My Transformers Collection

2009-03-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Popbox Movie Optimus Prime electronic bust

It has been a long while since i post new updates, I am still buying all the regular release but never felt so compelled to post until my recent addition. I been really wanting to get this. Its been along time I wanted to get a Transformer item so much. I have been ploughing through ebays and searching the web. But it just seems so hard to get my hands on one. And of cos at 280 sgd, I just cant bear to part my money with in the recently uncertainly of the economy. Nonetheless, I decide to bit the bullet and go with my heart and shut my brain off. (thats usually the case anyway).

Ok enough of the crap. Lets get to the Optimus Prime himself. Comes in a "Crystal case" box. To showcase the full gory of this Masterpiece.

Its easy to remove him out of the box. No messy wires from the regular Hasbro/ Takara releases. This i must emphasize is a licensed product.

The bust is "transformable" you can decide to display him both in Normal mode and Battle mode. Frankly, I think he has really ugly mouth.. So prefer to have his mouth piece on. but the detailing of the mouth is mindblowing. The manufacturer claim that the entire bust is made out of 40 seperate pieces. Very well sculpt looks mechical and adds lots of depth to it than your regular bust figure.

Apart from all the details to muse about it comes with electronic functions!!! it has light sensitive LED eyes which gets brighter as surrounding gets darker. Check out the video clip.

Its has also a voice recording function that allow you to record your favourite line by our dearest Peter Cullen.. This function I felt was over hype cause you can only record for about 2min of audio and you have only one track. And the original one gets over written when you record a new clip.

As you can see, it is perfect all round. Every parts come together and fit seamlessly. Giving a very mechanical feel.. And made up of diecast and ABS plastic adds weight to the bust ...

I have not found anything I dislike about this..

As you can see the the detailings are mind blowing. The Dial on the side is turnable like the movie. Its a pity i does turn automatically. That would have been given it a "Mech alive" touch to it.

Battle mode.. Face shield on.. The way I like it.......

This is certainly one of my price collection. Not extremely expensive. but truely monumental. my personal celebration to the 25th anniversay of Transformers.

The center piece of my collection.

For some reason, the recent releases seems pale by comparision to the bust. I am not as excited with MP-08 Grimlock which is still sitting in my boot after buying it.. Oh.. SMS just arrive ... Henki Hot Shot, Dinobots and Minibots has just arrived.. I am so so broke..

2009-01-02T21:43:00.000-08:00

Master of the Universe : He-Man Return again.

Yes, The strongest Man of the Univese has return yet again, this time under the line

Master of the Universe Classic. True to it's name he is almost like the He-man we know in the 80s only he is bigger, bulkier, heavier and packed with more articulation.

He-Man, was the very first offical " Favourite Toy" He was my favourite toys for several years until MASK came along. Holding this He-Man in my hands was like dream come through. I have travelled back time. Yes, he almost look like his original counterpart. 2008 Mattel relaunches the franchise in a whole new model, this time very conservatively.

With King Greyskull as a SDCC exclusive. He was selling like hotcakes. Come packed in one of the most special package. The box fold into Castle Grey Skull, and when the door open. It will activate both light and sound.

Shouting " I have the Power" followed by flashes of blue lights mimicking lightings. Definately a must have for all Master of the Universe fans.

Check video below.

In package picture. King Grey Skull was introduced 2002 Master of the universe animation. And for the first time, explain how He-man has his power and how did Castle Grey Skull comes about. I would strongly recommend fans to try watch it if possible.

He-man spot a darker skin tone.

I spent hours fiddling with it. He might not have all the articulation you would wish to have. But sufficient to pose him in most of his signature pose.

By the Power of Grey Skull ......

I have the power. ....

I totally digg this figure. Having said that I still like the 2002 sculpt. And certainly my favourite He-man line. Too bad. Mattel had not given them much articulation to keep cost low..

Coorporate. Don't you just hate them.

2008-04-27T00:08:00.001-07:00

Destron Pretenders : Blood and Dowlos

Recently added these to my arsenal. Not highly sort after so I managed to get them at a reasonable price.

I am closer to complete my Masterforce collection Yeah!!!

2008-04-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

WSTF Collection. Recently, bought a MISB WST G1 packaged Bumblebee, exclusive to to Toy'R'Us .

Wasn't too willing to buy it initially.. but still its now sitting beside my WST Hot Rod.

Can't wait for the rest of my WST dinobots to arrive. Its been so so long since we paid for it.

2008-04-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

Sonic Convoy Gift set

To me this is one of the most "Value for Money Gift set"

The box is really huge about 60 x 50cm x 10cm.. I didnt really measure it. But thats about how big this Giftset is.

Like most Giftset in Takara Transformers after the God Fire Convoy from the Car Robot line in 2000. Comes with special clears parts that and special repaint not avialable in the regular release.

There are 3 figures thats comes in it. Namely

1.Galaxy Convoy

2. Sonic Bomber (Which will merge with Galaxy Conovy to form Sonic Convoy)

3. Rumble retool ( Coby's version)

Beautiful box art that will simply blow you away. And in it pack with toys with huge range of playability.

Lets take a look at Rumble. If you watched the series you will know that Rumble was originally a decepticon drone. Which Coby one of the human character in the show, managed to convert and customized to his very own vehicle.

The retool includes a new head scuplt. (Anime accurate)

In the alternative mode. On one of the legs. you will find Coby's name decorated on it. To to mimic a custom spray job. It even add a wet paint dripping effect to it. Nice touch!!

Like all the figure in the toyline it comes with a Force Chip unlocking gimmick.

When activated by the force chip, and energon blade will spring out from the cannon.

Making him look real menacing.

Lets take a look at Galaxy Convoy.

Unlike the regular release, The GS convoy comes with metalic replaint and transparent parts. Which include but not limited to his Arms, Leggs and body and even the head. It pretty much everything but not his wings and cannons.

Fire Truck mode.

Flight mode.

Robot mode.

Now In my opinion this is one of the best convoy ever produced. It comes with all gimmick that makes Prime, Prime. hahah.

If I recall correctly. He is the first ever Optimus prime that has removable face shield incoorporated into his toy counter part ( Please pardon me if this is not correct)

And the slide fin can be extended side way to give him a new look from his standard Convoy mode. (Resemble very much like those mecha from the BRAVE series )

And Optimus Prime will never be complete without his matrix.

And the Matrix can even be removed!!!

Till All are one. However, I do not recall in the animation where the Matrix were put to good use.

such a pity.

In my opinion, the design of Galaxy convoy is very much influenced by the designs of mecha in the Gundam seed series. which was hugely popular around the globe.

Next, lets take a look at Convoy Sidekick Galaxy Convoy.

Since God Ginrai, most Autobot leaders often comes with the ability to merge with another powerful side kick to boost his fire and flight ability. But it was lost after Victory Saber.

One to be revived in God Fire Convoy, followed by Magna Convoy in Armada, And Wing convoy/Cannon Convoy in Superlink (apologies if I have them named wrongly : its a very forgetable series).

And finally Sonic Convoy.

One of the most Armed Convoy of all time. And he even comes with 2 swords as you will see below.

Cannons activated.

Sonic Convoy merge!!!

2008-04-08T02:56:00.000-07:00

Premium Optimus Prime!!! Finally got him This is truely an unexpected find. I was at Airport and I found him. Woohoo..

He looks so much better than the original release. A little Bat Man-ish if you ask me. But definately more movie Accurate.

And got this too.. A transformers watch.. In a All Spark Cube.

It even comes with a Warranty card for 1 year.. hahah..

2008-04-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet Aveo Autobot SWERVE

Never thought I could own this given that they were originally available for Chevrolet car buyers
and I am not intending to get one ....

But here it is.... Packaging:

Comes in a seal baggy. Hope it will be carded but who cares..

Both side of the Aveo Swerve was protected by Plastic tray.

Car Mode:

Paint job is good. Better that your average voyager line.

Transformation:

It might apear simple but its truely "more than meets the eye", the Transforming sequence is pretty unique and I have seen something quite like the same before especially for the legs..

Nice touch here. I couldn't put it better in words.. So I urge you guys to go get it and try it yourself..

Robot mode:

Aveo Swerve Robot mode has pretty good proportion and packed with articulation you would wanted in most Transformers. Very nice arm and fist too. The fist are open and does not seem to be able to hold any weapons not that he has any.

Head and neck: Due to its unique design he can tilt his head all the way up (90 degree)

And he can even "stretch" his head forward thanks to the movable neck (something you won't usually see in most Transformers figures)

Arm: Ball jointed, You can the arm 360 degrees about the Torso and you can more sideways as well.

Twistable waist.

Legs appear short to me, but with Knee joint, twistable Ankle, Aveo has one of the best lets for the Voyager class.

Apologies for the poor review.. I will try to take more pics a while later.. to do justice to this wonderful piece.

Here's a clip I found on Youtube.

2008-03-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

Grand Maximus-Relingish my fond memories.

I used to own 2 Grand Maximuses, One MISB and one MIB.

After some consideration and need for fund for my marriage I sold one the MIB unused away.

I still regret it today. My advice those considering selling your collection away.
Think twice before you act. haha.

I found these pics in my computer so I though I just post it here.

I am happy to have my MISB C-10 Grandmax with me for now. Till I find a better piece in th future..

And of cos a pic of Brave Maximus.. He is now boxed.. away from the sun..

2008-03-09T03:10:00.000-07:00

Transformers Animated Cyberton Optimus Prime.

This was the first time in Transformers that Optimus prime has a Cybertron and Earth mode with toys produced.

And of cos I am so looking forward to get my own. I seen it on various reviews and I just have to get it. I am a Prime Addict.

Tonnes of it can be found on on Ebay. There must be a serious leak.

Somehow it was interesting , that the animation was aready airring yet none of the toys can be found in retail.

This is so unusual, since the animation was usually used as a form of advertisment or publicity marketing for the toy line.

The only possible reason I could think of was of cos.. its was "officially" leaked.

On one hand, Hasbro is still milking on the toyline from the Movie.

On the other, they want to ride on the success of the movie and aim to capture the childern's attention and build a brand new market base.

In order not to dilute consumer spending capcity, These non-official releases foundd their way to the "market" to keep our interest high..

Ok enough of my Hypothesis. and bull Sh%t... Lets take a look at the toy itself.

When the news of Transformers Animated was first released by Hasbro, I was like..

What the hack is Hasbro thinking. This is a total crap.. in recent years American Animation has taken a serious dive. either they look like Japan Anime copycat.. or they are so stylized that makes you think that animators in the 80s are all dead.

And it all started with Powerpuff girls , and spongebob. next. yucks.. its tasteless humor.

But When i see the Toys from the animation. Oh perhaps it was South Park...

Having said that, I was impressed how the toys look., Optimus Prime looks like he jumped right out from the animation. For the first time He redefine Anime-accurate.

And Cybertron Optimus Prime is a "living" example, along the rest in this toyline.

Again, I have to make myself clear. I really take my hats of the Japanese designers for making this happened. And Curse the currunt animation culture. If Walt Disney is still alive he will be so disappointed. Man.. Just give me G1 animation.

Ok the toys. Standing about 4 inches or 14cm. Prime was small. Even bumble bee from the same assortment has bigger head. of cos you can never talk about scale in Transformers. Despite the animation. Prime looks asthetically good. Huge Torso, big arms and broad chest. Your typical American Action hero.

So much so he reminds me of He-man. (My Orginal He-man was embeded inside my Storeroom so apolgoies for not providing a more suitable comparision.)
A picture speaks more than a thousand words,

Complete with Axe and Shield, I know the designer would have Thrown in a Sword if they could find a way to fit into the transformation.

Bottom line, Optimus Prime has taken on He-man to be the most Powerful Bot in the universe. (well the animation says otherwise.)

Back view. of Prime. Man for a moment you will even doubt if this thing could transform.
Again Kudos to the Japanese.

With this you really have to think if there is something they cannot make.

And the side. No More shell formers YEAH!!! For the first time Prime really looks sexy.

He is so posable. Toys from Animated Batman and Superman ought be thrown into the bin.

He is just so nice and easy to play with.

2008-03-09T01:58:00.000-08:00

Pink Arcee

Thanks to a good friend of mine. I managed to sercure a Pink Arcee for me. However due to my work commitment, I was unable to collect it until this weekend.
But before showing it. I decide to do a small tribute.

Acree across the ages.

And presenting.. Pink Arcee.

2008-03-09T00:23:00.000-08:00

Skylynx- Debox

I just collected my extra piece of Skylynx, I intend to play this with my Son Travis.. of cos he
is still too young and prolly won't appreciate it.

Nonetheless, I can't wait to open it and play it myself. hahaha..

The shuttle was surprisingly alittle offwhite given that its newly produced.

Despite the size of the box. its pretty light.

I have decided not to apply the sticker for now.

The shutter can actually be opened to review the inside. Which I thought was a nice touch considering how long ago it was produced.

Here you get to see the paperworks that comes with it.

And Tank mode.

Liger mode

Both in alternate mode

A short Video clip to show how Sky lnyx move in his various mode.

2008-02-23T18:28:00.000-08:00

Scaled down Fortess Maximus

Bought this when I was at a walking home from Work one day.

It took me a while to decide on this purchase. It cost about 8.9 SGD or about 5 USD.

Very cheap by Transformers standard, but I was thinking what good will this do to my collection. I already have the real thing. And its not that big either amongst my World Smallest Transformers ( Stands about 15cm)

This being a replica is very detailed, and pretty well made. Considering where they are coming from. But I suppose scaling this down from a 55cm Fortess Maximus does help with the details.

My only grouse is that there was a missing flap (Not shown here) behind those torso cannons.

You cant't fault me for not noticing it. its really not visible. And I dont suppose they did any QC with such toy.

Does look brilliant isn't it. From the pic, you prolly can't tell how small it is.

And of cos Cerebro, To "facilitate" in the transformation, you need to get the head out of the way. And no it doesnt transform. If it does it will be too good to be true isnt it?

And here's the back.

And you will ask, how do you attach the head onto the body? Well here's the twist.

Spark plug, I am not sure if thats the correct name for the smaller head. And given the size its pretty detailed. However, due to this it hinders the transformation. So Fortress Maximus can be transform completely into both his shuttle mode nor his Base mode.. But its not something I can't fix, when I have time.

Till then.. I am happy to have him in his Robot mode.

2008-02-23T17:26:00.000-08:00

My latest purchase.

Been reading threads online about local hasbro sales and that there are tonnes for grab ranging
from toys in the Cybertron, Energon and even the Movies series.. and Even collector items
such as Alternator Miester, Wheekjack and Grimlock. And the Best I heard so far was Transformer Movie Master Piece Optimus Prime going at 50 SGD or about 35 USD.

Thats hell of a sale!! But along with such news we have friendly (maybe statisfied) Transformers Fans who reported about the madness and unleashed of raw human rage driven by greed and "hunger" of bargin hunter/ Fans, that practically rampage into carton boxes filled with toys (Contents unknown) hopeful to be the next person to walk away smiling with thier prized find/s. leaving with the rest filled with either envy or anger.

Frankly, there's so much good in this sales, I am tempted to join the brawl and rumble as well.
But now with a family, and time away from work so limited, I perfer to have my time better spent. Some sour grapes as you can sense. But in truth, what would a collector do with toys with boxes that have been rampage, torn and even tattered. When on normal occassion we see local collectors spending hours around a few boxes spotting for the least flawed piece.

Guess I have enough of the whining , here's what I've got recently. And many thanks to a great friend of mine knowing that I have no time to collect my stuff. Delivered the below to my humble home.

The long Awaited Skylynx along with company..

With Skylynx encore, I managed to collect all of Transformers Shuttles without having to burn a hole i my pocket.

Along with Skylnyx come other releases .. the Screen battle series from the Transformers Movie
I have only afford to get 2 of them;
1. Capture of Bumble bee
2. And the other one with Towline with Bumblebee ( I am so running out of place that I still have them keeping in my office)

And talking of the office, I recall, I still have Incinerator, Landmine and 2 x Masterpiece Megatrons still kept there.

Takara Exclusive Black Arcee, Now I am hoping to lay my hands on the G1 coloured Acree (Wonderfest exclusive) wonder how much its gonna cost me.

And finally Group Shot.

Oh the reason why i never mention about the Metroplex, its a replica.. Knockoff.. so not worth mentioning. haha..

2008-02-01T05:08:00.000-08:00

My MISB G1 Scourge has arrived!!!

After weeks of waiting, Scourge finally arrive. And every side of it is worth the wait.
Colour is vibrant, sharp edges and no flab crease!!

2008-01-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

Transformers the Movie DVD Lawson Exclusive Blackout.

This is truly More Than Meets The Eyes. I never expect it tom come in a Carton box of its own.

Nothing was printed on it. Nothing to hint what were contained within.Open the box to see the back of Blackout.

The package was like that of any of those in the mass release. Nothing special.

Extracting it from the carton box, reveal something more refreshing.. The paint job was far better than I ever expected. And comes with more than I have asked for..

1. Lawry Exclusive repaint Blackout.

2. DVD 2-discs . With Embross cover. Certainly a pleasent surprise.

3. A pair of Pin ( Autobot and Decepticons insignia) What could be more appropriate?

4. Spy Changer Optimus prime with Movie repaint..

All of a Sudden, the 190 Sgd price tag no longer feel that expensive, albeit the fact that its the single most expensive DVD I've ever bought.DVD 2 discs special with embossed cover. Simple yet fabulous.
Transformers Pin. Very nicely packaged. This pins could not look any better elsewhere other than where are as above.

2008-01-16T08:43:00.001-08:00

Its been a while since I posted my recent Transformers purchase.

Bought a few stuff lately and really happy with the haul.

First Premium limited Metalic finish Movie Voyager Megatron.
This has been out for while, never really keen to get it. But saw it in http://www.tfh.com.sg/
and decided to get it.

It really looks much better than the orginall release. For those who is still can't if they should get it? Well you should.!!

Bought a few Vintages lately after a long haitus. Prices for Vintages are simply untouchables.
I almost give up hope collecting them.

But lately, after Buying MISB Sky Garry and Blacker from Victory series.. I am being drawn into the Black hole once again.

I got myself a MIB unused Road King, my Masterforce collection is finally completed.

In addition, I just bought a MISB G1 Scourge online, I am so looking forward to own it....

Please check back for pictures.

2007-12-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

Since I havent post much recently decided to post some of the pictures I took a year back before I packed them into carton boxes.

This picture below are some of the vintages I have, I bought a few more since but prices has soared so much after the movie. I just dont find myself as willing to pay for them anymore.

Maybe that might change.. we never know.

Nonetheless, I am truely happy to be a proud owner of a MISB Grand Maximus, MISB Victory Saber and of cos MIB unused Black Zarak. Overlord and God Ginrai.

Well the pretenders are not so impressive. But I have a complete collection of all 4 Pretenders.

My favourite being Metal Hawk and Lander (Mail away special making it a rare piece in the Japan market).
The BIG 4 decepticon, Trypticon, Scorponok, Black Zarak and Overlord.
Some Junior headmasters. Siren and Mineva being the rarest..

At one point I did own 2 Victory Saber giftset, One MISB and the other MIB unused. But I have since sold the latter away to make way for other things in life...

My favourite combiner Lio Kaizer.

Some cheaper recent released...

Micromaster

My cyberton display.

2007-12-01T01:15:00.000-08:00

Revoltech Hot Rod and Starscream

This figures are not released not. But be sure that I am so gonna get them the first minute they are out.

No news yet as too when is the expected release date. But I am sure we don't have to wait for long.

I have mirrored some of the images I can find so far from the web. Lets drool.

The above pics were taken from . http://www.toyskingdom.com.hk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=9669&extra=page%3D1.

Kaiyado's are such great sculpters that everything that comes out from them look exactly like their animated counter parts. And they 1st released

Their first character that came out from their collaboration with Takara on the Transformers line was none other the Optimus Prime. And was sculpt after Dreamwave's interpretation of him.

With Optimus prime out.. Megatron is never too far away.

These figures are so posable I even made 2 stop motion video out of them.

2007-11-09T02:28:00.000-08:00

This is not in my collection

... Yet,

Found this pictures sometime back I to me its the best looking bust I have seen for the Movie Optimus prime. There are so many version of it. None has came as close. The only problem is its just a bust. No full body and of cos can never transform. Still for the benefit of those who visit this site. I am sharing it with you this wonderful bust. Source of picture is from www.tformers.com

2007-11-06T03:44:00.001-08:00

He's got the Touch..He is Hot and he is back.

After years of absence from the Transformers Scene. HOT ROD is back, bigger and better than before.
Rodimus Assembly.

He is Hot but he is Cool, the fury race car transform into a dashing young Punk as Kup has called him in the 1st Transformer movie in 1987.
Now let us take a journey through time to see how he has transformed.

In the movie Hot Rod evolved to become the older but wiser Rodimus prime after he lit the darkest hour of the Transformers with the matrix.

Hot Rod was later rename Hot Rodimus as hasbro has lost the copyright to his name.
Lets take a look at Hot Rod ( I still like to call him that) across generations.

On your left we have the very first HOT ROD. though lacks in articulations, his handsome face was enough to make this toy a wonderful display piece. It was re-issued 3 times. After the first version, a target master version was soon released after, making him a top marks man.

And 12 years after, in the 15th anniversary of Transformer he was re-issued as a commemorative figure. this was how it re-kindle my interest in TRANSFORMERS.

I was at Clark Quay on sunday, my first time there actually . (We used to have a flea mart there a heaven to search for things of the past and bring back lots of nostalgia: sadly it has become a place of nostalgia itself. )

And the one in the Middle was actually my own custom from Galaxy force Excellion. He has many features that ressemble that of Hot Rod. The designers has clearly created this design based on the original HOT ROD with panelling that are loyal to its orignal design. I still wonder why they hasn't name him the same.

And lastly on the right. Classic HotRod, he was an all round improvement to his G1 Counterpart except his face sculpt. It made him look really sad. Perhaps it has something to do with the size of the face. I really detest it. His head also lacks articulation which i desire.

Nonetheless, I still like it alot.

World Smallest Transformers Hot Rod
World Smallest Transformers VS. Micro Master Hot Rod

Light our darkest hour......

G1 Rodimus Prime VS Titanium Rodimus prime.

Transform... For more pics of Titanium Rodimus please go here.
http://mytransformerscollection.blogspot.com/2006_12_01_archive.html

PVC Metaverse Rodimus Prime.

Until next time.. Till all are one....

2007-09-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

Bintech Collection

Today, I decided to revisit this excellent toyline for a friend and colleage, Katsura-san. He showed me part of his collection made up of many beautiful cars. I would also like to introduce him to a wonderful world of Transformers.

A toyline made for adult and car lovers the Binatech.

There are too many excellent pieces for this toyline but I have only time enough to feature 2 figures. Without the transforming instruction manual it took me hours to transform just 2 . Tracks and Mirage.

Same mold different colour and a new head. Vola!! We have Mirage on the left and Hot Rod on the left.

Both of them transformed into FORT GT

TRANSFORM!!!

A closer look at the beautiful car it transforms into....

All Binatechs are 1/24 scale. And like most Die Cast Car model it comes with very detailed interior, completed with steering wheels, Gear stick and handbrakes handle.

Another key gimmick of the toyline is the steering wheels. For all model the front wheels and turn from left to right and both side of the wheels are synchonized like a real car..

Now lets take a look at Tracks and Silver Streak.

Tracks transformed in to a Dodge Viper.

When time allows, I will take more pictures of the rest of my Binatech collection.

2007-09-16T03:19:00.000-07:00

The Ultimate bumblebee

Can't get enough of bumblebee? Here the ultimate assemble of the movie bumble bee.

2007-09-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

Transformers Zone.

Little was known about this series, in fact there was only an Opening episode and the rest of the story was continued in Comic strip. It was 1 year after the Victory Series. This series has later little new characters and all the Decepticons were recycled from older series. To name a few..

King posedon, Trypitcon, Predaking, Overload... and... i can't rem the rest.

At the request of a friend, I am posting some pics of my Transformes collection. But I was too lazy to take them out from my display to show them individual.

And lately, I manged to get the Wonderfest Exclusive. CMS Dia Atlas..

Want to learn more about? Watch the animation here.

Opening

Part 1

Part 2.

2007-09-01T20:36:00.000-07:00

Featuring my favourite purchase of the week.

Bought quite a few stuffs lately.

1. MP-06

2. Voyager Optimus pime

3. Long Arm

4. Transformers Movie G1 Jazz (Redeco)

5. Transformers Movie G1 Starscream (redeco and retool)

7. BT- Electro Disruptor Rujin

8. And my most anticipated CMS MMS Dia Atlas.

Finally I got something the rest of the world are not buying.. CMS Dia Atlas. I will be talking more about it in my Next post.

Lately, everyone seems to be collecting Transformers. there was no exclusivity anymore. About 2 years back, a lot of Transformers collectors seems to lost interest in Transformers and wew talking about quiting. ( I almost gave up too) How things have change in just a few months. With the announcement of Transformers Movie. Fans were filled with anticipation. And when images of the Transformer movie characters were reveal. The movie was faced with so much critisium many fans thought it would be a flop and wanted to boycott the movie.

But when the movie is out. Michael Bay has his last laugh. While Hasbro executives would no longer need botox as their facial muscles must has been numb smiling.

BT18. Rujin, BT at one point was only selling at 1500 yen.. How the world of Transformers has change.. I have to pay 150 for BT 18 and 180 for BT 17.

I could not even buy an extra piece of open it out.... So you guys can only see the box.

2007-09-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Robovision Optimus Prime.

I have feature Robovision Optimus prime before, but I decided that the last time did not do

this wonderful toy enough justice.

To me he is certainly one of the best toy that come out from the Transformers movie toyline.

My limited vocabulary will not do enough justice this wonderful toy. I will let the pictures to the talking.

Comparison with leader class prime.
Alternate mode.

2007-08-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Feature of the Week

The whole town is crazy about the Encore series, but I will not feature that, to me they are another re-run of previous items the only incentives is probably the box design, then again I am sold and bought a set.

And for those who might not be aware, from a reliable source, the next wave will be out sometime in Nov, and this wave will include characters previous release under E hobby collection: Ironhide, Ratchet, Red Alert and a Mystery character.. Let the speculation begins..........

This week, we will feature.. Optimus prime through the age of time..

From right to left: Robomaster optimus prime, Protoform movie Optimus prime, Robomaster Optimus Primus, Robomaster Lio Convoy.

2007-07-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

Tribute to BumbleBee From Zero to Hero..
I must admit, I am not much of a bumblebee fan, never really like him.. find him a sidekick, a little cute perhaps to catch some of the female fans. If you ask any girl or my era if they know Transformers. they would say.. yeah , I rem the yellow car.. Was it Bumblebee?

And he was back with a vengence last year. Still cute but better, in Suzuki Swift. Its a pity he never made it to the Binatech lines. Curse you Volkswagen, Bad decision for not allowing

Takara work on him. (I still have a model kit on VW beatle in my store. Just can't find the time to work on him.

Let me tell you, just lost 2 buyers (My bro and I) under normal circumstances I would never buy a beatle. Being bumble bee could be the only exception and that alone could be convincing.

Too bad.

But my bro has always been a fan, And so for his sake, and of cos being a Transformers fan, I try to get one of each incarnation when ever possible. (And he is still sore that we dont have pretender bumble bee. Gold Bug and action master Bumblebee although... I would rather not have the last unless it was dirt cheap or someone has to kill me unless I buy him. But the fate on bumblebee has changed from a Cute harmless character to a Must buy for everyone in town who has just stepped out of a Transformers movie.
Girls, boys kids alike.. I want Bumblebee. I had such a tough time hunting him down.

In the movie, You can wittness how Bumblebee transit from being a piece of crap to a sleek mean.. Camero. And the toys did just that. In the Toy the 1974 muscle car was looks really good

And thanks to Takara he was given clear window. (Hasbro the American capitalist mindset and cost saving measures decided that we dont deserve that) Depicted below is Hasbro's version. I bought it.. an regret it. If I were you i will hunt for a Takara's 1974 version.

But you just can't say the same in the robot mode. The 08 camero was movie accurate and could achive most of the dynamic pose in the Promotional posters.. while the 74 camero transform into a stick robot.. Yucks..

How check out the Cool 08 Camero. Bumble bee. Go get it. if you havent.

2007-07-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

Putting my extra Bumble bee on sale.

I have hunted for him high an low. And my bro managed to find an extra one for me.

But I am putting him up on ebay. Interested buyers. Please bid for it.

2007-07-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

You saw it in the movie, the producer didnt know its coming.

I just have to make my own. The Blade on Prime's arm

Robovision Prime is really great of display. Yeah he might be pale in paint job but nothing I can't fix. For now.. He will has to stay "original" until I find more time to make him Movie accurate.

As for the blade. I have explored the arm, and it would be possbile to do a retractable one.

Till then he stays this way.

2007-07-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

My purchase of the day.

Never thought I am going to get any Transformers today. It was my normal working day

and it was already close to 9pm. when I receive a call from my good Pal Nigel.

And there I was complaining that all those posts on the forum, eaching declaring themselves

the next proud owner of 2008 Bumblebee. I was devastated.

But Nigel the bearer of light. He lighted my darkest hour and point me to a new direction, I won't have explored.

In the next few minutes I made one of the most important call of the day. ( I spoke to so many Clients today talking about load of values. None was as important as this)

And the best thing is, I managed to get 2 Bumblebees!!!! And one of them goes to Nigel.!!!!

Thanks bro.

On the side note, I told someone about where to get Bumblebee yesterday. And was hoping that he could help me get one too.. but he told me he only have money for one..

True coloured revealed... really sadden when I see his message.

2007-06-30T22:58:00.001-07:00

Just bought new TRANSFORMERS MOVIE merchandise

And if you have just bought the game. And wonder how you can unlock the G1 Characters

Here's how you can do it. you can Unlock Prime, Star scream and Jazz

U= up, D= down , L=Left and R=Right

OPTIMUS PRIME

At any of the Optimus prime stage

press

DDUURRR

STARSCREAM

At any of the Star scream Stage

RDLLDUU

And JAZZ

At any of the JAZZ stage

LUDDLUR

All G1 fans.. Enjoy..

2007-06-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

Optimus Prime VS Megatron Part 2

Its finally live, too me lots of editing and procastination. The shots was done more than a month
back. And been procastinting and each editing took me a while. Actual size of the file was
much bigger with more detailed. But after the compression. All my effort seems to have gone
to waste.

I didn't know how to end the fight. Now TF fans get to decide. Who should win this fight?
Post your comments and thoughts here. I would like to hear from you.

2007-06-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

2007-06-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

More updates on Optimus Prime Vs Megatron 2..

The clip will be ready soon.. Watch this space for updates.

2007-06-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

TRANSFORMERS THE MOVIE GALA PREMIER AND I AM GOING.......

Yes, I've the tickets and I can't wait.

2007-06-02T05:11:00.000-07:00

Transformers the Movie: The Big Haul

I waited this day for a long time. I FINALLY got my hands on the Transformers movie toys.

Actually, I bought a few of thems a few weeks back but I refuse to open them until now.

I've finally got the Piece I was waiting for Leader class Optimus prime. One of the very few toys in the line that I actually think is good. The other is Blackout we will talk about him the next time.

2007-05-12T03:22:00.000-07:00

Production has been slow. Editting each frame is really time consuming. And passion runs alittle low. Nonetheless the show must go on... More update to come soon.. slow it might be but surely will.

2007-05-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

Rght after posting of Optimus Prime VS Megatron video clip, I went on with the production of "Optimus Prime Vs Megatron 2". And this time I decided to give some background seneries. To add a dimension of realism to it. Thus each frames will require more effort.
While it will still be some time before "Optimus Prime Vs Megatron 2" is completed. Here are some of Work In Progress.

2007-04-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

2007-04-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

Revoltech Optimus Prime VS Megatron.

There are so many versions of Optimus prime and Megatron in the 23 years of Transformers history. G1 alone. Each artist/ designer/ sculptor has their own interpretation.

Revoltech took on Dreamwave's interpretation and made it thiers.

I have so much fun playing with them.

I decided that I should take more pictures of them

And I took so much pictures of them I decided to stitch them all together.

2007-04-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

DC Direct 13" Superman Classic

Look, Its Lazerbeak! Its Starscream! No its Superman.

Yes, Superman. He is not a transformers and he shouldn't be in this blog.

And in fact I hardly buy any other toys other than Transformers. This is exceptional (Of cos this is not the first time) LOL.

On a trip to a local flea mart 3 weeks ago. I set my eyes on This Superman. My childhood hero.

There have been tonnes of Superman figures in the market, However, DC directly has been a little disappointing. The 2 Superman figures DC direct 13" ( i.e. Superman Return and Superman (with Clark Kent outfit) ust didn't have what it takes to convince me to . I missed out on HOT TOYS Superman return. Everyone has been saying that he looks really good. But I don't really think that he has the right figure to do Brandon Ruth justice.

I am really hoping that TAKARA has one in the making.

Until then I am really happy with DC Direct 13" inch Superman Classic. On first look at the cover. It does have a little resemblence with THE SUPERMAN Christopher Reeves. On closer look, his out fit looks great and he has the hunky figure to carry it.

The suite is really well made, stretchable and yet don't cause the joints to spring back. Allowing Superman to hold in the pose I want him to.

Up up and away....... Faster than a Speeding Bullet.
I am not good with words. Let the picts do the talking. DC direct Superman Classic, the superman all fans must get.

And till I find more time to play with my Superman. Enjoy the pics again LOL...

2007-04-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I feel compelled to take pictures for my collection. Over the last few months Takara Tomy and Hasbro suddenly realise that they have been neglecting the Decepticons in the Binatech/ Alternator series, previously all the Decepticons releases are usually repaints with a new face/ head. I dont even bother to open them.

Soon after the release of Ravage, in just 1 month Rumble was released (End of Feb 07). Ever so compelled to open them I fight the temptation. Cause.. they dont have anyone to lead them.

Takara/Tomy never fail to satisfy the "needs" of their longing fans. Soon after the release of Masterpiece Starscream, picture of Megatron begin to surface. He is one masterpiece that every TF fans have been waiting for since MP Optimus prime. I am sure prime himself was feeling lonely.

It was a long foreplay. from MP-02 to MP-04, But the wait is well worth it.

I've read some reviews of MP megatron that aren't so positive. I do admit that some of the parts of megatron are sure to fall out. But I dont see how could be more ingenius way of designing this masterpiece. While I am not going to do a review on him ( with so many on the web already I am just going to post some pictures megarton and the rest of those that have been waiting for him.

Friends and Foe.

The fight that every fan has been waiting for. The MASTERPIECE VSX.

OPTIMUS PRIME VS MEGATRON.

Optimus: Feels good Megatron? I would've waited an eternity for this.

Lets take a look at ravage. While he might be a little different from other Binatechs./ Alternators.

1. He doesnt transform into the robot mode.
2. In his alternate mode (Car) the front wheels doesnt swerve from left to right.
3. And there was already a previous incarnation of Ravage (retooled of Tracks)

Now to Rumble, he is shorter than the average binatech/Alternators. And the transformation is far simpler than any of those I have transformed. So is Ravage. Transfomation for both are pretty straightforward.

2007-01-28T03:59:00.000-08:00

Behold!! The arrival of Jet Fire, 21 years in the making. Due to license issue, The original Jet fire has to go through cosmetic changes before appearing in the animation. Thoough it bear teh resemblance of in Toy counterpart. It was substantially "transformed" to look really different from each other.

Through the years, Jetfire has offen appears in many lines of Transfomers, Everytime there is a Plane in the autobot team, he will be named jet fire for better or worst.
But most too most fans.. they are hardly the JetFire they knew.

Finally, Hasbro got the fomular right. They are all out to please the fans this time. they made the Jetfire a hybrid of the original toy and the animated counter part.

Other than the nose cone of Jet fire, he is one dashing fighter Jet. Almost at f-14 Tomcat the plane the original Jetfire was based on. However, to strike a balance between the animated counter part and its alternate mode, the areodynamic of the Jet -mode has to be discounted.
Having said that, I still love the way he looks.Make a guess where will the nose cone be in the robot mode?

A tribut to the original toy. It has even similar feet like that of the original, however, shaped to match the contempory designs of today's fighther jet. A hint of Steath.
Slim aerodynamic design, really putting the Movie Starscream to shame (he has too much access bagage in his under carriage.)
Another tribute to the original toy. Comes with "strike pack" with deployable cannons

2007-01-27T23:36:00.000-08:00

This is one of the transformers ( not including the alternators/ MP) that has so much details and panelling on it. And really resembles that of a model Aircraft, one would assume the panel liners had previously have some experiences making model aircraft. I am truely impressed by the amount of effort invested. And thats not all, flipping the back panel, it reveals more details, which hasbro would previously
omit in most releases. I am more convinced that its money well spent even if I had paid a little more than the Recommended retail price.

And for anyone who had attempted to make thier own custom or scupting, would truely appreicate the effort and thoughts put into Jet fire. If you like the Jet mode you will like the robot mode even more. Its the Jet Fire we never had since it first appearance in 1985.

Power up, armed with shoulder and arm cannon. All ready to kick decepticons butt. The original Jet Fire toy, which is a replica of the marcoss VF-1S. Comes over with the fast pack version. (See post above) , In the macross series, The Super Valkyrie can be armed with has fast pack ( 2 additional bosters- which is what the original Jet fire has. or Strike pack (with has one side of the booster replaced with a Cannon) to enhance the fire power. The takara designers take this a step ahead. The fast pack can be converted into Strike mode with a spring loaded action. And they are inaction both in Robot or Jet Mode.

And Jet fire even comes with a helmet so that he can be anime accurate and be true to its G1 toy version. Once again I must say the designers are really all out to please.

2006-12-31T05:46:00.000-08:00

A Tribute to HOT ROD and Rodimus Prime

The 2nd half of 2006 was a really a year of G1 revisit. Hasbro finally did Rodimus justice, Optimus prime has seen may reincarnations while Hot Rod A.ka Hot Rodiums and Rodimus Prime was mostly forgotten until he returns as a tow truck in Superlink/ Energon.
However, he was pretty ugly in my opinon..
In the year 2o05, Galaxyforce a.ka. known as Cyberton series in US and most part of the world. a character named hot shot was created and much of it was in the shadow of Hot Rod but that was never offical. So I did a custom Hot Rod using Hot Shot mold anyway (as can be seen above) I am sure everyone can see a resemblance.

I guess the designers and some of the decision Makers sense that many fans are really missing HOT ROD and RODIMUS.. so this year we see 3 Hot Rods/ Rodimus prime released this year
1st we have Kiss player Hot Rodimus. Seen below.

Next we have classic Hotrod which has become a hot favourite among collectors. I really love this figure myself I am overall pretty satisfied with all of Classic Hot Rod except for his face.

I mean with all these effort to recreate HOT ROD why can you guys give him a better face? He is afterall the most Dashing robot in Cybertron.

Good thing the sculpter for Titanium Rodimus prime has better sense than the former. I am sure most will agree. Well, let the pictures speaks for themselves.

a c

2006-12-30T16:27:00.000-08:00

Here's a part of my collection..they haven't really been growing, infact it loses some weight lately, I've been selling my precious to my good friends.
See what I have for sale here. http://www.collectionforsale.blogspot.com

On the brightside, I am sharing the fun of transformers and reintroduce them to the world of Transformers and how powerful they have became since they last seen it.

Happy new year to all.

Oh I just laid my hands on Titanium HOT RODIMUS a couple of weeks back. I have yet to open it. Will feature him with Classic hot rod in my next post.

Watch the out.. Feel the touch.

2006-12-27T07:06:00.000-08:00

My friend has been complaining that I have been updating my site frequent enough.. which is true of cos. So i decide to showcase my Transformers book collection. This is one of my favourite series. It bring back hope for a lot of TF collectors to once again own some of the G1 characters without having to pay a king randsom for it. Like all good thing it has got to come to and end.. after 21 re-issues Takara merged with Tomy and we see the end of a promising line.

Bring it back Tomy.. I am still waiting for my dinobots and lots of G1 cars are still not release. Someone give me my Sun steaker and Wheel jack... and so much more..

Among collector we soon realise that what we originally thought as a cheap alternative to G1 vintages soon see a soar in price for several pieces such as "TFC 0" Optimus prime
Soundwave, star scream, and minibots.. And for those who wish to own some of these.. wonderful colleciton. I am putting up my extras for sale. Please visit. http://www.collecitonforsale.blogspot.com

2006-12-03T05:51:00.000-08:00

This is really an exciting time for Tranformers collectors
After a short haitus post galaxy force era, there was no news on new toyline, Binatech has dwindle to some Hentai bundle toy, and gone again was die cast manufacturing. Transformers book collection has stopped too..
Future was bleak for Transformers fans, And images that leaked from the upcoming movies received mixed comments, I personally dont like the look of them. And there is no real trailer to
to prove otherwise.
There was nothing much to look forward too until............ until Classics ROLL OUT!!!
Everyone of them stay true to their G1 counterparts carrying both toy and animation incarnation. Except for Prime who's face fast is a little short from expectation. And mirage suffers from Cerebral sizure due to his shrinking head. the rest pretty much live up to thier expectation or better.

Finally Megatron and Optimus prime can look at each other in the EYE, they are almost the same height. Yeah!!.. After so many versions of both leaders and various toylines, Hasbro finally realise that they should aleast be equal. Megatron often suffers from dwafism until Galaxy force, when Takara decide to give Megatron more plastic to match that of prime.

Will spare decision maker further critism in this post, since they have done a pretty decent job for Classics and if you havent heard of it the Next Masterpiece is gonna be Megatron. Another pat on the shoulder Takara. Thanks for giving the collectors some light. Please light our darkest hour..

Hot Rod and Daniel, (Daniel was from the SCF collection that comes with Arcee. ) Apologise for the poor picture quality. Will take a better shot of them when I settle them into their own display cabinet.
Another shot of Hotrod and Daniel. I am really puzzled, they have spent great effort to remake Hot rod, paying much homage to his G1 counter. Why can't they give him a better head sculpt? The mouth was simply a dash of 2 lines.. Where did the handsome face of the G1 Counter part go? The face he was famous for? I will attempt to redo my own face up when I manage to find time. Do Check it out here.
However, I must admit that it is really a great toy and I thank hasbro for bring Hot Rod back in Style. And along with all the G1 Heros. Thumbs up for the designers and engineers involved.

2006-11-25T05:46:00.000-08:00

Presenting my Takara Masterforce Pretender collection. The first to appear in the Master force series. Though lacks the "God" power of the masterforce. Their agility and Humaniod appearance aways have a place in my heart. Unlike most transformers, which in robot mode carrry "excess baggage" from thier alternate mode. This was however not the case for the pretenders, they look most human with slim limbs.

2006-10-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my "Mini collection"

They might be small but they are good.. This is one case where size doesn't matter. Thanks to their petite sizes. we can packed them in small areas. Despite, thier sizes they are packed with great playability. And since they are small they look really exqusite. If you guys have been missing out. Try to get your hands on them. Their transformation greatly reflects that of their Original G1 counterparts.
The World smallest dinobots you seen here even when they are not authentic. I must say they are really good. They sure carry qualities of one. They are so well done. They deserve a post onf thier own, I should do it over the next few days. Be sure to check it out.
* disclaimer, I am not endorsing thier product neither do they pay me any commission but they are so good. I am proud and happy owner, Authentic or not. Why didn't Hasbro or Takara has such senses?

A glimpse of my Micromaster and minicon collections. Always like to have a huge pack of them.. like a whole pack of army ready for battle..

My little Cybertron I created sometime back but I have to demolish it to give space to my other collection. One day when I manage to find more space, Cybertron will be back, bigger and better.
And here's my vesion of scambled city.. I know its pathetic.. there is simply no space for the rest. I got these Knock offs combiners, Can say much for their playablilty but they sure are nice display pieces if you spend some effort touching up. If I manage to find some time, I am gonna repaint them and perhaps custom alittle to improve they articulation.

2006-10-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

Now we return once again to TAKARA Interview

Different Measures Taken for Domestic and Overseas Versions
When you have the actual product in your hands, you certainly can feel the solid finish of die-cast parts. However, this is only available for domestic versions. Overseas versions use resins for the entire body, and there are some packaging differences as well. It is easy to understand that various options must be considered when it comes to developing a product for worldwide release. We asked for some concrete examples.

Shirakami: We use different materials; die-cast for domestic versions and polycarbonate for overseas versions. There is the obvious weight difference between those materials, but we use plastic parts to support them in both versions, so how we strengthen them without affecting the appearance or the function is very important. We discuss and experiment on a daily basis; such as trying to find places for some pieces where they can be hidden from view.In Japan, we make them durable by using hard die-cast parts, though polycarbonate is used in the overseas versions for the same parts, so the durability needs to be enhanced by the entire structure. Based on these variables, we work on the overall structure and the designs of each part to be used to their limit.

Kobayashi: We considered several cost-cutting ideas, such as making the interior part of the door and the clear part of the window a single piece. We have to share all the molds with Hasbro, save for the ones for die-cast pieces, so the matter of durability is vitally important.The ones I make in the trial stage are merely prototypes with many possibilities. You might say that they are full of a developer's hopefullness that they might be produced somehow. It's all thanks to Shirakami that they are made into the products we can release to the market.

Shirakami: For Kobayashi, Binaltechs are a "beautiful dream", but a person in charge at the factory is said to have called them "a nightmare". This is a well-known episode at the factory. Of course, it was said half-jokingly, but the people who actually manufacture [the toys] come across an extraordinary amount of problems.

Kobayashi: Personally, it's not always fun to create these toys, either. [Beginning of page 116] You could say that I have to reach deep inside my mind to create one; I have to reach my limit. I try my hardest and I ask that my production line does the same, hoping that we can both achieve the very best.

Shirakami: Simply put, it's a matter of cost. They [Hasbro] had a strategy to sell this item for under $20 and could not go over their budget. Also, overseas, solid-looking and expensive items aren't really expected from this sort of toyline. Their primary target age-group is usually grade school children, so I imagine that they considered plastic to be sufficient

Kobayashi: I've already mentioned that we share our molds with Hasbro, which also means that how loose or tight a joint can be is often determined by Hasbro's standards. If it was exclusively for Takara we could make it [tight enough] so that it doesn't come apart easily, but by overseas standards, a joint has to come off when excess force is applied to it. Due to our co-development, there are some points which we have to employ their way.

More of the interview will be posted over the next few days. If you guys are interested in getting the book. I have one on Sale here

2006-10-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

More updates (More pictures) from the Set of Transformers Movie

Now if this is Megatron, he looks bloody awesome.
Another shot of Bumble bee in Robot mode, but where's the legs ? I guess its just for the close up shots as many have suggested.
That is suppose to be bumble Bee' alternate mode. I am really hoping for a Beatle or atleast a mini.. not this..

Optimus Prime in action. Why in the Dessert? Any speculations?

2006-10-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

And now back to the Transformers Interview.

Selection of Car Models and Permission of License

The first prototype Mr. Kobayashi produced for the Binaltech line was based on the character "Meister" [Jazz]. Mr. Kobayashi preferred to begin by making a design of what he personally would like to produce, but his plans hit a brick wall when it came to obtaining license permission from that actual car manufacturer. We asked him how he went about the product development; selecting car models and obtaining their licenses.

Kobayashi: Meister was made as an example for our discussion about manufacturing costs. We had applied for license permission just in case, but basically it was never meant to be. The Corvette we made next was under the supervision of Takashi Kunihiro, and we continued its development under the assumption we would be granted the license. However, at the very last stage, we were denied permission and were forced to store it away for the time being.Bumble [Bumblebee] was the character we made after that. We had planned for it to be both Bumble and Cliff [Cliffjumper], and even drew up blueprints and character designs. Unfortunately, by that stage we could not get the license as smoothly as we were hoping and had to store that design away too.For us, we had wanted to choose models according to the designs of the earlier lines, but in reality, we often weren't able to. We understand that many of the fans were disappointed, but then, so were we. There was even a case where we were given permission verbally but were told "No" at the very last minute, right after we'd finished the prototype. There were numerous difficulties.

This is the first Transformer Mr. Kobayashi produced; "Speedbreaker", one of the Car Robo Brothers from "Car Robots". It was widely praised for being a realistic-looking car that also transformed into a fully articulated and well-proportioned robot ( As can be seen on the picture above)

The reasons they are denied licenses differ depending on the manufacturers. For starters, they often do not understand the concept of the Transformers. Despite Mr. Kobayashi's confidence, the points which the car manufacturers took into consideration were apparently far stricter. [Beginning of page 115]Kobayashi: When we show them a model we have made, we receive some very minute advice, such as "the shape here looks different" or "the curve there is wrong". After all, they make the real cars, inspect their styles and details very closely and consider those important; so I understand that even though we think we've done everything we can to reproduce the car, there are still some details that they won't be satisfied with.In some cases, we have asked them to take a look at our prototypes after we've corrected their fenderlines and such. Sometimes we received approval after the alterations, other times we receive yet another rejection. Once we were rejected because of a small plug-hole on the roof; though, once we explained that it was crucial for a transformation gimmick, they understood. There are various measures we take, and various reactions from them.

2006-10-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

Michael Bay Speaks.............
Everyday, more updates and news about the Transfromers movies secret are slowly let out. Today we hear from the man himself. http://iesb.net/index.php?option=com_d4j_ezine&task=read&page=1&category=1&article=491&Itemid=28 .

1. We know that Transformers has finished Shooting Last night.. Yes!!
2. There will also be a thousands of moving parts when Robot transform.
(Just like how "transformers" transformed into "7.4.7" in the movie teaser)

2006-10-06T01:21:00.000-07:00

A big disaster movie heading our way .. I can sense it the Decepticons are coming

Is that Energon he is holding? Images are from .http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1100
More updates on The Transformers movie. More images of the movie are surfacing. News are flooding in. Make no mistakes, the Transformers are coming and strong..

2006-10-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

Huge updates on Transformers Movie

Is that a Decepticon, What was the alternate mode of Megatron again? A Tank i would risk guessing. Wow I cant wait for The Transformers Movie.

From what Jay has posted, this set to be one of the biggest disaster movie in 2007, with pedestrians running frantically.. Car overturned and smashing into one another. I could imagine the chaos the decepticons are causing, Stomping and flipping any automobile along the way. Perhaps in the effort to force the autobot out of their disguise..( reminiscing scene in Masterforce)

And he was semi suspended by the use of a Crane. I would speculate that He is probably like Huge puppet with Cranes to maneuver his movement. That should applies to all other Transformers characters in the movie.
Huge updates on the Transformers Movie , Thanks to Jay from www.thejay.com he has just posted a huge load of updates on the movie with close up on the "depressing Bumblebee."

Remember to check up the movie clips here http://www.thejay.com/2006/10/03/thejaycom-exclusive

2006-10-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

Now we return to the Transformers interview.....

Selection of Car Models and Permission of License
The first prototype Mr. Kobayashi produced for the Binaltech line was based on the character "Meister" [Jazz]. Mr. Kobayashi preferred to begin by making a design of what he personally would like to produce, but his plans hit a brick wall when it came to obtaining license permission from that actual car manufacturer. We asked him how he went about the product development; selecting car models and obtaining their licenses.Kobayashi: Meister was made as an example for our discussion about manufacturing costs. We had applied for license permission just in case, but basically it was never meant to be. The Corvette we made next was under the supervision of Takashi Kunihiro, and we continued its development under the assumption we would be granted the license. However, at the very last stage, we were denied permission and were forced to store it away for the time being.Bumble [Bumblebee] was the character we made after that. We had planned for it to be both Bumble and Cliff [Cliffjumper], and even drew up blueprints and character designs. Unfortunately, by that stage we could not get the license as smoothly as we were hoping and had to store that design away too.For us, we had wanted to choose models according to the designs of the earlier lines, but in reality, we often weren't able to. We understand that many of the fans were disappointed, but then, so were we. There was even a case where we were given permission verbally but were told "No" at the very last minute, right after we'd finished the prototype. There were numerous difficulties.

2006-10-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

Transformers interview will return after this messages..

I have been traveling back in time to re-live my childhood, thanks to artifact of the past. As a child, I never could afford many Transformers, being one of the pricest toys. But I did afford a few. And managed to own a couple of those transformers catalogs. Which I browse through them over and over again. Dreaming each day how it would be like if I could have them. Figuring out how they transformed. And thanks to the marvel of internet, Cyberworld, they world was made smaller. And in particular, Yahoo Japan auction. And site like this http://www.abidko.com/ that helped me buy what I have always wanted. What I been dreaming as a child.
As work and studies get stressful. One would often seek relief and moment of tranquility and escape in our childhood, where life was less demanding, less stressful, more carefree, more innocent. While time machines has yet to be invented. Internet has.

Through these toys, I found joy. I found tranquility, and for a moment I was a child again. All these will not be possible if I haven't found Japan Yahoo Auction.

Thanks to such wonderful services, I am a proud owner of some of the toys I have always wanted. Here's a sneak peek of what I have. I will be showing more of it in time to come.

Thank you for your attention.

2006-10-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

Takara interview on Transformers Binatech Part II

The project began with differing intentions between Japan and America.
The new Binaltech series was born out of a combination of Japanese and American ideas. Of course, not all the ideas meshed well with one another at first. Mr. Kobayashi, who is in charge of development, describes the process in which they reached a compromise.Kobayashi: Our company [Takara] co-develops with Hasbro Inc. in the United States (Hasbro henceforth), and they first contacted us with the desire to create a line aimed at a generation between children and adults. Hasbro's original idea at that time was that realistic-looking cars would be an instant success, so why not obtain licenses from the actual car manufacturers?Our company, on the other hand, also had a long-standing idea; to remake the toys from our early days. The challenge for Takara was that we wanted to design them with precise reproductions of the car's interior, and with a complicated transformation. Both Hasbro's and Takara's ideas and wishes came together nicely, and we decided to begin the development of the new series.However, Hasbro's initial concept was for something along the size of the "Transformers Car Robot" series that ran in 2000, with simpler transformations. So we relayed our ideas to them, and Binaltech was the result of our discussion.

The first Transformer Mr. Kobayashi undertook was a character named "Speedbreaker", who appeared in the "Car Robot" series. Speedbreaker was one of the "Car Robo Trio" (the three Car Robot Brothers); a realistic car, not unlike a Dodge Viper, that transformed into a fully articulated robot. Speedbreaker's size was approximately 1/32 scale, and while being compact, was popular as a well-proportioned toy in both vehicle and robot modes. However, Kobayashi himself says it was an item which left him with some regrets.Kobayashi: The characters who turn into cars are many times more difficult to create than characters who turn in animals, because they need to have distinct appearances. I had no option but to create Speedbreaker with an asymmetrical design, and I continually doubted whether that would make his robot mode look appealing. I had always thought that a symmetrical design would have been much cooler. So, I for one was very excited to finally turn that into a reality with the Binaltechs.

Thus the project began around 2001 and 2002. The first thing to accomplish was to calculate costs. After that, discussions were begun over the approximate size of the toys, number of parts and their materials. In regards to development and costs, there were more restrictions than with earlier lines; in fact, there were many hardships.Kobayashi: First and foremost, our people calculated the essential costs. Hasbro also had their own estimated costs, and as we talked it over, we eventually settled on a 1/24 scale; which is a standard scale for model cars.After years of experience with products like these, we had a pretty good grasp on the relationship between size and cost. [Beginning of page 114] So initially, we thought that the 1/24 scale would not be possible. However, Hasbro had already been planning for the cost of a 1/24 scale, so that left us to take a completely different view; to think up clever transformations as well as reproductions of the interiors with the least essential number of parts. We thought of potential problems and how to solve them.Shirakami: Binaltechs are larger in size than our earlier toys, and the standards of toy production are different now than they were at the time; considerably more strict. There is less freedom in what we can recreate with this scale. You might think that ensuring the clearance, durability, and such is easier than before, since [a toy is] bigger, but in fact, it's more difficult.Kobayashi: I remember what the employee who made the prototype said; that he couldn't have made it if it wasn't that size. Apparently, that size was the smallest possible scale to reproduce the clearance of each part.Shirakami: I, myself, was worried over how I could put Kobayashi's ideas and prototypes into actual production. I heard that the vendors in China who were in charge of production let out a cry of frustration.Kobayashi: And from Takara's point of view, there was the idea that a smaller scale might be a better option. We suggested to Hasbro a 1/32 scale, but by that time, they told us that unless it were a 1/24 scale at the very least, it wouldn't garner much attention among other merchandise on American shelves. That was the final reason we needed to settle on that size. That also had bearing on later decisions, like using die-cast parts in Japan.The first prototype utilized several ball-joints in order to allow a very complex transformation and create a cool-looking robot. The inalterable portions of the vehicle mode, such as the width of the car or the tires, were taken into consideration to achieve our goal of the best-looking robot mode possible. We even attempted to fit a glittering Spark, the soul of a Transformer, into the hood as one of our details. However, that didn't align with Hasbro's estimated costs and was thus the first thing to be taken off to secure clearance for the transformation.Shirakami: Hasbro has always been keeping a stance of "the cost is the priority". There is a set price first, then we need to produce a toy within the range of that budget. In Japan, we might consider increasing the budget a bit, as we believe a better product will yield better sales. However, in America, they do not think that way. So to meet that standard, we made several sacrifices, such as lessening the parts and simplifying the structures.

2006-10-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

The Takara interview (translation)
The Track to Binaltech Creation

On the Eve of the New Development
Among the numerous Transformer toylines, Binaltechs stand out prominently thanks to their realistic appearance and complicated designs. From their initial release in 2003 to today, a wide range of products have been released. Yet, despite being more expensive than other toys, the line has maintained impressive sales figures.During developement of the new series, there were some conflicts of interest, yet gradually they settled on a single course of action: The decision to obtain licenses from actual automobile manufacturers, complicated transformations never before imagined, and a set of characters to go with them. We asked those employees of Takara if they would tell us about these various factors as well as the origin of the series, the events that transpired, the hardships of development and the production of the toyline.

- Takara Inc., Aoto, Tokyo, December 27, 2004.

2006-10-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

Takara Interview.

It is to me, that the designers, sculpter sand the guys behind transformation sequence of each Transformer Character that earn my utmost respect. They are to me the real genius. Of cos Character creation breath life to each characters. However, in the Binatech / Alternator Toyline. It was solely the Toy Designs that win the hearts of many Tranformers collectors. And introduced the world of Transformers to those who previously thought that they are only toys for the kids in the 80s.

Binatechs / Alternators have been such a wonderful line that it becomes one of the most popular and long lasting toylines ever. First introduced in 2002 it has enjoyed immense success and remain to be one of the most sort after Transformers. And we remain to be one of the most anticipated toyline.

Takara used to release them with Die Cast parts ( Yes, Die Cast when most those that it was a lost technology) However, this was no longer the case when Tomy Took over.. YES, Tomy is destroying Transformers .................

We let us go back to the God Old Days

A couple of years back, a wonderful book called the Complete guide to Binatech was released at the Peak of its' popularity. Unfortunately it was in Japanese. A kind soul translates one of the most important interview (in my opinion) in Transformers history to English making it comprehensive and informative. In this article we were given insights to the path of Binatech creations and many more. And I would share this article with those who are interested, missed it or those who wish to read it all over again.

As it is a long article, I will post them over several days.

2006-09-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Can't have enough of Masterpiece star scream, took a few more pictures of him.
And he comes with loads of Decals Making him truely a robot in disguise. You can really tell
If he is a transformers in this mode. And he beats almost any Die Cast pre-fixed Jet model in the market anytime.

2006-09-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Here are more pictures of Star scream in his alternate mode. Simply impressive. The more I look at it the more I like it. It's simply awesome.. there is no complain.. except for the rear wheels that is a little short of accuracy to the real plane.. but this short comings insignificant and forgivable when the rest of the toy is simply marvelous..

2006-09-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

Finally!!! Got my hands on MP-3 ( Masterpiece Starscream) It's one of the most anticipated toys from Takara this year, in my opinion. Bought MP -04 as well.. Getting it only for the sole fact that it is Prime.

I am truely impressed with the attention paid to the details and panel lining in its alternate mode. He could easily be passed off as a scale model. And the addition of a display stand really bring out the sheer beauty of F-15 (even when I not a F-15 fan)

However, the quality is something i could go on complaining for hours. Even before transforming it, stress makes are visiable in amost every joints. And the effort in colouring this "MasterPiece" is almost unfound. I cant imagine they left the Dr's face Green!!! Please is it suppose to be a masterpiece? I am sure Yamato could have pull off a better job.

And the Green was a tad too much for my liking, I won't have as much to gouse about if it was Grey.

Having said all that, I must admit that the effort invested into designing Starscream is greatly respected and appreciated. Tha and truely the work of art.

Well, Let just let the pictures speak for themselves.

2006-09-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

Its been a while , I post anything on this blog since its creation. I have committed too much time an effort to work on my Victory Saber Custom . Now that I have more or less completed it, I can take some pictures of my Transformers collection.

My favourite transformers series of all time must be MASTERFORCE. and as you will see in the near future, most of my customs are inspired by this series.

But my first post of my collection will have to go to the BINATECHS or Alternators, they are in my opinion the best Transformers toys every built. Intricatedly designed, perfected form in both Robot and Vehicle mode. Staying Faithful to every Car it was mold after be it Honda Intergra, Dodge Viper, Subaru Impreza, Fort Mustang, Wrangler Jeep.. and the list goes on.. Every piece a work of art, a master piece. With each faithful to the actual scale and proportion. Its truely a Transformers colllector's dream. If you haven't heard of it you are missing out alot.

And if you haven't seen it, I am sorry for you. LOL

Ok joke a side, but I have to emphasize that its really a must have for both a Transformers collector and a car lover, because its a good as buying 2 items for the price of one.

Its a pity, Takara has stopped making them in Die cast Iron parts. So anyone who wish to get get your hands on them. DO IT NOW before its gone.

If you noticed the ARCEE figure sitting there, I have to informed you that she does not belong to the official toy line, its a custom-made fully transformerable resin Figure. from Rapid Squirrel Production. More pictures of Acree can be seen at my Custom site. (Do check it out. you will see some of my personal customs.)

And the 2 white robots are from Robotech/ Macross. non-takara product. A Truely masterpiece as well. Want to know more about them? Leave a comment. I will provide more details and pictures.

http://www.jetconvoy.blogspot.com

2006-08-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Its the Year 2000, that my interest for Transformers got rekindled, Transformers was about to end his Beastwar Era.. and Takara ( The maker of the very first wave of Transformers and the Japanese counterpart of Hasbro) celebrate 15th anniversary of Transformers with the release of CarRobot 2000.
The new mold of Optimus Prime aka Fire Convoy caught my eyes instantly. And stole my heart away.. Since then I was on "Fire" and never look back.
I need to get aleast on tf each week.. I was on rampage.. travelling back memory lane.. by back tracing previously release tf toys including Beastwars... War Machine.. and even some vintages which I really like but never buy....

And the Fever only got worse when I grab hold of the TF Movie DVD. I remember how I used to hate it, since prime died and hotrod.. the rookie took over as leader. WTF!!! but it was surprisingly good.. when i get to watch it all over again.. And Man.. I never get sick of it. I have watch it more that 50x.....

How time flies.. they are celebrating 20th anniversaries of TF movies.

In this blog, I wish to share my collections and some of the best TF (IMO) that was ever designed and bulit. To the world of Transformers... Autobot Roll out.!!!