Transformers questions by newbies, and not-so-newbies

[TAAUBlaster]

I have a lot of the modern Optimus Primes (last few years), and I'm now contemplating what to look for in terms of older Optimus's that are worth collecting.
I look at the list of Optimus Prime figures and it is somewhat overwhelming how many there have been over the years and I honestly don't know where to start in terms of getting some of the more classic versions.

I'm after an Encore (because I can't afford the original), but what other figures (or versions of figures) do you think a G1 loving OP gal like myself should be saving up and looking out for (maybe your top 10 worth getting)?
And alternatively which figures should I avoid? (I won't be getting Animated as I dislike that version of OP and I only collect trucks, not monkeys)

I don't want every Optimus figure. I want a few key pieces that are G1 or G1-reminiscent in colour or form to add some historical depth to my collection.

I always thought the New Year G1 Convoy reissue that came with Matrix chain, mousepad and Action Master Prime was a nice figure.

The G2 Laser Optimus Prime is a solid figure as well.

I'm also a big fan of the RID/Car Robots (2001) Optimus Prime.

Hope that helps narrow your search down a little!

[BruiseLee]

I have a lot of the modern Optimus Primes (last few years), and I'm now contemplating what to look for in terms of older Optimus's that are worth collecting.
I look at the list of Optimus Prime figures and it is somewhat overwhelming how many there have been over the years and I honestly don't know where to start in terms of getting some of the more classic versions.

I'm after an Encore (because I can't afford the original), but what other figures (or versions of figures) do you think a G1 loving OP gal like myself should be saving up and looking out for (maybe your top 10 worth getting)?
And alternatively which figures should I avoid? (I won't be getting Animated as I dislike that version of OP and I only collect trucks, not monkeys)

I don't want every Optimus figure. I want a few key pieces that are G1 or G1-reminiscent in colour or form to add some historical depth to my collection.

Ok I've stopped drooling over the pics of your Ultimetal OP now. Very nice collection!

For the G1 look, a Generations Classics Prime will be a nice bridge from blocky G1 to the more modern figs. Also a worlds smallest TF Prime would look great in that case.

Also one of my favorites is the Cybertron OP/Galaxy Force Galaxy Convoy. It's leader sized and has just enough to homage G1 OP and has a fantastic winged backpack.

[GoktimusPrime]

I'm after an Encore (because I can't afford the original), but what other figures (or versions of figures) do you think a G1 loving OP gal like myself should be saving up and looking out for (maybe your top 10 worth getting)?
And alternatively which figures should I avoid? (I won't be getting Animated as I dislike that version of OP and I only collect trucks, not monkeys)

I don't want every Optimus figure. I want a few key pieces that are G1 or G1-reminiscent in colour or form to add some historical depth to my collection.

My top 10 suggestions:

* G1 original Optimus Prime (any Japanese reissue); all the JP reissues are good. Avoid the Hasbro ones as they have shortened smoke stacks and silly looking lengthened missiles.
* G1 Powermaster Optimus Prime or God Ginrai (reissue)
* G1 Star Convoy (reissue)
* G2 Laser Optimus Prime. One of the best Optimus Prime toys ever made. IMHO it reigned supreme as the best OP toy from 1995-2007 when it was finally matched by TF1 Leader Class Optimus Prime.
* Super Fire Convoy. I strongly recommend this over RiD2000 Optimus Prime, because Hasbro's version has inferior quality rubber on the tyres which are prone to splitting. However, Takara's is more prone to chrome chipping, so just be careful with that. You may consider getting God Magnus so that they can combine to form God Fire Convoy. Remember that Car Robot was the toyline that inspired Takara to make Binaltech and Masterpiece.
* Armada Optimus Prime, Super-Con (w/ Over-Run Mini-Con). This is the smaller carded figure which actually is a better figure than the larger "super pants" version.
* MP-1 Convoy. While MP10 is still a very nice toy, MP-1 still boasts a lot of incredible features which MP10's cab robot simply doesn't have.
* Classics Optimus Prime, or any of the several redecos of this mould (they're all good )
* Alternity Convoy (red)
* Generations Orion Pax

[christalcase]

I have a lot of the modern Optimus Primes (last few years), and I'm now contemplating what to look for in terms of older Optimus's that are worth collecting.
I look at the list of Optimus Prime figures and it is somewhat overwhelming how many there have been over the years and I honestly don't know where to start in terms of getting some of the more classic versions.

I'm after an Encore (because I can't afford the original), but what other figures (or versions of figures) do you think a G1 loving OP gal like myself should be saving up and looking out for (maybe your top 10 worth getting)?
And alternatively which figures should I avoid? (I won't be getting Animated as I dislike that version of OP and I only collect trucks, not monkeys)

I don't want every Optimus figure. I want a few key pieces that are G1 or G1-reminiscent in colour or form to add some historical depth to my collection.

RiD Optimus Prime, he is my favourite Transformer ever and is an excellent mold.

[Zommael]

I have a lot of the modern Optimus Primes (last few years), and I'm now contemplating what to look for in terms of older Optimus's that are worth collecting.
I look at the list of Optimus Prime figures and it is somewhat overwhelming how many there have been over the years and I honestly don't know where to start in terms of getting some of the more classic versions.

I'm after an Encore (because I can't afford the original), but what other figures (or versions of figures) do you think a G1 loving OP gal like myself should be saving up and looking out for (maybe your top 10 worth getting)?
And alternatively which figures should I avoid? (I won't be getting Animated as I dislike that version of OP and I only collect trucks, not monkeys)

I don't want every Optimus figure. I want a few key pieces that are G1 or G1-reminiscent in colour or form to add some historical depth to my collection.

I can't believe no-one has mentioned Galaxy Convoy/Cybertron Optimus Prime yet. It's one of the best Optimus moulds ever made, with articulation at near Masterpiece levels, three different modes (five if you get the combiner partners), firing missiles, electronic lights and sounds, opening matrix chamber... it's just awesome. Get the original if you can, but the smaller Hybrid Style Galaxy Convoy is a worthy substitute if you can track it down and space is an issue.

[BruiseLee]

I can't believe no-one has mentioned Galaxy Convoy/Cybertron Optimus Prime yet. It's one of the best Optimus moulds ever made, with articulation at near Masterpiece levels, three different modes (five if you get the combiner partners), firing missiles, electronic lights and sounds, opening matrix chamber... it's just awesome. Get the original if you can, but the smaller Hybrid Style Galaxy Convoy is a worthy substitute if you can track it down and space is an issue.

Look up a bit

And yes, I totally agree with you on this!

[UltraMarginal]

My favourite Primes,

G1 (can't really beat the original, except with MP-04 and MP-10)

MP-04 it's a glorious toy, solid, great transformation, looks spectacular.
MP-10 is almost as good as MP-04, it's cleaner, but doesn't have quite the same appeal in the Robot mode.

I quite like the animated prime, I realise you're not a fan but the transformation of the earth mode voyager is not overly complex but is interesting with the spinning gimmick.
The Cybertron mode deluxe is a pretty cool take on the character.
both robot modes are well articulated and can be posed quite emotively.

First Edition TFP Prime is a brilliant toy, well engineered and articulated. (be sure to avoid the one with brown doors which was a re-release) the first release is pretty much impossible to pick in-pack and potentially a lot more expensive if you can find it.

the Generations voyager prime is a good solid mould, it's starting to age a bit in my opinion but is still an excellent modernisation of the original character.

War for Cybertron Prime is a good mould, complex but fun.
FOC prime is small and simple but does look like a fist on wheels as described by the game designers.

[Trent]

I can't believe no-one has mentioned Galaxy Convoy/Cybertron Optimus Prime yet. It's one of the best Optimus moulds ever made, with articulation at near Masterpiece levels, three different modes (five if you get the combiner partners), firing missiles, electronic lights and sounds, opening matrix chamber... it's just awesome. Get the original if you can, but the smaller Hybrid Style Galaxy Convoy is a worthy substitute if you can track it down and space is an issue.

Wait.

It combines?

[BruiseLee]

Wait.

It combines?

Yup but not like the CW gestalts. From memory think it was Wing Saber to give him a different winged backpack and the liger one to give him a claw arm.

[Bladestorm]

Wow - I want to thank you guys for all the recommendations so far... do keep 'em coming.

I am making a list based on your comments so I can narrow down and prioritise what I want to get first. I've been eyeing off the 2002 New Year Special version of Convoy... so nice to know it is worth considering.

.

First Edition TFP Prime is a brilliant toy, well engineered and articulated. (be sure to avoid the one with brown doors which was a re-release) the first release is pretty much impossible to pick in-pack and potentially a lot more expensive if you can find it.

I have the SDCC First Edition TFP Prime... is it worth getting another version of this mould as well or will he be enough? (There is a First Edition Prime inside clear plastic packaging at hobbybase at the moment so I'll have to give him a good look over next time I am in there). My TFP Prime is not on display at the moment as I simply don't have enough room for him and his matrix... yet.