Beast Machines unreleased Megatron sample

[griffin]

Some photos have surfaced of an unreleased product sample from the pre-emptively ended series of Beast Machines (axed before some toys were released - Battle Unicorn, Megabolt Megatron, Bruticus, Air Attack Optimus).
Megabolt Megatron (the head on legs Deluxe toy) was later released during Robots In Disguise, but if it had been released during Beast Machines as it was originally intended, it would have looked like this.

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

[Hursticon]

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

[griffin]

The JP version didn't have red on it, just purple and blue. (near the right of this pic are the various JP exclusive decos)

[Hursticon]

The JP version didn't have red on it, just purple and blue. (near the right of this pic are the various JP exclusive decos)

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

[Jinto]

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

[SuspectimusPrime]

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

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

[griffin]

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

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

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

[Sky Shadow]

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

[griffin]

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

[SuspectimusPrime]

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