The recent issue of the JP Hyper Hobby magazine has images of upcoming United toys and the MP Rodimus toy, but the highlight (to long lime collectors at least), is some pics and info on the original 1986 Rodimus toy and what it was originally intended to look like before cost cutting occurred.

There doesn't appear to be a full translation of the article anywhere yet, but the rough outline posted up by the JP member on that board says:

-The prototype done by Takara was a lot bigger than the finished figure, as it was intended to be a high-priced item. (he was the hero of the film, so I guess it was expected to be the most sought after toy/merchandise)

- The drop in value of the Yen at this time in the mid-80s, and the high incidence of damage to TFs toys, apparently had Hasbro ask them to scale back the size and detail of the figure. This also meant a number of limb joints like the knees and hips were made solid.


Explains why we got such a retarded 'leader' toy in 1986, which it should have been on par with Galvatron, Optimus and Megatron, in terms of quality and/or gimmicks.

The prototype trailer for Rodimus looks weird though, and I'm glad they changed it to a weapons station instead.