Things you never realised about Transformers (toys etc)

[Firestorm]

So i was playing around with My Movie Classic Camaro Bumblebee this morning, and i realised that his shoulder mounted wheels were able to peg onto 2 tiny black tabs on his shoulders locking the wheels into place (and keeping the cannons from flopping around when they are plugged into the wheels), I'd never realised it before, but I'm sure everyone else who owns the toy has realised it,

But anyway this thread is for posting things that you've only just now realised about Transformers toys you've had for ages (even if it's something that you think everyone else already knows about)

[Hursticon]

G1 Megatron - I'd had him displayed for a good year or so when 1AZRAEL1 comes along and points out that: "The reason he looks odd (Raises Megatron's chest to reveal a midsection) is this"...
Man, I still feel like a tool. :p:D

[Jinto]

I had Transmetal 2 Dinobot for well over a year before I realised the two white side pieces on his chest folded in next to his raptor head. I always thought it looked kinda silly with those gaping holes on either side...

[GoktimusPrime]

When I got G1 Wheelie back in 1986... I'd already owned and been playing with this toy for a few months before I noticed that he had hands! :p

I got Powermaster Optimus Prime in 1991, but it wasn't until I got the Transformers Generations Deluxe book in 2001 and read about how the head was meant to transform into a roller buggy/robot that would be stored inside the trailer that I decided to see if PM Prime's head could fit inside the trailer and voilà - fits like a glove! Now that's where I keep the head when PM Prime's in vehicle mode (which is most of the time) -- sure beats setting it aside/dumping it in storage! :D I may have never worked that out if not for that book (man I miss it :()

[liegeprime]

Ive had G1 Swoop for 5 years now and well, I didnt realize his forearms extended until I had a look at someone else's ( which was in the sale thread)...:o:o now he doesn't look like he's got stunted arms heheheh:D

Also I wasnt aware of the GPS phenomenon on some Tfs until I saw it discussed here...it wouldve been helpful had I known a bit earlier with keeping my G1 Roadblock innerbot from being broken:p

[GoktimusPrime]

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

[Tober]

Music Label Soundwave - I don't know how long it was until I realised his shoulders could be moved up and centered.

[Autocon]

So i was playing around with My Movie Classic Camaro Bumblebee this morning, and i realised that his shoulder mounted wheels were able to peg onto 2 tiny black tabs on his shoulders locking the wheels into place (and keeping the cannons from flopping around when they are plugged into the wheels), I'd never realised it before, but I'm sure everyone else who owns the toy has realised it,

But anyway this thread is for posting things that you've only just now realised about Transformers toys you've had for ages (even if it's something that you think everyone else already knows about)

I did not know!!:eek:

[Firestorm]

I did not know!!:eek:

at least i wasnt the only one, lol

[dirge]

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 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

I think that second one is a badly drawn Bumblebee, just based on the head (and awful shape of the torso). But yeah that first one is very much a Cliffjumper, IMO.

So... yellow Cliffjumper has more media appearances (1) than Hubcap :eek:

[AJ_Prime]

But it was until the G1 cartoon came out on DVD that I noticed that yellow Cliffjumper actually appears in the G1 cartoon!

I've been watching the G1 series again myself and have noticed quite a few animation fails, especially when it comes to colouring.

Considering they didn't have CGI back then and probably had several people individually colouring each cell I guess it's not too bad but is still funny to watch.

Guess Quality Control went home early when those cells got through to the keeper!

[Verno]

Someone had to point out to me that there was a slot in the base of TM2 Dragon Megatron's wing to store his 3rd missile. There was no mention of it in the instructions.

[Hursticon]

Someone had to point out to me that there was a slot in the base of TM2 Dragon Megatron's wing to store his 3rd missile. There was no mention of it in the instructions.

Hehe, guess who else just learnt something new... :o

[tinyJazz]

I didn't realise that BEAST WARS was part of the TRANSFORMERS franchise until like, three years ago. No joke, I had no idea they were related.

[SMHFConvoy]

I've been watching the G1 series again myself and have noticed quite a few animation fails, especially when it comes to colouring.

Considering they didn't have CGI back then and probably had several people individually colouring each cell I guess it's not too bad but is still funny to watch.

Guess Quality Control went home early when those cells got through to the keeper!

Well it's not only a question of QC it's more like that because the frames up for a second you may not notice irregularities on 1st viewing.

Fun game to play: Watch any Disney big budget feature for QC mistakes! Oh they're there ;)

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Someone had to point out to me that there was a slot in the base of TM2 Dragon Megatron's wing to store his 3rd missile. There was no mention of it in the instructions.Pic please, I cannot for the life of me find where that is.:o

[Verno]

Someone might have to help me out with a pic as I don't have my TM2 Megs on me.

But right next to the hinge connecting the wing to the back, coming from the rear, there is a slot in which you can slide the missile.

[Verno]

BW Bonecrusher has panels on his robot legs that flare out if you pull them.

[SkyWarp91]

One of the best realizations about TFs was that there was a G1 character named ERECTOR. OH YEAH OH YEAH

[canofwhoopass_87]

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

[AJ_Prime]

One of the best realizations about TFs was that there was a G1 character named ERECTOR. OH YEAH OH YEAH

Was this (http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=funny+transformers+pics&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&biw=1440&bih=737&tbm=isch&tbnid=QjrcxrVYnFi2_M:&imgrefurl=http://204.45.110.156/981503&docid=esk1CmlyErA1AM&imgurl=http://gifs.gifbin.com/4007g6675.gif&w=400&h=267&ei=A6zITpCvBfCZiQeI2_H8Dw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=188&vpy=199&dur=32&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=158&ty=88&sig=100888528134295434538&page=5&tbnh=159&tbnw=211&start=90&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:90) him?

If so, the animators must have been having a great time drawing these cells!

[GoktimusPrime]

This dude (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Erector_%28G1%29).

SkyWarp91: Do you also know that there's a Transformer named Windbreaker (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Windbreaker)? ;)

[Paulbot]

Golden Phoenix transformed Cybertron Defense Red Alert today and pulled out tools that were stored inside the legs. I never had any idea they were there.

[lcz128]

Did you know that THS02 Convoy can actually collapse his legs?

I didn't know until 2 months ago! (:

[Golden Phoenix]

Golden Phoenix transformed Cybertron Defense Red Alert today and pulled out tools that were stored inside the legs. I never had any idea they were there.

You also didn't know where the gun/arm tool base went. But hey, knowing is half the battle!

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

When I got G1 Wheelie back in 1986... I'd already owned and been playing with this toy for a few months before I noticed that he had hands! :p

I got Powermaster Optimus Prime in 1991, but it wasn't until I got the Transformers Generations Deluxe book in 2001 and read about how the head was meant to transform into a roller buggy/robot that would be stored inside the trailer that I decided to see if PM Prime's head could fit inside the trailer and voilà - fits like a glove! Now that's where I keep the head when PM Prime's in vehicle mode (which is most of the time) -- sure beats setting it aside/dumping it in storage! :D I may have never worked that out if not for that book (man I miss it :()

I did not know that either. Is there anything else that can make his head more buggy like?

[MindsetOverhaul]

Classics/Henkei Infernos' forearms have 2 plates of "armor" that rotate backward (which imo improves the look of robot mode) and i only realised that early last year. super sad face when i got the Grapple repaint to find it didn't have that feature!

[GoktimusPrime]

I did not know that either. Is there anything else that can make his head more buggy like?

Push it along and make vroom vroom noises? :p Short of that, no.

[Magnus]

I don't know how long I had it before I found out, but movie voyager Ratchet has a hole on his back in robot mode that his roof rack can attach to.

[Slag]

I picked up a cheap Snaptrap from the markets the other day. (my original had a broken hand) I never realized he had automorph technology , folding his Turtle arms back forces his little robot hands out.. . . . Well I never...:rolleyes:
Years before his time..

[SharkyMcShark]

It took me about 6 months, and it was well after I'de decided he was my favourite Transformers figure of all time, to realise that you could rotate RotF Leader Starscream's legs in jet mode so they sit more flush with the bottom of the fuselage :(:o

[sideswipes brother]

I owned Warpath for years when i was little and it wasnt until i joined these boards that i discovered that his arms can move out from his shoulders.

[UltraMarginal]

I owned Warpath for years when i was little and it wasnt until i joined these boards that i discovered that his arms can move out from his shoulders.

I'm going to have to go home and look at mine tonight, I have a feeling I didn't know that either.

I found out by fiddling a couple nights ago that Toxitron(Botcon repaint of Animated voyager prime) has a movable faceplate so you can see his whole face. I have the voyager prime but it's still misb.
neat little feature.

[Deonasis]

I saw a pic last night that had classics Mirage's gun re-attached to his waist in bot mode. I never really liked the front spoiler gun.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I found out that if DotM Que's shin pieces pop off as they're wont to do, and you put them back on the wrong legs, he'll be unable to transform. If you try transforming him without realising this, you'll get some killer stress marks on his roof.
:(

At least he's a minor character and not too costly here, if I'd managed to bang up MP10 that'd be :eek:-worthy.

[Slag]

Gf was looking at the back of the astrotrain box and asked "who's the red car?" . "Sideswipe" i snapped. what do you think. (she should know this , we do the transformers training) "Looks like Tracks" she said.. "No Sideswipe" i said.
But yep Tracks it is in red. won't live that one down for a while
Also whirl in gazzette colours.
Snarl has a forked tongue.
and a little twin twist or topspin in all his tin-soldier pose-able glory
Love those old battle pics.

[Paulbot]

That picture from 25+ years ago is why I want the Red Tracks from this year's BotCon set. :)

[Slag]

That picture from 25+ years ago is why I want the Red Tracks from this year's BotCon set. :)

wasn't there an e-hobby version or something recently?

[Paulbot]

wasn't there an e-hobby version or something recently?

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.

[Slag]

Not that recent then.. seems like only yesterday:rolleyes:

[Sky Shadow]

Gf was looking at the back of the astrotrain box and asked "who's red car?" . "Sideswipe" i snapped. what do you think. (she should know this , we do the transformers training) "Looks like Tracks" she said.. "No Sideswipe" i said.
But yep Tracks it is in red. won't live that one down for a while

The Japanese version actually has the red Tracks/Road Rage and normal blue Tracks (who is over on the right):

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/415/boxbattle85japan.jpg

For anyone interested, there's an interesting interview with Jeff Mangiat (who painted the boxart) here: http://tformers.com/transformers-interview-world-renowned-illustrator-jeff-mangiat-talks-g1-transformers/12545/news.html

[Slag]

The Japanese version actually has the red Tracks/Road Rage and normal blue Tracks (who is over on the right):

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/415/boxbattle85japan.jpg

For anyone interested, there's an interesting interview with Jeff Mangiat (who painted the boxart) here: http://tformers.com/transformers-interview-world-renowned-illustrator-jeff-mangiat-talks-g1-transformers/12545/news.html

There is a lot of little/massive differences between the 2 pics.
i think i prefer that one.
I'd like to know what that original artwork went for they mention.

[Sky Shadow]

There is a lot of little/massive differences between the 2 pics.
i think i prefer that one.

Yeah, the Japanese one couldn't have the Deluxe Insecticons, Shockwave, Whirl or Jetfire moulds since they were Takatoku/ToyCo/Bandai toys and not Japanese Transformers. I wonder when they realised, since it would have made more sense just to paint one mural with the toys legal for both markets. I'm sure the Japanese Destrons didn't mind getting Devastator, extra Constructicons and Blitzwing as boxart reinforcements though. :p

[5FDP]

^ G1 box art FTW :cool:

[Hursticon]

^ G1 box art FTW :cool:

Beautiful stuff to behold, it never ceases to impress and amaze me. ;):cool:

[griffin]

Thanks to Demonac, who pointed out that the new DotM Mirage Legion toy (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/tftoys/tfpc13.jpg) (wave 2 of the TFPrime series) is just a redeco of TF2 Sideways toy (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Image:ROTF-toy_Legends_Sideways.jpg) (with modified hands), he had me worried that the only "new" Mirage toy for DotM (the Speed Stars vehicle) was not a new mould either.
I looked, and was reassured that it was a completely new mould (top and bottom - compared to Leadfoot that was a redeco top and new bottom), but I did notice on the bottom under the robot sculpting, something interesting.

Every Speed Stars toy has the character name under the robot sculpt... except Mirage. Instead, it says... "Europeansports (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Image:SpeedStars_TransScan_Mirage.jpg)" as if a place-holder name was used by accident, while Hasbro were waiting for the final name to be confirmed by Bay (and no one noticed before it went into production).

[tjparkside]

:o
I didn't realize that on some G1 Headmaster's heads you can flip half of the robots face over to cover the robot's head on the back of the pilot/trainer.
like in this pic (left to right) -
-Lord Zarak (Scorponok)robot face shown.
-Grax (Skullcruncher) face/head panel half flipped over.
-Volrath (Mindwipe) robot face covered on trainers back.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6113/6870578008_ab09497bc2_n.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/59684453@N04/6870578008/)

[Gouki]

I only recently, when I picked up Generations Thundercracker last week, realized the Classics seeker mould thruster/exhaust fan nipples flip out to make what I assume are wheels in vehical mode.

[KalEl]

I only recently, when I picked up Generations Thundercracker last week, realized the Classics seeker mould thruster/exhaust fan nipples flip out to make what I assume are wheels in vehical mode.

fan nipples lol

[griffin]

Not toy related, but only just found out tonight - An animation error from the opening credits of Season 3 of Gen1 cartoon... Kup was really Springer coloured as Kup (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Image:Intro3_4_with_error.jpg).

[KalEl]

Not toy related, but only just found out tonight - An animation error from the opening credits of Season 3 of Gen1 cartoon... Kup was really Springer coloured as Kup (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Image:Intro3_4_with_error.jpg).

bahahaha the amount of times we have watched that and never seen it lol awesome

[GoktimusPrime]

This one's also not a toy one, but my daughter and I were watching DotM this morning and I noticed something about Sentinel Prime's forearms...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/sentinelprime_startrek.jpg
Cos ya know, there's clearly not enough Trek references in DotM. :rolleyes: (but at least this one's subtle!) ;)

[KalEl]

This one's also not a toy one, but my daughter and I were watching DotM this morning and I noticed something about Sentinel Prime's forearms...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/sentinelprime_startrek.jpg
Cos ya know, there's clearly not enough Trek references in DotM. :rolleyes: (but at least this one's subtle!) ;)

lol

[Demonac]

That thing from Sentinel Prime looks like it was stolen from TF: Animated Swindle.

[KalEl]

That thing from Sentinel Prime looks like it was stolen from TF: Animated Swindle.

swindle is awesome

[Paulbot]

Until I was putting them out on display, it had never registered to me that all of the original Insecticons had Robot Heroes versions

http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m277t6x4DG1qbguy1o1_500.jpg

[GoktimusPrime]

I should pay more attention to ending credits. I've been listening to the TF Prime Season 1 audio commentary and discovered that TF Prime is animated by a Japanese studio called Polygon Pictures, whose other works include Innocence: Ghost in the Shell and Sky Crawlers! :eek: For me, this also gives TF Prime a bit more of a G1 feel as the G1 cartoon as that was also scripted in the US but animated by a Japanese company (Toei). :)

Another interesting thing is how counter intuitive designing Transformers is from an animation artist's POV and a toy designer's POV. They're saying that HasTak design Transformers from alt mode first, then engineer it into a robot, but artists design Transformers as robots first... they described the communication between the two as "speaking different languages." This further cements my personal preference that Transformers ought to be designed as toys first... then let artists worry about rendering them as character models (as has happened in the majority of TF series). :rolleyes:

Also interesting is how many of the voice actors are just in awe when working with Peter Cullen and Frank Welker -- and any time they hear them doing Optimus Prime and Megatron's voices. :D That must be an awesome experience. :)

They also said that they intentionally wanted to create non-annoying human characters for TFPrime, and the animators' favourite character is Miko!?! :eek: :rolleyes: Umm... okay.

[5FDP]

They also said that they intentionally wanted to create non-annoying human characters for TFPrime, and the animators' favourite character is Miko!?! :eek: :rolleyes: Umm... okay.

FAIL!

[LordCyrusOmega]

Human Alliance Skids and Mudflap have buttons on the tops of their head that make their mouths move.

[GoktimusPrime]

More stuff I've learned from watching the TF Prime DVD audio commentaries... ever noticed that some of the "historical flashback narration" scenes are hand drawn and not really animated? Much like a slightly moving picture book, like when Ratchet explained the history between Orion Pax and Megatronus, and how they became Optimus Prime and Megatron in "One Shall Rise, Part 3." Those scenes were animated around the time the Tsunami hit Japan and Polygon studios lost a THIRD of their workforce! :eek: Consequently Hasbro Studios ended up illustrating those scenes and working in some basic animation into them. But yeah, that's the reason why those scenes were done like that and not fully animated. While the end effect looks cool, it's sad to hear the reason why it happened. :( :(

[SkyWarp91]

Never knew Cybertron Runamuck was so... ...kibbletastic...

[SuspectimusPrime]

More stuff I've learned from watching the TF Prime DVD audio commentaries... ever noticed that some of the "historical flashback narration" scenes are hand drawn and not really animated? Much like a slightly moving picture book, like when Ratchet explained the history between Orion Pax and Megatronus, and how they became Optimus Prime and Megatron in "One Shall Rise, Part 3." Those scenes were animated around the time the Tsunami hit Japan and Polygon studios lost a THIRD of their workforce! :eek: Consequently Hasbro Studios ended up illustrating those scenes and working in some basic animation into them. But yeah, that's the reason why those scenes were done like that and not fully animated. While the end effect looks cool, it's sad to hear the reason why it happened. :( :(

The Tsunami was really sad, but reading that comment for the first time is really sad too. I guess Polygon studios must be located somewhere close to Miyagi prefecture then?

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Never knew Cybertron Runamuck was so... ...kibbletastic...

That's because he comes from Armada Sideswipe. Armada, known for kibbletasticness.

I just watched a video Review for Armada Scavenger. Made me LOL so hard. What a crappy toy. I mean I knew it was bad, just not how bad! So that is my "thing I didn't know" - How bad Armada Scavenger is!

[KalEl]

That's because he comes from Armada Sideswipe. Armada, known for kibbletasticness.

I just watched a video Review for Armada Scavenger. Made me LOL so hard. What a crappy toy. I mean I knew it was bad, just not how bad! So that is my "thing I didn't know" - How bad Armada Scavenger is!

Armada is one of those lines that had a couple of gems but a whole lot of craptastic wastes of plastic...

[GoktimusPrime]

Suspectimus: Polygon is located in Minato Tokyo (whoa, I stayed at a hotel in Minato when I was last there! :eek:) -- but it's possible that 1/3 of their employees may have either had relatives or friends in or around Miyagi/Fukushima or perhaps may have just been there -- at the wrong place at the wrong time. :( The DVD commentary doesn't go into any detail, they just said that Polygon had "lost a third of its workforce" from the tsunami.


That's because he comes from Armada Sideswipe. Armada, known for kibbletasticness.
Sideswipe is poor, even by Armada standards.

"Armada has standards??"

Shut up, inside head voice! :p


I just watched a video Review for Armada Scavenger. Made me LOL so hard. What a crappy toy. I mean I knew it was bad, just not how bad! So that is my "thing I didn't know" - How bad Armada Scavenger is!
Scavenger would have to be THE worst toy in Armada.


Armada is one of those lines that had a couple of gems but a whole lot of craptastic wastes of plastic...
Indeed. The problem with Armada is that it was the beginning of Hasbro going bonkers over trying to load toys with gimmicks. :/ It worked okay in some toys, but really bad in others. Gimmicks work well when they compliment the engineering of a toy, not hampering it.

IMO, better Armada toys:
Most of the Mini-Cons (they were often better than the Autobots/Decepticons), Tidal Wave, "Bendymus" Prime, Red Alert, Unicron (even though he's a bit of a shellformer, considering what this toy is I think they did a pretty neat job)
Most other Armada toys range from being woeful to mediocre at best. And let's not forget good old Hot "wHy mY ShOuLdErS hUrT?" Shot! ;)

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Energon Grimlock has heel spurs! WHAAAAT? Why didn't I see this before???

[GoktimusPrime]

Because he's a crappy toy that's easily ignorable? :p ;)

[Slag]

Sludge has no eyes as a dinosaur:(:(:(

[GoktimusPrime]

I've always been able to suspend disbelief with that... it's never bugged me. Sludge is a pretty darn awesome Dinobot IMO (pretty well articulated for a 1985 figure). Besides, it was only after he appeared in the comics and cartoon that artists added eyes to the dino mode -- it's not as if it ever bugged me before then, and it's certainly hasn't bugged me since. <shrug>

[Slag]

I've always been able to suspend disbelief with that... it's never bugged me. Sludge is a pretty darn awesome Dinobot IMO (pretty well articulated for a 1985 figure). Besides, it was only after he appeared in the comics and cartoon that artists added eyes to the dino mode -- it's not as if it ever bugged me before then, and it's certainly hasn't bugged me since. <shrug>

I realised the other day just how articulated he is (compared to some). i have a junker at work doing a muscle-man pose . looks so cool.
i'm not bothered by the lack of eyes i just thought he had some indents there..

[GoktimusPrime]

I spoke with a Hasbro dude today and told him of the ongoing frustration of not being able to find new toys in local stores, how some people have just given up and ordered online from overseas etc. - which he fully sympathised with. I showed him my TFPRiD Ratchet and told him about how frustrated I've been searching for this toy for SO DAMN LONG -- and I still haven't found Vehicon and Knock Out yet! :mad: However he explained to me that Hasbro Australia actually orders virtually every Transformer that Hasbro USA releases, with the exception of limited exclusives (e.g. TFCC, BotCon etc.), but the problem is that retailers aren't ordering the new stock from them!

For example, Hasbro Australia actually did receive First Edition toys which they pitched to retailers, but none of the retailers submitted an order of sufficient size (apparently one retailer only wanted to order 500 for their stores, which is too small an order to make it worthwhile for Hasbro AU to import and distribute), so the FE toys just ended up sitting at Hasbro AU (not sure if they've kept them or sent them back).

He said that he feels frustrated because retailers think that the new stuff won't sell when they're trying to convince them that it will. He did admit that part of the problem is that Hasbro USA has overproduced Bumblebees which continue to clog shelves/pegs, which discourages retailers from ordering more stock.

So yeah... gotta start bugging your local retailers to order more stock from Hasbro AU -- because they have the toys... they're just waiting for retailers to order them in! This is quite different from the usual response I get from retail staff who always claim that they have no idea what Hasbro's gonna send them and when. :/ :confused:

Oh... I've also heard something about possible upcoming TF DVDs/BRs... but erm, I'm not at liberty to disclose details. But watch this space (I'll divulge more if I'm allowed to ;)).

[Sky Shadow]

However he explained to me that Hasbro Australia actually orders virtually every Transformer that Hasbro USA releases, with the exception of limited exclusives (e.g. TFCC, BotCon etc.), but the problem is that retailers aren't ordering the new stock from them!

For example, Hasbro Australia actually did receive First Edition toys which they pitched to retailers, but none of the retailers submitted an order of sufficient size (apparently one retailer only wanted to order 500 for their stores, which is too small an order to make it worthwhile for Hasbro AU to import and distribute), so the FE toys just ended up sitting at Hasbro AU (not sure if they've kept them or sent them back).

This is why Hasbro AU should offer a mail-order service. Not only would they get back those of us who buy our toys online, but they'd endear themselves to the collectors' community and be able to sell their toys without dealing with all the middlemen, thus getting themselves a greater profit. (And not a loss if they end up shipping the toys to Australia and back/trashing them.)

[Decepticon]

Trouble is, Hasbro AU probably have a backlog of older stock (DOTM Bumblebees) sitting in their warehouse to use first. A good example is older DOTM deluxes (BB, Laserbeak) which are currently flooding every Target and the new batch of Ultimate Ops and Commettor/Ops flooding Kmart that I saw today.

[Paulbot]

I showed him my TFPRiD Ratchet and told him about how frustrated I've been searching for this toy for SO DAMN LONG -- and I still haven't found Vehicon and Knock Out yet! :mad:
Chillax. Only one chain has got in the Ratchet/Arcee wave yet, and that was only four or so weeks ago, and no store has got the Vehicon Knock Out wave yet. No need to be mad about it. All those toys are in later waves too.


Anyway, I saw the DOTM Deluxe Prime in truck mode for the first time (with the trailer at Target) and it looks nice in that mode. They should have packaged the other versions of that toy in that mode.

[Tober]

I spoke with a Hasbro dude today and told him... snip, snip ...the usual response I get from retail staff who always claim that they have no idea what Hasbro's gonna send them and when. :/ :confused:

Oh... I've also heard something about possible upcoming TF DVDs/BRs... but erm, I'm not at liberty to disclose details. But watch this space (I'll divulge more if I'm allowed to ;)).

You've never read an Australian Toy Fair report..? :confused:

In all fairness (ha-ha) any rep' at a show is going to attempt to persuade a retailer to stock their product. More Spider Man 3 anyone..?

[griffin]

On what Tober was alluding to... Store BUYERS (at their various head offices) know what is coming from Hasbro, from the annual Toyfair, for up to 6 months (because I've seen their ordering forms listing the actual wave assortments, and listened in on the presentations by Hasbro Reps detailing which important characters are in certain waves).
The staff at individual stores won't know jack... because they don't know what they get until their head office/warehouse (not Hasbro) sends it to their store.

Bugging an individual chain store (Toyworld is an exception) would be pointless, as most are allocated stock, or have automated ordering based on their designated minimum stock quantities (as in, they will only re-order when it gets below X number in stock, and IF their head office/warehouse still has them in stock). And their warehouse will not restock items that are slow moving, because it is a waste of precious floor/racking space. (speaking from experience)

The only people that have any power to increase stock in the stores (except at Toyworld) is the Head Office "Buyers"... the people who go to Toyfair, and will only listen to Hasbro Reps and sales stats on their existing product (to know what's worth re-buying, or not).
This is what the store staff really means when they say they don't know what is coming and when.
Hasbro is not the reason, the Store Chain "Buyers" are. It's why toy companies spend a lot of money on Toyfair to convince those small number of people to stock their product, and keep restocking it. Outside of Toyfair, it is up to Hasbro Reps to keep the "Buyers" coming back if the product doesn't sell well enough... by offering discounts for Store Sales.
And it isn't just with Toys either. It happens with most products, especially in Grocery. All those really big weekly specials of big-brand items in the grocery catalogues are from "Buyers" and suppliers negotiating temporary discounts on their stock to get in a new shipment and sell it fast at the stores. You should see the mountains of Coke and Pepsi we get in our warehouse in the week before a sale... and sometimes it has to be added to a future catalogue because a Buyer managed to get an unplanned good deal (and we end up with 100 pallets of 2-litre Coke taking up space for 3 weeks).


As for the First Edition Prime toys being imported but not sent out anywhere... I find it hard to believe, because their most senior person there for TFs has said twice that they were never planned for release here. And since stores pre-order mainline products, I'd find it very unlikely that they'd import a new line in without it already being mostly pre-ordered. It'd just be too much of a risk. They don't even bother importing store exclusives if they don't have a store signed up for it.

With Hasbro Australia recently telling us that we weren't getting MP10 released here, while TRU said we were, it's difficult to know what to believe from them now.
It'd be great if they did get in a shipment of First Edition toys, which make their way on clearance at Toyworld in a years time, but it just doesn't sound like it's possible.

[GoktimusPrime]

Thanks for clearing that up. :)

[GoktimusPrime]

Transformers Prime Wheeljack's alt mode is mean to be a contemporary Lancia Stratos (known as the Lancia New Stratos)! :eek: :eek: That's pretty damn cool!

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TQZxmYiFxeI/AAAAAAADu_I/D97G8x9S2WA/s1600/New%2BStratos_02.JPG

[i_amtrunks]

For example, Hasbro Australia actually did receive First Edition toys which they pitched to retailers, but none of the retailers submitted an order of sufficient size (apparently one retailer only wanted to order 500 for their stores, which is too small an order to make it worthwhile for Hasbro AU to import and distribute), so the FE toys just ended up sitting at Hasbro AU (not sure if they've kept them or sent them back).

He said that he feels frustrated because retailers think that the new stuff won't sell when they're trying to convince them that it will. He did admit that part of the problem is that Hasbro USA has overproduced Bumblebees which continue to clog shelves/pegs, which discourages retailers from ordering more stock.


Sorry Gok, but this all sounds like the rep saying things you'd want to hear. It makes no sense to import so few figures in hopes that a chain (likely a Mr toys/Toyworld) would pick them up. The good ol' "it
s not our fault, it's the other guys!" shtick! :rolleyes:

I'd like to know if the chain buyers get into big trouble for ordering tonnes of crap toys, I mean even they should know better than to order as many deluxe Bees and Primes as they have over the movie period. The people pushing those purchases are Hasbro reps, so it all comes back to their problem in the end.

[griffin]

Ultimately Hasbro is responsible for a failed line - by having the assortments padded out with Bbee & Optimus, and/or by not working harder to get retailers to restock and generate faster turnover (by discounting when they stagnate - we certainly have room to move on the wholesale price here, being twice what US retailers pay).

[Kapryiath]

i never realised how hard it would be to track down figures from lines like armada/energon/rid for reasonable prices that i passed up as i was growing up !! <much angry faces inseted here > energon omega supreme i'm looking at you!
perhaps not the right place to post this little rant but oh well

[KalEl]

i never realised how hard it would be to track down figures from lines like armada/energon/rid for reasonable prices that i passed up as i was growing up !! <much angry faces inseted here > energon omega supreme i'm looking at you!
perhaps not the right place to post this little rant but oh well

yeah omega is kind of expensive

[Cat]

i never realised how hard it would be to track down figures from lines like armada/energon/rid for reasonable prices that i passed up as i was growing up !! <much angry faces inseted here > energon omega supreme i'm looking at you!
perhaps not the right place to post this little rant but oh well

Hah. I remember ignoring shelves of Energon Supreme that were clearanced for $12.

[Kapryiath]

Haha :( can't find a complete version for less than like 150 :( :(

[GoktimusPrime]

Energon Omega Supreme was freaking expensive when it came out... can't remember the exact price now, but it was definitely over a hundred. Not worth it IMO... it's essentially an oversized and overpriced Mega Pretender shell for Energon Optimus Prime. :rolleyes: The Headmaster gimmick is pretty neat, especially how the neck transforms into another head (so if you lose the Mini-Con, it still has a head, unlike G1 Headmasters). Shame they never bothered to name that Headmaster Mini-Con. I call him "Omega Spreem." ;) But yeah... still not worth paying a three digit sum.

[Kapryiath]

see funny thing about that . i actually reallllllyyy like the look of it , the pretender shell gimmick no so much seems it really is just omega with a prime head and thats kkinds lame , but the figure itself looks real cool imo :)

i loe this aspect of being involvd with a bunch of people who collect transformers :) opinions :P i love that one cllectors trash figures is another persons favorites :D its cool to see that whilst each figure doesnt necasarily reach 100% of the community. it has some love somewhere :D

[GoktimusPrime]

The sculpting and colours are fine... but the engineering is quite underwhelmingly simple for so expensive a toy. I wouldn't pan this toy out so much if it were _cheaper_. :rolleyes: Little wonder that it shelfwarmed badly for so long when it came out. I would recommend having a look at someone else's Energon Omega Supreme IRL before deciding whether or not you want to throw your money at it (try before you buy). :)

[SuspectimusPrime]

Hah. I remember ignoring shelves of Energon Supreme that were clearanced for $12.

At that price you should have bought several!

If not to play/collect, it would probably still be useful as bookends or as a foot rest!

[griffin]

If you want a particular Transformers toy, go for it... even if it was a sucky toy to some, there are others who probably liked it.
(Omega wasn't an engineering marvel, but compared to the rest of Energon, Omega Supreme was actually one of the better toys... which says something about the rest of Energon :p )

[Cat]

At that price you should have bought several!

If not to play/collect, it would probably still be useful as bookends or as a foot rest!

Hah.

I could have done the easy thing and bought every single one, but what kind of person would that make me? That's not something I'd be proud of.

I wasn't interested in the figure at all, and left them all there, where I'd like to think some kids at least got a few of them.

I did get Unicron and Primus at great deals too ($15 for Unicron, and I think Primus was around $30, and had the Unicron head)

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

yeah omega is kind of expensive

Coz he is better than the rest.. :p

Speaking of the Unicron trilogy, I am playing through the Armada game on PS2 and am up to the fight against Tidal Wave. I just blasted him in the face twice with 'Hailstorm' who gives cluster rockets (four rockets in one shot) and Tidal wave waggled his finger at me, and calmly stepped out of range of ALL of my weapons, then he proceeded to barrage my position with a LOT of mortar fire.

Brilliant!

I'd never seen him waggle and retreat like that before. I've played this game plenty of times, and got it from release. So, in 8 years he whipped out something new for me! Amazing!:D

Now I just have to tempt the guy to get back in close. More hiding behind mountains I guess...

[Deonasis]

^that is very cool. I like when they add extra behaviours like that.

I've been looking at pics of RID Optimus Prime and saw his vechical mode without his armour attached. I lol'd at the red tuk tuk he forms :D I don't own the figure of course (or seen the show) but I never expected to see that lololol!

[Tabias Prime]

Energon Grimlock has heel spurs! WHAAAAT? Why didn't I see this before???

I had the same epiphany about 6 months ago. I like the figure, except maybe for the lack of waist line and the arms falling down, I sorted that issue out:p
And he looks way nicer with the classics Grimlock head:D:D:D

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd33/Tabias_Prime/P6020011.jpg

[GoktimusPrime]

I've been looking at pics of RID Optimus Prime and saw his vechical mode without his armour attached. I lol'd at the red tuk tuk he forms :D I don't own the figure of course (or seen the show) but I never expected to see that lololol!
The front section can actually roll as a tuk-tuk too, because the pistol forms a third supportive wheel! The vehicle mode itself is a Hino Brandbilar (http://fire-engine-photos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/213.jpg) :)

[GoktimusPrime]

Stumbled across this site (http://www18.tok2.com/home/jackhama/transformers/index.html) while searching for images of the Beast Wars Trading Cards... it has images of various Transformers collectible stickers and cards dating back to 1980s G1 to Galaxy Force 2005! :eek:

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Just re-discovered (I think, it could be new, but I am going to assume I knew before) that Super-Con Optimus from Armada can have Over-run mounted on the back of his truck for a little artillery truck.

What an awesome toy!!

[griffin]

For example, Hasbro Australia actually did receive First Edition toys which they pitched to retailers, but none of the retailers submitted an order of sufficient size (apparently one retailer only wanted to order 500 for their stores, which is too small an order to make it worthwhile for Hasbro AU to import and distribute), so the FE toys just ended up sitting at Hasbro AU (not sure if they've kept them or sent them back).

This now makes more sense after SDCC yesterday announcing a second attempt at releasing First Edition to stores later this year.
These FE samples would have been for the upcoming November release, not the first released (Dec 2011 - Feb 2012)... which was when Hasbro were saying that they didn't even try to import them.
So at least on this occasion, it wasn't them changing their story - it was actually two different instances they were referring to. First time no, second time, tried but failed to impress the retailers.

(I doubt they would have had more than a dozen samples though... which would probably occur with any new line - and probably end up going to the homes of someone at Hasbro or the retailer Reps they were given to.)

[Firestorm]

whenever I saw pictures of first edition cliffjumper online or watched video reviews of him his chest always kinda bugged me since it barely split and looked basically like Cliff had a big square block for his chest, actually having him in hand I discovered that his chest actually splits much further than pictures had me believe and that if you push the rear headlights up a little further on his chest they are actually molded to push the car roof halvs back at an angle to give cliff a bigger split in his chest and a more angled look to his chest really happy with how he looks now :)

edit: pics
Before http://i49.tinypic.com/14t31pv.jpg After http://i46.tinypic.com/t5ksnr.jpg

Before http://i50.tinypic.com/2lsuuyp.jpg After http://i47.tinypic.com/ddxg5.jpg

not a huge differance but I feel he does look better now

[GoktimusPrime]

Does it affect the transformation?

[Firestorm]

not at all, this isn't a kitbash, you just push the rear headlights up a little further to hold the roof halves apart

[GoktimusPrime]

Oh right! So it's a custom transformation. ;) Cool... might try it later. :)

[M-bot]

RTS Jazz has those cool speakers that fold forward from the doors. What I didn't realise is that they can detach from the doors and attach to his gun as well.

Only discovered this when I was looking at the instructions for GDO Wheelie (a reprint of the same mold). What was odd about that is that the instructions have Wheelie's head mold but Jazz's gun, even though Wheelie comes with a slingshot.

[GoktimusPrime]

G1 Season 3 is set in the year 2010 in Japanese continuity... yet the Japanese dub of TFTM still says that it's set in 2005. This means that five years have passed between the events of TFTM and TF2010, and yet Daniel still looks the same!! :eek:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3tmCaJmd3qE#t=250s <---if you listen carefully you can hear the narrator say "Chikyuureki nisengo-nen" (地球暦二千五年) which means "Earth Year 2005" ... z O M G ! JP continuity Daniel must be like ... some sort of Gary Coleman!

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/whatchootalkinbout.jpg

[SuspectimusPrime]

Just realised that United Scourge's eyes are red as opposed to the blue eyes on the Generations mould :p

Also, whilst re-reading LSotW, I think I've found Animated Lugnut (well, or at least RTS Lugnut) in a cameo in one of the frames! 90% sure, as he's a pretty unique looking bot..
Clue: Issue #1 :p

[GoktimusPrime]

Just noticed today -- BotShots Starscream and Acid Storm are F22 Raptors. :p Also, FoC Soundblaster (and thus probably Soundwave too) has woofers under his chest panel. :) Soundblaster's left fist also has the index finger out as if holding a trigger (talk about adding insult to injury). (-_-) Although I guess you could use it to pose him as if he were pressing his own eject button... looks awkward but. :/

[Magnus]

It must have been months before I found this, but '07 Leader class Brawl has two buttons on his secondary turret that when pressed make the same noises as rotating the secondary turret (the machine gun and the rockets firing).

[Paulbot]

I found out the other day that with Energon Omega Supreme, you can transform the connecting point for the headmaster, by pulling it up to reveal eyes and make into a (small) head for the figure.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdh3e37o7U1qbguy1o1_500.jpg

(I note Goktimus did mention it a while ago, but I missed that comment and hadn't never seen it until I did it myself)

[Paulbot]

I've also learnt something from Trent's photos in the FOC Disc 2-packs review thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=14807)

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdh6feaz1D1qbguy1o1_400.jpg

I had assumed that the new Soundwave/Blaster would eject the discs from the "tape deck style window", not that the whole chest would swing down. I also assumed the discs would shoot out like Depth Charge's power pizzas.

I wasn't keen on buying these toys, but this made up my mind that I wouldn't be.

[KalEl]

I found out the other day that with Energon Omega Supreme, you can transform the connecting point for the headmaster, by pulling it up to reveal eyes and make into a (small) head for the figure.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdh3e37o7U1qbguy1o1_500.jpg

(I note Goktimus did mention it a while ago, but I missed that comment and hadn't never seen it until I did it myself)

i love this gimmick so much

[Hursticon]

I found out the other day that with Energon Omega Supreme, you can transform the connecting point for the headmaster, by pulling it up to reveal eyes and make into a (small) head for the figure.
*snip*

(I note Goktimus did mention it a while ago, but I missed that comment and hadn't never seen it until I did it myself)

It's kinda cool huh? - If I remember correctly, Eric Siebenaler incorporated it into the toy's design as a direct result of his own experiences as a kid with the original G1 Headmasters & loosing the heads - Rendering one with a headless toy, this was his answer to such a circumstance. :)

[aaron2]

Is it true that United Scourge's eyes are red as opposed to the blue eyes on the Generations mould?????????

[5FDP]

Is it true that United Scourge's eyes are red as opposed to the blue eyes on the Generations mould?????????

Yes (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Scourge_%28G1%29#United)

[GoktimusPrime]

"What?! Do I hear a Fuzor in need of voice box repair?! I am able! Just ask Bantor. He was all mandrill until I put a tiger in his tank!" - Ratchet (Transformers Prime Ep 31)
:D

P.S.: In the episode "Nemesis Prime," Agent Fowler is listening to The Touch (albeit without lyrics and a different score - but unmistakably the same tune :))

[Jetfire in the sky]

"What?! Do I hear a Fuzor in need of voice box repair?! I am able! Just ask Bantor. He was all mandrill until I put a tiger in his tank!" - Ratchet (Transformers Prime Ep 31)
:D

P.S.: In the episode "Nemesis Prime," Agent Fowler is listening to The Touch (albeit without lyrics and a different score - but unmistakably the same tune :))

There are a number of of great references in the series, even some subtle pay outs of Bay's movies. Sorry I can't quote them as my brain doesn't hold that type of information, but they are there.
I almost wet my pants when I heard "The Touch".

[Ravagecat]

"What?! Do I hear a Fuzor in need of voice box repair?! I am able! Just ask Bantor. He was all mandrill until I put a tiger in his tank!" - Ratchet (Transformers Prime Ep 31)
:D ...Snip!...

I think there may be a dual meaning to this quote from Ratchet when he was delerious in that episode. The fuel company Esso used to have a slogan "put a tiger in your tank" as part of thier advertising campaign and you could purchase fuel caps with little tiger tails hanging from them :D

[GoktimusPrime]

Just started watching TF Prime in Japanese... the way they all ('cept Bumblebee) shout "TRANSFOOOOORM!" as they transform is... odd. It makes the show feel more "watered down for kids," which is typical of how post G1 TF series in JP are treated. :rolleyes: And I don't know if I'll ever get used to watching Transformers in Japanese and hearing them use "Autobot," "Decepticon", "Optimus Prime," "Bumblebee," and "Cybertron-Sei" instead of "Cybertron," "Destron," "Convoy", "Bumble" and "Sabretron-Sei". :o The Japanese voice for Starscream tries to emulate what Steven Blum does in terms of modulating from dark and gritty to high pitched, but the high end voice rises up too high and too quickly for my liking (sounds like he's trying to go from Blum to Latta).

The first time we see the Autobots arrive to fight the Vehicons, we see each Autobot come out of the Ground Bridge and shout their name followed by "Transform!" e.g. "Optimus Prime, Transfooooorm!" <transforms> -- then the last one is Bumblebee, who just flies out, says nothing, and transforms! lolololol Stupid mute. :p

I must admit that the scene where Optimus Prime introduces himself to the kids and says, "We are Super Robot Life Forms from the planet Cybertron," gave me a really cool buzz. :D It was cool how the original English version homaged the movie by saying "Autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron," but the Japanese version harks back to the original title for G1 in Japan in the 1980s, so that's pretty cool for JP audiences.

Disclaimer: By watching the JP dubs I'm not by any means saying that dubs are better or whatever... I've already watched the entire series in its original English form and I own all of Seasons 1 and 2 on DVD. A friend of mine just sent me a free copy of TF Prime in Japanese, so I'm just watching it for the sheer novelty of it. I still always prefer watching anything in its original intended language. Kthanks. :)

[Jetfire in the sky]

The first time we see the Autobots arrive to fight the Vehicons, we see each Autobot come out of the Ground Bridge and shout their name followed by "Transform!" e.g. "Optimus Prime, Transfooooorm!" <transforms> -- then the last one is Bumblebee, who just flies out, says nothing, and transforms! lolololol Stupid mute. :p


LOL, I've been re-watching RID (haven't watched it since it first came out) and they are doing the same type of thing, but in English of course. I guess its all a follow on from Beast Wars and isn't all bad :) But telling us the type of weapon attack! That is very Japanese anime. :p

[GoktimusPrime]

LOL, I've been re-watching RID (haven't watched it since it first came out) and they are doing the same type of thing, but in English of course. I guess its all a follow on from Beast Wars and isn't all bad :) But telling us the type of weapon attack! That is very Japanese anime. :p
It's also incredibly silly since it tells the enemy what you're doing. :p (believe it or not, but some martial arts schools do this too...) - but it's not uniquely Japanese... the original English language version of Beast Wars had them yelling out their "activation codes" too, especially in the earlier episodes. Thankfully they toned it down in later eps. I just saw episode 2 earlier this evening, and I noticed that when Optimus Prime ground bridged back to base, he just transformed without saying anything. So it seems to just be some kind of battle cry. :/

[Bidoofdude]

Just watched the Japanese Scramble City "bonus episode" and I'm impressed.
I now suddenly get the whole scramble city thing with Metroplex and the interchangable combiners.
And I have to say, as I get it now, it makes me 10 times more appreciative of the actual Scramble City combiners, which makes me want them so badly now.

I didn't notice that Metroplex is basically a particular size to fit the scramble city limb bots, until I watched it.
I don't know which to get first now. It's kind of put me of Devy.
I think I might go for Bruticus or Superion first, but Menasor and Metroplex are tempting me too.
So frustrating but I LOVE the scramble city series now. :D:cool:

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I didn't realise that FOC Onslaught could actually fit together properly in vehicle mode. So many times I have transformed him and it's juts been a total mess of ill-fitting parts and floppy bits all over the place.

the other night I was messing about with him before bed, and blow me down, he just fell into place as a rather solid looking (from the front) vehicle mode. And to top it off, the twin guns fit on reasonably easy and pointed forwards!

I KNOW RIGHT!

He still looks like a ball of crap though, but wow. I just thought he was sacrificed so much for Bruticus that his vehicle mode just didn't work at all.

[GoktimusPrime]

It half works... just don't look at it from behind. :p

[Jetfire in the sky]

I don't know if this has been said because I haven't read the thread. But the thing I never realised about Transformers (in 1985) is that I would still be collecting them 28 years later!!! And loving it more than ever, just not playing with them like some other people on here *looks Gok's way* and *shakes head*
:D:D

[GoktimusPrime]

And loving it more than ever, just not playing with them like some other people on here *looks Gok's way* and *shakes head*
:D:D
Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! :p
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/th_pewpewgirl.gif

[Jetfire in the sky]

LOL, I've never been pew pewed by such a hottie :D Anytime :)

[Firestorm]

I didn't realise (know) that the packaging for Transformers Prime figures was much smaller in the UK then here and in America till Iron-Kup arrived yesterday
http://i46.tinypic.com/xfzq74.jpg
it somehow makes the toy inside feel even smaller.....

[Gouki]

I didn't realise (know) that the packaging for Transformers Prime figures was much smaller in the UK then here and in America till Iron-Kup arrived yesterday
http://i46.tinypic.com/xfzq74.jpg
it somehow makes the toy inside feel even smaller.....

I'd say it makes the toy look bigger myself.

[Paulbot]

I'd say it makes the toy look bigger myself.

That's my thought too. I got a Knockout from the UK and IMO the card is more appropriate size for both the toy and just in general.

[Firestorm]

I'd say it makes the toy look bigger myself.


That's my thought too. I got a Knockout from the UK and IMO the card is more appropriate size for both the toy and just in general.

fair point, on it's own it does make it seem bigger, but at the same time makes it seem like a different smaller size class instead of deluxe

[SuspectimusPrime]

I didn't realise (know) that the packaging for Transformers Prime figures was much smaller in the UK then here and in America till Iron-Kup arrived yesterday
*snip*
it somehow makes the toy inside feel even smaller.....

Is it the same for Generations figures? Perhaps they're just not as fussed over the illusion of size like in the US.

[griffin]

They were selling those smaller, multi-lingual ones in Singapore as well.

[GoktimusPrime]

The weapons on the Wave 2 FoC toys are actually based on weapons from the game.
+ Kickback's weapon is the Gear Shredder
+ Starscream's weapon is the Neutron Assault Rifle
+ Sideswipe's weapon is the Path Blaster
+ Ultra Magnus' sword is the same used by Optimus Prime in Fall of Cybertron

This is a pretty cool concept! We all know that it's not practical for Hasbro to sell specialised accessories on their own, but to produce them as accessories for toys - now that's neat! By getting Ultra Magnus, collectors can put his sword on FoC Optimus Prime! :D I hope Hasbro does more of this. :) FWIW I think the execution of the Gear Shredder and Path Blaster wasn't that great (the Gear Shredder would've been better if it were packaged with a Voyager like Soundwave/Soundblaster) -- Ultra Magnus' sword is okay, and the Neutron Assault Rifle is actually quite good. But I like the concept and I hope Hasbro builds on it in future. Imagine if a future Voyager TFP Optimus Prime came with a mouthed face, and the head was compatible with previous Voyager TFP OPs, and likewise for TFP Wheeljack (this is probably what they _should_ have done with Beast Hunters)

[KalEl]

The weapons on the Wave 2 FoC toys are actually based on weapons from the game.
+ Kickback's weapon is the Gear Shredder
+ Starscream's weapon is the Neutron Assault Rifle
+ Sideswipe's weapon is the Path Blaster
+ Ultra Magnus' sword is the same used by Optimus Prime in Fall of Cybertron

This is a pretty cool concept! We all know that it's not practical for Hasbro to sell specialised accessories on their own, but to produce them as accessories for toys - now that's neat! By getting Ultra Magnus, collectors can put his sword on FoC Optimus Prime! :D I hope Hasbro does more of this. :) FWIW I think the execution of the Gear Shredder and Path Blaster wasn't that great (the Gear Shredder would've been better if it were packaged with a Voyager like Soundwave/Soundblaster) -- Ultra Magnus' sword is okay, and the Neutron Assault Rifle is actually quite good. But I like the concept and I hope Hasbro builds on it in future. Imagine if a future Voyager TFP Optimus Prime came with a mouthed face, and the head was compatible with previous Voyager TFP OPs, and likewise for TFP Wheeljack (this is probably what they _should_ have done with Beast Hunters)

starscreams weapon as is very reminiscent of the scrapmaker

[GoktimusPrime]

http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Neutron_assault_rifle
http://tfwiki.net/wiki/X18_Scrapmaker

[Jetfire in the sky]

I just realised that RID Ultra Magnus is pretty much a homage to this............
http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:PrototypeTHB.jpg

[SuspectimusPrime]

I just realised that RID Ultra Magnus is pretty much a homage to this............
http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:PrototypeTHB.jpg

Makes me appreciate that toy even more :) It's amazing how they took that basic idea and integrated it to make the 3kg(?) Omega Prime.

[KalEl]

http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Neutron_assault_rifle
http://tfwiki.net/wiki/X18_Scrapmaker

I stand corrected haha

[KalEl]

I just realised that RID Ultra Magnus is pretty much a homage to this............
http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:PrototypeTHB.jpg

Partsformer! Partsformer! Partsformer!
lol

But seriously i have never seen that before.

[Paulbot]

I've never realised that's Slag's tail is connected via a joint to his back. I was looking at a G2 Slag on eBay and the seller had taken profile views.

I've always (wrongly) assumed his tail folded onto his legs (like Grimlock, Sludge and Snarl).

http://24.media.tumblr.com/6c55b1f5cae1b36042fc73d00afa7667/tumblr_mii8zem9Xd1qbguy1o1_500.jpg

[griffin]

I just came across this similar topic (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/801581-interesting-weird-molded-details-youve-found-your-transformers.html) on TFW yesterday. It had me checking out quite a few of my toys for all those hidden sculpted details, because I never noticed most of them.
The sculpted AND painted slingshot on the Legends Wheelie toy was an interesting one.
But the one I found to be the most amazing one was the Titanium War Within Optimus - the gun has moulded into it, Don Figuroea's signature! Who else can boast having their signature sculpted into a Transformers toy.

[lancalot]

was transforming the alternity optimus and saw that the eyes was very bright :eek: that the top back of his head was clear so making his eyes glow...so cool... they should of done that to mp10 !! lol

[Slag]

I've always (wrongly) assumed his tail folded onto his legs (like Grimlock, Sludge and Snarl).



That probably would've been a better design if it did.. getting that tail past the legs during transformation can be a bit tricky.
The amount of times you see pics where the tail has been left in the front position, so wrong. :p

[KalEl]

I just came across this similar topic (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/801581-interesting-weird-molded-details-youve-found-your-transformers.html) on TFW yesterday. It had me checking out quite a few of my toys for all those hidden sculpted details, because I never noticed most of them.
The sculpted AND painted slingshot on the Legends Wheelie toy was an interesting one.
But the one I found to be the most amazing one was the Titanium War Within Optimus - the gun has moulded into it, Don Figuroea's signature! Who else can boast having their signature sculpted into a Transformers toy.

That's crazy! His signature?! some of those i knew, some i didn't. Makes me want to dig through my figures and look :)

[Bidoofdude]

MP-10 has painted eyes on his Hasbro figure, to give him a more cartoon look.
That is what we call light-piping. Many figures have it and it gives a very nice look, though can make some heads look kind of... incomplete.;)

[SuspectimusPrime]

I've just learnt of Double Pretenders (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Double_Pretender) :) I generally don't collect G1 but have a fondness for these monstrosities through the reading Marvel US comics and Regeneration One - (slim chance, but) would love to see what Furman does with these guys in Regeneration One!

Edit: It's good to know that despite not making it into G1 (as Double Pretenders) Lions (or Cheetahs), Gorillas and Spider-like monsters (http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/PretendersDoubleBC96Displ.html) were able to make it into Beast Wars! A tad far-fetched? Well I see some correlation! :p

http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/PretendersDoubleBC96Displ3a.jpg
Via: http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/PretendersDoubleBC96Displ.html

[GoktimusPrime]

Wow! I never knew about those either! :) Interesting to see that they were likely a precursor to Pretender Monsters - which would also help to explain why the Pretender Monster robots are so small (i.e. you can fit 2 of them into 1 large sized Pretender shell). And of course, there are 6 Pretender Monsters, and even number. It's fairly circumstantial 'evidence', but it's a plausible fan theory. :cool:

[Jinto]

I realised that Transformers Animated is full of sound effects from Stargate (particularly the 'Zat') and Robocop 2.

[5FDP]

I realised that Transformers Animated is full of sound effects from Stargate (particularly the 'Zat') and Robocop 2.

Not uncommon. The G1 cartoons feature many sound effects found in the Star Wars movies.

[Bidoofdude]

I love the lightsaber sounds in G1. They bring back a bit of memory for me.:cool:;)

[DELTAprime]

I never realized till I started my new job how much Takara Tomy stuff is sold in Australia under the Tomy brand and none of it is Transformers :(

[GoktimusPrime]

I never realized till I started my new job how much Takara Tomy stuff is sold in Australia under the Tomy brand and none of it is Transformers :(
That's because Hasbro and Takara have a contract between them which forbids them from "cross contaminating" each other's markets. Tomy can sell Thomas the Tank Engine toys here, because Hasbro doesn't own the rights to that here. They can sell Transformers in each other's markets in special cases where they have obtained permission from the other party.

e.g. toys like MP02 Ultra Magnus, MP04 Convoy Perfect Model, MP Ghost Starscream, DotM Jetwing Optimus Prime etc. are all Takara(TOMY) toys that Hasbro was able to distribute for sale here in Australian stores because they had special permission from Takara(TOMY). But normally Hasbro and TakTOM don't sell their Transformers in each other's markets.

[Thundercracker]

Here's my FOC/generations shockwave gun mode

http://members.optushome.com.au/serpoohi/FOC-Shockwave-Gun-mode.jpg

No mods or tricky transform. Pretty comfortable to hold for such a small figure. The trigger is handy and it has front and rear sight posts like a conventional pistol. I like it better than other people's gun modes i've seen around the net.

[SMHFConvoy]

I just realised that Dreadwing's cannon is actually his alt mode's engine and propelling nozzle. In robot mode it's his spine. Bad. Ass.

[KalEl]

I just realised that Dreadwing's cannon is actually his alt mode's engine and propelling nozzle. In robot mode it's his spine. Bad. Ass.

very freakin cool

[The Scream Man]

Classics/Henkei Infernos' forearms have 2 plates of "armor" that rotate backward (which imo improves the look of robot mode) and i only realised that early last year. super sad face when i got the Grapple repaint to find it didn't have that feature!

huh. never knew this one!

[Firestorm]

While looking for a cheap Arms Micron Jet Vehicon online I noticed something
on Jet Vehicon's CG art on the box he still has car wheels on his shoulders and knees, but on Jet Vehicon General's art the wheels are gone, just a random observation

[GoktimusPrime]

Someone else pointed this out to me on my FB...

The Year of the Snake Platinum Edition packaging is mean to look like Chinese "Otoshidama (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_envelope)" (small envelopes that people put money in to give to children to celebrate the new year) :eek:

That makes sense now. :)

[Ravagecat]

So I was putting my Decoys back in their Boxes a few weeks ago and wanted to put them in the same order they came out (I had written names not numbers on a piece of paper when I first took them out). When I got to the seekers and Sideswipe/Red alert I couldn't remember who was who as far as the decoys are concerned because they are all the same colour. I thought about looking their numbers up but then realised that on mine at least (japanese box set/s) their names are stamped on the back of them in Japanese Katakana :)
I have been self teaching myself Japanese for a year or two now so was excited to translate them (with my smartphone app of course ;) ) anyway, I was able to work out who was who :)

example below:

http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p498/ravagecat/Starscreamdecoy_zps77ad3781.jpg (http://s1152.photobucket.com/user/ravagecat/media/Starscreamdecoy_zps77ad3781.jpg.html)

Pretty sure this one is Starsream.
On his right leg it reads スタースクリーム　or SU TA - SU KU RI - MU

:cool:

[Paulbot]

I'm one who likes the colours too. Not because it is supposed to be like Gen1 Gnaw/Sharkticon (which is actually more light-grey and purple than this), but because it reminds me more of the entire 1988 Decepticon theme (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/collection/c02s4.jpg), in which almost every toy had either grey, purple or blue on it.
Heh. I've never consciously notes that. But yes the 88 range of cons do have a rather consistent colour scheme. The pinky/purple is the other palette colour, and inside the shells all the Pretenders have a mix of those colours too.

The only bright exceptions are the Firecons. Windsweeper is a little odd man out too but that makes sense if you swap him with the blue Dogfight (as many believe is the case based on their guns).

And had Overlord been released in Western, and not just Asian, markets that year? He'd fit in too!

[GoktimusPrime]

So I was putting my Decoys back in their Boxes a few weeks ago and wanted to put them in the same order they came out (I had written names not numbers on a piece of paper when I first took them out). When I got to the seekers and Sideswipe/Red alert I couldn't remember who was who as far as the decoys are concerned because they are all the same colour. I thought about looking their numbers up but then realised that on mine at least (japanese box set/s) their names are stamped on the back of them in Japanese Katakana :)
I have been self teaching myself Japanese for a year or two now so was excited to translate them (with my smartphone app of course ;) ) anyway, I was able to work out who was who :)

example below:

http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p498/ravagecat/th_Starscreamdecoy_zps77ad3781.jpg

Pretty sure this one is Starsream.
On his right leg it reads スタースクリーム　or SU TA - SU KU RI - MU

:cool:
Yeah, that's Starscream. The Seekers also have different poses too. All the Decoys have their names printed on them, including the Hasbro ones (my decoys were all locally bought and all have names printed in Japanese on them). :)

[Geminii]

Sludge has no eyes as a dinosaur:(:(:(

So, show-accurate? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77jiIWuVvT0&feature=player_detailpage#t=26s) :)

[GoktimusPrime]

Although Captimus Prime doesn't come with any weapons, his hands are moulded so that they're compatible with any 5mm post weapons! :D (this means he can hold the original G1 Optimus Prime's rifle!) :D
http://otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=363197&postcount=2150

[SMHFConvoy]

Holeee! This might be a Beast Hunter spoiler:
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
I just realised that the ring that the dragon assault spinning cannons are mounted on the ultimate BH prime is actually the omega lock.

[DELTAprime]

I just realized last night looking at Seibertron's pics from SDCC how bad your average person is at Transforming modern TFs. Metroplex had his crotch and thighs back to front (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/sdcc-2013-coverage-transformers-generations-preview-night-gallery/27916/), Dreadwing is a mess (http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/sdcc-2013-coverage-transformers-generations-voyager-whirl-and-deluxe-dreadwing-p1504072.php#p1504072), and the less said about Acid Storm, Omega Supreme and Frenzy/Rumble the better (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/sdcc-2013-coverage-preview-night-masterpieces-platinum-editions-and-linkin-park-soundwave-gallery/27919/).

Maybe Hasbro is on to something with their upsized Legions.

[SuspectimusPrime]

I just realized last night looking at Seibertron's pics from SDCC how bad your average person is at Transforming modern TFs. Metroplex had his crotch and thighs back to front (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/sdcc-2013-coverage-transformers-generations-preview-night-gallery/27916/), Dreadwing is a mess (http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/sdcc-2013-coverage-transformers-generations-voyager-whirl-and-deluxe-dreadwing-p1504072.php#p1504072), and the less said about Acid Storm, Omega Supreme and Frenzy/Rumble the better (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/sdcc-2013-coverage-preview-night-masterpieces-platinum-editions-and-linkin-park-soundwave-gallery/27919/).

Maybe Hasbro is on to something with their upsized Legions.

Perhaps it's just the people setting up the displays or the photographers (as soon in mistransformed product reveals). Although I don't understand why they couldn't have hired a skilled professional who is also a fan, which may result in achieving both tasks with an obvious flow on effect to quality of pics & sales volume.

[GoktimusPrime]

I don't know about convention displays, but I know with Hasbro's stock photography that they send the toys to professional photographers who take photos and send them to Hasbro. The photographers aren't fans, so they sometimes make mistakes.


Perhaps it's just the people setting up the displays or the photographers (as soon in mistransformed product reveals). Although I don't understand why they couldn't have hired a skilled professional who is also a fan, which may result in achieving both tasks with an obvious flow on effect to quality of pics & sales volume.
Yeah, or just tell the photographer to use the instructions (which are meant for children) and if the photos come back with mistransformations, tell the photographers to do it again because they stuffed up. I don't know what Takara(TOMY) does, but they rarely ever have mistransformations in their toy photography. And their photos aren't nearly as heavily doctored as Hasbro's either.

[SuspectimusPrime]

Was watching 'Flight of the Navigator' - a 1986 movie we begrudgingly watched during primary school whenever it rained, and came across this scene with a minty mint-mint G1 Shrapnel that made me smile:

http://dinosaurdracula.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/31.jpg
via: http://dinosaurdracula.com/blog/flight-of-the-navigator-toys/

Whilst I was googling up the pics above, I found something else very cool - see if you can spot the Transformer(s) in Aliens:

http://stashbox.org/1055772/333edImage.jpg
via Seibertron (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/358324-g1-shockwave-toy-featured-james-camerons-aliens-film.html) (hyperlinked to hide spoiler ;))

[Hursticon]

Was watching 'Flight of the Navigator' - a 1986 movie we begrudgingly watched during primary school whenever it rained, and came across this scene with a minty mint-mint G1 Shrapnel that made me smile:

*snip*

Whilst I was googling up the pics above, I found something else very cool - see if you can spot the Transformer(s) in Aliens:

*snip*

via Seibertron (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/358324-g1-shockwave-toy-featured-james-camerons-aliens-film.html) (hyperlinked to hide spoiler ;))

Oh WOW!!! :eek::eek::eek:
Now that is creative repurposing if I ever saw it, how the hell did someone pick that? :eek:

[lancalot]

Was watching 'Flight of the Navigator' - a 1986 movie we begrudgingly watched during primary school whenever it rained, and came across this scene with a minty mint-mint G1 Shrapnel that made me smile:

http://dinosaurdracula.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/31.jpg
via: http://dinosaurdracula.com/blog/flight-of-the-navigator-toys/

Whilst I was googling up the pics above, I found something else very cool - see if you can spot the Transformer(s) in Aliens:

http://stashbox.org/1055772/333edImage.jpg
via Seibertron (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/358324-g1-shockwave-toy-featured-james-camerons-aliens-film.html) (hyperlinked to hide spoiler ;))

:eek: had to look twice to see it....that so cool!! someone got very sharp eye

[GoktimusPrime]

mind officially blown! :eek:

P.S.: they're actually "Shackwaves," but still -- very very cool find! :D

[VERT]

Seen Aliens 100s of times. Was obsessed with it. HOW DID I MISS THAT! :eek:

[GoktimusPrime]

He has a perception filter. ;)

[Stug]

P.S.: they're actually "Shackwaves," but still -- very very cool find! :D

I'd say they're definately Shackwaves because they would not be the only things on that set sourced from Tandy! The table top game (front and centre in the shot) is a silver painted "Super Copter" - I got one for Christmas way back when!! :)

[GoktimusPrime]

Heh, well, the colour gives it away, especially the clear transparent fist and arm gun (which are transparent purple on Shockwave).

[Trent]

:eek: had to look twice to see it....that so cool!! someone got very sharp eye

Took me a minute to find ol shackers but that's very cool. And I used to have Flight of the Navigator on video as a kid and would have watched it weekly, and never noticed that Shrapnel either. Strange.

[Geminii]

Took me a minute to find ol shackers

Did you spot the second one? :)

[Paulbot]

This is a bit embarrassing, but I've been sorting out Cyber Planet Keys to match them up with Cybertron figures, and have only just realised that the first letter of the code represents the size class: s for scout, d for deluxe, etc :o

[DELTAprime]

This is a bit embarrassing, but I've been sorting out Cyber Planet Keys to match them up with Cybertron figures, and have only just realised that the first letter of the code represents the size class: s for scout, d for deluxe, etc :o

Really, I never realised myself. Thanks for the tip!

[GoktimusPrime]

Reveal the Shield Deluxe "G2 Laser" Optimus Prime has the Matrix sculpted inside his chest. :o

[SuspectimusPrime]

Reveal the Shield Deluxe "G2 Laser" Optimus Prime has the Matrix sculpted inside his chest. :o

Given your attention to detail, I am surprised you missed that one!

[GoktimusPrime]

Heh. I'm not sure if I really have only recently noticed it, or maybe I noticed it before then forgot about it. Gah. :p

[The_Damned]

Reveal the Shield Deluxe "G2 Laser" Optimus Prime has the Matrix sculpted inside his chest. :o

"runs to have a look" lol thanks never noticed that before

[Sinnertwin]

TFPBH Leigon Class Prowl has a removable lightbar compatible with other Legion and Commander class figures. I always assumed it was a permanent feature despite him being a repaint :o

[ILikeSoundwave]

TFPBH Leigon Class Prowl has a removable lightbar compatible with other Legion and Commander class figures. I always assumed it was a permanent feature despite him being a repaint :o

Really! Going to try that right away. Never realised that either:o

[KalEl]

This is a bit embarrassing, but I've been sorting out Cyber Planet Keys to match them up with Cybertron figures, and have only just realised that the first letter of the code represents the size class: s for scout, d for deluxe, etc :o

hehe i never took notice either :P

[liegeprime]

I just learned how freakin hard it is to harvest parts from old G1 (later years)... I broke my Getaway yesterday while playing with it, luckily Ive got a spare in parts that I was planning to give an H2O2 bath, but ended up now as spare parts. I thought it would've been a simple swap, but nope, I ended up having to disassemble the whole toy - except for the feet - coz all the parts are interlocked and I can tjust loosen the back part and yank the part broken off, gaaah!! Took me an hour and a half ( mebbe more) just to reassemble the toy properly... which I gave an H2o2 crème treatment coz now the parts don't match in whiteness... 1 day after - viola! uber-white toy, that H2O2 crème works wonders! heheheh:D
Anyways, yeah, I learned now that a simple looking toy (brick G1) is not so simple at all. It's got heaps of parts, and wotnot assembled into one simple looking toy....makes me appreciate G1 toys even more after seeing how complex the parts connect and interlock.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/liegeprime/2013%20Acquisitions/DSC03482_zps42f5ae5b.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/liegeprime/media/2013%20Acquisitions/DSC03482_zps42f5ae5b.jpg.html)
broken part next to the figure shows just how much yellowing this toy had - front dash board part... pardon my room uses yellow lightbulb heheh

[Omega Metro]

Didn't know Generations Wheeljack has different leg pieces to my red Turbo Tracks. Was baffled as to why his rear wheels would swing down to his feet and Tracks wheels are fixed higher up:o

[Jetfire in the sky]

So I've read about new Metroplex's hip issues, I just realised how dramatic a collapse is once the hips give way when I tried to pull him down off the shelf yesterday which is at my head height. Nearly knocked me out!!

[kup]

I just learned how freakin hard it is to harvest parts from old G1 (later years)... I broke my Getaway yesterday while playing with it, luckily Ive got a spare in parts that I was planning to give an H2O2 bath, but ended up now as spare parts. I thought it would've been a simple swap, but nope, I ended up having to disassemble the whole toy - except for the feet - coz all the parts are interlocked and I can tjust loosen the back part and yank the part broken off, gaaah!! Took me an hour and a half ( mebbe more) just to reassemble the toy properly... which I gave an H2o2 crème treatment coz now the parts don't match in whiteness... 1 day after - viola! uber-white toy, that H2O2 crème works wonders! heheheh:D
Anyways, yeah, I learned now that a simple looking toy (brick G1) is not so simple at all. It's got heaps of parts, and wotnot assembled into one simple looking toy....makes me appreciate G1 toys even more after seeing how complex the parts connect and interlock.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/liegeprime/2013%20Acquisitions/DSC03482_zps42f5ae5b.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/liegeprime/media/2013%20Acquisitions/DSC03482_zps42f5ae5b.jpg.html)
broken part next to the figure shows just how much yellowing this toy had - front dash board part... pardon my room uses yellow lightbulb heheh

A lot of people mistakenly think that due to the unarticulated 'brick' style of G1 toys, that they are simple. NO THEY ARE NOT! By far it is a lot harder to assembler/disassemble a G1 toy than a modern one due to all the springs, hinges and metal pieces they have. The parts count is also a lot greater.

I can certainly see why Hasbro doesn't like to re-issue them often as they must be a bitch to produce and assemble at the factory.

[UltraMarginal]

I can certainly see why Hasbro doesn't like to re-issue them often as they must be a bitch to produce and assemble at the factory.

Compared to most modern toys perhaps, but those generations data disks would have to take the cake for "assembly item that could explode and take out your eye before you're finished":D

[lancalot]

Didn't know that Optimus Prime has a scary face behind that mask on the MP01 masterpeice figure!!:eek:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4908452767469&set=gm.537129556354804&type=1&theater

[Jetfire in the sky]

Didn't know that Optimus Prime has a scary face behind that mask on the MP01 masterpeice figure!!:eek:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4908452767469&set=gm.537129556354804&type=1&theater

Almost Quintesson like :eek: Someone in the design team having some fun.

[griffin]

I just noticed today that the five weapons for the Beast Hunters Terrorcons (combiner team), can combine into a giant weapon.
The instructions have the five weapons join together like a giant spear (but I have the two bladed weapons facing forwards so that it looks like an axe (http://static.seibertron.com/images/toys/files/193/r_abominus-027.jpg)), which I never even though was part of their design (being able to combine).
I don't often look at the instructions, and I never saw it on any official images or on the packaging. And doing a search only came up with one image, which is the image link above.

[GoktimusPrime]

I was re-reading Shadowplay the other day. The scene where Orion Pax meets with Prowl before going off on the Matrix heist, and Prowl tells Pax to exclude Chromedome before driving away on a hoverbike... that hoverbike is Turbo Cycle! (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Turbo_Cycle_(G1)) :D

[Lint]

I was transforming RtS Lugnut just now so I could put him away but re-realised that he is one of the few planeformers with a fully shelled underside fuselage instead of the typical messy arms and legs 'hanging' out under there. I don't think I appreciated this as much when I first got him compared to now.

This just reaffirms him as one of the most glorious planeformers ever created! :D

[MayzaPrime]

I was transforming RtS Lugnut just now so I could put him away but re-realised that he is one of the few planeformers with a fully shelled underside fuselage instead of the typical messy arms and legs 'hanging' out under there. I don't think I appreciated this as much when I first got him compared to now.

This just reaffirms him as one of the most glorious planeformers ever created! :D

There aren't to many of them :D Lugnut is defiantly one of the best.

Cybertron Jetfire is one of my favourite fully shelled planeformer.

[Lint]

There aren't to many of them :D Lugnut is defiantly one of the best.

Cybertron Jetfire is one of my favourite fully shelled planeformer.

Cybertron Jetfire is probably the best looking and feeling planeformer I've owned to date :D
However his failures as a robot are very considerable and are enough to bring him back down to being an average to below average transformer :(

Lugnut is not a fantastic robot either but nowhere near as poor as Jetfire.

[MayzaPrime]

Cybertron Jetfire is probably the best looking and feeling planeformer I've owned to date :D
However his failures as a robot are very considerable and are enough to bring him back down to being an average to below average transformer :(

Lugnut is not a fantastic robot either but nowhere near as poor as Jetfire.

I agree on both counts!

[UltraMarginal]

I was transforming RtS Lugnut just now so I could put him away but re-realised that he is one of the few planeformers with a fully shelled underside fuselage instead of the typical messy arms and legs 'hanging' out under there. I don't think I appreciated this as much when I first got him compared to now.

This just reaffirms him as one of the most glorious planeformers ever created! :D

Not only that he's one of the few plane formers where the wings are used for something more than parts of a cape, in fact I can't think of another.

[Paulbot]

Not only that he's one of the few plane formers where the wings are used for something more than parts of a cape, in fact I can't think of another.

Powerglide?

[SuspectimusPrime]

Not only that he's one of the few plane formers where the wings are used for something more than parts of a cape, in fact I can't think of another.

Agree. RtS Lugnut's transformation is sublime.


Powerglide?

I'm also thinking about HftD Terradive, where the wings form the sides of his lower legs. Mould reused for DotM Space Case, TFCC 2013 Incentive Figure Depth Charge, and Botcon 2013 Machine Wars Starscream.

[UltraMarginal]

Powerglide?

Powerglide is definitely different, but at the same time the wings dont change so much as just fold out of the way. and a figure I do like a lot and for a plane former does have a pretty clean Vehicle mode.
RtS Lugnuts wings actually become the arms of the robot.


Agree. RtS Lugnut's transformation is sublime.

I'm also thinking about HftD Terradive, where the wings form the sides of his lower legs. Mould reused for DotM Space Case, TFCC 2013 Incentive Figure Depth Charge, and Botcon 2013 Machine Wars Starscream.

Terradive is also excellent but again the wings do just fold out of the way, rather than becoming a functional part of the robot mode. very good approximation to the Russion Su-47 I think.

[Hursticon]

I was transforming RtS Lugnut just now so I could put him away but re-realised that he is one of the few planeformers with a fully shelled underside fuselage instead of the typical messy arms and legs 'hanging' out under there. I don't think I appreciated this as much when I first got him compared to now.

This just reaffirms him as one of the most glorious planeformers ever created! :D

:cool::D

[5FDP]

I wonder if there's ever been a kid that's received a Transformer as a present and not realised until years later that it actually transforms. That would be hilarious :p

[GoktimusPrime]

I wonder if there's ever been a kid that's received a Transformer as a present and not realised until years later that it actually transforms. That would be hilarious :p
Back in the 90s I knew a Japanese family who owned a Laserdisc player who never knew what a laserdisc was! They only ever used it as a CD player! :eek: It never occurred to them as to why it had such a massive tray!

[klystron]

I was transforming RtS Lugnut just now so I could put him away but re-realised that he is one of the few planeformers with a fully shelled underside fuselage instead of the typical messy arms and legs 'hanging' out under there. I don't think I appreciated this as much when I first got him compared to now.

This just reaffirms him as one of the most glorious planeformers ever created! :D


Not only that he's one of the few plane formers where the wings are used for something more than parts of a cape, in fact I can't think of another.

How about (movie) Incinerator? Fully shelled underside fuselage (well, nearly). And 'wings' form outer part of forarms.

[UltraMarginal]

How about (movie) Incinerator? Fully shelled underside fuselage (well, nearly). And 'wings' form outer part of forarms.

huh, I've never seen that one before!

primary difference being that he has no hands and the tail of the plane just becomes a "third" leg. You've reminded me also of the Movie/generations Powerdive toy that has hands and the engines become part of the forearm also.

[doublespy]

I was just messing around with MP Rumble and Frenzy, and realized that the pile drivers actually have specific side to fit to.

For those who don't already know, look closely inside the cavity and there's two ridges. The lower one snaps over the elbow and it clicks in place. You can tell which side it's supposed to be by the position of these ridges.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/TF/Masterpiece/03_zps67d4e14b.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/TF/Masterpiece/03_zps67d4e14b.jpg.html)

[Ravagecat]

I was just messing around with MP Rumble and Frenzy, and realized that the pile drivers actually have specific side to fit to.

For those who don't already know, look closely inside the cavity and there's two ridges. The lower one snaps over the elbow and it clicks in place. You can tell which side it's supposed to be by the position of these ridges.


Yeah, I think there were a few people on this board that actually got two left (or right) from the Japanese MP rumble/frenzy sets. Very frustrating for them to send it back to the online store they purchased it from :rolleyes:

[GoktimusPrime]

Yup. My MP Rumble came w/ two of the same side piledrivers. Thankfully TakaraTOMY sent me replacements as well as an apology letter. ;)

[doublespy]

Yup. My MP Rumble came w/ two of the same side piledrivers. Thankfully TakaraTOMY sent me replacements as well as an apology letter. ;)

Good to hear they sorted this out. Glad we haven't heard much about the Hasbro version having the same problem or it'd be a pain in the tailgate to replace..(on a second thought, the way the Hasbro pile drivers were packed kinda prevents factory workers from picking two of the same one.)

[Paulbot]

A repaint of Armada Red Alert as Energon Prowl (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TRANSFORMERS-ENERGON-Prowl-Starscream-MISB-New-Prowl-Starscream-/271012110229?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item3f19949f95&_uhb=1)? Never knew that existed.

[DELTAprime]

Never realised we have another Aussie Transformer. The Tasmainian Kid. (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Tasmanian_Kid) (sounds like a 80's WWF Wrestler)

[GoktimusPrime]

Never realised we have another Aussie Transformer. The Tasmainian Kid. (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Tasmanian_Kid) (sounds like a 80's WWF Wrestler)
Toywise he's the same as BW Snarl, which was released in Australia. Although the mould looks nothing like a Tasmanian Devil... more like a generic marsupial thing... more like a Dunnart. :/ It's a nice toy though. :)

[liegeprime]

As roller pointed out to me today. G1 Ultra Magnus' helmet head can combine with his blue chest piece to form a little jet vehicle of some sort. I thought it was just a joke, but then we tried it... crude but yup apparently it does.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/liegeprime/2013%20Acquisitions/DSC03939_zps50eb61d0.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/liegeprime/media/2013%20Acquisitions/DSC03939_zps50eb61d0.jpg.html)

[Sinnertwin]

It's a carry over mode from Powered Convoy. The PC release came with small wheels on his chest piece too :)

[liegeprime]

It's a carry over mode from Powered Convoy. The PC release came with small wheels on his chest piece too :)

too bad they didn't include those wheels :(

[Skullcruncher]

As roller pointed out to me today. G1 Ultra Magnus' helmet head can combine with his blue chest piece to form a little jet vehicle of some sort. I thought it was just a joke, but then we tried it... crude but yup apparently it does.


Ha nice... a great way display spare helmets and chest pieces!

[Ravagecat]

As roller pointed out to me today. G1 Ultra Magnus' helmet head can combine with his blue chest piece to form a little jet vehicle of some sort. I thought it was just a joke, but then we tried it... crude but yup apparently it does.


Wow...never realised this. There is even a little seat for the microman that would of come with the pre transformer release of UM :)

[Ravagecat]

Never realised we have another Aussie Transformer. The Tasmainian Kid. (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Tasmanian_Kid) (sounds like a 80's WWF Wrestler)

Interesting piece of info included in his bio on TF wiki..

"One time he went pee-pee on a forest fire to put it out. He probably drank two slabs of beer to do so. " :D

Reading the rest of his bio I don't think he would be even of legal age to drink beer ;):rolleyes: Shame on Lio Prime for letting him :D

[Sinnertwin]

Hasbro skipped Powered Buggy, the little red single seater vehicle/robot that came with Powered Convoy too.

[Senor_2]

Never really thought about it before and it's probably been mentioned a number of times elsewhere, but Camshaft is an ironic name for the character (G1 Omnibot), as his car mode is a Mazda RX-7, rotary engines don't have camshafts....
I wonder if the person who decided on the name did so as a small joke

[UltraMarginal]

As roller pointed out to me today. G1 Ultra Magnus' helmet head can combine with his blue chest piece to form a little jet vehicle of some sort. I thought it was just a joke, but then we tried it... crude but yup apparently it does.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/liegeprime/2013%20Acquisitions/DSC03939_zps50eb61d0.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/liegeprime/media/2013%20Acquisitions/DSC03939_zps50eb61d0.jpg.html)


It's a carry over mode from Powered Convoy. The PC release came with small wheels on his chest piece too :)


Wow...never realised this. There is even a little seat for the microman that would of come with the pre transformer release of UM :)

That's really interesting, surprising and cool. you can even see the little slots in the side of the ches piece where they coiuld have put those thin wire axels in for the wheels.



Never really thought about it before and it's probably been mentioned a number of times elsewhere, but Camshaft is an ironic name for the character (G1 Omnibot), as his car mode is a Mazda RX-7, rotary engines don't have camshafts....
I wonder if the person who decided on the name did so as a small joke

This is noticed by someone every 6 months or so on a board somewhere around the world, but that doesn't make it any less valid or interesting. I like to think it's the designers being creatively ironic. it's this sort of trivia that I love about Transformers.

[Bidoofdude]

Today I saw a picture of G1 Reflector with some other G1 bots and I have to say, he's WAY smaller than I thought.

Come to think of it, IMO most G1 toys are quite hard to tell scale with. Before I saw G1 Optimus in person, I presumed he was at least a tall deluxe-ish size. Soundwave, I couldn't give myself any idea and I still find it quite hard to tell.

Anyone else feel this way?

[Sinnertwin]

Today I saw a picture of G1 Reflector with some other G1 bots and I have to say, he's WAY smaller than I thought.

Come to think of it, IMO most G1 toys are quite hard to tell scale with. Before I saw G1 Optimus in person, I presumed he was at least a tall deluxe-ish size. Soundwave, I couldn't give myself any idea and I still find it quite hard to tell.

Anyone else feel this way?

I grew up with G1, so they've always seemed normal to me, apart from the odd one or two. It's Beast Wars figures that really throw me :o i've either forgotten or have not seen it in the plastic.
In relation to Soundwave's height: he's almost the same height (feet to top of head) as Generations Sandstorm

[GoktimusPrime]

Anyone else feel this way?
<clears.throat> (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=17229) Most of us here are twice your age or more^were children of the 80s who grew up with G1, so we've been used to the size of G1 toys for as long as they've been around... so it doesn't come as much of a surprise to us. :o

[Paulbot]

<clears.throat> (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=17229) Most of us here are twice your age or more^were children of the 80s who grew up with G1, so we've been used to the size of G1 toys for as long as they've been around... so it doesn't come as much of a surprise to us. :o

Well I've been a TransFan since an 80s childhood too, but can still get surprised how big or small some G1 Transformers I did not own (or see) as a child turn out to be.

One thing that still gets me every time I see them is how big the Pretender Beast shells are since I didn't see them in person until the mid-late 00's. Much larger than I ever imagined as a kid. Same with Galvatron. And Sixshot. which made Quickswitch disappointing small when I finally played with him.

[Hursticon]

Well I've been a TransFan since an 80s childhood too, but can still get surprised how big or small some G1 Transformers I did not own (or see) as a child turn out to be.

Yep! - I've experienced the same with many figures, such as Scorponok, Predaking, Sixshot, God Ginrai & Gnaw - Just to name a few. :)

@Bidoof: G1 figures and, by extension, that of G2 never actually had a hard or marketed "Size Class" as they predate these concepts (In the Transformers toy line at least). ;)

Beast Wars (I believe) was the 1st Transformers Toyline to introduce consistent "size class"-based figures & price points; a marketing strategy that, although has had name changes over time (Basic=Scout, Mega=Voyager, Supreme=Leader ;)), remains with the franchise to this day. :cool:

[liegeprime]

hehe, Imagine if the toys relative size to each other were the strict basis for the cartoons sizing as well...... man oh man, it's a regular crazy cartoon with all the scale disproportions you'd see. As for Bumblebee's claim of being the smallest , pffft, liar hahahaha. What about Ultramagnus, he'd easily defest any gestalt with his size, so can Blaster. And by golly gee whiz how the heck are they gonna fit in Astrotrain hahahahaha.... I don't think the franchise would take off as much, most prolly would think, this is an idiotic show :p hahaha

[GoktimusPrime]

Beast Wars (I believe) was the 1st Transformers Toyline to introduce consistent "size class"-based figures & price points; a marketing strategy that, although has had name changes over time (Basic=Scout, Mega=Voyager, Supreme=Leader ;)), remains with the franchise to this day. :cool:
Yes, this is true. Before Beast Wars there was no such thing as established size classes/price points. Beast Wars introduced this concept and it's stuck ever since. :)

BW didn't had Supreme or Leader Class. BW had Basic (Scout/Commander), Deluxe (Deluxe), Mega (Voyager) and Ultra (Ultra). An example of more recent Ultra Class TFs would be Universe Powerglide, Onslaught, Silverbolt etc. BW also had Super Class, which was Optimal Optimus.

Supreme Class was introduced in Beast Machines, the first being overpriced-piece-of-crap^Supreme Cheetor. Examples of a more recent Supreme Class toy is Animated Roll-Out Optimus Prime.

[Hursticon]

BW didn't have Supreme or Leader Class... BW also had Super Class, which was Optimal Optimus.

Super/Supreme... I wasn't far off :p, but one could argue "Super" becoming "Supreme" which in-turn became "Leader" ;) - But yeah, Leader was as a name certainly not present in BW. :cool:

[Bidoofdude]

Yes, this is true. Before Beast Wars there was no such thing as established size classes/price points. Beast Wars introduced this concept and it's stuck ever since. :)

BW didn't had Supreme or Leader Class. BW had Basic (Scout/Commander), Deluxe (Deluxe), Mega (Voyager) and Ultra (Ultra). An example of more recent Ultra Class TFs would be Universe Powerglide, Onslaught, Silverbolt etc. BW also had Super Class, which was Optimal Optimus.

Supreme Class was introduced in Beast Machines, the first being overpriced-piece-of-crap^Supreme Cheetor. Examples of a more recent Supreme Class toy is Animated Roll-Out Optimus Prime.

Yeah, growing up with Cybertron, Supreme was absolutely enormous to my 5 or 6 year old self, almost double what he'd seem like to me now. G1 was pretty whacky with the scale. ;)

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Well I've been a TransFan since an 80s childhood too, but can still get surprised how big or small some G1 Transformers I did not own (or see) as a child turn out to be.
Hound and skids when I first saw them.

Shock ensued.

[kurdt_the_goat]

Well I've been a TransFan since an 80s childhood too, but can still get surprised how big or small some G1 Transformers I did not own (or see) as a child turn out to be.

I had Menasor for the better part of my childhood before trading it away (and miraculously getting it back a few years ago).
But before then, i saw it for the first time since my childhood at Tet's house for one of the first meets i attended... i was certain it was a mini KO version!
Though he is small compared to Superion (which i also had/re-attained), they all seemed massive to me as a kid!

[Firestorm]

I haven't experienced abnormal sizes all that much, but the biggest in my case was Optimal Optimus, he was always huge in my memory, and it didn't help that my little brother only even knew him as "Big Octomas" but after getting what was left of my brother's Optimal he was a lot smaller than I remembered.
I'm also surprised by how small or huge some G1 toys are compared to each other, like how Optimus is quite small while Jetfire was much larger
---------
as for my own recent realisation

I had always been annoyed by how bad the balance of Deluxe WFC Optimus was, but the other day I grabbed mine off the shelf to fiddle with it and finally realised that his ball jointed feet can be pushed back to give him better balance, and also make his "toes" shorter and less clown shoe like.
no more toppling over backwards anymore :)

[DELTAprime]

I got an almost mint Optimal Optimus a couple of weeks ago from Seibertron's ebay page. I was very surprised how small he was when I got him. I was thinking that Super=Supreme, well now I know Super was a one off size class.

[kup]

As roller pointed out to me today. G1 Ultra Magnus' helmet head can combine with his blue chest piece to form a little jet vehicle of some sort. I thought it was just a joke, but then we tried it... crude but yup apparently it does.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/liegeprime/2013%20Acquisitions/DSC03939_zps50eb61d0.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/liegeprime/media/2013%20Acquisitions/DSC03939_zps50eb61d0.jpg.html)

I worked that out a few years back but I didn't see it as a jet, more like storage for the helmet while in trailer mode. I could tell there was a seat there for a diaclone guy so at most, I figured it was a gun battery.

[Skullcruncher]

I figured it was a gun battery.

Gun battery, I like it! That makes me think of those movies... star wars? :D

[M-bot]

Right in the centre of each of FOC Metroplex's many wheels (except the crotch wheel) there is a tiny Autobot symbol on the middle. Well, I presume that's what they're meant to be, it's the same basic shape with the eyes.

[lancalot]

Right in the centre of each of FOC Metroplex's many wheels (except the crotch wheel) there is a tiny Autobot symbol on the middle. Well, I presume that's what they're meant to be, it's the same basic shape with the eyes.

:eek: oh yeah ... just check my one!! very well spotted.. had to look twice to see it properly..... they are tiny!!

[GoktimusPrime]

Started listening to the audio commentary on TFPS3(BH)... one thing the writers wanted to include in the show but couldn't was to introduce more Wreckers, particularly Seaspray (Sea Spray?). They basically described him as being nautical and being the baddest of the Wreckers... so in other words... kinda like Depth Charge. Would've been cool of David Sobolov reprised his Depth Charge voice for TFP Seaspray (since they already had him doing Shockwave :o).

The writers were also boasting about how Hasbro let them know before they started writing Season 3 that it would be their final season, which let them nicely tie up loose ends which otherwise doesn't happen when writers find out later (as we saw with the end of the US G1 cartoon and Beast Wars). Meanwhile on Cybertron's moon... :p

Also, one thing that I never thought of before... when Jasper was evacuated and declared a no-go disaster area, how come we didn't hear/see anyone from the Japanese consulate attempt to locate/recover Miko? Surely her parents would want to cancel her exchange programme, especially if the school itself has been destroyed. Or maybe she's just that annoying that they'd rather let her finish her stay in the U.S., even if meteors are purportedly falling on her head and she's gone missing. :rolleyes: We didn't hear about Raf's mum either... seems like Jack is the only one with a concerned parent when the expletive hits the fan!

[DELTAprime]

Started listening to the audio commentary on TFPS3(BH)... one thing the writers wanted to include in the show but couldn't was to introduce more Wreckers, particularly Seaspray (Sea Spray?). They basically described him as being nautical and being the baddest of the Wreckers... so in other words... kinda like Depth Charge. Would've been cool of David Sobolov reprised his Depth Charge voice for TFP Seaspray (since they already had him doing Shockwave :o).

The writers were also boasting about how Hasbro let them know before they started writing Season 3 that it would be their final season, which let them nicely tie up loose ends which otherwise doesn't happen when writers find out later (as we saw with the end of the US G1 cartoon and Beast Wars). Meanwhile on Cybertron's moon... :p

Also, one thing that I never thought of before... when Jasper was evacuated and declared a no-go disaster area, how come we didn't hear/see anyone from the Japanese consulate attempt to locate/recover Miko? Surely her parents would want to cancel her exchange programme, especially if the school itself has been destroyed. Or maybe she's just that annoying that they'd rather let her finish her stay in the U.S., even if meteors are purportedly falling on her head and she's gone missing. :rolleyes: We didn't hear about Raf's mum either... seems like Jack is the only one with a concerned parent when the expletive hits the fan!

It's a cartoon, don't over think it. ;)

[Gofigure]

This is pretty bad.....

Never actually realised soundwave weapons were his batts in alt mode duh!!!!

(But hey I was 8)

[GoktimusPrime]

Found an Easter Egg in IDWRiD #23 (Dark Cybertron Part 3): among the crowds of Cybertronians in Iacon I noticed are Holepunch and Tracer, the two Nebulan Targetmaster partners of Scoop (who is of course incarcerated). I'm guessing that they're meant to be regular Cybertronians and not Nebulans in this continuity.

[griffin]

Thing I never realised about Transformers toys?

Just how much Built-To-Rule sucked.
Bought two off ebay a few weeks ago, and both have now arrived....
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/b106.jpg

For those unfamiliar with BTR, they were released during Armada, as Hasbro's first attempt at taking on Lego (just like Kreo, they produced BTR sets for Transformers and GIJoe, before it was axed a year later).
During this short-lived series, there were 16 Transformers sets - 10 Armada characters, and 6 Energon characters (and some were just redecos... plus some were proposed, but never got released before the line ended).
Similar to Kreo, these seem to have a similar core to each other (at least of these two)... but these have a partial transformation, with the arms and legs folding in for vehicle mode. All the rest of the bits come off and reattach though.
And not too many bits either (big figures, but not many bits).
It's no wonder these go so cheaply on ebay (except the rare Energon ones).

[Sinnertwin]

Looking at your photos, it's hard to imagine how BTR tanked :p
They look like something a preschooler put together

[GoktimusPrime]

Looking at your photos, it's hard to imagine how BTR tanked :p

Not to mention memories of BTRs massively shelfwarming in stores for aaages! And now we have Kre-Os and Construct-Bots clogging up our shelves and pegs instead of new Generations figures! :rolleyes:

[DELTAprime]

Not to mention memories of BTRs massively shelfwarming in stores for aaages! And now we have Kre-Os and Construct-Bots clogging up our shelves and pegs instead of new Generations figures! :rolleyes:

I think they finally have gotten the formula right with Construct Bots. I'm actually buying them, got Starscream at Big W to try out the series, now I have Prime V Megs, Bumblebee and Soundwave all on the way.

[Lord_Zed]

Since Construct Bots came out, Kre-o's seem to have vanished. Though I can't imagine they sold at retail. Maybe they've all moved to the Reject Shop?

[Sinnertwin]

Not to mention memories of BTRs massively shelfwarming in stores for aaages! And now we have Kre-Os and Construct-Bots clogging up our shelves and pegs instead of new Generations figures! :rolleyes:

The Constructbots have been selling well where i am, i haven't had a really good look around at other stores in a while though. And New Generations figures? :D :D That's a good one :p

[autobreadticon]

Sunder really really loves Dubstep,,,,