Galvatron (Cybertron), Demolishor (Armada), Scrapmetal, Demolishor (ROTF), Knock Out (Prime), Swindle (Movie), Rampage (ROTF Legends, non-combining), Scavenger (ROTF), Rumble (Device Label), Rumble (Prime AM), and many Decepticon eyes in BT/ALT, Alternity, Classicsverse, Animated, TF Prime & Movieverse.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Let's say predominantly red, shall we?;)

How many bad guys have been red as Universe '03 Silverbolt is purple?

[GoktimusPrime]

Baddies that are predominantly red or have a notable amount of red (i.e. comparable w/ the amount of purple on AoE Slug):

Starscream, Rumble, Laserbeak, Insecticlones, Dead End, Spectro, Magnificus, Gaihawk, Wildfly, Metrobomb, Metrodash, Snare, Stalker, Calcar, Tornado/Windrazor, Swindle (G2), Bulletbike, Space Case, Skyjack, Hooligan, Terrorsaur, Inferno (BW), Lazorbeak, Hydra, Magmatron (Skysaur), Spittor (TM), Razorclaw (video ver.), Megatron (BW TM2, Jetstorm, Tonbot, Injector, Sky Shadow (BW), Waspinator (TM), Scavenger (BW), Rampage (BW), Gimlet, Motorarm, Scourge (BW), Sling (trap mode), Sabreback, Autolauncher, Megatron (BM), Scavenger (BM), Blastcharge, Tankor, Megabolt Megatron, Starscream (Armadaverse), Demolishor (Armada), Scrapmetal, Demolishor (ROTF), Knock Out (Prime), Swindle (Movie), Rampage (ROTF Legends, non-combining), Scavenger (ROTF), Rumble (Device Label), Rumble (Prime AM), Rumble (Alternators), Rumble (United)

...and arguably Dark of the Moon Sentinel Prime - although he's an Autobot, he was eeevil. ;)

[Sinnertwin]

Chartreuse?

[griffin]

Let's say predominantly red, shall we?;)

How many bad guys have been red as Universe '03 Silverbolt is purple?

Maybe there is a "rule" to limit the allegiance symbol colours to toys of those allegiances?
Or it could be the usual kid stereotyping of colours, with bright colours being "good" and darker colours being "bad".
Right from the first year of Transformers, we had that division of colour palettes, which carried for many years... and obviously the ongoing homages in every line since Gen1.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/collection/c01s1.jpg

[Bidoofdude]

Going from the first few years, colours to allegiance would be:

Autobots:
-Red (big one there)
-Yellow
-Green
-Light blue

Decepticons:
-Black
-Grey
-Purple
-Dark/Navy Blue
-White

There are a few exceptions, but I seem to like the little more diversity the Decepticons can have. They seem to be able to have a lot more colours, whereas the Autobots kind of have a boundary.

[Sky Shadow]

Going from the first few years, colours to allegiance would be:

Autobots:
-Red (big one there)
-Yellow
-Green
-Light blue

Decepticons:
-Black
-Grey
-Purple
-Dark/Navy Blue
-White

There are a few exceptions, but I seem to like the little more diversity the Decepticons can have. They seem to be able to have a lot more colours, whereas the Autobots kind of have a boundary.

Huh? That's not accurate. How do you decide that white is for Decepticons, when the Autobots have Wheeljack, Prowl, Jazz and Ratchet as four of their most iconic characters? (Plus Metroplex, Jetfire, Mirage, Sky Lynx, half the Aerialbots and Protectobots, Red Alert, Topspin, Twin Twist, etc.) They also have plenty of orange (Omega Supreme, Sandstorm, Huffer, Rodimus, Roadbuster, Wheelie, Hoist, Grapple). Surely green is a colour that's also associated with Decepticons (Constructicons, half the Deluxe Insecticons, two fifths of the Combaticons.) And you can't say that Decepticons have more diversity in colours - heck, in 1984 and 1988 the cons looked like they bought a handful of paints in bulk and shared them around.

[Bidoofdude]

Huh? That's not accurate. How do you decide that white is for Decepticons, when the Autobots have Wheeljack, Prowl, Jazz and Ratchet as four of their most iconic characters? (Plus Metroplex, Jetfire, Mirage, Sky Lynx, half the Aerialbots and Protectobots, Red Alert, Topspin, Twin Twist, etc.) They also have plenty of orange (Omega Supreme, Sandstorm, Huffer, Rodimus, Roadbuster, Wheelie, Hoist, Grapple). Surely green is a colour that's also associated with Decepticons (Constructicons, half the Deluxe Insecticons, two fifths of the Combaticons.) And you can't say that Decepticons have more diversity in colours - heck, in 1984 and 1988 the cons looked like they bought a handful of paints in bulk and shared them around.

Did I put white under Decepticons? Woops. And yeah, the Autobots had quite a bit of orange. My main point on Decepticons' diversity is not that they had a handful of colours, but that they had a lot wider range and could push the limits on what colours they could be. Most of the Autobots couldn't do this.

[Tfiguy]

A decade ago, but they called her Road Rage (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Road_Rage). BotCon will be the first red Tracks toy since a rare Euro release back in 1985.

I think there was an E-hobby exclusive of road rage and it's red based off of track's original disc line colours?

[Tfiguy]

I think there was an E-hobby exclusive of road rage and it's red based off of track's original disc line colours?

Diaclone*. Damn auto-correct

[Sinnertwin]

I think there was an E-hobby exclusive of road rage and it's red based off of track's original disc line colours?

Sure was. Paulbot even supplied the link ;)

[GoktimusPrime]

Yup. It was sold as an e-Hobby exclusive toy, released in October 2002. It came with Crosscut (they were not sold individually) for 6000JPY ($63), so originally about $31 per figure. :o

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/narc_tracksroadrage.jpg

[Sky Shadow]

Yup. It was sold as an e-Hobby exclusive toy, released in October 2012.

(2002). :)

[GoktimusPrime]

<slaps.forehead> T'is getting late for me. :p

[SuspectimusPrime]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/narc_tracksroadrage.jpg

There's something happening there that's not quite right..

[5FDP]

^ LOL :D

[Sky Shadow]

There's something happening there that's not quite right..

Since Tracks loves himself, it seems completely right to me. :p

[Deonasis]

W00t! I discovered something (i did not know (or forgot)) and can contribute! Yay!!! :D

You ready? Here. it. is..

Cybertron Defence Hotshot can store his knife between his legs in alt mode :eek: ..I know right? I had been keeping the knife in the exterior holster up till 5min ago when i searched for grooves on the figure that matched the grooves on the knife and i found them between the legs. Whooda'thunkit? :o

[Golden Phoenix]

W00t! I discovered something (i did not know (or forgot)) and can contribute! Yay!!! :D

You ready? Here. it. is..

Cybertron Defence Hotshot can store his knife between his legs in alt mode :eek: ..I know right? I had been keeping the knife in the exterior holster up till 5min ago when i searched for grooves on the figure that matched the grooves on the knife and i found them between the legs. Whooda'thunkit? :o

Oh man, that took me ages to find too. Not years, but still a decent amount of time.

[Deonasis]

Oh man, that took me ages to find too. Not years, but still a decent amount of time.I assume it is on the instructions but i'm glad it wasnt just me :)

[griffin]

I didn't realise that the new "rescan" Rescue Bots vehicles were significantly smaller than the previous vehicles. It explains the cheaper RRP on them, as they've gone from something that's between DLX & VOY size, down to something that's between CMDR & DLX size.
Not as much fun, as it makes them feel cheaper, and less "kiddie".
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/b838.jpg
Image has the first series Bots at the back, the new Rescan bots in the middle, and the 2-pack figurines at the front.

[Stug]

Recieved Generations Whirl from Amazon today... I realise the stickers replicate those of the oringal whirl but having never even seen one of those, I found it interesting that his aircraft registration number has the Australian civil aviation prefix "VH".

[Kapryiath]

so i totally never realised that mp sideswipe's head opening on the top actually had a purpose :( now i know why my sideswipes alt mode was so gappy...

[Mythirax]

Only realized yesterday the new MP Ravage actually has a nose. Not just a huge gap. He looks so much nicer now :D

[Sinnertwin]

Recieved Generations Whirl from Amazon today... I realise the stickers replicate those of the oringal whirl but having never even seen one of those, I found it interesting that his aircraft registration number has the Australian civil aviation prefix "VH".

I'd say it's a throwback to G1 Whirl's origins; The VH-64MR Ovelon Gazette :)
http://www.robot-japan.com/gallery/item/ovelon-gazzette-2.html

[Omega Metro]

Not really a toy but didn't realise how great the animation is on 'Transformers Cybertron'. Got the Dvd the other day and currently addicted. :D

[Mythirax]

Not really a toy but didn't realise how great the animation is on 'Transformers Cybertron'. Got the Dvd the other day and currently addicted. :D

I need to do the same, I've not watched it yet :eek:

[Stug]

I'd say it's a throwback to G1 Whirl's origins; The VH-64MR Ovelon Gazette :)



Cool! :) I guessed it referenced something from the original figure but wasn't sure where to check that out - also thought it might reference the alt mode type (possibly the Japanese designation)... I know the "64" is consistent with the Apache but other than the side mounted engines and sponsons it's all Cobra to my eye. :confused: I'm probably trying to read too much into this!!

[Firestorm]

I never realised how big Beast Wars Transmetal 2 Dinobot II was, I knew he was a deluxe class figure but in my head I always pictured the toy being roughly basic in size. probably due to looking at pictures of it online when I was a kid and the pics were horrible tiny low quality pics, making me think the figure was tiny too, having it in hand now I am actually pleased to see that he is nice and big (well a pretty average deluxe size)

[BigTransformerTrev]

I had no idea about the female characters Shadowstalker & Twirl and their corresponding toys! These characters have turned up in the latest Transformers: Legends comp. I knew about Howlback but did not know the character was female. Always chuffed to find out about characters I did not know about and new figures to covet :D

I get the feeling the TF Legends game makers are just going through the TFWiki list of Female Transformers and picking ones at random to use in their fembot vs femcon episodes :p

[UltraMarginal]

I transformed movie slug back to beast mode last night, and noticed that when you plug his swords into his side, the post hole is actually the hole in his fists, that's some neat design work right there.

[Zommael]

I've had the figure for about six weeks, but I only realised today that you can fold back the hand of Prime FE Vehicon and plug the gun into the slot, giving him a gun arm. It's been annoying me since I got him that he can't hold the weapon properly, and this alternate transformation rectifies that.

[KingGrimlock]

http://i.imgur.com/bYoIiWw.jpg I just found out that strafes swords can attach to his crossbow, something a few reviews of him I've seen have missed. I decided to turn it into a bow.

[Mythirax]

I just found out that strafes swords can attach to his crossbow, something a few reviews of him I've seen have missed. I decided to turn it into a bow.

That's pretty sick.

[GoktimusPrime]

Very cool! There's so many things in AoE toys that the instructions completely skip over. Like how AoE Generations Leader Class Prime's sword can slide into a holster on his back (which becomes the undercarriage of the vehicle), etc.

[Bidoofdude]

http://i.imgur.com/bYoIiWw.jpg I just found out that strafes swords can attach to his crossbow, something a few reviews of him I've seen have missed. I decided to turn it into a bow.

That's really cool. Strafe also looks to have some crisp paint apps.

[Lint]

Fun fact, if you press Beast Hunters Voyager Shockwave's gimmick while he is standing on a flat surface the momentum causes him to shimmy forward as the gimmick rotates giving some illusion of recoil, or rather coil-forward.

[davieanix]

A lot of the AOE deluxes have a hexagonal hole on them. Is this for stands? Crosshairs and Drift have them in their tailbone area in robot mode.

[Paulbot]

A lot of the AOE deluxes have a hexagonal hole on them. Is this for stands? Crosshairs and Drift have them in their tailbone area in robot mode.

Scorn and Slug have them too in the same spot but would never have noticed if you'd not pointed it out.

[Lint]

Saw that 'Rise of the Dark Spark' is now up for preorder on Steam. One of the exclusive preorder characters is Skywarp whose bio is ripped straight from very much paraphrased from the ROTF toy's cardback.


Skywarp has never been interested in power or conquest, only the pursuit of knowledge. He joined the Decepticons to produce powerful weapons and experimental systems for use in combat.

Turns out movieverse Skywarp character is like the complete opposite of G1/WFC Skywarp :eek:

[GoktimusPrime]

G1 Skywarp isn't interested in power or conquest either. He's pretty much a simple-minded grunt who likes to follows orders.

[DELTAprime]

G1 Skywarp isn't interested in power or conquest either. He's pretty much a simple-minded grunt who likes to follows orders.

But he did really like it when Megatron put him in charge of Starscream in that one episode.

[GoktimusPrime]

I think that was because he liked being able to boss around Starscream. ;)
Remember Skywarp's original toy tech specs bio:
"Not too bright. Would be useless without Megatron's supervision."
And the G1 Marvel universe profile states:
"Skywarp isn't too smart and would be totally useless without the supervision of Megatron."; and the "weaknesses" description mentions that he does occasionally teleport into things (http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbtac6wbxV1rpzx4to8_1280.png) because he's that stupid. ;)

[Magnus]

I was transforming Classics Jetfire the other day, and only now noticed that he actually has a tiny instrument panel in his cockpit.

I can't remember when exactly I bought it, but I've had this figure since at least 2008, maybe 2007.

[5FDP]

I was transforming Classics Jetfire the other day, and only now noticed that he actually has a tiny instrument panel in his cockpit.

Shhhhh.... he's very sensitive about that ;) :p

[DELTAprime]

So I got a bunch TFA toys from a forum member yesterday and I was blown away by the old school Deluxes especially. Blurr is taller than most Voyagers and Sentinel Prime has some really nice engineering on him.

It's great to be reminded how awesome Transformers were just few years ago.

[Golden Phoenix]

So I got a bunch TFA toys from a forum member yesterday and I was blown away by the old school Deluxes especially. Blurr is taller than most Voyagers and Sentinel Prime has some really nice engineering on him.

It's great to be reminded how awesome Transformers were just few years ago.

I do wish that line had continued. I'd even take more FanPub Animated figures.

[griffin]

Paul Agnew pointed out to me in the Custom Class yesterday, that the Cybertron/BW 10th Deluxe Optimus Primal (one with the surf-board), has a panel inside the body that has the Key to Vector Sigma sculpted onto it.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Paul Agnew pointed out to me in the Custom Class yesterday, that the Cybertron/BW 10th Deluxe Optimus Primal (one with the surf-board), has a panel inside the body that has the Key to Vector Sigma sculpted onto it.

Oooh I'll have to looky.

I always liked the way that toy has a little crown on his head. Very Monkey Magic.Son Goku! :o

[DELTAprime]

OK, I've finally come around to Hasbro's way of thinking.

I went to put my Movieverse toys away so I have another shelf for CHUG. Half of them are now a partially transformed mess cause I couldn't figure out how to transform them fully. I probably should have just left them in robot mode but I learnt a valuable lesson. The toys no fun if you can't transform it.

[GoktimusPrime]

So I got a bunch TFA toys from a forum member yesterday and I was blown away by the old school Deluxes especially. Blurr is taller than most Voyagers and Sentinel Prime has some really nice engineering on him.

It's great to be reminded how awesome Transformers were just few years ago.
And Animated's not even that good in terms of engineering IMHO (because it's still based on cartoon models rather than being toy-first conceived figures). A lot of the toy-first figures that came out prior to Dark of the Moon were really nice, e.g. RiD, Cybertron, CHUGUR etc. Classics Bumblebee is a better toy than Animated Bumblebee, and I much prefer Voyager Classics Optimus Prime over Voyager Animated Optimus Prime etc.

[BigTransformerTrev]

I was really impressed with Scattershot when I picked up Computron last November. Interesting Transformation, cool alt mode - a giant space cruiser loaded with cannons - and the best 3rd mode (a cannon emplacement) I've seen from a combiner leader. The fact he combines with 4 other robots into a gestalt just tops off a really great figure! :)

[Demonac]

I was really impressed with Scattershot when I picked up Computron last November. Interesting Transformation, cool alt mode - a giant space cruiser loaded with cannons - and the best 3rd mode (a cannon emplacement) I've seen from a combiner leader. The fact he combines with 4 other robots into a gestalt just tops off a really great figure! :)

Would you be even more impressed to know that you can also combine Scattershot with (G1) Metroplex?

[BigTransformerTrev]

Would you be even more impressed to know that you can also combine Scattershot with (G1) Metroplex?

Really?!? I knew you plug in the 4 smaller Aerialbots to give him a bunch of arm/leg booster rockets but how to you combine him with Scattershot?

[Demonac]

Really?!? I knew you plug in the 4 smaller Aerialbots to give him a bunch of arm/leg booster rockets but how to you combine him with Scattershot?

In cannon mode, Scattershot has a couple of tabs that are on the wing, and these plug into the slot on the side of Metroplex's docking bay in city mode.

[BigTransformerTrev]

In cannon mode, Scattershot has a couple of tabs that are on the wing, and these plug into the slot on the side of Metroplex's docking bay in city mode.

Very cool! I've plugged MMaster and Onslaught into Trypticon in city mode before. Next time I get Metro & Scattor out will surely give it a go
:D

[Sky Shadow]

In cannon mode, Scattershot has a couple of tabs that are on the wing, and these plug into the slot on the side of Metroplex's docking bay in city mode.

Really? That makes sense as to why the ends of the wings are an odd shape, but I've never seen anyone do that (unlike Motormaster, Hot Spot, Onslaught and Silverbolt.) Can someone please post a photo? Scattershot's TFW2005 page (http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/1987-autobots-35/scattershot-232/) even says says "Unlike the other Scramble City combiners, Scattershot is one of only two team leaders that do not have a base mode that can connect to Metroplex or Trypticon (unless fan-created). The other is the Terrorcon leader Hun-Grrr."

[griffin]

I too was unaware of these plugging together, but it now gives a reason for the four loops of plastic on Metroplex's legs...

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/b965.jpg

(Scattorshot is not plugged in - this photo made more sense than the one of it plugged in)

Now the question is, does that mean there should be a third mode combining feature with Hun-Grrr, to keep this gimmick paired up.

[Sky Shadow]

Now the question is, does that mean there should be a third mode combining feature with Hun-Grrr, to keep this gimmick paired up.

If anyone can find a way of connecting this to Metroplex, they'll be a part of Transformers history. Good luck!

http://s30.postimg.org/qfo0ydbxt/Ice_Cream.png

[BigTransformerTrev]

In cannon mode, Scattershot has a couple of tabs that are on the wing, and these plug into the slot on the side of Metroplex's docking bay in city mode.




http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/b965.jpg

(Scattorshot is not plugged in - this photo made more sense than the one of it plugged in)

Now the question is, does that mean there should be a third mode combining feature with Hun-Grrr, to keep this gimmick paired up.


If anyone can find a way of connecting this to Metroplex, they'll be a part of Transformers history. Good luck!

http://s30.postimg.org/qfo0ydbxt/Ice_Cream.png


Can't wait to do this with my Metro & Scattor :D ! It's just made Scattorshot even cooler! :cool: Thanks guys, love it when I learn something new about an old toy :)


Heh - I've turned my Hun-Grrr into that before, just because I had seen a pic online. All the other lot make some sort of sense:

Silverbolt: Landing Strip
Motormaster: Launch Ramp
Onslaught: Armored Cannon Bunker-thing
Hot Spot: Armored Rescue Vehicle, Repair bay (another very cool toy!)
Scattorshot: Cannon Emplacement

Could never figure out what Hun-Grrr was supposed to be, I suppose if the tail rotated he could be a fan :rolleyes:, or perhaps he does it as a mocking impression of Blot's alt-mode sitting down :p

[Sky Shadow]

Silverbolt: Landing Strip
Motormaster: Launch Ramp
Onslaught: Armored Cannon Bunker-thing
Hot Spot: Armored Rescue Vehicle, Repair bay (another very cool toy!)
Scattorshot: Cannon Emplacement

Officially (according to their instructions) the base modes are:
Silverbolt: launching ramp,
Motormaster: ramp,
Onslaught: battle station,
Hot Spot: repair bay,
Scattershot: rocket launcher, and
Hun-Gurrr: soft serve ice cream dispenser.

(Okay, the last one isn't on the instructions. Poker machine?) :)

[liegeprime]

ummm, well Hungrrr's weird base mode, is it official in the first place? coz the other s have it as official altmode, but this, weird looking almode for Hungrrr... might it be just a a fan made one? Also I don't think he'd connect with Metroplex, if anything he'd most likely connect more with Trypticon hehehe.

That's cool about Scattorshot attaching to Metroplex - you learn still new things about G1 toys........ now I gotta try that out hehehe.

[Sky Shadow]

ummm, well Hungrrr's weird base mode, is it official in the first place? coz the other s have it as official altmode, but this, weird looking almode for Hungrrr... might it be just a a fan made one?

It's official, Liege - the image I posted is from Hun-Gurrr's Sunbow character model.

[liegeprime]

It's official, Liege - the image I posted is from Hun-Gurrr's Sunbow character model.

Hmmm and they didn't give us a proper name for what the heck is it? geez, well in my imagination it could be an alien looking docking station,/ recharging bay, but that's just me heheheh. Although can't still figure out how it would connect with either Trypticon or Metroplex. :p

[griffin]

(moved posts here, to get more attention and suggestions from the members)

[GoktimusPrime]

That's cool about Scattorshot attaching to Metroplex - you learn still new things about G1 toys........ now I gotta try that out hehehe.
Scattershot. ;) Back when Hasbro was able to use the proper and literally non-crappy spelling of "scatter." ;)

[liegeprime]

hhahaha oh yeah Scattorshot's a different bot altogether ;P.

[Bidoofdude]

Officially (according to their instructions) the base modes are:
Silverbolt: launching ramp,
Motormaster: ramp,
Onslaught: battle station,
Hot Spot: repair bay,
Scattershot: rocket launcher, and
Hun-Gurrr: soft serve ice cream dispenser.

(Okay, the last one isn't on the instructions. Poker machine?) :)

It would be fantastic if the torso bots combined with Metroplex, if we indeed get Generations versions. We'd need a Trypticon for the 'cons too. That's the coolest play feature of Metroplex and Trypticon, IMO. I should really get the Encore 12 version.

[GoktimusPrime]

Hmmm and they didn't give us a proper name for what the heck is it?
The instructions (http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/decoder.asp?CharName=Scattershot&ImgURL=/archive/instructions/autobot/1987/instr_scattershot.jpg) call it "Rocket Launcher." The TF Generations book refers to it as "Mobile Battery" (移動砲台).

[Krayt]

I too was unaware of these plugging together, but it now gives a reason for the four loops of plastic on Metroplex's legs...



Bit worried to read this from you bossman.... Makes it sound like you didn't know all the 86 combiner leaders attach to metroplex, and trypticons "L" pieces were only included to get the same sort of thing happening with him...

[Sky Shadow]

The instructions (http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/decoder.asp?CharName=Scattershot&ImgURL=/archive/instructions/autobot/1987/instr_scattershot.jpg) call it "Rocket Launcher." The TF Generations book refers to it as "Mobile Battery" (移動砲台).

Not Scattershot's, Hun-Gurrr's.

[GoktimusPrime]

Not Scattershot's, Hun-Gurrr's.
Oops. :p Generations just calls it "Hun-Gurrr Base" (ハングルー基地) :o <shrugs>

[Bidoofdude]

Oops. :p Generations just calls it "Hun-Gurrr Base" (ハングルー基地) :o <shrugs>

The Spectre Deflector...

[griffin]

Bit worried to read this from you bossman.... Makes it sound like you didn't know all the 86 combiner leaders attach to metroplex, and trypticons "L" pieces were only included to get the same sort of thing happening with him...

I was referring to the two toys in the photo, not Combiners in general.

[aduthie1980]

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/65/35/69/41/0065356941613_500X500.jpg

I've had ROTF voyager Ratchet for 5 years and never realized that his right hand transformed into a weapon. Doh!!

[GoktimusPrime]

Learnt something new tonight:
http://www.allspark.com/content/2014/07/previously-unseen-concept-art-from-transformers-the-movie/#jp-carousel-24149

Evidently the cartoon model for G1 Orion Pax was originally going to be Ultra Magnus. Although the Diaclone Powered Convoy (http://www.mandarake.co.jp/information/2009/12/19/12osk02/p1.jpg) toy would've already existed at the time that Transformers The Movie was being conceived, I guess that at the time, Hasbro hadn't decided on which toy was going to become which character -- in this case, Powered Convoy becoming Ultra Magnus -- and so Sunbow came up with this design for a character who hadn't been assigned to a toy yet! :eek:

[Sky Shadow]

Evidently the cartoon model for G1 Orion Pax was originally going to be Ultra Magnus.

Awesome. And yet sadly this still doesn't settle the did-Dion-become-Ironhide-or-Magnus debate. :)

[MayzaPrime]

Awesome. And yet sadly this still doesn't settle the did-Dion-become-Ironhide-or-Magnus debate. :)

:eek::eek::eek: Well I have learnt something new as well. I know about the is Dion Magnus or Sentinel from the TFCC comic, but I never knew that Dion was also being considered to be Ironhide.

:eek: Mind blown :eek:

[GoktimusPrime]

Awesome. And yet sadly this still doesn't settle the did-Dion-become-Ironhide-or-Magnus debate. :)
If anything, it fuels it. ;)

[DELTAprime]

A couple of things I noticed with todays Transformers haul.

1) Lost Age Lockdown has painted brake callipers.

2) Foil stickers are horrible to try an apply because they are magnetic:confused:

3) Star Convoy might have the best Optimus/Convoy base mode of all.


And something I noted with Wednesday's haul: Rescue Bot's Electronic Optimus Primal is really fun.:D

[christalcase]

Generations FOC Ultra Magnus: his huge sword splits into three pieces and can combine with his gun to form an even bigger sword!

Generations FOC Sideswipe: the barrel of his huge gun can retract

[5FDP]

Generations FOC Sideswipe: the barrel of his huge gun can retract

Only when it's cold ;) :D

[UltraMarginal]

2) Foil stickers are horrible to try an apply because they are magnetic:confused:



Highly static.
though the apparent effect is similar. try to avoid staticy clothing and staticy surroundings while applying the teensy foil stickers. Earth yourself to something metallic.

[griffin]

Not a toy thing, but while finishing up my BotCon report, I was researching the character of Olin Zarak that they had as the head of Scorponok, I wanted to find out if Zarak was ever referred to in original series as a last name, and TFWiki (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Mo_Zarak) mentions that IDW had made Zarak a last name, by giving him a first name - Mo.
It was in the Ultra Magnus spotlight, so was a long time ago now to remember it, but I was not aware that his iconic name had been retconed from being a first name to a last name. (because "Lord" or "Lady" is seen here to be used with a first or last name, and this was a fictional characters that might only have one name, or was a self-appointed Lord (as a dictator would) and forced everyone else use the prefix)

Does anyone more familiar with the original cartoon and comic, recall if Zarak was specifically referred to in a way that implied that his was a last name while every other Nebulan was a first name?


(Now I just think of the bartender in the Simpsons when seeing IDW's name for Zarak)

[Paulbot]

I always took Zarak to be a last name because of the Lord, reading if like "Mr Zarak" compared to the other names, since I'm familiar with Lord in the context of a surname, (unlike if he was Sir Zarak)

[Sky Shadow]

Alternatively, was Llyra ever referred to as either Lady Llyra or Llyra Zarak?

[Paulbot]

I think of her as "Llyra Zarak" but I don't know I ever read that anywhere.

[griffin]

Was he referred to as "Lord Zarak" more or less than just "Zarak"?
I have this feeling that he wasn't called Lord too often... but on his Techspec he was called Lord of the Evil Nebulans (http://www.transformers-universe.com/content/images/galerie/pics/1586/158628_Scorponok_Techspec.jpg), so could still just be a self-imposed title that doesn't have to follow existing doctrine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_barons_in_the_peerages_of_Britain_and_Irel and).

I'm going to have to re-watch Rebirth and flick through the Marvel comics to see which was used more.
Maybe it's like the red bumper on Ultra Magnus in the cartoon - it was something really obvious all this time, but was just never noticed before.

[Sinnertwin]

Snapdragon's Techspecs also mention Krunk as the vicious, vile bodyguard to the Nebulan Leader, Lord Zarak

[griffin]

Hmmm.... that reminds me, there was also a Targetmaster who was a cousin I think.

I guess my "blindspot" of it being a last name stems from everyone else being single-named characters on techspecs, so just saw his as being the same.

[Paulbot]

Gut feeling is it's nearly always Lord Zarak in the Marvel comics, and a quick flick through some trades backs that up. And reminds me he was also Mr Z of the Z Foundation.

There's a couple of Nebulans in the Marvel comic with the title Peer, and one Dr, but otherwise no sign of any character with human style name formations that I can see.

[Sky Shadow]

There's a couple of Nebulans in the Marvel comic with the title Peer, and one Dr, but otherwise no sign of any character with human style name formations that I can see.

Hi-Test and Hi-Q might be the closest. (As in, closest to a first name, surname kind of thing. Unless 'Hi' is some kind of Nebulan scientist title.)

[Paulbot]

You know, if Hi is a family name, and Hi-Test is actually Hi-Q's son, that adds a new dimension to that story that actually makes it work a bit better.

[Sky Shadow]

You know, if Hi is a family name, and Hi-Test is actually Hi-Q's son, that adds a new dimension to that story that actually makes it work a bit better.

Or they could be competitive siblings.

[Paulbot]

Hi-Q does introduce Hi-Test as his "partner", so maybe it's another type of relationship...

[GoktimusPrime]

Don't forget:
* their gregarious cousin, Hi-There.
* the uncle who's in the Nebulan Navy, Hi-Tide.
* the aunt who never punctual, Hi-Time.
* the nephew who thinks he's a cowboy, Hi-Noon.
* the village orphan girl, Hi-D.
* their father who's a road engineer, Hi-Way, and his kleptomaniac twin brother, Hi-Wayman.
* the one who can be only one, Hi-Lander.
* Nebulos' equivalent of James Packer, Hi-Flyer.
* their mother with a superiority complex, Hi-Ness.
* their baby niece who always likes to join the family at the table, Hi-Chair.
* the one who's in gaol and is never allowed on aircraft, Hi-Jack.
* the niece who likes to cover everything in bright fluoro, Hi-Light.
:p :p

[griffin]

Scroll down half way
http://www.tf-1.com/articles/eurous_frame.php?art=earlyjets


Of all the times I've seen that image of the odd coloured prototypes (with blue/red Seaspray, white Powerglide, white Astrotrain), I never realised that the three seeker jets were the first year bodies (Starscream, Skywarp, Thundercracker) with the second year wings attached (Thrust, Dirge, Ramjet).
I knew about the Thrust, because it was so obvious in jet mode, but I just never noticed the wings on the other two in robot mode were also from second year seekers. (until reading that article and seeing the character art for each)
Maybe they had the new wings sculpted, but hadn't settled on a new colour scheme for the jets at the time of that photo being taken and the art being done... so just stuck them on the first year toys. Or it was originally planned that way, but later changed because the robots modes looked too similar to the first year robots from the front.

Now it makes me wonder if FunPub will do the other two to match Nacelle (Thrust/Thundercracker), now that I know about the other two (Dirge/Skywarp and Ramjet/Starscream).

[Sinnertwin]

Now it makes me wonder if FunPub will do the other two to match Nacelle (Thrust/Thundercracker), now that I know about the other two (Dirge/Skywarp and Ramjet/Starscream).

I'd say that there's a very strong chance that they will, now that they've opened the door with Nacelle.
Is that a new configuration for the Seekers? It appears to be a repaint of the Games of Deception Thrust with the Starscream nosecone/head

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I hadn't read this before, but...
From the description of the SDCC G1-coloured AoE Dinobots set:
Deep beneath Mount St. Hilary, from the command center inside Autobot headquarters, Grimlock orders his Dinobots to attack! They emerge from the primordial sludge, charging forward to swoop down on the Decepticons with a terrifying snarl and the sheer will to turn the toughest Decepticon into slag.That's actually pretty clever.

[griffin]

I hadn't read this before, but...
From the description of the SDCC G1-coloured AoE Dinobots set:That's actually pretty clever.

Me too.
When I first read it (http://toycollectors.com.au/bc14/bc14hd2.html), I thought it was a last chance nod by the designers at their original names, now that three don't appear to officially exist anymore. :(

[Sky Shadow]

Me too.
When I first read it (http://toycollectors.com.au/bc14/bc14hd2.html), I thought it was a last chance nod by the designers at their original names, now that three don't appear to officially exist anymore. :(

It will be interesting to see if Swoop comes back as a Transformers name after Age of Extinction, of if due to the film's level of exposure all Swoops are now Strafes.

[Paulbot]

Noticed for the first time tonight that the AOE Generations toys don't promote the Collectors Club anywhere on them. Thrilling 30 Generations still do though. I figured the AOE Generations toys were still the collector focused toys but maybe Hasbro thinks otherwise?

Or maybe the AOE toys will be in so many overseas markets they know there's no point promoting the Club to an international audience...

[GoktimusPrime]

Legends Jetfire, the TakaraTOMY version of Generations Jetfire, is called Jetfire! :eek:
I thought that TakaraTOMY would've called this toy "Skyfire," as they did with Henkei Skyfire (http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/tottekurehee/imgs/d/0/d0bb5de3.jpg). I initially wondered if this was the first time that Takara has called a G1 Skyfire toy "Jetfire" (as the G1 toy was never released in Japan), but a cursory Google search reveals that the Takara version of G2 Jetfire (http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/attach/4/0/5/9/7/CyberjetJetfire_1212930024.jpg) was also called Jetfire (http://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/@0_mall/jasana/cabinet/ikou_20091208_008/img10123696843.jpg) (I also did not know this, I'd just assumed that he was called 'Skyfire'). :eek: Wow.

[GoktimusPrime]

This is something that I knew, but the forgot for ages... AoE Voyager Galvatron's front fender section can fold down! This helps to slightly reduce the size of his already unsightly backpack kibble, and cover up a big gap on the back. When I looked back at my old photos of this toy on the review thread (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=18803), I can see that I actually did fold the fender down in early photos, but then didn't do it in subsequent shots! :o I only just rediscovered this while playing with the toy today. ;)

[reillyd]

Noticed for the first time tonight that the AOE Generations toys don't promote the Collectors Club anywhere on them. Thrilling 30 Generations still do though. I figured the AOE Generations toys were still the collector focused toys but maybe Hasbro thinks otherwise?

Or maybe the AOE toys will be in so many overseas markets they know there's no point promoting the Club to an international audience...

Or maybe Fun Publications lost their license and the packaging people have advance notice!

[DELTAprime]

Theres nothing quite like getting a MISB Transformer from last decade to make you realise how crap the packaging was. Need a bloody chainsaw to get the toy out of the comically oversized packaging.

[Sinnertwin]

Theres nothing quite like getting a MISB Transformer from last decade to make you realise how crap the packaging was. Need a bloody chainsaw to get the toy out of the comically oversized packaging.

I find it interesting to note the cost cutting measures that have been implemented over the years.

[kovert]

The G1 'Chinese reissues' from the early 1990s. Only realised until a few days ago, thanks to fellow forum users.

[griffin]

A couple of things I didn't realise (or just forgot) from the second volume of the Japanese 2014 Generations book that I got today...

The pre-Transformers Ultra Magnus (called Powered Convoy), had a transformable buggy that looks a little like Trypticon's purple car Full-Tilt.

The pre-Transformers Ultra Magnus also had a different groin-plate/cab-connector, which didn't allow the cab to stick out as far, so couldn't do a tight enough turn.

There was a 3-pack of the pre-Transformers Ultra Magnus with a red/white Mirage and a black/white Sideswipe (ehobby did a homage to this one in about 2003 called Clampdown). The red/white Mirage looks freaky.

Armada Overload was called Ultra Magnus in the Japanese Micron Legend version, so I wonder what TakaraTomy would have called the white/blue Hasbro redeco of Overload (called Ultra Magnus by Hasbro) if they had released it.

MP Ultra Magnus' cab detaches from the trailer.

They include a Choro-Q type toy of Ultra Magnus from 1986 that I've never seen before, or can find on google or tfwiki (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Ultra_Magnus_%28G1%29/toys)... so will need to translate the text to find out more about it.

They had 33 different (by mould, colour, name) Ultra Magnus toys from Hasbro and TakaraTomy listed, which makes the new Masterpiece one number 34 in 30 years of official Transformers-Branded toys. (Ultra Mammoth would make 35 if you go by name variations/puns)

[MayzaPrime]

I only just found out that Brad Garrett (Everyone loves Raymond) was the voice of Trypticon in G1... Mind blown :eek:

[Mythirax]

I only just found out that Brad Garrett (Everyone loves Raymond) was the voice of Trypticon in G1... Mind blown :eek:

Haha, woah what :eek:

[griffin]

Yeah, something very few know because he had the one minor role (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Brad_Garrett) (in terms of lines) and so long ago.
He does a lot of voice work, so it probably isn't that unusual to hear that he did a role in Transformers.

Was it mentioned during one of his Australian interviews while he's in the country?

[Sky Shadow]

I only just found out that Brad Garrett (Everyone loves Raymond) was the voice of Trypticon in G1... Mind blown :eek:

I wrote it in a song (https://groups.google.com/d/topic/alt.toys.transformers/IDjErhU-3W4/discussion) ten years ago... :)

[MayzaPrime]

Yeah, something very few know because he had the one minor role (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Brad_Garrett) (in terms of lines) and so long ago.
He does a lot of voice work, so it probably isn't that unusual to hear that he did a role in Transformers.

Was it mentioned during one of his Australian interviews while he's in the country?

He was in Canberra last night, and my mate had a meet and greet with him, then watched his show... apparently he was hilariously inappropriate, and my mate being in the front row right in the middle was picked on all night. :D

[Firestorm]

Was checking out some video reviews of Legends Convoy (Optimus Primal) to see how it differentiated from previous uses of the mould.
I have had an original Ultra Beast Wars Primal that I got second hand from my brother years ago and never knew that those little black knobs on his biceps were switches to change what motion the trigger on his back caused the arms to do, until seeing it done in the video review.
I always thought that he only could spin his forearms with that trigger. my mind was blown. an almost 20 year old figure, that I have had for probably around 16 years and I never knew it

[Verno]

Was checking out some video reviews of Legends Convoy (Optimus Primal) to see how it differentiated from previous uses of the mould.
I have had an original Ultra Beast Wars Primal that I got second hand from my brother years ago and never knew that those little black knobs on his biceps were switches to change what motion the trigger on his back caused the arms to do, until seeing it done in the video review.
I always thought that he only could spin his forearms with that trigger. my mind was blown. an almost 20 year old figure, that I have had for probably around 16 years and I never knew it

You should be ashamed! :p I mean, it's a terrible gimmick, but come on!

[GoktimusPrime]

Generations Jetfire does have light piped eyes; and the eyes also line up with the helmet visor too. However the light pipe effect is rather weak on this toy, although the overcast skies we had in Sydney today didn't help much. :o

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Jetfire/jetfire_genLC13_zps31113457.jpg

[Firestorm]

You should be ashamed! :p I mean, it's a terrible gimmick, but come on!

I know, I'm an embarrassment to Beast Wars fans everywhere :(

I never got to see any instructions for the figure and to me it just being primal was cool enough, I never worried about what it could actually do, it was primal that was what mattered.
plus my brother never let me play with it while we were kids and once I got it there were so many missing parts that I just put him on my shelf and never really fiddled with him :/
he's missing pretty much every piece that can be removed (Chest/gorilla head, all missiles, swords, mace, even the covers to his shoulder cannons is gone. even though it still looks nice, I may try and get the new Legends version some day if I can find it

[GoktimusPrime]

Hydradread (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hydradread) was originally intended to be called (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/7/73/HydradreadWasHydrodread.jpg) "Hydrodread," but the correction never made it through, thus he shall forever more be Hydradread. And the night (http://static.squarespace.com/static/51b3dc8ee4b051b96ceb10de/t/534c5e57e4b0eb84d9d73810/1397513815976/Batman_blue_PREW.jpg). ;)

[Bidoofdude]

Hydradread (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hydradread) was originally intended to be called (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/7/73/HydradreadWasHydrodread.jpg) "Hydrodread," but the correction never made it through, thus he shall forever more be Hydradread. And the night (http://static.squarespace.com/static/51b3dc8ee4b051b96ceb10de/t/534c5e57e4b0eb84d9d73810/1397513815976/Batman_blue_PREW.jpg). ;)

That's a fun fact. :)

[aduthie1980]

Well this is cool!!

http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/Andrew_Duthie/Transformers/Ozformers/59933A10-AF43-4074-87C1-993F4CAAE0D6_zpshqt0r4s6.jpg (http://s1199.photobucket.com/user/Andrew_Duthie/media/Transformers/Ozformers/59933A10-AF43-4074-87C1-993F4CAAE0D6_zpshqt0r4s6.jpg.html)

[UltraMarginal]

If that's intentional, it's extremely cool!

[Zommael]

If that's intentional, it's extremely cool!

It is intentional - it was first found around the time of Astrotrain's release, but I can't remember if it was Ben Yee or someone else who found it.

[Sky Shadow]

It is intentional - it was first found around the time of Astrotrain's release, but I can't remember if it was Ben Yee or someone else who found it.

It's a lucky accident. Hasbro.com described it as a "complete design fluke". It's no longer there, but the info is archived here: http://tformers.com/transformers-spring-2008-tru-movie-ultra-voyager-class-exclusives/9293/news.html

[Handsprime]

AOE Rollbar is an odd one I noticed lately. In the packaging art for Breakout Battle and the one step changers it shows a head similar to the Crosscut toy, yet the toy's head is based off Skids.

[griffin]

The Gaia Unicron & Optimus 2-pack arrived today, and I was surprised to see a snake deco painted on one shoulder of Optimus (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Optimus_Prime_%28WFC%29/toys#PrimeUnicronPack).

I'd heard this 2-pack sometimes being referred to as "year of the snake", but since there is nothing on the box anywhere of YOTS, I just thought it was just some dealers using the acronym to help sell it as it came out at about the same time as YOTS Optimus and Starscream.

It's not a clear image of a snake either, as I'd have trouble working out what it is and its purpose if I wasn't remembering the YOTS label from almost two years ago now.

It's still an odd thing to slap onto the toy without anything noted on the packaging (that I could see). And I haven't seen the snake deco on Unicron to make it a matching pair.

[Krayt]

Prime and starscream were YOTHorse, not YOTSnake....

[griffin]

Sorry, I meant Omega Supreme not Starscream. (Optimus has been released in all four Chinese New Years, so can get confusing keeping track of them all)

[Mythirax]

Well this is cool!!

That is so cool! In fact I think I might have to get those figures now :eek:

[UltraMarginal]

It is intentional - it was first found around the time of Astrotrain's release, but I can't remember if it was Ben Yee or someone else who found it.


It's a lucky accident. Hasbro.com described it as a "complete design fluke". It's no longer there, but the info is archived here: http://tformers.com/transformers-spring-2008-tru-movie-ultra-voyager-class-exclusives/9293/news.html

So does it lock in place or does it just sit there?


That is so cool! In fact I think I might have to get those figures now :eek:

I'm thinking about it myself.

[FruitBuyer]

The Gaia Unicron & Optimus 2-pack arrived today, and I was surprised to see a snake deco painted on one shoulder of Optimus (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Optimus_Prime_%28WFC%29/toys#PrimeUnicronPack).

I'd heard this 2-pack sometimes being referred to as "year of the snake", but since there is nothing on the box anywhere of YOTS, I just thought it was just some dealers using the acronym to help sell it as it came out at about the same time as YOTS Optimus and Starscream.

It's not a clear image of a snake either, as I'd have trouble working out what it is and its purpose if I wasn't remembering the YOTS label from almost two years ago now.

It's still an odd thing to slap onto the toy without anything noted on the packaging (that I could see). And I haven't seen the snake deco on Unicron to make it a matching pair.

Come on griff, post some pictures!

[griffin]

This has been around for a while, and probably even posted here before... but these things are always worth re-posting, for the new and old fans.
The 1985 Sears Christmas catalogue, featuring toys (https://www.flickr.com/photos/wishbook/sets/72057594129032698/page7/)... and it's a LOT of toys.
A couple pages of second year Transformers, plus MASK, MOTU, She-Ra, Voltron, GIJoe, GoBots.
The thing that always amazes me though is the GIJoe Flagg aircraft carrier... at four times the size of Fortress Maximus... it's over a foot taller/longer than me.

Now that's the sort of catalogue I'd love to shop from... I'd be so poor if I was this age back then. :p

[Sky Shadow]

This has been around for a while, and probably even posted here before... but these things are always worth re-posting, for the new and old fans.
The 1985 Sears Christmas catalogue, featuring toys (https://www.flickr.com/photos/wishbook/sets/72057594129032698/page7/)... and it's a LOT of toys.

Constructicons, form... um. On second thoughts, no, don't do that.

http://s1.postimg.org/5kdfdmkcf/195637023_4c3aa22f45_o.png

[Megatran]

The 1985 Sears Christmas catalogue, featuring toys (https://www.flickr.com/photos/wishbook/sets/72057594129032698/page7/)... and it's a LOT of toys.
A couple pages of second year Transformers *snip*
I cannot make out the prices for the TF toys. :(

[griffin]

I cannot make out the prices for the TF toys. :(

Click on the image and then "download this photo" on the far right, and then click on "view all sizes" to select the size you want to view, which includes a size large enough to read the writing and prices.

[GoktimusPrime]

It never dawned on me before... the reason why the Exo-Suit is called an Excel-Suit in Japanese.

Excel Suit = エクセルスーツ; ekuseru'suutsu
Exo Suit = エクソスーツ; ekuso'suutsu
...and I'm sure many of you know what that means (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItLgYuDaqMQ) in Japanese. ;) :eek:

P.S. e-kuso could arguably translate as "to acquire ****" (得糞→糞を得る) :o

[DELTAprime]

Constructicons, form... um. On second thoughts, no, don't do that.

http://s1.postimg.org/5kdfdmkcf/195637023_4c3aa22f45_o.png

Not the strangest Devastator I've seen today.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8563/15818814547_981ec7fd57_b.jpg

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

That catalogue is gorgeous. Also great to see mistransformation spans back through the decades.

Not limited to Transformers either, some of those Go-bots look like they're in pain.

[Thurmus]

Talk about leading with the crotch.

[Megatran]

Talk about leading with the crotch.
After a few drinks, we're all like that on the dance floor. ;)

[Thurmus]

I never noticed on my Masterpiece Prowl he had a notch in his hand for the side flange on his gun to lock in to. I noticed one straight away on MP Wheeljack. It was only last night that I saw it. His gun has been waving around the whole time.

[GoktimusPrime]

According to TFwiki (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Unicron/toys#Prime), Gaia Unicron can combine with Voyager TFPRiD Megatron! I wanna try this, as I think it would canonically (as far as the cartoon continuity is concerned) make more sense than combining with Optimus Prime; i.e. representing Unicron possessed Megatron from Predacon Rising. :o

[griffin]

The catalogue image of Headmaster Scorponok in 1987 must have been a pre-production sample (nothing new there as official images are often taken before toys are in production), as some of the colours are different to the actual toy.... something I never noticed before because it was just colour swapping of parts rather than different colours, which would have stood out more.
The helmet, shoulder cannons, feet and lower legs are green or grey, instead of grey or green on the actual toy (colours are swapped). And Zarak's abdomen is grey instead of cream coloured.

1987 catalogue scan (http://www.botchthecrab.com/gallery/catalog_1988_b.jpg) (big), vs toy photo (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/thumb/3/3c/G1_Scorponok_toy.jpg/300px-G1_Scorponok_toy.jpg).

[MayzaPrime]

Looks like a few others had running changes, like Snaptrap's face is coloured, Aimless is a different colour, Bomb-Burst pretender shell and Beast-Box looks brown

[Bidoofdude]

The catalogue image of Headmaster Scorponok in 1987 must have been a pre-production sample (nothing new there as official images are often taken before toys are in production), as some of the colours are different to the actual toy.... something I never noticed before because it was just colour swapping of parts rather than different colours, which would have stood out more.
The helmet, shoulder cannons, feet and lower legs are green or grey, instead of grey or green on the actual toy (colours are swapped). And Zarak's abdomen is grey instead of cream coloured.

1987 catalogue scan (http://www.botchthecrab.com/gallery/catalog_1988_b.jpg) (big), vs toy photo (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/thumb/3/3c/G1_Scorponok_toy.jpg/300px-G1_Scorponok_toy.jpg).

Is this the first time this has been noticed?! That's pretty astounding.

[Sky Shadow]

Is this the first time this has been noticed?

No. Also, that's the 1988 catalogue in the link. The prototype Scorponok photos are also on the 1987 catalogue (it was on both years). And most noticeably, Fasttrak is green instead of dark grey. That year, the Technobots were also plastic-swapped.

[griffin]

Is this the first time this has been noticed?! That's pretty astounding.

I read it today on tfwiki, and was amazed at how much of Scorponok was differently coloured. If it was just a panel or head I wouldn't have mentioned it, but this is about a third of the toy... which is pretty significant, and surprised me that it wasn't so obvious before.

[griffin]

No. Also, that's the 1988 catalogue in the link. The prototype Scorponok photos are also on the 1987 catalogue (it was on both years). And most noticeably, Fasttrak is green instead of dark grey. That year, the Technobots were also plastic-swapped.

Ooops, typo with the year.
But you get the idea... and an impression of how I feel about not noticing it after all these years. :o


Here's another one for you...
I never realised before just how many Hasbro Gen1 toys were not released in Japan by Takara. They had a fair few direct imports of US-packaged toys as mail-away items, but quite a few in the later years just never got released there.
Like, in 1988 (Powermasters & Pretenders year), half of the Hasbro toys weren't released as general retail items in Japan. In the Generations book, I just thought that the 4 & 1/2 pages of 1988 JP toys was just showing the extra ones with unique colours or moulds that year (like it did for the 1987 JP pages)... it never once dawned on me that that was actually all their toys for 1988, compared to the 9 pages of 1988 US toys.
And now I see that the Generations book has done the same for 1989 and 1990 (showing all JP toys, not just the non-US ones like the 1987 pages).

It would have been so obvious if I had ever taken the time to do up a list, but still surprising now that I have. :o

Now I want to do up a list of each other's Gen1 "exclusives", just to see who missed out on more.

(as envious as us in the Hasbro markets were/are of the JP "exclusive" Gen1 toys, there were actually a lot more Hasbro "exclusive" Gen1 toys that I would imagine JP fans were envious of too)

[Sky Shadow]

Here's another one for you...
I never realised before just how many Hasbro Gen1 toys were not released in Japan by Takara.

The weirdest two are Gears and Ironhide. (Or at least, they weren't G1 Transformers.) A list would be interesting to view - I'm surprised if there isn't one. Despite our complaints, Australia ultimately got more different G1 Transformers than just about any other country - definitely more than the US or Japan. And I'd say we beat the UK too.

[GoktimusPrime]

As far as I recall, these are the G1 Transformers released in Hasbro markets that were not released in Japan. I haven't included toys that, while technically different characters, are identical as figures (e.g. Carb/Hosehead, Turtler/Snaptrap etc.). I've also not included Waverider, although his Pretender shell is blonde, whereas Diver's shell is a brunette; the core robots are identical. I'm also not including reissues. Japan never got the Classic Pretenders, but they did get the robots as "Hero Sets" (equivalent of Kmart Legends; only Grimlock and Starscream had cosmetic differences, Bumblebee and Jazz were the same.

Mini-Spies
Mini Spy Buggy
Mini Spy Porsche
Mini Spy F-1
Mini Spy 4WD

G1 Autobots
Bumblejumper
Gears
Ironhide
Topspin
Twin Twist
Jetfire
Omega Supreme
Roadbuster
Whirl
Powerdasher ("F-1 Dasher")
Powerdasher ("Drill Dasher")
Powerdasher ("Sky Dasher")
Sky Lynx
Hot Rod, Targetmaster
Kup, Targetmaster
Blurr, Targetmaster
Sky High (Pretender)
Splashdown
Groundbreaker
Gunrunner
Catilla
Chainclaw
Quickswitch
Optimus Prime, Powermaster
Quickmix
Scoop
Landfill
Dogfight
Override
Backstreet
Fizzle (almost the same as Wildspark; Fizzle has a red face, whereas Wildspark's is yellow)
Guzzle
Sizzle
Crossblades
Vroom
Skyhammer
Pincher
Longtooth
Doubleheader
Grimlock, Pretender (orange face)
Long Shot (variant colour)
Sunrunner (variant colour)
Flak (variant colour)
Sidetrack (variant colour)
Groundshaker
Retro
Surge
Pipeline
Gusher
Full-Barrel
Overflow
Jazz, Action Master
Rad
Jackpot
Blaster, Action Master
Bumblebee, Action Master
Mainframe
Skyfall
Snarl, Action Master
Kick-Off
Inferno, Action Master
Grimlock, Action Master
Rollout
Optimus Prime, Action Master
Prowl, Action Master
Over-Run
Wheeljack, Action Master
Sprocket
Sideswipe, Action Master
Tracks, Action Master
Powerflash
Omega Spreem
Windmill
Rumbler
Circuit
Rotorstorm
Rescue Force ("Leozak")
Rescue Force 1 ("Killbison")
Rescue Force 2 ("Jallguar")
Rescue Force 3 ("Drillhorn")
Gobots
Drench
Deftwing
Ironfist
Pyro

G1 Decepticons
Barrage
Chop Shop
Ransack
Venom
Runabout
Runamuck
Cyclonus, Targetmaster
Scourge, Targetmaster
Doubledealer
Darkwing
Dreadwind
Cindersaur
Sparkstalker
Quake
Needlenose
Spinister
Finback
Bugly
Iguanus
Carnivac
Snarler
Roadgrabber
Crankcase
Ruckus
Windsweeper
Thunderwing
Roadblock
Bludgeon
Stranglehold
Octopunch
Starscream, Pretender (black face)
Icepick
Bristleback
Birdbrain
Wildfly
Scowl
Slog
Blackjack
Hyperdrive
Detour
Roadhugger
Skyhopper
Cement-Head
Terror-Tread
Blackout
Spaceshot
Treadshot
Soundwave, Action Master
Devastator, Action Master
Shockwave, Action Master
Krok
Banzaitron
Starscream, Action Master
Axer
Gutcruncher
Megatron, Action Master
Bombshell, Action Master
Charger
Take-Off
Double Punch
Turbo Master
Thundercracker, Action Master
Slicer
Stalker
"Bonecrusher" (1992)
"Hook" (1992)
"Long Haul" (1992)
"Mixmaster" (1992)
"Scavenger" (1992)
"Scrapper" (1992)
Jetstorm
Deluge
Rage
Hydradread
Aquablast
Drench
Fearswoop
Calcar
Clench

[Sky Shadow]

Good list. I remember being confused fifteen years ago when I first found out that Scoop, Quickmix and Landfill weren't released in Japan, because there was cartoon footage of them in Episode 1 of G2 that I'd always assumed had been from the Japanese cartoon. (It was from their advertisement.)


I've also not included Waverider, although his Pretender shell is blonde, whereas Diver's shell is a brunette.

I always find that so weird, since Diver's hair and eyebrows in the cartoon look more like Waverider's than his own toy's. Would Takara have done that to the toy because they thought Japanese kids would be more likely to buy/play with/imagine themselves as the darker-haired toy? :confused:

[GoktimusPrime]

And similarly, here is a list of toys that were only released by Takara, using the same standards as above. I'm not including Fortress Maximus who came with extra swords, but the toy is otherwise the same.

Astrotrain (black & white ver.)
Shouki
Getsuei
Yukikaze
Suiken
Seizan
Kaen
Graphi
Noise
Dial
Zaur
Rodney
Kirk
Leoné
Trizer
Loafer
Shuffler
Twincast
Soundblaster
Stepper
Artfire
Ginrai
Godbomber
Ranger
Zetoca
Bollet
Aquastar
Doubleclouder
Metalhawk
Go Shooter
Minerva
Hardspark
Hotspark
Wildspark
Sixknight
Grand Maximus
Hydra
Buster
Browning
Guzzle (Sparkdash)
Sizzle (Sparkdash)
Javil
Black Zarak
Star Sabre
Victory Leo
Galaxy Shuttle
Blacker
Braver
Lustre
Wing
Waver
Mach
Tackle
Dash
Tacker
Greatshot
Deathzaras
Leozak
Guyhawk
Hellbat
Jallguar
Drillhorn
Killbison
Yokuryuu
Gairyuu
Doryuu
Kakuryuu
Yokuryuu
Rairyuu
Black Shadow
Blue Bacchus
Grimlock, Hero (no Pretender shell, silver face)
Starscream, Hero (no Pretender shell, grey face)
Dai Atlas
Sonic Bomber
Roadfire
Speeder
Sonic
Drillbuster
Black Heat
Dead Hour
Roadhugger
Gingam
Gunlift (variant colour of Long Shot)
Powerbomb (variant colour of Flak)
Sidetrack (variant colour of Hasbro Sidetrack)
Sunrunner (variant colour of Hasbro Sunrunner)
Landshaker
Metro Titan
Metrobomb
Star Convoy
Hot Rod, Micromaster
Sky Garry
Shot Bomber
Grandus
Spinner
Leaf
Diego
Knight
Alan
Spark
Joe
Gran Arm
Crushbull
Ironlift
Digger
Mixing
Treader
Missile Run
Chaingun
Supersonic
Raiser
Falcon (Micromaster)
Flanker
Road Police
Glide
Circuit
Neo Wheel
Sireen
Discharge
Desire
Atlan
Raise
San Diego
Windy
Converter
Fire Chief
Streetstar
Fly Up
Sparkride
Safety
Great Cannon
Leyland
Sandstorm (Battle Gaia)
Shuttle Gunner
Target Hawk


I always find that so weird, since Diver's hair and eyebrows in the cartoon look more like Waverider's than his own toy's. Would Takara have done that to the toy because they thought Japanese kids would be more likely to buy/play with/imagine themselves as the darker-haired toy? :confused:
I doubt it. Kaneda Masuimi/Toei seemed willing to introduce a fairly multicultural mix into the human cast of Masterforce, including a blonde-haired Minerva, dark-skinned Carb, Chinese Cancer, redheaded Bullhorn, and whatever-the-hell blue-haired Wilder's ethnicity is. :p My guess is more likely just a running change in the toy line, but the animation model was already based off Waverider's blonde hair. The Masterforce toys were originally designed by Takara for Hasbro (as per their specifications), but later some of them were modified for Masterforce. Ginrai being the most significantly modified from his Hasbro counterpart.

[griffin]

The Japanese version of the Flip & Change Grimlock LA-02 (http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK11873&mode=retail) has the Flip & Change gimmick removed, giving it a 3-steppish manual conversion.
I got it today and I was trying to spin it around, but wasn't getting anywhere... so looked on the packaging and it has a 3-step instruction panel.

Speaking of 3-step changers... the RID Grimlock toy may be simple, but very creative with its transformation. The two Robot legs fold over and under the main body, to have the feet meet up and join together on the other end, covering up the robot head to create the dinosaur head. So one leg is the top/back of the dinosaur, and the other leg is the underside part. If it wasn't so simple, like a gimmick toy, I'd recommend this for others.

[GoktimusPrime]

Although the RiD2015 Legion Class toys don't come with any weapons of their own, they are backward-compatible with 3mm post weapons from other toys such as TF Prime Cyberverse figures.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/cyberverse_strongarmbumblebee1_zps25e20611.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/cyberverse_bumblebee01_zpsa1fa0743.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/cyberverse_strongarm01_zps0bb24ba2.jpg

[Bidoofdude]

No weapons?! I didn't like the look of the cyberverse translucent pieces, but they're better than nothing at all.:eek:

[Paulbot]

All this time I've been saying "Die-a-clone" when I should have been saying "Die-a-cron"?

That's the lesson I took from these Japanese toy ads for Diaclone toys (including pre-TF Autobot Cars, Prime, Magnus, Dinobots, Constructicons, Trainbots and Triple changers) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_BOj1Qqx0Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_BOj1Qqx0Q)

[CoRDS]

All this time I've been saying "Die-a-clone" when I should have been saying "Die-a-cron"?

That's the lesson I took from these Japanese toy ads for Diaclone toys (including pre-TF Autobot Cars, Prime, Magnus, Dinobots, Constructicons, Trainbots and Triple changers) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_BOj1Qqx0Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_BOj1Qqx0Q)

die-a-.........clooooneee

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah, it's pronounced "Dye-ah-kron" (or "Dye-ah-klon"), but spelt "Diaclone."

Other weird Japanese spelling & pronunciations...
* Ginrai is pronounced "Jinrai" but officially spelt with a G (so it's a soft 'g' as in 'giraffe')
* Carb is pronounced "Cab." So the 'r' is silent I suppose.
* Minerva's name is officially spelt as "Minelba." This is due to the fact that "Minerva" and "Minelba" are pronounced the same and are phonetically indistinguishable to most Japanese speakers. Although the original Classical Latin pronunciation of "Minerva" was more like "mee-nerrr-wah", as the Romans did slightly roll their Rs, and Vs were pronounced like Ws.
* Goshooter is considered to be the name of the Autobot Transtector, however, his human component's name is Gō Shūta (剛秀太), which sounds almost the same in Japanese; the key difference is that "Goshooter" is pronounced as Gōshūtā (longer "a" vowel).
* The "u" in 'Jaguar' (JP name for Ravage) and 'Jallguar' is silent, so their names are pronounced more like "Jagar" and "Jall-gar" or even "Jarugar".
* Many English speakers may pronounce Jean's (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Jean_Minakaze) name as "Jeen," but it's actually meant to be the French pronunciation, as in the name "Jean Luc Picard." In Japanese, this is approximated as "Jun" (ジャン).

Also, the "Micro" in "Microman" is based on the Greek pronunciation of "Micro" (from 'micross' [μικρός]), so it's more like "mee-cro-man." However, the "Micro" from "Micro Change" is the same as in English, so it's "my-cro change." Weird, huh? And two of the gestalts from Transformers Victory use the two variant pronunciations of Caesar. You have the Decepticon Breast Force who combine to form "Lio Caesar," where the 'caesar' is pronounced more similarly to the Classical Latin pronunciation of "kaiser" (and indeed the name is commonly spelt as "Liokaiser" by Western fans); the Autobot Brainmaster gestalt "Road Caesar" uses the Vulgar Latin pronunciation of "see-zar," and thus many Western fans simply spell it as "Caesar." But it's kinda cool how the two rival gestalts from Victory are both named 'Caesar,' only that the Decepticon one is pronounced Classically, whereas the Autobot is pronounced Vulgarly. ;)

[GoktimusPrime]

Heh, whaddaya know... MP Red Alert's strobe is detachable. :o

[griffin]

Finally the mystery is solved, I think...

The Rescue Bots Beam Box computer game (for the TV - you plug in figurines to play their characters), comes pre-installed with six characters. In other words, the game is not like Skylanders or Disney Infinity which has the characters downloaded into the game from the figurines. As such, it is possible to trick the Beam Box console into thinking you have bought and plugged in the characters.

The six characters in the game (on the main menu screen to activate)...
Optimus Prime - comes with console
Bumblebee - sold separately in wave 1
Boulder - sold separately in wave 1
Heatwave - sold separately in wave 1
Chase - SUPPOSED to be sold separately in wave 1
Blades - sold separately in wave 2

The thing that bugged me (because I was trying to complete the set, and make the most of the game), was that I couldn't find Chase anywhere.
The figure was displayed at places like the US Toyfair, while original online listings said it was supposed to be in Wave 1, but then never showed up... and never appeared on places like ebay or online stores.

Today while doing a search for the official images, I found it listed on the Amazon Canada site (http://www.amazon.ca/Playskool-Heroes-Transformers-Rescue-Figure/dp/B00FQE2AA8) (noted as not available), and scrolled down to the feedback section to see if anyone actually bought it (so that I'd know for sure that it was released somewhere).
But the feedback comment has not only reassured me that I wasn't just being unlucky with tracking it down, but has now shed some light on WHY it wasn't released.


I got a beam box for our 3 year old and we've managed to collect all the other figures for it, but Chase is probably his favorite character and he's been disappointed he can't play that game. So, I managed to "trick" the little buttons inside the unit by wedging a cut off piece of a credit card under the right side of the Optimus Prime figure. The beam box recognizes it as Chase and allows you to play as Chase. The unique game for Chase is completely broken; its controls do not work, so if you pick that game you're stuck in it until you turn off the beam box. I believe that this flawed program is why you cannot find a chase figure anywhere, and likely never will (if you can't access that game, you can't complain your beam box is broken. ) What that means, is that Hasbro must have decided to not release the Chase figure, to prevent people from returning the more expensive Beam Box to stores for refunds (because the Chase portion of the game apparently has a glitch, so people would return it thinking that it was faulty/defective).
I wonder if Hasbro actually manufactured the Chase figurine. If they did, it would mean that they trashed them all, as the cheaper of two options (not release one of the six figurines, verses, refunding the value of the Console to those who bought Chase figurines).
Yes, there is a third option (fix the game glitch), but the Beam Box may have already been in production or was too late to fix by the time they knew about the glitch... which would suggest that they don't properly test their out-sourced products, as this game wouldn't have been done in-house by Hasbro.

This will probably be another one of those unanswered questions, as I could ask at the next BotCon, but they never have Reps of the peripheral lines like Rescue Bots, Kreo, Crossovers, etc, so are never able to answer anything about them.