Transformers questions by newbies, and not-so-newbies

[spiderken17]

Im mainly after some 3rd party stuff i didnt buy years ago. Nothing hard to find, its in stock in lots of places im more concerned about whether i actually get my order. I dont feel like going through another Premium collectables saga.

[jaydisc]

It's not really my area of expertise, but I think ShowZ and TFSafari are probably the biggest/cheapest for that kind of stuff. I had a customer service issue with ShowZ once, so I don't use them. I've placed 3-5 orders with TFSafari without issue, but there was an incident a year or so ago where they allegedly stole someone else's 3D designs and sold them. I've had many orders with Oh My Primus, but they're not big on maintaining stock imo… more of a pre-order kind of place. They've also started to get more expensive over the years… not as bad as RK, but on that trajectory.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I was just thinking about it, and...is there a Scale chart for Transformers spaceships? I know there are a few for most of the actual characters/series, but I've never seen one for the ships.

[GoktimusPrime]

What are the most expensive Transformers toys ever released?

Criteria:
+ must be official toys from Hasbro or Takara(TOMY)
+ not including licensed third party toys like Robosen Optimus Prime etc.
+ comparing RRPs, not sales or aftermarket prices

Here is my list, but it may not be accurate so by all means please correct me if there are any inaccuracies! :)

UNICRON, HasLab = $848 (EB Games price)
CONVOY, MP-44 = 55000JPY (approx. $600)
MEGATRON [Beast Wars], MP-43 = 38500JPY; SKYFIRE, MP-57 = 38500JPY (approx. $420)
VICTORY SABER, HasLab = $369 (EB Games price); DESZARAS, HasLab = $368 (Zing price)
DEVASTATOR, Studio Series boxset = $340 (Amazon price); DINOBOT, MP-41 = 30,800JPY; MP-52X Seekers = 30,800JPY (approx. $335)

[DELTAprime]

Aren't there some rather expensive MP-10 repaints like the Eva and Bape ones?

[Tha_Phantom]

Aren't there some rather expensive MP-10 repaints like the Eva and Bape ones?

Were they super expensive at retail though? I know they go for ridiculous prices now.

[griffin]

Some of the more expensive items in Japan as they compare to the three Haslab toys (prices mostly from the TTM site so that we have a more uniform comparison than going by AU prices (that are never reliably converted) or US prices, because almost all expensive Hasbro toys were released in Japan)...
- (Gen1) Unicron (new - same as Hasbro version) w/ Autobot Shuttle, Galvatron, Hotrod - MARCH 27th 2021 (77,000yen)
- Transformers Victory Saber (Hasbro Crowd Funding Project) (Star Saber, Victory Leo, Holi, Fire) - End 2022 (26,950yen)
- Generations Deathsaurus (Hasbro Crowd Funding Project) - End 2023 (29,700yen)

(ones in BOLD were more expensive than Victory Saber, at retail in Japan)

2023
- MP-57 - Skyfire (new) (TakaraTomyMall exclusive) - Late JAN (38,500yen)
- MPM-10R - Starscream Revenge Vers. (late February 2023 - 24,200yen)


2022
- MPM-13 - Decepticon Blackout & Scorponok (new) - Late DEC (26,400yen)
- KD EX-09 - Autobot Ark (TITAN - same as Hasbro version?) (TakaraTomyMall exclusive) - Late March (was December) (30,800yen)
- TL-14 - Metroplex (TITAN - same as Hasbro version?) - Late DEC (33,000yen)
- Black Zarak (TITAN - redeco/remould Scorponok) (TakaraTomyMall exclusive) - Late March (30,800yen)


2021
- MP-52 - Starscream v2 (new mould) - Late JUNE (30,800yen)
- MP-52+ - Thundercracker v2 (redeco MP-52 Starscream) (TakaraTomyMall exclusive) - Late SEPT (27,500yen)
- MP52+SW - Skywarp Vers 2 (redeco Starscream) (TakaraTomyMall exclusive) - Late DEC (27,500yen)
- Volcanicus (minor redeco & minor remould - Grimlock, Sludge, Snarl, Slug/Slag, Swoop) (TakaraTomyMall exclusive) - Late FEB 2021 (22,000yen)
- Abominus (minor redeco & minor remould - Hungrrr, Sinnertwin, Blot, Cutthroat, Rippersnapper) (TakaraTomyMall exclusive) - APR 17th (22,000yen)


2020
- MP-10DC - Convoy Duck Camo vers - (camo redeco) - MARCH 26th - (19,000yen)
- MP-49 - Black Convoy (black redeco MP-44 Optimus Ver 3 - cab only) - JULY 25th (23,000yen)
- MP-50 - Tigatron (new) - SEPT 26th (26,400yen)
- MPM-10 - (Movie) Starscream (same as Hasbro version?) - LATE OCT (22,000yen)
- Seacons God Neptune (TakaraTomyMall Excl) - Late OCT (22,000yen)
- ER-10 - Scorponok (Titan - same as Hasbro version?) - NOV 30th (27,500yen)
(Studio Series Devastator not released as a boxset in Japan - it was same price as Legacy Metroplex in Australia ($340), so could have been about 33,000yen if TT had released it)


2019
- MP-10ASL - Convoy Atmos Safari Lebron version (yellow/orange redeco Cab only - Atmos exclusive) - MARCH 3rd - (22,000yen)
- MP-43 - Beast Wars Megatron - MARCH 30th (was JAN 26th) - (37,000yen)
- MP-44 - Convoy Ver 3 (new - cab & trailer) - AUG 31st - (50,000yen)
- SG-39 - Omega Supreme (Titan - same as Hasbro version?) - DEC 26th (25,000yen)
- UW-04 - Devastator (Unite Warriors reissue - TakaraTomyMall exclusive) - Late JAN (27,000)
(one expensive non-TakaraTomy item this year is the 2019 MP-10 Ghostbusters Optimus which was us$150, which is the US Titan price point, so about 25,000yen)


2018
- MP-711 - Optimus Prime (white/green redeco - 7-11 Japan exclusive) - (27,000yen)
- MP-41 - Dinobot (Beast Wars) (new) - (25,000yen)
- MP-36+ - Megatron (Toy Edition) (minor redeco - TakaraTomyMall exclusive) - (26,000yen)
- LG-EX - Grand Maximus (redeco Fortress Maximus) (TakaraTomyMall excl & Asia) - (27,000yen)
- PP-31 - Predaking (Titan - 5 Predacons (Razorclaw, Rampage, Divebomb, Headstrong, Torox) - same as Hasbro version) - (25,000yen)
- Car Robots - God Fire Convoy (reissue - minor redeco) - (27,000yen)
- TakaraTomyMall - LG-EX - Metroplex w/ Scamper (reissue) - (27,000yen)


2017
- LG-43 - Dinosaurer (Titans Return Trypticon - same as Hasbro version) (23,000yen)
- MP-10 - Convoy (reissue) (23,760yen)
(it is worth noting that combiner sets were under 17,000yen before 2018, which is why only the re-released ones were listed above, as the prices went way up)


2016
- LG-31 - Fortress Maximus (Titans Return Titan w/ sword) (25,000yen)
(one expensive non-TakaraTomy item this year is the 2016 SDCC Fortress Maximus at us$180, which is double Legacy Motormaster (us$90 - 15,400yen), so would have been about 30,800yen)


2015
(one expensive non-TakaraTomy item this year is the 2015 SDCC Devastator at us$180, which is double Legacy Motormaster (us$90 - 15,400yen), making it about 30,800yen)


2014
(one expensive non-TakaraTomy item this year is the 2014 SDCC Knights of Unicron rockband at us$185, which is similar to 2015 Devastator, to be about 31,000yen)
(one expensive non-TakaraTomy item this year is the 2014 SDCC Dinobot set at us$160, which is double Kingdom Rodimus (us$80 - 14,300yen), making it about 29,000yen)


2013
TG23 - Metroplex w/ Scamper (20,000yen)
(one expensive non-TakaraTomy item this year is the 2014 SDCC Metroplex at us$150, which was the price of Titan Fort Max in 2016, which was 25,000yen)


2011
- - MP-10 Convoy (Optimus Prime) (Vers 2) (new - Auto) 23,000yen
(that might be the earliest official Transformers toy that was more than 20,000yen)


Just as one final note, I think it is worth mentioning that if you ignore the multi-packs because each toy is actually cheaper (which would also rule out Haslab Victory Saber), these are probably the most expensive *single figure* toys from Hasbro & TakaraTomy, from most expensive first...

1 - (Gen1) Unicron (new - same as Hasbro version) - (77,000yen)
2 - MP-44 - Convoy Ver 3 (new - cab & trailer) - (50,000yen)
3 - MP-57 - Skyfire (new) (TakaraTomyMall exclusive) - (38,500yen)
4 - MP-43 - Beast Wars Megatron - (37,000yen)
5 - TL-14 - Metroplex (TITAN - same as Hasbro version?) - (33,000yen)
=6 - KD EX-09 - Autobot Ark (TITAN - same as Hasbro version?) (TakaraTomyMall exclusive) - (30,800yen) (*maybe not count as it is kinda 2 bots)
=6 - Black Zarak (TITAN - redeco/remould Scorponok) (TakaraTomyMall exclusive) - (30,800yen)
=6 - (2016 SDCC Fortress Maximus at us$180, which is double Legacy Motormaster (us$90 - 15,400yen), so would have been about 30,800yen)
=6 - MP-52 - Starscream v2 (new mould) - (30,800yen)
10 - Generations Deathsaurus (Hasbro Crowd Funding Project) - (29,700yen)


(yeah... this wasted a few hours today, as I really got into finding out the most expensive items released so far)

[High_Q]

I was just thinking about it, and...is there a Scale chart for Transformers spaceships? I know there are a few for most of the actual characters/series, but I've never seen one for the ships.

I don't think there has ever been an official scale chart with their spaceships. However, i've seen unofficial scale charts of fictional interstellar ships that span multiple properties and these charts sometimes include TF ships like the G1 Ark, Nemesis etc.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Some of the more expensive items in Japan as they compare to the three Haslab toys (prices mostly from the TTM site so that we have a more uniform comparison than going by AU prices (that are never reliably converted) or US prices, because almost all expensive Hasbro toys were released in Japan)...


(yeah... this wasted a few hours today, as I really got into finding out the most expensive items released so far)

I disagree on the time wasting aspect. As I found it educational ( and a tad depresssing) noting that I have two of the bolded items form that list, and I feel only one of them was worth the price.
Beast Wars MP Megs I think was worth it (and since he wasn't TTmall, I paid less than TT's rrp)
Titan Ark (TTmall exclusive - No chance of discount - and the weakest of the Titan figures)

Oddly I'm not going for Deathsuarus, who is cheaper than the ark, but I would definitely think I'd like it more than the Ark.

[Thurmus]

I am after the Studio Series Slug but have hardly seen it anywhere. Do people think it is in the warehouses and they have been putting older stock out and he will appear after Christmas or have I missed the boat?

[JJJ]

Slag arrived on retail shelves in early-mid September 2021 (I bought mine from Big W that month), and sat on those shelves for months. Is long gone, I'm afraid.

[Thurmus]

Sorry, meant to say Sludge. The brontosaurus.

[DELTAprime]

Sorry, meant to say Sludge. The brontosaurus.

Amazon still has stock. I can't remember ever seeing him at the retail store I work at, so he might not have ever made it to store shelves.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Transformers-Studio-86-15-Leader-Class/dp/B09H1HJR9H/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3NO674M3QXKBJ&keywords=transformers+studio+series+86+sludge&qid=1670813930&sprefix=transformers+studio+series+86+s%2Caps%2C29 0&sr=8-5

[Thurmus]

Thanks Delta. It is weird because I am starting to see Leader Starscream appearing at stores so I wondered if they had to sell out all the Grindor's etc. before putting these out.

[GoktimusPrime]

Rise of the Beast Wheeljack transforms into a Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi Van, which is classified as both a panel van and a minibus... and for years I have been saying that I want a bus Transformer!

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY, HASBRO!

[Thurmus]

Is anyone else being reminded of the Generations Sea Spray when they look at the new Wheeljack?

[GoktimusPrime]

Is anyone else being reminded of the Generations Sea Spray when they look at the new Wheeljack?
Not at all. Moofieverse Sea Spray's appearance resembles a diver. I wear glasses and I've used swimming goggles (including for diving)... not the same thing.

Arise, Optometrist Prime.

[DELTAprime]

Did I miss Legacy Galaxy Shuttle or is it still supposed to be coming in a future wave?

[JJJ]

Galaxy Shuttle is the leader from the second part of Velocitron. Has not yet seen proper release (although it has been available in limited numbers in the UK).

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I finished playing through rise of the dark spark and was kind of lamenting the end of the online MP, then I discovered this:
Transformers Reenergized project (https://www.reddit.com/r/transformers/comments/vi70j9/transformers_reenergized_server_project_server/). They are setting, have set up servers to breathe life into online play.

Anyone tried or knew about this? I've not tested it out yet.

[DELTAprime]

I finished playing through rise of the dark spark and was kind of lamenting the end of the online MP, then I discovered this:
Transformers Reenergized project (https://www.reddit.com/r/transformers/comments/vi70j9/transformers_reenergized_server_project_server/). They are setting, have set up servers to breathe life into online play.

Anyone tried or knew about this? I've not tested it out yet.

There are a tonne of projects out there to bring back multiplayer functionality to games that have had their servers turned off. If there's a PC version of a semi-popular game and multiplayer has been turned off, you can bet people will at least investigate making a mod to bring multiplayer back.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Ah yeah, I've heard of a few, but this one I was surprised to see works with PS3 versions of the game.

I remember having a bit of fun with fellow ozformers back in the day, anyone interested?

[DELTAprime]

Ah yeah, I've heard of a few, but this one I was surprised to see works with PS3 versions of the game.

Ah, probably because PS3 emulation and hacking are coming along well these days. It's easier for the end user to emulate the PS3 library than most Xbox 360 games.

Actually, because Microsoft is doing official emulation via the Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles and allowing homebrew devs actually to develop on retail consoles instead of devkits the emulation and hacking scene on the Xbox side is lagging behind Sony and Nintendo massively.

[griffin]

I'd love to be able to play some of those Multiplayer games again, especially WFC and FOC.
I had always wondered what it would take or cost to keep those servers running, or setting up new ones, because you are paying for a game and can't play half of it anymore.... something that the original host or publisher should be able to afford.

[DELTAprime]

I'd love to be able to play some of those Multiplayer games again, especially WFC and FOC.
I had always wondered what it would take or cost to keep those servers running, or setting up new ones, because you are paying for a game and can't play half of it anymore.... something that the original host or publisher should be able to afford.

While there is the obvious cost of running or upgrading the hardware, it's nothing for a company like Activision Blizzard King which still has servers up for games like the original Modern Warfare and the original version of StarCraft. What a lot of people don't take into account is the tech support element. How many support emails is this old game generating? How often do I need to have my devs go and write new server code to fix an issue? Again, Activision Blizzard can afford all that so they really have zero defence. But for a small dev, it is relevant. It should be noted that Activision Blizzard and EA are the two worst offenders for shutting down old games' multiplayer servers. In EA's case, they want you to play the new version of your favourite game, rather than a two-year-old version so they can sell you new microtransactions. It's less clear what Activision's reason is, but given how much of a horrible, money-grubbing person the CEO Bobby Kotick is, it's likely just a profit thing.

[JJJ]

Well, yes, it is a profit thing - what income is being generated by an old game? Not anywhere near enough to justify the costs of continued support, in the bean counters' book.

I don't accept the argument or situation, but you cannot argue against numbers with these companies.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I'd love to be able to play some of those Multiplayer games again, especially WFC and FOC.
I had always wondered what it would take or cost to keep those servers running, or setting up new ones, because you are paying for a game and can't play half of it anymore.... something that the original host or publisher should be able to afford.

I might give it a crack on the PS3 and see how hard/much of a hassle it is to make it work sometime this week.

[Skyfire]

Has it been announced/rumoured what the 6th dinobot for Legacy core class Volcanicus will be? With the recent Hasbro Pulse demonstration of Grimlock as the left leg, my guess is Snarl will be the other and Swoop one of the arms. Perhaps Slash from Power of the Primes? Or some new character based on an ankylosaurus (Gairyu from Dinoking)? And then wouldn't that mess up who Volcanicus is?

[JJJ]

The 6th core Dinobot will be called Skar, and as it is now all-but-officially-confirmed that the core Dinobots are a planned pre-tool of a core Dinoforce, it is expected that Skar will be an ankylosaur, forming the left arm.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Shame that Slash has been left out, but I guess we all have assumed Slash is NOT an Anklyosaur. So I thik it's a fair call if it is a new Dinobot called Skar. Oh but I see Skar was in IDW.

Neat that they're keeping with Dinobots all having names starting with S. Paddles neds to be renamed Splash

[KELPIE]

I'm more interested in Monstructor than the Dinoforce to be honest.

I wonder if there's any budget to remould...?

[Paulbot]

They'd probably just repaint. The Dinoforce and Monster Pretender heads should the same I think

[Tha_Phantom]

Shame that Slash has been left out, but I guess we all have assumed Slash is NOT an Anklyosaur. So I thik it's a fair call if it is a new Dinobot called Skar. Oh but I see Skar was in IDW

Yeah, I too was upset hearing that they would ditch Slash, but now seeing that they have to have a certain dino species there for the Dinoking potential I guess that's fair enough.
I wouldn't want them changing Slash's species to accomodate that, so better off to go with a different character.

[Skyfire]

So, I'm getting confused with Legacy vs Legacy Evolution. Is the "4th wave" of Legacy officially the 1st wave of Evolution? I've seen it referred to as both. But are the product (or whatever they are called) numbers actually the same? Or, as far as retailers are concerned, are they different lines? What are your store receipts or toy packagings stating?

[Seraphim Prime]

So, I'm getting confused with Legacy vs Legacy Evolution. Is the "4th wave" of Legacy officially the 1st wave of Evolution? I've seen it referred to as both. But are the product (or whatever they are called) numbers actually the same? Or, as far as retailers are concerned, are they different lines? What are your store receipts or toy packagings stating?

I think the 4th Wave got curtailed and got meshed into the 1st Wave of Evolution / 3rd Wave of Legacy - I imagine we would have had another repack or two if we had a 4th Wave of Legacy. But for the Box collectors, they have kept Breakdown's box the old Legacy styling so that he matches the other stunticons. So no official 4th Wave and instead a new line.

[GoktimusPrime]

It's wave four with an additional line sub-title. Evolution is the latest ... well, evolution, in the modular accessory gimmick thing that started with War For Cybertron's C.O.M.B.A.T. system, which began with Weaponisers, then Fossilisers, now Evolution. The main difference between Evolution and its forerunners is that the modular 'bots like Scraphook (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php/29523-Toy-Review-SCRAPHOOK) are not Partsformers anymore. They can come apart to become accessories for the other bots, but dis/reassembly is no longer part of the transformation; they just transform normally.

*Cybertronian Omnifunctional Modular Battlefield Assault Tech System

[Cat]

While there is the obvious cost of running or upgrading the hardware, it's nothing for a company like Activision Blizzard King which still has servers up for games like the original Modern Warfare and the original version of StarCraft. What a lot of people don't take into account is the tech support element. How many support emails is this old game generating? How often do I need to have my devs go and write new server code to fix an issue? Again, Activision Blizzard can afford all that so they really have zero defence. But for a small dev, it is relevant. It should be noted that Activision Blizzard and EA are the two worst offenders for shutting down old games' multiplayer servers. In EA's case, they want you to play the new version of your favourite game, rather than a two-year-old version so they can sell you new microtransactions. It's less clear what Activision's reason is, but given how much of a horrible, money-grubbing person the CEO Bobby Kotick is, it's likely just a profit thing.

Activision no longer even has the Transformers license so I don't know if the terms of their license would even let them keep the servers going (not that they would anyway, they're cheap so-and-so's). Or am I wrong on the license terminating server infrastructure deals?

[jaydisc]

Or, as far as retailers are concerned, are they different lines? What are your store receipts or toy packagings stating?

Most retailers in Australia create an abstracted identifier for all toys in a line / size class (e.g. Myer, Target, Big W), but some do individually identify them by UPC (Kmart, JB, Zing?), so I presume you're asking about the first type. Myer appears to have updated their listing description (https://www.myer.com.au/p/transformers-transformers-generations-legacy-ev-deluxe-assortment) for deluxes to now include "Ev", i.e. "Transformers Generations Legacy Ev Deluxe Assortment", so I'm presuming that listing covers the new Deluxes, but the Myer "Item Code" has NOT changed. We'll have to wait and see what Target and Big W do.

[Skyfire]

Thanks members for the info about Legacy vs Legacy Evolution. I was wondering if the lines are the same when it comes to price matching or buying online from random assortments or monitoring online stock. Wait and see I guess.

[DELTAprime]

Activision no longer even has the Transformers license so I don't know if the terms of their license would even let them keep the servers going (not that they would anyway, they're cheap so-and-so's). Or am I wrong on the license terminating server infrastructure deals?

Maybe, maybe not. It would depend on the terms of the license. So I didn't introduce that variable.

[Cat]

Maybe, maybe not. It would depend on the terms of the license. So I didn't introduce that variable.

Ah, fair enough.

[griffin]

Personally, I'm happy with a new Dinobot name (Skar) to replace Slash, but it will be confusing for some oldie fans like me who already know Skar as a bat Powermaster engine for Doubledealer.
But as for the new Dinobot name... I'd be okay if the name Slash is being retired, because it is just like Hasbro retiring the Slag name due to it being a vulgar slang word in the UK - the name Slash is a vulgar slang word in Australia, that would often make me think that it was a Dinobot who would constantly be "marking its territory". :p

As for the Evolution question - it could be looked at like Armada having "Unicron Battles" as its second year sub-title... or TFPrime having "Beast Hunters" as its second year sub-title... so you could see it all as being the one toyline, and the wave that has Tarn and Hotshot being wave 4, while Metalhawk and Skyquake being wave 5.
For me, I will probably end up referring to it as Evolution wave 1, as it makes it easier to keep track of the different waves if there aren't too many waves. (for a while now, Generations has been a yearly product line, and if Legacy is supposed to be for 3 years, we could be seeing another sub-title next year, and up to 10 waves over the 3 years... which makes it more difficult to keep track of them and their different release dates).
And as it was guessed, the products themselves have a slightly different series name to them by Hasbro and listed at Retailers, so it would be difficult to exchange or price-match between Legacy and Evolution.

[Tha_Phantom]

Personally, I'm happy with a new Dinobot name (Skar) to replace Slash, but it will be confusing for some oldie fans like me who already know Skar as a bat Powermaster engine for Doubledealer.
But as for the new Dinobot name... I'd be okay if the name Slash is being retired, because it is just like Hasbro retiring the Slag name due to it being a vulgar slang word in the UK - the name Slash is a vulgar slang word in Australia, that would often make me think that it was a Dinobot who would constantly be "marking its territory". :p

It was my understanding that Skar will be a different alt mode and presumably character to Slash altogether? Given that this core Dinobot combiner is pretty much confirmed to be reused as Dinoking and the G1 Dinoking never had a velociraptor, it will need a member that turns into a Ankylosaurus.

[griffin]

Yes, it is said to be a different dino mode to Slash... I was just referring to the name, which might have been confusing.

[Tha_Phantom]

Fair enough. Personally I'd have preferred if they could have kept Slash but I totally get the Dinoking justification for replacing her and I guess we have an almost core scale toy of her already. :p

Edit: actually looking at this comparison pic I took a while back with Vertebreak, Slash really is core size.
https://i.ibb.co/5TfLfCj/20201204-195605.jpg (https://ibb.co/VVPTPbC)

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I'm honestly glad they went the Dinoking recolour option route. I don't need a combining set of Dinobots but if Dinoking isn't too much of PITA to get then I'm absolutely down for that.

[GoktimusPrime]

Just a fortnight ago I was taking a leak at work, and a colleague stood next to me at the urinal and said, "Come for a slash." :D
So yeah, we definitely still use that word in that context.

And yes, "Skar" makes me think of the Nebulan, which is confusing. Especially considering that Hasbro recently used the name for the Gens Selects Cassette (repaint of Ratbat) to complement Earthrise Doubledealer. Might've been nice if Hasbro named the Dinobot "Scar". I thought we were over that 80s/90s trend of replaking C's in words with K to make them sound kool (e.g. Mobile Armoured Strike Kommand, Mortal Kombat etk). :p

[Tha_Phantom]

*sigh* yes, slash has THAT meaning, but it also means cutting something, which is what a dinosaurs claws were evolved to do.
Honestly, people look way too deep into things instead of taking them at face value. :rolleyes:

[Autocon]

What if we rename her Splash?

No that might not work🤔

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

What if we rename her Splash?

No that might not work🤔Keep it for when then they do a Plesiosaur one eventually.

Personally I want it to be Smash, so then you'd have all three 'new' Dinobots keeping with the onset-S, single-syllable non-Grimlock naming theme (Snarl, Sludge, Swoop, Slag) but also having the same Vowel-Consonant ending (Slash, Smash, Splash).

[Skyfire]

Thanks members for the info about Legacy vs Legacy Evolution. I was wondering if the lines are the same when it comes to price matching or buying online from random assortments or monitoring online stock. Wait and see I guess.

Myer considers Legacy and Legacy Evolution the same line. Their barcode stickers on Legacy Pointblank (wave 3) and Legacy Evolution Scraphook (wave 1) are the same.

[Cat]

Keep it for when then they do a Plesiosaur one eventually.

Personally I want it to be Smash, so then you'd have all three 'new' Dinobots keeping with the onset-S, single-syllable non-Grimlock naming theme (Snarl, Sludge, Swoop, Slag) but also having the same Vowel-Consonant ending (Slash, Smash, Splash).

But the plesiosaur is Paddles. Can't lose Paddles.

[Seraphim Prime]

But the plesiosaur is Paddles. Can't lose Paddles.

Spaddles

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Personally, I'm happy with a new Dinobot name (Skar) to replace Slash, but it will be confusing for some oldie fans like me who already know Skar as a bat Powermaster engine for Doubledealer.
But as for the new Dinobot name... I'd be okay if the name Slash is being retired, because it is just like Hasbro retiring the Slag name due to it being a vulgar slang word in the UK - the name Slash is a vulgar slang word in
Ah, I embarrassingly forgot about Skar... I'd rather keep Slash for Slash personaly, although I'm firmly in the keeping Slag for Slag camp. Slag being the world for molten metal. But for something like and Ankylosaur, surely Smash would be a better name than Skar.

Just a fortnight ago I was taking a leak at work, and a colleague stood next to me at the urinal and said, "Come for a slash." :D
So yeah, we definitely still use that word in that context.

And yes, "Skar" makes me think of the Nebulan, which is confusing. Especially considering that Hasbro recently used the name for the Gens Selects Cassette (repaint of Ratbat) to complement Earthrise Doubledealer. Might've been nice if Hasbro named the Dinobot "Scar". I thought we were over that 80s/90s trend of replaking C's in words with K to make them sound kool (e.g. Mobile Armoured Strike Kommand, Mortal Kombat etk). :p
Should remind your kolleague, talking is forbidden in that kontext. Replaking C's in words was the thing to do in the 80/90s and I fully support it. Especially for Skar, bekoz he's a Nebulan

Spaddles
This is the way

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Does anyone know if MP Ultra Magnus has ever been KOed? I've found a really good deal on a used Ultra/Delta Magnus pair and I'd like to make sure both are legit before getting them.

Cheers.

[Tha_Phantom]

Does anyone know if MP Ultra Magnus has ever been KOed? I've found a really good deal on a used Ultra/Delta Magnus pair and I'd like to make sure both are legit before getting them.

Cheers.

Yeah absolutely it has, there is a KO that has a modification to the "butt flap" so it can fold away more.
I'm not aware of a 1:1 KO though, but that doesn't mean it's not out there.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Cheers. :)
This looks to be either legit or a 1:1.

[Dkaris]

Anyone know much about some figures released by Takara called Tomica Hyper Rescue?

[GoktimusPrime]

Anyone know much about some figures released by Takara called Tomica Hyper Rescue?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomica_Hyper_Rescue_Drive_Head_Kid%C5%8D_Ky%C5%ABk y%C5%AB_Keisatsu

I saw some of these in shops when I was last in Japan (admittedly that was 2017). Didn't pay much attention to it since, ya know... they're not Transformers. :p

[Skyfire]

The 6th Legacy Core Dinobot has been revealed officially and he is indeed Scarr (Skar from IDW comics) and an ankylosaur. Swoop has also been revealed and is a mini replica of the G1 toy!

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/studio-series-core-class-dinobot-scarr-and-dinobot-swoop-revealed/47553/

[Tha_Phantom]

The 6th Legacy Core Dinobot has been revealed officially and he is indeed Scarr (Skar from IDW comics) and an ankylosaur. Swoop has also been revealed and is a mini replica of the G1 toy!

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/studio-series-core-class-dinobot-scarr-and-dinobot-swoop-revealed/47553/

I love that Swoop! I'm happy that they were able to shrink down my favourite Dinobot so well.

[Cat]

Scarr is easily the worst of the Core Dinobots, while Swoop looks to be the best, so good idea debuting them together. Core Ironhide looks nice too, I'm definitely in for all of them.

I will be passing on SG Grimlock though. I already have SS86 Grimmie, and to be honest I just don't care about Shattered Glass. It's outworn its welcome with me.

[GoktimusPrime]

Scarr is easily the worst of the Core Dinobots, while Swoop looks to be the best, so good idea debuting them together.
Scarr appeals to me the most, but admittedly because he's a new character. :)

[Cat]

Scarr appeals to me the most, but admittedly because he's a new character. :)

He's just too boxy for me. Perfect for Dinoking, but not quite right for a Dinobot, if you get me. I'll still gladly buy him, but I feel he's the weakest Core figure we've seen so far. I did like him in IDW too.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

He's just too boxy for me. Perfect for Dinoking, but not quite right for a Dinobot, if you get me. I'll still gladly buy him, but I feel he's the weakest Core figure we've seen so far. I did like him in IDW too.Honestly, this is how I feel about the whole set. They'll make a great Dinoking and the sort-of cheap/blocky look actually works there but I wouldn't get them if they were only the Dinobots.

[Cat]

Honestly, this is how I feel about the whole set. They'll make a great Dinoking and the sort-of cheap/blocky look actually works there but I wouldn't get them if they were only the Dinobots.

I need some Core Scale Dinobots, and these will do for now. They're obviously not ideal, as they're heavily compromised from the combining gimmick, plus the whole fact that they were never intended to be the Dinobots in the first place, but they're better than nothing, and Swoop really looks quite good.

[DELTAprime]

Dumb question... Why are the Legacy Autobot cassettes smaller in robot mode than the SS86 Rumble/Frenzy when they all can fit into any WFC/Legacy Soundwave/Blaster?

Note, I'm just talking about the robot, not the accessories.

[Tha_Phantom]

Dumb question... Why are the Legacy Autobot cassettes smaller in robot mode than the SS86 Rumble/Frenzy when they all can fit into any WFC/Legacy Soundwave/Blaster?

So that you will buy the eventual SS86 Autobot cassettes. :p

[JJJ]

Dumb question... Why are the Legacy Autobot cassettes smaller in robot mode than the SS86 Rumble/Frenzy when they all can fit into any WFC/Legacy Soundwave/Blaster?

Note, I'm just talking about the robot, not the accessories.

The different transformations dictate different lengths of leg between the two. Eject's legs fold to form the lower part of the cassette, but with a large gap between them at the crotch. Rumble's legs fold to form the side of the cassette. They could have been designed with legs of similar length were it not for the thickness of the plastic on Eject's crotch.

[DELTAprime]

Thank you, JJJ. I have a really bad mind for understanding engineering stuff like that.

[HOFBJLGHDDFHUESBHVFDJIFSJ]

Yo, does anyone have a problem with their SS-GE 02 Barricade because the head does not move

[Tha_Phantom]

I was looking at my reissue Ultra Magnus and noticed that it says "distributed in Australia by Hasbro Australia" on the box.
Note that the copyright year is 2012, so this is not the version that came out here in 2002.

So my question is, does anyone remember seeing these on shelves in Australia in 2012 (I already know they were here in 2002).
I purchased this from Robot Kingdom about a year ago.

https://i.ibb.co/gTKDKQ7/353819460-1443369243130187-7484683672666082632-n.jpg (https://ibb.co/mqWHWdB)
https://i.ibb.co/MGPxj8t/353876005-1943043616062731-3567327367734236585-n.jpg (https://ibb.co/LJ9XqQc)

[Seraphim Prime]

I don't recall it being specifically released here, but I think that blurb is a generic blurb put on all the releases. Pretty sure you would see the same on current Legacy stuff.

[griffin]

Yes, the distribution blurb on the packaging always covers all potential countries for that packaging... as they don't always know beforehand what products will end up in each country, so the blurb for customer contacts covers everything just in case. Other packaging styles (like with other languages), will have other potential countries listed.... while really generic items that has like 20 languages on it, will also have a really long list of potential countries on it.

Our reissues were mostly at ToysRUs before they died... and I don't remember it's release in 2012 at all, let alone it coming here.

Looking on tfwiki, it did get a surprise re-release in 2012, but have no other details. I guess it was one of the Hasbro Gen1 reissues during the time of the JP Encore toys (before it stopped in 2013 with numbered packaging).

[Tha_Phantom]

Thanks Seraphim Prime and griffin, that makes sense. I've reached out to a few friends privately and they don't recall it being released here in 2012 either.
Kind of weird for it to be on Robot Kingdom as recently as last year. I was curious if they had gotten "Australian stock" and then I'd ironically imported it back here ;) but I guess not.

[GoktimusPrime]

Gotta love the time that Hasbro went and printed and applied a load of stickers to cover up and change the name of "Spastic" to Over-Run, after a lot of people (including news outlets) complained about the name being offensive in Australia and the U.K. Only for the toy to not be released in either Australia or the U.K. :p :D

[KELPIE]

I never knew this.

I wonder that they were trying to infer with that name if it had no connotations in the US?

[GoktimusPrime]

I wonder that they were trying to infer with that name if it had no connotations in the US?
Apparently in the U.S. the word "spastic" doesn't have any other connotation; it just refers to muscle spasms. I suppose it might be like naming a character "Seizure."

But it's okay for Michael Bay to name a character Richard Bot. ;)
https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Dickbot_the_blender_guy

[Tha_Phantom]

I wonder that they were trying to infer with that name if it had no connotations in the US?


Apparently in the U.S. the word "spastic" doesn't have any other connotation; it just refers to muscle spasms. I suppose it might be like naming a character "Seizure."

My guess is the intended meaning was a character that is very hyperactive and random.
Regardless, I'm glad they caught it and covered over it before it made it to market.

[reillyd]

Gotta love the time that Hasbro went and printed and applied a load of stickers to cover up and change the name of "Spastic" to Over-Run, after a lot of people (including news outlets) complained about the name being offensive in Australia and the U.K. Only for the toy to not be released in either Australia or the U.K. :p :D

I have one of these, and they shipped with a sticker over the name…… but I very carefully peeled it off, because I just *know* it’s going to be a rarity at some point.

[reillyd]

I just watched a video with two Hasbro representatives, which covered a wide variety of topics but was principally about the retro line.
And at 9:20 they talked about some huge announcements where licensed 3rd parties were going to be able to license the original G1 cad designs, to produce not-transforming robot or alt-modes as figures, statues, and other types of product. Does anyone know more about this? I seem to have missed it, but did they have any partners announced? They did mention super7, but I’m curious if there were others in the pipeline or announced.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=AF64f3-8mLg&feature=sharea

[griffin]

From what I read, it is to allow for more licensed collaborative toys, produced by other companies, but not transforming.
Probably something like the non-converting R.E.D. toys, which are accurately sculpted to match Transformers characters, done in branding or colours that represent those other companies. I'm thinking something like the Christmas deco Optimus by Super7, but with sculpting provided by Hasbro, and having any sort of colour scheme.

It sounds like Hasbro just wants to allow others to make Transformers Branded toys, like they outsourced Micro Machines (which they still own, but don't currently want to produce and sell them), so that they still make a commission off those toys through licensing, but with the condition that they don't convert (so that Hasbro maintains the exclusive monopoly on transforming Transformers toys).

[GoktimusPrime]

Third party toys are allowed to transform, so long as they don't do so in a way that Hasbro toys transform. Robosen Optimus Prime is an example of this; its transformation feature/gimmick is something that Hasbro would never do. But yeah, the majority of licensed third party toys don't transform.

Aren't R.E.D. made by Hasbro?

[KELPIE]

I just watched a video with two Hasbro representatives, which covered a wide variety of topics but was principally about the retro line.
And at 9:20 they talked about some huge announcements where licensed 3rd parties were going to be able to license the original G1 cad designs, to produce not-transforming robot or alt-modes as figures, statues, and other types of product. Does anyone know more about this? I seem to have missed it, but did they have any partners announced? They did mention super7, but I’m curious if there were others in the pipeline or announced.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=AF64f3-8mLg&feature=sharea
You haven't missed much. It's pretty new, came out of the licensing expo last month. I haven't watched your video but its all in honour of the 40th anniversary.

“We will start [2024] by celebrating the landmark 40th anniversary of Transformers by providing our licensees with 3D files of the original G1 toys for the first time ever. With this, our partners will be able to reissue original licensed products and reimagined innovations leveraging the authentic vintage artwork from the G1 toy line and Marvel comics. Pulling it all together, we’re digitally releasing the ‘80s animated TV series soundtrack with an exciting bonus track that taps into nostalgia and re-creates the excitement, tone, and pop culture moments of 1984.”

I'm excited to get more G1 merch, however I'm not sure how excited I am for merch strictly CAD'd from the original toys. They weren't exactly the most dynamic things.


Aren't R.E.D. made by Hasbro?
They are.

[Dangermot]

Look at ThreeZero's DLX Ravage that came with Soundwave. He can transform from tape to animal & back. So yes, I'd say officially licenced third parties are allowed to transform.

and I forgot Toys Alliance MAS-03 Soundwave came with a Lazerbeak that could transform from tape to animal &back.It was also officially licenced.

[GoktimusPrime]

Every English language news post I've seen about Masterpiece Rigorous misspells his name as "Riggorus," and as far as I can tell, this comes from Google Translate. :eek: I've yet to see any official sources that shows the official Romanised spelling for his name; so far it's all in Japanese ("rigorasu"; which is the Japanese rendition of "Rigorous"; Riggorus would be "riggorasu"*). Even tfwiki is going with "Riggorus." :eek: I know that MP packaging and instructions always feature Romanisation of TF names, so I'm curious to see how TakaraTOMY will spell it.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
*More than just a spelling variation, double-consonants in Japanese are always pronounced as doubled consonants.
Consider the difference in how we say "missing" vs "misspelling" in English. We only pronounce 1 's' in "missing," but both 's's in "misspelling." Japanese works like this.

[JJJ]

So it comes down to a question of whether the people who made the toy say the name as "Rig-orus" or "Rig-gorus", yes? And whether or not anyone further along cares about that detail?

And now that this kerfuffle is out there, I wonder if it will carry over to a possible Generations yellow Diaclone Trailbreaker?

[Tha_Phantom]

I'll mostly refer to it as yellow Trailbreaker regardless of the official name. I'm just happy it's happening.

[GoktimusPrime]

So it comes down to a question of whether the people who made the toy say the name as "Rig-orus" or "Rig-gorus", yes? And whether or not anyone further along cares about that detail?
The people who made the toy would say "Rig-orous," not "Rig-gorous." Given that no official Romanisation has yet to appear, I think that sticking with the actual spelling of "Rigorous" would make more sense. I discussed this toy's name with some native Japanese speaking fans last week, and they interpreted it as "Rigorous." If TakaraTOMY chooses to spell it as "Riggorus," then fine, so be it. Makes about as much sense as "Lazorbeak" or "Vehical," but I accept that official spellings are official.

It would be interesting to see if Hasbro follows suit with a CHUG Rigger'us. CHUG seems to be doing better with these Diaclone redecos than MP; at least we have both Deep Cover and Clampdown in CHUG. Still waiting for an MP Deep Cover. Although CHUG hasn't given us a red Mirage character yet (I can understand MP not doing it, due to vehical licensing issues).

[JJJ]

I expect it's a lot easier to crank out another Generations re-colour - everyone expects it, and few people care (much) about how well the details match the expectations. MP, on the other hand, lives or dies on the details.

I'm starting to wonder if Hasbro has simply run out of places to stuff their Diaclone repaints, given the small number left and the way they've kinda dried up the past year or so.

[Tha_Phantom]

Official spelling is Riggorus.
Still going with yellow Trailbreakre though. :cool:

https://i.ibb.co/sb4Cjpg/received-953018399317261.jpg (https://ibb.co/XjPDXfW)

[GoktimusPrime]

Okay, it's now officially confirmed... his name is officially spelt as "Riggorus."
https://i.ibb.co/K5QHChC/mp-riggorus.jpg
Not a fan, but I acknowledge and accept that this is the officially correct spelling for the name.

[Paulbot]

As one of the very few Deception medics, I hope this one does get a CHUG release. I’m also always up for more Decepticon Cars.

I opened Mp Trailbreaker over the weekend and not hugely impressed by it (the frustration of the backpack and the lanky body). Appreciate the toy aspects of this guy and between this and the Dia Burnout toy, I wonder if that’s how they’ll deliver ‘toy accurate’ versions going forward. For instance the future Red MP Mirage might have a more toy like head?

[DELTAprime]

Official spelling is Riggorus.
Still going with yellow Trailbreakre though. :cool:

https://i.ibb.co/sb4Cjpg/received-953018399317261.jpg (https://ibb.co/XjPDXfW)

Time to update the Diaclone section of my list for the next version. Surely we will get a bright yellow Trail Breaker in CHUG now.

[Tha_Phantom]

Time to update the Diaclone section of my list for the next version. Surely we will get a bright yellow Trail Breaker in CHUG now.

Hopefully! There's also a blue Hoist they could do (not to be confused with blue Trailbreaker who is already done in CHUG).

https://i.ibb.co/HDv93qK/354796556-1265307297427263-6315784622723057173-n.jpg (https://imgbb.com/)
https://i.ibb.co/jWkFVBp/357338853-308618274856134-8320584044928224732-n.jpg (https://ibb.co/4YRxs9Q)

[Autocon]

Hmm I dare say they look more purple in that print format

[klystron]

Think I've come down with a case of NEMESIS REPAINT DISORDER.

Originally I thought PotP Optimus was fantastic and was keen to pick up on sale. But then I discovered the Amazon PotP Nemesis Prime, which IMO, is orders of magnitude better than the Optimus. So I got that instead. Think this is was the source of my infection.
However, nothing much happened for a few years. Symptoms of the Disorder were dormant.

But then the Nemesis version of Siege Optimus popped up and I couldn't help but think that it was superior to the original.
Same intrusive thoughts plagued me when Velocitron Sourge came out.

Now this year, I have bought Nemesis Leo Prime (despite owning the normal Leo version) and the Nemesis Optimus Primal (despite not really loving the mold and already owning the KD version). And I've been tempted by the Legacy Core Nemesis Prime, even though I have the OP version and I dont even like that mold.

I am now feeling that every Nemesis repaint is superior to its 'plain old Optimus' counterpart.

Should I be worried? How does one combat this terrible affliction?
Or am I doomed to just never buy an actual Optimus Prime ever again?


"Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will." - YODA

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I've only got the old RiD Scourge/Black Convoy, but hot damn it's a great toy with a beautiful deco.

I'd quite like to pick up the PotP Rodimus Unicronus too, but I keep missing out on the sales here.

[GoktimusPrime]

I am now feeling that every Nemesis repaint is superior to its 'plain old Optimus' counterpart.

Should I be worried? How does one combat this terrible affliction?
Or am I doomed to just never buy an actual Optimus Prime ever again?
I'm just going to post these photos of my JafCon9 Convoy reissue here. ;)

https://i.ibb.co/LC9fX4p/jafcon9-001.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/1f3wy3z/jafcon9-006.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/p1zdzxW/jafcon9-009.jpg

Fun fact: the photos of this toy on tfwiki is of my toy. Although dirge is credited because he took the photos. :)

[klystron]

You're not helping....

[GoktimusPrime]

So what G1 names would you like to see reused as new Beast Wars characters? Obviously they don't need to be related to the G1 character; just as BW Inferno isn't anything like G1 Inferno, and yet the name suits him really well. :)

Here's my list:
+ Bumblebee. Beast mode: bee. Or even a hornet (repaint of Buzz Saw)
+ Hound. Beast mode: dog (even a straight up repaint of K-9 would work)
+ Laserbeak. Beast mode: bird (could be a repaint of Airazor; and yes, I am aware of Lazorbeak)
+ Buster. Beast mode: pterosaur; repaint of Terrorsaur but with Hydra's colours reversed (Hydra & Buster, get it?)
+ Pincher. Beast mode: scorpion; repaint of Scorponok
+ Octopunch. Beast mode: crab; repaint of Rampage or Razorclaw (octopus? No, Octopunch transforms into a crab!)
+ Stranglehold. Beast mode: rhinoceros; repaint of Rhinox
+ Apeface. Beast mode: ape; repaint of Optimus Primal
+ Snapdragon. Beast mode: dragon; repaint of TM2 Megatron
+ Grapple. Beast mode: praying mantis; repaint of Manterror
+ Venom. Beast mode: well... any venomous animal (e.g. cobra etc.) Could be a repaint of Colada or Nightviper or one of the arachnids.
+ Gnaw. Beast mode: any bitey animal - e.g. shark. Could be a repaint of Cybershark or Sharp Edge etc.
+ Weirdwolf. Beast mode: wolf; repaint of Wolfang
+ Fearswoop. Beast mode: any winged animal.

[Autocon]

There is a fortnite promo with three transformers skins. Bumblebee, Megatron and.. the fortnite bus.

Does this mean a fortnite bus transformer toy is coming?

[klystron]

Does anyone know what happened to Legacy Cloudcover on JBHiFi? The pre-order has disappeared!

[JJJ]

So have a whole bunch of other items (such as Nemesis). This happened with earlier waves of toys, and they returned a bit later. I expect it to happen again.

[klystron]

Ok. Thanks.

[Paulbot]

When opening Beachcomber and Paradise Parakeet, I was surprised by just how small the bird is.

I actually think it's far too small to be named on the packaging and should have just been an accessory.

I think the Laserbeak with Kingdom Core Soundwave is quite small but he's not named on the box. I know WST Ravage is famously tiny but was WST Soundwave sold as "WST Soundwave and Ravage"?

The little figures that came with Unicron and the Ark are also not named.

As a named, on-the-box 'character' this little bird would have to be the smallest ever, right?

[griffin]

This was something I only just discovered today, which had me thinking... what if Hasbro did this for Transformers - would fans still buy them?

Over the last 2-3 years, Hasbro's Star Wars toyline has been doing several toys as "prototypes", which is just odd coloured plastic parts that you used to see in pre-production test shots. Each Star Wars toy has six different coloured parts, and is sold in six different arrangements of parts, but unless you know what it is homaging, it is quite hard on the eyes.... almost like some of the more colourful Gen2 Transformers.
https://www.facebook.com/Starwarscollector/photos/a.532684736780771/4310552508993956/?type=3
.
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/star-wars-retro-collection-the-mandalorian-figure-action-figure

I remember about 10-20 years ago, there was a lot of interest and competition in the online Transformers fandom over pre-production test samples, usually with odd colours or transparent plastic... and with Hasbro lately doing multiple redecos of various toy moulds including Christmas themed toys as well as the lazy plain black redecos that Takara pioneered 20 years ago, I am surprised that Hasbro hasn't tried homaging this concept as well.
https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Prototype
If fans are willing to buy brightly coloured redecos homaging unreleased Gen2 toys, as well as mostly plain black redeco toys, why not randomly coloured toys that also homage a niche element of the fandom?

[Tha_Phantom]

I personally wouldn't be for test shot colours (although I do own a couple of genuine test shots myself), but I am quite enjoying seeing the G2 concept art decos brought to retail finally. :)

[GoktimusPrime]

Oh, I understand that there's a demand for these things; albeit a niche one. I'm seeing that test shot coloured Luke Skywalker toy at Zing bargain bins; so I'm not sure if making them mass release figures was worthwhile. I just find it odd that they're focussing on the niche versions over the regular ones.
e.g. imagine if they made a niche-appeal Masterpiece Nightstalker but not a mass-appeal MP Steeljaw. ;) :p

Still, the fact that Hasbro are able to even make these toys and sell them goes to show just how amazingly strong the TF brand is right now, and how spoiled we fans are for choice. Even if these proto G2 things don't appeal to me, I am impressed that it can even happen at all! :)

[KELPIE]

When opening Beachcomber and Paradise Parakeet, I was surprised by just how small the bird is.

I actually think it's far too small to be named on the packaging and should have just been an accessory.

Don't get me started on this bird.

Not only is it named, it's named incorrectly! It's a parrot not a parakeet!!!

[Rodimus Cron]

Has anyone who's pre-ordered the G2 Toxitron collection stuff, Shattered Glass Grimlock or SS ROTB Optimus from JB had there's sent yet ? Just wondering what's the hold up seeing as they're available in store's everywhere now.

[DELTAprime]

Has anyone who's pre-ordered the G2 Toxitron collection stuff, Shattered Glass Grimlock or SS ROTB Optimus from JB had there's sent yet ? Just wondering what's the hold up seeing as they're available in store's everywhere now.

They won't ship them out until the release date. Even for DVDs and games that have very strict release dates, the staff at JB put them out before the actual release date. I'm not at all surprised that for Transformers, for which embargos are far less enforced they have put them on show before the actual date.

[Rodimus Cron]

They won't ship them out until the release date. Even for DVDs and games that have very strict release dates, the staff at JB put them out before the actual release date. I'm not at all surprised that for Transformers, for which embargos are far less enforced they have put them on show before the actual date.

It's kinda nice they've broken the embargo and you can get things a bit earlier. However the fact that it's put peoples pre-orders at risk of not being fulfilled is just a joke. I always though the idea of pre-orders was first in best dressed. Anyway I've given up hope of my orders being totally fulfilled and ordered all figures online and gotten refunds for my pre-orders.

[Paulbot]

Trying to remember which Transformer has a particular design trait: a beast mode tail or beast mode head that folds out of one leg during transformation to beast mode, so the tail or head is all one piece and not two pieces plugging together.

The robot I'm thinking of has fake kibble on the other leg so it matches in appearance the leg that has the tail or head within it.

I think it might be a Combiner Wars figure, i thought it was Snarl's head but not him.

[Demonac]

Is it Snarl from the live action movie?

[Paulbot]

Yes that’s the one thanks. I had the right character but wrong continuity!

Came up in discussion of the SS86 Snarl and cases of the Autobot logo on his Dino-head not lining up. That choice might have avoided it.

[GoktimusPrime]

Is 1985 G1 Shockwave the earliest example of a Transformer toy with faux alt mode kibble in robot mode?
i.e. chest being faux gun barrel/tip

[Tha_Phantom]

Is 1985 G1 Shockwave the earliest example of a Transformer toy with faux alt mode kibble in robot mode?
i.e. chest being faux gun barrel/tip

I never interpreted his design like that. As the front of the gun barrel is silver and his chest is purple, and they're overall different shapes to one another.

Would Powermaster Prime be the first? There's probably something I'm forgetting before that.

[Thurmus]

Did I miss out on the new Beachcomber and Studio Series Brawn if I didn't manage to get one at JB HiFi or have they not shown up anywhere else because they are in the distribution centre and will hit shelves once I pay overs to get one from overseas?

[JJJ]

You might have missed them, yes. Ordinarily I would say that they should turn up at Kmart/Big W/Target presently when they get to that wave, probably right after your import :), but I'm starting to wonder if they'll actually get further waves this year...

[Paulbot]

Beachcomber wave is a little old now but still around at some JBs (and at Amazon). The Brawn wave is just newly out at JB in the last fortnight or so, still a likely find in a store (although oddly not on Amazon at the moment)

Dont like the odds of seeing them at other stores, but the wave might still show up at Myer or Big W.

[KELPIE]

I'm still seeing plenty of Beachcomber wave and Brawn about. Should be good to find about and if you can't Aussie online stores should have it without needing to import.

[Thurmus]

Thanks guys. I was able to pick one up at Knox.

[Choos]

Anyone know a good place to buy replacement weapons for Generations figures? I was thinking of getting that Knock-Out Legacy figure but he strangely doesn't come with a gun. I also recently bought RID Beast Hunters Wheeljack and would love to get some Katanas for him.

[GoktimusPrime]

Anyone know a good place to buy replacement weapons for Generations figures? I was thinking of getting that Knock-Out Legacy figure but he strangely doesn't come with a gun. I also recently bought RID Beast Hunters Wheeljack and would love to get some Katanas for him.
One great thing about Generations toys is that almost all of them use the universal 5mm post, so you can literally grab almost any Transformer weapon and give it to your Legacy Knock-Out. Kingdom Cheetor doesn't come with a gun, but Rise of the Beasts Deluxe Cheetor does. Since I display my DLX ROTB Cheetor in beast mode and Kingdom Cheetor in robot mode, I've given ROTB Cheetor's gun to my Kingdom Cheetor.

But yeah, feel free to give any 5mm post gun to your Legacy Knock-Out. :) And the regular TF Prime Wheeljack's swords will fit in the hands of BH Wheeljack.

The 5mm post is an often overlooked and underrated gimmick IMO. So simple yet so awesome, and its history goes all the way back to the beginning of Transformers (well, technically Diaclone and Microman)! Every 1984 Decepticon uses 5mm post weapons, as does Optimus Prime. :)

Speaking of Diaclone... yesterday was Miyatake Kazutaka's 73rd birthday. Miyatake drew the Diaclone logo (specifically the one with Great Robot Base's head). Does anyone know what other Diaclone artwork he did? Some Diaclone artwork was repurposed as Transformers packaging art.
e.g. Starscream, Jazz, Prowl, Tracks, Bluestreak, Skids etc.

[Choos]

One great thing about Generations toys is that almost all of them use the universal 5mm post, so you can literally grab almost any Transformer weapon and give it to your Legacy Knock-Out. Kingdom Cheetor doesn't come with a gun, but Rise of the Beasts Deluxe Cheetor does. Since I display my DLX ROTB Cheetor in beast mode and Kingdom Cheetor in robot mode, I've given ROTB Cheetor's gun to my Kingdom Cheetor.

But yeah, feel free to give any 5mm post gun to your Legacy Knock-Out. :) And the regular TF Prime Wheeljack's swords will fit in the hands of BH Wheeljack.

The 5mm post is an often overlooked and underrated gimmick IMO. So simple yet so awesome, and its history goes all the way back to the beginning of Transformers (well, technically Diaclone and Microman)! Every 1984 Decepticon uses 5mm post weapons, as does Optimus Prime. :)



I don't actually have spare weapons, I had bought a bunch of Bumblebee and Jazz blasters from Toyhax and they are very nice but take quite sometime to arrive, was hopeful for somewhere in Oz.

[DELTAprime]

I don't actually have spare weapons, I had bought a bunch of Bumblebee and Jazz blasters from Toyhax and they are very nice but take quite sometime to arrive, was hopeful for somewhere in Oz.

Ask the guys in the 3D printer thread, they might have some insight as to if there are people printing them in Australia.

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php/13428-3D-Printer-Printing-thread/page16

[GoktimusPrime]

I don't actually have spare weapons, I had bought a bunch of Bumblebee and Jazz blasters from Toyhax and they are very nice but take quite sometime to arrive, was hopeful for somewhere in Oz.
Sounds like 3D printed spare accessories would be the way to go. :)

[Bidoofdude]

Did I miss out on the new Beachcomber and Studio Series Brawn if I didn't manage to get one at JB HiFi or have they not shown up anywhere else because they are in the distribution centre and will hit shelves once I pay overs to get one from overseas?

Beachcomber is around in absolute spades where I am at JB, there should be plenty around.

[DELTAprime]

Dumb question alert...

Is Hasbro slapping well-established terms like Deluxe on toys collectors would never consider to fit in that category in the non-collector-oriented lines? I ask this because I glanced at the new Deluxe class figure from Earth Spark and they look extremely basic compared to a Generations Deluxe.

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/first-look-at-transformers-earthspark-deluxe-prowl-and-thrash/47933/

[JJJ]

Well, I guess the answer is yes if you think that the term "deluxe" refers to anything other than the price-point of the toy.

Cyberverse and Earthspark deluxes generally compare rather favourably to WFC/Legacy deluxes in my opinion, especially when one takes into account all the WFC deluxes with hollow (open at the side or rear) legs and arms, although some (such as Cyberverse Hot Rod) do tend toward ball-joint-elbows and ungainly kibble. It does have all the standard articulation expected from the deluxe price point (neck swivel, shoulders, elbows, wrists, arm turn admittedly with the ball instead of a bicep swivel, waist, hips, knees, ankles, and thigh swivel). And I'd rate that particular toy over the Gamer Edition Barricade and Bumblebee deluxes from earlier this year, in pretty much every possible way.

Repainting that Cyberverse Hot Rod into Earthspark Prowl (literally just changing the colours, no change at all to the sculpting) is the height of sheer laziness, but I guess there's pressure to put out a continuing line of toys at the price-point, and maybe Prowl (who has not appeared in Earthspark at all so far) will end up looking something like that in season 2.

[GoktimusPrime]

For those of you who are collecting Rise of the Beasts toys, what is your RotB toy wishlist?

Mine is:
* Studio Series Wheeljack. Because they have the VW licence and I would to have a VW mini-bus Transformer. Pleeeeaaase.
* Stratosphere. Yeah, he's a pretty lame and forgettable character (pretty much just a plot device to move the Autobots to Peru and deliver Bumblebee) - but I'd still like a toy of him!
* Apelinq. I don't mind if he's a retool/repaint of Optimus Primal.
* Mirage, Garbage Truck. I don't care if Hasbro never makes the Lamborghini or F1 racer Mirages, since they only appeared for a few seconds and didn't really do anything. Okay, Garbage Truck Mirage also only appeared briefly, but it was instrumental to the plot in allowing Noah to gain access to the museum grounds.
* Transit; because busformer, damnit. :p Admittedly this is the lowest priority want for me, since he never appeared in the final cut of the film.

Also, what do people think about a RotB Unicron Build-a-Figure? As in one that is only in planetoid mode, since we never see Unicron in robot mode in the movie. It would probably end up being smaller than Armada Unicron, so don't expect it to be in scale. Not that you can ever have any Unicron toy that's in actual scale; even the massive HasLab Unicron is technically still too small (which why Hasbro's released minifigs to go with him). But we would have a Unicron that follows the RotB movie design. :)

I also wouldn't mind a new Deluxe Class Studio Series RotB Arcee that would be more accurate to her screen design. And they could include a mini-figurine of Elena Wallace. I don't think Hasbro would do a proper action figure of her; Noah's only happening as a Core Class figure because he's in a transforming exo-suit. Oh, and it'd be neat for Studio Series Garbage Truck Mirage to come with a figurine of Noah in civvies.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I saw a picture somewhere today, it looks like they're doing a VW van Wheeljack figure. :) It had the logo and everything.

I can't remember where I saw the pic though, and can't find it right now.

[JJJ]

You're not thinking of the Stranger Things van are you? Cos that got shown off yesterday alongside Magmatron, and it does have the VW logo on it.

-edit- no, you're not, it was also shown off at MCM London (https://news.tfw2005.com/2023/10/28/mcm-london-reveals-leader-bumblebee-triple-changer-megatron-core-rumble-more-498054), my mistake.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

It was the Studio Series (https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/official-images-for-ss-triple-changer-megatron-rotb-scorponok-wheeljack-and-more/47945/) after all.

Honestly I like the RotB one better, the robot mode here looks a bit derpy somehow. I haven't seen the movie, maybe (probably) that's screen-accurate...

[GoktimusPrime]

It was the Studio Series (https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/official-images-for-ss-triple-changer-megatron-rotb-scorponok-wheeljack-and-more/47945/) after all.

Honestly I like the RotB one better, the robot mode here looks a bit derpy somehow. I haven't seen the movie, maybe (probably) that's screen-accurate...
This makes me happy in happy places. :)

I have RotB Wheeljack too, but as having a bus TF has been a long dream of mine, I really wanted the licensed VW mini-bus mode. :)

[High_Q]

What does 'void rivals' mean in the title of the current Transformers ongoing comic? I have no plan to read the series so don't mind spoilers.

[Paulbot]

Void Rivals isn’t about Transformers, just set in the same universe, and is about two humanoid rivals from different planets at war with each other who have to team up to escape once their fighter spacecraft crash in a planet in the void, hence Void Rivals. TF characters have cameos in the comic.

[DELTAprime]

I'm getting confused by the Legacy line doing so many different eras of Transformers and I'm having trouble figuring out what characters from Armada have been released. (It doesn't help that Energon and Cybertron merge into Armada in my head.)

So am I right that currently Optimus, Megatron, Hotshot, other Hotshot and Starscream are the only Armada characters that have been released/announced so far?

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I'm getting confused by the Legacy line doing so many different eras of Transformers and I'm having trouble figuring out what characters from Armada have been released. (It doesn't help that Energon and Cybertron merge into Armada in my head.)

So am I right that currently Optimus, Megatron, Hotshot, other Hotshot and Starscream are the only Armada characters that have been released/announced so far?Tidal Wave too - he's going to be the next Titan Class figure.

[Paulbot]

I think my award voting form for 2023 is almost done, but am I missing any key releases in my blindspots?

(For example in typing this up I realised I'd left out the Canon camera Transformers)


Legacy Evolution Core, Deluxe, Voyager, Leader, Commander, Titan, HasLab
Studio Series Core, Deluxe, Voyager, Leader, Commander
Rise of the Beasts mainline Deluxe, Voyager
Toxitron Collection
Generations Select
Shattered Glass
Amazon Pre-War collection
Store exclusives: Medix, Tow-Line, Origins Jazz, War Dawn 2pack, Stunticons, Core 2 pack, Troop builder pack
Collaborative: Canon, Jurassic Park, Frankentron, GIJOE, VNR, Stranger Things
Rise of the Beasts gimmick lines
TFTM G1 Retro
EarthSpark deluxes
Masterpieces

[Dangermot]

I think my award voting form for 2023 is almost done, but am I missing any key releases in my blindspots?

(For example in typing this up I realised I'd left out the Canon camera Transformers)


Legacy Evolution Core, Deluxe, Voyager, Leader, Commander, Titan, HasLab
Studio Series Core, Deluxe, Voyager, Leader, Commander
Rise of the Beasts mainline Deluxe, Voyager
Toxitron Collection
Generations Select
Shattered Glass
Amazon Pre-War collection
Store exclusives: Medix, Tow-Line, Origins Jazz, War Dawn 2pack, Stunticons, Core 2 pack, Troop builder pack
Collaborative: Canon, Jurassic Park, Frankentron, GIJOE, VNR, Stranger Things
Rise of the Beasts gimmick lines
TFTM G1 Retro
EarthSpark deluxes
Masterpieces


What about Action Figures? ie ThreeZero

[Paulbot]

Good one, definitely a blindspot for me. Thanks

[Jaxius._]

I think my award voting form for 2023 is almost done, but am I missing any key releases in my blindspots?

(For example in typing this up I realised I'd left out the Canon camera Transformers)


Legacy Evolution Core, Deluxe, Voyager, Leader, Commander, Titan, HasLab
Studio Series Core, Deluxe, Voyager, Leader, Commander
Rise of the Beasts mainline Deluxe, Voyager
Toxitron Collection
Generations Select
Shattered Glass
Amazon Pre-War collection
Store exclusives: Medix, Tow-Line, Origins Jazz, War Dawn 2pack, Stunticons, Core 2 pack, Troop builder pack
Collaborative: Canon, Jurassic Park, Frankentron, GIJOE, VNR, Stranger Things
Rise of the Beasts gimmick lines
TFTM G1 Retro
EarthSpark deluxes
Masterpieces


Missed Powerlinx Hot Shot under store exclusives

Also the Amazon comic line (unless that was the prewar line?)

We got some new bw reissues as well i believe?

[Paulbot]

Thankyou, added Hot Shot and the BW resissues.

Amazon Pre-War = Comic line

Voting form will be posted later today!

[Jaxius._]

Has anywhere got preorders for the waspinator and ghost of starscream set

Missed the window at falcons hanger

[Skyfire]

Has anywhere got preorders for the waspinator and ghost of starscream set

Missed the window at falcons hanger

A few options:

Robo Robo (same price as TFH, SGD80)
https://roborobo.com.sg/shop/bandai/takara-tomy-transformers-bwvs-08-starscream-vs-waspinator/

HLJ (Â¥7920 plus GST, or other Japanese shops, for Mar 2024 release)
https://www.hlj.com/bwvs-08-transformers-beast-wars-again-ghostly-showdown-tkt93473

Popcultcha (AUD150 for June 2024 release and more expensive than above unless you wait for a 20% off in-stock sale then it's about the same as above with overseas shipping)
https://www.popcultcha.com.au/transformers-ghost-starscream-vs-haunted-waspinator-bwvs-08-takara-tomy-action-figure-2-pack.html

[DELTAprime]

I got my United Tiger Hawk the other day. It has the wrong instructions in it. I got a G2 Optimus instruction manual. Has anyone else had this issue?

[DELTAprime]

I was just thinking about other Car Robots/RID characters I'd like new versions of. If they did a new JRX/Rail Racer, do you guys think he would be better suited to the Commander Class like BW Magmatron or the Titan Class like G1 Devastator and Predaking?

[Jaxius._]

I was just thinking about other Car Robots/RID characters I'd like new versions of. If they did a new JRX/Rail Racer, do you guys think he would be better suited to the Commander Class like BW Magmatron or the Titan Class like G1 Devastator and Predaking?

To scale properly with omega prime it would have to be a titan, but i would probably rather three leaders released yearly i suppose because they only use titans for actual big characters and seemed to have veered away from combiners

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Looking at Hasbro's youtube channel, and they have G1 episodes, but they don't seem to have the MTME and Transport to oblivion. Or am I missing something?

[JJJ]

No, you're not. It was noted over on TFW this week (https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/first-four-episodes-of-season-1-missing-on-youtube.1260224/). Apparently those episodes are indeed present, but set not to show.

[DELTAprime]

Looking at Hasbro's youtube channel, and they have G1 episodes, but they don't seem to have the MTME and Transport to oblivion. Or am I missing something?

If you need them for some reason, I have downloaded those versions of those episodes. I need to get back to it and download Seasons 2, 3 and 4. Because all it will take is some unforseen legal dispute to get them taken offline forever.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Also on this note, "A Decepticon Raider in King Artur's Court" is not in their "complete playlist."
However if you do a search for it, it will show up, oddly with comments enabled, so it's not set for the kids setting on YT.

[DELTAprime]

Just on the subject of the Transformers episodes on YouTube. Did Hasbro retcon Beast Wars' episode numbers or does the guy uploading episodes to YouTube not realise season 2 has the TM toys and season 3 has TM2 figures?

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Just on the subject of the Transformers episodes on YouTube. Did Hasbro retcon Beast Wars' episode numbers or does the guy uploading episodes to YouTube not realise season 2 has the TM toys and season 3 has TM2 figures?

I think they don't know TBH, when I was er, perusing and comparing the G1 episodes to TF wikis list I noticed that a fair few of them are numbered incorrectly. It wouldn't surpise me in the slightest to see other ones out of order as well.

[DELTAprime]

Following on, I have no idea if this is another example of the people on the YouTube team not knowing what they are doing or if there is something to read into, but in the description of the Transformers Animated episode they just uploaded (again with the wrong episode numbering) they mention TFTM and RID 2001 as both being viewable on the Transformers YouTube channel. It would be great to have them uploaded, but I imagine someone has bought rights to TFTM given there are companies printing Blu-rays of it, and last I heard Darth Mickey still owns RID.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

One thing that I thought, was that with the screening of the TF cartoon in cinemas as a special had something to do with it. But that doesn't account for the Decepticon in King Arturs court episode.