Unreleased Gen2 toys on ebay

[griffin]

We've been talking about some of these on the ebay listings topic for the last few days, but they are really news-worthy... and with several already listed, there could be more to come.

The seller on ebay says that he is brokering them on behalf of an ex-employee of Hasbro, and is still going through boxes of items... but has noted on TFW that there aren't too many Transformers.

First up, the main event - a complete set of Generation 2 Stunticons (http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Transformers-Generation-2-MENASOR-Motormaster-4-other-Stunticons-/171371133142?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item27e683f8d6), with almost all parts and stickers. (looks like it could be missing the Menasor head)
Only five days in and already over $11,000.

Next to be listed is a carded Lasercycle Jazz (http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Transformers-Generation-2-JAZZ-Laser-Cycle-/181451812203?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item2a3f5eed6b), and a carded Gen2 Breakdown (http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Botcon-1994-Transformers-Generation-2-BREAKDOWN-S3-Stunticons-/181451804701?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item2a3f5ed01d) (which 600 were produced for conventions in 1994).

And today, after a tease of photos on TFW, is a listing for the two Autorollers (http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Transformers-Generation-2-AUTOJETTER-AUTOLAUCHER-Charity-Auction-/171375403779?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item27e6c52303) that were only released in Japan during the Beast Wars era - the jet and armoured vehicle ones. These should have been the colours that they would have been in if Hasbro released them in Generation 2. (the Japanese versions were different colours)

If they list up more, we'll add them to this topic for amazement and downloading of their photos for your records.


Stop the presses....
Another ebay dealer has just started listing some unreleased Generation 2 toys. I recognise some of these photos, so I don't think this person is another ex-employee of Hasbro... I think this is just someone cashing in on the heightened interest in Generation 2 toys at the moment by re-selling their past purchases.

This one ended up not being released during Generation 2, but did get released as RiD Side Swipe - Hasbro 1995 Transformers Prototype Test Shot Autobots Pizza Car Go Bots Figure (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Prototype-Test-Shot-Autobots-Pizza-Car-Go-Bots-Figure-/321448752340)
And an unpainted test shot - Hasbro 1995 Transformers Prototype Test Shot Autobots White Car Go Bots Figure (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Prototype-Test-Shot-Autobots-White-Car-Go-Bots-Figure-/321429976444)

This one also wasn't released during Generation 2, but did get released as RiD Prowl 2 - Hasbro 1995 Transformers Prototype Test Shot Autobots 911 Car Go Bots Figure (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Prototype-Test-Shot-Autobots-911-Car-Go-Bots-Figure-/351107956579?)
And an unpainted test shot - Hasbro 1995 Transformers Prototype Test Shot Autobots Police Car Go Bots Figure (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Prototype-Test-Shot-Autobots-Police-Car-Go-Bots-Figure-/351091871049)

An unpainted test shot of what ended up being released in RiD as Daytonus - Hasbro 1995 Transformers Prototype Test Shot Autobots Car Go Bots Figure (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Prototype-Test-Shot-Autobots-Car-Go-Bots-Figure-Mint-/351091873945)

The recolour of Gen2 Combat Hero Megatron - Hasbro 1995 Transformers Prototype Decepticon Megatron Figure (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Prototype-Decepticon-Megatron-Figure-MOC-/351081709269)

The recolour of Gen2 Combat Hero Optimus - Hasbro 1995 Transformers Prototype Autobot Optimus Prime Figure (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Prototype-Autobot-Optimus-Prime-Figure-MOC-/351081708090)

[griffin]

Just listed by the second dealer above, is another Gobots test-shot (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Prototype-Test-Shot-Autobots-Car-Go-Bots-Figure-/351108941582?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51bfb9470e), that looks like it might be a hand-painted sample, as the black looks a bit rough.

[griffin]

The extra images of the Stunticons on TFW can be seen here (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/991687-complete-g2-menasor-ebay-23.html#post11257741). And the two Autorollers (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/991687-complete-g2-menasor-ebay-23.html#post11257774).

[Sky Shadow]

Autojetter and Autolauncher are pretty in those colours, and the sprued projectiles are a cool touch.

[Gouki]

$12000+? More money than sense, and I actually do pity them for wanting to spend that much.

[Trent]

If you've got, why not?

[swoop]

How much do you guys think the G2 autorollers will go for?

[5FDP]

Yeah, even if I had the money, I wouldn't bite on these.

[griffin]

More photos of the unreleased Gobots posted up on TFW (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/featured-ebay-auctions-32/unproduced-g2-gobots-and-more-first-painted-shots-ever-180610/).

It's like a strange cosmic convergence, with all these old Generation 2 relics showing up at once.

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah, even if I had the money, I wouldn't bite on these.
Are you saying that you wouldn't spend the approximate cost of a basic house deposit on individual toys? :eek: :p

[janda the red]

If you've got, why not?

my thoughts exactly...

if I had a lot more wealth than I do... i'd have a crack at these, you've gotta spend your money on something.

[Deonasis]

The recolour of Gen2 Combat Hero Megatron - Hasbro 1995 Transformers Prototype Decepticon Megatron Figure (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Prototype-Decepticon-Megatron-Figure-MOC-/351081709269)

The recolour of Gen2 Combat Hero Optimus - Hasbro 1995 Transformers Prototype Autobot Optimus Prime Figure (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Prototype-Autobot-Optimus-Prime-Figure-MOC-/351081708090)
Or buy them both for about the price of one above http://m.ebay.com/itm/331245072707?nav=SEARCH :rolleyes:

If you've got, why not?
Flaunt it?

[griffin]

Or buy them both for about the price of one above http://m.ebay.com/itm/331245072707?nav=SEARCH :rolleyes:


Hehehe... they failed to sell the pair for $8,000 then $7,000... and now $6,500. And still no takers.
I doubt the single ones for more than that will sell then.

(and it is yet another unreleased Gen2 toy listing on ebay... so many right now)

[griffin]

Looking at the completed listings of the person selling the Gobots (http://www.ebay.com/sch/123-kid/m.html?_armrs=1&_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=transformers&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc), I'm a bit suspicious that they have been selling several of each over the last couple months.
They claim to be one of the people from Toy Hunters, who bought them from an ex-employee of Hasbro, but would that Hasbro person have had in their possession several of each unreleased figure, and be able to just take them all when they left the job.

If they are legit though, there are some others that they had recently sold that would have been Gen2 toys if the line wasn't axed...

Unpainted Gobot Hound/Jeep (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Prototype-Test-Shot-Autobots-Army-Truck-Go-Bots-Figure-/321448751435?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item4ad7d6b14b&nma=true&si=RW11U%252ByiWKMCqQA%252FOdvfguANmHc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557) - never got released at all.
purple Gobot car (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Prototype-Test-Shot-Autobots-Purple-Car-Go-Bots-Figure-/321429992439?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item4ad6b873f7&nma=true&si=RW11U%252ByiWKMCqQA%252FOdvfguANmHc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557) - I don't think this one was released at all either.
Black Gobot car (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Prototype-Test-Shot-Autobots-Black-Car-Go-Bots-Figure-/321429981460?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item4ad6b84914&nma=true&si=RW11U%252ByiWKMCqQA%252FOdvfguANmHc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557) - I think this was the one that ended up being RiD Sideburn.
blue Cyberjet (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1994-Transformers-Cyberjets-Prototype-Blue-Figure-Mint-/321429996139?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item4ad6b8826b&nma=true&si=RW11U%252ByiWKMCqQA%252FOdvfguANmHc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557) - ended up being released as Machine Wars Thundercracker & Skywarp.
green Cyberjet (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1994-Transformers-Cyberjets-Prototype-Green-Figure-Mint-/351091878452?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51beb4ea34&nma=true&si=RW11U%252ByiWKMCqQA%252FOdvfguANmHc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557) - ended up being released as Machine Wars Megatron & Megaplex.
yellow (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Auto-Rollers-Prototype-Sample-Race-Car-Figure-Mint-/351070869596?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item51bd74585c&nma=true&si=RW11U%252ByiWKMCqQA%252FOdvfguANmHc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557) and red (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1995-Transformers-Auto-Rollers-Prototype-Red-Sample-Race-Car-Figure-Mint-/321385565433?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item4ad4128cf9&nma=true&si=RW11U%252ByiWKMCqQA%252FOdvfguANmHc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557) test shots F1 car - ended up being released as Machine Wars Mirage & Prowl.
black tow truck (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasbro-1996-Transformers-Prototype-Sample-Hoist-Figure-Mint/351107900721?_trksid=p2046732.c100040.m2060&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1% 26asc%3D20140107095009%26meid%3D805048311604751032 3%26pid%3D100040%26prg%3D20140107095009%26rk%3D1%2 6rkt%3D4%26sd%3D351107900721) - ended up being released as Machine Wars Hoist and Hubcap.

Those Machine Wars flip-changers were supposed to be released in Generation 2, so having these test shots being grouped with other Gen2 prototype toys backs up that claim.

[griffin]

The person selling the Stunticons has announced a number of upcoming items...


Laser Cycle Soundwave is next. Then I am going to bring it down a notch for bit and concentrate on some of the Hasbro Standard Green tag pieces, and some just some flat out tough to find MOC released Generation 2.

Big pieces coming soon in next few weeks are
-Megatron ATB (Advanced tactical bomber)

-unreleased Generation 2 GO-Bots
"Vinny's Pro Stock"
"GTP Racer"
"911 Police Car
"Black Viper"
...more

Prototypes of production stuff will follow after that.

The Lasercycle Soundwave has now been listed (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181455996025).


This should make the next few months quite fascinating.

[spiderken17]

As I am just learning this stuff, is this G2 Menasor the holy grail TF's? Are there other TFs that are a myth that go for stupid money?

[SuspectimusPrime]

i'd have a crack at these, you've gotta spend your money on something.

Same reason some people have a crack at crack :p

[Starscream77]

G2 Stunticons - http://www.ebay.com/itm/171371133142?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1431.l2649

Up to $14,531 with 18 hours to go... I'm sure it will go up quite a bit in the last hour:cool:

[Ravagecat]

Up to $14,531 with 18 hours to go... I'm sure it will go up quite a bit in the last hour:cool:

I'm wondering will the winner pay?? ;)
No Menasor head?? Maybe they (hasbro) were planning on using the G1 version (black with silver face) so didn't bother making the prototype :confused:
...similar to G2 Superion (G2 Superion's head has a slightly different shade of Gold but essentially the same).

[Starscream77]

WOW it went for $28,650 AU

[Sinnertwin]

WOW it went for $28,650 AU

Watching it too? :D back to work you :p

[Trent]

Watching it too? :D back to work you :p

Jumped up $10K in the last 10 seconds :eek: wow.

[Sinnertwin]

Jumped up $10K in the last 10 seconds :eek: wow.

Crazy, wasn't it?
I was looking at it thinking, hmm, not so much afterall & then bam!

[theshape]

Holy hell. This has to be the most expensive TF item ever sold?

[Trent]

Crazy, wasn't it?
I was looking at it thinking, hmm, not so much afterall & then bam!

Same. I was thinking that, since it wasn't complete, it might not reach over $15K. Haha. Silly me!


Holy hell. This has to be the most expensive TF item ever sold?

That'd be my guess.

[UltraMarginal]

WOW it went for $28,650 AU

:eek:


Watching it too? :D back to work you :p


Jumped up $10K in the last 10 seconds :eek: wow.


Crazy, wasn't it?
I was looking at it thinking, hmm, not so much afterall & then bam!


Holy hell. This has to be the most expensive TF item ever sold?


Same. I was thinking that, since it wasn't complete, it might not reach over $15K. Haha. Silly me!



That'd be my guess.

Wow, it was cool being able to watch the last 5 minutes of that auction, I was never bidding on that, it's way out of my league but wow, so cool and exciting.

[Starscream77]

Yeah it escalated so quick, i know most auctions do but when you add a couple of zeros to it then it becomes very enjoyable to watch

I really dont think even if i was very wealthy that i would of payed it though

[Sky Shadow]

The winner has 100% feedback of 2649, so it's real. We could probably even work out who it is.


Holy hell. This has to be the most expensive TF item ever sold?

$5,363 per toy?

[Mythirax]

The winner has 100% feedback of 2649, so it's real. We could probably even work out who it is.



$5,363 per toy?

Would be interesting to find out who actually owns it now :D

[TAAUBlaster]

It was exciting to watch it all play out. Would have been nice to have the money to participate though :p

[SuspectimusPrime]

Holy hell. This has to be the most expensive TF item ever sold?

My thoughts exactly - Holy Satan.

[MayzaPrime]

Those 5 figures are worth half of my collection... and I have 1700+ :eek:

Could this be the ultimate holy grail?

[theshape]

For 26 grand... you could get every G1 toy from series and 1 and 2 all MISB.

I know what i rather have :D

[BruiseLee]

No matter what it goes for, it would be an investment piece if kept sealed.
I'm thinking it will go over $25,000.

And the winner of the no prize goes to Bossbot. Rigged! :p

[Skullcruncher]

For 26 grand... you could get every G1 toy from series and 1 and 2 all MISB.

I know what i rather have :D

Well Series 1 at least :D but we got the point :p

Optimus Prime 2000
Brawn 450
Bumblebee 700
Cliffjumer 500
Gears 425
Huffer 450
Windcharger 400
BumbleJumper 1500
Bluestreak 800
Hound 650
Ironhide 400
Jazz 450
Mirage 600
Prowl 700
Ratchet 450
Sideswipe 700
Sunstreaker 700
Trailbreaker 600
Wheeljack 750
Megatron 2000
Rumble / Ravage 600
Frenzy / Lazerbeak 500
Soundwave / Buzzsaw 1200
Skywarp 1000
Starscream 1200
Thundercracker 700

[griffin]

Here's the winner owning up to the purchase (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/991687-complete-g2-menasor-ebay-71.html#post11300159), and answering some questions (scroll down the topic a few pages).

As someone who only just recently became a "member" of the pre-production/sample toy club myself, I know that it is probably both exciting and frightening to the winner... who will treasure it for his own personal reasons, but that final price will tarnish the gloss a bit.

[GoktimusPrime]

Interesting to see that he's conflicted between keeping them sealed or opening them up to play. :o

[Sinnertwin]

If you've got, why not?

Exactly.
We may scoff at the prices paid, but there are far more expensive things in the world that people spend their money on.

[theshape]

Every hobby has its "whales". People born in to wealthy families or people who have done really well etc. $26k to them is like $260 to us normal folks

People have paid over a million dollars for a comic before (Action 1/ Tec 27) so this is still child's play compared to that

[theshape]

MISB bumblejumper - how cool would that bee :D

[Mythirax]

G1 Prime is worth $2,000 MISB :confused:

[Skullcruncher]

G1 Prime is worth $2,000 MISB :confused:

If you want one in a nice box! :cool:

[janda the red]

I enjoyed reading High Primes responses to questions people were throwing at him.

I laughed when he said he'd gotten the green light from the wife.... so long as he sold a large chunk of his collection to fund it!

good on him... cool piece of history to own

:)

[Bidoofdude]

I enjoyed reading High Primes responses to questions people were throwing at him.

I laughed when he said he'd gotten the green light from the wife.... so long as he sold a large chunk of his collection to fund it!

good on him... cool piece of history to own

:)

He seems like a guy who'd appreciate it and cherish it, not just someone adding another item to their list. It seems like it would be more special to him, as he said that he only collects a few toys here and there of various characters.

[llamatron]

Winner is a TFW member, they will go public once they have it in hand, apparently. This is just what I've heard through the grapevine. I know who because I'm special! Maybe they have already announced? I'm not up to date.

[Skullcruncher]

Looks like its gone to a well deserved winner! Reading through that entire thread on TFW is hard work :D

[Sky Shadow]

Winner is a TFW member, they will go public once they have it in hand, apparently. This is just what I've heard through the grapevine. I know who because I'm special! Maybe they have already announced? I'm not up to date.

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/991687-complete-g2-menasor-ebay-18.html#post11300159

Also, Theshape's original point is sound, you could get a MISB G1 series 1 and 2 collection for that price, just not with the kind of packaging Skullcruncher is imagining.

[Skullcruncher]

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/991687-complete-g2-menasor-ebay-18.html#post11300159

Also, Theshape's original point is sound, you could get a MISB G1 series 1 and 2 collection for that price, just not with the kind of packaging Skullcruncher is imagining.

No doubt but if your going MISB you might as well get a mint box/card. Did anyone see the MISB Bluestreak on YHJ recently? Over 2G wasn't it? Even G1 Takara MISB Red Alert brings 1K on an average day on YHJ.

[theshape]

No doubt but if your going MISB you might as well get a mint box/card. Did anyone see the MISB Bluestreak on YHJ recently? Over 2G wasn't it? Even G1 Takara MISB Red Alert brings 1K on an average day on YHJ.

Very true. The Japanese go nuts for mint figures. You can pick up loose incomplete toys for virtually nothing on there but the mint toys go for a packet

[dirge]

WOW it went for $28,650 AU

So we should look out for a guy hocking his grandfather's crap on eBay? :D

[Starscream77]

No doubt but if your going MISB you might as well get a mint box/card. Did anyone see the MISB Bluestreak on YHJ recently? Over 2G wasn't it? Even G1 Takara MISB Red Alert brings 1K on an average day on YHJ.

Pardon my ignorance but what is YHJ ?

[Mythirax]

So we should look out for a guy hocking his grandfather's crap on eBay? :D

I see what you did there :D

[spiderken17]

How many g2 stunticons sets are there? It seems there is more breakdowns than the others. Are the rest of the set carded or are they all loose?

[5FDP]

How many g2 stunticons sets are there? It seems there is more breakdowns than the others. Are the rest of the set carded or are they all loose?

Pretty sure I read somewhere that there are about 6 sets in existence.

[griffin]

There are a lot more Breakdowns because Hasbro produced 300 carded figures for a couple of conventions in 1994 (204 to BotCon, 96 to AFX Con)... but all the others only had a handful of pre-production samples produced (probably 2 or 3 on card and 2 or 3 in bags), and I don't think Motormaster was ever seen in a box.

[UltraMarginal]

based on what I've read on the TFW forum, the Motormaster has never been seen with stickers.

[griffin]

The boxed Megatron/Starscream ATB (http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Transformers-Generation-2-MEGATRON-ATB-Advanced-Tactical-Bomber-MIB-/171378616749?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item27e6f629ad) (redeco Dreadwing/Smokescreen) pre-production sample, would have been released in the second year of Generation 2 along with the other cancelled redecos (Combat Heroes, Lasercycles, Autorollers).

Other items in this storage container of prototypes and rarities include a number of boxed Gen2 toys that did get released (in very nice, mint condition), along with...

A mock-up carded Highbeam Gobot toy (http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOCK-UP-prototype-card-Transformers-Generation-2-High-Beam-GoBot-/171377135365?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item27e6df8f05). These mock-ups with scrap card is to work out the card/box dimensions, and the amount of obscured space that they have to work around for art and product details.

Beast Wars Waspinator pre-production test-run figure (http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTOTYPE-Transformers-Beast-Wars-WASPINATOR-/171379801124?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item27e7083c24) (in white).

Beast Wars Dinobot pre-production test-run figure (http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTOTYPE-Transformers-Beast-Wars-Heroic-Maximal-DINOBOT-/171378587385?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item27e6f5b6f9) (in black).

Beast Wars Tarantulas pre-production test-run figure (http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTOTYPE-Transformers-Beast-Wars-TARANTULAS-/181459148952?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item2a3fcee098) (unpainted and off-colours).


Some great historical pieces there for some Beast Wars fans there... from a box sent from the Factory to Hasbro, after testing the moulds, to get a green-light for mass-production. (so they are properly produced in the factory on the legit moulds, but are often just using random plastic colours to make sure everything works before they produce hundreds of thousands of them)
I'd imagine these going close to a thousand each, but only because they were main-cast character toys. These sorts of test-run figures don't usually fetch much if it isn't a high profile toy to begin with.

[GoktimusPrime]

The boxed Megatron/Starscream ATB (http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Transformers-Generation-2-MEGATRON-ATB-Advanced-Tactical-Bomber-MIB-/171378616749?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item27e6f629ad) (redeco Dreadwing/Smokescreen) pre-production sample, would have been released in the second year of Generation 2 along with the other cancelled redecos (Combat Heroes, Lasercycles, Autorollers).
Glad I got BB and Starscream back in '98! :o They're pretty much the nearest thing we ever got to seeing ATB Megs/Screamer being released. ;)

[griffin]

Was there a Bumblebee released in 1998?



Hehehehe....

[Hursticon]

Was there a Bumblebee released in 1998?



Hehehehe....

Bloody hell! You're not bad at these occasional horrible ones are you? :p:D

[Sky Shadow]

There are six unreleased Go-Bots here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Transformers-Generation-2-GoBots-SET-OF-6-preproduction-MINT-IN-BAG-/181465999404 In two hours it's gone from 99c to over $1000.

[griffin]

Some of the final prices of his other items...

Soundwave Lasercycle on card - US$3,550
Jazz Lasercycle on card - US$1,880
Gen2 Breakdown on card - US$1,325
Autojetter & Autolauncher - US$688
Test-run BW Dinobot - US$620
Test-run BW Waspinator - US$380
Test-run BW Tarantulas - US$331
Gobot Highbeam mockup card - US$224


I thought that the Beast Wars Test-run figures would have gone higher.

[Ravagecat]

There are six unreleased Go-Bots here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Transformers-Generation-2-GoBots-SET-OF-6-preproduction-MINT-IN-BAG-/181465999404 In two hours it's gone from 99c to over $1000.

Interestingly enough these molds were actually used later for the RID series and the early Universe series (transitional packing) as G1 Characters like Silverstreak, Prowl, Mirage etc.

Prowl 2 (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Prowl_2)
Sideswipe (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Side_Swipe_%28RID%29)
Sideburn (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Side_Burn_%28RID%29) - Bottom of page
Daytonus (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Daytonus)

[griffin]

Interestingly enough these molds were actually used later for the RID series and the early Universe series (transitional packing) as G1 Characters like Silverstreak, Prowl, Mirage etc.

Prowl 2 (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Prowl_2)
Sideswipe (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Side_Swipe_%28RID%29)
Sideburn (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Side_Burn_%28RID%29) - Bottom of page
Daytonus (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Daytonus)

Yep, four of the six did eventually see release seven years later in RiD, but two of the moulds have never been released... making it a valuable set (along with all six having unreleased colour schemes).

[Sky Shadow]

Interestingly enough these molds were actually used later for the RID series and the early Universe series

Yeah, I know that, but not in those colours, and two of them are completely unreleased Transformers moulds - how often do those come up for sale?

[griffin]

The set of six gobots ended up selling for US$3,800.
A bit more than I was expecting, since four of the moulds ended up being released anyway and are some of the least popular TFs toys, while the other two could have been bought for a lot less on their own (as there were a number of these pre-production samples hitting ebay recently).

[MayzaPrime]

The set of six gobots ended up selling for US$3,800.
A bit more than I was expecting, since four of the moulds ended up being released anyway and are some of the least popular TFs toys, while the other two could have been bought for a lot less on their own (as there were a number of these pre-production samples hitting ebay recently).

Some one must really want to complete their go-bot collection.

[griffin]

Either some people didn't pay up, or this seller had some multiple sets, as he's listed up items for a second time with Buy-it-now amounts that are close to what the auctions sold for.
ATB Megatron and Starscream (http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Transformers-Generation-2-MEGATRON-ATB-Advanced-Tactical-Bomber-MIB-/181478240405?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item2a40f23095) - BIN US$2,499
6 unreleased Gobots (http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Transformers-Generation-2-GoBots-SET-6-pre-production-MINT-BAG-/171403300314?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item27e86ecdda) - BIN US$3,799

Plus three new items for Auction.
Redeco Combat Hero Optimus (http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Transformers-Generation-2-Optimus-Prime-Combat-Hero-Blue-repaint-/171404196175?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item27e87c794f)
Redeco Combat Hero Megatron (http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Transformers-Generation-2-Megatron-Combat-Hero-Camo-repaint-/181479744567?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item2a41092437)
Gen2 Dragstrip (http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNRELEASED-Transformers-Stunticon-DRAGSTRIP-Prototype-Generation-2-G2-/181478722214?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item2a40f98aa6)

[theshape]

Have any of you guys been reading the g2 menasor thread on tfw? Getting pretty interesting

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/991687-complete-g2-menasor-ebay-103.html

This is from the Winner (High Prime) to the Seller (starwarsproto)


This has nothing to do with giving your items away or how friendly you are to the community and they with you. It is about being forthright and honest. This is the bone with which I have contention. It has come to a head in the past week as I wrestled with the facts since the auction.

Your auction states:

"This is the finest example of this piece that will ever be offered anywhere, it does not get better than this."

"Is highly unlikely that you will ever find a better conditioned grouping of these items, this is truly an once-in-a-lifetime auction."

Your auction was misleading at best and a bold faced lie at worst - You have another one - exactly like it. You have another bagged G2 Menasor (also with no head) and you demonstrated this over written communication and video which you played back for me over your iPad of you unwrapping both G2 Menasors after I signed that I had received my G2 Menasor; the same video format you've been posting on YouTube (which are all gone now). You've always known you've had both. Forget about all of the other G2 Menasors people may or may not have in their collection, forget about the Toy Hunter, forget about the 3rd G2 Menasor you have in your possession which was also shown in the video (and is not as far along the process as the 2 in the bag bringing your total G2 Menasor ownership to 3 at the time).

All I want to do is return this to you and get my money back, but I'm willing to listen to alternate solutions to make this whole so we can go on with our lives. You are a nice guy in person and I still hope we can get this done with a positive outcome in the end for us both. We can work this out and get everyone back to focusing on the items you have to share which are of considerable interest to the Transformers community.

Let's take care of this, man.

:(

[Trent]

Wow :eek:

If true, that is quite the bombshell. I will have to start following that thread again.

[Raider]

Wow I should start following this. Who would have thought Transformer collecting could be so drama filled!

[Sky Shadow]

Ooh - burn.

[griffin]

It's sad to hear that this wonderful piece of history that we witnessed, and many of us got really excited watching and learning about, has been spoilt so much.

And I really hate to say this, but...
Technically, if the second bagged set is poorer quality, the seller was actually honest in the wording of his listing (saying it is highly unlikely a better set exists).
If he'd said that it was probably a one-of-a-kind set, then it would be lying because he knew he had other sets.

But... is it deceptive for not making mention of already having a second set waiting to be sold off?
It's certainly not nice, and I'm not a fan of the behaviour, but the seller would get less money for his two sets if he auctioned off both at the same time, or had people know there was a second set.
He should not have tried to befriend the fandom through TFW2005, as if he was doing us a favour telling us about it as if it was a unique piece. He should have kept to himself as a (money-making) businessman and kept that unboxing video secret for a few years, that apparently shows him digging out two or three sets. Then a few months after the first set, sell the second set, claiming that he found it while looking through the rest of the boxes.

His actions on the fansite, and intentional omissions, make him seem very deceptive, and few will probably want to participate on his future items now.

When you think about it, seeing him sell a set of Beast Wars and Spychangers prototypes after he'd already sold a set, makes it seem obvious that he had probably had multiples of everything.

This isn't the first time people have done this with limited items or pre-production run figures. I remember those three unreleased 2007 Target basics, TF3 DLX Soundblaster, white Animated Activator Soundwave, and the Calvin Johnson Megatron - people were selling one at a time at first to get the most money out of the desperate collectors, before flooding the market.
(desperate collectors aren't going to risk missing something that might be a one-of-a-kind)

[griffin]

I fear that shows like Toy Hunter are driving more people to look at making money from toys, at the expense of us collectors (who value characters and play, rather than resale).
The already tight market of collectors selling at high prices is only going to reap more money from non-collector investors (like the guy selling these Gen2 prototypes), and possibly defraud collectors by shill-bidding his original auctions, and then re-listing at BIN prices that match the inflated prices "someone" created with the shill bidding, to then say to people, look... this is what it was worth at Auction.
(and since ebay doesn't charge for listing, only selling, ebay becomes a key factor in these over-high BIN prices that don't reflect their true market value)

[Sky Shadow]

What I hate about this whole situation is that this isn't a person who's held on to these toys for twenty years and is now selling them. It's someone who bought a whole collection from a fricking widow and is now doing everything he can to make a fortune from it. AFA, shill bidding, deceitful descriptions, not honouring highest bidders, etc. Rather than accepting that he got lucky and allowing things to play out honestly and fairly, he's turned it into a circus - an evil one, like The Cosmic Carnival.

[Sinnertwin]

Genius move that.

-Hi, here are your toys, thanks for the 28k. Oh, by the way, here's a video of me with some more bagged Stunticons. K, thanx, bye.

The sellers done himself absolutely no favours with that type of behaviour.

[griffin]

It's worth reading form page 96 (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/991687-complete-g2-menasor-ebay-96.html), when the topic was resurrected by someone's unsubstantiated claim about multiple G2 Menasors being held by the Toy Hunter guy.
Not for all the bickering, but for the occasional stats being dropped about unreleased Gen2 toys and prototype values of various toys.


(there is also a posting from the seller (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/991687-complete-g2-menasor-ebay-107.html#post11571393), claiming that the first he heard about the buyer being unsatisfied was when Paypal took all the money out of his account two months after the auction ended... but just after the rumours started circulating about how many other Menasors might be out there - he claims he had no warning or message from the buyer about wanting his money back... which is a bit underhanded of both parties if true.)

[Bidoofdude]

That's very deceitful. As others have highlighted in that thread, there are way more existant than people realise. People just don't share them with the public.

[theshape]

It will be very interesting if the toy hunter post checks out and it is featured in an episode. Five sets..

[Sky Shadow]

It will be very interesting if the toy hunter post checks out and it is featured in an episode. Five sets..

It's doubtful - that trip was the episode where he planted a Lucky Draw Megatron that he'd bought online, wasn't it? I feel like if there are actual transactions (where he truly rips people off) they're left out of the show, leaving only unreality television.

Also, doesn't PayPal only take refunded money out of people's accounts after an eBay dispute has been closed. That wouldn't have been out of the blue, surely the seller would have been well aware of the situation.

[Metallikato]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/metal/menasor1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/metal/media/menasor1.jpg.html)

Menasor cruch, destroy (your bank account & faith in the fandom/hunamity..)

[spiderken17]

Wow. Serious stuff over toys. Glad I am not involved in it.

[Defcon]

Have any of you guys been reading the g2 menasor thread on tfw? Getting pretty interesting
:(

Buyer's Remorse :( the buyer must feel like he overpaid, this is to be expected. Although the buyer and others do have somewhat of a point. But then again not really. If you are buying a house, agents use those kind of descriptions and wordings eg. "once in a lifetime opportunity" the thing is its designed to appeal to the emotions, to grab potential buyers, sometimes and usually someone who becomes emotionally invested they spend more than is necessary. It's not been dishonest its sales talk and a perception :( all people need to take responsibility for actions and decision making. This rule applies to buying a car, a house, or a high priced collectible.

[Shirokaze]

Buyer's Remorse :( the buyer must feel like he overpaid, this is to be expected. Although the buyer and others do have somewhat of a point. But then again not really. If you are buying a house, agents use those kind of descriptions and wordings eg. "once in a lifetime opportunity" the thing is its designed to appeal to the emotions, to grab potential buyers, sometimes and usually someone who becomes emotionally invested they spend more than is necessary. It's not been dishonest its sales talk and a perception :( all people need to take responsibility for actions and decision making. This rule applies to buying a car, a house, or a high priced collectible.

I agree!

Paypal really shouldn't find in favour of the buyer in this case. I understand how people could feel the seller was being dishonest, but it was always made clear that he was in it for the profit and from that point of view, withholding the additional items was the logical choice.

[griffin]

I agree that paypal must rule on the wording of the actual ebay listing, not what the seller stated elsewhere... and as such, paypal would be forced to side with the seller (who didn't claim on the auction that it was the only set).

However, there is a telling post by the seller in that TFW topic (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/991687-complete-g2-menasor-ebay-22.html#post11257360)...


They said something about how when something like this surfaced there was very often a whole bunch of these found at once. This is not the case with the Menasor, everyone can forget about there being several of these. Look very closely at the auction, on the paperwork at one time there was two of these shipped to the United States from Hasbro's Hong Kong plant. The paperwork states quantity of "2", the declared value of $2 (anyone who ships overseas knows that any item must have a customs value of at least a dollar.) It is been my experience (I think everybody else will agree that the bigwigs at Hasbro/Kenner know exactly how rare certain items are and sharing/trading amongst insiders (executives, engineers and designers) is very commonplace. So based on the paperwork found there were two originally shipped from Hong Kong to Hasbro, who knows if the other will ever surface; if it still exists. Two of something this rare will not effect its value, several would. I think if any collector/Hasbro employee owns the other one and sees this auction at $10k they would certainly do well to post it very fast.

I am going to make it my future policy to NOT note the quantities of any of my future listings of prototypes and unreleased items, so don't ask. Suffice to say that I have a variety of items, but nothing in any great quantity to hurt anythings value on the secondary market.A first read makes it sound like he is confirming that he only has the one set... but when you read it again as if written intentionally deceptively, you realise that he never came out and said it was the only one. He words it so that it looks like he he doesn't know about any other sets, but since there was a video of him removing three sets from the one box, only then does this sentence become the only lie he told - "who knows if the other will ever surface; if it still exists."
Between that sentence about two being sent from Hong Kong, and the last sentence about there not being a great quantity of any item he has... it was almost like he was admitting that there were a small number, but wouldn't come out and say it.

He may not have said it was the only one on his ebay listing (because "once in a lifetime" is actually a true statement when referring to buyers), but by claiming that he didn't know of any others existing while the listing was active, was definitely deception to drive up the price among the fan-community.

If he hadn't said that before people bid on the item, it's unlikely to have gone as high as US$27,000.

It is still a very valuable item, so if the seller gave a partial refund to the buyer, the matter between them would be resolved.

[Trent]

Buyer's Remorse :( the buyer must feel like he overpaid, this is to be expected. Although the buyer and others do have somewhat of a point. But then again not really. If you are buying a house, agents use those kind of descriptions and wordings eg. "once in a lifetime opportunity" the thing is its designed to appeal to the emotions, to grab potential buyers, sometimes and usually someone who becomes emotionally invested they spend more than is necessary. It's not been dishonest its sales talk and a perception :( all people need to take responsibility for actions and decision making. This rule applies to buying a car, a house, or a high priced collectible.

True, but that does not excuse the actions of the seller. If he was intentionally deceptive by leading the community that he only had one set thenwhile he has done nothing wrong legally, on an ethical level he has certainly acted questionably and the buyer has a right to be upset.

Also he hasn't helped himself either. When he puts the next set up, no-one is going to believe a word he says. The first question anyone asks this guy from now on will be "Are aware of/Do you have any other of these figure/sets in your possession?" and then he will be faced with the option of flat out lying, or being honest and risk not fetching as high a price as he otherwise could have.

Shady business practices are shady :(

[Sinnertwin]

I don't know what to think of this.



I am going to make it my future policy to NOT note the quantities of any of my future listings of prototypes and unreleased items, so don't ask. Suffice to say that I have a variety of items, but nothing in any great quantity to hurt anythings value on the secondary market.

Buyer beware indeed.

[kaiden]

i read a bit and it comes off like diamonds. there's a shit lod of them and so they really arent worth much but when you make women desire them and limit the amount gloablly -that creates the value.

basically, i would agree that its a rare valuable item and that there are more than a few in the world - but if they all went on the market at the same time their value would drastically be reduced. to say 'hey you know that rare valuable item that you severely overpaid? i've got 3 more that im going to sell.' is a shitty thing to do.

[Defcon]

True, but that does not excuse the actions of the seller. If he was intentionally deceptive by leading the community that he only had one set then while he has done nothing wrong legally, on an ethical level he has certainly acted questionably and the buyer has a right to be upset.

Also he hasn't helped himself either. When he puts the next set up, no-one is going to believe a word he says. The first question anyone asks this guy from now on will be "Are aware of/Do you have any other of these figure/sets in your possession?" and then he will be faced with the option of flat out lying, or being honest and risk not fetching as high a price as he otherwise could have.

Shady business practices are shady :(

Ok fair enough, the seller has acted questionably and with his future sales, potential buyers will be wary. I guess I was all harsh on the buyer. The seller of course has damaged his reputation. I would feel upset about a sale like this also, especially after revelations about other sets in the seller's possession. It would make me feel like I paid to much, but my first reaction is that the buyer already knew he paid to much. The revelation just pushed him to the point of non-acceptance.

[Trent]

I agree. I think the seller had one of those "What the hell did I just do?" moments because yeah! he paid $24K for a set of G1 toys but probably justified it in his mind by thinking of the "investment" he was making. Then being told that there are more, he would have seen his "investment" dive in value instantly.

And I just noticed that you corrected a mistake in my post when you quoted me :p