Beast Machines unreleased Megatron sample

[griffin]

Some photos have surfaced of an unreleased product sample from the pre-emptively ended series of Beast Machines (axed before some toys were released - Battle Unicorn, Megabolt Megatron, Bruticus, Air Attack Optimus).
Megabolt Megatron (the head on legs Deluxe toy) was later released during Robots In Disguise, but if it had been released during Beast Machines as it was originally intended, it would have looked like this (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/beast-machines-3/beast-machines-unreleased-megatron-megabolt-in-package-images-176904/).

(pre-production samples are produced for Toyfairs and for use in Hasbro offices to show to Retailers... this is one that ended up in the hands of a toy collector)

[Hursticon]

The giant floating Megatron Head (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV39DirA5rQ) (Ala Unicron's head from G1) in Beast Machines is one of the coolest facets of that series ;):cool:; as such I'd love to acquire this mold one day but in the above version's colours, Takara released it in these colours at some point didn't they? :confused:

[griffin]

The JP version didn't have red on it, just purple and blue. (near the right of this pic are the various JP exclusive decos (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/collection/c21s5.jpg))

[Hursticon]

The JP version didn't have red on it, just purple and blue. (near the right of this pic are the various JP exclusive decos (http://www.toycollectors.com.au/collection/c21s5.jpg))

Ah! - So in that case, was there ever a screen accurate (Or close enough) version of the mold ever produced? :o

[Jinto]

I always wanted this mold to complete my BW Megatron collection. Would be great if they released it again one day without the GPS of the Robots In Disguise version.

[SuspectimusPrime]

I always wanted this mold to complete my BW Megatron collection. Would be great if they released it again one day without the GPS of the Robots In Disguise version.

Didn't realised that version was prone to GPS. Mine has been in storage for 4 years, a bit worried now; he was a pretty cool figure if not for its crappy knee and ankle design, but now GPS too :(

[griffin]

I think the Universe version (green and gold) may be the one thought to have GPS because it is gold plastic... but I don't think it suffered from it.

And I don't recall any issues with the first two versions (RiD red and JP purple).

I could be wrong though, as I don't play with my toys enough to see which ones have these flaws.

[Sky Shadow]

I've owned all three - the Japanese Beast Wars Returns version is best and show-accurate, but had incredibly low production numbers. The RiD version is also great. The KB green and gold version sadly does suffer from GPS, particularly the bits where the BFH fits together at the front (and as the awesome magnetic action feature involves some violent Triggercon gun slamming action it tends to inflict damage to itself.)

[griffin]

I just checked mine, and the green and gold one has indeed succumb to GPS (the left shoulderpad ball-and-socket (the socket has broken from removing the ball). It can still sit in there and hold it, but not very securely. :(

[SuspectimusPrime]

I don't have many vintage figures with gold plastic; does GPS still occur if the figure is stored in a locked, moisture-free environment?

[1orion2many]

AAAHHHHHH! I'm not game to check mine now:(

[Sky Shadow]

I don't have many vintage figures with gold plastic; does GPS still occur if the figure is stored in a locked, moisture-free environment?

It's not due to the moisture in the environment: it's due to the original materials. Being locked would theoretically help since if you're not handling or transforming the toy it's less likely to crumble.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Aaah, nuts. I really like this toy and I got the Universe version.

Dammit, extra careful kid gloves now. Well even more careful than kid gloves...

[GoktimusPrime]

The giant floating Megatron Head (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV39DirA5rQ) (Ala Unicron's head from G1) in Beast Machines is one of the coolest facets of that series ;):cool:; as such I'd love to acquire this mold one day but in the above version's colours, Takara released it in these colours at some point didn't they? :confused:
This toy is also compatible with the Fortress Maximus mould! Yeah, it can replace Cerebros and become the head of Fort Max :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v12/FirPa/dm2.jpg
http://tformers.com/transformers-rid-megabolt-maximus-is-here/350/news.html

[1orion2many]

:)I have both versions so Mr GPS won't get played with and Mr Blue may just have a go on FM:D

[VERT]

I think the Universe version (green and gold) may be the one thought to have GPS because it is gold plastic... but I don't think it suffered from it.

And I don't recall any issues with the first two versions (RiD red and JP purple).

I could be wrong though, as I don't play with my toys enough to see which ones have these flaws.

I have both versions. The first version nothing wrong he is fine. The second version with the gold well not looking good. I transformed him a few weeks ago and the clips that hold the big head sections together crumbled. Won't be touching him again.

[griffin]

For those wondering....
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/946.jpg

Hasbro Beast Machines (in RiD packaging) - Takara Beast Wars Returns - Hasbro Universe.

And while I was pulling out Beast Machines toys, I thought a group comparison shot might look interesting.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/947.jpg

Hasbro versions at the back, Takara versions at the front.
Megatron - Thrust - Tankor - Obsidion - Stryka - Noble Savage - Silverbolt - Blackaracnia (cartoon names used to avoid confusion)

[swoop]

Is that the complete beast wars return line? those comparison have me interested in picking them up

[griffin]

Those are just the ones with noticeable colour differences to the Hasbro ones. I think all the rest of the JP Beast Machines toys were pretty much identical (or close to it) to the Hasbro versions, as they were listed as JP TRU exclusive imports.
Looks like there were only 14 released in Japan (http://www.soundwavesoblivion.com/japanesebeastwarsreturns.html), with 8 of them (in the photo above) that had noticeable colour differences (most were aimed to be cartoon accurate).

It's only a small line if you wanted to collect the set, but, most can be very expensive... if you can find them at all.

[swoop]

Thanks Griffin,

I've done a bit of research on them and I'll be keeping a eye out for them

Cheers

[Jinto]

And while I was pulling out Beast Machines toys, I thought a group comparison shot might look interesting.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/947.jpg

Hasbro versions at the back, Takara versions at the front.
Megatron - Thrust - Tankor - Obsidion - Stryka - Noble Savage - Silverbolt - Blackaracnia (cartoon names used to avoid confusion)

Nice collection Griffin. Were you a fan of Beast Machines as a show or just the figures?

Any idea where I should start looking if I want some of the Takara versions? eBay didn't turn up anything and I'd like to check out what a few of them are going for these days. That Silverbolt is a lot better looking in screen accurate colours.

[KalEl]

Interesting. Always thought about picking up that megabolt, but I always end up on the 'meh' side of the track.

[griffin]

Nice collection Griffin. Were you a fan of Beast Machines as a show or just the figures?

Any idea where I should start looking if I want some of the Takara versions? eBay didn't turn up anything and I'd like to check out what a few of them are going for these days. That Silverbolt is a lot better looking in screen accurate colours.

In general (and budget permitting), I collect all of the Hasbro figures, and then just collect the JP figures that are significantly different in colour or mould, as it isn't any point for me to collect 'out of packaging' toys if they end up being identical when out of packaging.
I could be "completist" with the JP toys like I am with the Hasbro toys, but with limited funds, I can't afford all JP toys (and it would get boring getting duplicates).
When Takara did these ones in Cartoon colours, they were a higher priority to random redecos, as these were more "accurate" colours than what Hasbro produced. Same with Beast Wars Blackarachnia and Tigatron - Takara did more accurate colours to the cartoon, which made them worth chasing up, in addition to their exclusive Beast moulds in Japan.

Ebay, BotCon and collectable stores in Japan would be the best place to find these, as they are pretty rare (it took me several years just to track down those eight above).

[Jinto]

I'll just have to keep my eyes open. :)
Beast Machines isn't the kind of line to get a re-release, methinks.