Mould Re-use.

[Jinto]

Seems like Hasbro aims to get about 3 solid runs from each mould. From Generations we've recently had FOC Starscream turned into seekers, Bumblebee into Goldfire & soon Nightbeat. Megatron has had 3 runs if you include the Calvin Johnston deco. Trailcutter = Hoist.

What about moulds like Rattrap and Waspinator, maybe Tankor too, that are pretty specific body types and can't as easily be repainted into someone else? Do they offset the cost of 1-shot moulds with ones they can re-use like Starscream or do they aim for every mould to have a minimum number of releases?

I started thinking about it because I want a 2nd copy of that Skids mould but I don't know whether to fork out for the Crosscut figure or gamble by waiting for a 3rd run as another character.

[Bidoofdude]

Seems like Hasbro aims to get about 3 solid runs from each mould. From Generations we've recently had FOC Starscream turned into seekers, Bumblebee into Goldfire & soon Nightbeat. Megatron has had 3 runs if you include the Calvin Johnston deco. Trailcutter = Hoist.

What about moulds like Rattrap and Waspinator, maybe Tankor too, that are pretty specific body types and can't as easily be repainted into someone else? Do they offset the cost of 1-shot moulds with ones they can re-use like Starscream or do they aim for every mould to have a minimum number of releases?

I started thinking about it because I want a 2nd copy of that Skids mould but I don't know whether to fork out for the Crosscut figure or gamble by waiting for a 3rd run as another character.

I can see Waspinator in Transmetal colours, as he's not too different. Rattrap also has a generally similar body type. They could probably get away with him. Not sure about Tankor or Skids into any others (besides Crosscut), but they'll probably figure something out.

[Sky Shadow]

Waspinator could be Buzz Saw, Dirgegun and Injector. Rhinox could be Headstrong, Ramhorn, Stranglehold, Greatshot, Backstop, etc, and his body seemed to be used for Slug in recent comics. Tankor can be Quake and Gutcruncher (and scores of other tanks). Skids could also be movie Skids as well as Crosscut. Rattrap is the trickiest one - other than Packrat and - at a stretch - Beast Machines or Transmetal Rattrap, they might need to do some creative recolouring or remoulding to get extensive use from that one.

[GoktimusPrime]

I'd absolutely buy a Generations Packrat.

[Paulbot]

Two versions are pretty much guaranteed, but three dips are less likely by Hasbro (but Funpub and specials like the Football Megatron is where a third may come from)

The comic artists have drawn Decepticon doctor Flatline as a black repaint of Trailcutter (on their own initiative) so if Hasbro like the idea that may happen. I'd like to see a Decepticon Doctor toy. The Waspinator repaint I'd like is as Bugly (like they are doing with the Minicon version). And Rhinox as Slug would be better than as the other Rhino-bots.

A third Skids could be in movie Green?

[GoktimusPrime]

Oh yeah, "Quantum Operative Skids". Then there's also Screech They could redeco it in black and also in red (re: Diaclone) and create whole new characters.

[CBratron]

BH Ripclaw redone as Ser-Ket. I personally don't like BH but the lack of this repaint mystifies me.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Tankor can be Quake and Gutcruncher (and scores of other tanks).

Because of the treads layout and general configuration, I could see them remoulding the head and finally making a Generations Hardhead. A Gutcruncher would be cool too. Not sure you could get away with using it for a earth-styled tank character such as Quake though, although they could do his FOC mold which would be awesome!

[SuspectimusPrime]

Waspinator could be Buzz Saw, Dirgegun and Injector. Rhinox could be Headstrong, Ramhorn, Stranglehold, Greatshot, Backstop, etc, and his body seemed to be used for Slug in recent comics. Tankor can be Quake and Gutcruncher (and scores of other tanks). Skids could also be movie Skids as well as Crosscut. Rattrap is the trickiest one - other than Packrat and - at a stretch - Beast Machines or Transmetal Rattrap, they might need to do some creative recolouring or remoulding to get extensive use from that one.

Because of the treads layout and general configuration, I could see them remoulding the head and finally making a Generations Hardhead. A Gutcruncher would be cool too. Not sure you could get away with using it for a earth-styled tank character such as Quake though, although they could do his FOC mold which would be awesome!

I'd really like to see Quake done properly - grew quite fascinated by Thunderwing/Bludgeon's crews and their funky colours. If they are really considering using Tankor's base mould then it'd need Generations Springer/Sandstorm level of retooling to make it convincing - Tankor's head, legs and clampity-clamp hands are just too distinct.

Stranglehold from Generations Rhinox could so work! Following ROTF Bludgeon's precedent he should have alt mode based on the inner bot, and bot mode with based on the pretender shell. And following Botcon Metalhawk's precedent he should have a head that screams "WHY WON'T YOU LOVE ME?!".

[Paulbot]

I don't think Stranglehold from Rhinox would work, but earlier today I saw this on twitter and changed my mind. Http://pic.twitter.com/b45MRKgu4F