Tag Archives: Titans Return

My Transformer Collection Showcase, Transformatorium

Transformers Collection – Toyline Cards

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To take a little break from cataloging action figures, I decided to catalog my Transformers Trading Cards.

However its been a much bigger task than I thought  Where I thought I had a few hundred, it turns out I have over a thousand!

So I’ve broken my card collection into catagories such as Movieverse cards and TCG cards, and here we are with the 3rd category – Toyline Cards.

 

Transformer Toyline Trading Cards

 

G1 Reissues

*Item #GRTC001:  Decepticon Nautilator

*Item #GRTC002: Overbite

*Item #GRTC003: Decepticon Seawing

*Item #GRTC004: Skalor

*Item #GRTC005: Decepticon Tentakil

*Item #GRTC006: Decepticon Snap Trap

*Item #GRTC007: Decepticon Piranacon

 

Encore/JP Reissues

*Item #ETC001: 16 Special

*Item #ETC002: D-62-S

*Item #ETC003: E-Hobby 68

*Item #ETC004: D-73

*Item #ETC005: D-74

*Item #ETC006: D-75

*Item #ETC007: D-76

*Item #ETC008: D-77

*Item #ETC009: D-78

 

*Item #ETC010: Encore 05

*Item #ETC011: Encore 06

*Item #ETC012: Encore 13

*Item #ETC013: 46

 

Robots in Disguise (2001)

*Item #RIDTC001: Dreadwing

*Item #RIDTC002: Smokejumper

 

Armada

*Item #ATC001: Optimus Prime

*Item #ATC002: Jetfire

*Item #ATC003: Sideswipe

*Item #ATC004: Blurr

*Item #ATC005: Smokescreen

*Item #ATC006: Scavenger

*Item #ATC007: Overload

*Item #ATC008: Red Alert

*Item #ATC009: Hot Shot

*Item #ATC010: Megatron

*Item #ATC011: Tidal Wave

*Item #ATC012: Demolishor

*Item #ATC013: Starscream

*Item #ATC014: Skywarp

*Item #ATC015: Thundercracker

*Item #ATC016: Cyclonus

*Item #ATC017: Predacon

*Item #ATC018: Thrust

*Item #ATC019: Sideways

*Item #ATC020: Unicron

*Item #ATC021: Laserbeak

*Item #ATC022: Laserbeak (2nd unit)

 

Energon

*Item #ETC001: Optimus Prime

*Item #ETC002: Rodimus

*Item #ETC003: Jetfire

*Item #ETC004: Omega Supreme

*Item #ETC005: Prowl

*Item #ETC006: Inferno

*Item #ETC007: Hot Shot

*Item #ETC008: Roadblock

*Item #ETC009: Downshit

*Item #ETC010: Ironhide

*Item #ETC011: Tow-Line

*Item #ETC012: Landmine

*Item #ETC013: Bulkhead

*Item #ETC014: Storm Jet

*Item #ETC015: Grimlock & Swoop

 

*Item #ETC016: Megatron

*Item #ETC017: Scorponok

*Item #ETC018: Starscream

*Item #ETC019: Shockblast

*Item #ETC020: Slugslinger

*Item #ETC021: Barricade

*Item #ETC022: Snow Cat

*Item #ETC023: Demolishor

*Item #ETC024: Steamhammer

*Item #ETC025: Sharkticon

*Item #ETC026: Alpha Quintesson

*Item #ETC027: Mirage

 

Transformers Go!

*Item #GOTC001: Ganoh (robot)

*Item #GOTC002: Ganoh (vehicle)

*Item #GOTC003: Ganoh (combined)

*Item #GOTC004: Kenzan (robot)

*Item #GOTC005: Kenzan (vehicle)

*Item #GOTC006: Kenzan (combined)

 

Henkei! Henkei!

*Item #HHTC001: C-19 Cosmos

*Item #HHTC002: C-19 Warpath

*Item #HHTC003: C-19 Wheelie

 

Transformers Music Label

*Item #MLTC001: Soundwave

 

Thrilling 30 Collectibles

*Item #T30TC001: 1/30 Optimus Prime

*Item #T30TC002: 2/30 Megatron

*Item #T30TC003: 3/30 Ratchet

*Item #T30TC004: 4/30 Starscream

*Item #T30TC005: 5/30 Soundwave

*Item #T30TC006: 18/30 Ultra Magnus

*Item #T30TC007: 19/30 Grimlock

*Item #T30TC008: 20/30 Rodimus

*Item #T30TC009: 22/30 Prime Shockwave

*Item #T30TC010: 23/30 Prime Wheeljack

*Item #T30TC011: 25/30 Prime Insecticon

 

Combiner Wars

*Item #CWTC001: Optimus Prime

*Item #CWTC002: Rodimus

*Item #CWTC003: Wreck-Gar

*Item #CWTC004: Silverbolt

*Item #CWTC005: Alpha Bravo

*Item #CWTC006: Skydive

*Item #CWTC007: Firefly

*Item #CWTC008: Powerglide

*Item #CWTC009: Victorion

*Item #CWTC010: Computron

*Item #CWTC011: Scattershot

*Item #CWTC012: Sky Lynx

*Item #CWTC013: Hot Spot

*Item #CWTC014: Groove

*Item #CWTC015: Windcharger

*Item #CWTC016: Huffer

*Item #CWTC017: Pipes

*Item #CWTC018: Warpath

 

*Item #CWTC019: Megatron

*Item #CWTC020: Armada Megatron

*Item #CWTC021: Shockwave

*Item #CWTC022: Starscream

*Item #CWTC023: Thundercracker

*Item #CWTC024: Thundercracker 2

*Item #CWTC025: Cyclonus

*Item #CWTC026: Skywarp

*Item #CWTC027: Skywarp 2

*Item #CWTC028: Devestator

*Item #CWTC029: Liokaiser

*Item #CWTC030: Onslaught

*Item #CWTC031: Motormaster

*Item #CWTC032: Drag Strip

*Item #CWTC033: Blackjack

*Item #CWTC034: Blackjack (2nd unit)

*Item #CWTC035: Bombshell

*Item #CWTC036: Chop Shop

*Item #CWTC037: Buzzsaw

*Item #CWTC038: Viper

 

Titans Return

*Item #TRTC001: Powermaster Optimus Prime

*Item #TRTC002: Sentinel Prime

*Item #TRTC003: Alpha Trion

*Item #TRTC004: Blaster

*Item #TRTC005: Rewind

*Item #TRTC006: Stripes

*Item #TRTC007: Bumblebee

*Item #TRTC008: Cosmos

*Item #TRTC009: Seaspray

*Item #TRTC010: Perceptor

*Item #TRTC011: Road Burn

*Item #TRTC012: Wheelie

*Item #TRTC013: Chromedome

*Item #TRTC014: Hardhead

*Item #TRTC015: Highbrow

*Item #TRTC016: Hot Rod

*Item #TRTC017: Seargeant Kup

*Item #TRTC018: Blurr

*Item #TRTC019: Broadside

*Item #TRTC020: Topspin

*Item #TRTC021: Twin Twist

*Item #TRTC022: Breakaway

*Item #TRTC023: Windblade

*Item #TRTC024: Twinferno

*Item #TRTC025: Fortress Maximus

 

*Item #TRTC026: Brawn

 

*Item #TRTC027: Galvatron

*Item #TRTC028: Scourge

*Item #TRTC029: Soundwave

*Item #TRTC030: Rumble

*Item #TRTC031: Laserbeak

*Item #TRTC032: Ravage

*Item #TRTC033: Wolfwire

*Item #TRTC034: Skullsmasher

*Item #TRTC035: Mindwipe

*Item #TRTC036: Six Shot

*Item #TRTC037: Blitzwing

*Item #TRTC038: Octone

*Item #TRTC039: Sky Shadow

*Item #TRTC040: Triggerhappy

*Item #TRTC041: Misfire

*Item #TRTC042: Quake

*Item #TRTC043: Krok

*Item #TRTC044: Kickback

*Item #TRTC045: Trypticon

*Item #TRTC046: Gnaw

*Item #TRTC047: Gnaw (2nd unit)

 

Power of the Primes

*Item #POTPTC001: Optimus Prime

*Item #POTPTC002: Rodimus Prime

*Item #POTPTC003: Wreck-Gar

*Item #POTPTC004: Optimal Optimus

*Item #POTPTC005: Elita-1

*Item #POTPTC006: Novastar

*Item #POTPTC007: Moonracer

*Item #POTPTC008: Beachcomber

*Item #POTPTC009: Tailgate

*Item #POTPTC010: Outback

*Item #POTPTC011: Grimlock

*Item #POTPTC012: Slug

*Item #POTPTC013: Sludge

*Item #POTPTC014: Swoop

*Item #POTPTC015: Snarl

*Item #POTPTC016: Slash

*Item #POTPTC017: Windcharger

*Item #POTPTC018: Jazz

*Item #POTPTC019: Inferno

 

*Item #POTPTC020: Starscream

*Item #POTPTC021: Blackwing

*Item #POTPTC022: Dreadwind

*Item #POTPTC023: Rodimus Unicronus

*Item #POTPTC024: Hun-Grrr

*Item #POTPTC025: Blot

*Item #POTPTC026: Rippersnapper

*Item #POTPTC027: Cutthroat

*Item #POTPTC028: Sinnertwin

*Item #POTPTC029: Roadtrap

*Item #POTPTC030: Battleslash

*Item #POTPTC031: Cindersaur

 

Kingdom Cards

*Item #KTC001: Optimus Prime

*Item #KTC002: Nemesis Prime

*Item #KTC003: Blackarachnia

*Item #KTC004: Blackarachnia (2nd unit)

*Item #KTC005: Blackarachnia (scanning)

*Item #KTC006: Blackarachnia (Predacon)

*Item #KTC007: Blackarachnia (Maximal)

*Item #KTC008: Blackarachnia (Maximal) (2nd unit)

*Item #KTC009: Ark

*Item #KTC010: Ark (Decepticon)

*Item #KTC011: Ark (Robot)

*Item #KTC012: Ark 1984

*Item #KTC013: Dinobot

*Item #KTC014: Dinobot (2nd unit)

*Item #KTC015: Dinobot (altmode)

*Item #KTC016: Dinobot (Maximal)

*Item #KTC017: Dinobot (Predacon)

 

Tiny Titans

*Item #TTTC001: 1/12 Ultra Magnus

*Item #TTTC002: 3/12 Terrashock

*Item #TTTC003: 12/12 Autobot Jazz

*Item #TTTC004: 10/12 Grimlock

*Item #TTTC005: 11/12 Crazybolt

*Item #TTTC006: 12/12 Barrage

*Item #TTTC007: 10/12 Perceptor

*Item #TTTC008: 2/12 Repugnus

*Item #TTTC009: 3/12 Wreck-Gar

*Item #TTTC010: 5/12 Filch

*Item #TTTC011: 6/12 Decepticon Fracture

*Item #TTTC012: 7/12 Shockwave

*Item #TTTC013: 9/12 Wheeljack

*Item #TTTC014: 12/12 Autobot Twinferno

*Item #TTTC015: 1/12 Bumblebee

*Item #TTTC016: 2/12 Sky-Byte

*Item #TTTC017: 4/12 Cheetor

*Item #TTTC018: 5/12 Minimus Ambus

*Item #TTTC019: 7/12 Nightstrike

*Item #TTTC020: 8/12 Optimus Prime

*Item #TTTC021: 8/12 Optimus Prime (2nd unit)

*Item #TTTC022: 9/12 Unicron

*Item #TTTC023: 9/12 Unicron (2nd unit)

 

Masterpiece

*Item #MPTC001: MP-3 Starscream

*Item #MPTC002:  MP-5 Megatron

*Item #MPTC003: MP-8 Grimlock

*Item #MPTC004: MP-10B Black Convoy

*Item #MPTC005: MP-11 Starscream

*Item #MPTC006: MP-11 Starscream (2nd unit)

*Item #MPTC007: MP-11T Thundercracker

*Item #MPTC008: MP-11ND Dirge

*Item #MPTC009: MP-11NR Ramjet

 

*Item #MPTC010: MP-11NT Thrust

*Item #MPTC011: MP-12 Lambor

*Item #MPTC012: MP-12G Lambor G-2 Ver.

*Item #MPTC013: MP-14 Alert

*Item #MPTC014: MP-15/16-E Cassettbot vs Cassettron

*Item #MPTC015: MP-17 Prowl

*Item #MPTC016: MP-18 Streak

*Item #MPTC017: MP-19 Smokescreen

*Item #MPTC018: MP-20 Wheeljack

 

*Item #MPTC019: MP-21 Bumble

*Item #MPTC020: MP-22 Ultra Magnus

*Item #MPTC021: MP-23 Exhaust

*Item #MPTC022: MP-24 Starsaber

*Item #MPTC023: MP-25 Tracks

*Item #MPTC024: MP-26 Road Rage

*Item #MPTC025: MP-27 Ironhide

*Item #MPTC026: MP-28 Hot Rodimus

*Item #MPTC027: MP-29 Destron Laserwave

 

*Item #MPTC028: MP-30 Ratchet

*Item #MPTC029: MP-33 Inferno

*Item #MPTC030: MP-35 Grapple

*Item #MPTC031: MP-36 Megatron

*Item #MPTC032: MP-39 Sunstreaker

*Item #MPTC033: MP-45 Bumble Ver 2.0

*Item #MPTC034: MP-46 Blackwidow (Beast Wars)

*Item #MPTC035: MP-47 Hound

*Item #MPTC036: MP-51 Arcee

 

*Item #MPTC037: MP-53 Skids

*Item #MPTC038: MP-53+ Senator Crosscut

*Item #MPTC039: MP-55 Nightbirdshadow

*Item #MPTC040: MP-56 Trailbreaker

*Item #MPTC041: MP-57 Skyfire

*Item #MPTC042: MP-58 Hoist

 

*Item #MPTC043: MPG-01 Trainbot Shouki

*Item #MPTC044: MPG-02 Trainbot Getsuei

*Item #MPTC045: MPG-02 Trainbot Yukikaze

*Item #MPTC046: MPG-04 Trainbot Suiken

*Item #MPTC047: MPG-05 Trainbot Seizan

Card Count: 295

 

OTHER

Cards that don’t fit under any other catagory

 

Top Trump Mini

*Item #TTMTC001: Optimus Prime

*Item #TTMTC002: Cliffjumper

*Item #TTMTC003: Bumblebee

*Item #TTMTC004: Hound

*Item #TTMTC005: Jazz

*Item #TTMTC006: Bluestreak

*Item #TTMTC007: Ironhide

*Item #TTMTC008: Ratchet

*Item #TTMTC009: Grapple

*Item #TTMTC010: Megatron

*Item #TTMTC011: Shockwave

*Item #TTMTC012: Soundwave

*Item #TTMTC013: Frenzy

*Item #TTMTC014: Laserbeak

*Item #TTMTC015: Ravage

*Item #TTMTC016: Grimlock

*Item #TTMTC017: Starscream

*Item #TTMTC018: Cover Card

 

Transformers Collectors Club Australia

*Item #TCCATC01: 5 Ultra Magnus

*Item #TCCATC02: 6 Shockwave

*Item #TCCATC03: 15 Springer

*Item #TCCATC04: 16 Cyclonus

Card Count: 22

 

Transformers Collection – Movieverse Cards

Transformers Collection – TCG Cards

Transformer Toy Reviews

Toys Review – Titans Return Blitzwing and Octone

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The Titans Return toyline has had a peculiar quirk.  To get more toy sales Hasbro has been releasing figures that obviously have other characters alt-modes before those characters get released themselves.  To this end we had a Sentinel Prime which would obviously be retooled into Astrotrain and a Sky Shadow which everyone knew would become Overlord (making some people regretful they spent a fortune on Carnifex).  Now the last two obvious retools have been made and we get a look at Wave 5 which was what we all wanted Wave 3 to be.  So lets take a look at Blitzwing (retooled from TR Megatron) and Octone (retooled from TR Optimus Prime).

 

Blitzwing

MISB – but not for long!

 

Robot Mode

‘Yes the last version of me had a longer and thicker turret, but I have a better personality’

Quite a nice looking Blitzwing and is both well proportioned and easy to pose.  One thing here that is a big plus is he does not come with the shoulder issues that the Thrilling 30 version of him came with.  You can remove the tank turret from his back if you don’t like it sticking up but personally I find it gives him that bit more of a G1 look.  Speaking of a G1 look, its interesting that his Headmaster Titan Master Hazard  looks a lot more like the original toy than what Blitzwing looked like in the cartoon.

 

Tank Mode

‘Stop staring at my skinny turret I said!’

While certainly better looking than the Thrilling 30 version, he suffers from having a big gap at the front with his jet modes engines on display for all to see.  Also the wings would benefit from an extra few millimeters so that they could fold properly down the sides and underneath the tank rather than jut out from the sides.  I quite like the little cockpit sticks up like a blast shield instead of just hiding Hazard within.

Now you are just overcompensating Blitzwing

 

Jet Mode

Fans of the G1 toy rejoice!

A lot more sleek than the Thrilling 30 version.  However instead of having his legs sticking up on the back its got his tank parts sticking out below, much like the G1 toy.  While that’s great for display, it aint great for play and for any kid making him zoom above their heads its quite an obvious design quirk that perhaps could have been handled better.

Good if you want to risk your partner shooting you in the back of the cockpit

 

Octone

 

IDW – say goodbye to all those ‘Tall Tankor’ jokes

Robot Mode

‘Sandstorm, check it out! I’m finally Voyager-sized!’

I think probably the best looking official Octane Octone toy we have had to date (which if you count the Kre-O version makes a whopping total of 4).  He has the taller shoulders reminiscent of the Universe version and the dynamic wings of the G1 version along with the squarish chest.  Once again he is able to be posed fairly easily as well as good articulation.  Would have been nice to see him armed with a shield instead of a second gun.

Tanker Truck Mode

Just damn cool!

Best.  Taker Truck Mode.  Ever.  The G1 version was good but the huge arms at the sides wrecked it and you had to add the huge cover on the back whereas here it is built in.  This tanker mode looks very sleek for a tanker truck, makes the odd colour scheme work well and I love the stripes at the sides.  Only thing is be careful of the stripes – they are stickers, not paint – and are liable to get worn off unless you are careful during transformations.  There is a small unobtrusive cockpit on the top of the tanker for Murk to ride in.

Yeah, put some cannons firing hot plasma right next to all that volatile Energon – there’s a good idea.

 

Cargo Plane Mode

The back is definitely not aerodynamic…

It seems all Octone toys suffer in some form from having a bit that just wont fit.  With the G1 toy it was the arms in tanker truck mode (yes they weren’t great in plane mode either but at least sorta hid under the wings) and with the Universe mode it was that one of the robots arms ended in a vastly oversized melee blade that frankly looked odd at best.  With this incarnation of Octone it’s the cargo plane mode.  The front two-thirds look fine but he has the split truck cab sitting either side at the back, making the G1 plane vastly superior for me.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice enough looking plane but certainly the weakest of his three modes.

… and now neither is the front.

 

Worth your money?

So are these two worth getting?  For Octane Octone I’d say a definite yes.  Despite the drawback of the plane modes rear it is still the best Octane toy we have had to date.  Blitzwing, well, it depends if you have the Thrilling 30 version and how much you like it.  Blitzwing seems destined to never have a normal head again, either sporting three faces of darkness or his skull turning into a little robot and running off.  Personally I’m still glad I got him and he fits in well to my ever expanding Blitzwing family.

Got something to say about these two toys?  Would love to read it in the comments section below!

 

Related Article:

Toy Review – LG40 Astrotrain

Transformer Toy Reviews, Videos

Video: Comparison of LG43 Trypticon and Titans Return Trypticon

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Due to people really enjoying the written review I did showcasing the differences (were there any?) between the Legends and Titans Return versions of Trypticon, I have followed it up with a short video comparison of the two – enjoy!

 

 

Related Articles:

Toy Review: LG43 Trypticon vs Titans Return Trypticon

Transformatorium: Titans Return Trypticon – the simple hip fix!

 

 

Transformer Toy Reviews

Toy Review – LG43 Trypticon vs Titans Return Trypticon

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When I wrote the comparison blog between Takra Tomys Unite Warriors Computron and Hasbro’s Combiner Wars Computron it took me about two days to take all the pictures, write up all the subtle differences and overall decide which set was better.

With Legends Trypticon and Titans Return Trypticon?  I should be done by the end of the commercial break.

 

Here is a comparison of the boxes, the boxes are indeed different.

 

Here are the instructions for the Legends version that have a comic on the back.  That’s kinda different.

To read the English translation of this comic – check it out on Tets Toys HERE.

Here are the sticker sheets.  The stickers are exactly the same, though I suppose the size of the sheet they come on is different, I guess.

Kinda like getting the exact same meal but on two different types of plate.

The way the Legends version and the Titans Return version have been strapped in their boxes is different in layout I suppose.

Takara Tomy packing method
Hasbro packing method

 

Now to Trypticon himself, the differences are…. they are…. um….

‘One of these Cons is not like the other one…. oh wait’

The differences are non-existent!

 

That’s right kiddies – there is absolutely no difference between the two versions – none!  All the things you may have previously been lead to believe, such as the teal was darker and the purple richer in the Legends version are not correct.  That the paint apps are built in and you don’t have to apply stickers like the Hasbro version – false.  The only way I could keep the two from getting mixed up when taking photographs was that I had already applied some of the stickers to the Titans Return version.  The same goes for their smaller partners.

Full-Tilt vs Full-Tilt. No difference
Necro vs Titan Master: Difference in name only

 

In the end I didn’t even bother transforming the Legends version.  I packed it straight back in its box and am going to carefully store it for a decade so hopefully I can in the future sell it (and make back the extra $80 I paid getting it shipped from Japan) as relatively MIB.  In a day and age where toy producers are conscious that some collectors will shell out big money for multiple versions of an expensive toy for even the slightest difference, I was honestly surprised there was none here.  Not even an extra gun like Metroplex or a new hat like Malibu Stacy!

Is one worth getting over the other?  Nope.  The only thing is that some of the Titans Return versions have the dodgy hips (for an excellent way to fix that see HERE) whereas none of the LG43 versions have had that problem reported as yet.  So if the fact you don’t have to worry about this possible defect is worth the extra costs of shipping to you then grab that one.  Otherwise, unless you are rolling in cash and want to have both types of box to display, go down to your local toy store and grab the Hasbro one.

 

‘I’m Trypticon’
‘No, I’m Trypticon!’

 

Got something to add?  Would love to read it in the comments section below!

 

Related Articles:

Transformatorium: Titans Return Trypticon – the simple hip fix!

Video: Comparison of LG43 and Titans Return Trypticon

 

Transformatorium

Titans Return Trypticon – the simple hip fix!

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Trypticon – the big bad!  The latest Titan Figure for the Titans Return line and the biggest Decepticon toy ever created!

However this titan has a titanic problem – his hips!

 

Though they are cropping up far less (still occasionally however) in later waves, the first batch of this toy came with some major issues that were in turn causing major damage to a pretty expensive toy.  These problems were:

1: The springs in the hips were far too strong and causing damage to the workings inside.

2: The teeth on the ratchet system for the hips were too big and would more often than not lock together instead of sliding over one another.

 

There have been quite a few fixes to these problems crop up on various Transformer sites and youtube.  These have ranged from cutting the springs in half to address the strength issue to filing down the teeth of the ratchet.  Some people have even removed the spring and half the ratchet altogether and replaced them with cardboard disks in order to turn the hips into a swivel system.

Well I am here to give you what I believe is the easiest answer to the spring and ratchet problems and guess what?  No cutting, filing or permanent removal of parts is necessary!  Follow the below instructions and your Trypticon will be ready to start smashing bots instead of his own hips in no time!

 

Before I start I would like to thank Grant in Blacktown and Michael in Melbourne for this.  Grant was the one who came across the method of fixing the spring and Michael created the solution to the ratchet teeth issue.  Well done guys – you both rock!

 

Tools:

1 Screwdriver

1 Pair of Scissors

1 Marker Packet

1 Black Marker

 

Method:

Step 1: Remove Trypticon from his box.  Note that his legs come unattached.  Do not attach them yet.  Even if you believe your Trypticon may be one of the ones sans the spring/ratchet issues I recommend being safe rather than sorry. Use scissors to cut the ties and take out the legs.

 

Step 2: Take your screwdriver and remove the two screws from the teal bracket.  Loosen the 3rd screw on top and remove the bracket completely.

 

Step 3: Remove the two screws from the black ratchet cover.  Be ready because the ratchet is underneath and the pressure from the overpowered spring will launch it sky high if you let it.  Have a finger ready to suppress its firing.

 

Step 4: Remove the two parts of the ratchet and the spring.  Now do the same for the second leg.  You should end up with a bunch of parts looking like this:

 

Step 5: Now to solving the problem.  First the spring.  No need to cut it, all you need to do is squeeze it.  10 minutes of compressing and relaxing the spring in your hand will take a bunch of the tension out of it.  Do one spring for 10 minutes and then see if it feels weaker than the spring you haven’t touched yet.  If so then you have done it right.  Personally I find watching an episode of Rick & Morty to be a good timer.  Half way through the episode change to the second spring.  Yes your fingers will get a tad tired (if you are a hardcore Transfan you have probably spent a hefty period of your life doing repetitive hand movements anyway) but persevere.  Once done replace the springs.

 

Step 6: Take your marker and draw an outline of the smaller ratchet piece on the plastic.  Then cut it out with your scissors.  Repeat.  This should leave you with two thin, malleable plastic dics.

 

Step 7: Take one plastic disk and put it on the smaller ratchet piece.  Then place the larger one on top.  The teeth of the ratchet will mush it into place where it will provide that bit less friction for the ratchets future operation.  Repeat with the second ratchet.

 

Step 8: Place the ratchet back on top of the spring and push down into place.  Put the ratchet cover over the ratchet and tighten the screws.  Reassemble the teal piece over the top making sure that the side with the 3rd screw hole is facing towards the back of Trypticon’s legs – it does make a difference when attaching to the main body.

 

Step 9: Attach the legs to the side of the body.  Rotate head and arms and stand up.

 

Step 10:

Go play with your awesome new toy without fear of it breaking itself!

 

And that’s it!  As stated – no cutting, filing or permanent removal of parts necessary.  Once again, many thanks to Grant and Michael.  I got my Trypticon the day he came out in Australia which almost garunteed he was one of the faulty batch and thusly I had been afraid to open him.  Now I can have some worry-free, titan-sized fun, as can you!

Got any other tips on how to fix a faulty Trypticon?  Write them in the comments section below!

 

Related Articles:

Toy Review – LG43 Trypticon vs Titans Return Trypticon

Video: Comparison of LG43 Trypticon and Titans Return Trypticon

Transformer Multiverse Toy Galleries

Multiverse Blurr Toys Gallery

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The sixth of my Multiverse galleries.  Blurr first showed up in the 86′ toyline and animated movie.  We had to until Armada to get another version of him but since then the speedster has taken off once again!

For my review of Titans Return Blurr see HERE

For my review of Combiner Force Blurr see HERE 

 

Individual Figure Pic’s

Name: Blurr
Toyline: Generation 1
Mode: Robot
Mode: Cybertronian Hover Car

 

Name: Blurr
Toyline: Armada
Mode: Robot
Mode: Cybertronian Speedcar

 

Name: Blurr
Toyline: Animated
Mode: Robot
Mode: Cybertronian Speedster

 

Name: Blurr
Toyline: Generations
Mode: Robot
Mode: Sports Car

 

Name: Blurr
Toyline: Rescue Bots
Mode: Robot
Mode: Race Car

 

Name: Blurr
Toyline: Titans Return
Mode: Robot
Mode: Cybertronian Hover Car

 

Name: Blurr
Toyline: Combiner Force
Mode: Robot
Mode: Race Car

 

Comparison Pic’s

Robot Modes
Vehicle Modes
Transformer Toy Reviews

Toys Review – Titans Return Kup, Perceptor & Topspin

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Here we are – up to Wave 4 of the Titans Return toys already!  Today we will be looking the Autobot Deluxe figures from that wave; three figures which featured heavily in the IDW comic ‘Last Stand of the Wreckers’ – namely Perceptor, Kup and Topspin.  The two former will be known to fans of the original 86’ move and associated cartoon but for those not in the know, this is a Topspin based on the 1985 G1 toy rather than the DOTM movie version.  As you will see, he is awesome!

Wreck and Rule!

 

Kup – Robot Mode

“Did I ever tell ya about the time someone turned my head into a little robot?”

No backpack, hollow arms and his colour scheme is too light.  He is a lot more G1 accurate than the previous Generations Kup toy but looks inferior in every way.  His Titan Master (Flintlock – originally a name given to one of G1 Landfill’s Targetmasters) partner is sculpted well to look like a grizzly old coot and the cockpit on the chest and proportions aren’t bad.  It’s just had to get past those awful arms and the substandard colours.  He is just… just too plain.  That said, if the arms were grey he would be an almost perfect representation of how Kup looked in the old Marvel comics!

 

Kup – Vehicle Mode

I’m haulin’ Cyber-Hay to the market!

Very faithful in shape and style to the G1 concept.  It’s a shout out to your nostalgic membrane to see Kup done like this, much in the same way that TR Blurr gave us that same tingly feeling (for a review of Blurr see HERE).  His guns can be placed in the tray of his Cybertronian-ute mode (that’s what I’m calling it anyway) much like the 87’ Targetmaster version of the toy did.  His Titan Master partner fits snugly inside the cab. I would have liked the cab to be a whiteish-opaque rather than clear but what can ya do – at least the cab seems to be on the requisite angle.

 

Perceptor – Robot Mode

I may speak softly, but I carry a BIG sniper rifle!

Nicely proportioned and well articulated.  The microscope cannon on his shoulder is a tad big but t’was the same with the original toy and for the required alt-mode there is nothing much you can do about it.  The colour scheme is spot on as is the transparent plastic on his chest.  He has the hollow forearms which is a shame but what I really like is that he comes with his sniper gun that he toted for a while in the IDW All Hail Megatron comics – very cool!  One minor flaw I found with mine was the socet to attach his Titan Master was very stiff – quite hard to connect and disconnect.

 

Perceptor – Microscope Mode

You don’t need a funny caption – you just need to appreciate that this is cool!

Yeah maybe the Generations version had a bit more playability with a firing missile and a vehicle mode, but for those purists it’s great to get another Perceptor that turns into a microscope!  The proportions are great but a real letdown is that the  the microscope lenses barely work in comparison to the original toy and it’s a shame that its 32 years later and the new toy actually has less functionality than the original, though at least the knob is useable.  Still, a nice looking Perceptor for the purists.

 

Perceptor – Cybertronian Tank Mode

I’m not in the instructions – that’s because I shot the editor!

Was never shown in the cartoon and rarely in any comic but the original Perceptor could turn into a weird tank (hence the tank tracks on the back of his calves) and this one is no different.  Though it’s not listed in the instructions, if one examines the toy you will find some black tank tracks that serve no purpose in his microscope or robot modes.  It looks kinda cool and you can attach his sniper rifles on the side as well as giving Convex somewhere to sit, rather than him just being a specimen for study in the microscope mode.

 

Topspin – Robot Mode

I finally got a cool toy!

Bloody excellent!  What a great looking robot!  Colour scheme and proportions are a big shout out to the original toy whilst making him look as cool as he did in the comics.  The Titan Master head is great – everything about this toy is great, including his two guns (though they could have stood to not be hollow).

 

Topspin – Cybertronian Hovercraft Mode

Who knows what vehicle this is – and to be honest if you like bitchin’ alt-modes you just wont care!

There are not many Generations characters where you think ‘this is all the original toy should have been’ but Topspin encapsulates this sentiment.  They have taken the essence of the original toy and expanded it to be a brilliant looking alien vehicle repleat with guns, cockpit and a bunch of huge thrusters on the back.  This is to my mind the definitive Topspin – certainly makes me glad I skipped that awful FOC version of him released a few years ago.

Flintlock, Freezeout and Convex

“Three Headmasters are better than one. Wait… we are TITAN Masters? OK, disregard”

All do their job well as Headmasters (sorry – Titan Masters).  Each looks sufficiently like the heads of their counterpart robots to complete their assigned task.  Convex looks like Perceptors cartoon model rather than his toy model, Flintlock looks old and grizzled for Kup and Freezeout has a great  sneer going on for Topspin.  Like the three main toys, I find Freezeout to be my favorite the same as Topspin is.  I would put up photos of their robot modes but its not worth it – very little detail and the faces are the same colour as the rest of the body so you can’t even see any definition.

 

Overall

Not a bad wave at all.  I haven’t touched on the Titan Master component of these figures much as it’s all par for the course now – you can swap their heads.  I will say that Kup is worth getting if you want a new version of his G1 alt-mode. Perceptor is worth getting for pretty much the same reason but Topspin is an absolute must have!

Got an opinion about these three Autobots?  Would love to read it in the comments section below!

Transformer Toy Reviews

Legends ‘LG35 Super Ginrai’ vs Titans Return ‘Powermaster Optimus Prime’

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Super Ginrai.  Not just the Japanese version of Powermaster Optimus Prime but a character unto his own right.  Finding himself to be not just an ordinary human but to be an actual Autobot Godmaster (how’s that for a bitchin subgroup name!) who could bond with a Transector in order to don the visage of legendary Autobot leader Optimus Prime and fight the evil Destrons…

… or so the story goes.  It may be a different character technically but in reality it’s pretty much the same damn toy.  The G1 Super Ginrai and Powermaster Optimus had very few differences, even if one was a little Japanese dude obsessed with his big hair in a mech suit and the other was Optimus Prime on steroids.

Here we are 30 years later and we have a similar thing happening.  The (US) Titans Return toy is ‘Powermaster Optimus Prime’ whilst the retooled (JP) Legends version is ‘LG35 Super Ginrai’.  Both toys have their pro’s and cons.  Six months ago I reviewed the Optimus toy (which can be read HERE); today I’m going to give a quick overview of the Legends Super Ginrai version and then most importantly engage in a comparison.  This way you, my loyal readers, will know which to shell out your hard-earned money on.

 

First off – Super Ginrai!

I’m not Optimus Prime, I swear!

Truck Mode

No, I’m not Optimus I said!

Very nice and solid.  Unbeknown to most there is a small screw between the cab wheels you can loosen so that the cab does not have to sit flush with the trailer.  The trailer is very reminiscent of the original toy and the trailer has all the armament that the G1 version did.  The end result is a Mad Max’esque tractor trailer in a world gone mad – nice!

 

Robot Mode

Look, I’m not f*cking Optimus Prime OK!?!

Instead of Ginrai turning into the engine of his Optimus (but not Optimus) mech he now turns into the head. While still a cool concept I liked the engine gimmick better simply as it was that bit rarer.  Very nice proportions, decently articulated and a nice paintjob.  Good overall.

 

Base Mode

And no, I’m not ‘Optimus who got stuck in a particularly challenging yoga pose’ either you f*cking smartass!

Really does not stand up to the original G1 toys base mode.  There are some gun turrets that Ginrai can sit in and all the guns from the other two modes are useable here.  But it looks sparse and everything looks a bit flimsy – like he got stuck in mid-transformation.

 

Comparison between Legends LG-35 Super Ginrai and Titans Return Powermaster Optimus Prime

Vehicle Mode

Ginrai looks a lot more similar to the original toy whereas Optimus looks like an updated version, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  The black guns on the top of trailer work a lot better on Ginrai and his robot feet sit a lot more flush at the back.  I have to give points to Optimus for a new style and Ginrai for a more balanced look.

Base Mode

6 of 1, a half dozen of the other.  Both don’t look flash to me.  There are a few differences with the different chest pieces that come up to be the central seat for the Headmaster. The towers on Ginrai work being put higher due to you being able to place the black guns half way up, something you cant do with Optimus due to his robots hands not rotating.

 

Robot Mode

‘One of these bots is not like the other…’

One of the most significant differences are the ankles.  Ginrai’s have been extensively retooled in order that they pivot better and provide more height.  This makes Ginrai slightly taller than Optimus overall.  Optimus’ hand guns look that bit more impressive but Ginrai is able to hold his better due to maneuverable wrists.  The chest armor is slightly different as well.  Overall I think Ginrai does look that bit better than Optimus here.

 

Apex vs Ginrai

Two heads are…. no, wait, too obvious a joke. I’ll come back.

Apex is the name of Optimus’ Titan Master partner whereas Ginrai is, well, Ginrai but as stated turns into a head instead of an engine.  When comparing the two, Apex transforms into a head which looks a lot like Orion Pax, with the Optimus helmet going over the top.  Ginrai turns into an Optimus head with… er… an Optimus helmet going over the top (the definition of redundant).  So Apex wins the alt-mode race but the robot/human mode race is no race at all.  Ginrai has lots of detail and (even though you probably cant tell with my bad camera) even has a little human face. Apex by comparison has bland colours and a featureless head.

Ones a robot, ones a human in a mech suit. Both have absolutely screwed torsos

 

So who to choose?

Look, I got both because of the displays I wanted to create.  One display is of Optimus Prime figures which turn into trucks and have a trailer so Powermaster Optimus Prime goes there.  The other is robot modes of all the different Generations (and Generations subsets) characters and while I have plenty of Generations Optimus figures I didn’t have a Ginrai one so he goes there.  That said, I still feel like I wasted my money a bit by getting both.  They are just too similar to warrant the expenditure on two Leader-class figures.

If I was to pick one I’d pick Ginrai.  The robot mode is better and the Headmaster partner is a lot better.  Ginrai wins.  But then I guess, if you get both, you can at least join them up in to one super base like I have below!

 

Got something you would like to add to this ‘comparison of toys’ review?  Would love to read it in the comments section below!

Transformatorium, Transformer Toy Reviews

Toy Review – Titans Return Soundwave

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Operation: Soundwave Review

Perhaps even surpassing Megatron, Soundwave is along with Optimus Prime the most recognizable and remembered characters and toys from the 1980’s – even non-TF fans remember Soundwave with a fondess – there was something just so cool about him!  A tape deck that ejected micro-cassettes that turned into animals and robots and was a bad guy had massive appeal.  And here we see Soundwave recreated yet again, this time for the first time as a Headmaster with Titans Return Soundwave.

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 Robot Mode

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It’s lucky that both Blaster and Soundwave are boxy characters, so with a simple palette swap, a new head and a shoulder cannon this does looks like Soundwave rather than a recoloured Blaster (which he is after all).  The proportions are ok though I would have liked to see more articulation.  Nothing beats a Soundwave that can actually bend his arm upwards and press his eject button (aka MP SW).  His gun is from Blaster and for those in the know it looks nothing like Soundwaves regular firearm which is a bit disappointing, but I suppose even Transformers are allowed to change their armament every few million years.

 Tape Deck Mode

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The smartest thing they did here was to change the way the speakers look.  It now looks like a tape deck from the early nineties rather than a proper Ghetto Blaster (all you kids born this century, you might have to do some research here to know what I am talking about).  The mode looks better than I thought it would; it looks sleek and somber, just a shame there is the odd little gap here and there.

 Base Mode

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This mode suits Soundwave far more than Blaster (who I still maintain should have turned into a DJ booth with dance floor.  For a review of TR Blaster – see HERE).   The darker colour scheme works for the mode as well as the extra cannon.  Overall better than I expected.

 Soundblaster

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For those that didn’t follow the JP G1 cartoon, Soundwave and Blaster killed each other but got rebuilt by their respective leaders, Soundwave turning into Soundblaster (the only difference with the toy besides a darker colour scheme was it could hold 2 cassettes).  Soundblaster has been brought back here but this time as Soundwaves head.  The funny thing is that they redid the face on his back to look like Soundwave, as well as his little head, but the legs are still those of Twin Cast (Blasters Headmaster partner) with the speakers on the front.  Since it would not have affected the face, they should have made his front much darker to represent Soundblaster more.

 Transformation

No change from Blaster.  If you haven’t converted Blaster know that this figure isn’t difficult for a leader class figure.  There is no real challenge here, however transforming him for the first time you have to engage your brain to turn him in to what is a reasonably two dimensional alt-mode as the Tape Deck.  Conversion to base mode is very straight forward.

Overall

Soundwave is one of two figures which can be said to be a crossover between Combiner Wars and Titans Return, given that CW Buzzsaw can be put into TR Soundwave in both Robot and Tape Deck modes.  Interestingly in the instructions it only mentions him being compatible with the upcoming Laserbeak and Ravage, most likely as these toys are to be released soon (bet Hasbro is just thrilled with IDW for having killed Ravage 6 weeks ago in MTMTE #55).  The fact you can insert these smaller figures into him along with the Headmaster gimmick and he is a triple changer means there is a lot of playability with this figure.  While certainly not the ultimate Soundwave toy, on the whole this one is pretty good and it’s nice to see Soundwave once again as a musical device rather than a van or truck.

Got your own thoughts on Titans Return Soundwave?  Would love to hear them in the comments section below!

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Transformer Toy Reviews

Toy Review – Titans Return Blurr, Hardhead, Scourge and Skullsmasher

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The third in my reviews of the first wave of the new Titans Return toyline, today we are looking at the Deluxe figures.  This is the only size that is evenly distributed, two Autobots and two Decepticons.  And like the Voyager line they all have Cybertronian alt-modes.  So lets have a look at what is predominantly the cast list from Seasons 3 & 4 of a cartoon decades old – Blurr, Hardhead, Scourge and Skullsmasher.

 

Blurr – Robot Mode

The fastest bot in all Cyber-Mexico!DSCF5579

The fastest bot in all Cyber-Mexico!

Whilst not as tall and lanky as the original it does look really good.  You can position the noscone from the hovercar mode either on his arm to simulate the shield the original toy (and the Animated toy) had, or you can put it on his back to simulate the original toys backpack which is where it is supposed to go anyway for transformation.  Very easy to pose with lots of points of articulation.

Hardhead – Robot Mode

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Very indicative of the G1 version of the character. I think it’s a nice touch that you can maneuver the cannon on his back to sit up or over the shoulder. Quite good articulation, well proportioned, good colour scheme, poseable.   Only downside is his size – he could stand to be a bit bigger, especially when compared to his G1 and Universe incarnations.

Skullsmasher – Robot Mode

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The eyes on Grax are a bit too dark, and while this simulates the G1 toy I think the Takara head looks better.  The tail, like the G1 toy, becomes a hand weapon but it’s a bit too big and can’t really be positioned on any great angle.  Out of the four new Titans Return deluxes he is certainly the weakest of the four.  Also his alligator claws come off really easy in this mode.

Scourge – Robot Mode

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Fracas is a bit too boxy and the laser on the top doesn’t stick up enough to be properly noticeable.  Besides that this is a pretty good looking Scourge with a good colour scheme, articulation and the proportions and wings work well.  I think he will be serving as a Sweep next to the G1, Titanium and Generations versions in my collection.

Blurr – Cybertronian Hovercar Mode

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Now THIS looks like the speedster we all know and love, not a recoloured Drift.  Very compact and sleek, it’s a great representation of the character.  The laser under the front even works well.  The little hatch for his Titans Return partner is good and it even incorporates the little gap between the back and the cabin that the original toy had – top marks!  Only one big downside is for a Titan Master to have his own vehicle you unattach the nose of the car which leaves the front of Blurr looking gutted and horrible.

Hardhead – Cybertronian Tank Mode

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A bit flatter than the G1 version, very streamlined, very much how he looked waaaay back at the start of the IDW comics before they gave him his Universe-styled body. Once again the cannon is maneuverable and like the G1 toy you can place a gun in the top of the cannon. Furos can either sit in the cab or the back of the cannon opens up so he can be stood there. He looks a little weird standing right back on the pegs he is supposed to so I personally reposition it so that he looks like he is operating the gun.

Skullsmasher – Cybertronian Gator Mode

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A really good looking gator!  Very long and well proportioned.  They have done their best with the colour scheme so it doesn’t look as sickening as the G1 versions does and I really like the details in the mouth with all those individual teeth and the segmenting detail on the tounge.  The head can swivel somewhat which is good, but it can be hard to make the tail sit flush with the gators arse.  Grax’s compartment actually has a rubber hatch which is an odd choice and the placement has changed, instead of being afraid he would get swallowed like the G1 toy, in this case he already has been and is half way to the gut.

Scourge – Cybertronian Hovercraft

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Like Blurr he is really compact and really good looking.  One of the most triangular of body in shape ones I’ve seen done of the Sweep class, looks a lot like they did in some episodes the Season 3 cartoon.  You can put his big blaster on the front of the hovercraft which makes him look pretty badass, but obscures a lot of the nicer details of the mode.  I actually think Scourge having a small cockpit works, it is flush enough with the rest of the hovercraft that it doesn’t change the aesthetic much, however it’s still noticeable and the dark blue hue suits it well.

 

Overall

The Titans Return toyline, as well as acting as a revival for the Headmaster gimmick, is filling a lot of holes for peoples Generations collections.  We now have a Scourge that’s not a flying wing, a Blurr that’s not a terran car, a Hardhead that’s not a SWAT armoured vehicle and our first Skullsmasher(cruncher) of the line.  G1 fans will be very happy with the appearance of these four, others may be happy with the versions they already have.  But between the great alt-modes, the little Titans Return partners and the overall decent quality I heartily recommend these four figures.

 

Note: For a more detailed review of Hardhead, check out My Hardhead review thread on Ozformers