Maz's Articles & Reviews [Archive] - Ozformers Transformers Club of Australia (otca.com.au)

Maz

1st January 2014, 12:40 PM

As 2013 races towards its conclusion, collectors are taking stock of all the new Transformers figures they�ve added to their collection in 2013, a year that saw the Takara Tomy and Hasbro Masterpiece lines engage a higher gear and really start giving fans what they supposedly wanted. A year that saw 3rd Party companies present even greater competition for collectors� spending and a number of new lines like Transformers GT and Transformers Go launch in Japan. A year that saw BotCon pump out more exclusives and the Generations line pay further homage to classic TF characters and IDW comic stars.

For the closing TFSource article of 2013, I will be reviewing my own 2013 toy purchases and listing, in reverse order, my top five acquisitions. These will not necessarily all be 2013 releases, just toys I bought in 2013 that have made the biggest positive impression on me. Considering my collecting history and specialisms, the results may be surprising to some � and yet entirely predictable for those that read this column weekly.

Top 5 Purchases of 2013 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/top-5-purchases-of-2013/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/xtopfive01.jpg

Happy new year, everyone!

All the best
Maz

MayzaPrime

1st January 2014, 12:49 PM

theshape

1st January 2014, 01:30 PM

Great read, thanks again

Maz

1st January 2014, 01:45 PM

Some surprises in the list :D But all are worthy :p

Totally agree with Tigertrack, he really is an awesome figure.

Great article Maz

My top 5 would be

1. Soundwave (Hasbro)
2. Metroplex
3. Quakewave
4. Prowl
5. Sideswipe

And a thoroughly worthy top 5 that would be! Even Hexatron, Fortis, MP Prime, Smokescreen etc could easily make the list...some might even say the reissue Fortress Maximus was a defining moment for them.

Great read, thanks again

Cheers bud :)

All the best
Maz

Maz

8th January 2014, 11:17 AM

And so begins 2014, a year that promises much in the way of new official and unofficial Transformers figures from Takara Tomy, Mastermind Creations, FansToys, Hasbro and many others. The Masterpiece line continues to churn out fan favourites, whether they be licensed Autobot cars or leaders like Ultra Magnus and Star Saber. Third party companies like MMC will complete their Not-Predaking while FansToys will tackle Masterpiece-sized Not-Dinobots. So what do I feel will be my 5 favourite purchases of the upcoming year based on what we know?

Top 5 Purchases of 2014? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/top-5-purchases-of-2014/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/x2014o.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

15th January 2014, 11:14 AM

He finally arrived, on the very final day of 2013 for me having been pre-ordered in March of the same year. Delayed beyond his Masterpiece Datsun stablemates on account of his re-tooled shoulder design and for reasons of recreational Takara Tomy fan torture, MP-19 Masterpiece Smokescreen has landed to a tremendously mixed reception. MP-17 Prowl and MP-18 Streak set the bar immeasurably high for this mould in quick succession over a short period of time, so Smokescreen had to be exceptional to justify lasting awe and effect. Was he?

Last But Least? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/last-but-least/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/xsmo04.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/xsmo05.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

29th January 2014, 10:47 AM

Under the weight of newer Transformers products, one can sometimes find it hard to keep up with every new variant and development that comes along, never mind continue to catalogue the unyielding tide of vintage discoveries that continue to be made. In some cases, the vintage revelations are news to most of us who hadn�t paid close enough attention to certain areas of G1 Transformers, while to others it is knowledge hard earned from giving particular niches of the hobby distinct focus and commitment. The beauty of this community is that eventually, it will all make its way to the surface and continue to decorate the Transformers G1 tapestry.

Marginally More News To Me | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/marginally-more-news-to-me/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/xnom07.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/xnom02.jpg

All the best
Maz

heroic_decepticon

29th January 2014, 06:30 PM

Mexican Trailbreaker! Who would have thought?

Maz

12th February 2014, 10:00 AM

No Transformers blog is complete without the occasional rant about auctions, that is after all where most of us still get our toys, especially vintage. Whether it�s through eBay, Yahoo or a proxy bidding service, most of us have had bad experiences and taken chances that haven�t worked out. So here is my first auction rant of 2014.

http://tfsource.com/blog/ebay-adventures/ <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/xebay07.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/xebay15.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

19th February 2014, 01:22 PM

Everywhere you look now in vintage Transformers collecting, every niche and sub-category, the bitter end items that are required to polish off a section of the hobby are running into the very high hundreds or even low thousands of dollars. The purposeful march of certain toys and rarities towards four figures has left many a collector grateful for their early interest in things such as Japanese Transformers, pre-Transformers, minibots or even Mexican Transformers and premium North American items before the waves crested.

Four Figure Hobby | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/four-figure-hobby/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/xsite02.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/xcon15.jpg

All the best
Maz

autobreadticon

20th February 2014, 09:58 PM

Maz

26th February 2014, 08:33 AM

A lot of time has been spent discussing the rarest or most expensive members of Transformers categories and sub-lines in this column, but this week I�ve asked some of the most respected and knowledgeable collectors in the community to nominate one toy from their assigned category that they believe best represents that toy line. One toy that, in their opinion, embodies a category�s best qualities, essence and could conceivably be used to sell the toy line to a non-believer or non-collector.

The question they were asked was as follows:

�What toy would you choose to represent an entire toy line, if you had ONE choice, one toy you could pitch to a non-collector in order to sell the line?�.

Ambassadors � Part 1 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-1/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/xamba07.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/xamba12.jpg

With thanks to:
- Tony Bacala
- Brr-Icy
- Gordon Yip
- CZ Hazard

All the best
Maz

Skullcruncher

26th February 2014, 11:21 AM

Nice article as usual Maz. However IMO respected is used too much. Now and again I'd swap it with total arrogant jerkoffs, but I'm sure its just me.

Maz

27th February 2014, 01:55 AM

Now and again I'd swap it with total arrogant jerkoffs, but I'm sure its just me.

Does it count if I say I write most of the articles myself so that covers that base? :D

All the best
Maz

Skullcruncher

27th February 2014, 09:10 AM

Does it count if I say I write most of the articles myself so that covers that base? :D

All the best
Maz

Ha good one Maz :D:D

Deonasis

27th February 2014, 05:13 PM

Maz

28th February 2014, 08:32 AM

An obvious choice but i would choose Classics Optimus Prime.

I don't think i could sell a non-believer on a beautiful looking or mint brick from 30 years ago or a transformer that was mainly rare or valuable. So my choice us based on the iconic character with.. modern articluation, great alt and bot modes, minimal kibble, minimal frustration, ruggedness, playability, posability, and also quite importantly.. his two guns which are examples of transforming magic.

Good points but remember that the point of the article was not to pick one toy to represent Transformers as a whole, just a toy for the particular line it hails from. So using Classics Lugnut to represent Classics, using Super Fire Convoy to represent/sell CR/RID etc...

All the best
Maz

Deonasis

28th February 2014, 09:22 AM

Good points but remember that the point of the article was not to pick one toy to represent Transformers as a whole, just a toy for the particular line it hails from. So using Classics Lugnut to represent Classics, using Super Fire Convoy to represent/sell CR/RID etc...

All the best
MazOops, i missed that important point! That does make most choices in your article make more sense. :o

Maz

1st March 2014, 08:36 AM

When one thinks of high-end vintage Transformers and pre-Transformers collectors, you cannot blame a person for automatically assuming said collector is from either the UK, Italy, France, Scandinavia or the Netherlands. It certainly came as a surprise to me to find that Alberto Jimenez, a collector from Spain, had such a deep interest in G1 Transformers, pre-Transformers and vintage variants from Europe and Japan � not to mention a breathtaking collection. I had never associated Spain with having a major Transformers community, even though it is inextricably linked to G1 through gold boxed Classics, so here�s Alberto from Madrid to tell us about his life with Transformers, and he�s not holding back either�

Collector Interview 22 � Alberto Jimenez | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-22-alberto-jimenez/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2201.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2206.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

5th March 2014, 07:50 AM

If you were trying to sell the concept and qualities of the Transformers Animated toy line to a non-collector, or an enthusiast who doesn�t collect Animated, which one toy would you pick to represent and �sell� the line? What about Generation 1 1984 to 1986? And Masterpiece? DOTM? These are the questions we put to our contributors, and their responses demonstrate the kind of insight � and surprises � that we hoped an article series like this would produce.

The question they were asked was as follows:

�What toy would you choose to represent an entire toy line, if you had ONE choice, one toy you could pitch to a non-collector in order to sell the line?�.

Ambassadors � Part 2 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-2/) <- CLICK TO READ

I added my own choices for last week's Part 1 categories on my new blog Square One: Square One: Ambassadors Part 2 - and my picks for Part 1 (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/ambassadors-part-2-and-my-picks-for.html)

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/xambb04.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/xambb12.jpg

With thanks to:
- Genetic
- Puffmarko
- IronhicHide
- Scubaboy31
- The Last Autobot

Part 1 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 1 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-1/)

All the best
Maz

theshape

5th March 2014, 09:38 AM

Great read. Looking forward to Part 3 :)

Maz

6th March 2014, 10:40 AM

Just a quick look at some under-appreciated Transformers I was enjoying again recently on my own blog:

http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/under-appreciated-transformers.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fE_Elwojsj4/UxeSSbSlugI/AAAAAAAAAec/huVyzr9_kQU/s1600/xgtd13.jpg

All the best
Maz

Sinnertwin

8th March 2014, 12:15 PM

Another good read :)
Any interviews with Australian collectors lined up?

Maz

8th March 2014, 11:32 PM

Another good read :)
Any interviews with Australian collectors lined up?

It's on the cards, promise :)

Here's a look at some shorter features I did for my blog if anyone's interested:

Canadian G1 Red Slag:
http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/canadian-g1-red-slag.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7w-b1foosXo/Uxpf7q36ANI/AAAAAAAAAjs/MiIaAiloXiw/s1600/Redslag1.jpg

Diaclone Black Skids:
http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/diaclone-black-skids-quickie.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mvyuSgS3W0/Uxo2az2Lh9I/AAAAAAAAAi4/6WfuKnC6MRw/s1600/BlackSkids4.jpg

All the best
Maz

Bidoofdude

9th March 2014, 11:05 PM

It's on the cards, promise :)

Here's a look at some shorter features I did for my blog if anyone's interested:

Canadian G1 Red Slag:
http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/canadian-g1-red-slag.html

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7w-b1foosXo/Uxpf7q36ANI/AAAAAAAAAjs/MiIaAiloXiw/s1600/Redslag1.jpg

All the best
Maz

Dat Slag. Dang, I really want a Canadian Slag, one of my favourite G1 characters along with Thundercracker.

Maz

12th March 2014, 11:10 AM

An ambassador should be the embodiment of the qualities and character of its people, representing the best that they have to offer. So when we asked our contributors to choose one Transformers toy that could act as an ambassador for Binaltech/Alternators, Armada, Japanese exclusive G1, or G1 between the years of 1987 to 1990, it was no easy task. Nevertheless, true to form, the guys have offered up a talisman for each line, and the debates are sure to continue as they did after Part 1 and Part 2.

Ambassadors � Part 3 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-3/) <- CLICK TO READ

I added my own choices for last week's Part 2 categories on my new blog Square One: Square One: Ambassadors Part 3 - and my picks for Part 2 (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/ambassadors-part-3-and-my-picks-for.html)

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/xambc12.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/xambc13.jpg

With thanks to:
- Superquad7
- Heroic_Decepticon
- CZ Hazard
- StayingInTheBox
- Brr-Icy

Part 1 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 1 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-1/)

Part 2 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 2 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-2/)

All the best
Maz

Maz

17th March 2014, 07:50 AM

A Big Reveal is coming...

Square One: A Big Reveal......is coming (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/a-big-revealis-coming.html)

Square One: A Big Reveal (Part 1) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/a-big-reveal-part-1.html)

Square One: A Big Reveal (Part 2) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/a-big-reveal-part-2.html)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--oNfMqUKB98/UyRIYsqD_-I/AAAAAAAAAs4/r1ZwAOeRJOQ/s1600/part1g.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

19th March 2014, 10:36 AM

Pick one Transformers toy to represent an entire line, category or series. Simple, isn�t it? Not when you consider that your choice cannot solely reflect a personal preference but instead should embody the qualities of the whole line and give non-collectors or non-believers a way into a particular Transformers sub-category. It�s why Jetfire cannot represent Generation 1, the rest just don�t measure up! This week our contributors take on TF: Prime, Revenge of the Fallen, European Generation 1.5 and Super Collectible Figure (PVC).

Our question, as before, was: ��What toy would you choose to represent an entire toy line, if you had ONE choice, one toy you could pitch to a non-collector in order to sell the line?�.

Ambassadors � Part 4 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-4/) <- CLICK TO READ

I added my own choices for last week's Part 2 categories on my new blog Square One: Square One: Ambassadors Part 4 - and my picks for Part 3 (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/ambassadors-part-4-and-my-picks-for.html)

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/xambd10.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/xambd14.jpg

With thanks to:
- Heroic_Decepticon
- The Last Autobot
- Fighbird
- Brr-Icy

Part 1 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 1 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-1/)

Part 2 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 2 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-2/)

Part 3 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 3 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-3/)

All the best
Maz

Maz

26th March 2014, 12:03 PM

Every category of Transformers toys has its talisman. A shining beacon that stands out and represents the very essence of that category, its qualities, shortcomings and character. And just as vintage and modern official Transformers lines have their ambassadors, as do 3rd Party products inspired by Transformers. Now while we can�t take one product as representative of the entire scene (because there�s only one *cough* Quakewave *cough* answer), we can select four 3rd Party companies who have put out enough product to make our contributors� lives difficult!

Our question, as before, was: ��What toy would you choose to represent an entire toy line, if you had ONE choice, one toy you could pitch to a non-collector in order to sell the line?�

Ambassadors � Part 5 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-5/) <- CLICK TO READ

I added my own choices for last week's Part 4 categories on my new blog Square One Square One: Ambassadors Part 5 - and my picks for Part 4 (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/ambassadors-part-5-and-my-picks-for.html)

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/xambe07.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/xambe06.jpg

With thanks to:
- Heroic_Decepticon
- CZ Hazard
- Jonny Napalm
- Genetic
- Tekering

Part 1 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 1 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-1/)

Part 2 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 2 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-2/)

Part 3 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 3 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-3/)

Part 4 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 4 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-4/)

All the best
Maz

Maz

29th March 2014, 09:52 AM

Collectors with focus, aims and specific targets always have intriguing collections and a strict guideline as to how they indulge in the business of buying and collecting Transformers toys. Dave Shorter has a vision. His collection is one with a mission and purpose, one that aims to chart the journey and evolution of a single character through all the different eras and generations of Transformers, from pre-Generation 1 to the most up-to-date example of the toy. While it may have been his original remit, you will see that as with most of our collections, a little straying is inevitable...

Collector Interview 23 � Dave Shorter | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-23-dave-shorter/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/2301.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/2316.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

2nd April 2014, 11:03 AM

Ambassadors Part 6. You know the score by now, surely. Although I do think one thing bears repeating, our contributors that are picking their line, category, sub-category or era-specific ambassadors are not choosing one toy to represent the Transformers brand as a whole, or to turn a complete non-collector into a collector. Rather, they are choosing a toy from a particular area of Transformers to promote that area�s qualities, charm and character � as well as highlighting its shortcomings � to those of us who have never sampled that line, that category, that era. The contributors have admittedly set their own parameters on occasion, but the key thing here is we can enjoy the enthusiasm and justification of other collectors while being comfortable with the fact that our own choices would have been different. This week�s topics are Beast Wars, Cybertron, reissue exclusives and Transformers watches.

Our question, as before, was: ��What toy would you choose to represent an entire toy line, if you had ONE choice, one toy you could pitch to a non-collector (and yes, I see where the confusion has arisen from) in order to sell the line?�. So, in no particular order�

Ambassadors � Part 6 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-6/) <- CLICK TO DISAGREE/READ

I added my own choices for last week's Part 5 and this week's Part 6 categories on Square One Square One: Ambassadors Part 6 - and my picks for Parts 5 and 6 (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/ambassadors-part-6-and-my-picks-for.html)

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/xambf01.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/xambf11.jpg

With thanks to:
- Fighbird
- The Last Autobot
- Specimen17
- Brr-Icy
- Ras
- TheSpacebridge

Part 1 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 1 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-1/)

Part 2 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 2 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-2/)

Part 3 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 3 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-3/)

Part 4 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 4 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-4/)

Part 5 can be found here:
Ambassadors � Part 5 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/ambassadors-part-5/)

All the best
Maz

Bidoofdude

2nd April 2014, 05:46 PM

Maz

5th April 2014, 10:35 AM

It's been a decade since the origin of the Finnish Diaclone Black Tracks was finally revealed and discovered by the community outside Finland, but even then pictures and stories about it existed for years before, so it wasn't a surprise.

Has there been anything discovered since that was based on established early vintage Generation 1 figures, but completely different? One example that comes to mind is the Japanese Diaclone "Black Sideswipe", that was actually all black, not like Deepcover. Again, another Diaclone example, but quite groundbreaking...although not to anyone who wasn't a G1 car or Diaclone aficionado. And it was still a black Countach, not that new.

This may not be quite as big as those two official releases, but it is good, and it will surprise. For something to make my jaw drop simply because it has gone undiscovered for so long is rare and hugely welcomed. There can't be too many of these moments left in this hobby.

Spanish KO Minibots Overview (http://www.tf-1.com/articles/mini_frame.php?art=spanish) <- CLICK TO READ

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DEt36WwWcc/UziZ__ML6wI/AAAAAAAABFY/S28NlzZBNdM/s1600/AllGisima04.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ic2WugkF2bU/UziZ-yDXbEI/AAAAAAAABFM/Q-Vk4iNz5KM/s1600/AllGisima02.jpg

This article collects together all the "Big Reveal" chapters from my Square One blog:

Square One: A Big Reveal......is coming (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/a-big-revealis-coming.html)
Square One: A Big Reveal (Part 1) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/a-big-reveal-part-1.html)
Square One: A Big Reveal (Part 2) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/a-big-reveal-part-2.html)
Square One: A Big Reveal (Part 3) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/a-big-reveal-part-3.html)
Square One: A Big Reveal (Part 4) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/a-big-reveal-part-4.html)
Square One: A Big Reveal (Part 5) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/a-big-reveal-part-5.html)
Square One: A Big Reveal (Part 6) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/a-big-reveal-part-6.html)
Square One: A Big Reveal (Finale) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/a-big-reveal-finale.html)

All the best
Maz

Maz

8th April 2014, 10:18 AM

So much for not writing article-length stuff for my blog, once I got started on this I couldn't stop. There were so many pictures and bits of info I'd wanted to put together for years and the result is a halfway-house between a very detailed blog post with good photos and the article I've always wanted to write. I ended up not including pictures of the prototype Powered Convoy, mock-up pics or detailed photos of all the other rare versions (Ceji Joustra, PCDX giftset). I'll save those for a TF-1 article one day. Anyway, hope you enjoy it:

Square One: Diaclone "Powered Convoy" (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/diaclone-powered-convoy.html) (click me)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UqAdBIrKqVg/U0MQEYhOXaI/AAAAAAAABVE/MEu7ggfVTMA/s1600/PC08.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXtosxW6TNc/U0MQAp-n08I/AAAAAAAABUU/4Xye3o62V8w/s1600/PC02.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

13th April 2014, 10:49 AM

Another blog post "non-article" that got too long...

Square One: Diaclone "Black Tracks" (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/diaclone-black-tracks.html) (click me)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6aZoR9aWH6E/U0mqb2HkD3I/AAAAAAAABgw/rxE6pEMpFTk/s1600/Vettes05.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

17th April 2014, 09:01 AM

Minibots got everywhere. They were in Generation 1 in North America and Europe on cards, they came out in Japan in boxes and then cards, they originated in Japan in boxes with different colours to Transformers, they were available in a rainbow of new decos in a number of South American countries, moulds were re-purposed as new characters and painted as such in Mexico (with new colours thrown in for fun). There were vintage model kits and gumball kits in Japan too of certain moulds. More recently reissues have introduced new and interesting variants and interpretations, and there were also keychain versions with convention exclusive repaints. That�s a very general overview, but as if that wasn�t enough headache for the minibot completist, there are also vintage bootlegs, and they are something entirely different.

The Lost Tribe | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/the-lost-tribe/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/xspan02.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/xspan03.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

18th April 2014, 10:55 AM

We've looked at the yellow G1 Ceji Devastato (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/ceji-g1-yellow-devastator.html)r and the variant G1 Ceji Starscream (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/ceji-g1-starscream-quickie.html), now it's the turn of the 1986 Ceji G1 Decepticon jet Ramjet, made in France and sold in mainland Europe and Scandinavia. We'll briefly check out Thrust and Dirge too. Like Devastator and Starscream, Ceji's Ramjet is quite different to the Hasbro and Takara Generation 1 Transformers Ramjets that most of us will have grown used to in our childhoods and adult collecting. Here comes the breakdown

Square One: Ceji G1 Ramjet, Dirge and Thrust (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/ceji-g1-ramjet-dirge-and-thrust.html) <- CLICK TO READ

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L20Wu7OHFTM/U1B0QYVq48I/AAAAAAAABv8/dPbOuMnU8Yk/s1600/CejiJets03.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20_WJg9FeQQ/U1Bo_oiLuZI/AAAAAAAABuc/zF69bZot1-Q/s1600/xnom18.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

20th April 2014, 11:37 AM

Since Mijo of 20th Century Toy Collector confirmed the existence of the mainland European Generation 1 1985 Milton Bradley "Sunswipe" - a Sunstreaker in Sideswipe packaging - there's been a lot written about it by both himself as the remover of the veil of ignorance, and myself as the first owner of probably the best specimen ever found. I have since passed this diamond of a Euro variant onto Mijo, where it belongs to be fair, but here is the first dedicated write-up I've personally done on this variant.

Square One: Milton Bradley G1 "Sunswipe" (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/milton-bradley-g1-sunswipe.html) <- CLICK TO READ

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGOnTrLZGX0/U1MGJTf1UNI/AAAAAAAABz8/msVaxuoSgbI/s1600/MBSun21.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TORRbS2hIvY/U1MGLhDtt3I/AAAAAAAAB0c/hFa7v7dp0j4/s1600/MBSun23.jpg

All the best
Maz

janda the red

20th April 2014, 10:46 PM

I really enjoy reading your write ups Maz, thanks for sharing them on OTCA. :)

Maz

21st April 2014, 06:35 AM

I really enjoy reading your write ups Maz, thanks for sharing them on OTCA. :)

An absolute pleasure mate, I'm thankful to your community for having them!

All the best
Maz

Maz

23rd April 2014, 09:25 AM

It is apparently a golden age for Transformers collectors. Takara Tomy and Hasbro are feeding the Masterpiece hunger with cartoon accurate characters that fans have wanted forever, and 3rd Party companies are trying to fill the gaps and expand on the direction the collector community wants their collecting to move towards with varying results. The meat and veg products from Hasbro and Takara, things like cartoon-based lines and Classics/Generations have popular comic series tie-ins and have produced some of the best moulds of the series recently, with exciting stuff on the horizon. Choice is at an all time high, but so are the pitfalls that can detract from the collecting experience.

Pitfalls | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/pitfalls/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/xpit03.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

26th April 2014, 09:22 AM

The Netherlands has always had a very rich culture of Transformers collectors, with some of the most well-known, long-time, knowledgeable fans and stunning collections originating from Holland. Rein "iDarkDesign" den Hengst has been a part of that Dutch TF scene from the earliest stages, and is now involved with the annual Dutch B.O.T.S. Transformers convention. Having seen pictures of his astonishing collection recently, and allied to the fact that I met him in person in 2012 after years of running across each other online for over a decade, it was high time to bring Rein's collection, wisdom and refreshing attitude towards the hobby to the attention of everyone else. So here he is to talk us through his Transformers history.

Collector Interview 24 � Rein den Hengst | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-24-rein-den-hengst/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2401.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2410.jpg

All the best
Maz

Skullcruncher

26th April 2014, 10:28 AM

Maz

30th April 2014, 09:32 AM

Over a decade ago, I gave my Robots in Disguise Car Brothers to a non-collecting friend as a gift, and they�d been sitting in his garage for all that time. Having just cleaned out that garage he dropped them off to me again, thinking I�d have more use for them now than when I gave up the hobby back then. The Car Robots Mach Alert, Speedbreaker and X-Brawn became Robots In Disguise Prowl, Sideburn and again, X-Brawn. Playing with those excellent toys again, something dawned on me. Car Robots is now almost as old as Generation 1 was when Car Robots first came out.

Blast From The Past | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/blast-from-the-past/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CB13.jpg
http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CB14.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

8th May 2014, 09:01 AM

Too many Transformers, too much choice, too little money and definitely not enough space. Then we add the 3rd Party toys coming at us from all angles, and try to balance that against older toys we may be trying to buy (or not buy), and we all develop strategies for staying away from what may bankrupt us. For some the decision to pass on a particular type of product can be arbitrary, for others it�s because it won�t fit with their collection direction. Some may want it all, but can�t afford to give in. From behind a computer screen where gorgeous promotional images and enabling collector photography can only do so much damage, we are safe. However, seeing certain things in the flesh�

In The Flesh | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/in-the-flesh/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/xflesh14.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/xflesh10.jpg

All the best
Maz

Trent

8th May 2014, 12:28 PM

^Stop making me want MP-10B!!! It's hard enough to resist as it is dammit!

Thanks for the read Maz :)

Maz

14th May 2014, 09:02 AM

^Stop making me want MP-10B!!! It's hard enough to resist as it is dammit!

Thanks for the read Maz :)

Haha that's what I was saying all through that day where the toys in that article were brought out one by one and mass-enabling began. I really didn;t want to lust after any of that stuff.

and for today...

Have you ever had to justify your collection to a loved one? Have you perhaps occasionally had to assure your partner that your collection may be worth more than you paid in the future, and that in case of an emergency you would always be able to raise some immediate funds? We are extremely lucky in that we partake in a hobby that can one day give something back, even if it�s at a loss, we can sell the bulk of our collections for a significant amount of what we paid originally. Those who have been more careful or lucky with their buying can even end up years down the line with more money than they originally spent. Not all hobbies offer that kind of safety net.

Who Will Buy My Collection? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/who-will-buy-my-collection/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/xwho02.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/xwho04.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

21st May 2014, 08:17 AM

A lifetime of appreciation for Transformers and the growing acceptance of hobbies such as toy collecting in society generally means that we can share our hobby with more people, and wear it more proudly, although some of us did that from day one regardless of others� opinions anyway. When you get to the root of it, it�s the amount of wonder instilled in us by Transformers toys at tender ages that is responsible for our enthusiasm and appreciation of the concept today, even if our reason for being in the hobby has evolved since then. So if they meant so much to us as kids, what does that mean for our own children?

Pass The Torch | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/pass-the-torch/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/xptt01.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/xptt13.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

30th May 2014, 11:45 AM

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/xG227.jpg

That�s pretty beautiful isn�t it? The MP-12 Lambor/Sideswipe mould in black. Because everything looks good in black, Masterpiece Optimus Prime, Soundwave, Rodimus and now Sideswipe. I�ve now seen all of those black repaints in the flesh and my opinion is that they are beautiful, but whether they are worthy of the extra spend is a matter of how relevant the repaint is to the collector. Arguably, MP-12G Lambor G2 Version (G2 Sideswipe) has the most character to him, something that the execution of this toy taps into deeply. But, is it enough for this to just be as pretty as a black Lamborghini Countach was always going to be? Is there anything else there under the surface?

Just Another Black Repaint? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/just-another-black-repaint/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/xG213.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

5th June 2014, 08:57 AM

You know when that bell rings? When you slip into an old pair of comfortable slippers? When you walk down the street of your old house? Things move fast in the Transformers universe and new product can come at such pace that we can become blinded to what�s already around or has gone before. Recently I�ve started something of a journey back into my own collecting past having recently caught up with what is current and immersing myself in the brand new. This journey back in time has not only unearthed previously undiscovered gems of past toy lines for me, but also brought me face to face with a few old flames.

Old Flames | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/old-flames/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/xold07.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/xold06.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

8th June 2014, 08:19 AM

For those of us who have seen THIS (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-collection-showcase/982027-sharing-my-collection.html), this interview has been something to look forward to enormously. Neale Rochman, AKA "heraldofunicron", has spent virtually all of his collecting life away from the online community. Recently he ventured online and connected with the fandom via the forums, and posted that collection video tour that got a lot of us desperate to find out more about his journey. Neal's Transformers museum is comprised of G1, G2, Japanese exclusives, prototypes and artwork, the main draw being that most of his G1 collection is displayed packaged and loose with one toy in each mode. It's like a living catalogue of Transformers G1 history. I always think I've seen the last great TF collection already and that very little will make me stand back and gasp. I was wrong, so please, the tour starts here...

Collector Interview 25 � Neal Rochman | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-25-neal-rochman/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2526.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2503.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

12th June 2014, 09:32 AM

Transformers Animated is an incredibly divisive chapter in the history of the brand among collectors. For every fan who loved the cartoon and was touched by the depth of the story telling, continuity and homages to prior eras of Transformers, there are those who simply can�t understand the love for this highly specific aesthetic and style, both toys and cartoon alike. You can often find collectors liquidating everything from vintage to modern day releases, but even the most thorough collection clearout posts can have a massive gap in chronology where the Animated toys should be. Either because they are keeping this most special and unique of TF lines, or because they never got on board with it in the first place. And that says a lot about how Animated is seen even today, just as at the time.

A Voyage Of Animated Discovery � Part 1 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/a-voyage-of-animated-discovery-part-1/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/AniBlurr01.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/AniBee01.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

16th June 2014, 11:42 AM

I started a mission on my own blog about how one could go about scoring a G1 Rotorstorm for free, a mission that's finally come to a conclusion. I didn't set out to get one free at first, or to make a big deal of it, I just wanted to pay as little as possible for a decent example. What happened along the way I felt was interesting enough to share. I hope you agree!

Square One: How to get a G1 Rotorstorm For Free (Part 1) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/how-to-get-g1-rotorstorm-for-free-part-1.html)
Square One: How to get a G1 Rotorstorm For Free (Part 2) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/how-to-get-g1-rotorstorm-for-free-part-2.html)
Square One: How to get a G1 Rotorstorm For Free (Part 3) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/how-to-get-g1-rotorstorm-for-free-part-3.html)
Square One: How to get a G1 Rotorstorm For Free (Part 4) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/how-to-get-g1-rotorstorm-for-free-part-4.html)
Square One: How to get a G1 Rotorstorm For Free (Part 5 - Finale) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/how-to-get-g1-rotorstorm-for-free-part.html)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtikT76fll0/U4PWqkZcyFI/AAAAAAAACuo/V9a1XC5Ms4o/s1600/Rotor.JPG

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDS8j2GLx9k/U4XpDQTQu1I/AAAAAAAACyI/-pc_J3Xhd54/s1600/Rotorstorm07.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYgH0nUNTxs/U54xD5V10FI/AAAAAAAADC4/XdS05p-GpNs/s1600/Rotorstorm23.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

18th June 2014, 10:29 AM

I am discovering and re-discovering Transformers Animated at the same time. Discovering that the toy line expanded so far beyond the amazing deluxes, voyagers and leaders from my original flirtation with the toy line, and re-discovering repaints and toys I had long forgotten about, and re-living the enjoyment of experiencing new moulds from the line. It�s been a while since deluxes have been so impressive and such complete, uncompromising toys. When the sub-deluxe toys are as good as the Activators and legends, it�s no surprise that everything from there upwards impressed so much. A shame that not everyone feels the same way though, to this day discussions about Animated bring out intense loyalty in some and palpable repulsion in others.

A Voyage Of Animated Discovery � Part 2 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/a-voyage-of-animated-discovery-part-2/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/AniBlazing051.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/AniSwipe01.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

25th June 2014, 07:21 AM

The law of diminishing returns dictates that beyond a certain point, there is less reward and result for an equal amount of input. In terms of vintage Generation 1 Transformers research and discovery, this basically means that as time goes by, as much as we continue to hunt for variations, exclusives or oddities from different and often obscure parts of the TF universe � or unfamilar parts of the world � there is less chance that we will turn up the next big thing. The next Diaclone Black Tracks, the next South American pink Windcharger, the next European yellow G1 Devastator � is there still anything like that out there after all these years?

Slightly More News To Me | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/slightly-more-news-to-me/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Dive01.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2014-06-18-08.00.41.jpg

All the best
Maz

Skullcruncher

25th June 2014, 11:25 AM

Curse you Maz and this Yugoslavian G1 Optimus Prime for adding another prime to my want list :D:D

That last photo of powermaster prime - please explain? :cool:

Maz

28th June 2014, 05:27 AM

I would have waited an eternity for this. Paul Hitchens is one of the most recognisable names (and faces) in the Transformers collecting community, not just because of his numerous and significant contributions to conventions, the community, the discovery and cataloguing of variants, rarities, prototypes and history of Transformers animation, but also as a representative of the community and the brand in various media including TV, DVD, radio, print and publications. He is as well known for being a long time collector and enthusiast as he is for being one of the most reputable and enduring toy dealers in the business, The Spacebridge. Beyond all of these things, he is someone I look up to as a close friend, a father, a level-headed collector and someone I'd ask for advice given just about any situation, collecting or otherwise. It is a credit to him that his interview is probably the most anticipated of any before, and it's a credit to me that I was finally able to get him to agree to it!

Because of Paul's long standing in the community, I have asked him to describe how the scene has changed in the last 15 years as opposed to the normal 10 years I ask all interviewees, and it's also why he's the only one allowed to use sub-headings! Bring it, Hitch.

Collector Interview 26 � Paul Hitchens | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-26-paul-hitchens/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2601.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2603.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

28th June 2014, 05:30 AM

Curse you Maz and this Yugoslavian G1 Optimus Prime for adding another prime to my want list :D:D

That last photo of powermaster prime - please explain? :cool:

Hahaha I do apologise, I was quite surprised by that Prime myself!

As for PM Prime, here you go:
http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/who-knew.html

All the best
Maz

Skullcruncher

28th June 2014, 09:01 AM

Hahaha I do apologise, I was quite surprised by that Prime myself!

As for PM Prime, here you go:
http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/who-knew.html

All the best
Maz

Awesome, some Saturday morning reading. That interview with Hitch was the best! Its great to see long time collectors share their stories and his were very good. One day I hope to find some thermo nuclear variations as well ;)

Maz

9th July 2014, 09:36 AM

There have always been categories of Transformers, distinguishable by size, complexity and type. As a predominantly vintage collector for years I was very new to the whole uniform hierarchy of figures � or size class � that seem to have originated in the beast era of toys. This week I am looking at some of the deluxe class toys I�ve seen and owned (which admittedly is not very many) and pick out some of what has really impressed.

A Class Apart | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/a-class-apart/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/EarlyJuly32.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

21st July 2014, 11:11 AM

No, this did not cost me a thousand dollars, but some collectors out there will have shelled out close to that for the 2007 Binaltech Wonderfest exclusive BT-17 Black Convoy. I traded for mine, so it worked out extremely reasonable, and contributed to my decision to go ahead and open it. Why would anyone hesitate to open theirs, regardless of price? For a start, the packaging is rubbish, and one of those that can never be restored to its original untouched appearance, and having paid what most people do (seen em go for $700 recently), collectors will not want to destroy that high value and take a big hit in years to come should they sell. But this is me we're talking about, and I have been waiting for this opportunity for 7 years since I sold my own sealed specimen after BotCon 2007. So, please join me for my unsealing, un-boxing and liberating of a MISB Takara Binaltech BT-17 Dark Commander Black Convoy.

Square One: Opening a $1000 toy - BT-17 Black Convoy (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/opening-1000-toy-bt-17-black-convoy.html) <- CLICK TO READ

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYvjMRQtRfE/U8xRTUeFlkI/AAAAAAAADzY/U9eTBYhHGq4/s1600/BT17-02.jpg

All the best
Maz

kurdt_the_goat

21st July 2014, 05:11 PM

Opened is opened... but seriously you could have just sliced the sides of the bubble at one end and simply slid him out (and back in again)! :D

Omega Metro

21st July 2014, 07:02 PM

No, this did not cost me a thousand dollars, but some collectors out there will have shelled out close to that for the 2007 Binaltech Wonderfest exclusive BT-17 Black Convoy. I traded for mine, so it worked out extremely reasonable, and contributed to my decision to go ahead and open it. Why would anyone hesitate to open theirs, regardless of price? For a start, the packaging is rubbish, and one of those that can never be restored to its original untouched appearance, and having paid what most people do (seen em go for $700 recently), collectors will not want to destroy that high value and take a big hit in years to come should they sell. But this is me we're talking about, and I have been waiting for this opportunity for 7 years since I sold my own sealed specimen after BotCon 2007. So, please join me for my unsealing, un-boxing and liberating of a MISB Takara Binaltech BT-17 Dark Commander Black Convoy.

Square One: Opening a $1000 toy - BT-17 Black Convoy (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/opening-1000-toy-bt-17-black-convoy.html) <- CLICK TO READ

All the best
Maz

I think that's awesome that you opened that. You are a TRUE TF collector for doing so and not just a toy investor.:)

Maz

22nd July 2014, 07:06 AM

Opened is opened... but seriously you could have just sliced the sides of the bubble at one end and simply slid him out (and back in again)! :D

Well as I said, the rear side which is the only one I could open the way you've described already had two significant cuts and piercings in it along the edge, so it would have been a most untidy situation had I done that, and plus I did not want to further affect the integrity of the bubble, I just felt it was more important for display to preserve that than the printed text on the sides of the package that would never be visible on display.

I think that's awesome that you opened that. You are a TRUE TF collector for doing so and not just a toy investor.:)

Cheers mate, yeah BT-17 didn't stand a chance with me. I enjoyed all my other BTs far too much to let it sit in its prison :) All the better that I got one with a damaged package.

Great article Maz :D

I totally agree with your points. I was also one of the lucky ones to get a near perfect figure.

My only complaint (which you have mentioned) is the ability for Scoria to hold his weapons.

I pre-ordered Scoria as soon as it was available, and I was concerned with some of the QC problems others were reporting (mine was sent late for some reason) so I held off getting Soar. That all changed once I opened Scoria, I will be getting the entire line. It might sound lame but I have only had 2 figures that have taken my breath away when I have opened them, Scoria was one of those figures.

I was already on the Fans Toys bandwagon after Quakewave, I am well and truly at the front of the wagon after Scoria.

My feelings exactly, thanks for the kind words!

All the best
Maz

Maz

24th July 2014, 08:56 AM

Every line of Transformers has its toughies and special releases that create a headache for anyone hoping to complete the run, Takara�s Binaltech Transformers are no exception. In fact, it�s taken me a whole year and 2 months to address the sixth chapter of this article series that started all the way back with Binaltech BT-01 to BT-04. The main reason for that was the acquisition, price and rarity of 2007′s Wonderfest exclusive BT-17 Black Convoy. Once that was in hand and opened, alongside the e-Hobby exclusive BT-18 Rijie Electro Disrupter, we have Binaltech royalty, the exclusive cherries that top one of the best and most loved TF lines in history.

Binaltech BT-17 to BT-18 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/binaltech-bt-17-to-bt-18/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/BTex01.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/BTex06.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Rij01.jpg

Previous chapters:

Binaltech BT-01 to BT-04 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/binaltech-bt-01-to-bt-04/)
Binaltech BT-05 to BT-08 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/binaltech-bt-05-to-bt-08/)
Binaltech BT-09 to BT-12 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/binaltech-bt-09-to-bt-12/)
Binaltech BT-13 to BT-16 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/binaltech-bt-13-to-bt-16/)
Binaltech: Asterisk BTA-01 to BTA-03 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/binaltech-asterisk-bta-01-to-bta-03/)

All the best
Maz

Maz

1st August 2014, 11:27 AM

Diaclone Change Attackers, or "Change Attacars", have become pretty well known in the last few years, much moreso than before in my opinion. Originally released for the Japanese Diaclone line as pull-back flip-changers with a vehicle mode and attack mode only, they were then licensed to Ceji Joustra in Europe in 1984 for the "Diaclone" line there, and when Ceji Joustra sold up their rights to Takara moulds to Hasbro Bradley in 1985, those toys were taken off them by GiG in Italy for the "Trasformer" line where they were re-branded "Destroy Car". There were even Arabic carded versions of these toys released in the Middle East. We take a look at probably the most common mould, the Oneboxcar Vanette or Van, the same vehicle that was used as the base for Diaclone/TF Ironhide.

Square One: Diaclone "Change Attacar" Oneboxcar Vanette (Van) (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/08/diaclone-change-attacar-van.html) <- CLICK TO READ

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsoQnd_X-5E/U9pO-5JDg8I/AAAAAAAAEDs/7qVX_JjHBPY/s1600/Van01.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

2nd August 2014, 10:43 AM

Jim Sorenson is a known entity, but his collection isn�t! This month we take a look at the collecting habits and treasures of a man who has brought behind the scenes treasures to the rest of us in an official capacity through his work on the Transformers Animated Allspark Almanacs, Transformers The Ark, The Art of Prime, as well as the upcoming Transformers Legacy book that will feature tonnes of seen and unseen Transformers production artwork in one amazing volume. It is always fascinating to hear the stories of a collector who never really stopped being a fan or collector of Transformers, someone who was purchasing his first Grand Maximus when I was just realising that a G1 Sharkticon toy was made�

Collector Interview 27 � Jim Sorenson | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-27-jim-sorenson/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2701.jpg

All the best
Maz

MayzaPrime

2nd August 2014, 03:41 PM

Another great article Maz, Jim seems like a pretty cool bloke. :D

Very jealous of the cheap purchase of Grand Maximus :p

Maz

7th August 2014, 11:11 AM

Focus is important in collecting, or so I said for 2 years of writing this column. I was wrong, I�m giving up only buying Diaclones, or only buying Animated, or only buying Masterpiece. It�s become very clear that I�ve missed out on far too much by collecting in a myopic fashion. Every time someone�s forced me to look at a Transformers toy, concept or line I had previously resisted or ignored, the results have been predictable, they were right. No more shunning of a brilliant Generations or Prime figure for the 12th variation of a toy I already have. There�s a new focus, cool Transformers.

Filling Unknown Gaps | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/filling-unknown-gaps/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/xfill20.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/xfill11.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

20th August 2014, 10:02 AM

I toyed with calling this article �Suck it and see�, as anyone who has been following this blog and my own writing at Square One recently will know that I�ve branched out a bit and continued saying �yes� to recommendations of fellow collectors instead of staying glued to my own path or focus. Whether it�s because someone placed a toy in my hands and dared me to hate it, or something I have bought or was gifted for my daughter, or just another offshoot of my main collecting interest right now, all those items have had a significant influence on my buying, and these are the results.

One Thing Leads To Another | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/one-thing-leads-to-another/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/xone01.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/xone18.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

11th September 2014, 06:42 AM

This time last year it would have been completely unthinkable that a Masterpiece Autobot car could come onto the market and fail to create the kind of ripples felt in the collecting pool as items such as MP-12 Lambor, MP-14 Alert, MP-17 Prowl or MP-18 Streak made, but MP-18S Silverstreak�s impact could arguably be described as gentle. It cannot even be attributed to the fact that it was a Tokyo Toy Show exclusive, because last year�s MP-12T Tigertrack seemed to be widely well received. It�s certainly not down to appearance, because in my opinion, MP-18S Silverstreak is the best looking Masterpiece car of the current crop until Wheeljack lands later this month. So what was the problem?

The Forgotten Fairlady | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/the-forgotten-fairlady/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Silver16.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Silver08.jpg

All the best
Maz

Sinnertwin

11th September 2014, 05:09 PM

It�s certainly not down to appearance, because in my opinion, MP-18S Silverstreak is the best looking Masterpiece car of the current crop until Wheeljack lands later this month. So what was the problem?

It's not blue.
:p ;)

Another good read, thanks Maz.

Maz

13th September 2014, 07:03 AM

Not all of the collectors we interview here have been head-hunted by reputation or are a result of me convincing a long-time mate to finally give in and share their insight and collection. Occasionally I will put the planned (hah!) schedule of interviews on hold because something so attention-grabbing and amazing comes up that we just have to investigate. Neal Rochman�s collection was one such occurrence, and this slightly later-than-normal feature on another Neil, Mr Dela Cruz, is the same! One look at the following panoramic photograph that was posted on this now-Australian based collector�s Facebook page and I knew he had to be the immediate subject of an interview. Without further ado�

Collector Interview 28 � Neil Dela Cruz | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-28-neil-dela-cruz/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2802.jpg

All the best
Maz

Sky Shadow

13th September 2014, 08:56 AM

Yay - Liege!

Ultra Mackness

13th September 2014, 10:19 AM

I thought I recognised the "welcome" photo in the review! Go Liege!

AJ_Prime

13th September 2014, 12:10 PM

Hey dude, just read through some of your interviews. Wow, VERY interesting and inspiring. Great work mate.

Trent

13th September 2014, 01:50 PM

Well done Neil/Liege!!:)

Sinnertwin

13th September 2014, 02:23 PM

HoooAhhh! Go Liege!

autobreadticon

13th September 2014, 04:25 PM

my jigga Liege!!! nice1 on the article and the collection ,like i said on your revious threads good eye for displaying.

That solar system from the magazines, i got that as well mass respect:D

theshape

13th September 2014, 05:15 PM

Congrats on the interview mate. Great collection!

liegeprime

13th September 2014, 11:43 PM

Thank you very much guys. Also, thanks to Deceptic optics for taking the time and effort with the panoramic shots... I don't own a Go pro so it's good he agreed to take em for me :).

@Bread: yeah that was a pain to collect and assemble.... It works as well but I'm having difficulty finding a place for it hahah, and it's really heavy too. I still don't understand how to use it though hahaha, haven't gotten around to reading most of the magazines that came with it.

@Ultra Mackness: heheh the Welcome was a bit of a giveaway was it :p heheheh

CBratron

14th September 2014, 07:26 AM

Recognised by the green/brown bags they hand out at Parra Fair.

liegeprime

14th September 2014, 07:14 PM

Recognised by the green/brown bags they hand out at Parra Fair.

hehehe quite a bit of it actually hanging there already. :p:D

Maz

17th September 2014, 06:38 AM

Why repaints and remoulds? Why can�t every Transformers toy be a completely new mould and something brand new to enjoy and explore? We all know the answer to that already. The money involved in creating fresh toy sculpts � the engineering, tooling and design required to birth just one new Transformers toy � is such that the company responsible counters that by ensuring they get the most out of that mould by way of repaints and re-moulds/re-tools. The more the merrier. But that�s not the question we�re asking this week, the question is, what makes us buy them?

Why Repaints? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/why-repaints/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PrimeWheeljackAll01.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/xmp01.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

24th September 2014, 06:11 AM

Before I go any further, a disclaimer. The content of this article series is purely my opinion, not stated as right, wrong, nor as representative of the general feeling within the collecting community. In fact I doubt I�d find even one collector who would agree with all my choices. With that out of the way, here�s my verdict on Transformers Animated�s top toys in the Legends, Activators, Deluxe, Voyager and Leader classes, as well as best series episode, best transformation, best repaint and original concept feature. In the last few months I finally watched the episodes I had missed first time around and collected every toy mould released within the aforementioned classes, including pretty much every repaint and a number of bootlegs so I hope that qualifies to me to pass some sort of judgement. Here are my results!

TF Animated � The Verdict (Part 1) | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/tf-animated-the-verdict-part-1/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/AniActivators.jpg
http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/AniDeluxes.jpg
http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/AniVoyagers.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

1st October 2014, 06:40 AM

If Transformers Animated wasn�t subject enough to the varying opinions within the collecting community, for those who have surrendered their hearts to it there are plenty of wildly differing views on what ranks as the best and worst aspects of the line and concept in general. Last week I offered up my choices for best Animated legends, activator, deluxe and voyager class toy, knowing full well I�d struggle to find anyone in complete agreement. I think this week�s categories of best �main line� repaint/remould, best leader, and best Japanese market release are going to be even more controversial � or just plain unpopular. I certainly expected to find this a lot easier�

TF Animated � The Verdict (Part 2) | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/tf-animated-the-verdict-part-2/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/AniLeaders01.jpg
http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/AniRepaints.jpg
http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/AniJapanese.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

4th October 2014, 06:45 AM

Dan Ghile is a UK Transformers fan, artist and collector who has inspired me this year. Meeting and spending time in real life with collectors like Dan, Richard Irvine-Brown, Sid Beckett, as well as oldies like Morgan Evans, Paul Hitchens and many other fine UK fans has opened my eyes to just what a wealth of passion, knowledge, history and diversity exists right on my doorstep in London and the UK. I�ve not enjoyed being a part of the TF community more than I have in the past year as a result of the company, contributions and friendship of these collectors. What this interview will demonstrate is that you don�t have to be a well known collector with a legendary collection or history of acknowledged fandom contributions to be able to offer the kind of wisdom, unbridled passion and deep factual knowledge that Dan exhibits in any conversation about Transformers, the type that is infectious and can influence others positively.

Collector Interview 29 � Dan Ghile | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-29-dan-ghile/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2901.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2902.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

22nd October 2014, 07:19 AM

If for whatever reason you lost all of your Transformers collection tomorrow, what figure would you buy back first? That excellent question was asked by Alex Kirk at a UK Transformers meet recently and created some fascinating discussion and introspective analysis. After the initial wave of �Nothing, I�d be free!� responses, everyone who was asked the question gave some very interesting answers. I�ve expanded Alex�s question to include the first three toys one would buy back, for whatever purpose that might be: rebuilding, three and done, nostalgia or a blank slate with the benefit of experience.

If You Lost It All� (Part 1) | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/if-you-lost-it-all-part-1/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/5BuyBacks.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

5th November 2014, 05:44 AM

It�s been over three years now that we�ve been producing articles and collector interviews for the TFSource Blog, and just as with the previous two years, we thought it might be interesting for our readers to see what the top 5 most visited and read articles have been over the last 12 to 14 months. One thing the results have shown us are that our readership and reach have grown, and thanks for that must go not just to our staff but also to the collectors and enthusiasts whose contributions have helped make the blog something worthwhile to visit and keep up to date with.

The majority of interest seems to come out of articles where collectors are given a voice to either express their preferences, habits and obstacles, or to show off their collections, modest and expansive alike. 3rd Party products have also ranked highly on the list of popular articles which is to be expected after a bumper year of releases and announcements by a seemingly growing list of protagonists. Here, then, are the top 5 most read Source Blog posts of our third year.

Best of 2013 / 2014 � Three Years Of Source Articles | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/best-of-2013-2014-three-years-of-source-articles/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/xamba07.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/2802.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

8th November 2014, 08:16 AM

Decades from now, when we look back on the Transformers phenomenon and specifically the Transformers fan community in all its evolving glory from patchy little groups across the world to a globally connected, flourishing mass of thousands and thousands of enthusiasts and collectors, the names of 2 people will inevitably stand out. They will stand out and stand the test of time. Jon and Karl Hartman, founders of the world�s most famous Transformers convention BotCon, have given to this hobby immeasurably. The fact that both are wonderful, approachable and modest people just helps perpetuate their legend. This month we are honoured to feature Karl in our collector spotlight. A pillar of the TF community (figuratively and literally), he�s given us an interview with a great deal of heart and stunning photos of that legendary collection. Enjoy.

Collector Interview 30 � Karl Hartman | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-30-karl-hartman/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/3001.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/3019.jpg

All the best
Maz

Deonasis

8th November 2014, 01:07 PM

^ Great Hartman interview Maz! I honestly did not want Karl's responses (or images) to stop.. :(

Skullcruncher

8th November 2014, 04:48 PM

TAAUBlaster

8th November 2014, 06:03 PM

What a collection!

autobreadticon

8th November 2014, 06:14 PM

Those photos are stunning, the poster box G1's, carded g1's, will there ever be another collection like it? The second to last photo I was like, that's a weird little door.... oh hang on that's a normal size door :o Any clues to the item in question 7? G1? Diaclone? Prototype?

Unreleased G2 Protectobots im guessing, I saw a post about it 2 months ago. plus this interview maybe taken 2 months too write up

edit: those G2 toys aint one of a kind tho :o

liegeprime

8th November 2014, 10:47 PM

Love it!! all those unreleased TFs... especially the monkey pretender shell, wish that got released! A very satisfying read :D

5FDP

8th November 2014, 11:16 PM

Just finished reading the Hartman article. I have a question in regards to the comment he made about the G2 Stunticon auction, in particular this quote "I was excited for, then very disappointed for, the winner of that auction." What did I miss? :confused:

@ liege - Nice pose you got going on ;) :p

Sky Shadow

8th November 2014, 11:59 PM

liegeprime

9th November 2014, 07:56 AM

@ liege - Nice pose you got going on ;) :p

Thanks , looking back, I would sucked in my gut hahahaha

5FDP

10th November 2014, 11:26 AM

Start here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=434125#post434125), and read on... :)

Thanks :)

Sinnertwin

10th November 2014, 11:41 AM

Some of my fondest memories include sending letters (yes, kids, putting pen to paper and mailing them off) to Jon and Karl after i had read their articles and discovered what they were all about.
We exchanged letters back and forth, helped each other with toys that were otherwise difficult to get and they even helped me replace my copy of the original movie on VHS. Good times :)

Maz

19th November 2014, 09:11 AM

Thank you lancalot!!

Just very recently I read a great blog post by Dave Barry (Gangu Stars) on a new phenomenon called �digital collecting�, a practice whereby toy enthusiasts strictly collect images of toys they desire instead of physically owning them. Now while most of us want to be able to touch and transform the items in our collections, some amass photographs (of others� toys) and call that their collection. Whether I understand it or not, I was reminded of just how much Transformers imagery we must all have on various storage devices, some of it ancient.

Remind Me | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/remind-me/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/1and2.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Alltapes3.jpg

All the best
Maz

Paulbot

19th November 2014, 10:04 AM

Just very recently I read a great blog post by Dave Barry (Gangu Stars) on a new phenomenon called �digital collecting�, a practice whereby toy enthusiasts strictly collect images of toys they desire instead of physically owning them. Now while most of us want to be able to touch and transform the items in our collections, some amass photographs (of others� toys) and call that their collection. Whether I understand it or not, I was reminded of just how much Transformers imagery we must all have on various storage devices, some of it ancient.

I've considered a move towards the Digital Collecting, particularly for expensive toys I can't justify.

What I'm still waiting for is a chance to peek into the vaults of Griffin's former hard drive and the Transformers imagery from times gone by it holds.

TAAUBlaster

19th November 2014, 08:43 PM

Another great article Maz :)

Bidoofdude

20th November 2014, 10:43 PM

Good article Maz, nice to see how the collecting community has changed.

Skullcruncher

21st November 2014, 04:13 PM

Huh Digital Collecting, I save photos of things I want to buy but as soon as its in the collection I have no need for it. It would just pain me to look at photos of my own collection if I had to sell up!

Seraphim Prime

27th November 2014, 06:24 PM

Just very recently I read a great blog post by Dave Barry (Gangu Stars) on a new phenomenon called �digital collecting�, a practice whereby toy enthusiasts strictly collect images of toys they desire instead of physically owning them. Now while most of us want to be able to touch and transform the items in our collections, some amass photographs (of others� toys) and call that their collection. Whether I understand it or not, I was reminded of just how much Transformers imagery we must all have on various storage devices, some of it ancient.

I remember when I went through a phase of cataloguing various different pieces of reference material for upcoming toys, such as Botcon releases and the official pics from Hasbro, wanting to make a collection of official pics.

I ended up deleting most of it however, when I realised I wasn't really ever looking at them and I had the actual figure.

Maz

29th November 2014, 08:30 AM

Get me an interview, now. That�s what I said to my friend when he shared a picture of Michael Kingcaid�s Transformers collection with me a week before Michael himself shared photos with the Internet. I then received numerous emails and Facebook tags to get in touch with the owner of this amazing collection and collar him for an interview. Luckily, by that stage I had established contact with this highly creative, long-time enthusiast and he was thrilled to be able to share his passion and achievement through a Source Interview. Inspiration in words and visuals alike, by popular demand, we give you Michael Kingcaid!

Collector Interview 31 � Michael Kingcaid | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-31-michael-kingcaid/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/3101.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

17th December 2014, 09:56 AM

These days, invariably, you will find good condition factory sealed vintage Generation 1 Transformers preserved, immortalised, imprisoned, desecrated (delete as appropriate) in an acrylic display case, with a grade attached. The AFA � or Action Figure Authority � grade toys like Transformers be they factory sealed, opened and unused or even loose. Everyone has an opinion on this, from not keeping toys sealed at all to downright hatred of the AFA and the culture behind grading Transformers, specifically the �authority� part and the implication that the AFA are experts. The other side of the coin is that collectors use the grading process to confirm what they already knew about the quality of their specimen, and are after preservation of the toys only. It�s really not as black and white as we may think.

Making The Grade - Part 1 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/making-the-grade-part-1/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BP01.jpg

All the best
Maz

5FDP

17th December 2014, 11:59 AM

Great articles as always Maz :)

Skullcruncher

17th December 2014, 12:04 PM

Ahhh the suspense!! Another well written article.

Maz

18th December 2014, 02:26 AM

Thank you so much, guys!

:o

All the best
Maz

theshape

18th December 2014, 09:37 PM

Been looking forward to this once since it was mentioned on tfw2005. Great stuff, cant wait for part 2 :)

Maz

24th December 2014, 11:22 AM

This is exactly where we left things last week on Part 1 (http://tfsource.com/blog/making-the-grade-part-1/). The factory sealed vintage Transformers Generation 1 Aerialbot Fireflight had been photo-analysed, admired, had a potential grading result predicted by a number of experienced collectors and then promptly sent off to the Action Figure Authority (AFA) for grading as part of an experiment. Fireflight has since returned, cased and graded, and this week I�ll be taking you through the minutiae of the grading process and analysing the result to the best of my ability.

Making The Grade (Part 2) | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/making-the-grade-part-2/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/FireflightGraded05.jpg

All the best
Maz

Skullcruncher

25th December 2014, 04:09 PM

Wow, interesting, a couple of points -

- As an international customer I always use N/A as my state.

- Great to see you got to select shipping option back, previously they automatically chose fedex or UPS based on the value you estimated the items at. They sent some items back to me UPS and I freaked out because UPS here are useless and right on que my package was lost in UPS pergatory for a week after passing through customs.

- Did you get a grading report? From experience items with grading reports appear to have a more honest grade. Regular submitters seem to be the ones who have items with the most questionable grades.

- Do you think the value you assign the toy influences the grades? Here is one of my prices submissions.

http://thumbnails110.imagebam.com/37583/736f75375827898.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/736f75375827898)
IMO how anyone can think a mint combiner part is worth $800 is beyond me. Sounds like a some agenda is being peddled there.

Trent

25th December 2014, 05:24 PM

Good couple of articles Maz. An interesting insight to a world that I have no desire to ever be a part of :)

http://thumbnails110.imagebam.com/37583/736f75375827898.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/736f75375827898)
IMO how anyone can think a mint combiner part is worth $800 is beyond me. Sounds like a some agenda is being peddled there.

Yep.

Skullcruncher

25th December 2014, 10:28 PM

Yep.

Just noticed the misspelling in my submission. :o AFA got the label right!

Maz

27th December 2014, 10:57 AM

Immo de Maar is a collector in the strictest sense of the word. Everything that is added to his display and falls into his ownership is for the purpose of the collection, the completion of a sub-section or the overall tapestry. His approach to toy buying is an exercise in strict focus and parameters, leading to huge satisfaction and enjoyment in the big picture. He does not understand the appeal of newer lines, or even reissues, and no doubt some of his opinions will jar with a lot of readers, but he already knows that. What he has created is what I imagine my collection would have looked like had I never branched out from vintage and had so many sell-offs. For myself, and many collectors, it will be a window into a world almost unimaginable for any collector starting out today.

Collector Interview 32 - Immo de Maar | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-32-immo-de-maar/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/3201.jpg

All the best
Maz

janda the red

28th December 2014, 07:50 AM

gamblor916

28th December 2014, 10:34 AM

Wow! What a collection :eek:

Maz

31st December 2014, 12:51 PM

2014 has been an incredible year for Transformers collectors, even moreso than 2013 was. This year saw the completion of MMC�s first 3rd party combiner �Feral Rex�, who most people would argue dominated the 3rd Party Predaking wars, as well as the start of the 3rd Party Dinobot Wars where FansProject, FansToys, ToyWorld and others raced to release their interpretations of the beloved robotic dinosaurs. As for official product, we got a new toy line to accompany the 4th live action movie Age of Extinction, more superb Generations figures including Arcee, Jetfire, Rhinox, Brainstorm and Whirl and towards the end of 2014 the Masterpiece line from Takara Tomy really kicked into gear with home runs like Wheeljack and Bumblebee, while Hasbro got their versions of MP Prowl and Sunstorm out, as well as a reissue of Grimlock � but stole a good deal of headlines by introducing the first wave of Combiner Wars and Robots In Disguise figures.

There were other astoundingly good offerings from official and unofficial sources like MakeToys Quantron, Perfect Effect Warden, Transformers Cloud Rodimus and the like. What I want to stress above all, is that this article will cover my personal top 5 purchases of the year�and that will NOT be limited to new toys, but old figures as well that I only just purchased. I began a project whereby I wanted to collect all the vintage and reissued 1/55 scale Macross Valkyries, I uncovered and purchased nearly every vintage bootleg Spanish minibot known and previously undocumented, I rediscovered the Human Alliance and ROTF lines, TFPrime was a flavour I sampled this year and I went back to re-purchase and complete virtually all of TF Animated. Vintage G1 also got a look in as I finally re-added a wonderful G1 Jetfire to my collection, as well as a 1992 Turbomaster Rotorstorm that opened my eyes up to latter era G1 figures. So let�s be clear, this is definitely not a �Top 5 toys of 2014″ list, just the top 5 toys I came in to possession of this year that left the biggest positive mark.

Top 5 Purchases of 2014 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/top-5-purchases-of-2014-2/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/top52014b.jpg

All the best
Maz

CBratron

31st December 2014, 01:37 PM

"...fully 6..."

Maz

6th January 2015, 08:04 AM

In June 2014, that feeling came again. The feeling where everything you think you know about the limit of Generation 1 Transformers is once again lain to waste with the discovery, or rather uncovering, of an age-old lost section of vintage G1 variants. This time it was a boxed Generation 1 Optimus Prime from...Yugoslavia! Thanks to the Serbian Transformers community, this absolute gem of a hybrid variant was posted on TFW, and I couldn't wait to dive in and get involved. If it wasn't for the sharing and kindness of the Serbian TF community, there'd be nothing to report, so first off, my sincerest thanks to Danilo, Nikola and G1 Aerialbot for help with that auction, for information and communicating their knowledge.

Optimus From Yugoslavia (Part 1) | Square One (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/optimus-from-yugoslavia-part-1.html)
Optimus From Yugoslavia (Part 2) | Square One (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/optimus-from-yugoslavia-part-2.html)
Optimus From Yugoslavia (Part 3) | Square One (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/optimus-from-yugoslavia-part-3.html)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1CeedM0xZ8/VKhjFLi865I/AAAAAAAAGlA/2vTsrRngi-c/s1600/Yugo01.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgGcK1GErKE/VKhjI7UbYjI/AAAAAAAAGlk/zdCw349koFw/s1600/Yugo06.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

28th January 2015, 10:04 AM

We love Transformers, that�s why upcoming product and a new year�s reveals are scrutinised, criticised or celebrated to the degree that they are. It�s impossible to compare the reaction fans and collectors � or I suppose even casual consumers � have towards new offerings by Hasbro today to how people felt about the second main wave of Transformers advertised for 1985. Imagine how wonderful that first year of 1984 was at the time (well you don�t have to, a lot of you were there). This week we�ll pretend it�s late 1984 and the 1985 catalogue of Hasbro Transformers have just been shown to an enthusiastic fan and a �knowledgeable� cynic who are discussing the upcoming range. For the purposes of this article, let�s just lump Jetfire, the Dinobots and Insecticons etc firmly into 1985. Internet nitpickery hasn�t been invented yet! Many kind thanks to Paul Hitchens of The Spacebridge for the idea and inspiration this week.

1985 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/nineteeneightyfive/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/catalogue1.jpg

All the best
Maz

Paulbot

28th January 2015, 11:50 AM

Reminds me of something I wrote a few years ago (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=3906). ;)

That's a cool 1985 line up pic

5FDP

28th January 2015, 02:24 PM

That's a cool 1985 line up pic

+ 100000000000000 :cool: :cool:

I just drooled all over my computer monitor :o

Bidoofdude

28th January 2015, 05:41 PM

All the minty goodness in that one picture.

SharkyMcShark

11th February 2015, 02:07 PM

I want to chime in and say that I absolutely dig the photography in your articles Maz.

griffin

11th February 2015, 08:52 PM

(reviews of third party items have been moved to their own ongoing topic here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=20343))

Maz

14th February 2015, 10:14 AM

Cheers all for kind words and thank you Griffin for a very thoughtful split of threads.

Here's a new one...

I often find myself wondering who to feature next on these collector interviews, and I have been asked to try and move away from museum-style G1 collections to add more variety. Where possible I have done this, but requests are met at different times and often the choice of who to go with any given month is made for me by circumstance. This month however, and especially after reading his most heartfelt, genuine, wise and engaging interview, it baffles me how Matt �Matty� Dennett has not yet been featured. Writer for G1 Journey and a member of the TFW staff, Matt as a person is every bit as heartfelt, genuine, wise and engaging as his interview. He also has a stunning collection for a so-called newcomer!

Collector Interview 33 � Matt Dennett | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-33-matt-dennett/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/3301.jpg

All the best
Maz

TAAUBlaster

14th February 2015, 10:59 AM

Another great interview Maz :) And an awesome collection! I want that silver display cabinet. :p

Maz

28th February 2015, 08:17 AM

One day, should I move on from Transformers collecting, writing, hobbying and all related activities, I will have memories. Memories of my favourite figures, the best conventions and stories, and the people I met during my tenure in the fandom. People and things will stand out because they were unique, unforgettable and awesome. Jon �Napalm� Strong will be one of those people. Unconstrained by focus, bandwagons or what people think of him, Jon is an inspirational person and collector. So modest and humble was his response to being interviewed, I almost wish you could see the true Napalm!

Collector Interview 34 � Jon Strong | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-34-jon-strong/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/3402.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

4th March 2015, 09:24 AM

Takara Tomy and Transformers Masterpiece have been knocking it out of the park recently, actually, for quite some time. Despite 3rd party companies beginning to converge aggressively on the Masterpiece scale and aesthetic, filling apparent holes in our collections that TT supposedly will not get to for years, the official stuff is as popular as ever and arguably getting better. From back in early 2014 with G2 Lambor, Silverstreak and Soundblaster & Ratbat, conceding that most of the popular stuff was focused towards the end of 2014, Wheeljack, Bumblebee, Ultra Magnus and Skywarp have sent Masterpiece stratospheric. With Star Saber, Exhaust and Tracks around the proverbial corner, it seems set to continue in the same vein.

Masterpiece � They�ve Got Form (Part 1) | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/masterpiece-theyve-got-form-part-1/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Form11.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

11th March 2015, 09:40 AM

That�s right, I didn�t pre-order Masterpiece MP-22 Ultra Magnus. Thankfully, Masterforce.co.uk and Orbital Comics came to my rescue in the UK and I was able to get my hands on one, which is just as well because he sold out sharpish and is only going to go up in price as all Masterpiece seem to do when they�ve been spoken for. Like a number of collectors I spoke to, I was put off by the pre-release imagery of Ultra Magnus, that red bumper, the buttflap and general bulky silhouette which looked most inelegant. The whole point of this article series starting with last week�s Part 1, though, is to show how Takara Tomy have been hitting form with Masterpiece and how each release seems to top the previous one. I should have known Magnus would be superb, and I see a repeat situation with the upcoming MP-24 Star Saber.

Masterpiece - They've Got Form (Part 2) | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/masterpiece-theyve-got-form-part-2/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Form36.jpg

All the best
Maz

Omega Metro

11th March 2015, 10:09 AM

zzyss

12th March 2015, 04:31 PM

http://tfsource.com/blog/masterpiece-theyve-got-form-part-2/

I'll whisper it because talk like this can get you into trouble in certain parts of town, but could it be possible that Takara Tomy just have better toy designers than everyone else?

Having blown a significant amount of dosh acquiring my first ever 3rd party product last year (TFC Uranos if you must), I'd have to say a resounding "YES".

Not that it's a bad figure, and I know Uranos isn't the best example, but if it's in any way indicative of 3rd party design I have to say I'm happy to keep paying my dosh to TakTom.

koolkollectibleskhai

15th March 2015, 09:49 AM

It's been a while since I went through my Transformers Masterpiece collection, and Maz from the TFSource forum inspired me with his term "Masterpiece Moment" to get my collection together.

So here's my video on what my "Masterpiece Moments" are with each of the figure molds. Each one has at least one awesome feature that I love!

Transformers Masterpiece Collection - Masterpiece Moments - YouTube (http://youtu.be/w-ZrZvEZmfc)

Hope you can check it out, subscribe, like, and comment with what your personal "Masterpiece Moments" are!

liegeprime

15th March 2015, 08:11 PM

Like reading the interviews. Love looking at the collection pics, somehow the pictures are so bright and crisp I dunno if Maz has a program cleaning out the pictures sent to him :o:D:p I can stare at the pictures for hours.

Maz

18th March 2015, 10:55 AM

Right, we�ve looked at what has been released in the Transformers Masterpiece range over the last year and a bit in Part 1 and Part 2, now � with one notable exception that cannot be mentioned � we are going to have a look at what�s coming next. Masterpiece fan poll winner MP-24 Star Saber, MP-21G Bumble G2 version and MP-25 Tracks take the spotlight this week, proving that if 2014 demonstrated a run of strong form for Masterpiece, 2015 is going to consolidate and excel.

Masterpiece � They�ve Got Form (Part 3) | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/masterpiece-theyve-got-form-part-3/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Formx031.jpg

All the best
Maz

zzyss

18th March 2015, 03:36 PM

Not sure why you bothered to mention "he who must not be mentioned" several times if you weren't going to say anything about it at all or why it might be relevant to the article (or the reader, for that matter), other than to drop the fact that you possibly know something other people don't?

That gripe aside, I've greatly enjoyed this series of articles... it's definitely helped me appreciate my own pieces more (and come to terms a little better with my Ultra Magnus purchase, from which I did suffer a little buyer's remorse after seeing that new Leader Class UM!)

millhouse

18th March 2015, 03:51 PM

xlojnr

18th March 2015, 03:58 PM

yeah,... I took it as he meant Exhaust and couldn't mention him due to the trademark issues surrounding the toy.

zzyss

18th March 2015, 10:12 PM

yeah,... I took it as he meant Exhaust and couldn't mention him due to the trademark issues surrounding the toy.

Ah, OK didn't think of that. But still, it's not as if saying the name (heck, or even showing pictures) would breach the trademark. Not even sure it's an issue outside of USA where the trademark resides. Maz is in the UK right?

griffin

18th March 2015, 10:36 PM

Is he actually talking about Exhaust? If it is, that's odd... the name is not a problem, just the images or at worst talking about cigarettes with toys.
It should be possible to briefly talk about Exhaust without photos, by noting what it homages and what mould it is using... and why it is/was so controversial.

xlojnr

19th March 2015, 12:56 AM

I agree with you guys - I could be wrong, but when I was reading, however, I just took it as he was adding humour by taking the fact that the toy is controversial, and just ramping it up heaps to the realms of it being "unmentionable".

Anyways.... didn't really bother me too much though.

Maz

19th March 2015, 07:12 AM

Nothing beyond the fact that TFSource is a US-based website so I was asked, obligated actually, to not make direct reference to MP-23 Exhaust. It's a shame because that's the Masterpiece I'm looking forward to the most and the one I had the most to say about.

I usually run my article content plan by TFSource before starting to avoid any conflicts of interest or to see if there are any opportunities for a themed piece or tie-in etc, so I asked if I could go ahead with my plan this week and they requested that I make no reference to Exhaust.

I understand why TFSource made that decision, though. As a retailer they've had to deal directly with PMI over their initial offering of Exhaust and have undoubtedly had untold amount of inconvenience and headache over it. If I were to feature it in a TFSource badged article, in addition to the barrage of Facebook customer questions like "Does this mean you are selling it now?" and any legally binding agreement they've had to make with PMI, why risk further inconvenience, time-swallowing communication and headaches? They may have had to agree with PMI that they cannot make any reference on their websites or affiliated pages to the figure because of any implications discussed ad nauseum about selling what amounts to a cigarette branded toy that was not altered enough for PMI's liking.

Nevertheless, if my MP-23 comes through ok I'll be writing about it in detail on Transformers Square One blog :)

All the best
Maz

rodent

19th March 2015, 12:17 PM

Thanks for taking the time to explain the issues there Maz, I had no idea this whole situation with PMI was such a mess and it's unfortunate that TFSource were dragged directly into it.

For a formerly non-existent character this guy is starting to look quite attractive to me as well.

Maz

1st April 2015, 11:32 AM

I should probably apologise for that click-bait title, but it does represent the topic of this article quite well. It�s impossible to go one year on an active Transformers forum without seeing at least one discussion about the rarest Transformers of all time. Rarity, however, comes in many shapes and sizes, some of which I respect and others that I don�t. The very definition of rare is hard to pin down in a collecting context, does it refer to elusive sightings? How many people own a particular toy? How few were produced? Rarity that was contrived or circumstantial? The discussion always ends the same, with a rainbow of differing opinions and disagreements.

Fifty Shades of Rare | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/fifty-shades-of-rare/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Buster02.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Gold01.jpg

All the best
Maz

zzyss

1st April 2015, 03:41 PM

Maz

3rd April 2015, 11:15 PM

Shouldn't rarity also possess some consideration for desirability? What good is some obscure country variant if nobody actually cares? Wonderfest BT-18 Black Convoy is all very well and good but as you note yourself in your review the toy wasn't particularly good...

Price is usually a good metric to use to determine rarity, but not always. I sold a BT-17 Rijie here and I priced it at what it I thought was a reasonable value to help a fellow BT fan to own one and which somebody would actually be willing to pay, rather than the ridiculously high "market price" that eBay scalpers seem to think it's worth without actually moving a single unit (I would know; I have watched the same auctions for BT-17 and BT-18 for years)

I think I sometimes think of rarity not just in terms of how available something is to buy at a given period of time but also how many specimens are known to exist in collections, or how easy it is to find one in a collection. Desirability can affect availability, but I would like to think of rarity as a concept and property unaffected by how often an item moves between collections.

Whether someone wants it or not, whether someone cares about it or not, a rare variant should be considered a rare variant if they are impossible to find. It just may be that the only person who is aware of that rarity is the one person who cares and tries to find it. A lack of desirability upon release in the vintage era and down the years could be the result of its modern day scarcity though...

Am I making any sense? :P

All the best
Maz

Maz

4th April 2015, 07:11 AM

I would normally take issue with interviewing a Transformers collector who won't reveal his full name, but if you've spent any time around G1 Transformers forums in recent years or TFW2005 generally, you'll know Brad "Th0r4z1n3" B from his legendary seeker-focused collecting or his status as an ex-moderator of that gigantic Transformers forum, so I've no doubt you'll be able to put a face to a name and personality. Brad's collecting and displays represents a direction that my collection could easily have taken on many occasions during my time in the hobby, so it's fascinating to see someone actually achieve the dream, and then tell you what comes next. Over to Brad...

Collector Interview 35 � Brad B | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-35-brad-b/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/3501.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

8th April 2015, 07:17 AM

Whenever you see discussions about the best Transformers from a particular line or era, over a big enough sample, you can see patterns emerging and the same figures can rise to the top of most collectors� lists. Once in a while, a certain Transformers toy, concept or aesthetic will be loved by many, and disliked by a few. Inspired by a fascinating thread on TFW2005 started by user NotRamjet97 called �Unpopular Toy Opinions�, I thought I�d stick my neck out this week and share some of my own feelings on certain figures that might be considered scandalous in today�s scene.

Unpopular Opinions | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/unpopular-opinions/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Xmas02.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/CW.jpg

All the best
Maz

Trent

8th April 2015, 09:05 AM

Good article Maz. It appears that you and I share many of the same opinions. Combiner Wars toys are some of the best TFs we have had for a while... as long as you don't combine them (And I love combiners). CW Megs is very unappealing and while I agree with your assessment of Ultra Magnus, I will be picking it up. It's just a shame that the alt mode doesn't reflect the comic.

RID looks cool. I haven't seen many toys on shelves here yet but I did pick up warrior class Grimlock and think he's great. I have also preordered Drift because I think he looks like another top toy.

Generations Arcee is another that I don't get. Yes, it's a nice little deluxe, but hardly worthy of the "OMG AWESOME!!" the fandom has given it. PE Motorbot fills the Arcee spot in my collection and that is still a great toy after being out quite a few years now.

:)

prjkt

9th April 2015, 03:46 PM

Interesting. I can see your reasoning behind a lot of those points, especially on the CW Leaders and Arcee. Megatron should have been more poseable, and Ultra Magnus' alt-mode is pretty silly. I'm still picking him up for that awesome bot mode as that's how I display my figures.

Devastator in still on the fence about - won't scale with the rest of the CW combiners and I've already got Green Giant.

But I to the combiners, I see your point there, but I'm going to disagree (aren't opinions great?)
I quite like "oddness" or strange proportions of the combiners,as when you stick 5/6 robots together, you're not going to get a perect humanoid shape. And I like that. I will also admit to liking (the Takara version of) FOC Bruticus for similar reasons (plus I like the concept of each character having their own shape hand/foot, rather than the G1/CW extra parts.)
I'm also liking the fact that Menasor is ever so slightly taller and bulkier (due to the limb bots) than Superion, which fits his role as a melee bruiser, while Superion is all firepower with his own gun and Poserglide* as a weapon.

Arcee is an ok figure, nothing special, could have been better, could have been worse. I think her popularity is based on the fact that she's the first G1 inspired official release, and is close enough to show accurate that people overlook the flaws.

The movie-verse aspect is interesting - the toys (and character designs) actually look like non-human robots, with vehicle bits attached indicating their disguise - which makes more sense than G1/Classics designs where they're made up of vehicle parts.... And I like how free-form and non-human some of them have ended up. I think the main complaint is that for exactly the reasons I like them, they don't fit that well into a classics verse or traditional display.

*"Poserglide" was a typo, but caused me to giggle as it fits his character well enough that I left it there.

Maz

15th April 2015, 08:53 AM

Optimus Prime! Transforms from tractor trailer to robot with headquarters and back. That�s the whole point of Transformers, figures that can be converted between modes. While the process of going between configurations is an important one, we can often attach more importance to factors such as appearance, scale, accessories, aesthetics, posability and the like. But this week, I will be listing my personal top 5 transformation sequences across all the official Hasbro and Takara Tomy Transformers toys that I have had the pleasure of experiencing.

While I accept that my personal experience will automatically exclude entire categories of Transformers like Beast Wars, Beast Machines, Generation 2, much of Car Robots, TF Prime, Unicron Trilogy, Machine Wars etc, I have faith that any reader will understand that I cannot have owned every Transformer ever, and that my own circumstances have forced prioritised buying and collecting as well as periods of non-collecting upon me. Therefore all will hopefully accept this as nothing more than the opinion of one fan, enthusiast and collector.

Top 5 Transformations | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/top-5-transformations/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Transformation.jpg

All the best
Maz

zzyss

15th April 2015, 09:30 AM

Maz, great article as always! It reminds me of the reason why I love Transformers (and possibly helps explain why you couldn't resist putting newer transformers on your list): engineering.

The marvels of Transformers toy engineering and design never cease to amaze me. My jumping on point back from childhood to collecting Transformers in adulthood was the Binaltech series, which was such a marvel of engineering (if not always enjoyable as toys).

You mentioned so many engineering moments that I also had the feels for in your review: almost everything about Magus and Bumblebee, and - oh my - the Masterpiece cassette-bots!

I just love it when parts tab or lock into place securely. There's no better feeling. Sometimes when I realise there's a tab that I'd previously missed it's like some kind of divine epiphany.

I'd love if you would do an article about your top 10 Transformers engineering moments, even though it might end up with a lot of overlap with this article!

Maz

28th April 2015, 08:50 AM

The title of this piece sounds a bit ridiculous as we all know the Generation 1 Transformers Autobot "Ironhide" as a red figure and character, but as a Japanese Takara Diaclone it was a black figure. A Car Robot No.2 Black Nissan Onebox Cherry Vanette, to be precise, and the second ever Diaclone Car Robot to be released all the way back in March 1982. This was also available as the Diakron DK-2 in North America in 1983 (and Finland in 1984/5) in black, together with a black release in Italy under the GiG Trasformer banner, and then came the red.

Square One: Diaclone "Red Ironhide" Quickie (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/diaclone-red-ironhide-quickie.html) <- CLICK TO READ

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9Yz9bzVNt8/VTv-LG8cb6I/AAAAAAAAH_U/2D5PaDc6RBY/s1600/FinnOnebox11.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhpOZG90xUk/VTv-HaWba_I/AAAAAAAAH-k/QVYMw0sOH5I/s1600/FinnOnebox05.jpg

All the best
Maz

Zommael

28th April 2015, 04:06 PM

"Vanette transforms into Autorobot"... it's almost like Hasbro just thought "hey, let's shorten that to van transforms into Autobot!" lol

Maz

29th April 2015, 09:37 AM

There�s a difference between fake or counterfeit Transformers that are meant to fool collectors into thinking they are buying official product and a bootleg that is immediately distinguishable from a Hasbro or Takara figure. While both are intended to profit from and take unlicensed advantage of the Transformers brand and its supporters, some collectors can find themselves quite drawn to particular knockoffs. This week I�ll highlight a few that have stood out to me as being more than just fakes.

In Good Kompany | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/in-good-kompany/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/xwords23.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ChromiaParadron01.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

6th May 2015, 06:37 AM

What will happen to our toys when we die? This is a question that numerous collectors have asked themselves and each other throughout this age of adult collecting. Inevitably, as the original generation of Transformers children and collectors starts moving into their 40s and later, thoughts start turning to the twilight of our lives and what will become of the tonnes of plastic we have amassed. This is understandable as everyone must at some stage decide what happens to their most beloved possessions, and as is the case with many Transformers collections, their financially or physically significant possessions. So, again, what will happen to our Transformers when we die?

All Our Toys | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/all-our-toys/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/2129.jpg

All the best
Maz

TAAUBlaster

6th May 2015, 05:21 PM

Great article Maz! And such great collections. I just about wet myself when I saw the Optimus Detolf's :p

It's certainly a tricky question to be asking - especially since majority of collectors are only middle aged and should still have a long life ahead.

I like the idea of being buried with 1 or 2 figures that held sentimental value in my life, which I plan to do also when the time comes. The rest of my collection I hope can be given/sold to other collectors - especially the really old vintage G1 stuff. I'd like to know that the figures which have survived so long, will continue to be looked after rather than just thrown away.

I keep a spreadsheet of everything I buy with how much it cost at the time. While it is useless for future market value - I think it still gives a good indication of what would be reasonable prices for selling if my partner or other family members had to sell.

Maz

9th May 2015, 05:49 AM

Representing a country that is not often associated with Transformers traditionally, Polish collector Marcin Starzomski gives us his account of how Transformers found their way into his life. Not quite early Generation 1 or modern era, Marcin�s history is somewhat different to many and so are his opinions on what some would consider the current golden age of Transformers collecting and fiction. With vintage, custom, 3D-printed and KO Transformers standing side by side, this is a very special and unusual collection, equal parts nostalgic and progressive.

Collector Interview 36 � Marcin Starzomski | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-36-marcin-starzomski/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/3601.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/3612.jpg

All the best
Maz

janda the red

9th May 2015, 07:58 AM

Hey Maz...

Cool article as usual bud, I particularly like Marcins last quote about the difference between a hoarder and a collector..... How very true!

:)

MayzaPrime

9th May 2015, 12:44 PM

Awesome interview... sadly another Bay hater. I know the movies werent the best (I did enjoy them for a check your brain at the door movie) I just dont get the hatred towards him. Oh well... :p

Is it wrong for me to say (self promotion ;)) that I would love to be interviewed and share my collection with other fans :p

Maz

20th May 2015, 08:08 AM

Is this the golden age of Transformers? While it's tempting to look at years gone past and recall the good old days, we might actually be better off as fans and collectors now than we ever have been. If we consider the toys that are available to us, to our children, the new media we have access to and the people who we can share it with, have we ever had it so good? If someone stepped into the hobby today, would they be missing out particularly on the treasures of the past in terms of community atmosphere, events or toys?

Is This The Golden Age? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/is-this-the-golden-age/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/3202.jpg

All the best
Maz

TAAUBlaster

20th May 2015, 08:19 AM

I want my collection room to look like that! :D

zzyss

20th May 2015, 11:54 AM

Is This The Golden Age? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/is-this-the-golden-age/)

The Golden Age of Transformers collecting, sure. But what about people who buy TFs (for their kids) to play with? How can we find out if today's kids are enjoying the toys in the same way that we enjoyed them in our childhoods?

After all, they'll be the collectors of the future and the toys that they fall in love with today will be the ones that they'll be nostalgic for in the future.

autobreadticon

25th May 2015, 11:04 PM

being wanting to tell someone this after I saw and heard Maz for the first time on the TFYLP cast, he looks and sounds like a young Ringo Starr haha :D

Maz

27th May 2015, 07:45 AM

One of the nicest discoveries I�ve made since embracing modern Transformers lines in recent years are the Transformers Collector�s Club exclusives. Not all of them have appealed to me, but since finding some deluxe class gems in the Revenge of the Fallen, Animated, Prime and Beast Hunters lines, and then completing the repaint list for each, I�ve come to appreciate their TFCC counterparts. Last year, Matt posted an article on his top 10 TFCC figures, now I�m going to share my favourites. While this might be something of a touchy subject with unfortunate timing due to issues with BotCon registration currently, I am focusing purely on the toys.

Club Rules | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/club-rules/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Club01.jpg

All the best
Maz

UltimateGalvatron

27th May 2015, 06:18 PM

I like a lot of the TCC toys, but they are so expensive! First you need to pay for a subscription, then a very expensive price plus shipping.

I would so that Chromedome and the new Orion Pax remoulds (Nova Prime and Lio/Leo Convoy/Prime)

Nice read by the way ;)

liegeprime

27th May 2015, 06:24 PM

Maz

30th May 2015, 08:51 AM

Another first for the Interview slot on TFSource Blog, our first collector from Mexico! Eduardo ''Lalo'' Cardenas has an extensive boxed G1 collection as well as the kind of Mexican variant gems you would expect, which adds to the mystery as to why there aren't more high profile Mexican Transformers given their treasured vintage variant history. Eduardo takes us through his history with Transformers, the plight of the collector in Mexico and a few interesting tales from his time in the hobby.

Collector Interview 37 � Eduardo Cardenas | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-37-eduardo-cardenas/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/3722.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

3rd June 2015, 07:13 AM

Were the live action Transformers movies directed by Michael Bay good or bad for Transformers? That�s the question that I put to a number of respected collectors and community members, and not just in regards to Transformers toys, but the general health of the brand and the people who now count themselves as fans. Four movies in, and everyone has an opinion on how the Transformers movies have affected our hobby. Significantly, though, a whole host of people outside our hobby have an opinion too, one of the most noticeable outcomes of the big screen exposure afforded Transformers today.

Were The Movies Good For Transformers? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/were-the-movies-good-for-transformers/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Goodbad03.jpg

All the best
Maz

UltimateGalvatron

3rd June 2015, 08:31 AM

Interesting article Maz. I am in the small minority here who actually like the movies, and I think they have done wonders for the brand. If the movies and there toys hadn't come along, we we still be watching cartoons of "OPTIMUS PRIME, SUPER MODE!" (which I like, but kids might find repetitive) and we wouldn't have Prime and the New RiD, as their designs are based of the movies, and Animated probably wouldn't exist either as they have Bumblebee as a main character.

Without the movies the Transformers franchise would slowly die away, but now kids are introduced to shows like Rescue Bots and RiD they will grow up loving Transformers, and so will there children, etc.

Great Article

Yongeltron

3rd June 2015, 10:05 AM

Nice little survey and analysis of some varying perspectives. From my own perspective, the key is pointing to the diversity now available within the brand and the role that the movies (and their box-office success) have had in bringing that about. Not only diversity between the various incarnations of TF but even within. One thing that I've really liked about the movie designs is the interesting diversity in what Transformers can look like. Not all of them are these big blocky anthropomorphic cartoon robots. The ROTF constructicons make for a great example of originality and imagination that have gone into creating something different. The important question isn't whether it appeals to those already in the fandom, but whether it can expand out to others.

Maz

10th June 2015, 08:21 AM

We have recently floated the possibility that we are experiencing another golden age of Transformers collecting, and a majority seemed to agree with us that the live action Transformers movies have been good for the health of the brand. With so much choice available, the topic of choosing my purchases has never been far from this blog and the articles seen in the last year. Being that I feel a bit less of a newbie to the 3rd party scene now, and considering how much of the new official product I have tried, I decided to have a think about who I feel is winning the battle for my funds.

Who�s Winning? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/whos-winning/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Autobots04.jpg

All the best
Maz

UltimateGalvatron

10th June 2015, 03:53 PM

3rd Party companies are producing the same (or better) quality MP stand ins faster then Hasbro, but at ridiculous prices.

There is no real winner.

zzyss

11th June 2015, 10:07 AM

3rd Party companies are producing the same (or better) quality MP stand ins faster then Hasbro, but at ridiculous prices.

I still feel that the official product leads in the use of better quality materials, engineering/design and playability.

Third party products just don't have... polish. The end result looks good - i.e. either mode is good for display - but the process of getting from one to the other of third party products is significantly less impressive than official.

So as a package deal, official all the way for me.

Trent

11th June 2015, 10:38 AM

I still feel that the official product leads in the use of better quality materials, engineering/design and playability.

Third party products just don't have... polish. The end result looks good - i.e. either mode is good for display - but the process of getting from one to the other of third party products is significantly less impressive than official.

So as a package deal, official all the way for me.

Do you have any of FansProject F(x) series? The transformations there are some of the most impressive ever.

I agree that official always wins, unofficial TFs can be very good. The new Toyworld Astrotrain is another example that wowed me with its transformation. Not so much the conversion process, but the fact that in each alt mode the is virtually no kibble and no indication that it turns into anything else.

But to each their own :)

zzyss

11th June 2015, 01:28 PM

Do you have any of FansProject F(x) series? The transformations there are some of the most impressive ever.

Not as yet - haven't really liked any of the characters to prioritise them over other stuff, but will definitely try and find one to have a fiddle around with now!

I agree that official always wins, unofficial TFs can be very good. The new Toyworld Astrotrain is another example that wowed me with its transformation. Not so much the conversion process, but the fact that in each alt mode the is virtually no kibble and no indication that it turns into anything else.

Part of it for me is the efficiency of the transformation as well. For example, I first came onboard with third parties through a cheap deal on a Uranos, which had a bunch of transformy bits purely for the sake of "aesthetics tweaking", rather than being actually essential to the transformation. No idea how the Astrotrain rates in that regard but I agree it does look great.

But to each their own :)
Indeed! (A few articles back from Maz... :-P)

Maz

1st July 2015, 09:17 AM

Official Transformers toys are released in most of the world by Hasbro, and in Japan by Takara Tomy, formerly Takara. Takara, a Japanese toy manufacturer, produced the first toys that would become Transformers in Japan in the early 1980s. Hasbro saw these Diaclone and Micro Change Series toys and licensed them, creating the Transformers brand. Today, both companies perpetuate the toy line, but is it true to say that Takara (Tomy) Transformers toys are regularly better than Hasbro releases? This is the question we asked a number of collectors this week, and their contributions can be found below.

The Takara Version | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/the-takara-version/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Takara.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

4th July 2015, 05:45 AM

Some collector interviews I have been waiting for patiently for a long time, knowing the content and imagery would be worth it. When I returned to the hobby in 2011 I noticed a few vintage enthusiasts who had managed to assemble exquisite collections and get themselves quite well known for it in the community, as well as becoming an inspiration for others in their quest for perfection. Hyperoptic is one of those collectors, and in addition to his G1 collection, he has a lovely story or two to tell from his time working on Transformers videogames. It also goes to show that differing opinions on the merits of various Transformers eras need not cause a lack of kinship, as my own friendship with Hyperoptic has proven. While it is a shame that my return to increased involvement in the hobby coincides with his 'retirement' from active collecting, it is my pleasure to bring you his interview...

Collector Interview 38 � Hyperoptic | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-38-hyperoptic/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/3807.jpg

All the best
Maz

liegeprime

5th July 2015, 03:50 PM

wow, those displays, are just wow!!

Maz

8th July 2015, 08:30 AM

About 3 years ago we interviewed 3 very active and community-involved Transformers collectors� wives to find out How The Other Half Live. For my 200th TFSource Blog Article (not counting interviews), I decided to once again ask those closest to me how they viewed my collection of robots. I�ve asked my wife. my three year old daughter, and for a bit of distance, the partner of a very close friend. I�d like to say I am not concerned about how others see my hobby, but having recently discussed the implications of what happens to our toys when we die, I feel as though I have a greater responsibility to those around me to know where they stand with respect to my toys and how it affects them. The growing feeling that I own too many toys that cannot be adequately housed also weighs heavily on my mind, as the pictures in this article will demonstrate with how my place looks currently. Admittedly I asked my daughter for comic value, but I still respect what she had to say.

What Do They Think? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/what-do-they-think/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/WDDT04.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

22nd July 2015, 05:48 AM

For a while there it seemed that we�d had our last Generation 1 reissues from Hasbro and Takara, Encore Fortress Maximus being quite the final hurrah, but 2015 has seen the return of G1 reissues under Hasbro�s Platinum Edition banner. While most of the toys have already been released, G1 Trypticon was a hugely welcome addition to the reissue ranks and the Decepticon Triplechangers Blitzwing and Astrotrain were recoloured into�well, anyway, we got more reissues! Let�s have a look at what the Platinum Edition releases have brought us so far.

Reissue Redux | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/reissue-redux/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Redux13.jpg

All the best
Maz

MayzaPrime

22nd July 2015, 02:20 PM

Maz

22nd July 2015, 11:51 PM

What a great article, it really made me think about how my Wife would answer, and I have almost 2000 figures and 4 kids. :D

Thanks Maz

Awesome! Well if you ever ask her, please post the responses!

All the best
Maz

Maz

23rd July 2015, 01:00 AM

For your reading/viewing pleasure :)

http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/hasbro-g1-targetmaster-triggerhappy.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WuQIybs-SnM/Va13ZluHdtI/AAAAAAAAIsE/KJPDflfgNBk/s1600/Triggerhappy08.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

29th July 2015, 08:46 AM

Four years into the TFSource Blog project and we�re still finding topics to write about weekly. If that in itself is not something to celebrate within Transfandom, then how about taking time in this article to thank all of our loyal readers, supporters and especially the contributors who have made so much of what we do on the site possible. From the ever-popular collector interviews to informative articles on different sections of Transformers history, from brand new official and unofficial product to opinion pieces on the state and mentality of collecting Transformers, here are the top 5 most viewed, read and shared articles from the last 12 months, our fourth year.

Best of 2014 / 2015 - Four Years Of Source Articles | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/best-of-2014-2015-four-years-of-source-articles/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/1203.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/3302.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

1st August 2015, 08:14 AM

There are those that specialise in Transformers of a particular era, and others that specialise in figures from particular geographic regions. Some collectors don�t specialise at all, and then you have the ones who specialise primarily in a single character and collect as many versions of the bot as possible. Ben Harpold is one such collector, or at least has become one. His dedication to Bumblebee and all of its incarnations, not to mention merchandise, is staggering. Maybe even more surprising is that once you remove the Bumblebees, what�s left is equally incredible and a stunning collection by itself. Just as there�s more to Ben�s collection than Bumblebee, there�s more to his enjoyment of the hobby than just toys also. Get ready to witness something quite extraordinary�

Collector Interview 39 � Ben Harpold | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-39-ben-harpold/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/3906.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

19th August 2015, 08:35 AM

A number of articles to catch up on! Couldn;t access Ozformers on my mobile while abroad for 2 weeks sadly..

The nature of Transformers collecting is such that the collections themselves inevitably take some kind of shape, and when we recognise where that shape is headed we might try and complete it. Every area of Transformers has its toughies, or �grails� but as our contributors suggest this week, a grail need not always be a rare or expensive figure. These types of figures and targets change and shift over time as our interests do, and what I consider a grail today is quite different to my description of it a decade and a half ago. The whole concept of it changes as we capture some of these milestone Transformers or realise an achievement.

Grail | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/grail/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Greatshot08.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/11874399_10154179063614698_776171141_o.jpg

Hasbro and Takara populated the first two years of the globally successful Transformers toy line with moulds previously used in Takaras Diaclone and Micro Change Series lines, as well as drafting in moulds with Takatoku, Toybox and Toyco origins as well. For 1986, the year of the Transformers animated movie, we got our first Transformers-only toys and sculpts with a much more futuristic aesthetic. Post-movie, we had season 3 of the cartoon and then the 3-part finale to the animated show called Rebirth or season 4. It was through this 3-part show (not to mention the Marvel Transformers Comics) that Hasbro promoted their new gimmick-driven Transformers known as Headmasters and Targetmasters. This week we look at the four standard-sized non-base Autobot Headmasters Brainstorm, Chromedome, Hardhead and Highbrow. The titanic Fortress Maximus will be saved for a future chapter.

1987 Autobot Headmasters | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/1987-autobot-headmasters/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://i61.tinypic.com/2zfoh35.jpg

Following on from last week�s look at 1987 Autobot Headmasters, this week we are concentrating on the three non-Movie Decepticon Targetmasters Misfire, Triggerhappy and Slugslinger. These Decepticon jets continue the futuristic post-movie look and the marked move away from realistic Earth-based vehicles for Transformers alternate modes. While the Headmasters were incredibly blocky due to the forced aesthetic of the Headmaster companions, the 1987 Targetmasters were much more well-proportioned figures in robot mode but still featured a number of uniform design choices across the range. As with last week�s Autobot Headmasters, these Targetmaster Decepticons are Transformers-only moulds as Hasbro and Takara were no longer exclusively sticking to pre-Transformers sculpts from Diaclone, Micro Change Series and the like.

1987 Decepticon Targetmasters | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/1987-decepticon-targetmasters/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://i59.tinypic.com/oiddso.jpg
http://i59.tinypic.com/2ih3qmw.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

29th August 2015, 08:40 AM

It�s true that a large number of TFSource Collector Interviews over the last year and a half have come from a local group of London-based collectors who meet up regularly, but the fact that within that small group I have found some of the most knowledgeable, well-adjusted people with impressive collections has inspired me to document their opinions, experiences and collections. Such is the diversity within that group, and the UK fanbase, that I feel everyone can benefit from their features. Here, then, is the master of the sprawling Autobot City, keeper of �The Loft�, the Legends Class king, Kit Tang. Oh, he was in a Bond film, too. Beat that.

Collector Interview 40 � Kit Tang | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-40-kit-tang/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/4001.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

2nd September 2015, 07:52 AM

Our look at the 1987 range of Generation 1 Transformers continues this week with the three basic Decepticon Headmasters Skullcruncher, Mindwipe and Weirdwolf. While the Autobot Headmasters introduced in the same year were land and air vehicles, the Decepticon counterparts were beasts. 1987 also saw the release of Decepticon Headmaster base Scorponok and Headmaster Horrorcons Apeface and Snapdragon, but we will cover those three in a future article. The plan was originally to release four basic Decepticon Headmasters to face off against the Autobots, but plans for the stingray Decepticon Headmaster were canned. Here then is our look at Skullcruncher the crocodile with Headmaster Grax, Weirdwolf the wolf with Nebulon partner Monzo, and Mindwipe the bat with Headmaster partner Vorath.

1987 Decepticon Headmasters | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/1987-decepticon-headmasters/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DecepticonHM01.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DecepticonHM03.jpg

All the best
Maz

Deonasis

2nd September 2015, 08:52 AM

Has any trace (drawings, mentions, etc..) of the stingray headmaster remained?

Paulbot

2nd September 2015, 09:37 AM

Has any trace (drawings, mentions, etc..) of the stingray headmaster remained?

The book's caption for the image is "Concept art for an unreleased and nameless Decepticon Headmaster with a stingray alt-mode."

Image here: http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:TransformersVault_stingray.jpg but commentators note that it looks more like a regular transformer than a Headmaster

Jetfire in the sky

2nd September 2015, 11:08 AM

Image here: http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:TransformersVault_stingray.jpg but commentators note that it looks more like a regular transformer than a Headmaster

I think it looks very headmasterish, the large blockiness of the head as well as a cockpit for the driver to sit in when in alt mode. Having said that I can picture the head just being moulded into the tail piece and neatly folding down to hide it when transformed. It certainly fits the aesthetic of the time though.

Maz

5th September 2015, 09:21 AM

The reason the stingray is considered a Headmasters concept is because this image is from the Takara concept boards used - precise same style and time - as the Decepticon headmasters and Targetmasters that were actually released. None of the concept boards for those characters that ended up as HM/TM showed any evidence of Nebulan partners or distinguishing features demonstrating accommodation of those eventual gimmicks and partners.

All the best
Maz

Maz

9th September 2015, 08:25 AM

A number of weeks ago we discussed what would happen to our Transformers collections when we were no longer around, and some of our contributors said that their toys would go to their children. This week we asked more Transformers collectors how they felt about the prospect of their children (hypothetical or otherwise) collecting Transformers when they become adults. We asked male and female collectors, with and without children. While I expected a fair number of them to say they would be happy to share the hobby with their kids for years to come, I also thought we would have some opposing opinions. That�s not quite how it worked out.

Do We Want Our Children To Collect? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/do-we-want-our-children-to-collect/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/C02.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

23rd September 2015, 09:16 AM

1987 was an exceptional year for the Generation 1 Transformers, arguably the best depending on your persuasion. There is an awful lot of justified affection for the Diaclone and Micro Change Series era moulds that Hasbro used throughout 1984 and 1985 (even 1986), but the post animated movie futuristic designs that Hasbro and Takara created purely for The Transformers stand proudly on their own in 1987. From Headmasters to Targetmasters, Sixchangers to the enormous bases and Monsterbots to Clones, Transformers was enjoying a great period. A period that may be even more appreciated today than it was at the time. A few weeks ago we looked at the three 1987 Decepticon non-movie Targetmasters, and this week our gaze falls upon Pointblank, Sureshot and Crosshairs, the 1987 non-movie Targetmaster Autobots.

1987 Autobot Targetmasters | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/1987-autobot-targetmasters/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/AutoTM01.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/AutoTM02.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

30th September 2015, 08:29 AM

Thanks to images from K-Hobby and Hobbylog.jp posted last week from the All Japan Model and Hobby Show 2015, we got our first look at all new prototypes for Transformers Masterpiece Shockwave and Hot Rodimus! In addition to the imminent release of Masterpiece Tracks, Road Rage and later Ironhide, Takara Tomy shocked most of the community by dropping major masterpiece news in the shape of Quakewave-challenging Shockwave and a new take on the ever popular Hot Rodimus (Hot Rod).

New Masterpiece Reveals | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/new-masterpiece-reveals/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MPrev12.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

5th October 2015, 08:30 AM

I have only recently had the pleasure of making Duron Land�s acquaintance, but in that short time he has proved himself to be a knowledgeable and well-connected collector, as well as another example of the good people we have in the community. Not only does he host the very popular TFYLP podcast, but he�s also an expert photographer and has become a regular supporter of the TFSource blog and related articles. I�ve had the honour of appearing on the TFYLP podcast, so it was only fitting that Duron lend his experience, knowledge and expertly curated Transformers collection to the Source Blog.

Collector Interview 41 � Duron Land | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-41-duron-land/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/4102.jpg

All the best
Maz

TAAUBlaster

5th October 2015, 11:30 AM

I love reading the collector interviews :)

Maz

10th October 2015, 11:36 AM

When you collect Transformers, the beauty of it is that you decide how deep or varied your collection and interests can be. While this can sometimes depend on your circumstances, most of the time it�s probably down to collector preference and taste. Whether it�s devotion to a particular character, series, aesthetic or type of Transformer, there seems to be no limit to how much a collector can diversify. You can buy the supposed high-end prestige version in the Masterpiece line, the vintage version from your childhood or the modern updated mainline representation. Possibly even an unofficial tribute. One can even go beyond the toys and enter the world of merchandise and paperwork, or maybe original art and pre-production material.

How Far Can You Take It? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/how-far-can-you-take-it/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Cupola03.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

18th October 2015, 10:20 AM

I have returned to collecting vintage G1 Transformers after many forays into modern Transformers lines. This return coincided with a request from IDW Transformers More Than Meets The Eye writer James Roberts to photograph the Scavengers toys (G1 Misfire, Krok, Crankcase and Spinister) for one panel of issue #45. Having to acquire these toys forced me to see just how much I loved buying and owning G1 toys. A solid 1987 Headmasters and Targetmasters collection has sprouted from that realisation, all packaged with good stickers maintained well by the original childhood owner. Whatever the childhood owner whose toys I bought didn't have, I found elsewhere, but I insisted on maintaining the display and item quality that already existed in the collection I had purchased. G1 Headmaster Horrorcon Apeface has been the hardest regular-size Headmaster to find in excellent condition and packaged. The one below is the second boxed one I bought, but of course the stickers were unapplied. What to do?

Square One: Applying Vintage G1 Stickers (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/applying-vintage-g1-stickers.html) <- CLICK TO READ

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-foc34ecb9b4/ViKSbiN1QgI/AAAAAAAAJK4/uYNqE78PHdM/s1600/ApefaceStickers03.jpg

All the best
Maz

liegeprime

18th October 2015, 06:47 PM

I bet HD is having a big grin right now hehehehe :p:D..... it starts with one....heheheheh

Maz

21st October 2015, 05:55 AM

When Takara created the concept boards for the 1987 Transformers that would eventually become Headmasters and Targetmasters, two of the Decepticons proposed under the �New Direction� of the brand were called simply �Triplechangers�. One was to be a US Air Force F-16 and gorilla, while the other was shown as an SR71 Blackbird and dinosaur. These two Triplechanger figures eventually became what we now know and love as the 1987 Decepticon Headmaster Horrorcons Apeface and Snapdragon, respectively. At the time of those concept boards, the Headmaster gimmick was not in evidence, so these special toys not only incorporate the celebrated Transformers triplechanging feature, but also the Headmaster pilot gimmick that pretty much defines 1987′s �New Direction�.

1987 Decepticon Headmaster Horrorcons | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/1987-decepticon-headmaster-horrorcons/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Horrorcons09.jpg

All the best
Maz

tfgrandaddy

22nd October 2015, 07:58 PM

Really enjoying these G1 write-ups. The Horrorcons are fantastic.

Maz

7th November 2015, 10:28 AM

Meet Godert Walter, a Dutch Transformers fan who has accomplished more than most during his time in the hobby. He�s built Autobot City in a farmhouse, he�s helped create the infamous Trypticon Races, he�s walked into Hasbro�s offices and secured endorsement for the Dutch Transformers conventions he�s helped to conceive and organise. Having walked away from the hobby once and returned, Godert is now extremely particular about how he curates his beautiful Transformers collection, one we can all appreciate for its imagination and ambition, much like the man himself.

Collector Interview 42 � Godert Walter | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-42-godert-walter/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/4201.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

18th November 2015, 11:06 AM

The long-awaited MP-25 Masterpiece Tracks from Takara Tomy finally saw release in early November. With various retailers filling orders throughout the world and opinion quite generally divided among collectors as to whether or not the Kobayashi-designed Tracks is up to the same standard as the previous Autobot cars, I decided to feature the new kid on the block this week and give my own opinion on his Masterpiece credentials. The sparkly blue Corvette Stingray, boasting three modes true to his Diaclone and G1 Transformers history, has come in for a fair amount of criticism as well as plenty of adoration. Do collectors have cause to worry about the perceived new direction of the Masterpiece Transformers brand? Is this Kobayashi-designed Car Robot a match for the Hasui-designed predecessors?

MP-25 Tracks � A True Masterpiece? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/mptracks/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/MPTracks50.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

25th November 2015, 11:21 AM

Regular and long-time readers of this blog will remember when I could produce a �News To Me� article, reporting on newly discovered vintage Transformers variants or secrets, every few months. It�s been nearly two years since the last article of this type, such has been my shift in collecting focus and the slowdown of finds from the early days of the brand. Finally, though, there have been enough discoveries of note � or rather things I finally learned of � that I can produce another chapter in this series of articles demonstrating that there�s still a mystery or two to be had in vintage collecting.

News To Me � 2015 Edition | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/news-2015/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/NTM04.jpg

All the best
Maz

5FDP

25th November 2015, 12:01 PM

The long-awaited MP-25 Masterpiece Tracks from Takara Tomy finally saw release in early November. With various retailers filling orders throughout the world and opinion quite generally divided among collectors as to whether or not the Kobayashi-designed Tracks is up to the same standard as the previous Autobot cars, I decided to feature the new kid on the block this week and give my own opinion on his Masterpiece credentials. The sparkly blue Corvette Stingray, boasting three modes true to his Diaclone and G1 Transformers history, has come in for a fair amount of criticism as well as plenty of adoration. Do collectors have cause to worry about the perceived new direction of the Masterpiece Transformers brand? Is this Kobayashi-designed Car Robot a match for the Hasui-designed predecessors?

MP-25 Tracks � A True Masterpiece? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/mptracks/) <- CLICK TO READ

All the best
Maz

That was easily the most comprehensive 'review' of Tracks that I have read so far.

Maz

29th November 2015, 11:53 AM

That was easily the most comprehensive 'review' of Tracks that I have read so far.

Thanks dude, I hope it was useful and enjoyable for you.

All the best
Maz

Maz

2nd December 2015, 09:47 AM

I did something incredibly stupid recently, I looked up all the figures I had on pre-order across the internet and totaled the amount. I have over $1000 invested in pre-orders for toys that do not even exist currently. Discussion about the pre-order culture that permeates the Transformers fandom is not new, but taking stock of how deeply I had gotten into it myself really shocked me into re-evaluating how I go about buying toys. That re-evaluation resulted in my placing further pre-orders for MakeToys Gundog, Ocular Max Sphinx Alternative and Masterpiece Ramjet. So, instead, I asked a few more sensible and wise folks what their opinion on the New World (Pre-) Order was.

New World (Pre-)Order | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/new-world-pre-order/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Preorder07.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

9th December 2015, 11:48 AM

We have it good as Transformers collectors currently, we have it very good. The flagship Takara Tomy Masterpiece line has sped up and started to put out new figures at a respectable rate. Takara Tomy�s Transformers Legends, Unite Warriors, together with Hasbro�s Generstions, Combiner Wars and soon Titans Return are giving collectors updated toys of characters once thought impossible, proper updates of G1 combiners, Headmasters and recognised TF personalities.

Between Hasbro, Takara Tomy and 3rd Party companies, characters from the IDW comics are also seeing impressive representation allowing collectors to fill out desired line-ups. However good we have it now, there are still gaps that need filling on collection shelves for those who desire a complete run, crew roster or team depending on what they collect and enjoy.

Gaps | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/gaps/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/MPTracks11.jpg

All the best
Maz

GoktimusPrime

9th December 2015, 10:02 PM

However good we have it now, there are still gaps that need filling on collection shelves for those who desire a complete run, crew roster or team depending on what they collect and enjoy.
More so for those of us who only collect Transformers(TM). (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=21087) :o

Maz

19th December 2015, 09:03 AM

Nice, Goktimus, like the pic in your sig too ;)

Anyway....

The Mapes twins, known throughout the global Transformers community, have built a Transformers museum. Not content with the regular 12 to 15 photos used in our collector interviews, David and Steve�s collection requires a full complement of 36 images for us to properly appreciate the scale of their Transformers and collectibles show home, including a world-beating selection of campaign/Lucky Draw Transformers. Beyond the amassing of toys, the twins have contributed hugely to the convention scene in the UK as well as other well known collectible brand communities and projects. Regular and friendly faces at Auto Assembly and online, please take a seat and enjoy a wonderful journey through (most of) their spectacular collection.

Collector Interview 43 � David & Steve Mapes | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-43-david-steve-mapes/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/4301.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/4302.jpg

All the best
Maz

Paulbot

19th December 2015, 09:19 AM

Anyway....

The Mapes twins, known throughout the global Transformers community, have built a Transformers museum.

As we say in Australia: "That's not a Transformers museum, this is a Transformers museum (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=21978)" ;)

Skullcruncher

19th December 2015, 03:26 PM

As we say in Australia: "That's not a Transformers museum, this is a Transformers museum (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=21978)" ;)

It ain't a museum until I see G1 napkins dammit :D

Cheers Maz for another great article. :cool:

TAAUBlaster

19th December 2015, 06:36 PM

That's a spectacular collection.
Jealous of the unreleased G2 they managed to find ;)

I admire their dedication.

griffin

19th December 2015, 08:16 PM

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/4302.jpg

A padded recliner chair in the middle of that room and I'd be sitting there for hours, rarely blinking.

Maz

23rd December 2015, 08:51 AM

Cheers for the great comments, guys!

Onto this week...

Discovering overlooked parts of Generation 1 is a finite experience for me, but one that I treasure and value, because of how quickly it can be over forever. The 1987 Autobot Monsterbots are one of the most bewilderingly pleasurable discoveries I have made in the last year, toys that I had mentally written off as not for me, and mistakenly believed to be 1988. It turns out I had even once owned a complete set of the Monsterbots over a decade ago and had completely forgotten about until I dug up photos last week. The Monsterbots � made up of Doublecross, Repugnus and Grotusque � are gems from 1987, the start of the gimmick era and possibly the best year for vintage Transformers ever.

1987 Autobot Monsterbots | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/1987-autobot-monsterbots/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Monsterbots061.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Monsterbots01.jpg

All the best
Maz

tfgrandaddy

24th December 2015, 11:07 AM

These guys are phenomenal. An impulse bid on a minty MIB Doublecross helped reignite my interest in G1. The transformations on these three are so satisfying. I also love the colour choice - each one is unique, but they work together surprisingly well as a cohesive unit.

Maz

30th December 2015, 09:03 AM

Without any sort of hesitation or doubt, I can gladly cite 2015 as the year with the most impressive official and unofficial Transformers releases that I have ever experienced. In previous years for my Top 5 of the year article, I have not just included purchases of toys released in that year, but also vintage figures that I may have purchased, but I just cannot afford to do that this year if I want to stick to any semblance of a top 5. TakaraTomy, Hasbro, FansToys, MakeToys, MMC, BadCube, DX9, Unique Toys and co have put out a quite unbelievable range of figures in 2015.

Top 5 Purchases of 2015 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/top-5-2015/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2015Top5.jpg

All the best
Maz

Ode to a Grasshopper

30th December 2015, 07:25 PM

As we say in Australia: "That's not a Transformers museum, this is a Transformers museum (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=21978)" ;)A Collector Interview with Griffin would be pretty cool...

Pig's_A_King

30th December 2015, 07:59 PM

Liegeprime got an interview, I think Griffin the Boss Bot should have his museum shared with the rest of the world and online community

Maz

16th January 2016, 08:14 AM

I have asked Griffin. He has all the necessary paperwork, just waiting on when he has time to put it together :)

Meanwhile, for today's interview...

I often meet new collectors during these interviews and form friendships as we go through the process, but every now and again I get the special opportunity to interview someone I consider a friend. I have known Gordon Yip for many years, and have stared in awe as his collection of unique and ridiculously rare pre-Transformers grew over a decade and more. Finally, Gordon moved into a home worthy of housing a display for his toys, and he can finally share with us his wisdom and his one of a kind collection. While Gordon�s isn�t the biggest or most complete pre-TF collection I know of, it is my favourite. What Gordon has, most of us will never see again, let alone own. It�s always the icing on the cake when the man behind the collection is a wonderful person, and they do not make them more wonderful, generous or selfless than Gordon Yip. Enjoy.

Collector Interview 44 � Gordon Yip | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-44-gordon-yip/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/4401.jpg

All the best
Maz

Skullcruncher

17th January 2016, 02:33 PM

Some super mint and rare pieces there. Best example of quality over quantity I have ever seen!

TAAUBlaster

17th January 2016, 05:34 PM

That is a beautiful collection! There is certainly a lot of effort gone into it.

Jetfire in the sky

17th January 2016, 08:29 PM

The display casing is glorious.

Maz

25th January 2016, 09:52 AM

The Transformers Masterpiece line by Takara Tomy has, to my eternal happiness, continued with the Diaclone homages and MP-14C Clampdown is the latest in that sub-line. This police car version of the Lamborghini New Countach LP500S Autobot Sideswipe was originally a Takara Diaclone figure from 1983, the original inspiration for what would later become the Autobot Fire Chief "Red Alert". Coming full circle after all this time, Clampdown is in fact designated MP-14C, meaning it is a direct repaint of MP-14 Red Alert. The first time the Diaclone New Countach was given Transformers form as "Clampdown" was the E-Hobby exclusive reissue repaint, alongside "Deep Cover". Let's have a look at how the recently released Masterpiece version stacks up.

All this and more, a mini MP Clampdown review and article :)

Square One: Masterpiece MP-14C Clampdown (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/masterpiece-mp-14c-clampdown.html)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-buR01H9X6Zs/VqU_-ypbPFI/AAAAAAAAJrU/M2E8sPBSe18/s1600/Clampdown09x.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XoVHNYnbDhw/VqVACXQtAUI/AAAAAAAAJr0/sz_Vuo1949Y/s1600/Clampdown13x.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUkmE3owLNc/VqVAFyafBuI/AAAAAAAAJsU/dfwRXUvrsek/s1600/Clampdown18x.jpg

All the best
Maz

griffin

25th January 2016, 08:55 PM

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d077.jpg

:)

Maz

27th January 2016, 10:16 AM

The close of 2015 saw a series of four Masterpiece Transformers repaints released within the space of a month, and ensured an extremely high quality end to another fabulous year of official MP product. MP-11T Thundercracker, MP-21R Bumble Red Body, MP-26 Road Rage and MP-14C Clampdown might all have been repaints of existing and well known, well-documented moulds, and they may well have been extremely predictable recolours, but they were executed brilliantly and can stand proud among their brethren. We take a brief look at each this week.

Repaints and Resurgence | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/repaint-resurgence/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/MP11TC08.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Diaclone02.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Repaint01.jpg

All the best
Maz

Jetfire in the sky

27th January 2016, 08:44 PM

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/d077.jpg

:)

Love it!! :D
Tokyo Toy Show Exclusive perhaps ? :cool:

Maz

30th January 2016, 08:01 AM

Francesco Lombardi is the kind of collector I had always heard about but never met. Someone who never participated in the online or collective fandom, but was privately growing a hugely comprehensive and impressive collection featuring toys I had never seen. Dealers used to tell me about their secret customers, customers like Francesco, all the time. Now, Francesco wants to share his collection, and it�s a very special achievement. I have always loved the Canadian G1 variants, if for nothing else than just their different packaging, and Francesco has put together a near complete run of Generation 1 in Canadian boxes with variants I�ve never seen before � even if I knew they existed. It fills me with joy to know at least one Canadian G1 collection like this exists. With just one (large) or two gaps left to fill, enjoy the collecting history of this classic old-school style G1 fan and the rewards that his work ethic has brought him from a young age.

Collector Interview 45 � Francesco Lombardi | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-45-francesco-lombardi/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/4512.jpg

All the best
Maz

philby

30th January 2016, 02:05 PM

Maz

31st January 2016, 08:00 AM

It's about time, they said. A Takara Tomy, cartoon-accurate Masterpiece Decepticon strike plane Thundercracker. MP-11T is, across Hasbro and Takara, the second version of Thundercracker to use the MP-11 mould. The Hasbro Thundercracker from a few years ago was more toy coloured and had tampos of Reflector and Soundwave (as well as various bits of relevant text) that not everyone wanted. At the end of 2015, after a reissue of MP-11 Coronation Starscream and the Hasbro Asia MP-11SW Skywarp, Takara Tomy Mall (this specimen specifically through Hasbro Asia) finally gave us a toon-coloured light blue Thundercracker. So does the third Masterpiece toy to bear the Thundercracker name finally do the business for the cartoon crowd?

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9DerfFXIio/VqzmzPu8RqI/AAAAAAAAJvc/gg6p8F9bxYc/s1600/MP11TC13x.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_AzgqYTzpA/VqzmuKMRVqI/AAAAAAAAJuo/21gtCGHDtLE/s1600/MP11TC06x.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhCz3nVN_8k/Vqzm0vkqD3I/AAAAAAAAJvo/P1UnkrRV2bk/s1600/MP11TC14x.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UcMxgmuIpc/VqzmtCPhUGI/AAAAAAAAJuc/bzcMr_OjpKk/s1600/MP11TC04x.jpg

My short article/review of MP-11T Thundercracker. Thanks for looking, if you do.

Square One: Masterpiece MP-11T Thundercracker (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/masterpiece-mp-11t-thundercracker.html)

All the best
Maz

Maz

31st January 2016, 08:00 AM

Hi, I'm just going through this article and it's quite interesting with nice display but a lot of the images link through to tfsource.com and not larger versions. not sure if that's intended or not, i would have liked to see some of those photos bigger :D

I am afraid, upon instructions from TFSource, a number of photos per article are required to link through to the site instead of larger versions.

All the best
Maz

philby

31st January 2016, 07:28 PM

I am afraid, upon instructions from TFSource, a number of photos per article are required to link through to the site instead of larger versions.

All the best
Maz

oh ok. that sounds...weird. why not just have ads throughout?

Maz

2nd February 2016, 10:24 AM

TakaraTomy's Masterpiece MP-21R Bumble - Red Body is a fascinating release, probably for all the wrong reasons. I know I personally pre-ordered it out of a sense of obligation and completion, trying to make up for never having properly completed the vintage Diaclone and MC Car Robots & minibots I so desired. Masterpiece MP-21 Bumble was in itself one of the toys of the decade and a comprehensive success, but I found the G2 repaint MP-21G massively underwhelming, so my hopes of being impressed by the red version were not high. I've seen a lot of disparaging comments about this release because it is supposedly a poor man's Cliffjumper and the origin of the colour scheme confused a number of collectors.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-obzghPeJt3Y/Vq_TZxEFqPI/AAAAAAAAJ0w/X9PS103wqx0/s1600/Redbee21x.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-FxngVVJo8/Vq_TSetoXLI/AAAAAAAAJzo/qTooJra2mvA/s1600/Redbee12x.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJOKCMOi-Ss/Vq_TPjlei9I/AAAAAAAAJzU/-g-dWV3FmcE/s1600/Redbee08x.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qwg802676Bk/Vq_TWuzP_PI/AAAAAAAAJ1E/achoZK6Drkc/s1600/Redbee18x.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ga5vhVTCnOQ/Vq_TaEzuazI/AAAAAAAAJ00/f2Up37ZlcCY/s1600/Redbee22x.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KNm5XIUMNBE/Vq_TadgiE4I/AAAAAAAAJ04/zlzYggsEzPU/s1600/Redbee23x.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ix39nYzAQ0/Vq_TQX3wsyI/AAAAAAAAJzQ/XoDJX7KVEic/s1600/Redbee10x.jpg

Square One: Masterpiece MP-21R Bumble - Red Body (http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/masterpiece-mp-21r-bumble-red-body.html)

All the best
Maz

Maz

17th February 2016, 12:31 PM

Has there ever been a greater case of pre-release doubts being so comprehensively crushed by in-hand production toy as with TakaraTomy�s MP-27 Masterpiece Ironhide? Actually yes, look at Ultra Magnus, Bumblebee etc, so it�s not uncommon for us to get the wrong impression from TakaraTomy�s stock Masterpiece photography. Ironhide�s a very interesting case. As a character he�s huge and unforgettable, voiced originally by the revered Peter Cullen, but it�s almost as if his original Generation 1 Transformers toy being such a disappointment to many cast a shadow decades wide over his associated toys. MP-27 puts those disappointments to bed in comprehensive fashion and takes an impressive shot at becoming the definitive G1 Ironhide toy of our lifetimes.

MP-27 Ironhide � The Best Masterpiece Yet? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/mpironhide/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IronhideTitle.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Ironhide24x.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Ironhide31.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

24th February 2016, 12:40 PM

Masterpiece MP-28 Hot Rodimus is almost upon us. A new Masterpiece Hot Rod. The build up to this figure�s release has been a mix of anticipation and divided opinion. As with most new Masterpiece moulds, as a fandom we have pored over the prototype and promotional images from every angle, analysed every possible flaw and possibly already decided which side of the fence we stand on. The previous TakaraTomy attempt at the definitive Hot Rodimus/Rodimus Convoy was MP-9, a figure riddled with issues � issues unique to every version and release of the mould. This MP-28, therefore, has a great deal of hope and pressure riding on its shoulders as a majority of the fandom still crave that perfect Masterpiece Hot Rod, a character whose place in Transformers lore is up there with the likes of Optimus Prime, Megatron and Starscream thanks to Transformers: The Movie from 1986. Having never owned MP-9 Rodimus Convoy, in a way I needed this MP-28 to be definitive even more, as an MP-9 is out of my range these days.

Masterpiece MP-28 Hot Rodimus | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/mphotrodimus/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/MP-HR-Title.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/MP-HR-45.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/MP-HR-34.jpg

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/MP-HR-33.jpg

All the best
Maz

TAAUBlaster

24th February 2016, 12:56 PM

Man, I can't wait for Hot Rod! :D

Maz

2nd March 2016, 10:35 AM

I have already written articles on the importance of discipline, occasional sacrifice and priorities in Transformers collecting on this blog, but I feel things have changed enough recently to warrant a second look at how I collect. Before it was a case of maybe choosing the toy lines and styles I liked, collecting those and cutting back on impulse or peripheral, tangential toy purchases. Now, it is becoming hard to even collect all the moulds � never mind repaints � of the same line. So, it�s time to focus.

Focus! | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/focus/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Focus01.jpg

All the best
Maz

philby

2nd March 2016, 03:46 PM

I like your photos and articles Maz. I think though that maybe you were a little too positive about the MP-11T figure considering some of the stuff you wrote, it seems like you had a bunch of valid complaints and issues but then said what the hell it's awesome anyway just because hehe

Maz

3rd March 2016, 08:47 AM

Can't help it mate, I am absolutely thrilled with my Thundercracker. I am in awe every time I pick him up and he looks the absolute dog's bollocks every time I get him out. The issues mean I'm not blind to its defects but I'd buy it again a hundred times over. Even sold my Hasbro one now as I felt no need to have it in the shadow of MP-11T!

All the best
Maz

UltraMarginal

3rd March 2016, 02:12 PM

Focus! | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/focus/) <- CLICK TO READ

All the best
Maz

interesting Article Maz, and something I see people doing on and off all the time. focusing their collection.

I feel this is something I've been doing for years. I have had a reasonable income since Uni but the saving up for and now sharing a home loan has meant that I've always had to limit my transformers spending.

I rarely purchase repaints unless it's something with precedent like the seekers or Datsun Bros. several years ago, I skipped the movie darkmount toy because who has a blue tank, and was happy when the repaint came out as skullgrin and bought that.

I think the key with products like transformers is patience. lots of patience. I've skipped a whole lot of Independent toy product in the hopes/expectation that eventually Takara will release that toy as a Masterpiece. Ironhide has met that expectation happily. As did UW Devastator.

The great thing about hanging out for specific characters in specific lines like this is it allows funds to be saved and then spent on lines that I'd otherwise have no money for. I've always been a new design/mould collector. Even a line that I'm not super interested in (the current RID) I'll end up with 5 or 10 figures just so I can see how they're engineered. I'm able to save up and get a FT Scoria (which I dig) or a Fans project smart robin, MMC Spartan.

I'm regularly behind the 8 ball with purchases of New Indie stuff but that allows me to make sure I'm only buying the cream of the crop and not regretting anything.

I'm the kind of collector that hates selling off my stuff; 1 because I have high sentimental value for it and 2 because I don't like selling toys. I buy to keep so being choosey before I start helps me avoid much buyers remorse.

My collection has a broad focus, G1, Alternators/Binaltech, Generations/Classics/etc, movies, Masterpiece, TF Prime, TF Animated, but within that broad focus there is tight focus, or at least I feel there is. :p

Jetfire in the sky

3rd March 2016, 02:31 PM

Seems like you've a got a problem Maz :p
Our collecting has followed a similar trajectory over the last 15 years but I can see we are now diverging, which for me is for the financial better, and partly in thanks to having a three year old daughter.
My collection is still great but it is being more and more refined seemingly every week, and with the plethora of MP and 3PMP toys which (other than a few select G1 items I'm patiently chasing) to choose from I have been extremely disciplined with what I buy.
It's bloody hard but can be done, just like I have stuck with Williams F1 through the tough years and now finally in the last two seasons we have seen some success (plus Pastor's anomalous win in Spain in 2012 :p) But this required discipline to not jump to Red Bull where Webber was driving and should have had the title in 2010 and also had Seb's four titles, anyway, I have gone off on a tangent here but know you love F1 so perhaps it would help a bit :D ;)

Maz

9th March 2016, 08:11 AM

Headmasters, Targetmasters, Powermasters. The Transformers gimmick juggernaut powered on through 1987 to 1988, bringing us the first reincarnation of Optimus Prime, a smaller range of Headmasters and Targetmasters (smaller toys, too) and introducing us to the concept of Powermaster-activated transformations. While Takara in Japan really broke off at a tangent and introduced Super God Masterforce, the Hasbro range of Headmasters (Takara versions referred to as Headmaster Juniors) � especially the Autobots � evolved into a slightly different concept compared to their legendary 1987 predecessors. This week we look at Autobot Headmasters Siren, Nightbeat and Hosehead together with their Nebulan partners. You can also have a look back at our previous articles on 1987 Autobot Headmasters, Targetmasters and Monsterbots as well as 1987 Decepticon Headmasters, Headmaster Horrorcons and Targetmasters for some background on the �New Direction� Transformers went in that year. With the imminent Transformers Titans Return toy line set to feature 1988 Headmaster characters among others, what better time to revisit the original inspiration?

1988 Autobot Headmasters | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/1988-autobot-headmasters/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/AutobotHMs88-06.jpg
http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/AutobotHMs88-08.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

16th March 2016, 02:49 AM

I�ve often said that simply buying, amassing and displaying toys is not enough to sustain my interest and passion for Transformers as a hobby. I�ve spent many years researching variants, writing articles, photographing toys and trying to unearth unknown facets of the global Transformers and pre-Transformers history since joining the community. Much of my writing in the last year or two has become geared towards new figure reviews, with vintage Transformer articles becoming rarer as my budget and priorities have shifted unpredictably. With my collection of toys seemingly resembling the converging direction of many others�, I felt like I needed to find further ways of keeping things interesting. I�m focusing on Masterpiece for this article because they�re probably a lot more removed from the idea of straightforward children�s toys than most of the other Transformers product we have today, in the minds of collectors.

Play With Your Toys | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/play/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Play12.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

20th March 2016, 09:23 AM

Imagine a relatively complete collection of Generation 1 Transformers from about 1984 to 1988. An impressive sight and a wonderful achievement. Now imagine that same collection in the form of prototypes, test shots, first shots, packaging samples, hand-painted mock-ups and pre-release box/catalogue/Toyfair photo subjects. Throw in the rarest production Diaclone, Micro Change, Generation 1, Minibots, TF Juniors, Kabaya kits, Lucky draw/Campaign prizes and Takara watches in existence, season it with original vintage G1 box artwork, animation bibles, storyboards, unreleased G2 Transformers, and you have one of the most unique, well-respected, breathtaking and landmark collections in the history of the hobby. One day there might be an essential series of books about the significance of Ras� collected treasures � literally the history of the Transformers toy brand � but for now here�s his interview and a majority of his collection display.

Collector Interview 46 � Ras | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-46-ras/) <- CLICK TO READ

http://i68.tinypic.com/s5z7f4.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/2pradll.jpg

http://i66.tinypic.com/avsv9y.jpg

http://i68.tinypic.com/24ysg0l.jpg

http://i65.tinypic.com/206k00g.jpg

http://i65.tinypic.com/2gwrles.jpg

All the best
Maz