Encore #20: Devastator Giftset

[heroic_decepticon]

Already all over HK (and SG). HK appears to be cheaper for this at HKD$740 per piece.

http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/49245/2537917050100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2537917050100811158myepJX)

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/48691/2140734730100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2140734730100811158MVdawY)

Full review here. (http://heroicdecepticon.blogspot.com/2011/11/takara-transformers-encore-20.html)

Summary:
This is a good set to have if you don't already have the vintage G1 pieces. It's good value for money too. There are some QC issues, for overall not fatal to enjoyment of the set as a whole. My key issue is the plastic colouration which I still, after about an hour of fiddling with the pieces, don't think is the right shade of green and makes it look KO-ish. 6.5/10 for me - good value, but if affordable, get the vintage G1 piece.

[sideswipes brother]

I saw a review comparing both old and new together and the lighter green was the first thing i noticed too. Don't really like it but its better than nothing. Probably did it so you cant mix up a reissue and an original.

[5FDP]

Nice review HD. Good to hear that Mixmaster does indeed have his head attached.

This is going to display nicely next to my reissue Predaking :cool: :D


Probably did it so you cant mix up a reissue and an original.

That's exactly what they did.

[GoktimusPrime]

Perhaps TakaraTOMY modified the shade of green on purpose to make the reissues distinct from the originals? (it certainly wouldn't be the first time it's happened) -- but it still looks like a fairly close green to me. It's not as if they've used a drastically different shade (like reissue Tackle who was changed from vermillion to orange) or worse still, entirely different colours (like reissue Sixwing - I know that canon justifies it with the whole Shattered Glass^Verserker thing, but the fact that they never even bothered reissuing Sixwing in anything like his regular colours frustrates me :().

For me, the reasons why I decided to get Encore Devastator even though I already have the original Constructicons are because:

1. I got my original Constructicons in 1985 and they're VERY worn out! I haven't been able to play with my Constructicons for years and years now cos I'm too scared to break them. Even just occasionally posing or transforming them puts strain on them... I already broke Devastator's waist once when removing Mixmaster (thankfully I found a new one soon after ;)) -- but yeah, for a long time my Constructicons have been little more than a display piece and I give myself a minor heart attack each time I handle them! :O The reissues will give me a minty new set that I can play with. :) :D

2. Remember how the S.T.A.R.S. bases came with an "Armoury" section? I used to keep a lot of little weapons in there... I've since lost my S.T.A.R.S. bases (I had two)... I suspect my parents might have chucked them out :mad: -- anyway, needless to say that I've also lost a lot of little weapons that were stored in there, including my individual Constructicon weapons. :( Getting the reissue weapons will definitely save me a lot of time rather than hunting down the originals -- possibly cheaper too. :)

3. I want to support TakaraTOMY and hopefully help convince them to do more 'new' reissues (and not more reissues of toys that have already been reissued :rolleyes:). Also I want to reward TakaraTOMY in putting their faith in collectors by reissuing such a heavily KOed toy (and will hopefully help convince them to reconsider reissuing other moulds that haven't been reissued but have been KOed) -- heh, this morning I was talking to some students about consumer sovereignty. ;)

My Devastator's still in transit -- can't wait till it arrives! :D \(^O^)/

[kup]

I would say that the color issue is more to do with a cheaper plastic. Takara-Tomy uses cheaper materials than Takara did in all their products. You can tell right away when you compare Encore reissues with their 'Book' reissue counterparts.

I wouldn't expect the reissues to have as much 'long term' play value as G1. The G1 figures have considerably better production value than the reissues despite their age and wear.

[5FDP]

I would say that the color issue is more to do with a cheaper plastic. Takara-Tomy uses cheaper materials than Takara did in all their products.

Aside from personal opinion, is this documented anywhere? I'm just curious to know if it's more a case of different / lighter plastics rather than money saving measures.

[kup]

Aside from personal opinion, is this documented anywhere? I'm just curious to know if it's more a case of different / lighter plastics rather than money saving measures.

I doubt they would officially document something like that - Not a good business practice.

I am speaking out of my own experience as I have both the Takara and Tomy reissues for several characters. The Tomy ones do have more faults or feel 'cheaper' than the Takara ones due to what seems to be a lesser density of the plastic.

For example - The Book reissue seekers have much better and pointy nosecones than the Encore ones. Also with Thundercracker, the plastic seems a little flimsier and of a slight difference in shade of color than the book reissue or G1 counterpart.

[heroic_decepticon]

*snip* I give myself a minor heart attack each time I handle them! :O The reissues will give me a minty new set that I can play with. :) :D

*snip*

3. I want to support TakaraTOMY and hopefully help convince them to do more 'new' reissues (and not more reissues of toys that have already been reissued :rolleyes:). Also I want to reward TakaraTOMY in putting their faith in collectors by reissuing such a heavily KOed toy (and will hopefully help convince them to reconsider reissuing other moulds that haven't been reissued but have been KOed) -- heh, this morning I was talking to some students about consumer sovereignty. ;)

I think you will quite like this set. There is a marked improvement over how certain joints and connectors come together and they are also appropriately reinforced so its harder to break.

I agree with your point (3), but really hope they do better on the quality.


I would say that the color issue is more to do with a cheaper plastic. Takara-Tomy uses cheaper materials than Takara did in all their products. You can tell right away when you compare Encore reissues with their 'Book' reissue counterparts.

I wouldn't expect the reissues to have as much 'long term' play value as G1. The G1 figures have considerably better production value than the reissues despite their age and wear.

Yup, agree. The plastic quality for reissues just keep going downhill. I though the circa 2000s reissues were shoddy back then, but now, they are gold compared to the recent reissues and the really cheap quality plastic.

Oh, I should add that my set also came with this...

http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/46550/2359100510100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2359100510100811158ttqCFj)

[Autocon]

The box art looks a bit unco with dull green and then yellow on the other side colouring the bots?

[5FDP]

I doubt they would officially document something like that - Not a good business practice.

So do I and I wasn't implying that they would. Information doesn't always come directly from the company involved.

I'm going to go against the grain here and say that I'm satisfied with the quality levels of recent Encore releases. The ones that I have including the ones that I have handled while feeling lighter than previous TFC releases, feel just as durable IMO.

I also don't mind slight colour changes or modifications as long as they are as close as possible to the original release because at the end of the day, I'd prefer an officially licensed product over a KO.

[GoktimusPrime]

Hey hd, would you be able to add a poll to this thread? :)

[kup]

So do I and I wasn't implying that they would. Information doesn't always come directly from the company involved.

I'm going to go against the grain here and say that I'm satisfied with the quality levels of recent Encore releases. The ones that I have including the ones that I have handled while feeling lighter than previous TFC releases, feel just as durable IMO.

I also don't mind slight colour changes or modifications as long as they are as close as possible to the original release because at the end of the day, I'd prefer an officially licensed product over a KO.

I am not saying that they are bad by any means. I am satisfied enough with the Encore seekers for example. What I am saying is that there is a noticeable quality decrease from the previous reissues.

[GoktimusPrime]

The Seekers may have experienced mould degradation between TFC and Encore. Encore Bruticus would be the worst case of a mould degraded reissue IMO (they really should have reissued that toy back in 2000 - but I guess reissues had just started then and maybe Takara weren't too sure if there would be sufficient demand for Bruticus at the time?). But while the Devastator mould may not have been over-used (well, it hasn't been used since 1993), could the mould have deteriorated through the passage of time?

I'm pretty happy with Encore - the only set I was really disappointed with was Bruticus (but not surprising given the history of that mould). If I want to see/handle Devastator in his original colours and plastic quality, I'll handle my original G1. But to me, the reissues will be my "play set." :D Getting a MISB reissue to play with would be cheaper and easier than getting an original 1985 G1 MISB Devastator gift set... I imagine that the latter would be so expensive than even if I did buy it, I probably wouldn't want to play around with it. So for me, getting the reissue suits me fine. :)

[heroic_decepticon]

Hey hd, would you be able to add a poll to this thread? :)

Sure. What would you like?


I am not saying that they are bad by any means. I am satisfied enough with the Encore seekers for example. What I am saying is that there is a noticeable quality decrease from the previous reissues.

Did TFC have seekers other than Starscream?
Or were you referring to the eHobby reissue seekers during that era?

[sideswipes brother]

I just received mine in the mail today and am very happy with him. I have no QC issues at all and even don't mind the colour. Maybe when he is standing next to the original you notice the colour more but i don't have an original so i don't really care. Overall, he is solid, well made, doesn't feel like a KO or even looks like a KO.
My only gripes are that i think he may be a little more expensive than he should have been and while, as stated, i don't mind the colour, i do have an issue with the difference in the shade of green used with some of the parts. Eg Scavengers shovel/arm and hooks extender arm which the hook is attached to.
They are a different shade of green...WHY????
Did the originals come like this??

[GoktimusPrime]

Would anyone be able to post side-by-side comparison pics between the original G1s and Encore? (please :))

[kup]

Sure. What would you like?



Did TFC have seekers other than Starscream?
Or were you referring to the eHobby reissue seekers during that era?

Referring to starscream and hasbro's. Despite the giant missiles, the hasbro reissue Thundercracker to me feels more sturdy than encore. I believe that putting the child safety modifications aside and chrome, hasbro's reissues had the same more solid build as the TFC book reissues which to me are better than Encore in that regard.

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah but the Commemorative reissues came well before Encore, thus less mould degradation.

In the past decade I can think of the following uses of the 1984 Seeker mould:
+ 2001: Reissue Starscream
+ 2001: black Starscream
+ 2001: ghost Starscream
+ 2001: Collectors Edition Skywarp
+ 2001: Collectors Edition Thundercracker
+ 2003: TFC Starscream
+ 2003: Commemorative Series Starscream
+ 2003: Sunstorm
+ 2007: Encore Starscream
+ 2008: Encore Skywarp
+ 2008: Encore Thundercracker
+ 2009: reissue Sunstorm
So that's at least 12 different uses of the 1984 Seeker mould that I can think of. And if Takara used the same "core body" mould for the CE Dirge, CE Ramjet, CE Thrust and CS Dirge, that'd bring the mould count up to 16. So that's 8 uses before Encore Starscream and 9-10 uses before Encore Skywarp & Thundercracker.

With that many possible reuses of the Seeker mould, it's not surprising that there would be some level of mould degradation - and obviously the more recent reissues of that mould would be more degraded -- as you pointed out, Hasbro's CS Starscream & Takara's TFC Starscreams seem to be of better quality than the later reissued Encore Starscream.

Remember that Encore Devastator is at least the fourth main reuse of that mould. Previously we had:
1. 1985: Original G1 Constructicons
2. 1992: "New" G1 Constructicons
3. 1993: G2 Constructicons

And it's been 18 years since G2 Devastator. So it's not entirely surprising that there may be mould degradation issues. Should TakaraTOMY have done something to restore the mould degradation? Sure. I feel that this is something that pre-TOMY Takara would have done (we know that Takara did extensively repair/restore the 1993 G2 Optimus Prime mould when they first reissued Convoy in 2000); I just get the feeling that pre-TOMY Takara would have done something to address the mould issues with Bruticus and so on... and it would have been rather surprising in the old Takara days if something like missing Mixmaster heads or incorrect guns frequently got passed Takara's QC checks. But unfortunately TOMY doesn't seem to apply the same level scrutiny as Takara used to. :(

[kup]

I honestly dont think it's just mold degradation. To me it's the use of cheaper materials.

[heroic_decepticon]

I honestly dont think it's just mold degradation. To me it's the use of cheaper materials.

I think so too.

These industrial grade metal molds are made to cast thousands if not millions of pieces, not easy to degrade. It's the plastic that they inject into these molds that make a difference.

molds affects --> joints, how parts fit together, etc
materials --> colours, density, strength of plastic, etc.

That's my view anyhows

[liegeprime]

yeah the rubber cones on the more recent seekers are just wonky and oversized, while the booktype ones were all nice and trim.... poor QC comes in as well as a factor now that is seriously going slack in these companies prod lines...

[Jinto]

It's about time Hasbro got down to it and created a good quality, G1-esque Devastator. A set of deluxe size figures that can become their own 'bots and combine if you get the set would be downright fantastic. Two 3rd party companies are filling the hole that Hasbro could have plugged themselves, at a lower price point too.
And I'm not talking that 2009 movie creature.

I sure hope he gets considered as a character for TFP.

[kup]

It's about time Hasbro got down to it and created a good quality, G1-esque Devastator. A set of deluxe size figures that can become their own 'bots and combine if you get the set would be downright fantastic. Two 3rd party companies are filling the hole that Hasbro could have plugged themselves, at a lower price point too.
And I'm not talking that 2009 movie creature.

I sure hope he gets considered as a character for TFP.

Hasbro is on the record saying that they will not do proper gestalt combiners because 'it's too hard.'

That opened the way for the 3rd party devastators which are probably better than anything contemporary habro would be willing to do.

[gdmetro]

@ Jinto: From what I read the "it's too hard" rationale is basically due to the way that case assortments work and size assortments/price point issues- how contemporary retailers market and sell the product to parents and children.

Wave assortments make it impossible to place combiner or sub-teams in a line and have the line sell well (Hasbros POV). Their market is obviously for parents and kids, whom occasionally go to the store to buy a figure. Accordingly, it would be almost impossible under this "occasional buying" for a kid to collect all of a sub-team or combiner group. Hence such figures are not marketable in that sense.

Any gift-set type thing would sell in limited quantities due to price point- but would not suit the figures being dispersed individually and separated in wave assortments.

In comparison, during the 80's apparently entire lineups of figures were continually restocked over more than a year- that was probably why it was possible back then. Marketing and media was also not as homogenized as it is now.

An extension of this is that media would most likely not support a character as Devastator. Hence the kids would not know who Devastator is or care- ROTF Devy just made it worse- ugly design aside (IMO)- the rows of either the legends or Supreme sized toy lining the walls of my local TRU is not helping.

No, sadly, Hasbro would rather market another few Bumblebees and Primes than do a Devy.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

No, sadly, Hasbro would rather market another few Bumblebees and Primes than do a Devy.Maybe they should do a combiner made up of four interchangeable Bumblebee limbs with a Prime central body.:D

[GoktimusPrime]

I honestly dont think it's just mold degradation. To me it's the use of cheaper materials.


I think so too.

These industrial grade metal molds are made to cast thousands if not millions of pieces, not easy to degrade. It's the plastic that they inject into these molds that make a difference.

molds affects --> joints, how parts fit together, etc
materials --> colours, density, strength of plastic, etc.

That's my view anyhows
Yeah, you guys are probably right. :)


Hasbro is on the record saying that they will not do proper gestalt combiners because 'it's too hard.'
D'oh! :eek:

Come to think of it, other than Mini-Con gestalts and Combiner Class Devastator, I don't think Hasbro's engineered any gestalts since 1997 (Magnaboss & Tripredacus). Most other gestalts since then have been from already existing moulds, e.g.
+ Rail Racer --> redecoed JRX
+ Ruination --> redecoed Vuldigus (who himself was a redecoed Bruticus anyway)
+ Universe Micromaster gestalts --> repackaged G1 Micromaster reissues
+ Energon gestalts --> redecoed Super Link gestalts
+ ROTF Legends Devastator --> repackaged EZ Collection Devastator

Then again, Takara said that they wouldn't do a reissue G1 Devastator either for similar reasons, but they've done a 180 on that (although it's taken them over 11 years :p); I sure hope that we don't have to wait till 2022 until we see a Classicsesque gestalt. :rolleyes:

[Quickstrike]

Hasbro is on the record saying that they will not do proper gestalt combiners because 'it's too hard.'

You've taken that quote way out of context.

edit: I should've read the rest of the thread before posting.


Devastator stuff

He's covered it pretty well!

[Sutton]

If they wanted to differentiate from the G1 originals, why didn't they just paint Mixmaster's barrel as planned and give Devs some red eyes...? One of the defining memories from childhood with this guy is the almost garish bright green and purple combo...this one looks almost pastel.

As such I'm still not sold on this guy one way or the other.

[GoktimusPrime]

Constructicons in tray
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator01.jpg

Sticker sheet
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator03.jpg

Assault vehicle modes
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator16.jpg

----------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison between 1985 G1s (left) and Encores (right).

Bonecrusher in vehicle mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator13.jpg

Bonecrusher in robot mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator12.jpg

Hook/Glen in vehicle mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator07.jpg

Hook/Glen in robot mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator06.jpg

Long Haul/Long Howl in vehicle mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator09.jpg

Long Haul/Long Howl in robot mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator08.jpg

Scavenger in vehicle mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator11.jpg

Scavenger in robot mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator10.jpg

Scrapper in vehicle mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator15.jpg

Scrapper in robot mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator14.jpg

Devastator
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator17.jpg

------------------------------------------------------

Thoughts

+ I can see what people mean when they describe the Encore Constructicons as being of "KO" quality. These really are not excellent reproductions of the original Constructicons. They're not terrible per se, but they are certainly disappointing. The colours are brighter and the plastic quality does feel cheaper.

+ The sculpting really isn't as nice as the originals. This is particularly noticeable with the grooves on Mixmaster's cab roof and Long Haul's grille. Note that Encore Long Howl is based on the slotless grille/chest whereas my G1 Long Haul is the slotted version. Original G1 Long Haul was available in either slotted or slotless varieties, so this isn't an Encore thing.

+ Scavenger's toes are poorly made and are prone to falling out (this has never happened on my original G1 Scavenger).

+ For some reason, Hook's hook is "reversed" on the reissue. G1 Hook's hook points outward, whereas the Encore points inward.

+ There have been some design changes made in an effort to improve some toys. Hook has an extra tab added on the right side of the rear portion of the vehicle - this is intended to help the toy lock in better when transforming into Devastator's chest/head. Unfortunately it doesn't quite work out so well in reality because the tab's a tad too small and fails to sufficiently interlock.

+ Bonecrusher right arm panel has a small tab added - this allows Bonecrusher's arms to lock together in vehicle mode, and it works! I really like this feature as one of my long-running irks about Bonecrusher is how his arms don't have any locking feature in vehicle mode - it just relies on the arms to stay in place, and eventually when the arms get loose they just flop out of place. This is particularly frustrating when he froms Devastator's left arm as gravity makes the arms part. My Bonecrusher's arms had become pretty loose by 1987-88 after years of thoroughly playing with him... and it was around 1988-89 that I stuck a piece of Blu-Tac there to keep his arms in place when transformed as vehicle mode, and especially as Devastator's left arm!

+ I really do enjoying having all of the little accessories now - and especially having a set of Constructicons that I can play around with and combine into Devastator without having to tread on eggshells! :)

I used to have a set of KO Constructicons (it was a free gift) and in all honesty, Encore Devastator is still definitely superior to the KO by a long shot. The colours and sculpting on the KO are still much worse than on Encore. But having said that, the quality of Encore Devastator is still below par for a legit/official reissue. It's not as bad as Encore Bruticus - the mould doesn't seem to suffer from mould degradation issues that Bruticus does, but it does seem to suffer from quality issues.

Overall I am quite happy with Encore Devastator, but there are notable flaws with this set and I can understand how it might bother some people. I'd still recommend this set, but not for above RRP. If you're thinking about getting this set, get it now. Don't wait till later and pay some inflated aftermarket price for it, because it won't be worth it. If you can get it for below RRP then even better. (I got mine at 20% off the RRP) :)


If they wanted to differentiate from the G1 originals, why didn't they just paint Mixmaster's barrel as planned and give Devs some red eyes...?
I'm glad they didn't give him red eyes. He looks much better with his original yellow eyes IMO.


One of the defining memories from childhood with this guy is the almost garish bright green and purple combo...this one looks almost pastel.
Actually, the reissue's colours are more bright and garish compared to the originals! The original Constructicons are way more subdued and pastel by comparison.

[5FDP]

Thanks for the comprehensive write-up Goki :)

Hopefully mine will arrive on Monday seeing as though everyone else who ordered from RK already have theirs :(

[sideswipes brother]

(Scavenger's toes are poorly made and are prone to falling out (this has never happened on my original G1 Scavenger).

Ive noticed this too. As i don't have the original to compare with, what is the reason for this? Are the connectors used different?

[GoktimusPrime]

Hopefully mine will arrive on Monday seeing as though everyone else who ordered from RK already have theirs :(
I ordered mine from HLJ... but not that these companies directly control the shipping, it's up to Japan Post/Australia Post really. Hopefully you'll get yours on Monday... I know how frustrating it is seeing everyone else get theirs and yours is still in transit!! It's like every day is "is it here yet? Is it here yet? Is it here yet? Is it here yet?" :p


Ive noticed this too. As i don't have the original to compare with, what is the reason for this? Are the connectors used different?
The pegs for the toes are smaller/thinner than on the original. I'll take a comparative photo later and post it. No idea why... seems to be a design or manufacturing flaw.

[5FDP]

I ordered mine from HLJ... but not that these companies directly control the shipping, it's up to Japan Post/Australia Post really. Hopefully you'll get yours on Monday... I know how frustrating it is seeing everyone else get theirs and yours is still in transit!! It's like every day is "is it here yet? Is it here yet? Is it here yet? Is it here yet?" :p

As luck would have it (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=277022&postcount=13), I didn't have to wait until Monday :D

[sideswipes brother]

As luck would have it (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=277022&postcount=13), I didn't have to wait until Monday :D

So what do you think??

[5FDP]

So what do you think??

As far as boxes go, it's very nice :p (I'm not planning on opening it... shhhhh)

[liegeprime]

As far as boxes go, it's very nice :p (I'm not planning on opening it... shhhhh)


well at least this one has clear plastic windows so your sure it's not just a brick in the box hehehehe

[GoktimusPrime]

Some more random comparison pics...

Scavenger: (L) 1985 G1, (M) 1992 G1, (R) Encore
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator19.jpg

Same lineup of Scavengers in robot mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator20.jpg

Scrapper, L-R: 1985 G1, 1992 G1, G2, Encore
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator22.jpg

Scrappers with shovels raised
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator23.jpg

Scrappers in robot mode
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator24.jpg

Mixmaster, L-R: 1985 G1, 1992 G1, Encore
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator25.jpg

Bonecrusher, L-R: 1985 G1, 1992 G1, Encore
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator26.jpg
You can see how the added tab on Encore Bonecrusher allows the arms to firmly lock together, eliminating the gap that can appear in G1 Bonecrusher (more noticable on 1992 "Bonecrusher" in this photo). I do quite like this modification they made on Encore Bonecrusher.

Comparison of 1985 G1 and Encore Scavenger's legs:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator18.jpg
Note the peg that connects the toe to the foot is substantially smaller on Encore Scavenger. This is why the toe can't stay connected to the foot properly and keeps friggin' popping out! :mad:

And this rather minor flaw on Long Haul:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator21.jpg
For some reason the purple peg on Encore Long Howl's back is smaller than on G1 Long Haul, this leaves gaps when the roof panel is folded back. On G1 Long Haul, this panel locks in with the purple peg, but on Encore Long Howl, the panel cannot lock into place. While this doesn't effect the display value of the toy in robot mode, it does become a slight annoyance when playing with it in robot mode as the panel becomes more prone to flopping around during toy play. :(

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I think I kind of like the lighter Green they are. I always imagined them about that colour to be honest.

Gok, Are your G1s suffering from any plastic yellowing, perhaps making them look a bit darker than they would normally?

[GoktimusPrime]

I don't think so. I have two G1 Long Hauls (one is from my childhood, another I acquired a few years ago at a Parra fair) and they both have the same shade of green.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/comparisons/Encore%20Constructicons/devastator27.jpg
Left: G1 1985 Long Haul from my childhood (my very first Constructicon!)
Centre: Encore Long Howl
Right: A 1985 Long Haul that I purchased just a few years ago
As you can see, both G1 Long Hauls have a darker green than Encore Long Howl.

Here are some links to other photos of G1 Devastator:
http://tfwiki.net/w2/images2/9/91/G1devastator_toy.jpg
http://tfu.info/1985/Decepticon/Devastator/robotmode.jpg
http://www2.unicron.com/images/igallery/resized/19901-20000/DSC00764_copy-19942-630-500-80-rd-FFFFFF-wm-left_top-100-Unicroncomwatermarkpng.JPG

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Well, I FINALLY got mine today! Was getting a bit worried and rightly so, judging by the looks of the box (but more on that later).

I was so excited that I whipped him open straight away and tranformed them into robot mode, then had them form Devastator! I know from looking at pal's versions that he isn't the most articulated or tallest combiner, but being the first is pretty cool.

However, putting the leg connector up Long Haul's jacksie almost gave me a heart attack, it was soooo tough to get in there! And made an extremely solid click once in place properly, now I am concerned as to how to gte it out without ripping Hauly in half...

Still, interesting toy, since they come from the Diaclone line and therefore designed in the late 70s (?) quite clever really. The connectors were interesting since the earliest I had ever played with were the ones from the Scramble city crew (Menosaur/Superion etc) and so something different.

Nice to look at them in a group as either robot or vehicle, the uniform colours and theme really add some charm.

Just slightly annoyed that some plastic is a different green to the rest. For example, Bonecrusher and Scrappper's canopys are a lighter shade of green, almost yellow. As is Scavengers scoop, Hook's Hook and Dev's groin piece (loin cloth?:D ).

Fore-arm springs are very touchy and powerful! ROOOCCCKKETTTO PUUUNNNCHIII! I might have him fight my Mazinger Z!:D

Glad I got it!

[Decepticon]

I've had one for a month now. Can't bear to open it cos it cost sooo much!

[GoktimusPrime]

Well, I FINALLY got mine today!
Did you have yours shipped by SAL?


However, putting the leg connector up Long Haul's jacksie almost gave me a heart attack, it was soooo tough to get in there! And made an extremely solid click once in place properly, now I am concerned as to how to gte it out without ripping Hauly in half...
Heh, yeah, it's a bit scary - but I've never broken the bit that goes into Long Haul, not even on my old G1 version. But I once snap off the connection that connects Long Haul with Scrapper (fortunately I found another one shortly after) - so I'd recommend caution with that piece. But the one I broke was the one I'd purchased in 1985 - considering that yours is a minty new reissue, I wouldn't worry too much about it. :)


Still, interesting toy, since they come from the Diaclone line and therefore designed in the late 70s (?) quite clever really.
1982-83.


The connectors were interesting since the earliest I had ever played with were the ones from the Scramble city crew (Menosaur/Superion etc) and so something different.
In terms of gestalt engineering, I prefer the Scramble gestalts because they aren't as kibble-reliant to form the gestalt robots - and as you can see, they're more solid too (whereas Devastator falls apart if you look at him funny); and of course, the Scramble gestalts have the interchangeable limb gimmick. Having said that, the individual Constructicons themselves are generally better engineered toys than some individual Scramble gestalt robots. None of them suffer from "blockhead" syndrome and they all have distinctly unique designs (unlike say the Aerialbot limbs which all share a common transformation scheme). I also like how the gestalt parts are used as the vehicle modes' weapons, whereas some of the Scramble Gestalts' vehicle weapons are just that - and don't do anything in any other mode (e.g. Protectobots, Stunticons etc.).

They were also more affordable to complete as a set too because they're all carded figures - whereas completing a Scramble gestalt as a kid was a bit harder because the core body-bot was a more expensive boxed figure. The Predacons also many of the same qualities as the Constructicons and are individually better figures and Predaking is far more solid gestalt -- but the Preds were all boxed figures making it _very_ expensive to complete Predaking! My memory's really hazy on this, but I think each individual Constructicon was maybe $9 each? I remember they were expensive for carded toys (but they're also really big - towering over say the cheaper Autobot Mini-Cars), but cheaper than boxed ones.


Nice to look at them in a group as either robot or vehicle, the uniform colours and theme really add some charm.
I personally prefer the different colours of the original Diaclone set... it's a shame they never released the reissues in the Diaclone colours as an eHobby exclusive or something. :( Or even G2 colours... :(


Just slightly annoyed that some plastic is a different green to the rest. For example, Bonecrusher and Scrappper's canopys are a lighter shade of green, almost yellow. As is Scavengers scoop, Hook's Hook and Dev's groin piece (loin cloth?:D ).
The original G1s were like that, but it didn't look so bad because the primary green wasn't this bright "lolly green" that they've used for the reissues. It was a more subdued green. The shoddy plastic quality also bugs me on the reissues.


Fore-arm springs are very touchy and powerful! ROOOCCCKKETTTO PUUUNNNCHIII! I might have him fight my Mazinger Z!:D
I see your Rocket Punch and raise you a ロケットドリル！！ :D Rocket Drill!

[Sky Shadow]

I've had one for a month now. Can't bear to open it cos it cost sooo much!

Almost all the Encore toys so far have decreased in 'value', so unless you enjoy keeping it in the box or intend to resell it for about the same as you paid, you might as well open it up.

[GoktimusPrime]

I've had one for a month now. Can't bear to open it cos it cost sooo much!
Reissues are usually expensive (though recently moreso than before) because Takara(TOMY) produces them in a more limited run compared to "mainstream" Transformer toys (because adult collectors are a niche market - majority of TF consumers are children) -- but I don't think 10,000JPY ($127) is "too expensive to open" (IMHO) (especially for those of us who pre-ordered early and got early-bird discounts ;)) Besides, it's only a reissue... and not terribly good ones at that. Just open them up and enjoy them... that's what reissues are for! :D When I get reissues I usually "retire" my original G1s as display pieces.


Almost all the Encore toys so far have decreased in 'value', so unless you enjoy keeping it in the box or intend to resell it for about the same as you paid, you might as well open it up.
+1.

[Demonac]

They were also more affordable to complete as a set too because they're all carded figures - whereas completing a Scramble gestalt as a kid was a bit harder because the core body-bot was a more expensive boxed figure. The Predacons also many of the same qualities as the Constructicons and are individually better figures and Predaking is far more solid gestalt -- but the Preds were all boxed figures making it _very_ expensive to complete Predaking! My memory's really hazy on this, but I think each individual Constructicon was maybe $9 each? I remember they were expensive for carded toys (but they're also really big - towering over say the cheaper Autobot Mini-Cars), but cheaper than boxed ones.

While the constructicons were about $9 each, the central core for the other teams was about double that. With one less member on the scramble city teams it ended up the same price (not counting Predaking or the seacons).

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

@ goki Sorry being lazy on the quoting:D

Yeh, I got it SAL. It was a combination of SAL and some more that slowed down my little traveller. Read about the horror here. (http://www.tetstoys.blogspot.com/2012/01/evils-of-travel.html)

Glad to hear about the groin piece. I saw the bit for Scrapper and thought it might be a bit dodgy, was very careful with that little fella thats fer sure.

I must admit, I am not sure what is stronger than a rocket drill. Maybe a God Scrander Punch? Been a long time since I saw some crazy robot-riffic anime.

I like Devs, nice little toy that one. Buy it!

[GoktimusPrime]

I like the way that the pieces that are used to join Devs individual components together can be popped onto the vehicle modes. The first instance of Stealth Force?
I'd say the first instance of "Stealth Force" would be the original 1984 Optimus Prime toy, because there's a square-shaped hole on the top of his trailer where Combat Deck's attack tower can protrude from - giving him an attack vehicle mode (pic (http://diaclone.net/orid/dia052/05212.jpg) <--2nd one from the left)

There were several Transformers in 1985 who could attach weapons in their alt modes; even the Dinobots had weapons in their dino modes (Swoop prominently uses his attack dino mode in canonical appearances). Jetfire has the most decked-out attack alt mode (and attack robot mode :p). But I'd say out of the Transformers in Devastator's year, the two Transformers that have the most "Stealth Force-esque" attack alt mode would be Perceptor and Tracks, because they actually transform into their attack alt modes rather than just sticking weapons onto them. In fact, Perceptor's tank mode doesn't require any additional weapons, he just transforms into it!

But I do like how Devastator's vehicle weapons are made up from his gestalt kibble rather than being separate accessories. Feels more resourceful to me. :)

[Mythirax]

Yeh, I got it SAL. It was a combination of SAL and some more that slowed down my little traveller. Read about the horror here. (http://www.tetstoys.blogspot.com/2012/01/evils-of-travel.html)

Haha, that's not to bad. I was waiting for you to open the box and have Devs hands broken or something, after the horrors of water damage.

[Bidoofdude]

I might get this or the anime head version. Looks good enough for a spot. I think I might have to clear a shelf for a G1/reissue collection.:D

[kup]

If this had been yellow/orange, it would have been instantly bought!

As it is now - lame!

[Bidoofdude]

Why? The green is just as good.
Yellow/orange would be good, but it doens't bother me.

[kup]

Why? The green is just as good.
Yellow/orange would be good, but it doens't bother me.

IMO it is pretty useless if you already own the first 'normal' encore re-issue or the original G1 in good condition and a cartoon head is not enough to encourage me to buy it. A yellow/orange release would have justified it more.

[Bidoofdude]

Oh, forgot that I'm the first one, sorry.:p:D

[GoktimusPrime]

I reckon they should've released this new retool set in yellow or orange as a limited exclusive. The accessories are cross compatible anyway. I still would've loved to see an eHobby exclusive version of this set in its Diaclone colours with new bios. Ah, how I miss those days.

[kup]

I reckon they should've released this new retool set in yellow or orange as a limited exclusive. The accessories are cross compatible anyway. I still would've loved to see an eHobby exclusive version of this set in its Diaclone colours with new bios. Ah, how I miss those days.

That would have worked too because it would be different. With this new 'retool' you are only getting a new head, everything else is more or less the same.

[Bidoofdude]

The Anime head one seems to have a brighter, more yellowy green to it, as can be seen on TFW.

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah, there are distinct colour differences between the two reissues. Still not nearly enough to convince me to buy it though. (-_-)

[Bidoofdude]

I haven't got any Devys yet, so this may be good, seeing as it seems like a cheaper option. Doesn't look too bad. :D

[kup]

Yeah, there are distinct colour differences between the two reissues. Still not nearly enough to convince me to buy it though. (-_-)

same

[GoktimusPrime]

I haven't got any Devys yet, so this may be good, seeing as it seems like a cheaper option. Doesn't look too bad. :D
Yeah, I'd probably get it if I didn't have any other version of G1 Devastator. :) Hopefully it won't suffer from the same problems as the previous reissue. :(

[5FDP]

Hopefully it won't suffer from the same problems as the previous reissue. :(

Considering it's just a new head with slightly different paint, I'd say it probably will.

[Bidoofdude]

Yeah, I'd probably get it if I didn't have any other version of G1 Devastator. :) Hopefully it won't suffer from the same problems as the previous reissue. :(

Yes, it seems that this is for mainly 3 groups:
-Those who don't have Devastator
-Completist/Encore Collectors
-Those who like show-accuracy
I hope they've fixed some problems that were with the previous.

[UltimateGalvatron]

Hasbro is on the record saying that they will not do proper gestalt combiners because 'it's too hard.'

That opened the way for the 3rd party devastators which are probably better than anything contemporary habro would be willing to do.

Thread Necromancy.

Oh... how you lied Hasbro...

[GoktimusPrime]

:D http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/meme_threadnecro_zps54d14072.jpg :D

Oh... how you lied Hasbro...
But it's a good lie! :)

Takara also initially said that they couldn't reissue G1 Devastator either, and they did. And a couple of years ago, none of us would have dreamed that they'd reissue Fortress Maximus. :cool: People are entitled to change their minds, and I'm mighty glad that they did for this. :cool:

[UltimateGalvatron]

I totally agree with you! I was just pointing out the Hasbro are big, mean liers. :p
Even before now we had Bruticus/Ruination and PCC... so, yes, it is a good lie.

[kup]

Thread Necromancy.

Oh... how you lied Hasbro...

I don't think it's a lie, more of a change of regime that made things open to new ideas. Aaron Archer isn't there any more for example.

I have to say, it may be coincidence or not but since Archer's departure, we do seem to be getting a more positive variety and focus on toy releases. Still doesn't help us much in AU as the slow moving gimmick and movie toys appear to have ruined it for our local retailers.