Collecting

[sppower]

I guess this is a good place to post this. Just curious:

How into the toy aspect of Transformers are you and what do you do with your collection?

Another question: I'm assuming that this forum is going to be mainly about non-movie transformers stuff, right? Or does that belong in the other one?

[Soundwave]

Originally posted by sppower
I guess this is a good place to post this. Just curious:

How into the toy aspect of Transformers are you and what do you do with your collection?

Another question: I'm assuming that this forum is going to be mainly about non-movie transformers stuff, right? Or does that belong in the other one?

masively in to the toys.
and anything goes, dude

[Soundwave]

there is one thing i want, a New Jersey Devils hookey shirt,

[COR]

I've got a pretty decent collection that I've managed to preserve from when I was a kid, most of which I am in the process of restoring. I also have some nice collector's pieces that I've managed to acquire in the last three years, such as a MIB G1 Optimus, some original Combaticons and Protectobots from Spain, and alot of really nice, complete, loose TFs such as Soundwave, Megatron, and Galvatron.

Mostly these days I am just buying the Hasbro reissues though, at least the ones that I don't already own as originals. They are almost as nice as the originals and I can own them for $10-$30 rather than $80-you name the price

[sppower]

I have a few hundred of them that I've been amassing since I was four.

Originally posted by COR
some original Combaticons and Protectobots from Spain

I have a Mexican Powerglide.

[SAJse]

I haven't restarting my collecting yet. My originals were all given away by my mum when I was at school. I wonder if that's why I ended up bunking off school so much (have to see a shrink about that one). My collection will be restarted when I don't have people knocking on my door for debts and bills. My youthful money management skills have come back to haunt me.

And yes, I think anything non-movie related should be in this forum. That's just my opinion. It's not like your thread will be drowned out by LXG fans or anything (unless LXGII comes out). ;)

[illvox2]

Originally posted by SAJse
And yes, I think anything non-movie related should be in this forum. That's just my opinion. It's not like your thread will be drowned out by LXG fans or anything (unless LXGII comes out). ;)

FYI, I did a count, and guess what? Threads from Transformers forum comprise of 99.12% of the overall threads! ;)

[yamis]

we rule.


i was always a bit into the comics more than the toys. i have a collection of around 100 G1, G2, BW and BM characters. my pride and glory? fort max. my comic colection includes almost all of the TF/GIJoe, all of G2, and around half of G1. i also have a bunch of the dreamwave series, and the Genisis book.

[TrypticOwen]

I've loads of TFs in my collection.

I still have all but one of the toys I got as a kid (the missing one - Seaspray, my first Transformer!!! recently replaced from ebay).

I got most of the BW toys of characters who appeared in the cartoon (aswell as a couple of others). Missed out on Tigerhawk though, grrr... Have a couple of BM toys but they didn't get a big release here in England.

I got most of the RiD stuff - I thought it was the greatest TF toyline ever!!! Even got both colours of RiD Prowl!

I've been a bit choosy about which Armada/Energon toys I've bought. When these lines are bad; they're really bad. But when they're good they're really rather good indeed. Energon in particular has, in my opinion, the best basic sized toys of any TF line.

Highlights of my collection are: G1 constructicons (tough to get at the time for UK fans), Masterpiece Convoy, BinalTech Smokescreen, BT Lambor, BT Hound, BM Tank Drone, RiD Prowl2, Armada Unicron and Energon Divebomb.

[COR]

Oh yeah I forgot to mention that I still had my Fort Max from when I was growing up. Hes in great shape too!!

I also had a Metroplex that broke in half, but I still had most of his pieces, so in one auction for about $30 I got a really nice Metroplex and Trypticon together that were barebones. Still need to get the parts for Trypticon, but I've got all of Metroplex's parts except for Scamper's right arm...

[yamis]

my metroplex and fort max are both in fantastic condition, theyre only missing one or two parts each.

[sppower]

My metroplex is only missing those two little missiles for the red guns. My Trypticon has nothing but the body and Full-Tilt. Since the thing with this thread seems to be listing the bid ones, I have:

Metroplex
Trypticon
G2 Devestator
G1 Defensor
G1/G2 mishmash Bruticus
G2 Superion minus Slingshot
MW Starscream
Ultra Magnus
Blaster
Optimal Optimus
Armada Prime
Energon Tidalwave
Energon Scorponok

And maybe Rodimus Prime if you look at him from the right angle :D

[megs4ever]

i have a few hundred transformers as well as most of the comics. alot of boxed alot of loose. most are original with a few re-issues.

[Soundwave]

Originally posted by megs4ever
i have a few hundred transformers as well as most of the comics. alot of boxed alot of loose. most are original with a few re-issues.

me too.

i have some very good figures like,

Gen-1
Skylinx MIB
Bruticus Compleat
Rumble miss-packaged on a Frenzy card
Target master Cyclonus MIB
Jazz MIB

[Wonkimus_Major]

I've been collecting TF's since 1984. I stopped around the 5th year (Pretenders) since I was in high school and felt weird about it, I started up again when I was in college (G2 was out.) I have never counted the bots in my collection, but I have an entire bookcase stuffed with TF's of all shapes, Gens, and sizes. Even Gobots, knockoffs, and some other random bots. In addition to the bookcase, I have 4 full big boxes in the closet, and maybe 6 or 7 more boxes in my parents' garage. I've got to say TF's have always been an obsession for me. I've never been so into anything else!

Some of my faves:

G1 Prowl, unbroken roof, complete
Targetmaster Hot Rod
Yellow Cliffjumper
Ravage (Jaguar) X-1 from BW Metals in Japan
G1 Omega Supreme, still have the complete box
Car Robots Baldigus complete
BWII Seacon set w/box
G1 Optimus and Megatron complete
Rodimus Prime (body only) I found at a flea market for $1
Oversized Rattrap TM knockoff
Complete set of Transistor Robots (by Four Star) Mr. Hard Hat

The list goes on...

I once had a Japanese Star Convoy--I got him on clearance in Japan (I used to live there) for $30, but I later sold him on ebay for $400!

[BullDog]

just starting to collect again. Lost most of the TFs i had as a kid.
what i'd like to do is to get all the versions of optimus prime, but it's unlikely i will since it requires money that i cant always spare.

word of advice to all the kids out there. when it comes time for you to move out be sure to take all your toys with you.

[yamis]

it sounds like you say that in pain, bulldog.

my big guys?
fort max, nearly complete with box (not many people here have max, hmm)
metroplex
G2 devastator
MW Starscream
MW prime
Optimal Optimus
few other big guys, i cant really remember them all. most of mine were deluxe/mega sized. though i knew someone with the supreme cheetor. it was about as big as my cat.

[Wonkimus_Major]

Originally posted by yamis
it sounds like you say that in pain, bulldog.

my big guys?

few other big guys, i cant really remember them all. most of mine were deluxe/mega sized. though i knew someone with the supreme cheetor. it was about as big as my cat.

No Fort Max for me.

I recently found a Supreme Cheetor at a Salvation Army store, but it was missing the robot head and one arm so I just left it.

[Blacknife]

Always collected, never really stopped.

[yamis]

I recently found a Supreme Cheetor at a Salvation Army store, but it was missing the robot head and one arm so I just left it.

that sounds a little creepy looking if you ask me.....

[SAJse]

Originally posted by Danbei
I collect mostly G1 toys! The only problem when you collect a few they start to take up space real fast! So like in my case I got to collect the ones that most interest me! I transform them 2 or 3 times then I put them in the box! I try not to transform them anymore so their joints don't get loose! But I never put the stickers on them! I keep them in the sticker sheet! So that way it has more value! Then from time to time I take them out of their boxes ,and hold them in their alt modes! My favorite collector pieces are Optimus Prime,Megatron,Soundwave,Jazz,Rodimus Major,Thundercracker,bootleg Superion,and Armada Unicron!
There's something very creepy about that scene you just painted. Maybe it's just because of your involvement. ;)

[COR]

Originally posted by Danbei
I collect mostly G1 toys! The only problem when you collect a few they start to take up space real fast! So like in my case I got to collect the ones that most interest me! I transform them 2 or 3 times then I put them in the box! I try not to transform them anymore so their joints don't get loose! But I never put the stickers on them! I keep them in the sticker sheet! So that way it has more value! Then from time to time I take them out of their boxes ,and hold them in their alt modes! My favorite collector pieces are Optimus Prime,Megatron,Soundwave,Jazz,Rodimus Major,Thundercracker,bootleg Superion,and Armada Unicron!

Are you aware that the English language supplies other punctuation marks with which one may end their sentences besides exclamation marks?

Just wondering. :rolleyes:

[Wonkimus_Major]

I just visited my parents house, and counted the boxes full of TF's in the garage: 9. Plus the 4 in my apartment, plus 4 shelves on a bookcase stuffed with TF's (about one box per shelf), so I have 17 big boxes stuffed with bots!

[COR]

Originally posted by Danbei
Cor is that a Grimlock T-Rex halloween costume that you are wearing? Cause it looks stunning on you! I almost mistaken you for the real genuine thing!

I'm not sure how to respond to this...

[SAJse]

If I'm reading this right, Wonkimus is talking about cardboard boxes filled with toys, while Danbei it talking about cardboard boxes filled with "toy".
Originally posted by COR
I'm not sure how to respond to this...
Judging by his infatuation with Elton John, my suggested response is 'run for the hills' (depending on your sexual orientation of course). ;)

[yamis]

i wonder if dan talks to them.

"hello prime! how are you doing! you are g1! thats how you should stay! walter p-38 megatron! that is megatron! megatron is not a tank! he is a gun! from the first season! when the autobots get attacked by the decepticons! and crash on earth! prime is not a slug! *phone rings, its a girl on the line* hello! do you think megatron should be a g1 p-38 gun or some other crap!*she hangs up* why have i never gotten laid! they must not believe in g1!

its possible im having too much fun with this....

[TrypticOwen]

Picked up my first RobotMasters toy yesterday: Beast Convoy.

I rather like it. The non-transmetal Optimus Primal was the only one I passed on (even though I saw it on sale for £10 - seems silly that I've now spent £15 on one half the size;)).

There are quite a few from this series that I wouldn't mind picking up but they get quite a mark up in Forbidden Planet (£10 basic; £15 deluxe) so I'll probably only bother with the really special releases: Starscream and Convoy are definitely on my wish list. I've heard Lioconvoy is going to be added to the lineup sooner or later, too!

Shame I'll have to pass on the G2 cyberjets (should've bought them first time around:mad:),the machine wars moulds (to the best of my knowledge, never released in the UK) and the G2 laser cycles, though...

[yamis]

i had most of machine wars and all of the cyberjets...not sure where they all are now though...the laser cycles were pretty cool, just small. i need to find my laser prime and get it fixed up a bit. did the RiD scourge have the illuminated sword and gun too?

ps: buzz buzz dan

[illvox2]

Now I wish I'm slaggin' rich. Toys here cost so fucking expensive.

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by yamis
i had most of machine wars and all of the cyberjets...not sure where they all are now though...the laser cycles were pretty cool, just small. i need to find my laser prime and get it fixed up a bit. did the RiD scourge have the illuminated sword and gun too?

To the best of my knowledge RiD scourge came with the accessories but didn't have the electronics to light them up.

Shame I passed on Laser Rod Prime in my youth - I was a little bit silly and purist: "trukk not tanker." Strange that I went on to accept him as a munkey:D

[Thrashing]

I would say that currently, I'm a semi-collector. Mainly due to me being a university student. I'll get into it more once i've finished and get back in the workforce. I'm really into the Alternators and buy any that I don't already have by calling on the powers of the Visa. Currently in NZ I have found (and bought) Smokescreen, Silverstreak, Hound, Sideswipe and Dead End.

Me and my little brother were both heavily into TFs when we were younger, and birthdays and christmas presents for two or three years happily mainly consisted of the toys, of which I have managed to save from my parents and now are safely in storage in a couple of large plastic bins in a chest in my bedroom. Like TrypicOwen, my first TF was Seaspray, which I still have, as well as his G2 version. My most-wanted TF is Fortress Maximus. Highlights from my older-TF collection (which numbers approx 50 toys) include
G1 Megatron
G1 Optimus Prime
Defensor
Bruticus (except Onslaught)
Micromaster Countdown
and proudly on display in the lounge of my flat are
RiD Optimus Prime
RiD Megatron
and the Alternators, which hide inconspicuously amongst my model cars :)

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Thrashing
I would say that currently, I'm a semi-collector. Mainly due to me being a university student. I'll get into it more once i've finished and get back in the workforce. I'm really into the Alternators and buy any that I don't already have by calling on the powers of the Visa. Currently in NZ I have found (and bought) Smokescreen, Silverstreak, Hound, Sideswipe and Dead End.

Me and my little brother were both heavily into TFs when we were younger, and birthdays and christmas presents for two or three years happily mainly consisted of the toys, of which I have managed to save from my parents and now are safely in storage in a couple of large plastic bins in a chest in my bedroom. Like TrypicOwen, my first TF was Seaspray, which I still have, as well as his G2 version. My most-wanted TF is Fortress Maximus. Highlights from my older-TF collection (which numbers approx 50 toys) include
G1 Megatron
G1 Optimus Prime
Defensor
Bruticus (except Onslaught)
Micromaster Countdown
and proudly on display in the lounge of my flat are
RiD Optimus Prime
RiD Megatron
and the Alternators, which hide inconspicuously amongst my model cars :)

Salutations fellow Seasprayer!!! My ebayed replacement turned up a couple of weeks ago (it's a little chewed but is in better condition than mine would have been!!!).

What's your opinion on Alt. DeadEnd? I passed on the BinalTech version because I didn't like the 'bot mode (the way Sideswipe's chest works is, in my opinion, genious; for DeadEnd they seemed to leave the genious-ness out...). Well that and I thought he would have made a better Tracks! The thing is I still kinda like the car mode so I might buy the (cheaper) alternators version when it (finally) turns up over here in Blighty.

I'm glad to hear there's more than one person here who liked the RiD toys. I have a Prowl 2 and a Rail Racer proudly on display here at uni. and a hefty collection of RiD toys back in my family home.

I'm looking forward to going back to see my family this weekend as I can (finally) unite my (recently ebayed) Tentakil with his Seacon brethren (one of my absolute faves from the G1 combining teams).

Piranacon may well be taking Metroplex's place in my display wardrobe (standing proudly alongside Devestator!)!

[Thrashing]

My opinion of DeadEnd is that he looks badass.. In vehicle mode. Not to bad in robot mode either, but I have a couple of problems with it:
1. The car is black, so it should have been called Wildrider, not Dead End
2. His head looks nothing like Dead End, and instead is VERY obviously a repaint of a head originally intended to be Sunstreaker...
Also, in my particular toy, there seems to be a problem with the connector that holds the rear section of the car to the sills on one side, in that the peg refuses to snap into the hole, meaning that the normally clean lines of the alternators toys are ruined and I can only display the car from one side.. Gr. Sill, this is a minor quibble and apart from those things, the toy is still fantastic, if a little fiddly, like all the other Alternators. I especially like the wheels on Dead End, very realistic and very cool. Oh yeah, and if you get it, be careful with the windscreen section.. I managed to somehow jam mine against the gear lever, and snapped the top of the lever off trying to free it :(

I'm surprised that you haven't seen Dead End over there yet.. I've had him for over a month now, and New Zealand is normally the last place to get anything!

RiD is, i feel, very underratted. The toys were great, and I even liked the cartoon! I envy you for owning the trainbots.. they were so cool! But I never saw them in NZ :( Apart from OP and Megs, the only other RiD toy I had is SuperCharged Prowl. Unfortunately, even though I was working full time back then, my (ex) girlfriend was holding the purse strings, and my budget was somewhat limited. Let that be a lesson to all of you, don't get your pay put in an account that you share with your partner! ;) The toy I most mis is Ultra Magnus.. I would have loved to have Omega Prime towering over Megs in my lounge instead of just OP.. oh well..

I'm also wishing that Scourge was part of my collection.. as one of my favourite TF characters ever, it would be great to add Nemesis Prime to my collection one day...

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Thrashing
I'm surprised that you haven't seen Dead End over there yet.. I've had him for over a month now, and New Zealand is normally the last place to get anything!

RiD is, i feel, very underratted. The toys were great, and I even liked the cartoon! I envy you for owning the trainbots.. they were so cool! But I never saw them in NZ :( Apart from OP and Megs, the only other RiD toy I had is SuperCharged Prowl. Unfortunately, even though I was working full time back then, my (ex) girlfriend was holding the purse strings, and my budget was somewhat limited. Let that be a lesson to all of you, don't get your pay put in an account that you share with your partner! ;) The toy I most mis is Ultra Magnus.. I would have loved to have Omega Prime towering over Megs in my lounge instead of just OP.. oh well..

I'm also wishing that Scourge was part of my collection.. as one of my favourite TF characters ever, it would be great to add Nemesis Prime to my collection one day...

Thanks for your opinion on Dead End.

England is, to the best of my knowledge, way behind even NZ on toy releases.

Honestly! We give the world Simon Furman and what do we get in return: Alternators Smokescreen and Silverstreak!:D

For the ones I really like, I pick up the imported BinalTechs. We've had everything up to yellow Tracks and Smokescreen GT in the UK. I passed on them both - got the original BT Smokescreen and waiting for the blue Tracks.

Scourge is the only RiD toy I wanted and missed out on. He was never released in the UK and I never saw an imported one either (my Prime and Magnus were both American ones that turned up in Forbidden Planet - a UK comic shop - Omega Prime really does rock). It's a shame they gutted Laser rod Prime's electronics for his release, though. It's also a shame they didn't come up with the name 'Nemesis Prime' until too late - it's much better than 'Scourge', in my opinion. I think his status as an exclusive in the US might have confused other countrys' Hasbros into not releasing him!!!

I got the spychanger version, though. It's extremely cool for its size.

I was very lucky to get the bullet trains: they weren't released during the RiD run; Armada came around too quickly. But a very limited release of them turned up recently in a UK toy shop called The Entertainer. I think they've sold them all by now though - they're no longer on their website.

[Thrashing]

Hm.. Imports.. something that I mite get into a bit more when I get back into the workforce.

I'm pretty sure that Scourge's exclusive status meant that he wasn't available anywhere except in the US, which is a shame. Maybe I'll be able to grab one off an auction site sometime in the future..

[yamis]

its a shame to hear that they gutted Laser Prime to make Scourge. Laser Prime, IMO, is the most Badass Prime out there. I thought the RiD toys were not half bad, though i hate Magnus' robot mode. sad to say, the last time i got around to buying any kind of tf was BM Rattrap. though if i ever see a anniversary prime, that beotch is mine!

[Salt_Shaker]

the sychanger scourge fits nside fort max a la The episode you see him controlling max. i don't have that version :(. i do have the big one, and it's awesome. he's VERY imposing. in the show, he was funny when he needed to be, without "trying" to be. "i'll grind you into cosmic dust, Megatron!" and his manner of speaking lent him much credit in an otherwise very childish show. of the trains, i am missing railspike :( so i have the legs and back of rail racer LOL. my G1 collection was brutalized by my younger brother years ago.


the reason these toys are so popular is b/c they do what other toys don't. and play value is gratuitous, as a whole, especially if you're bored enough to set up a massive battle.:eek: ;)

[yamis]

massive battles.....good times.

[sppower]

Massive battles... how long has it been?

*looks behind him at the floor*

Oh, right :D

The only thing I hate about massive battles is it's a bitch to move one army to the other.

[yamis]

catapults help. macguyver one from spoons and rubber bands.

ah, the memories......

[Thrashing]

oh god.. setting up massive battles. I remember all I would get up to was "setting them all up" with guns pointing at each other in the desired mode etc and then it was time to tidy them all up and go to bed :mad:

[yamis]

thats the time when you position the bed over them all to avoid cleaning them up!

[Thrashing]

Hm.. Now why didn't I think of that when I was younger?? Probably coz I was younger ;)

[yamis]

heh, i was a crafty kid. the closet works really good too, if you know how to use it.

then theres the basement.......

[Thrashing]

Ah, see, I didnt have a basement. And the closet was where the TF's were kept.. still.

I do remember some amusing "TF convos" being invented whist playing with them. My little bro could be hillarious

[Thrashing]

Hey TrypicOwen.. have you seen Alt. Dead End where you are yet?

If you haven't, you'll be absolutely ecstatic to learn that in my local toy store, in Dunedin, which is the smallest and southern-most (read, remote) major city in New Zealand (also remote) has just received its third (yes, THIRD!) shipment of the case of alternators containing 2 Hounds, 1 Silverstreak and 1 Dead End, after selling all of the alternators in the previous shipments of the case, despite the city only having a population of 120,000. Annoyed? The same shop also has in stock 3 Energon Unicrons, not to mention at least 7 Energon Omega Supremes... For an off-the-beaten-track place, we're sure spoiled for TF choice (although I SILL haven't seen Tracks yet.. I want him NOW!)

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Thrashing
Hey TrypicOwen.. have you seen Alt. Dead End where you are yet?

If you haven't, you'll be absolutely ecstatic to learn that in my local toy store, in Dunedin, which is the smallest and southern-most (read, remote) major city in New Zealand (also remote) has just received its third (yes, THIRD!) shipment of the case of alternators containing 2 Hounds, 1 Silverstreak and 1 Dead End, after selling all of the alternators in the previous shipments of the case, despite the city only having a population of 120,000. Annoyed? The same shop also has in stock 3 Energon Unicrons, not to mention at least 7 Energon Omega Supremes... For an off-the-beaten-track place, we're sure spoiled for TF choice (although I SILL haven't seen Tracks yet.. I want him NOW!)

Annoyed? Hell yeah!!!:mad::D

We've still only had Smokescreen and Silverstreak over here although there are rumours of a European domestic release for Alternators (so far, I think all our alt.s have been American imports). Still I'm getting alt. Silverstreak for christmas. BinalTechs are still turning up on import reasonably regularly. I'm interested to see how Silverstreak measures up for quality - I'm currently planning on buying my favourite of each car as a BinalTech and going for the other as an Alternator. So I'll probably pick up alt. Dead End when he (finally) turns up. I'm also looking forward to Blue BinalTech Tracks. I might pass altogether on Swindle (either that or I might pick up the alternator version and try dyeing him black to make Trailbreaker - it'd be my first attempt at dyeing a TF, though). Then I'll have to make some sort of decision on Meister/Shockwave - in theory I should wait for BinalTech Shockwave (a big fave character of mine) and buy the alternator Meister. However, I prefer the red version of Meister so if the Alternators measure up quality-wise alongside my current 3 BinalTechs I might go with BT Red Meister and wait (very, very patiently - damn you, Hasbro UK!!!) for alternator Shockwave.

I must also get a job to fund all this expensive Transformer buying.:D

We have plenty of E. Omega Supreme's over here, too. I'm waiting for Arcee...

[Thrashing]

there's a couple of Arcee's in stock too.. Mite have to go get one tomorrow :p

Alt. Silverstreak's a pretty cool figure.. his paint finish is very good, and something about his colour combinations is very appealing to my eye. He also has a good head sculpt.. similar to Smokescreen, but quite different at the same time. He actually looks quite grumpy... You'll like him

[TrypticOwen]

You have Arcee, too!?!:mad::D

I'm going to have to persuade my girlfriend we want to live in NZ.

Do you have many poisonous animals down there?;) (that being my principle objection to Australia)

[yamis]

i was thinking of getting alt. hound for my cousin, hes got a green jeep identical to the alt mode, and his wife calls it his "transformer" because you can take it all apart and put it together again. i may have to pick something up while im searching...

[Thrashing]

Originally posted by TrypticOwen
You have Arcee, too!?!:mad::D

I'm going to have to persuade my girlfriend we want to live in NZ.

Do you have many poisonous animals down there?;) (that being my principle objection to Australia)

Actually I didn't end up going and getting Arcee.. that can wait til next payday. They fairly fly off the shelves though, so they'll probably be all gone by the time I get around to it.. Nevermind, I'll just wait for the next shipment :p

I am very surprised that the Alternators don't have a local release in Europe yet.. They've had a local release in NZ for the last 6 months at least. Maybe Hasbro sell a lot of TFs in NZ. The other reason it is surprising is that the Boxes have contact information for Hasbro UK on the back of them (as well as Hasbro Australia, which also handles TF distribution in NZ). Confusing.

If you really want TFs, I'd say the best place to move would be China.. after all, that's where they're all made ;)

As far as the wildlife goes, New Zealand is remarkably free of dangerous animals. There are no bears, wolves, snakes, or big cats. There are only stray dogs, small cats, sheep, goats, deer, horses, possums and.. er... wild pigs. And seals. Oh, and rabbits. The only poisionous things here are spiders, of which most are harmless, except for a few species, the funnelweb spider, and the Red Back (otherwise known as the Black Widow) which has been introduced from Australia (Gr!). I've never seen any of either of these spiders tho... They're not too common down here in Dunedin.. its too cold :)

spider linky (www.otagomuseum.govt.nz/ dyn_documents/poisonous_spiders.pdf )

[TrypticOwen]

It was spiders that I was afraid of...

Still maybe for once I'll be able to make you jealous. On Thursday, I took the plunge and bought myself the Red version of BinalTech Meister.

For the most part, I think it's excellent. Probably the best so far (although I think I still prefer Sideswipe). There are several big improvements on the Smokescreen-style transformation: most notably ratchet joints on the thighs and knees which guide the legs into exactly the right configuration for car mode. The way the arms fold out from under the bonnet has been improved, too, and it's particularly impressive that they managed to make some rear seats. Still, he's not perfect: the ankles won't quite take the weight of all the diecast so he doesn't stand all that well, his waist is quite loose (possibly an isolated problem with mine) and the steering bar that joins together his front wheels falls out quite easily...

Still, he's proved a fine addition to my BT collection, now roll on Xmas so that I can assess alt. SilverStreak!!!

[Angelophile]

Silverstreaks sweet and probably my favourite of all the Alternators, just because he's so true to the original.

I got Grimlock over the weekend, shipped from Hong Kong, along with Meister. I agree, Meister's mechanisms are superior to Smokescreen and Silverstreak, but his legs are kinda skinny. But they're definately better in terms of transformation and the fact that he has rear seats is really sweet.

Grimlock is surprisingly good. I wasn't sure about getting him since I didn't rate the idea of Grimlock as a car, but he's great looking even so, with a unique transformation. He has a weight o him that's really in keeping.

His transformation is hella tricky though. I got him into robot mode okay but it took me half an hour to get him back into car mode.

Damn wordless instructions.

[Thrashing]

Really.. the spiders aren't a problem. At least where I am. I'm not much of a fan of spiders either, so I get where you're coming from. In all my 23 years, I have never seen one (of the poisonous species).. Jeez, listen to me.. maybe I should be working for the NZ Immigration department! ;)

Ok, TrypicOwen, Angelophile, I am intensely jealous of both of you :p Grimmy, Jazz (WILL NOT call him Meister) and Wheeljack are all on my much-wanted list, along with all the other alternators I don't have yet... GR :p

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Angelophile
Silverstreaks sweet and probably my favourite of all the Alternators, just because he's so true to the original.

I got Grimlock over the weekend, shipped from Hong Kong, along with Meister. I agree, Meister's mechanisms are superior to Smokescreen and Silverstreak, but his legs are kinda skinny. But they're definately better in terms of transformation and the fact that he has rear seats is really sweet.

Grimlock is surprisingly good. I wasn't sure about getting him since I didn't rate the idea of Grimlock as a car, but he's great looking even so, with a unique transformation. He has a weight o him that's really in keeping.

His transformation is hella tricky though. I got him into robot mode okay but it took me half an hour to get him back into car mode.

Damn wordless instructions.

A picture's supposed to be worth a thousand words...

I think I'm getting old. As a kid, I had a TF figured out in seconds without recourse to instructions. Now with my Meister out of its box, the best I could do was detch his roof from his legs before retreating further into the box for the instruction manual.

I'm very jealous that you've got Grimlock. If alt. SStreak turns out to be as good as I'm hoping, then I might wait for the Alternators release of Grimmy (if he ever makes it to the UK...).

Spent yesterday wrapping up the huge Gobot Hauler-Bot, a Xmas present for one of my cousins (who I'm hoping to educate in the ways of transforming robots!).

[Angelophile]

Meister I figured out with a bit of fiddling. But Grimlock was an absolute pig. I got as far as removing his sword before I got stuck. ;)

[Thrashing]

You guys realise that the Alternators are a whole lot harder to transform than any G1 transformer don't you? ;)

The alternators are made for us collectors, who are.. you know, adults now. We can handle complicated instructions (maybe). When G1 was out, they made 'em simple for us little tikes ;)

[Angelophile]

Yeah they're made for adults.

Adults still find them a pain in the ass though. ;)

[yamis]

i saw someone that reconfigured some other 1:24 scale trailer to fit onto the masterpiece prime. all it needed was a little paint job, and it was all good.

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Thrashing
You guys realise that the Alternators are a whole lot harder to transform than any G1 transformer don't you? ;)

The alternators are made for us collectors, who are.. you know, adults now. We can handle complicated instructions (maybe). When G1 was out, they made 'em simple for us little tikes ;)

Yeah. I guess I figured that I had got cleverer as the transformers got harder...;)

On the good news front. Rumour has it that Windcharger will get a UK alternators release early next year. Apparently Hasbro UK is avoiding car models that aren't common in the UK, hence no vipers... Not a decision I particularly agree with... Still, Windcharger looks good.

We may also get Swindle and Hound by March.

That still leaves me short an alternator Dead End...:(

[Thrashing]

I says boo hiss to UK Hasbro! Dam foos! As far as I know they don't even sell Vipers in New Zealand (if they even sell Dodge's at all!) and we don't have any problem getting all of them (albeit about 2-3 months later than america.. gr). Those kind of boardroom marketing decisions just goes to show how out of touch with the man-on-the-street that the big-wig execs in businesses and marketing departments are becoming these days...

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Thrashing
I says boo hiss to UK Hasbro! Dam foos! As far as I know they don't even sell Vipers in New Zealand (if they even sell Dodge's at all!) and we don't have any problem getting all of them (albeit about 2-3 months later than america.. gr). Those kind of boardroom marketing decisions just goes to show how out of touch with the man-on-the-street that the big-wig execs in businesses and marketing departments are becoming these days...

It's certainly a shame that Hasbro UK feel that way. But on the other hand, we're so far behind the rest of the world that (if they released all the alternators) it'd take ages to catch up. Anyone who wants them badly enough will get them imported, so won't need the UK release, affecting UK sales. This way, we might even get Windcharger BEFORE Japan and the US, so he should sell well.

Presumably, we will also get the Mazdas in the UK, which might mean I won't have to wait so spectacularly long for a domestic release of Shockwave.

Since I don't particularly like the look of Alternators Battle Ravage and intend to get the BinalTech version of Blue Tracks, the only negative for me about Hasbro UKs marketing strategy is the lack of a Dead End.

I agree, though, that this strategy is totally indicative of a boardroom out of touch with the fans: other toy/model companies sell vipers, kids won't know that it isn't a common UK car (they'll just notice that it looks cool) whereas older collectors will want them all. Hasbro UK even sold both versions of RiD Sideburn who turned into... a viper!!! By every logical yardstick their decision is feeble. However, for me, things seem to be turning out pretty rosey!

Hasbro UK, if you're listening, to make me truly happy why not restore Windcharger's gun barrel? Go on! Pretty please!!!

[Thrashing]

I think a better tactic is this:

Hasbro UK, if you're listening.. You're having the fluff knocked out of you by a subsidiary of Hasbro in a poxy little commonwealth country! The alternators are selling like hotcakes here! Stop being such dumbasses!

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Thrashing
I think a better tactic is this:

Hasbro UK, if you're listening.. You're having the fluff knocked out of you by a subsidiary of Hasbro in a poxy little commonwealth country! The alternators are selling like hotcakes here! Stop being such dumbasses!

:D

Amen.

[Thrashing]

Just one post tonight.. was up late xmas shopping. Just a quick update for all you UK TF collectors..

I bought Energon Arcee tonight from K-mart. They had about 6 other figures on the shelf. Arcee is tiny, but great, with a simple but inspired transformation that results in a great looking alt mode as well as a cool looking robot mode. Only gripe: her weapons are much, much too large for her!

Anyway..

Mua...
...
...
Ha...
...
...
Ha...
...
...
:p

[Angelophile]

*looks as impressed as he possibly can for someone who's had her 4 months already*

Yeah, she is cool. I mish they'd made her a -little- bit closer to the G1 Arcee colours, although I guess pink woulda been a bit silly. Her cheeks are kinda weird too. (The ones on her face. Perverts.)

It's a great design for a basic though and her high stilletto heels are just brilliant. :D

Also insert 'village bike' jokes here.

[Thrashing]

I guess the gloat was mainly aimed at TrypicOwen..

Yea, she is good, but I wish they had left the bit where the energon chip connects to her chest off the toy.. its far too large, and spoils the asthetics ;)

Really, I wish hasbro would go back to basics and stop cheapifying and sometimes ruining the toys with gimmick-bots. Most of the time, the gimmicks just aren't needed, and especially with Arcee, it just looks bad

[TrypticOwen]

I'm back and I'm jealous!

I'm still waiting patiently for E. Arcee to get a UK release (can't be too long now as I saw an Insecticon in Toys'r'us before Xmas...).

Got my Alt. Silverstreak for Xmas. I must say that I'm very impressed. I think the all plastic composition of the Alternators is a considerable benefit (I must admit to getting all misty-eyed and nostalgic over die-cast metal but plastic is a much better material: it's lighter, more flexible and more durable meaning that your transformer is easier to transform, its paint doesn't chip and it can actually stand up). Based on my experience with Silverstreak I shall now buy the domestic alternators releases in preference to BinalTech imports.

Of course we all know that Hasbro UK aren't releasing all the alternators (no vipers, no corvettes...) so I picked up the blue version of BinalTech Tracks a couple of days ago. In terms of the actual mechanics of the toy, he is my least favourite of the BTs so far. A shame really since Tracks was my favourite as a kid... He's far from a bad toy, though. In fact he's a very good one. Unfotunately, I find the way his legs transform to be extremely awkward and the various car mode components dangle off his back in a rather unsatisfactory manner. He's a fine addition to my BT collection, there's no doubt. However, I remain of the opinion that a much better incarnation of Tracks could have been made out of the viper design...

Hope you all had a merry Xmas and a happy new year!

[Angelophile]

Eh, the energon chip thing doesn't really bother me. I just leave them off. The crystal Autobot sumbol looks a lot better in my opinion. Particularly in Arcee's case who looks paricularly odd with a huge lump of translucent plastic strapped to her tits.

I don't think the oversized Autobot symbol looks too bad though.

I've seen pretty much the entire range of second wave Energon figures in the UK now, in Woolworths and Toys R Us EXCEPT Arcee. Probably just a popular figure. I'm kinda regretting not buying Starscream when I saw him though, not seen him since.

Tracks is the only Alternator I want that I haven't got yet. I'm thinking about getting the BT version too but money's tight.

Is he worth spending 30 quid on? Where did you get yours?

[TrypticOwen]

Well I spent £40 on mine. From Forbidden Planet.

The rumours are that Hasbro UK will not release alternators based on cars that are not available in the UK. Hence no vipers and no corvettes. If this is the case and you want Tracks, I guess you'd have to either import a foreign alternator or buy the BT.

Personally, I don't see any reason to get the BT over the Alt. unless you want to get the yellow version or the flame sticker for the hood (I've left mine unapplied - it just doesn't seem right to do that to a BT).

I guess it really depends on how you feel about die-cast metal and what sort of price you can get for an imported alternator version...

I'm slightly concerned about what you said about Arcee. Hasbro UK has been a little jumpy about releasing female TFs in the past. The only occurences of TM2 BlackArachnia in the UK were (I think) imported European stock. I'd be very disappointed if Hasbro UK decided not to release her, but hardly surprised.

Try Waitrose if you're still looking for a Starscream...

[Angelophile]

I expect one will pop up at some point, there's still plenty of the first wave energon toys warming shelves around here.

Yeah, I was figuring I'd need to import Tracks. Hard to find a cheapy one on ebay though.

[Thrashing]

The Transformers section of my local Toy shop is looking very bare at the moment, as hasbro probably don't have any more Energon stock left over, and TF:Cybertron is no doubt gonna be delayed a month or two before it appears in NZ.. dam it all.

You guys heard about the new Hasbro Collectors club?

linky (http://www.transformersclub.com/)

[Angelophile]

Yup, but 80 dollars for one toy and a few magazines doesn't seem good value to me.

[TrypticOwen]

There are rumours that toys'r'us in the UK are not going to stock much more Transformers-wise.

Apparently they are unlikely to carry alternators and, most surprisingly, no more Energon basics. I visited my local Toys'r'us on Saturday and their stock seems to bear this out: no energon basics at all and a load of talking Darth Vader masks had encroached onto shelf space that was previously taken up by TFs.

This is a worrying turn of events. My local Toymaster doesn't seem to be stocking much TF-wise. Woolworths, even, has not been up to its usual stalwart-stocker-of-TFs standard.

I'm concerned that the supply problems with the early waves coupled with the crappy shelf-warming repaints of mediocre Armada toys in wave one may have killed off the interest in Energon.

If you ask me, they'd've been better off saying "nuts to Rapid Run, no-one'll want him anyway. Lets leave him out and push Starscream forward to wave 1". Had they done something similar with Ultra Magnus and Tidal Wave (replacing them with Skorponok and Landmine, say) and Treadbolt (Ironhide still has no Jetfire to combine with...), perhaps matters would be better.

Maybe I'm worrying over nothing. On the other hand, maybe I'll be on the lookout for an American import Arcee...

[Angelophile]

Yeah, Hasbro Uk's decision on which toys to release was pretty off.

Bad news on the Toys R Us front. I haven't checked out mine. Perhaps I should..

The two Toymasters I had near me have both closed down. I assumed that they had all gone under, but perhaps it's just certain regions that they are closing.

That just leaves Woolworths and my local stores don't tend to have muuch shelf space for Transformers and rearely have any.

Definately wishing I'd bought Starscream now..

Hopefully Argos will still be stocking TFs, but I hate the way you don't know what you're getting.

Although Arcos have a half price sale on Megatron/Prime, Omega Supreme/Unicron and the deluxe figures, but my local store had none in stock either.

Grr.

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Angelophile
Hopefully Argos will still be stocking TFs, but I hate the way you don't know what you're getting.

You can ask what they've got - I've done it a number of times, particularly towards the end of Armada when I was searching for Skywarp and Overload. Just fill in your form as normal and when you get to the counter ask what they've got at that price point. They'll phone their stock room who'll look at what they've got and they'll tell you.

I've just checked the website for the Entertainer (www.thetoyshop.com), they're still only stocking wave one stuff. They are normally quite good for TFs - it was from there that I got my RiD bullet trains - so the signs are very ominous indeed...

[Thrashing]

I say don't panic.. yet

My local toy shop in NZ hasn't got many TFs left either. Lots of Omega Supremes tho ;) I think what possibly has happened is that the stores are aware that a new line is coming out soon (Cybertron/Galaxy Force) and the general fan consensus so far is that the new toys are kick-ass looking (especially Vector Prime IMO :D), so they may just have decided to not restock with Energon after the Christmas rush, and instead wait until the new Cybertron toys are available.

Of course the stores are going to have other lines enroach into the TF's shelf space.. its batman figures in my toy shop. It looks bad to have empty shelf space. I'm sure they'll clear the space again.. cross fingers anyway.

[yamis]

im too poor to buy stuff. i need to prioritize.....food comes first

[Finny]

Food before beer?

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Finny
Food before beer?

Always - it lines the stomach!!!

[Angelophile]

Well judging by my local Toys R Us it certainly seems like they're running down their Transfomers stock. All they had was a load of Armada Laserbeaks reduced to a couple of quid, some resissue jazz's for a tenner and about 10 Snowcats and Infernos. No other Transformers at all which, compared to what they had a couple of months ago, would seem to suggest they havent bought anything new in at all and maybe even returned some stuff.

Sucks.

[Thrashing]

Reissue jazz for a tenner?

Well, thats one area where you Brits have one up on us kiwis. We may get the alternators, but I haven't seen a single G1 re-issue yet :(

[Angelophile]

Toys R Us in the Uk have stocked Jazz and Starscream, but no other reissues that I've seen. Usually they're in the sale whenever I go into my local store.

The lack of any Energon figures at all is worrying though.

My local Woolworths had a load of Rodimus and Snowcat figures, but no Starscream.

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Angelophile
Toys R Us in the Uk have stocked Jazz and Starscream, but no other reissues that I've seen. Usually they're in the sale whenever I go into my local store.

The lack of any Energon figures at all is worrying though.

My local Woolworths had a load of Rodimus and Snowcat figures, but no Starscream.

We also had Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, Rodimus Major (:rolleyes: ) and Powermaster Prime. I heard rumours that they were American stock and Toys'r'Us got a bit screwed on the numbers (hence the shelf-warming Jazzs and Starscreams).

My local Woolworths only has some shelf-warming Armada repaints and even Waitrose has started clearancing off its Energon stock (I picked up E. Prowl for £7.31 which I'm hoping to trash to make a kitbash - a hobby I've been planning on taking up for months now).

I don't know where in the UK you live, Angelophile, but you might want to try Waitrose if you have one nearby - mine still had a Starscream the other day, and it'd be cheap (strange that (the John Lewis-owned) Waitrose stocks Energon but the actual John Lewis stortes don't). Co-Op also had a reasonable Energon deluxe selection (including only the second E. Demolishor I've seen) - surprising since they were rubbish for Armada stuff!

I fear, though, my UK friends that Energon in the UK is going the same way as Beast Machines. I blame three factors:
1) Supply problems with the first two waves meant that it was ages 'til some areas of the country (here in Sheffield, we were one of the last, grrr...) even got wave one and that wave two failed to "strike while the iron was hot".
2) Too many repaints of moulds that were bad even for Armada in wave one - staring at shelf warming E. Magnus, E. Treadshot and E. Rapid Run whilst waiting an inordinate amount of time for wave two really brought down the prestige of the Energon line in my estimation.
3) Non-mainstream channel diffusion of the cartoon - it's on Toonami whereas Armada was on Sky One (and occasionally even on evil ITV). I think this is the most significant factor - Beast Wars was on evil ITV (once every other bank holiday at a random time of the morning and punctuated by Mr Motivator but at least it was on terrestrial) whereas Beast Machines was on Fox Kids...

[Angelophile]

That and with Cybertron/Galaxy Force on its way maybe shops are just waiting for the new line...

I don't know of any waitrose store large enough to sell toys nearby unfortunately. I'm glad I'm not desperate for any of the Energon toys.

Alternators are another matter...

[shadex]

Originally posted by Angelophile
That and with Cybertron/Galaxy Force on its way maybe shops are just waiting for the new line...

I don't know of any waitrose store large enough to sell toys nearby unfortunately. I'm glad I'm not desperate for any of the Energon toys.

Alternators are another matter...

when is cybertron/galaxy force supposed to air on tv

[shadex]

Originally posted by sppower
I guess this is a good place to post this. Just curious:

How into the toy aspect of Transformers are you and what do you do with your collection?

Another question: I'm assuming that this forum is going to be mainly about non-movie transformers stuff, right? Or does that belong in the other one?

i don't really collect the toys i only have a bunch of old beast wars toys and i manly just collect the comics ( well not anymore since dream wave is dead) and yeah

[yamis]

Food before beer?

hey, i dont buy it...theres this guy who brings a 24 pack of bud to my friends apartments...i get it there. hey, that reminds me.....

[yamis]

Part One (http://www.deviantart.com/view/14124454/)

Part Two (http://www.deviantart.com/view/14124523/)

Part Three (http://www.deviantart.com/view/14124611/)

I'm Done. (http://www.deviantart.com/view/14124654/)

i remeber talking about this here (http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showthread.php?postid=42723#post42723) and i never put the pics up.

[yamis]

heres one fron tonite: scary (http://www.deviantart.com/view/14137358/)

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Angelophile
That and with Cybertron/Galaxy Force on its way maybe shops are just waiting for the new line...

I don't know of any waitrose store large enough to sell toys nearby unfortunately. I'm glad I'm not desperate for any of the Energon toys.

Alternators are another matter...

I doubt Toys'r'us and their ilk even know what Galaxy Force is.

Argos have consistently picked up each new Alternator release us an exclusive. I'd be very surprised if Windcharger doesn't make it into the new catalogue when it comes out.

As for Hound/Swindle (due in March, apparently), if toys'r'us aren't going to stock them; I don't know who will...

EDIT: Today (18/1/5), transformertoys.co.uk reported that the new Argos catalogue (out on Saturday) will contain Alt. Windcharger and the E. Optimus/Megatron 2-pack. Transformers in the UK is not dead (not yet, at least).

[Angelophile]

Yep, Argos does indeed have Windcharger - pretty surprising considering how it's barely reaching stores in the US yet. Anyway, I just went out and picked up the little baby, which is available in stores even before the catalogue comes out if you know the code.

It is: 372/2220

I got the last one in stock so not sure if they're under-ordering or if a lot of other people had the info too.

[TrypticOwen]

Cool. For financial reasons, Windcharger has gone onto my birthday list rather than being an instantaneous buy...

There are reports that the micromaster protectobots are being released in the UK in Energon packaging.

I continue to eat my defeatist words about Energon flopping in the UK. Still I'll only be happy when I finally see an Arcee turn up.;)

[Angelophile]

Strangely, the Alternators actually seem to have gone down in price. Windcharger was a couple of quid cheaper than Silverstreak.

Nice toy. Not very Windchargerish. I think I prefer to call him by his Japanese name, seems more appropriate.

I did find a ticket stuck to the side of the box listing Wincharger as being 1 of 1 which would seem to indicate very small quantities are being stocked. Hopefully they'll be more readily available.

The box shows Swindle so I guess it's possible he'll be the next release...

[TrypticOwen]

The rumours were to expect both Swindle and Hound in March. I have the BT Hound but I might be tempted by Swindle (even though I said I wouldn't) - especially if his mirrors/steering wheel are less flimsy - the ones on my BT Hound are so bendy I hardly dare take him out of the box anymore, a shame since Hound was one of my old favourites and a G1 toy I always wanted but never got so I was overjoyed when he turned up in the Alternators/BT line-up.

[Angelophile]

I think they're SUPPOSED to be bendy. So they, y'know, bend instead of snapping right off. Like Windcharger's aerial and all that.

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Angelophile
I think they're SUPPOSED to be bendy. So they, y'know, bend instead of snapping right off. Like Windcharger's aerial and all that.

I think you're probably right.

In the case of an aerial, it probably has to be bendy so that it can't take a small child's eye out.

The thing is, I don't see why Hound's _steering wheel_ needs to be bendy, particularly when none of my other BTs have a bendy steering wheel.

[Angelophile]

Um...

Depends on the trnsformation and how likely it is the fragile plastic of the wheel will get damaged during transformation. The more exposed it is, the more likely it is to be made of flexible rubber rather and hard, snappable plastic.

On my Alternators Sideswipe, Jazz and Overdrive (I refuse to call him Windcharger, he's Overdrive in Japan, his head mould is Overdrive's and he's got Overdrive's style, he's Overdrive. Same as Shockblast is Shockwave, Meister is Jazz and so on...) all have flexible plastic/rubber steering wheels, because they are exposed during transformarion and in the case of Overdrive and Sideswipe, if they weren't flexible they would certainly snap with each transformation. Hound's steering wheel and mirrors are also exposed in thisway so better flexible rubber than stiff snap plastic.

The rubber seems pretty strong, I have hours of fun flicking Hound's mirrors back and forth. ;)

[TrypticOwen]

Fascinating, I have the BT versions of Sideswipe and Jazz (or Lambor and Meister ;)) and both their steering wheels are rigid plastic.

As is alt. SilverStreak's which is just as prone to breakage during transformation as Meister's...

Maybe I'm just paranoid about breaking my precious TFs. :)

[sppower]

I have Alternator Sideswipe and the wheel is flexible. He seems pretty sturdy to me and there's been no breakage...

...other than that time I tripped and stepped on his gun. That's the only time something like that has ever happened to me :(

[Angelophile]

Yeah, Alternators Grimlock, Silverstreak, Smokescreen etc have rigid plastic wheels.

The rubber ones look fine and certainly save any breakage problems.

Yeah, you are worrying too much. ;)

[Thrashing]

Alt Hound isn't out in UK yet? Those crazy ppl at Hasbro UK. I've had Alt Hound on my Alternator shelf since October 2004!

[ks68]

I'd love to see a Binaltech/Alternators 2006 Mustang GT convertible. BTW, Ford will be coming out with the Mustang convertible this Spring.

[Thrashing]

Maybe all u UK ppl shuld spam Hasbro UK til they listen to you :p

[Angelophile]

I think that's be tried in the past.

...


They didn't. ;)

[Mr_Magickon]

Since I grew up between G1 and Beastwars and G2 was just the toy, my knowledge of Transformers was extremely limited. My brother, who is 11 years older than me, which puts him about even with a lot of the people on this board(early 30s), was very much into comics and Transformers. He had an extensive collection, of which I have inheirited some, but sadly when he moved he sold his collection to a local comic book store. I almost cried. I have collected G1 over the years in addition to the ones he gave me and I have collected many G2 and Beastwars. I also have odd things like TF books. My brother also had the infamous TF train set, of which most was lost, but I have some of it.

I also have a small collection of diecast cars, regular and signed NASCAR paraphernalia, LEGOs, Green Bay Packers memorabilia, sports cards, TMNT toys, and a large DVD collection.

Wow. That was long....:)

[Angelophile]

Got my Alternators Dead End in the post yesterday. Took long enough to arrive but...

Soooo sweet. Far superior mould and paint job than poor old Sideswipe who looks like an unfashionable brother by comparrison.

Would love to see a Sunstreaker repaint of the mould. But Dead End is one sexy mofo.

[Thrashing]

Here ya go Angelophile:
Alt Sunstreaker kitbash (http://www.tfmaster.com/gallery_kb0047.php)

Anyway, was in my local toyworld this avo and was pleased to see that the TF section has been restocked (with Energon figures)! Hurrah! I was right by joves!

Notible figures were the body, an arm and a leg of the Superion Maximus combiner (more than one figure of each), plus an arm and a leg of Bruticus Maximus (also, multiple figures of each character). I also spotted the Energon Galvatron in K-mart.

Still waiting to see tracks tho (growl, seethe, impatient finger tapping)

[Angelophile]

Well for us UK guys here's a report from Toyfair UK I stole from http://www.tfw2005.com/

"Well I just got back from the toyfair . Heres what to report

Hasbro ARE continuing the energon line albeit at a trickle for now with the added bonus of the Universe combinners (sixturbo represented) having the energon logo slapped onto them . The display showed most of the late wave repaints (except Galvatron, Overcast and quickstrike), Wingsaber and some of the combiner limbs with only steam hammer representing the deluxe central combiner . Apparently the tf representative who i talked to didn't know any exact time they were shipping with the exception of the micromasters in which she stated were out already at about 2.99 - 3.99 pounds sterling .

The alternator stand showed most of the alternator range with the exception of tracks for some reason (the did have a pic of ravage and wheeljack though) An easter egg here is the picture of the RSX police car that was recently swapped around the web is a genuine alternator Unfortunately it still is in its car form (no sign of the robot mode for now ) . One hasbro rep stated they are going to expand on the alternator range this year thanks to the dancing citoren

And heres another easter egg . Hasbro UK have actually got protos of the CYBERTRON line with packaging ! The packaging itself is a cross between Hasbro US's Zoids Fuzors and Takara's own mega scf boxes with good use of metallic blues and greys . Badly mistransformed examples of Vector Prime , Dreadrock and Thundercracker linme the stand along with a big Galvatron sized box entitled.... Starscream! and what will really get your goat is Cybertron starscream's boxart seems colored more akin to Wingsaber than GF starscream . You'll get the idea if you ever visit from today to sunday
The Hasbro rep told me those will start hitting the stores January 2006

Also anyone looking for any universe or masterpiece primes : You'll be better off getting it import Hasbro UK are still mulling about launching the lines in the UK but haven't made a decision yet

Hope this helps any uk transfan decide on whether to buy local or import BTW look out for Simon Furman Saw him today being escorted by 5 hasbro reps High chance he may be a guest speaker at the fair.

So, looks positive for the Alternators and they confirmed Alternators Prowl?

Sweet.

[TrypticOwen]

That's really good news.

Can I take it that Alt. Grimlock will make it over to the UK. Maybe even Dead End?

[Thrashing]

It amuses me how many figures in that toyshow report I saw in town on Friday...

Energon Galvatron on sale NOW in NZ! Muahaha!

[Angelophile]

Well, the Energon Protectobot micromasters are certainly out in the UK. I picked up a full set at Toys R Us on Saturday.

Fairly cool little guys. Expensive for what they are though, but I wanted to treat myself.

[Thrashing]

and what better way to treat yourself than by getting yourself some transformers? :D

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Angelophile
Well, the Energon Protectobot micromasters are certainly out in the UK. I picked up a full set at Toys R Us on Saturday.

Fairly cool little guys. Expensive for what they are though, but I wanted to treat myself.

I checked out Toys'r'us Birmingham while I was there yesterday. They had very little Energon-wise. No protectobots and very little of anything else. Maybe they didn't get their stock yet...

Did you notice if any of the other Energon price points had been restocked when you picked up your micromasters?

[Angelophile]

They hadn't. It seems the Protectobots are about all that's being ordered at the moment.

[Thrashing]

I saw the G1 redeco of Energon starcream in the shops the other day... They're all gone now though. I'm quite surprised by how fast the Energon stock is moving off the shelves in NZ at the moment. There must be some other Transfans here I haven't met yet... ;)

[yamis]

heh. spam.

[Grimbot]

Originally posted by yamis
heh. spam.
spamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamsp amspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspam spamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamsp amspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspam spamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamsp amspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspam spamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamsp amspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspam spamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamsp amspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspam spamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamsp amspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspam spamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamsp amspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspam spamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamsp amspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspam spamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamspamsp amspamspamspamspamspamspamspam

[yamis]

fixin grim's problem...and i picked up alternator silverstreak. though i think im gonna slap some paint on there, make him look like bluestreak. oh yeah, i saw a swindle, but no other ones. TRU sucks.

[Angelophile]

What Grim problem?

I like Silverstreak's paintjob a lot, my only problem with him is his red gun. Yucky.

[Grimbot]

Originally posted by Angelophile
What Grim problem?
I replied to Yamises spams in reverse.

[TrypticOwen]

A few new additions to the TF collection to tell you guys about:
Galaxy Convoy (a Valentine's day present), a very impressive Prime figure, in my opinion. I'm particularly fond of his mouthplate gimmick.
Robotmasters Victory Saber, Convoy (metallic version) and Starscream. Starscream is disappointingly flimsy and he and Victory saber are somewhat lacking in leg posability. Nonetheless, I continue to think Robotmasters are great. The RM-10 Convoy figure is extremely cool and the free DVD had me uttering "Convoy Henshin!" in a Japanese accent for quite some time!
I eagerly await Robotmasters Lioconvoy and am hopeful that they will eventually add Big Convoy and maybe even Star Convoy to the line in the future. Perhaps they might even include someone like Rhinox...

[Thrashing]

Hey TrypicOwen.. help me out here..

What is the deal with RobotMasters? I know absolutely nothing about the line! What's the deal? Is there a toon? Plot?

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Thrashing
Hey TrypicOwen.. help me out here..

What is the deal with RobotMasters? I know absolutely nothing about the line! What's the deal? Is there a toon? Plot?

Well, the toyline combines repaints of some of the more posable G2/Machine Wars figures, a couple of obscure Beast Wars reissues and a few new figures (these being the only ones I've bothered collecting).

I have all six of the new moulds so far released (Beast Convoy, Beast Megatron, G1 Convoy, G1 Starscream, Star Saber and Victory Leo). Size-wise they're on a par with a Beast Wars deluxe. They're all pretty good although some are very much better than others. Some of them come with translucent missile launchers. They mostly do very well on posability, although Star Scream, Star Saber and Victory Leo are a little disappointing in this regard (no knee joints and limited hip articulation).

There's no cartoon (as far as I know) but there is some pretense at a plot. It seems to be along the lines of Universe (not that I'm overly familiar with the Universe plot): characters from assorted different Japanese TF incarnations brought into an essentially G1 continuity via the unfortunately named "blastizone" which I guess is some kind of portal/wormhole.

The toys occasionally come with comics. I don't understand Japanese but a vague plot summary so far would seem to be:
-Beast Wars Megatron turns up and gives G1 Convoy some trouble.
-Beast Convoy turns up and joins forces with G1 Convoy to fight Beast Megatron.
-Smokesniper and Gigant bomb (repaints of the G2 ATB) turn up and give G1 and Beast Convoys some trouble.
-Victory Leo and Star Saber turn up and join forces with G1 and Beast Convoys to fight the new menace.

The DVD that came with RM-10 Convoy contains the TV commercials for Robotmasters, the first comic story with narration and an assortment of battles from the original cartoon and from Beast Wars.

As a line I think "cute" sums up Robotmasters pretty well. As does "cool". For me, the highlights of the line so far are the two Convoys. If you haven't seen any of the toys for this line I'd check out photogalleries of them from somewhere like www.TFkenkon.com. Although most of the good toys from the line have been out for a while now so might be difficult to pick up - I can't find anywhere on the internet that still has the good ones still in stock and consider myself lucky that they turned up (albeit belated in some instances) on import in one of my local comic shops.

All things considered, I really like Robotmasters and eagerly anticipate LioConvoy. I only wish I had enough money to buy all the robotmasters: the G2 Laser cycles, G2 cyberjets and Machine wars 'flip changers' have all turned up as repaints in the line.

[yamis]

dammit....i got silverstreak last week, and on friday i caved in and got windcharger. i dont have the money to keep doing this....but i swear if i see any more alternators (except the decepticon repaints) im gonna have to get them. and im saving up for 20th prime, hopefully i can still order one online. this is a freakin addiction........

[TrypticOwen]

Well, it was my birthday recently.

This yielded alternators Windcharger.

I'm impressed but also a little disappointed. After Silverstreak, I expected all the alternators to feature metallic paint. It would have made such a difference.

It's a shame about the gun barrel, too... I guess I should have bought the Binaltech but I'm a little poor at the minute...

Also, I assume everyone has seen the Alternators concept sketches. It seems that Windcharger's head was originally going to adorn Alt. Wheeljack's shoulders (under the name Overdrive?) and Decepticharge(:rolleyes:)'s head was originally intended to be Windcharger's. It certainly looks more like an updated version of windcharger's head to me.

Overall, I think Windcharger is a good alternator but a little awkward in the knee articulation. The way the boot transforms into his chest is simply genious.

Another one of those floppy steering wheels though, grrrr...

[Angelophile]

I just consider the toy to be Overdrive rather than Windcharger - in the Binaltech story he's identitfed as a strategist, Overdrive's function, as well as by that name and stylistically he's closer to that guy.

I agree, the knees are the weakness. But the transformaion sequence is far superior to the similarly styled Sideswipe mold in terms of tucking the bonnet away.

[Bluestreak 26]

Originally posted by TrypticOwen
Galaxy Convoy (a Valentine's day present), a very impressive Prime figure, in my opinion. I'm particularly fond of his mouthplate gimmick.

I got him for my birthday in February, and man, is he a solid Transformer. I like how easy it is to transform him, yet how good he looks in all his modes. I like the fact that he actually has kickass firepower this time -- like Prime should have. I like his size -- both his basic size and his Supermode size. And yes, his faceplate deal is very cool (though I leave it up all the time, unless he's "injured").

He is worth the money by far.

[Thrashing]

*Waits impatiently for TF:Cybertron toys to arrive in NZ*

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Angelophile
I just consider the toy to be Overdrive rather than Windcharger - in the Binaltech story he's identitfed as a strategist, Overdrive's function, as well as by that name and stylistically he's closer to that guy.

I agree, the knees are the weakness. But the transformaion sequence is far superior to the similarly styled Sideswipe mold in terms of tucking the bonnet away.

I thought the red binaltech Meister would've made a better Overdrive: they share the same bonnet-becomes-chest transformation. Alt. Windcharger has some stylistic nods to G1 windcharger: consider where his bonnet ends up, for example.

I certainly agree that he constitutes an immense improvement over Sideswipe (and indeed, Tracks, who is also similar in a number of respects).

Originally posted by Bluestreak 26
I got him for my birthday in February, and man, is he a solid Transformer. I like how easy it is to transform him, yet how good he looks in all his modes. I like the fact that he actually has kickass firepower this time -- like Prime should have. I like his size -- both his basic size and his Supermode size. And yes, his faceplate deal is very cool (though I leave it up all the time, unless he's "injured").

He is worth the money by far.

I was originally considering waiting for "hybrid style galaxy convoy". I'm quite pleased, now that I have the galaxy force version: the way his fingers form the radiator works better on the larger toy and there is the combination with Liger Jack (and, inevitably, a future second arm), to boot.

Originally posted by Thrashing
*Waits impatiently for TF:Cybertron toys to arrive in NZ*

Unfortunately, the UK won't see Cybertron until January 2006...

No doubt I'll be posting how jealous I am that you have Hot Shot and Red Alert in this thread before long...

I'm still on the lookout for an Energon Arcee, curse you Hasbro UK!!!

[Thrashing]

Hmm.. you mite b waiting a while for Energon Arcee... Supposedly she sold really well. I wonder why? ;) (silly Hasbro, why did they wait this long to make her a toy?)

Actually, I haven't asked Hasbro NZ when Cybertron is coming into NZ. I've been too busy emailing them trying to find out when Alt Tracks and the other alternators are coming to NZ.. with some success too I might add!

For anyone else that lives in NZ and are interested, the alternators assortment containing Autobot Tracks is in the country, and available to order. If your local Toyworld doesn't have any yet, get them to order it in. Apparently the assortment number is 8130000L. I forgot to ask what other Alts are in the assortment.

They also let me know that the next assortment, containing:
Windcharger
Battle Ravage
Shock Blast
and Wheel Jack
is due in NZ Mid-May, so start saving!!

Oh, and TrypicOwen.. I probably won't be posting that I bought Red Alert or Hot Shot.. More likely it'll be that I just bought OP or Vector Prime!

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Thrashing
Hmm.. you mite b waiting a while for Energon Arcee... Supposedly she sold really well. I wonder why? ;) (silly Hasbro, why did they wait this long to make her a toy?)

I don't think she's been released in the UK. I check pretty often and have never come accross one.

I've seen plenty of other wave three toys, I think Hasbro UK may have missed her out (they've been a bit funny in the past about releasing female TFs: eg TM2 BlackArachnia. Silly really since they released TM AirRazor. Moreover the European import BAs sold like hotcakes when they finally turned up).

They've moved on to releasing the combiner limbs now, so I don't really expect to see any Arcees turning up...

Shame really...

[Thrashing]

The combiner bodys are on sale in NZ at the moment.. most of the limbs have been sold already in the local shops :D

[megs4ever]

here is some of my collection

[megs4ever]

pic2

[megs4ever]

pic3

[Wonkimus_Major]

Originally posted by megs4ever
pic3

Nice, but what's with all the bots in the box at the bottom? Are they broken?

[megs4ever]

pic4

[megs4ever]

Some are duplicates, knockoffs and for spare part's.

[Thrashing]

GR! You have Nemesis Prime (RiD Scourge)!!!!!

Thrashing's. (Second)Most. Wanted. TF. Ever.

[bowtie]

My Collection:

Probably around 100 G1 figures including the larger Autobots. As I look back, I can't believe what a whiny bitch I was in order to get them. Most of them are in decent condition, but a few are missing stickers. I painted Dirge flat black with spray paint. And I sadly admit that I never got Optimus, so I painted my Ultra Magnus red :(

1 Armada figure: Blurr

A cheaply made Superion re-mold I got at Big Lots for $5

Alt. Hound and Smokescreen

And........20th Optimus Prime

[Thrashing]

Just got home from Toywold.. And boy is my wallet sore! Damn Punks got waves 5 and 6 of the alterntors in at the same time.. So, of course I had to buy all the ones I didn't already have :D My first Alts in the spangly Red boxes too.. my previous alts have been in the blue boxes...

Sorry 'bout the quality of the pic, cellphone camera is the only camera i have access to atm

My current Alt Collection:
Top Row: Silverstreak, Smokescreen, Hound, Sideswipe, Dead End.
Middle Row: Tracks, Wheeljack, Meister
Bollom Row: Windcharger, Battle Ravage, Shock Blast

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Thrashing
Just got home from Toywold.. And boy is my wallet sore! Damn Punks got waves 5 and 6 of the alterntors in at the same time.. So, of course I had to buy all the ones I didn't already have :D My first Alts in the spangly Red boxes too.. my previous alts have been in the blue boxes...

Sorry 'bout the quality of the pic, cellphone camera is the only camera i have access to atm

My current Alt Collection:
Top Row: Silverstreak, Smokescreen, Hound, Sideswipe, Dead End.
Middle Row: Tracks, Wheeljack, Meister
Bollom Row: Windcharger, Battle Ravage, Shock Blast

I'm jealous.

Particularly of Shock Blast. He and Grimlock are firmly on my wish list.

A couple of days ago I got RobotMasters LioConvoy. Like pretty much every other Robotmaster, he's really cool. His Lion alt. mode is a little ill-proportioned but I guess I can forgive that.;)

Unfortunately, I couldn't find the shiny metallic version - I've been working six miles from home and even further from the city centre which has made it hard to keep track of what Fiorbidden Planet have in stock - I was lucky enough to pick up their last LioConvoy.

I also ordered myself an Energon Arcee over the internet. It should arrive in the next fortnight or so. I don't really like buying American import TFs as I want to give Hasbro UK as much opportunity as possible to bring them to our shelves. However, when it comes to E. Arcee; I think I've given them ample opportunity... It's this sort of experience that tempts me to buy American Alternators or go back to buying BTs (if I can muster the money to do so) - in the UK, we've still only had four domestic-release alternators (of which Swindle is stocked virtually nowhere).

[Thrashing]

Heeheeee :D

Alt Shockblast is really awesome too :p

Well, the only Alts I'm missing now and Grimmy and Swindle.. bot of who I really really want. I have to get me a 20th an Prime too someday

[TrypticOwen]

Picked up four knockoff G1 cassettes this weekend.

Steeljaw, Ravage, Squawktalk and Ramhorn.

There is a fifth KO in the series (Rumble/Frenzy), but they didn't have him:(.

I'll be keeping my eyes peeled, though.

Other than a KO Quake in Wilko's last Xmas (which I didn't bother buying) these are the only KOs I've ever seen. It was quite exciting.

It's a shame they didn't do Beast Box and Rewind/Eject. I would have really liked Laserbeak and Ratbat, too.

I guess all I can do is keep my eyes peeled...

[Overdrive]

Originally posted by TrypticOwen
Picked up four knockoff G1 cassettes this weekend.

Steeljaw, Ravage, Squawktalk and Ramhorn.

There is a fifth KO in the series (Rumble/Frenzy), but they didn't have him:(.

I'll be keeping my eyes peeled, though.

Other than a KO Quake in Wilko's last Xmas (which I didn't bother buying) these are the only KOs I've ever seen. It was quite exciting.

It's a shame they didn't do Beast Box and Rewind/Eject. I would have really liked Laserbeak and Ratbat, too.

I guess all I can do is keep my eyes peeled...
Where did you find all the cassete knock offs?
I've only ever come across the knock off gestalts and triple changers.

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Overdrive
Where did you find all the cassete knock offs?
I've only ever come across the knock off gestalts and triple changers.

A newsagent in Sheffield. They're made by B&J toys (www.bjtoys.co.uk, I think) who supply pretty much any shop in which you'd expect to find crappy toys (newsagents, post offices, Spar, etc...).

Where did you find the gestalts and triple changers?

[Wonkimus_Major]

Last weekend, I found the following G1 TF's at a thrift store for 25 cents each:

Bomburst (had Pretender shell and bot inside)
Scowl (had rubber Pretender shell, robot, and backpack)
G2 Slag in near perfect condition
Bonecrusher
Ultra Magnus cab (plastic wheel version)
Rain Dance
Runamuck
Helicopter part of Battletrap

I kept the ones I needed and the rest went straight to Ebay.

[Frenzy]

Originally posted by Thrashing
Heeheeee :D

Alt Shockblast is really awesome too :p

Well, the only Alts I'm missing now and Grimmy and Swindle.. bot of who I really really want. I have to get me a 20th an Prime too someday

Prime is quality - just do it (if you want the takara one) bf they disappear from ebay as well. :)

Swindle - I'm about to find out as you know. ;)

Grimlock & Shockers (POSSIBLY Wheeljack, Sideswipe & Ravage) and them I'm done...until Prowl comes out.

[Overdrive]

Originally posted by TrypticOwen
A newsagent in Sheffield. They're made by B&J toys (www.bjtoys.co.uk, I think) who supply pretty much any shop in which you'd expect to find crappy toys (newsagents, post offices, Spar, etc...).

Where did you find the gestalts and triple changers?
I found the knock off gestatlts and triple changers in:
1. Shanghai
2. Hong Kong
3. A shop in china town in manchester.
4. They are always on eBay
They were less than £1 in china.
Cost £10 in Manc.
They're not too bad, arms are a bit flimsy on some.

[Wonkimus_Major]

I just won an anniversary Prime on ebay. Finally!:)

I do think the Takara version looks better but I really can't justify spending $200 on a toy, even if it is Prime.

[Pyramid Head]

Yeah!
BT Wheeljack just arrived.:)
Ah, bliss!

[Overdrive]

Originally posted by Wonkimus_Major
I just won an anniversary Prime on ebay. Finally!:)

I do think the Takara version looks better but I really can't justify spending $200 on a toy, even if it is Prime.
$200!!! fucking hell.
My takara MP Prime cost me £46 off eBay
My Hasbro MP prime cost me £65.
Didn't realise they'd increased in value so much.
Know some shops near me are selling them for £80-£85

[TrypticOwen]

Originally posted by Overdrive
$200!!! fucking hell.
My takara MP Prime cost me £46 off eBay
My Hasbro MP prime cost me £65.
Didn't realise they'd increased in value so much.
Know some shops near me are selling them for £80-£85

My MP-01 cost me £80.

Well I say "cost me", it was a christmas present so I actually mean 'cost my parents'.

the only places I've seen 20th Prime have been even more expensive, £85-£100.

I'm in two minds about whether he's worth it. He's an awesome toy, there's no doubt. However, his ratcheting joints can't quite support the weight of all that die-cast if you want to pose him. Mine has been returned to his box (which has pride of place on my TF shelf) whereas my RM-10 still rocks.

[Frenzy]

Originally posted by Wonkimus_Major
I just won an anniversary Prime on ebay. Finally!:)

I do think the Takara version looks better but I really can't justify spending $200 on a toy, even if it is Prime.

Nice one. You can get the longer smokestacks on their own on ebay too. :)

[Wonkimus_Major]

Went to the thrift store yesterday, found these G1 figs:

Wheelie
Cosmos
unknown tank Micromaster
and SOUNDWAVE!

Some other bits and pieces too. Had all, so it all went to eBay.

[megs4ever]

you lucky duck! I am always looking and always come up emty:D

[Wonkimus_Major]

Originally posted by megs4ever
you lucky duck! I am always looking and always come up emty:D

I'm thinking some mom just got rid of her son's old toys. They had a bunch of Thundercats, He-Man, MASK, and Vistionaries too.

They keep putting more stuff out, so I'm going to go back tonight and see if they have anything else.

[megs4ever]

Get me some thundercats and i will gladly pay you on tuesday!;)

[Wonkimus_Major]

Originally posted by megs4ever
Get me some thundercats and i will gladly pay you on tuesday!;)

Well I was never into those, the only one I recognized was Lion-O. I wasn't sure if they were worth anything so I didn't get them...