Knockoff Springer, Sideswipe, Red Alert, and Octane

[GoktimusPrime]

Diaclone and Microman were made by Takara. That's why we had Microman figures integrated into Transformers in 2004 (Kicker and Gamede) to commemorate Microman's 30th Anniversary.

We are assuming that the Sprung and Octone moulds aren't lost or damaged.

[Tabias Prime]

I'm tired of these and I have pity for the person who thinks there getting a bargain.For us die hard fans who can spot a fake miles away.I see this sort of crap on ebay, mostly from china based sellers..If you see this sort of crap you can report the seller to ebay for selling counterfeit items, i do it on a regular bases.Someone has to keep the bastards honest.

[canofwhoopass_87]

Alerting hasbro and takara about this seller (check out his reply including his paypal id at the bottom of the octane sale page) might result in some action.

[TheDirtyDigger]

Hasbro and TakaraTomy should buy the factory making these, tweak the quality to a high standard and do official reissues.

[Zippo]

I have wanted a Rissue Red Alert for a while. Fingers crossed that he is released soon for Encore.

[Tabias Prime]

Alerting hasbro and takara about this seller (check out his reply including his paypal id at the bottom of the octane sale page) might result in some action.

I did this as well when i started reporting fakes.

[reillyd]

Quick question. I've seen multiples of many items like Nightbeat MISB (all using same photo) at http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/girltf...Q_fromZQQ_ipgZ

and many multiples of "slightly damaged" Twintwists from other sellers. Does anyone know if there is a master list of knock-offs? Given that Hasbro always sold items by case assortments, and not a whole case of a single item, it seems really unlikely that someone would have three or more of the 1 item, no?

[TF76]

I wonder if we will ever see people adding 'age' or to knockoffs.

Not only, rips dirt damaging the window but also as prices go up loose toys.

Paint chips, exposing to UV light, damage to stickers, rusting, washes of dirt/dirt color dyes and paints.

I also wonder how many ko's are parted and mixed with original bot parts, not just weapons, windows doors etc...

[canofwhoopass_87]

I did this as well when i started reporting fakes.

Be sure to let them know his/their paypal address as well (bottom of that octane sale page), it's a nifty little piece of evidence which may result in some serious ass kicking.

I wonder if we will ever see people adding 'age' or to knockoffs.

Not only, rips dirt damaging the window but also as prices go up loose toys.

Paint chips, exposing to UV light, damage to stickers, rusting, washes of dirt/dirt color dyes and paints.

I also wonder how many ko's are parted and mixed with original bot parts, not just weapons, windows doors etc...

I've thought about this as well when I was looking at my own G1 springer. In terms of sticker wear/condition, I think this comes with repetitive transformations and general wear and tear. I reckon it'd be hard to replicate age and damage.

As for mixing ko and original parts and bots, this is just something too difficult to avoid I think. I was talking to Matt from transformerland.com the other day and even he has trouble distinguishing. He wasn't even aware of the KO mirage -_-

Pays to be vigilant I suppose, even if it's getting more and more difficult

[Paulbot]

Quick question. I've seen multiples of many items like Nightbeat MISB (all using same photo) at http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/girltf...Q_fromZQQ_ipgZ

and many multiples of "slightly damaged" Twintwists from other sellers. Does anyone know if there is a master list of knock-offs? Given that Hasbro always sold items by case assortments, and not a whole case of a single item, it seems really unlikely that someone would have three or more of the 1 item, no?

Nightbeat's one of those toys that someone "found" a bunch of MISB and they entered the market. Same with three lots of European Micromasters earlier in the year. I tend to look at those lucky finds with some suspicion, but I'm fairly certain neither case proved to be knock-offs.