tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82361134994720543602024-03-18T03:03:47.296+00:00Transformers Square OneTransformers non-articles by MazMazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.comBlogger368125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-19978255033815954112023-03-11T19:04:00.001+00:002023-03-11T19:04:44.600+00:00The Mysterious G1 Hound Stickers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ9KchkwUd9MlfmRMiOWftAH36HzZu95v4wJo8VXmDhS-ofQObOdA1hYv9bwuG3lClffRiQE9HdYBxIWqagu1dDdsF8tzChFTXOgacvPTHZcU3Srt_dbM5ZuZXAI0jFdq1h6av2GReDxKHBIu15E2bTfImgtoKo-VeYIhG5uFwgdiKb3qolt-QIMfXA/s2500/Hound06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ9KchkwUd9MlfmRMiOWftAH36HzZu95v4wJo8VXmDhS-ofQObOdA1hYv9bwuG3lClffRiQE9HdYBxIWqagu1dDdsF8tzChFTXOgacvPTHZcU3Srt_dbM5ZuZXAI0jFdq1h6av2GReDxKHBIu15E2bTfImgtoKo-VeYIhG5uFwgdiKb3qolt-QIMfXA/w400-h266/Hound06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">I've wanted to sticker up a Generation 1 Hound for absolutely years, ever since I discovered an error with his vintage (and subsequent reissue) stickersheet. I've owned a Ceji Joustra Diaclone Jeep (European pre-G1 Diaclone Hound, effectively) for almost two decades now, but I haven't had a Transformers Hound for even longer than that, but I finally plugged that hole this year and was able to use the above Takara TF Collection reissue from 2004 to apply the stickers how I believe they were always intended to be applied. I fully believe that a vast majority of G1 Hounds out there today are incorrectly stickered as a result. Yes, it's another one of THOSE articles.<br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdFTmsXDIPehAGCv-czF9TcDYT7M1cQ7hIHWVkSXf5LAy-NKqx_e1zxkfpmlRx8j_b588yaM9PDltLvM8yFsZ9qnNZVd9mJynUQEKmrUHIK16_wQNiVujOp3PIhxC12dVWx9S6bD7fQZDKMGHYfar7gxQDE51W_QC5glP7jNSdPNh7wgmKBmSOWUmoA/s1547/Hound21.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1547" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdFTmsXDIPehAGCv-czF9TcDYT7M1cQ7hIHWVkSXf5LAy-NKqx_e1zxkfpmlRx8j_b588yaM9PDltLvM8yFsZ9qnNZVd9mJynUQEKmrUHIK16_wQNiVujOp3PIhxC12dVWx9S6bD7fQZDKMGHYfar7gxQDE51W_QC5glP7jNSdPNh7wgmKBmSOWUmoA/w400-h234/Hound21.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="https://botchthecrab.com/" target="_blank">Botch The Crab</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's very common with G1 Transformers and their stickers to not have a clue what you're getting into until it's too late, and the tweezers are already out. Numerous articles on this blog have involved me discovering secrets, errors, unintended conventions crystallised over decades and other such quirks of G1 toys when applying their vintage or reissue stickers down the years. Hound came to my attention when I was<a href="https://tfsource.com/blog/2018/05/13/news-to-me-2018-edition/" target="_blank"><b> putting stickers on my e-Hobby reissue exclusive Detritus</b></a>, a toy whose stickers are heavily based on Hound's.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Looking at that scan of G1 Hound's instructions above, the clues are all there if you know what to look for, but as with many of G1's mildest secrets, they can generally go unnoticed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-YPnSkt3n2Q6jcEz8YyVhUK1CDh6l1UrP5RI431sURMTNjALms27VuRzPdieDUQ1foq0p0fI-LtxrPwKLRszW7-BMkgkvmr94rc-AObui6sw46VT-h7P0maNU4_r0UsS4xB6yUiZO14mVrRb9VyA39N4O1TRt70dr4bLsn5UL7__3bXoC7rcpGJtPA/s2500/Hound01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-YPnSkt3n2Q6jcEz8YyVhUK1CDh6l1UrP5RI431sURMTNjALms27VuRzPdieDUQ1foq0p0fI-LtxrPwKLRszW7-BMkgkvmr94rc-AObui6sw46VT-h7P0maNU4_r0UsS4xB6yUiZO14mVrRb9VyA39N4O1TRt70dr4bLsn5UL7__3bXoC7rcpGJtPA/w400-h266/Hound01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAD2TSk9l6rVr0t5YCPs_1i_eSDu1S8bvVqyV2AfrNJB9tkSaWY0_CWgZRXpTbjLP2nOG7NfFL2fTI7nSe3bVJwDFvA4TKmwwG1fG8E-FaS-MYzTj_qjGDWSNFE0BLqQpN81Njwu0rFBawjO3iiuBjlJSJ-r6B4MiSHKDNMUP9dKWp1RDh8IuJpytyQ/s2500/Hound02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAD2TSk9l6rVr0t5YCPs_1i_eSDu1S8bvVqyV2AfrNJB9tkSaWY0_CWgZRXpTbjLP2nOG7NfFL2fTI7nSe3bVJwDFvA4TKmwwG1fG8E-FaS-MYzTj_qjGDWSNFE0BLqQpN81Njwu0rFBawjO3iiuBjlJSJ-r6B4MiSHKDNMUP9dKWp1RDh8IuJpytyQ/w400-h266/Hound02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoiK8dIiv_4cpmspj3Hr6F3as3pAr0xObYD0FQHOpvbyCaV84xVEfyep9SBWAdTRpNyHayT_wxl6ehAC-bgCmrjbBa6AhPulRzo4XiOdVRY8QalcNRW0Wj9ET9pcYrX-A83akqpqz-RRRPHF7TvUb2V6rgXPTVmO6-QKMMB78WTieHrJxqASlFwUGOg/s2500/Hound03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoiK8dIiv_4cpmspj3Hr6F3as3pAr0xObYD0FQHOpvbyCaV84xVEfyep9SBWAdTRpNyHayT_wxl6ehAC-bgCmrjbBa6AhPulRzo4XiOdVRY8QalcNRW0Wj9ET9pcYrX-A83akqpqz-RRRPHF7TvUb2V6rgXPTVmO6-QKMMB78WTieHrJxqASlFwUGOg/w400-h266/Hound03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Hound was of course originally a Takara Diaclone No.12 Jeep J59 in the Car Robot sub-line, released in June 1983. He had a GiG Italian Diaclone release, too, and a much rarer Ceji Joustra Diaclone outing in 1985. As a G1 Transformer he was released in 1984 by Hasbro in pre-rub variety for North America (incl. bilingual Canadian release) and the UK, and that carried over to the rubsign-shod 1985 assortments too, which saw further release in Japan by Takara, in mainland Europe by Milton Bradley and GiG, and then a multilingual Hasbro Europe mainland release in 1986. There were also 90s Chinese-manufacture versions sold in Asia and places like Portugal, too. And let's not forget the 1986 to 1990-ish Plasticos IGA varieties manufactured in Mexico and sold in Europe (including Yugoslavia!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Hound got around. He then got a Takara TF Collection 'book box' reissue in Japan in 2004, and bizarrely, nearly 20 years later we are now expecting a 'Retro' G1 Transformers The Movie style Hasbro reissue release of Hound in show colours! Just goes to show you can never tell...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLFXIKEl5-yfa3Ec3JbwUQChb8M4U8gs7ObXjKXCXuZy0IQ-DkL9uTN7EHdFUr2VuNUQ_AvEkDaxIUf1R-7PEHKgN94EGpsWuGi8p46DR1BvZEAYrIGKyGbpffu7D2XhuXAEzxJGBgh6J7vfNS3E_NxuAt1IPuquseus1IfixjqsYjk5ycvf2wM_htg/s2500/Hound04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLFXIKEl5-yfa3Ec3JbwUQChb8M4U8gs7ObXjKXCXuZy0IQ-DkL9uTN7EHdFUr2VuNUQ_AvEkDaxIUf1R-7PEHKgN94EGpsWuGi8p46DR1BvZEAYrIGKyGbpffu7D2XhuXAEzxJGBgh6J7vfNS3E_NxuAt1IPuquseus1IfixjqsYjk5ycvf2wM_htg/w400-h266/Hound04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfa8E1K6ZIRJ-wytyQMRKkJsoKMlGqmsb9-XAYY_fMFKEJ6utscLw6rtWrFppdu378vTSayd3TTMW73dUeG45iWcaEnbqqcrrOQtckvblAuc7_gNhyrFlbnGyr17WYcWmiIddncsKg57hb3keGs0dadCYXi-t0ixKFuozhRcLH5jYc_gM_deVhxMa37w/s2500/Hound05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfa8E1K6ZIRJ-wytyQMRKkJsoKMlGqmsb9-XAYY_fMFKEJ6utscLw6rtWrFppdu378vTSayd3TTMW73dUeG45iWcaEnbqqcrrOQtckvblAuc7_gNhyrFlbnGyr17WYcWmiIddncsKg57hb3keGs0dadCYXi-t0ixKFuozhRcLH5jYc_gM_deVhxMa37w/w400-h266/Hound05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So this is the TF Collection Hound pre-stickers. It's a beautifully diminutive but striking toy, quite different to all the other Autobot cars. There's a huge amount of chrome on display across his thighs, mirrors, grill, wheels and accessories. And he has a lot of accessories. A vintage G1 Hound can be tricky to find complete due to it coming with a handgun, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, mounted machine gun, spare tyre and that bloody gas can. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The reissue was probably a blessing for many a collector, except for the fact that it ended up being quite scarce and probably the most expensive of the non-leader TF Collection releases. Another reason why it's taken me so long to get the chance to do this article! If it wasn't for the announcement of the Retro reissue, I don't think the seller of this TFC Hound would have listed it for as little as he did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fNBOnvTAQa_etVyJIs-Ch3vZCfe-K3BCgiu5OX7hUwuyFrD-wzgQpLM62MEd4u1WzB8pZdt3Sj1Ecbe9JEa_ETw_P7XQT3zjsQ5VJyvVQPyRgIapG6aAN6lKhFbHTLYtlSdileCeIF-ZlIEkJz-gbvYMw3MDI036u3K_30BGj4b0qWjLcOyFcMszmA/s2500/Hound07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fNBOnvTAQa_etVyJIs-Ch3vZCfe-K3BCgiu5OX7hUwuyFrD-wzgQpLM62MEd4u1WzB8pZdt3Sj1Ecbe9JEa_ETw_P7XQT3zjsQ5VJyvVQPyRgIapG6aAN6lKhFbHTLYtlSdileCeIF-ZlIEkJz-gbvYMw3MDI036u3K_30BGj4b0qWjLcOyFcMszmA/w400-h266/Hound07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Back to the stickers, then. To quote my article linked above when I first discovered the issue with Hound's stickers:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>"The stickersheet for Detritus is similar to Hound’s in that every sticker has an equivalent...or so I thought. When actually looking for official pics of Detritus and comparing it to his character art, there were many ambiguities and some stickers simply did not fit in the orientation suggested by the instructions."</i></div><p></p></blockquote><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY37jF1UODylP62kbFoWeN9b25rTwNuV3hmLrczTqZUCIfnIkvIbeRyeKoejwGRQx2leE8IlmojsZOE8Zq8zEKTRM4Xm4IcRBPGF0IUiYkhfEVoVnBk5IAGjPdxJLQhu7f-j6Pln3wXWhCNv-7SdsWwbrVL7Uh-gpM3UPuFND2VxcF7UvASUiNc4L2Q/s435/Hound22.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY37jF1UODylP62kbFoWeN9b25rTwNuV3hmLrczTqZUCIfnIkvIbeRyeKoejwGRQx2leE8IlmojsZOE8Zq8zEKTRM4Xm4IcRBPGF0IUiYkhfEVoVnBk5IAGjPdxJLQhu7f-j6Pln3wXWhCNv-7SdsWwbrVL7Uh-gpM3UPuFND2VxcF7UvASUiNc4L2Q/w280-h400/Hound22.JPG" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="https://botchthecrab.com/" target="_blank">Botch The Crab</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBYXkDUf4XKAvT6-dmdVyBb3b-hBuUHdGzK47NfRXkmBDXXG8k2SFDBQu3dDMzDW7WZGSjdPwBmecTbr3LfFpiVXH2Ie-zlr6d9KTsY2zXya6TGbXMKNWBUhoFq0G2IB1lhxhYnIIgOKJ2j2BzYPOTjtQQas7VwNUvyXUdk-OfPILBbsNbndkCBgE5A/s613/Hound23.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="613" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBYXkDUf4XKAvT6-dmdVyBb3b-hBuUHdGzK47NfRXkmBDXXG8k2SFDBQu3dDMzDW7WZGSjdPwBmecTbr3LfFpiVXH2Ie-zlr6d9KTsY2zXya6TGbXMKNWBUhoFq0G2IB1lhxhYnIIgOKJ2j2BzYPOTjtQQas7VwNUvyXUdk-OfPILBbsNbndkCBgE5A/w400-h240/Hound23.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="https://botchthecrab.com/" target="_blank">Botch The Crab</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>"With the G1 Hound stickersheet, amazingly, I had the same problem. Sticker #10 on the Hound sheet is a 2-part silver rectangular strip...If you look at Hound’s sticker application map, there is no mention of #10. Hilariously, looking on Google and eBay, I found used Hound stickersheets with only sticker #10 remaining on the sheet! Looking more closely at the instruction book seen above, I noticed in the transformation images, sticker #10 could be seen applied to Hound! There they were, on the sides of his waist. Interestingly, the Detritus sticker that corresponds to this, the one also not mentioned in the Detritus sticker application map, is actually one long strip. I had to manually split it in two in order to apply one half to the left side of his waist, and one to the right."</i></div><p></p></blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7flxZhm1dGXpW1cQNudGEbzbsoXx6LK9Jgwp8eBIMiHUwxdSCuVywlxKB3tIu-7cTiJZqrjOYdI0lhkGyUpM3Vt9-Li-7ajvYQcLXoXYGWK50kvv-8A8N8AMQ0gZJGEG-PfQHFIs7cxgRL6xLejOzzeYCMdT4rhZMFabktAVJVXlGxS9uF5rtnJ1kEg/s1500/Detritus11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7flxZhm1dGXpW1cQNudGEbzbsoXx6LK9Jgwp8eBIMiHUwxdSCuVywlxKB3tIu-7cTiJZqrjOYdI0lhkGyUpM3Vt9-Li-7ajvYQcLXoXYGWK50kvv-8A8N8AMQ0gZJGEG-PfQHFIs7cxgRL6xLejOzzeYCMdT4rhZMFabktAVJVXlGxS9uF5rtnJ1kEg/w400-h266/Detritus11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">e-Hobby Detritus</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">My incorrect assumption was that it was just an error for the Detritus stickersheet, but I see now on this reissue TFC Hound that it too has a single piece sticker for #10, it too was left unsplit! I don't believe the vintage Hound sticker #10 is split either, which once more explains why so many vintage Hounds simply do not have that correctly applied, or applied at all!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">But, sticker #10 on the Diaclone stickersheet...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRZCoOSl2BC2-IZ4VYTR_12pzCOHz4hhqla1mEDOe9YESz6sIRyrR6DOjYcPfczWO0M7GYVt8U_0nRCGZXJaeTzP34GUi2-rUeJx9sS4-QNcFweDf3aP7el0GOLu6ed_yh0ONCKDoq31Fp-F3EJ7_Qi21pAufGsRs473H3KcobdgN1xUxUCSRaC5kQQ/s580/jjdiadecals.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="580" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRZCoOSl2BC2-IZ4VYTR_12pzCOHz4hhqla1mEDOe9YESz6sIRyrR6DOjYcPfczWO0M7GYVt8U_0nRCGZXJaeTzP34GUi2-rUeJx9sS4-QNcFweDf3aP7el0GOLu6ed_yh0ONCKDoq31Fp-F3EJ7_Qi21pAufGsRs473H3KcobdgN1xUxUCSRaC5kQQ/w400-h196/jjdiadecals.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diaclone Jeep J59 stickersheet</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">...is split!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, as usual, Diaclone literature and stock photography is the way to go in order to make sure G1 Transformers Hound gets stickered in the intended fashion, after all these years. Now is also a good time to point how how cool it is that the Diaclone stickersheet has "Astron 2000 J59" stickers for the front bumper, as well as a choice of the star with "J" and another "Astron 2000 J59" sticker for the spare tyre, as well as "Jeep" factory stickers on the front and rear bumpers!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UaT1qLXhXfsz6dZl-EvkpTYdtYMm6nsOOycvsv3Kun9UammUbEstgk5nFGUEt3iwqYQDMtI4xee4df7wQidzjEVQ0cCRpnKkiev6laM2kuC0uPQlky8JR1PI7rgnCsg-fJW-d_NmUwLuvAp1vz6GB8VKchwzmWIOiYDEErDxDIcXfXTxVf29N5SGFA/s600/jjcar9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="600" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UaT1qLXhXfsz6dZl-EvkpTYdtYMm6nsOOycvsv3Kun9UammUbEstgk5nFGUEt3iwqYQDMtI4xee4df7wQidzjEVQ0cCRpnKkiev6laM2kuC0uPQlky8JR1PI7rgnCsg-fJW-d_NmUwLuvAp1vz6GB8VKchwzmWIOiYDEErDxDIcXfXTxVf29N5SGFA/w400-h309/jjcar9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceji Joustra Diaclone Jeep</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Z9uBnlu9pj9IbiolRUDTmlidW-X9VHWkGFRFSgzRZTQH_BQM1nZL4NN7Ci42axeXnJe4HBmI0fFuzXRaAw4xYMKSzWdm4rda7Y7VR8IhTYnibppmS7ttiQBSd1OiIL7xiB_xhcqEZngllpKYYJwD7J01VDHOEVlfkYZZrznpXS19oFqbHc9TgV9w_g/s600/jjcar10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="600" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Z9uBnlu9pj9IbiolRUDTmlidW-X9VHWkGFRFSgzRZTQH_BQM1nZL4NN7Ci42axeXnJe4HBmI0fFuzXRaAw4xYMKSzWdm4rda7Y7VR8IhTYnibppmS7ttiQBSd1OiIL7xiB_xhcqEZngllpKYYJwD7J01VDHOEVlfkYZZrznpXS19oFqbHc9TgV9w_g/w400-h376/jjcar10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceji Joustra Diaclone Jeep</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Interestingly, the Takara 2004 TF Collection reissue Hound instructions have those same side-on photos of the vehicle mode with sticker #10 applied, but they actually indicate on the transformation images that you should apply #10 there, so there's a good chance some collectors out there took it upon themselves to remove it from the sheet, manually cut it in half, and apply to the sides of the waist. The problem is, the orientation shown on those images (and the '84 instructions) is incorrect.</p><p>Evidence, you say?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOeYKEOGiW4m_cvZVIDU9ZiScBWMV49W2oqHHNLFwTGDPG3N38x7EwRKAsA-GrdCWqhRdC82gmPQru0erRXrS6-gqt__MKfir8eFHvzgoeVac3WfzxbUZ6NmCBHrTHKKlefe940_Zmxbq_4C2CxpSdyO8p1tK2K2hRwN4c-8FH63RJNJ64Q2f7GaK0Q/s681/Hound24.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="662" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOeYKEOGiW4m_cvZVIDU9ZiScBWMV49W2oqHHNLFwTGDPG3N38x7EwRKAsA-GrdCWqhRdC82gmPQru0erRXrS6-gqt__MKfir8eFHvzgoeVac3WfzxbUZ6NmCBHrTHKKlefe940_Zmxbq_4C2CxpSdyO8p1tK2K2hRwN4c-8FH63RJNJ64Q2f7GaK0Q/w389-h400/Hound24.JPG" width="389" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/_necronomitron_" target="_blank">necronomitron</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWF3a29fKZOvije_OVxkq7-SAjPjulyNs8HCeQFz5dXqSNgTKomHB7WnrSVq69YqqurMvV_fS48Czg25FDMdICjpG8KSOrNMzroYR80MGOl-87vj1aawoVju4TsutnVpvsuqC6vhvPVA2PatT2KtuHDzHhJYkK12Zb4y2t-XxM1YSvuoq7PhThixDzQ/s671/Hound26.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="395" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWF3a29fKZOvije_OVxkq7-SAjPjulyNs8HCeQFz5dXqSNgTKomHB7WnrSVq69YqqurMvV_fS48Czg25FDMdICjpG8KSOrNMzroYR80MGOl-87vj1aawoVju4TsutnVpvsuqC6vhvPVA2PatT2KtuHDzHhJYkK12Zb4y2t-XxM1YSvuoq7PhThixDzQ/w235-h400/Hound26.JPG" width="235" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/_necronomitron_" target="_blank">necronomitron</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRG5qsH0rhMQl_jiNqMloYVPgIPLmcFy9gBKNKzSf1RtPUCkKPBq-EzSmdSV9Ax4iE36y2gjNWkBQRZb9Q-BKne6DdD-vIb62H2hdEZ56rkru9sjlEnkTRwgKaNEFPKBpX9v4S6cv07VpzbIQEFiGC-DmdtknQvn18RAY-JevYwEYz1sgXkg2RK96i8Q/s1782/Hound27.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1782" data-original-width="1265" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRG5qsH0rhMQl_jiNqMloYVPgIPLmcFy9gBKNKzSf1RtPUCkKPBq-EzSmdSV9Ax4iE36y2gjNWkBQRZb9Q-BKne6DdD-vIb62H2hdEZ56rkru9sjlEnkTRwgKaNEFPKBpX9v4S6cv07VpzbIQEFiGC-DmdtknQvn18RAY-JevYwEYz1sgXkg2RK96i8Q/w284-h400/Hound27.jpg" width="284" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/28716664@N03/" target="_blank">Shakiraisabel</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvUF8fY7C1vN2SZ_xYTgtwmiR9h7ICk6TAI9DDBv0py2rCSiWa2CFkuaY-U3ngZs-Jp9gAljZOVfo-n0INwC6CsLnTJVufBMdnBahbU6erbjiHpbAx5x-fMpqJpDoolnAXxK89gx-PZi5kQ3THVAW6UrO_Zvs0ODjUoHGxOokFba4a4Tl9nbcRIMH0Q/s889/Hound28.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="889" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvUF8fY7C1vN2SZ_xYTgtwmiR9h7ICk6TAI9DDBv0py2rCSiWa2CFkuaY-U3ngZs-Jp9gAljZOVfo-n0INwC6CsLnTJVufBMdnBahbU6erbjiHpbAx5x-fMpqJpDoolnAXxK89gx-PZi5kQ3THVAW6UrO_Zvs0ODjUoHGxOokFba4a4Tl9nbcRIMH0Q/w400-h345/Hound28.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Immo de Maar</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">In the absence of a Diaclone Jeep instruction sheet, the above stock images and art come from sources such as original TVKun Diaclone Car Robots adverts, the Japanese Diaclone box, and the Diaclone campaign prize cards. The latter is, of course, the basis for the G1 Hound boxart. The sticker on the side of the waist is hard to see at the best of times, but it consists of 4 yellow/black rectangles and a red capsule shape, all in a row. The Transformers instructions show the red capsule being placed nearest the front of the waist, but all the Diaclone literature and art show it being the 4 rectangles that are closer to the front of the waist, and the red capsule shape being towards the back of the waist.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, I cut that sticker #10 in half and did Hound as a Diaclone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwg71s-hlam5T-8nvJ8XrrD0oBw0N4B6I3jtOFxEM6eQau3lfEpHHUnvD4Zn0x9afCYqVh28myxDGg90ywjgNLoZG_FhoZJYB4VLLGR0YcD6dPQUait8_QoMzoqD8_HwLo2AR1enJ3k4QtRKEOkzKGIztO-oevqxYYuyQfhahqj4Eo_ebWIVoKAHxUA/s2500/Hound20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwg71s-hlam5T-8nvJ8XrrD0oBw0N4B6I3jtOFxEM6eQau3lfEpHHUnvD4Zn0x9afCYqVh28myxDGg90ywjgNLoZG_FhoZJYB4VLLGR0YcD6dPQUait8_QoMzoqD8_HwLo2AR1enJ3k4QtRKEOkzKGIztO-oevqxYYuyQfhahqj4Eo_ebWIVoKAHxUA/w400-h266/Hound20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8RptNn5x1Par2GpxE8ZxaBodAHWXi3d-FhOCl23LLWJ6eRUpEbkRxkT7m8EatFu5m2uM6prm7-eQvQWM-ZG0rXCZtmAV7OhLc9A-8rZul5Voh9R3VP067TmUbHYEt7KZyzo-49r0-wj8_3hhalivYuzUnOCOAN0bU8r27yF-MZIcRTsqLSBRm7Kj2g/s2500/Hound18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8RptNn5x1Par2GpxE8ZxaBodAHWXi3d-FhOCl23LLWJ6eRUpEbkRxkT7m8EatFu5m2uM6prm7-eQvQWM-ZG0rXCZtmAV7OhLc9A-8rZul5Voh9R3VP067TmUbHYEt7KZyzo-49r0-wj8_3hhalivYuzUnOCOAN0bU8r27yF-MZIcRTsqLSBRm7Kj2g/w400-h266/Hound18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">It doesn't end there for Hound's stickers, though. There's a little more. Stickers #14 and #15 go on Hound's forearms/wrists, but both the vintage and reissue Transformers instructions tell you to put #14 on his right forearm, and #15 on the left. This is incorrect, and will end up causing those L-shaped stickers to sit in a way that does not cover the length of the forearm, as well as causing an ill fit around the wrist. Detritus has the same issue, too, by the way. What you see above and in Diaclone imagery shows the correct orientation for those wrist/forearm stickers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzIpS6iOVEpEgchfwH-JwxxNDEnVdcqFGqujPpv_q5ITgFyD2uzH99bCcdeuOd36Lwf74Bth56aEjlFrNWBJMUIfdQZfoZLlERM6yyBvBzkije-9SEHwOvna8XC0oXjkevkwxGIMGw71QjSKi9FQC-u5H57-wUQWQYf6-qMD7pR6aUsI0zLq-Ge5B8g/s2500/Hound15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzIpS6iOVEpEgchfwH-JwxxNDEnVdcqFGqujPpv_q5ITgFyD2uzH99bCcdeuOd36Lwf74Bth56aEjlFrNWBJMUIfdQZfoZLlERM6yyBvBzkije-9SEHwOvna8XC0oXjkevkwxGIMGw71QjSKi9FQC-u5H57-wUQWQYf6-qMD7pR6aUsI0zLq-Ge5B8g/w400-h266/Hound15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ckxQr9hiwtS_6FDmVXZy7ZrWkPj6hQqkpchxRhvEVuR48Xag9DOHUkyosR_SNiXziq-cAyyXPx7i_AMppaxfWZ9SYjQhS1F-Bo-pkYv5rD1AQiDLOHmc1yIk4YOiHHISo_4rvti-P3t7uZYm6vvj6hGJ6gfceyErVq2T5z0cB1XZVHJphwpwMLwuNg/s2500/Hound16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ckxQr9hiwtS_6FDmVXZy7ZrWkPj6hQqkpchxRhvEVuR48Xag9DOHUkyosR_SNiXziq-cAyyXPx7i_AMppaxfWZ9SYjQhS1F-Bo-pkYv5rD1AQiDLOHmc1yIk4YOiHHISo_4rvti-P3t7uZYm6vvj6hGJ6gfceyErVq2T5z0cB1XZVHJphwpwMLwuNg/w400-h266/Hound16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxmwMMqPFXafZc_Jld2QBbgfVk55iXm-5JESbEPxlFOHd7XcTw9eK3QkfIOFxn2Hpka_NOCXt27tzGvFax7P1L_igb0nQJShKBaRvvGFpYDSg4b_dGIRy4GgCUXKY4RMMwzI6LOGQTV5asToiUzywfewrwV3SISi2YX5gAykSvAlgL7YKJFOzJ03qBQ/s2500/Hound17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxmwMMqPFXafZc_Jld2QBbgfVk55iXm-5JESbEPxlFOHd7XcTw9eK3QkfIOFxn2Hpka_NOCXt27tzGvFax7P1L_igb0nQJShKBaRvvGFpYDSg4b_dGIRy4GgCUXKY4RMMwzI6LOGQTV5asToiUzywfewrwV3SISi2YX5gAykSvAlgL7YKJFOzJ03qBQ/w400-h266/Hound17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">In general, G1 Hound is a very tricky toy to sticker, not just because of the historically incorrect instructions for Transformers release, but just because of how the stickers themselves are cut and where they need you to place them. The Autobot stickers for the top of the head and centre of the crotch are too big for the space they're intended for, so there's always overhang. The 'doors' have gaps moulded into them, so a fair amount of the sticker #16 pair is not attached to anything at all, they just sit there in clean air begging to suffer wear and damage. They also needed trimming to fit onto the moulded space. Others needed folding across multiple surfaces, and that's to say nothing of the rubsign whose top right corner sticks out over where the robot head emerges, taking a flick every time Hound transforms.</p></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtYjxClR96Kvgxm6tmu-1tnYaA5v_jpq_zCeQ41o0nanBAGkXEMAQ3KcFeS7iirjjeQDOmPjD84LFVH_j7aBzqb5xC_evvt1F3HgLhYkF5fEr7_-lexTis7o-mCEI6CQDDGXaTavH6jLcLdctpVjbaQl18-8SftDgy9IJLvHUqPUsZxkWBBfIMupWsw/s2500/Hound08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtYjxClR96Kvgxm6tmu-1tnYaA5v_jpq_zCeQ41o0nanBAGkXEMAQ3KcFeS7iirjjeQDOmPjD84LFVH_j7aBzqb5xC_evvt1F3HgLhYkF5fEr7_-lexTis7o-mCEI6CQDDGXaTavH6jLcLdctpVjbaQl18-8SftDgy9IJLvHUqPUsZxkWBBfIMupWsw/w400-h266/Hound08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOUGIhwwF-VKo9P_ruuEEICz_rpER1iU8jPZ9KDiFeT-BhRb0n5dEPBadsJDDZJx3Pbh1Y15VXhrqMy630EQLDM-yoaC4S0juvEDvsyeGhbUI4uIx4poJiThDS91EgGwxeGDzBj4J3E6QIxE-1_ZRyVNBKZOfOEVxVV7zBxU2cAFibhFWGl1DUEutYQ/s2500/Hound09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOUGIhwwF-VKo9P_ruuEEICz_rpER1iU8jPZ9KDiFeT-BhRb0n5dEPBadsJDDZJx3Pbh1Y15VXhrqMy630EQLDM-yoaC4S0juvEDvsyeGhbUI4uIx4poJiThDS91EgGwxeGDzBj4J3E6QIxE-1_ZRyVNBKZOfOEVxVV7zBxU2cAFibhFWGl1DUEutYQ/w400-h266/Hound09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgPl03mNNDZxiUFtYI_gjt-4kOUVNE-bw5qUfIIvOjPOtMPjKnIlZ2WbSR92Lk2VaBY6S1RGHXj1vgTFXd7GOkmx1PbbnC5h6qKQDXQgdMBFuCvWGJWkqfzVaCP1B1CbdlWZrv4zLxKW5eNY0-gasixtuho_mEuP36KCZO3FuYhKszG-cfJ1EtjENqw/s2500/Hound10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgPl03mNNDZxiUFtYI_gjt-4kOUVNE-bw5qUfIIvOjPOtMPjKnIlZ2WbSR92Lk2VaBY6S1RGHXj1vgTFXd7GOkmx1PbbnC5h6qKQDXQgdMBFuCvWGJWkqfzVaCP1B1CbdlWZrv4zLxKW5eNY0-gasixtuho_mEuP36KCZO3FuYhKszG-cfJ1EtjENqw/w400-h266/Hound10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzD1raDvDvkuqd-39hq8DWa6RBwXzqsn5OWnk6VSesnUoZ7330faYPCCbvbjY6PHG8t0soDewdujo3uwy7IncmwVIyy2FfcNzNtK3dO9rQYkVL9jYH8GzK3uIPPsqXuHlXoeizuLph7ZNcsRJOsEWwA4rlG1mhfD1DuISYBeDvyEodll-bjxt7mc3mnQ/s2500/Hound11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzD1raDvDvkuqd-39hq8DWa6RBwXzqsn5OWnk6VSesnUoZ7330faYPCCbvbjY6PHG8t0soDewdujo3uwy7IncmwVIyy2FfcNzNtK3dO9rQYkVL9jYH8GzK3uIPPsqXuHlXoeizuLph7ZNcsRJOsEWwA4rlG1mhfD1DuISYBeDvyEodll-bjxt7mc3mnQ/w400-h266/Hound11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">As elegant as G1 Autobot cars and Diaclone car robots look when unused, you cannot argue with the result of a freshly - and correctly - applied stickersheet. Hound is resplendent in all his green, gold, chrome and stickered glory. It should be noted that the striped gold detailing on Hound's hood is a tampo for the reissue, whereas it was a clear sticker on the vintage toys. I maintain that he is absolutely unique among the G1 cars, and fully decked out with his labels, I find him totally irresistible. A wonderful, wonderful Transformers toy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkNZfy1xXjEBn5Js5vd_xVKn2AlnevIU1Lt1FzhMMufVScEIUCiLAgf208ja4xTu0BaUF7qnhOpmT1yTrBcc3581Io6Czl39P1fYEbBbiMQp5uB938IY_Z6US8wP6J_Y1JOyNl8WU9m3nAqjWq3V_vNFmnIRcEsw8f_mJBO-lOMcX9LJ2kTGcQbs2eA/s2500/Hound14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkNZfy1xXjEBn5Js5vd_xVKn2AlnevIU1Lt1FzhMMufVScEIUCiLAgf208ja4xTu0BaUF7qnhOpmT1yTrBcc3581Io6Czl39P1fYEbBbiMQp5uB938IY_Z6US8wP6J_Y1JOyNl8WU9m3nAqjWq3V_vNFmnIRcEsw8f_mJBO-lOMcX9LJ2kTGcQbs2eA/w400-h266/Hound14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45OI6lPqjXxmyVlNGDs5-0sBeBuPGuBJtbYbTJyTw-htwViEhURA-6jEznr2GoE_oZn8Eqca2cclq-sC8dG9wYxgAZwZK807sSmgijUE6RRNj6qatlGSYjTqQWJOW0ihI3MOLw5W3r_JLg3p4lOgJvZeIsQs1T5c0EIQhAPOH3e7ms1pvry9ihMmhug/s2500/Hound13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45OI6lPqjXxmyVlNGDs5-0sBeBuPGuBJtbYbTJyTw-htwViEhURA-6jEznr2GoE_oZn8Eqca2cclq-sC8dG9wYxgAZwZK807sSmgijUE6RRNj6qatlGSYjTqQWJOW0ihI3MOLw5W3r_JLg3p4lOgJvZeIsQs1T5c0EIQhAPOH3e7ms1pvry9ihMmhug/w400-h266/Hound13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">With these corrections, it's hard to say that Hound's overall look is much affected, because for the most part those stickers on the side of the waist are often obscured. That's why it has been so difficult to get a clear image of them as a resource from Transformers and Diaclone literature. You could also argue that anyone who had paid super close attention to Hound's G1 boxart could conceivably have ended up in the right place with those waist and forearm stickers, too. As it is, though, I'd never before seen a perfectly stickered G1 Hound that stayed true to the Diaclone version where I believe the correct intentions of the sticker designer were indicated in paperwork and photography.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So what I'm really saying is that it pleases me to be the first.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrQoegD-LlQcPTMMH2715ecdp-O8Vv0KSse2DIDKWdmZcWJmDHmVwotB_ylEMA7hnnwse-pyLN1CsFPMNIocpV19NorVUfYsbPZPleIexBCpa0rqvY3Iajlv5JISQyPVopTC4OtoWWU7WO8DyK0CtIuwJjChpiR-Mlkxln2r0KmWQD2Mwbax4NrWjRQ/s2500/Hound12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrQoegD-LlQcPTMMH2715ecdp-O8Vv0KSse2DIDKWdmZcWJmDHmVwotB_ylEMA7hnnwse-pyLN1CsFPMNIocpV19NorVUfYsbPZPleIexBCpa0rqvY3Iajlv5JISQyPVopTC4OtoWWU7WO8DyK0CtIuwJjChpiR-Mlkxln2r0KmWQD2Mwbax4NrWjRQ/w400-h266/Hound12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC95VvkX6D1HvPmiuRP1ytgkwbG4KjsXev7Ibgjrdh8TKt9mwTRLAOJboSYj1Tc2C80o3KnIQojzMiEgs769CEXuNb-Bxa57LPlGqP2n9fFlHBFBngIHBTNWv76Xaa6j_nnY8TezCWYBVMcuJZDiJnhdO-TDpKDREXy2VlaUpGryu1PM-nIp_IpEBfg/s2500/Hound19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC95VvkX6D1HvPmiuRP1ytgkwbG4KjsXev7Ibgjrdh8TKt9mwTRLAOJboSYj1Tc2C80o3KnIQojzMiEgs769CEXuNb-Bxa57LPlGqP2n9fFlHBFBngIHBTNWv76Xaa6j_nnY8TezCWYBVMcuJZDiJnhdO-TDpKDREXy2VlaUpGryu1PM-nIp_IpEBfg/w400-h266/Hound19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>All the best<br />Maz<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TFsquareone" target="_blank">@tfsquareone</a></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-41967204534710725062022-10-23T20:28:00.001+01:002022-10-23T20:51:59.778+01:00Hasbro G1 Octane - The Missing Stickers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3suQ0gVQJwjqV368s-c16Ny3ntrkgz4LTqilue6eYEJ2kQqfeBkVz8HvXPR4b_YGBck1zWAZ5L6F9LsQpQAK752pFMtKUpDS3YBSVCYrHjSCkHJN_e6s5hh-2zCFgTFGtFHP-cLBGvnaH9B1fa0Bnn2evx_Kw89YK4wiTHKy3Uj99S9-TADmmsWOVXw/s2500/Octane11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3suQ0gVQJwjqV368s-c16Ny3ntrkgz4LTqilue6eYEJ2kQqfeBkVz8HvXPR4b_YGBck1zWAZ5L6F9LsQpQAK752pFMtKUpDS3YBSVCYrHjSCkHJN_e6s5hh-2zCFgTFGtFHP-cLBGvnaH9B1fa0Bnn2evx_Kw89YK4wiTHKy3Uj99S9-TADmmsWOVXw/w400-h266/Octane11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is much of the vintage Generation 1 Transformers toyline that I have never owned or experienced, what you might call 'bread and butter' figures. The 1986 Decepticon triplechanger Octane was one of those figures until I found and bought a sealed vintage specimen in 2019. Due to the restrictions on travel caused by the pandemic (still cannot believe things like this will be immortalised in articles and blogs now), I didn't get my hands on this Octane until 2021. What unfolded during the stickering and article creation for Octane made that wait entirely worth it.<br /><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53LmyZy6G3NiMsbBIYRCUbaO5iQyA3y8UHkW7AaWvSeVNlZ6P8aXVK-SUZy45UrL4hImZ-4CFDXsmRAaj2v_h4vwYdw0b4WBxVszbwcAxbxwQyJRJBgqswpzAUA9y4Z4x1QTcoOxv6qzGF8yP32LjevZqjHxtoHsx6gwu3DxScjcjOcHbPYPTi22Wsw/s1500/Octane01b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53LmyZy6G3NiMsbBIYRCUbaO5iQyA3y8UHkW7AaWvSeVNlZ6P8aXVK-SUZy45UrL4hImZ-4CFDXsmRAaj2v_h4vwYdw0b4WBxVszbwcAxbxwQyJRJBgqswpzAUA9y4Z4x1QTcoOxv6qzGF8yP32LjevZqjHxtoHsx6gwu3DxScjcjOcHbPYPTi22Wsw/w400-h266/Octane01b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1986 Hasbro G1 Octane</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The condition of the outer box and the price of the figure were such that I was willing to open it, and finding a loose Octane in perfect condition is a task that can take absolutely years. The chrome on the tanker section and the wings is the first thing to go, and the plastic will be discoloured on many loose specimens. In addition - as is usually the case - it's the stickers that let down loose specimens. Trying to create a photographic resource of G1 Transformers as the designers intended them to look means stickering toys myself, often because instructions, catalogs, stock photography etc. do not align.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkDSWRrIVe6jRLA7dBIRQt7VlnYqbtji7dWs5hW40M-ieFuV9TBGGN_Usy1TYP2Ioos4ETqXE4G0cUeOTJMTyuRN7mTMO-XN9Z7cY1yfkbtlVBAATLatcPpHanprrNJgnHMzx9Fwh3iGuOpDiu2k31_Eg_8yVAMzQjWURjPSeJPbGfDw34nSkdyamFw/s1500/Octane04b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkDSWRrIVe6jRLA7dBIRQt7VlnYqbtji7dWs5hW40M-ieFuV9TBGGN_Usy1TYP2Ioos4ETqXE4G0cUeOTJMTyuRN7mTMO-XN9Z7cY1yfkbtlVBAATLatcPpHanprrNJgnHMzx9Fwh3iGuOpDiu2k31_Eg_8yVAMzQjWURjPSeJPbGfDw34nSkdyamFw/w400-h266/Octane04b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsykSg0c2VmtA8dELSQl64ijixlU59B2JjWmfS1ksfPTKHpAL-t1VqFVXRlQ-oBm0bNdH91MQ10fz0-JzygeS_ral9VMhcU4uEYTS97U3Cw2TsiZ4mCmh4X3fNaTxkvrcmFh4Toqmi2kXWXejNfjxjeDQIMKYE_F_Wy8RaFxg9NrhOFI3QwqZ8N_58CA/s1500/Octane03b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsykSg0c2VmtA8dELSQl64ijixlU59B2JjWmfS1ksfPTKHpAL-t1VqFVXRlQ-oBm0bNdH91MQ10fz0-JzygeS_ral9VMhcU4uEYTS97U3Cw2TsiZ4mCmh4X3fNaTxkvrcmFh4Toqmi2kXWXejNfjxjeDQIMKYE_F_Wy8RaFxg9NrhOFI3QwqZ8N_58CA/w400-h266/Octane03b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">To be fair, I didn't expect anything too complicated when it came to stickering Octane as the label sheet appeared to contain items that had very obvious locations on the toy. Hearing that the stickers were designed by folks who did not have the toys or final products in hand makes a lot of sense looking at other G1 figures I've stickered in recent years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwhOIU6GvOn8mINdNUVi0M3-w33_e7m6df9XNvV43bgvMKkfF1P_9o3KimKmssrGotADHcx7dyuAzuHwJUJPS9b5_kC7L3RmMqHW_LY83_GQlhw8DsRTIde9ZVJ2eCVL_5e1ReoVrDp0mJgdy3APjXkSU4n8HsAXhTyJaPqkrfOAyaadDnN5Ku7QQ4Q/s1500/Octane02b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwhOIU6GvOn8mINdNUVi0M3-w33_e7m6df9XNvV43bgvMKkfF1P_9o3KimKmssrGotADHcx7dyuAzuHwJUJPS9b5_kC7L3RmMqHW_LY83_GQlhw8DsRTIde9ZVJ2eCVL_5e1ReoVrDp0mJgdy3APjXkSU4n8HsAXhTyJaPqkrfOAyaadDnN5Ku7QQ4Q/w400-h266/Octane02b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Having seen many loose Octanes over the years online, I knew that the stickers probably wouldn't last very well. Some of them are positioned over uneven surfaces and others sit in places that will experience rubbing and friction, a recipe for sticker wear. Hey, at least I'd get a few nice pictures out of it, which is the whole point.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiwMArJRqq_7hFazNzjVYzR1CLLuVXqqJBDxQcZOefO7M4iKIiedzcC9UxqFIcnVWH7Oh80clKGXZi4j_zNMt38dsy7VUjulFjQ2eDgFZf4TJiN12zcyLS4D9byvmcbtVE54p_Cnv1gwijPTr94_PVZIplqsR3XGTu3dXhhzX87Jo2U4tUsEpMI_l1Q/s1500/Octane05b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiwMArJRqq_7hFazNzjVYzR1CLLuVXqqJBDxQcZOefO7M4iKIiedzcC9UxqFIcnVWH7Oh80clKGXZi4j_zNMt38dsy7VUjulFjQ2eDgFZf4TJiN12zcyLS4D9byvmcbtVE54p_Cnv1gwijPTr94_PVZIplqsR3XGTu3dXhhzX87Jo2U4tUsEpMI_l1Q/w400-h266/Octane05b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Octane's vintage packaging contains a few well-documented gems, such as the obvious Kodak film box used to prop him up for the mid-transformation stock photography. He's also shown with hand-cut and hand-coloured stickers that are not 100% similar to the final product, and he has those fetching chrome fists that the final toy doesn't.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-aW8uJLnHohu3fC80oOX_bLY650aLuteuCvrFfHmQeT0EV7KTPNVXKqxbNEg_Yx1y83n8nONnMJdtiv_YQpFkEfLAmqCIIS8OyvAXDczFkKNGo7b_LokwUfDcheoZzNS6ohES8ljtLXp6fbTN5SLCYPWlgcP3D6OqrRFNmv7Codzf_P3wW4XgXBlsQ/s1500/Octane06b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1500" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-aW8uJLnHohu3fC80oOX_bLY650aLuteuCvrFfHmQeT0EV7KTPNVXKqxbNEg_Yx1y83n8nONnMJdtiv_YQpFkEfLAmqCIIS8OyvAXDczFkKNGo7b_LokwUfDcheoZzNS6ohES8ljtLXp6fbTN5SLCYPWlgcP3D6OqrRFNmv7Codzf_P3wW4XgXBlsQ/w400-h249/Octane06b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Here's a closer look at Octane's pre-production sample and its hand-crafted stickers, sporting a hot pink motif compared to the purple of the final production toy. There are major differences in the stickers on the shield and vertical rear fin of the plane that cover a majority of its surface. It's quite mad how much changes from concept to production; for a time Octane was supposed to have a Pan-Am livery, for example.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgb7_oSIihUpbthsrgS10JUj3Wp12NtILJWsi2VclM_lt0rM-OGeaoeA0xp03t0xiWubR1G_peyjPBASf6LkHLCBvwIRYqVScq23ny7dH8SJ0SUz3b7fYrdgRAuTPfocS4Hf1DCc8XpPOzLLIEZ-tcCCPOtIuRb8AlPh9LORf94wwxlw2ORlyF8r9KA/s2500/Octane01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgb7_oSIihUpbthsrgS10JUj3Wp12NtILJWsi2VclM_lt0rM-OGeaoeA0xp03t0xiWubR1G_peyjPBASf6LkHLCBvwIRYqVScq23ny7dH8SJ0SUz3b7fYrdgRAuTPfocS4Hf1DCc8XpPOzLLIEZ-tcCCPOtIuRb8AlPh9LORf94wwxlw2ORlyF8r9KA/w400-h266/Octane01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIxMHWvTCvY80cafHr_BMfnxoeVUO2ZFYBBk5mBEkfUrEfZ4jK-Bx559W7bfoIfFMwDaxwCk3ylE-uPUpHihEHgn7eicH0VMPEEk4vigRXkslEAYB3PLGUdU1yQ7zSFFwAlUV1CisDlfUVlHMHoq7mMQU1gIh0uRhLpSw7FQm_5Lt6yBjKpFswQg0iA/s2500/Octane02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIxMHWvTCvY80cafHr_BMfnxoeVUO2ZFYBBk5mBEkfUrEfZ4jK-Bx559W7bfoIfFMwDaxwCk3ylE-uPUpHihEHgn7eicH0VMPEEk4vigRXkslEAYB3PLGUdU1yQ7zSFFwAlUV1CisDlfUVlHMHoq7mMQU1gIh0uRhLpSw7FQm_5Lt6yBjKpFswQg0iA/w400-h266/Octane02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimubWqH7IKxxwZSHRVIGpTQOas9j5TpY1ApIGi5up7XIZnf0SI950oVjXGxrVS_Z4eK2dzOwi791c2veMXc1ncNCsmIvHkSswH0ADYjGu1sEXTVs8TIYjEgkHd2f10S5aqW2NYg8NnwiUzQjAVY_8-WjaQJr9NRJvnzmOmeKIYIXvPWnMf1n_3OvW29A/s2500/Octane03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimubWqH7IKxxwZSHRVIGpTQOas9j5TpY1ApIGi5up7XIZnf0SI950oVjXGxrVS_Z4eK2dzOwi791c2veMXc1ncNCsmIvHkSswH0ADYjGu1sEXTVs8TIYjEgkHd2f10S5aqW2NYg8NnwiUzQjAVY_8-WjaQJr9NRJvnzmOmeKIYIXvPWnMf1n_3OvW29A/w400-h266/Octane03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Stickering Octane has its challenges. As expected, those that cover large areas - like the ones on the sides of the truck cab - are not cut 100% perfectly for their intended surfaces and often go over ridges and uneven surfaces, so you have to make the best of it. The truck hood also presented a tricky issue as the sticker has to cover the higher central area of the hood. The rectangular sticker that goes on top of the tanker trailer's white plastic section had to be trimmed to fit correctly, as it would have had significant overhang on multiple sides otherwise. Its intended orientation was gleaned from stock photography on the box and in the 1986 US catalog...plus some help from Ras' prototype Octane.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VB7XlTCFzKQImpZwt25oSo9BFOUdWaNOPzAB6jAsbPXaDsyRtUCboaMxOpK2RYc8yrZ2Xr7B70qagBQxvQudvhQ4A22j9BAqB1KEh1EKQ9UYe5--xMjzNx0jvf6-gjwYBqYvc0CvdPJ9X_cbe_LSsKRdhDvh5uuCQxEho6I5GvHXEDhr7F2ntCcuXw/s2500/Octane05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VB7XlTCFzKQImpZwt25oSo9BFOUdWaNOPzAB6jAsbPXaDsyRtUCboaMxOpK2RYc8yrZ2Xr7B70qagBQxvQudvhQ4A22j9BAqB1KEh1EKQ9UYe5--xMjzNx0jvf6-gjwYBqYvc0CvdPJ9X_cbe_LSsKRdhDvh5uuCQxEho6I5GvHXEDhr7F2ntCcuXw/w400-h266/Octane05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">There was precious little to inform exactly what orientation the cockpit window stickers should take, so I did my best to make them look like an actual jet and not have them angled downwards towards the larger stripe stickers. I was also trying to keep all the stripe stickers co-ordinated with what colour was on top or bottom. This was especially difficult for the 3-part stripe sticker set that runs along the side of the fuselage section, but I used the curved cut-out as a clue to where each part should go. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADS4oUV-YtJYY8yvFxqwJS1qx3qZH2Jya4zblgsnrchsovs_Ac0gQbMNnNb_sznSkw-ltghM1HRJ0wViOsB1kofkETjnXTBrLgoHPRPDzJGwdRLYyNxytZZhZ62PwjOQ7BQAnyxlngxmaEmRtpmJEAfYAuTlWlC2TCuLCI5ZUkTKO-WiRUFndD27AHA/s2500/Octane06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADS4oUV-YtJYY8yvFxqwJS1qx3qZH2Jya4zblgsnrchsovs_Ac0gQbMNnNb_sznSkw-ltghM1HRJ0wViOsB1kofkETjnXTBrLgoHPRPDzJGwdRLYyNxytZZhZ62PwjOQ7BQAnyxlngxmaEmRtpmJEAfYAuTlWlC2TCuLCI5ZUkTKO-WiRUFndD27AHA/w400-h266/Octane06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Sadly these three parts can taken wear due to rotation of the wing hinges during transformation, but luckily that wear can stay hidden in most pics and modes if not too severe. Deciding exactly where to place the tail rudder stickers was a challenge too, as they are not cut to fit anywhere obvious, they are just very small for the space they are assigned to, unlike the proto whose rudder stickers cover the entire surface (like the inside of the rudder/shield). It should also be mentioned that due to age, some of the adhesive on the factory-applied wing stickers had weakened, so on first transformation of the wings, the inner corner of the factory wing sticker creased and bent back. A shame, but my Broadside suffered the exact same fate. Comes with the territory.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9QmJn8pKexKDn5kLnDnLpLID9sG0w8eqgC_1eknO6GcZrtqc9TxDPlmHFFTA0e0T3dklvjZLuApy46CWvCAgkLHza6XwAGtPJ6i_IHu2QCsiEeBQaaQzBrZ21j-1Dm-qQWWJMSyp9LTV2WYe7ydhTpEfqbANzeXvhQezv6sx1iNXksGuESftSaVvTQ/s2500/Octane10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9QmJn8pKexKDn5kLnDnLpLID9sG0w8eqgC_1eknO6GcZrtqc9TxDPlmHFFTA0e0T3dklvjZLuApy46CWvCAgkLHza6XwAGtPJ6i_IHu2QCsiEeBQaaQzBrZ21j-1Dm-qQWWJMSyp9LTV2WYe7ydhTpEfqbANzeXvhQezv6sx1iNXksGuESftSaVvTQ/w400-h266/Octane10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I knew I'd love Octane, despite shaky reviews from other G1 collectors. With sparkling chrome and (almost) perfect stickers, he's really beautiful when viewed as a toy of his time. The purple, light blue and white that dominate his colouring are textbook Decepticon, and flashes of yellow and red just add the perfect embellishment. Like Astrotrain, the rudder folds open to reveal a familiar stripe pattern for the stickers, even if the shield doesn't sit particularly well in his hand. And yes, the chrome tanker section can attach to his shoulder as a secondary shield!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjql_kme1stF-hcvJybuv5HXPTHQECJG8D-EL18Y61nGjlqAcFphn_1C_3HgfNOBIyIFK2KLOiRXgLW3UEBdOudeC4ZzxY899r3xXmm_5a2ZwBUkkEFbPyEIFoUZXwyh0LMBg6q5Cul7nhG43n3e5YZQx5D2guiceaIh1tlPhqKivVwwM9XHh454Pf-g/s2500/Octane13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjql_kme1stF-hcvJybuv5HXPTHQECJG8D-EL18Y61nGjlqAcFphn_1C_3HgfNOBIyIFK2KLOiRXgLW3UEBdOudeC4ZzxY899r3xXmm_5a2ZwBUkkEFbPyEIFoUZXwyh0LMBg6q5Cul7nhG43n3e5YZQx5D2guiceaIh1tlPhqKivVwwM9XHh454Pf-g/w400-h266/Octane13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's so rare that stickering a G1 Transformer goes 100% without the need for a touch of research that I was actually surprised to finish Octane without any drama besides the trimming of one sticker and the orientation of the ones mentioned above. There's nothing particularly hidden here like with the <a href="https://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2020/05/hasbro-g1-breakdown-hidden-sticker.html" target="_blank">Stunticons</a>, or any age-old printing errors that lead to incorrect stickering as with <a href="https://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-mysterious-g1-tracks-stickers.html" target="_blank">Tracks</a>, or so I thought. There was, as it turns out,<i> just one or two things</i>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-aW8uJLnHohu3fC80oOX_bLY650aLuteuCvrFfHmQeT0EV7KTPNVXKqxbNEg_Yx1y83n8nONnMJdtiv_YQpFkEfLAmqCIIS8OyvAXDczFkKNGo7b_LokwUfDcheoZzNS6ohES8ljtLXp6fbTN5SLCYPWlgcP3D6OqrRFNmv7Codzf_P3wW4XgXBlsQ/s1500/Octane06b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1500" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-aW8uJLnHohu3fC80oOX_bLY650aLuteuCvrFfHmQeT0EV7KTPNVXKqxbNEg_Yx1y83n8nONnMJdtiv_YQpFkEfLAmqCIIS8OyvAXDczFkKNGo7b_LokwUfDcheoZzNS6ohES8ljtLXp6fbTN5SLCYPWlgcP3D6OqrRFNmv7Codzf_P3wW4XgXBlsQ/w400-h249/Octane06b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqj-l_FQ9PIFv-h0ANmcSmqGdVReoE0QG0-AQ64H8zcuat7BUQZdFHa_qS0n3G3N-DtG20fMyTV71GuBm6dxLFpn0nqGYsT819FwQOfCJ1mED3JnquhDAI1RUJZQmenhkFIyRN_YPE0KZ39DmCGGDHxq7LYj-XqKqceuby4n7rqnvTJIYyMSpExBBLQ/s966/Octane15.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="966" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqj-l_FQ9PIFv-h0ANmcSmqGdVReoE0QG0-AQ64H8zcuat7BUQZdFHa_qS0n3G3N-DtG20fMyTV71GuBm6dxLFpn0nqGYsT819FwQOfCJ1mED3JnquhDAI1RUJZQmenhkFIyRN_YPE0KZ39DmCGGDHxq7LYj-XqKqceuby4n7rqnvTJIYyMSpExBBLQ/w400-h148/Octane15.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">c/o Botch The Crab</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQpzz_DdTF2RsZBf4ItjpvKvlaepgUKEuMNjmjP19YB2NHMEv3MwLFv6OeMR9CoPv99E1v5LKFw1WGab05ver02mVSA1xepZ1FSs9M-12EBcPTdtDJAklVVbWyGlb3zMmBQuhjOQN4TIt5-2XbuwzGeRuI_eWaYQWAKmO15R0lEwkwJ6C2FSNdDvDAQ/s639/Octane16.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="639" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQpzz_DdTF2RsZBf4ItjpvKvlaepgUKEuMNjmjP19YB2NHMEv3MwLFv6OeMR9CoPv99E1v5LKFw1WGab05ver02mVSA1xepZ1FSs9M-12EBcPTdtDJAklVVbWyGlb3zMmBQuhjOQN4TIt5-2XbuwzGeRuI_eWaYQWAKmO15R0lEwkwJ6C2FSNdDvDAQ/w400-h274/Octane16.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">c/o Botch The Crab</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Let's take another look at the stock photos on the box, as well as in the 1986 US catalog. Stickers #7 and #8 that are indicated as going on the vertical rudder are much smaller than you see on the prototype and even by the darkened section on the sticker map in the instructions. The aforementioned proto has a much larger sticker on the rudder which you can see in plane mode stock photos above. The one you get on the sheet looks like it was cut for a completely different part of the toy, such is the difference in size between the surface it covers and the sticker itself.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX54lac1qHTIAY4hbHDigAUJwhamQjWbFW8WyMBg_01fzoCV5fD-uW2gUG-OKXBGelF3G6UR-yZQF84qQK2NgrhCazCaM9Ds3GegyTREZmJDzHZ4o-q9AGx-i_BVFwZ19jK6PqQMZCAReylZFCMimoUi9Em-2st2K2f96ju-7JMwn353zHlhh8hA3FA/s800/Octane18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX54lac1qHTIAY4hbHDigAUJwhamQjWbFW8WyMBg_01fzoCV5fD-uW2gUG-OKXBGelF3G6UR-yZQF84qQK2NgrhCazCaM9Ds3GegyTREZmJDzHZ4o-q9AGx-i_BVFwZ19jK6PqQMZCAReylZFCMimoUi9Em-2st2K2f96ju-7JMwn353zHlhh8hA3FA/w400-h200/Octane18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">However, this smaller sticker set (#7 and #8 on the sheet) <i>is</i> present on the prototype/stock photography! And...they've been placed somewhere on the prototype Octane toy where they fit absolutely perfectly. It's most visible in truck mode, and for those who haven't spotted it yet...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0Mh5N60jqdwY-1DpC8H0vUctHypmft9saCVYz4hgJr0FMHI00DWa3rXpc37HR3SjhX8ga7IGZ5WfUsRGppxo3_cbdnLli2N_-fLBLN7h_sml3LmVkz1I4xZDlRKPNRBeYApoDG4CXRBTWP6Yv3NIzLZnIRB7oUWyb4Vntl7MFuhY76qqm-W7yIQsXQ/s2500/Octane17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="2500" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0Mh5N60jqdwY-1DpC8H0vUctHypmft9saCVYz4hgJr0FMHI00DWa3rXpc37HR3SjhX8ga7IGZ5WfUsRGppxo3_cbdnLli2N_-fLBLN7h_sml3LmVkz1I4xZDlRKPNRBeYApoDG4CXRBTWP6Yv3NIzLZnIRB7oUWyb4Vntl7MFuhY76qqm-W7yIQsXQ/w400-h196/Octane17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjABZ84n5DE1Y6Gfinm1eVRzCMhdg68Cgc_T2EiCjWB2YOLbePaZlO-IP0hvryPqM_4w8y4NZuSzi3sARqolNnc_t7Lq7C3n7UZxrgoBkuIBr73N5ZP2WGBIygcCA7zLgpnc9VSLTAXWjQFbhd47cWdl-4onH_jZ0tk084rkFWN0TqQBvrDekSsvTtlw/s2500/Octane14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjABZ84n5DE1Y6Gfinm1eVRzCMhdg68Cgc_T2EiCjWB2YOLbePaZlO-IP0hvryPqM_4w8y4NZuSzi3sARqolNnc_t7Lq7C3n7UZxrgoBkuIBr73N5ZP2WGBIygcCA7zLgpnc9VSLTAXWjQFbhd47cWdl-4onH_jZ0tk084rkFWN0TqQBvrDekSsvTtlw/w400-h266/Octane14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's right there on the side of the truck's chrome tanker section! Where normal Octane stickering would leave that oddly flat and empty chrome surface blank, the prototype has stickers #7 and #8 perfectly embedded there to give the overall trailer section a fuller, more colourful look. Although the stripe pattern is no longer connected or consistent, it's still a stronger look in my opinion. I had a second Octane stickersheet handy which had some damaged labels, but thankfully #7 and #8 were intact, so I added them to this particular Octane to recreate the look of the truck mode prototype in the catalog and in stock photography on the box.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bmC6tL2jQNuEZYtMOeY4UMaMOmHrffQ8pF53LmRWXzL1Dx35bVgURmRNHL4Nh_kZtqqqSQg8RJ1HTTcEBDZapM5luQbO3mul_O_5BouHhdlBzAXIs8JmKh0MTyO38iTIDEYohoZVRRhTsU49UaUMZiI2fdjmMeDYsEN2TbrpA2y19qYpCoPfjfgkQg/s2500/Octane07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bmC6tL2jQNuEZYtMOeY4UMaMOmHrffQ8pF53LmRWXzL1Dx35bVgURmRNHL4Nh_kZtqqqSQg8RJ1HTTcEBDZapM5luQbO3mul_O_5BouHhdlBzAXIs8JmKh0MTyO38iTIDEYohoZVRRhTsU49UaUMZiI2fdjmMeDYsEN2TbrpA2y19qYpCoPfjfgkQg/w400-h266/Octane07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-w8_ch04ZRv2wNUtNPkVSHkSgDPBqmUD38kwn7O5vH52Ol6rviS7SqpIT5vcLcEkL45wcHCwsV8YPtoiw3k_4N3tYmFfLaEu6ZOl6kRnA8c29EPa4DjKFksgny50S_hlECU-Z2tvfAmg6ff4o2rZGGsxEBpTsitPFDT-G-3qs71xRAG_nbUPHzHI1w/s2500/Octane08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-w8_ch04ZRv2wNUtNPkVSHkSgDPBqmUD38kwn7O5vH52Ol6rviS7SqpIT5vcLcEkL45wcHCwsV8YPtoiw3k_4N3tYmFfLaEu6ZOl6kRnA8c29EPa4DjKFksgny50S_hlECU-Z2tvfAmg6ff4o2rZGGsxEBpTsitPFDT-G-3qs71xRAG_nbUPHzHI1w/w400-h266/Octane08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So did the instruction sheet just get the placement wrong? I think there's more to it than that; I think there are missing stickers on Octane's stickersheet. I believe the original intention may have been for the plane rudder to have a larger sticker on it, the same as what you see in the stock photos for the proto. Either it was supposed to be an additional set of stickers on the stickersheet, allowing for #7 and #8 to go on the truck trailer instead of being repurposed for the rudder, or a factory set. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">But the missing stickers on the stickersheet are not the ones you may think I mean...because the ones that the prototype Octane has on its plane rudder actually ARE on the stickersheet! They are stickers #17 and #18 that the instructions tell you to put on the inside of the rudder, effectively as the shield stickers. They are cut specifically for those indented surfaces, but the actual design of the sticker is bigger than the cut, and it matches the stock photography of the rudder stickers perfectly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoxv0hxcV7BOsxpppgK_-3dhcl51X9mWwAu84VHm0G0KnMLL4Tkz0rwFK8eF1Y3qvgI6HnmDaNc8TECU3i8RpuE-tsCM6jdWSoqJNVFxaqFgO8HLz_o1qvOZzE0-rtxCj34AcMvfl_ljBwxsL3-2u46A2ltc6Wlmu4YIi_f9UdZ-r8S1p66te8CMtqg/s1472/Octane20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1472" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoxv0hxcV7BOsxpppgK_-3dhcl51X9mWwAu84VHm0G0KnMLL4Tkz0rwFK8eF1Y3qvgI6HnmDaNc8TECU3i8RpuE-tsCM6jdWSoqJNVFxaqFgO8HLz_o1qvOZzE0-rtxCj34AcMvfl_ljBwxsL3-2u46A2ltc6Wlmu4YIi_f9UdZ-r8S1p66te8CMtqg/w400-h228/Octane20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGQMJhJUhgM2chWM-qJtF-L-IfgLT1lAQDpaShqbyWGAhapiIOSwJzssQjvCPZk4haJryoE9h4-Oq4QMz0S9O9qE3hS1EeWz894hHwovBzwwIa_AbRFaaom06LFrlh5j3MVDFUN7nvBswdBDGdzakL5ILf88LRTrgJcr77aK3-KaHDaDvehdJUBeeLw/s1500/Octane22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="1500" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGQMJhJUhgM2chWM-qJtF-L-IfgLT1lAQDpaShqbyWGAhapiIOSwJzssQjvCPZk4haJryoE9h4-Oq4QMz0S9O9qE3hS1EeWz894hHwovBzwwIa_AbRFaaom06LFrlh5j3MVDFUN7nvBswdBDGdzakL5ILf88LRTrgJcr77aK3-KaHDaDvehdJUBeeLw/w400-h145/Octane22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So in actual fact it's the prototype's shield stickers that are absent from the stickersheet! These ones, specifically:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5kh129ux0rS7ZnbXjqOarxHApD1Hdp-CiuEgH32cuaYvJ57_ugcfJTvTc0_YCQWryQp6njSn3A0Vkbmw7j8oweBPOtwAMTzA-gAcMgxlhhY3vqPEVtaG5SeGiLSlH_sGtV3ZkgoCeygy3dRGD48BKfoI7FS4QulY1DnfeKUCZqPl4YTC8GKne43N0A/s1164/Octane21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1164" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5kh129ux0rS7ZnbXjqOarxHApD1Hdp-CiuEgH32cuaYvJ57_ugcfJTvTc0_YCQWryQp6njSn3A0Vkbmw7j8oweBPOtwAMTzA-gAcMgxlhhY3vqPEVtaG5SeGiLSlH_sGtV3ZkgoCeygy3dRGD48BKfoI7FS4QulY1DnfeKUCZqPl4YTC8GKne43N0A/w400-h296/Octane21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">While this set of stickers look a lot like #17 and #18 above, the colour order is different. These go red-pink-blue-pink-blue, whereas the ones on the sheet are red-blue-purple-blue. So I don't believe the shield stickers exist on the stickersheet, that those are the ones truly missing, and that the final stickersheet design obviously had #17's and #18's cut altered to fit into the indents on the inside of final Octane's accessory.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">But what to do with my Octane now that I know what really belongs on the plane's vertical rudder, though? Pffft, as if you need to ask.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2btXGCe3PLyes-XazJF8hGqIdNSaPE_QASdXDzLeyFIFlg79mMRa2AKNyLGJ-3ypB9D3oGRes4cPJd2l8DKwY7d0pBP239hiu8AiHOSj0KHtvJEspl8IrWU0R91whiB6dwGp-eYbPE9iBo_s7MREIONhAAXLS0Rr8Ke30s2T_hcAboyIkquT9-DfZA/s2500/Octane26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2btXGCe3PLyes-XazJF8hGqIdNSaPE_QASdXDzLeyFIFlg79mMRa2AKNyLGJ-3ypB9D3oGRes4cPJd2l8DKwY7d0pBP239hiu8AiHOSj0KHtvJEspl8IrWU0R91whiB6dwGp-eYbPE9iBo_s7MREIONhAAXLS0Rr8Ke30s2T_hcAboyIkquT9-DfZA/w400-h266/Octane26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I removed the wholly unsuitable (but instructed) sticker set of #7 and #8 from the vertical fin and cut out the entirety of the printed design on the stickersheet belonging to #17 and #18 - cut and uncut sections! The only thing I needed to trim was the top of the fin, but everything else aligned as beautifully you'd expect, and you can see the cut for the inner sticker still visible, but from any sort of distance it looks absolutely stellar! No more weird small sticker that doesn't even cover half of the fin on either side, and bang on proto Octane look!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JhX0ZmBuJdzIe7ce_jUZWP9-jcRuDr4L3ji9r2zK_TG3uHHypE39OxokQ3ridWftM6VcT6lEdDqpvr5a2AbKGPC4iJu277mVUGx2TOjW-aleopnmqvUkCjlHK_Uz3YCYIyTG3CPMw9Jtl9jqdLmHHPJLnm9U35gZAOuYJa7xCdRpDHVd1U9HpnTDGg/s2500/Octane25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1687" data-original-width="2500" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JhX0ZmBuJdzIe7ce_jUZWP9-jcRuDr4L3ji9r2zK_TG3uHHypE39OxokQ3ridWftM6VcT6lEdDqpvr5a2AbKGPC4iJu277mVUGx2TOjW-aleopnmqvUkCjlHK_Uz3YCYIyTG3CPMw9Jtl9jqdLmHHPJLnm9U35gZAOuYJa7xCdRpDHVd1U9HpnTDGg/w400-h270/Octane25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAen2aqPZWwQMr3fBecfXrhFgfmv8c7SVFhtE2cZYrLX2f6ueeGXg7rejnj0bmyrwzJqRcRkLtTLGSAJ8XLxDq2fwV7yAp9wo3lpYIHrEoHF0G_jHp9zEolpV6kMX_oFFclqoKpju0VXXA8HR--tbocGWtv2XNmq5DV5-eGhiHBoWmflOGaBzyJvsn5g/s2500/Octane24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1660" data-original-width="2500" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAen2aqPZWwQMr3fBecfXrhFgfmv8c7SVFhtE2cZYrLX2f6ueeGXg7rejnj0bmyrwzJqRcRkLtTLGSAJ8XLxDq2fwV7yAp9wo3lpYIHrEoHF0G_jHp9zEolpV6kMX_oFFclqoKpju0VXXA8HR--tbocGWtv2XNmq5DV5-eGhiHBoWmflOGaBzyJvsn5g/w400-h265/Octane24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is such an improvement in key areas of both alt modes for Octane over what the instructions recommend. The best part is that all of this is achievable with what you get on the actual stickersheet! You just need to apply #7 and #8 to the gap on the chrome tanker sides, then cut out all of the colour printed region of #17 and #18, trim the top to fit, and apply to the vertical jet fin. The only downside to it is that the inside of the fin (his robot mode shield) will not have any sticker detailing...although if you look back at the picture of Octane in the US 1986 catalog, he is actually missing those inner shield stickers! Regardless, I was hugely fortunate to have two Octane sheets to use for this, so even when I'd committed to the former look, I could still change my mind and have the best of all worlds - including the inner shield stickers too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It still astonishes me that there are things like this to discover on vintage Transformers, 37 years after the original release of the Octane figure. It acts as a form of vindication for me buying vintage G1 and using as many sources as I can find to apply unused vintage stickers, happening across buried mysteries or intentions. This is all assuming that you don't think what was decided for ultimate production release of Octane was fully intended, including the sacrificing of full vertical fin stickers and added tanker stickers in favour of shield stickers and fewer stickers overall. Well, I believe this is the intended look, and here it is in its as-close-as-possible-to-prototype glory!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByXzsq9PjKYe-H3WE2q9XIsp4phVzhmfeMQcJ2c8qiMYuT6TBRwyit08P2t3HOrPzLhVyegR7ovUDj35RF5XlnSVvm2DYYlSnN2gf7cu6EzkEyPSEQEIGuXz3pEg-9JKuMwodp33XdXCtGItwCSmANGVX-f0AOjkjmB1BttlwsZtRAzCqszNJd-Ywhg/s2500/Octane23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByXzsq9PjKYe-H3WE2q9XIsp4phVzhmfeMQcJ2c8qiMYuT6TBRwyit08P2t3HOrPzLhVyegR7ovUDj35RF5XlnSVvm2DYYlSnN2gf7cu6EzkEyPSEQEIGuXz3pEg-9JKuMwodp33XdXCtGItwCSmANGVX-f0AOjkjmB1BttlwsZtRAzCqszNJd-Ywhg/w400-h266/Octane23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1g-uV50sqWIYVYsKy1kuk2UT2jLqmOpMqSfi0QQtqCzXWPZsaPoVocYhkItMi-zTknOp8scsy0Gqc93yg84I8PNUXUlPaSqz_0G7xW_gA2Py6NbpG3q5VDb3Kb9TQ8YlaJRLZR5I1cRQcDI6JnhLq17X9AHLexAsbbI14LP6tRnoOKj6qInhola5mBg/s2500/Octane09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1g-uV50sqWIYVYsKy1kuk2UT2jLqmOpMqSfi0QQtqCzXWPZsaPoVocYhkItMi-zTknOp8scsy0Gqc93yg84I8PNUXUlPaSqz_0G7xW_gA2Py6NbpG3q5VDb3Kb9TQ8YlaJRLZR5I1cRQcDI6JnhLq17X9AHLexAsbbI14LP6tRnoOKj6qInhola5mBg/w400-h266/Octane09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvETwuU6uoSNdvsv3EYLAFBEO2a9sckjvpYrJnP2U4mE_qEUmUYziENh32tJtwp-2Lggit87XREwVTH2U-8sYmbLMI7ISOcVTE-uUC0LbNuSxjpMqmUPbsUyKUZ874j5Dhewinvzb_TyqiGhznbAzhVR-ZdsF5hX5wedApqGSX7M-uyAlrgx1fPtufdQ/s2500/Octane12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvETwuU6uoSNdvsv3EYLAFBEO2a9sckjvpYrJnP2U4mE_qEUmUYziENh32tJtwp-2Lggit87XREwVTH2U-8sYmbLMI7ISOcVTE-uUC0LbNuSxjpMqmUPbsUyKUZ874j5Dhewinvzb_TyqiGhznbAzhVR-ZdsF5hX5wedApqGSX7M-uyAlrgx1fPtufdQ/w400-h266/Octane12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>All the best<br />Maz</b> <br /><b><a href="https://twitter.com/TFsquareone" target="_blank">@tfsquareone</a></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-30842867681209761522022-05-04T13:34:00.010+01:002022-05-04T17:36:47.015+01:00Hasbro Canada G1 Pre-rub Cassettes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECrM7OXllv9xZplcm34tVlJm8mdztwmSAcZa1uCafdZEz9sldrAJ4j8Jg-KFb8FgMoGaw3Chzagou8t10en7p4lmeb6T1cpBxXuJ10IyShic4oAHPmkg1UX3DcKB7MIL_v-36GXao_gCtUG7FfMmGu8sl8jKbySyix3VWfwtblO0nvX5BKFx0LsxCwQ/s2500/Cancass04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECrM7OXllv9xZplcm34tVlJm8mdztwmSAcZa1uCafdZEz9sldrAJ4j8Jg-KFb8FgMoGaw3Chzagou8t10en7p4lmeb6T1cpBxXuJ10IyShic4oAHPmkg1UX3DcKB7MIL_v-36GXao_gCtUG7FfMmGu8sl8jKbySyix3VWfwtblO0nvX5BKFx0LsxCwQ/w400-h266/Cancass04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Vintage Generation 1 Transformers from Canada have always had their quirks, from the most famous toy variants like the red cartoon accurate Dinobot Slag to the full trailer sticker Pepsi Optimus Prime. Beyond that, there is the bilingual naming of every character, as well as the notable errors such as "Autobot Megatron" and Tracks-as-Swoop on the tech specs. For those who are interested in such things, there are also other gems to discover such as <b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/08/hasbro-canada-g1-pre-rub-bumblebee.html" target="_blank">pre-rub minibots with the Robot Points on the front</a></b> of the card, due to a lack of real estate on the back!</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAE2efxIe7udrURSuzAfx-v5mM14hPSdQDm8IFaQiBuqd90vBGHeQb5AzPDpJ32SAS9ZcTQCxGFEiP-Z3uObCeZHWZsjBARdxFD284ScqtHFH1kigWI2PL0_brKX7zHfIFCKbDLle7vB6lhxWsNW2vqAsm0PHvUyS0OY1I7fGbhnNH5rQ9bL9Wq4HKBA/s1500/CanadianPrerubMinibots.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1500" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAE2efxIe7udrURSuzAfx-v5mM14hPSdQDm8IFaQiBuqd90vBGHeQb5AzPDpJ32SAS9ZcTQCxGFEiP-Z3uObCeZHWZsjBARdxFD284ScqtHFH1kigWI2PL0_brKX7zHfIFCKbDLle7vB6lhxWsNW2vqAsm0PHvUyS0OY1I7fGbhnNH5rQ9bL9Wq4HKBA/w400-h234/CanadianPrerubMinibots.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hasbro Canada pre-rub minibots</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">For approaching two decades now, the common belief was that Canadian pre-rub minibots were the only official vintage Transformers to have the Robot Points on the front of the packaging, but as with almost every other aspect of this hobby, there’s always more to discover. With the ever-rising interest in collecting and documenting vintage Transformers variants, and the associated rising prices over the last few years, it is becoming trickier to find, afford and discover new things about the history of these toys. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm not talking about personal discovery, that’s not the main issue. The fact is that not every collector is interested in documenting variants or sharing with other collectors, which again is fine, but because the stuff has become harder to find with greater competition and more eyes on all things variant and vintage, it’s not escaped my notice that there have been far fewer major surprises in G1 Transformers in the last two years. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ueTgwY6Tw5Bb995XdKM_50HKvQjU_rUHULDKDhlkOnnl0hqCv48lS9uvE0Gai78TSHJHV4bTAhn8EEM3VLxDOCY8gC-E1BqXLYCQzmJGs8vuzX9vvFWLyQAbhxVD091EEjLBkO7_7qV-WjgP4BqEhht9ga9h7yUlUA-qEQEVHP1OojSYcN3m5Lxggw/s2500/Cancass01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ueTgwY6Tw5Bb995XdKM_50HKvQjU_rUHULDKDhlkOnnl0hqCv48lS9uvE0Gai78TSHJHV4bTAhn8EEM3VLxDOCY8gC-E1BqXLYCQzmJGs8vuzX9vvFWLyQAbhxVD091EEjLBkO7_7qV-WjgP4BqEhht9ga9h7yUlUA-qEQEVHP1OojSYcN3m5Lxggw/w400-h266/Cancass01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hasbro Canada pre-rub Frenzy/Laserbeak</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Enter Hasbro Canada once again. While browsing Facebook for what deals still exist on vintage G1, I saw a set of Hasbro Canada pre-rub Frenzy and Laserbeak Decepticon cassettes. Now when you spend as long as some of us have looking at Generation 1 packaging, when even the smallest thing is not consistent with what you know and have experienced, a spidey sense goes off. It took a second for me to realise what was special about these Decepticon cassettes - besides the bilingual text everywhere that is standard for Canadian G1.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n0Ks37o6HlpffClsJlaTmm0klEoHK1rDZUConXPeDS0T3I2gVkRTQwohgiEJ-qX5ciIsFMjTGmLCAEDjmC4O0etb5zFTBkUdEuHyBGtRwdk2aen8lyYtrtDW6izNhZgJ-rgg4miTk5sDY2eom2DbsGcuIRfQQs89_1PbxtgFrbovwos0HaOHwyUXdw/s2500/Cancass05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n0Ks37o6HlpffClsJlaTmm0klEoHK1rDZUConXPeDS0T3I2gVkRTQwohgiEJ-qX5ciIsFMjTGmLCAEDjmC4O0etb5zFTBkUdEuHyBGtRwdk2aen8lyYtrtDW6izNhZgJ-rgg4miTk5sDY2eom2DbsGcuIRfQQs89_1PbxtgFrbovwos0HaOHwyUXdw/w400-h266/Cancass05.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robot Points on the front - plus price tag!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Robot Points on the front of the card, just like the pre-rub minibots! Of course, why wouldn't they be!? The Decepticon cassettes would have had two tech spec bars on the back of the card in addition to the bilingual instructions, so if the simple pre-rub Canadian minibots didn't have space for the Robot Points on the back, how could the cassettes ever have managed it?</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZVvx72wZZcuxygx1QaWi9zf3MvKwaXhX3FDIm938Yx5tvPtTRyfYyb-oFjG9T4BnaGbN0dAcerL0jMR9SoE4mjNwardy5P9AMuL-1dn_ptk3eLY7su9ZFs70WMqheqxZYvCx5HPGAafrHM5jIwz0NuAzawGAGXXI_DwsAcZwjBF4-XyZiEehQlO_1g/s2500/Cancass02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZVvx72wZZcuxygx1QaWi9zf3MvKwaXhX3FDIm938Yx5tvPtTRyfYyb-oFjG9T4BnaGbN0dAcerL0jMR9SoE4mjNwardy5P9AMuL-1dn_ptk3eLY7su9ZFs70WMqheqxZYvCx5HPGAafrHM5jIwz0NuAzawGAGXXI_DwsAcZwjBF4-XyZiEehQlO_1g/w400-h266/Cancass02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hasbro Canada pre-rub Frenzy/Laserbeak card back</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Looking at the back of the card, it's pretty obvious why the Points had to be moved over to the front. The bilingual tech spec bars and text all but swallow the available space. It's the same story with the pre-rub minibots. It's always lovely to see coloured instructions for G1 Transformers, and the 1984 carded range display them proudly on their card backs. You may be able to spot coloured stickers on the cassette modes in the stock photography on the card back, intended to cover up the "TAKARA" of the Micro Change Series toys that were being used in that pre-production imagery on early Transformers packaging.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmi03IIYKXTfQE3yfepQCJzN343-YeVds2sRdsvMxHRt02X9wmus_UJ0mbosp_DSLLvptvyL940EP5mnVJeptfkyjL4q7H9jwZlmogHkm7g9P3pB9e7KUbwq-o4-ojBCcn6kFwE3Av6BwwY1ECTX3Fv1b9IKRRnilv6aPM01iftnlLC4AQaCS0xBbmAg/s1600/Cancass03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmi03IIYKXTfQE3yfepQCJzN343-YeVds2sRdsvMxHRt02X9wmus_UJ0mbosp_DSLLvptvyL940EP5mnVJeptfkyjL4q7H9jwZlmogHkm7g9P3pB9e7KUbwq-o4-ojBCcn6kFwE3Av6BwwY1ECTX3Fv1b9IKRRnilv6aPM01iftnlLC4AQaCS0xBbmAg/w266-h400/Cancass03.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Frenetik" and "Vautour"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I've always been fascinated by the French Canadian names for the original G1 Transformers, and here we have "Frenetik" for Frenzy, and "Vautour" for Laserbeak which translates to "Vulture", despite being a condor! Notice also that Frenzy's tech spec has the French name printed over the English tech spec bio, and the English name over the French bio. Errors on Hasbro Canada packaging were not uncommon.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJPKE96Jx2f4eBkDCbQuO6O2RYuN5_PLiuvUO7FgvnOen6JejWqy6MO9m07SrImuOyXCvx6liS1kfgBYcL_to9OM92GypQj8-bC0Zonr2_gzZqAgE6RgHy0DnlDj-eiXxo_azu23FfLZfZDv2z-_OHDpfmv8oBskOsvO141empFGx7nXgU-9aceEiNA/s2500/Cancass04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJPKE96Jx2f4eBkDCbQuO6O2RYuN5_PLiuvUO7FgvnOen6JejWqy6MO9m07SrImuOyXCvx6liS1kfgBYcL_to9OM92GypQj8-bC0Zonr2_gzZqAgE6RgHy0DnlDj-eiXxo_azu23FfLZfZDv2z-_OHDpfmv8oBskOsvO141empFGx7nXgU-9aceEiNA/w400-h266/Cancass04.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-rub?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Going back to the image at the head of the article, I've been calling this a pre-rub set from the outset, but the Frenzy and Laserbeak clearly have rubsigns, so what gives? Well, there are two possible explanations, with the first being that this is not a sealed set but a resealed set, and the seller could not guarantee that the cassettes on the card now were the ones that originally came with it in 1984/85. That seems the most plausible explanation; later toys in good condition paired with pre-rub card and resealed.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhus73M1S15eI5xJRMMjZLOGCYJJyenyb6uGr8CyEudKdoM3TQwuxtXaPrERTdye-XpYRqiYQKsawy88Y7QsBSdSPnGGImUDkRVYyPvKtx4R3PloERZW8nh9AmXjQNSNeHfKJRfdjAHfj_eQPNXc_1AVF-QkqqWxzZn7hUzvYnsTOSwBn9iQ60ODAj3w/s2500/Cancass05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhus73M1S15eI5xJRMMjZLOGCYJJyenyb6uGr8CyEudKdoM3TQwuxtXaPrERTdye-XpYRqiYQKsawy88Y7QsBSdSPnGGImUDkRVYyPvKtx4R3PloERZW8nh9AmXjQNSNeHfKJRfdjAHfj_eQPNXc_1AVF-QkqqWxzZn7hUzvYnsTOSwBn9iQ60ODAj3w/w400-h266/Cancass05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The other explanation requires us to haul this pic back out again. The "TM/MD" above the "S" in the large "TRANS FORMERS" graphic on the card front indicates a pre-rub release, although it is not impossible to find toys with rubsigns on TM cards - just look at Mini-Spies for example. Additionally, the pre-rub Canadian Cliffjumper that comes on a similar card has a rubsign plastered over the toy's original Autobot sticker on the chest/roof, so it is not without precedent that Canadian pre-rub cards like this would have rubsign toys attached. There are probably earlier runs with pre-rub toys on these cards, also, just as with the minibots.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYyrHaGdmGkaGfkG3MwoFyT8JQmteq7QNIYuuwG1rn6WWBO0ayWcYPR-gtRcMrsx6t5yUrj8Hj71KJ_UbqvCiqjPxP-vvfsVrtQWbFNCfRpiqHGmdKAAgIUyf37eXhEHOKMn_ECncKfWpOcnVzYT_1W5xs5gzhOkAIar9sfBGAEfLwyGz6I25CBEaeQ/s524/price.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="524" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYyrHaGdmGkaGfkG3MwoFyT8JQmteq7QNIYuuwG1rn6WWBO0ayWcYPR-gtRcMrsx6t5yUrj8Hj71KJ_UbqvCiqjPxP-vvfsVrtQWbFNCfRpiqHGmdKAAgIUyf37eXhEHOKMn_ECncKfWpOcnVzYT_1W5xs5gzhOkAIar9sfBGAEfLwyGz6I25CBEaeQ/w400-h256/price.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Furthermore, the price sticker has some interesting info on it too, potentially. Could the "8 85" signify an August 1985 retail date for this item? That would explain why there are rubsigns on the toys, and would confirm this item's nature as a transitional packaging variant. </span></div><span style="text-align: left;"><br />The logo in the middle of the price sticker belongs to Woolco, a Canadian chain store that was operational in the 1980s. From <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woolco" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></b>:<br /></span><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="text-align: left;">"</span><span style="text-align: left;">Woolco was an American-based discount retail chain. It was founded in 1962 in Columbus, Ohio, by the F. W. Woolworth Company. It was a full-line discount department store unlike the five-and-dime Woolworth stores which operated at the time. At its peak, Woolco had hundreds of stores in the US, as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom. While the American stores were closed in 1983, the chain remained active in Canada until it was sold in 1994 to rival Walmart, which was looking to enter the Canadian market. All of the former UK Woolco stores were sold by Kingfisher, who had bought the UK Woolworth business, to Gateway who subsequently sold them to Asda."</span></i></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcAPQnr1LoFpaz_wtWaDdbULiVTc_XCzZ4x_0uW34D0K5PHGs4OOJHH4eKKRE6lMdBmxhXpX-VURufiVzsBpZaE0dDWqajWutgwa9jaEfMOiUagwxvTsemSgxqq4otyxM9V4_TTBPW6eX_R7j4rTwkHWnO0OEpqhNVdg3wGR5MoKJqv8eZznriosfVQ/s2048/279119182_1051993638995603_7906551305059310744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcAPQnr1LoFpaz_wtWaDdbULiVTc_XCzZ4x_0uW34D0K5PHGs4OOJHH4eKKRE6lMdBmxhXpX-VURufiVzsBpZaE0dDWqajWutgwa9jaEfMOiUagwxvTsemSgxqq4otyxM9V4_TTBPW6eX_R7j4rTwkHWnO0OEpqhNVdg3wGR5MoKJqv8eZznriosfVQ/w400-h300/279119182_1051993638995603_7906551305059310744_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks to Francesco Lombardo and his sealed set of both Hasbro Canada Frenzy/Laserbeak and Ravage/Rumble, we can see that they did indeed come with rubsigns on TM/MD cards, but only Frenzy and Rumble! This has all the hallmarks of a transitionary period. Coincidentally, his Frenzy/Laserbeak also has a Woolco price sticker. His price sticker says "11 85", giving more credence to the possibility that it's a date, so potentially in November 1985, Canadian G1 were still using pre-rub packaging, and rubsigns were still being phased in.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KKSnCnXQG_iTe70LizlwXbApGxNexLr1_IRhwuPUDSjbqDwEJXKD0Dlkl2jzKiYtvcMjkGZ1PceDFlQEU4SE_u3gfk8qQnCCtiDSstwUj-oKZKtf6wDQP1qXY-N9EuW1TGlrvAUOuEcrTMwsrjp97XNFrMM1cd_VaMU79CNTzsjGbSXkJffOw6jaJA/s2500/Cancass06.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KKSnCnXQG_iTe70LizlwXbApGxNexLr1_IRhwuPUDSjbqDwEJXKD0Dlkl2jzKiYtvcMjkGZ1PceDFlQEU4SE_u3gfk8qQnCCtiDSstwUj-oKZKtf6wDQP1qXY-N9EuW1TGlrvAUOuEcrTMwsrjp97XNFrMM1cd_VaMU79CNTzsjGbSXkJffOw6jaJA/w400-h266/Cancass06.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hasbro Canada pre-rub cassette and minibot cards</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Placing the Frenzy/Laserbeak next to a Canadian Cliffjumper, you can see both with the Robot Points on the card front - something that still confounds and thrills simultaneously! Seeing how much smaller minibot cards are compared to the cassette 2-pack, it's clear why even with one tech spec on the back, Hasbro Canada still felt the need to transfer the Robot Points to the front on their earlier cards.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This purchase proved to me that there are still discoveries to be made in the niche world of vintage G1 Transformers variants, even if they are known to some Canadian collectors already or not of interest to the wider collecting community. I know cassette enthusiasts - of which there are plenty - will find this to be fascinating. It also proved that if you look hard enough, there are great finds hiding in plain sight, which is almost more satisfying in the current climate, to be honest.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As it stands, I'm now very much on the lookout for a Hasbro Canada pre-rub Rumble/Ravage set to go with this set, while also seeing if I can find another example of Frenzy/Laserbeak with pre-rub toys! Hey, if I can find this, and the stunning Milton Bradley single-pack Ravage you see below at a time when vintage G1 collectors are more resourceful and knowledgeable than ever, anything's possible, right?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2FhM6IoDXPoQi-ytQJLTH3PHxlKgqI1BkMH7tHAUzBYm1a2GsIMqvwdjD0a7u8enwah0dtnqT3-dEkNH7A34B-vAj2iK4ir8AyGRm7zMgHic_P4FoOg5QkqKpZ1kQOPHsGOctg1JREMbRqCESTcReznPZTFP3O0gHNcXRUEWfdSvleMB1gdoUXnSKw/s2500/Cancass07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2FhM6IoDXPoQi-ytQJLTH3PHxlKgqI1BkMH7tHAUzBYm1a2GsIMqvwdjD0a7u8enwah0dtnqT3-dEkNH7A34B-vAj2iK4ir8AyGRm7zMgHic_P4FoOg5QkqKpZ1kQOPHsGOctg1JREMbRqCESTcReznPZTFP3O0gHNcXRUEWfdSvleMB1gdoUXnSKw/w400-h266/Cancass07.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hasbro Canada pre-rub Frenzy/Laserbeak + Milton Bradley Ravage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><i><b>Related reading:</b></i><br /><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/08/hasbro-canada-g1-pre-rub-bumblebee.html" target="_blank">Hasbro Canada G1 Pre-rub Bumblebee</a></i></p><p><b>All the best<br />Maz</b> <br /><b><a href="https://twitter.com/TFsquareone" target="_blank">@tfsquareone</a></b></p><br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-15790146837736665832020-06-01T01:04:00.000+01:002020-06-01T09:41:19.575+01:00The Great Cybertronian Write Off - Weeks 7, 8 & 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFBUOQCXpRZqPJHsEnCp_Bp1l3bI08dB-CL4zse57KYgBjXrTzlrbtU37RioW3-6dR8SuJWelO9CIat-FRQ-DgaAXSpPEyU1QHd8z5nhYBnUqLTd9D8_vLjRwiVG56RniMeUkF2xU2fQ1/s1600/Week789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1220" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFBUOQCXpRZqPJHsEnCp_Bp1l3bI08dB-CL4zse57KYgBjXrTzlrbtU37RioW3-6dR8SuJWelO9CIat-FRQ-DgaAXSpPEyU1QHd8z5nhYBnUqLTd9D8_vLjRwiVG56RniMeUkF2xU2fQ1/s400/Week789.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's been a few weeks, but the <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCWO?src=hashtag_click&f=live" target="_blank">Great Cybertronian Write Off</a></i></b> has not slowed down! Week 9 has just finished and <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne" target="_blank">myself</a></i></b>, <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF" target="_blank">Sixo</a></i></b>, <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox" target="_blank">Toybox Soapbox</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/tikgnat" target="_blank">tikgnat</a></i></b> are over halfway into 1985's entries. For anyone unfamiliar with <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCWO?src=hashtag_click&f=live" target="_blank">#GCWO</a></i></b>, it was an idea we had to put out daily G1 Transformers reviews, accompanied by photos, all presented in the style of a poster with vintage Euro and UK Hasbro design elements. We did it to give fans something small to look forward to daily while they were potentially stuck at home for an indefinite period of time.</div>
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Back to me for another <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCWO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GCWO</a> entry, and I am privileged to present Day 38: ASTROTRAIN!<br />
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Absolutely love this toy, and thoroughly enjoyed doing this entry. Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/tikgnat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tikgnat</a> for design genius, and it's back to <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SixoTF</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ToyboxSoapbox</a> for more G1 pics/reviews/nostalgia tomorrow! <a href="https://t.co/oTzsM0ZWfC">pic.twitter.com/oTzsM0ZWfC</a></div>
— Maz @TFSquareOne #GCWO (@TFSquareOne) <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1260296296440762368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In the three weeks since my last weekly summary, the GCWO has covered the Omnibots, 1985's Triple Changers, Insecticons, Deluxe Insecticons, all the Autobot cars, and started on the Constructicons and '85 minis.</div>
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Toybox Soapbox had a short break where Sixo and I covered the duties, but he's fought himself back onto schedule and it's business as usual heading into Week 10, and somewhere in the mix we passed 50 days of GCWO entries! So here's what we covered in Weeks 7,8 and 9:</div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1259932276424617987" target="_blank"><b>Camshaft</b> @sixotf</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1260296296440762368" target="_blank"><b>Astrotrain</b> @tfsquareone</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1260646383939235841" target="_blank"><b>Venom</b> @sixotf</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1260999736754126850" target="_blank"><b>Red Alert</b> @tfsquareone</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1261341133474594817" target="_blank"><b>Ransack</b> @sixotf</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1261732171481374720" target="_blank"><b>Blitzwing</b> @tfsquareone</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1262065611175268353" target="_blank"><b>Inferno</b> @sixotf</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1262452619605422080" target="_blank"><b>Bombshell</b> @toyboxsoapbox</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1262809955016425472" target="_blank"><b>Grapple</b> @toyboxsoapbox</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1263173868036001794" target="_blank"><b>Scrapper</b> @tfsquareone</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1263542465006571520" target="_blank"><b>Shrapnel</b> @toyboxsoapbox</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1263895020714840068" target="_blank"><b>Hoist</b> @toyboxsoapbox</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1264240003057672193" target="_blank"><b>Chop Shop</b> @sixotf</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1264620041649168385" target="_blank"><b>Kickback</b> @toyboxsoapbox</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1264995903536009218" target="_blank"><b>Powerglide</b> @toyboxsoapbox</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1265351622827352066" target="_blank"><b>Scavenger</b> @tfsquareone</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1265707528731721730" target="_blank"><b>Beachcomber</b> @toyboxsoapbox</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1266068207321919490" target="_blank"><b>Cosmos</b> @toyboxsoapbox</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1266414346420224002" target="_blank"><b>Barrage</b> @sixotf</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1266808441856831492" target="_blank"><b>Bonecrusher</b> @tfsquareone</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1267168935436324864" target="_blank"><b>Warpath</b> @toyboxsoapbox</a><br />
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And here are the full-size versions of my entries:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bwfK7v5Hinvt5XlV63RTIvw4sdSM7RHSTkkxMODjjZvQTGrvJxx_8kuGf5n6MGED4TrM_Vv7O25NZxdCZVYN93L_NTpmdf4VDZ9jJSTk9IRoUZoS3766IOv2sGmlp_PorZKXwQ9PIBok/s1600/Astrotrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bwfK7v5Hinvt5XlV63RTIvw4sdSM7RHSTkkxMODjjZvQTGrvJxx_8kuGf5n6MGED4TrM_Vv7O25NZxdCZVYN93L_NTpmdf4VDZ9jJSTk9IRoUZoS3766IOv2sGmlp_PorZKXwQ9PIBok/s400/Astrotrain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 39 - Astrotrain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H2WFeItLEG6m_YaI8ObXTh54uC06ejS4nJ9aE3-EDFkj5LCVriuQHmC2PldgNzxXuQ8JkFtrN999oVeZfP1FIM1-jbGl3aUjNpTSrd-0q1aWq8mVHVnudfW91KboeCw0emQ-iDHisjw5/s1600/Red+Alert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H2WFeItLEG6m_YaI8ObXTh54uC06ejS4nJ9aE3-EDFkj5LCVriuQHmC2PldgNzxXuQ8JkFtrN999oVeZfP1FIM1-jbGl3aUjNpTSrd-0q1aWq8mVHVnudfW91KboeCw0emQ-iDHisjw5/s400/Red+Alert.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 41 - Red Alert</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNXMh8ckqce2nU-IbvvYu-SdwAE1MD2NnlAUt04bWidfv4LNO-0_RNP7I2LrmGOzqZU-Scf1Dx_E0UT4gZyjWQ_VQ77mU3qpzFxETOLT_YH9aHnk_4YHeA3lc869qmqRgRHqmHr-YSRE4/s1600/Blitzwing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNXMh8ckqce2nU-IbvvYu-SdwAE1MD2NnlAUt04bWidfv4LNO-0_RNP7I2LrmGOzqZU-Scf1Dx_E0UT4gZyjWQ_VQ77mU3qpzFxETOLT_YH9aHnk_4YHeA3lc869qmqRgRHqmHr-YSRE4/s400/Blitzwing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 43 - Blitzwing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 47 - Scrapper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzMEi5vp4WlNkCF2BJqOk6vbH48W1hoygTkj32qTykKXNRaoDozAEgRoRbdBbJi03dxUdOpN-O2biV78oz9QOkTodKIjOSix0Cih8beCNLZadUTqX233Mdls9FD2zLg3IaWPhG3zNO88V/s1600/Scavenger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzMEi5vp4WlNkCF2BJqOk6vbH48W1hoygTkj32qTykKXNRaoDozAEgRoRbdBbJi03dxUdOpN-O2biV78oz9QOkTodKIjOSix0Cih8beCNLZadUTqX233Mdls9FD2zLg3IaWPhG3zNO88V/s400/Scavenger.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 53 - Scavenger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE47d4ZdkhD4ZikwA3HL0EF8depl4QBf42j0geBEWz2aEVX_twpjA5eoH2aTAL56IzV1ToQYqnuePAwjHgbKP3BGE-D2CPkZYzRUl-0a1XzNpG16eQtm-OegO9lYu_AyVIY88hyVuvs1J/s1600/Bonecrusher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE47d4ZdkhD4ZikwA3HL0EF8depl4QBf42j0geBEWz2aEVX_twpjA5eoH2aTAL56IzV1ToQYqnuePAwjHgbKP3BGE-D2CPkZYzRUl-0a1XzNpG16eQtm-OegO9lYu_AyVIY88hyVuvs1J/s400/Bonecrusher.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 57 - Bonecrusher</td></tr>
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So, with the three of us contributing regularly to the Great Cybertronian Write Off again, we speed towards the end of 1985, with some seriously big hitters remaining to be covered. Of course, from my last three entries you can tell where my contribution to the rest of the 85 gang is headed, but if you know your '85, you know the other lads have some special entries to come. If I recall correctly, one of us is quite the Jurassic Park enthusiast...</div>
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Unfortunately, as tikgnat has been busy destroying MASK toys in peroxide-flooded tubs outside in his garden, or running the third iteration of his Transformers Top Trumps racket, there are no other GCWO-styled vintage paperwork images to share with you, but I assure you we'll straighten him out yet.</div>
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Until next time, stay safe, and follow <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCWO?src=hashtag_click&f=live" target="_blank">#GCWO</a></i></b> on <b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TFsquareone/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></i></b>, <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne" target="_blank">Twitter</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tfsquareone/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></i></b>!<br />
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b><br />
<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-80624948716135482602020-05-29T18:01:00.001+01:002020-05-29T18:09:42.526+01:00Hasbro G1 Breakdown - More Hidden Stickers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQS3Bgh0xeA9K01B6xlzCNSCrt7HiVSqPDnWmF7RS9tmaA6V7R8c010ivl2TGdjrK-2HR6ZZaxFg1Tx2HLzGd_F3VLm_d-P_pszijmRWgS4eDpLEUcQYMztVr-4vKczb4g9KI5cxgnukt/s1600/Breakdown05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1000" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQS3Bgh0xeA9K01B6xlzCNSCrt7HiVSqPDnWmF7RS9tmaA6V7R8c010ivl2TGdjrK-2HR6ZZaxFg1Tx2HLzGd_F3VLm_d-P_pszijmRWgS4eDpLEUcQYMztVr-4vKczb4g9KI5cxgnukt/s400/Breakdown05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It seems that every time I go to add vintage stickers to a Generation 1 Transformers toys these days, either the instructions, stock photography, catalogues or packaging artwork throw up some degree of contradiction or lack of clarity regarding sticker placement. This often leads to a bunch of research across multiple sources - even prototype toy specimens - and sometimes an enjoyable discovery. Not long ago, I posted about the <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2019/08/hasbro-g1-drag-strip-hidden-stickers.html" target="_blank">hidden stickers on G1 Drag Strip</a></i></b>, and now his fellow Stunticon Breakdown reveals his hidden secrets, too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1irLXp_IziGI2qLFgXa9A9aT3mbiXxuYJInBkolEe-3HqZokMq-dCIrg033GCz_MoNBOEAdKhdtYhEEeZgsB7Xh2NFO1HtcvKX_qbjRYLzsYnAUmiMyOSC2sK23b0vXKhYUhXFxCGRUh/s1600/Breakdown04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1irLXp_IziGI2qLFgXa9A9aT3mbiXxuYJInBkolEe-3HqZokMq-dCIrg033GCz_MoNBOEAdKhdtYhEEeZgsB7Xh2NFO1HtcvKX_qbjRYLzsYnAUmiMyOSC2sK23b0vXKhYUhXFxCGRUh/s400/Breakdown04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I did originally buy the G1 Drag Strip in order to re-create what <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/Leeroybrownhu9/status/1033280699456020480" target="_blank">Lee Cheney had done</a></i></b> with his prototype-styling and use of the excess (i.e. hidden) sticker printing on the sheet, in the process creating a look for him that is far from what the instructions dictated. Breakdown, however, was purchased because he was well-priced and one step closer to helping me complete a Menasor. I didn't expect any secrets or revelations here. But, as anyone who stickers G1 vintage or reissue toys will tell you, there's always something.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7uhkoD5m0jNbj8bDf0a18pP1lf7jjgWEv-YQxrJQoF_MlCjiZV5C3sT4KKQGr-mmADR4P4VaU1uB25GQA93q8m-LYyIByjrh8SWkO9tQlPH9xkDbHCR2NBj28bPcOB3nqa1s8TTwn-7m/s1600/Breakdown01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7uhkoD5m0jNbj8bDf0a18pP1lf7jjgWEv-YQxrJQoF_MlCjiZV5C3sT4KKQGr-mmADR4P4VaU1uB25GQA93q8m-LYyIByjrh8SWkO9tQlPH9xkDbHCR2NBj28bPcOB3nqa1s8TTwn-7m/s400/Breakdown01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Stunticons are small toys, part of the standard Scramble City-style setup of a large leader acting as the combiner's torso, and four smaller members who make up the limbs, attaching via the peg-head system. There shouldn't really be a lot of confusion where the stickers are concerned, as there simply aren't that many per smaller Stunticon. Breakdown is of course a lovely Lamborghini Countach, that most oft-used vehicle in G1 Transformers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS1-sVGJJBIvrMV2-terOznwdRW0QcMU4Nlcpe5fXWErR3IRETenGdTcx4ICDFEqqnW31_UxDhaMPP6OG52YKHU6c3itikefQwM1aVeE9MnkWoqXQBQ_kzX-JqzIEH67m0gMG3zZj27Oe/s1600/Instructions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="663" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS1-sVGJJBIvrMV2-terOznwdRW0QcMU4Nlcpe5fXWErR3IRETenGdTcx4ICDFEqqnW31_UxDhaMPP6OG52YKHU6c3itikefQwM1aVeE9MnkWoqXQBQ_kzX-JqzIEH67m0gMG3zZj27Oe/s400/Instructions.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Botch The Crab</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7dKA600-71jSKNM7Z5i8AgcVdD9WVttmUFO7JbVDp4_BEWmk6886i9F7aaYrGyrc1ZRIuBNZ-y3AM8xM6qOfLPqwiBoBD_y-xjiuKlRoa9L1kKEIB54RG4ibTABARwVgaRvvjqbMJpdh/s1600/Breakdown07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7dKA600-71jSKNM7Z5i8AgcVdD9WVttmUFO7JbVDp4_BEWmk6886i9F7aaYrGyrc1ZRIuBNZ-y3AM8xM6qOfLPqwiBoBD_y-xjiuKlRoa9L1kKEIB54RG4ibTABARwVgaRvvjqbMJpdh/s400/Breakdown07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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First port of call is always the instructions, specifically the sticker application map. I have learned not to trust these as gospel, knowing that changes get made halfway through a toy's production or development, often not being reflected in the instructions. So, it always pays to compare the sticker application map to the artwork for the character, the stock photography on the packaging and - if one is fortunate enough to know where to find a source - pictures of actual prototypes and pre-production samples of the toy in question.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi9bYVyThtNwk1Ss74SFpLd9eKZe8KqInNgW4XJ4kfNi7uplG1jQAWuEZJAbSzijIFn5G2MEirlU7Pcoeoklm7Xm7iXrnlz2eSD3152AGB2dPBBGRDBQjMFTDlYEFrRMKsstnaqMz22iA/s1600/ECbscbCXoAABsCJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1500" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi9bYVyThtNwk1Ss74SFpLd9eKZe8KqInNgW4XJ4kfNi7uplG1jQAWuEZJAbSzijIFn5G2MEirlU7Pcoeoklm7Xm7iXrnlz2eSD3152AGB2dPBBGRDBQjMFTDlYEFrRMKsstnaqMz22iA/s400/ECbscbCXoAABsCJ.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The beauty of G1 Transformers. Immediately, with the large Decepticon sticker shown as #2 on Breakdown's stickersheet, there is disagreement between the stock photography and the artwork, as well as the instructions. The latter two instruct you to place breakdown's Decepticon insignia on his robot crotch, but there's simply no sign of it on the proto/test shot seen above on the Menasor packaging. Why the disagreement?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxm0xHVEq0gvV0Gnr4_OC8cezF2ohg9_zz1GyJ5WKfHHdp5DLxJs4_P2vxAekGzuEaJkCJjmrZ_8Jb1oVmApW-Bm2QsL2ebv9wKdZFC6bHUof0XEBAzKkb7cASdtf5QheMk9RYVcV1LL9/s1600/101181741_2567449563568527_2772120150814490624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1600" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxm0xHVEq0gvV0Gnr4_OC8cezF2ohg9_zz1GyJ5WKfHHdp5DLxJs4_P2vxAekGzuEaJkCJjmrZ_8Jb1oVmApW-Bm2QsL2ebv9wKdZFC6bHUof0XEBAzKkb7cASdtf5QheMk9RYVcV1LL9/s400/101181741_2567449563568527_2772120150814490624_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of Ras</td></tr>
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Looking at the above pre-production Breakdown, an early first shot of the mould, the Decepticon sticker is on the side of the car on its door. Compare that to the stock photo on the Menasor giftset box just above and you can see that sticker was replaced with a rubsign. Depending on which stage of pre-production Breakdown was at, and which of the first/test shots got handed to photographers for various sources, you'll see either a rubsign on the door, or that Decepticon sticker.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwBxbrqgqmzorspllOoQbw2ziOyffonRkTFAK2zBqCBehV62dO7TfQBw9-0eaYylKczVwOtuGorEm2mdSG9S3WBAktpegSFb7at69VH3mWaYG9Fw9mqVHikraBKCtfWrEKuV4THEZAREQ/s1600/101158383_686495118793377_3808637939936657408_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwBxbrqgqmzorspllOoQbw2ziOyffonRkTFAK2zBqCBehV62dO7TfQBw9-0eaYylKczVwOtuGorEm2mdSG9S3WBAktpegSFb7at69VH3mWaYG9Fw9mqVHikraBKCtfWrEKuV4THEZAREQ/s400/101158383_686495118793377_3808637939936657408_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of Ras</td></tr>
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The picture above shows the early first shot of Breakdown in car mode with the hood sticker. The standing one is the next stage of development and does not transform, apparently. The one in car mode with accessories attached and taped is an engineering pilot/sample, and the bagged car is a test/sample. A very nice run of figures from the various stages of Breakdown's evolution. You can see the Decepticon sticker on the door/arm became a rubsign (stock photos on box), and then the rubsign moved to the roof.<br />
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This is where the fun starts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YOSbAAE80pXnHc5tZUq4Ul5DLjSLktG2FeGrBXp_UWa1p3mj_CcZm-2TcDosKxVD-2vLJUhIAhyphenhyphenYutTwOkbcVgNqJ30ztuyLms49GbMG3N4xy3hCTCmJ0N7JCxFzPfbc553GJM7vbju5/s1600/Breakdown03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YOSbAAE80pXnHc5tZUq4Ul5DLjSLktG2FeGrBXp_UWa1p3mj_CcZm-2TcDosKxVD-2vLJUhIAhyphenhyphenYutTwOkbcVgNqJ30ztuyLms49GbMG3N4xy3hCTCmJ0N7JCxFzPfbc553GJM7vbju5/s400/Breakdown03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now we're looking at the full production version of Breakdown again. There's the rubsign in its final resting place on the roof, sitting comfortably inside a moulded indent designed to house it. That indentation was added some way through the evolution of the toy's pre-production phases as the earliest first shot of Breakdown doesn't have that rubsign-shaped space on the roof, certainly not at the earliest stage and not at the stock photography stage either, evidenced by the fact that stock photos of G1 Breakdown have him with the rubsign on the door, if at all.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of Ras</td></tr>
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The above picture of the first shot shows very clearly what its roof originally was designed to look like. The space on the roof is much the same as you'd find on a G1 Sideswipe or Sunstreaker. It is designed based on the shape of the Lamborghini Countach's roof. No rubsign considerations being made, there. Originally, I guess the intention was to just have the rubsign on the door, much like Drag Strip before his was moved to the front wing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSE945GYO7nKaPLa6dcwjk5SOQE_5q61_rJCN5Fp_dzULB-710LM-TxGWG84o30U-7hau7fIBAgRUgQ2cUliV99tAUixHAv7-tn3n-S2RbarqtVBC8Bfd3PfSa3vqbo9PHUeKL_3sHpRP/s1600/Breakdown07-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="372" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSE945GYO7nKaPLa6dcwjk5SOQE_5q61_rJCN5Fp_dzULB-710LM-TxGWG84o30U-7hau7fIBAgRUgQ2cUliV99tAUixHAv7-tn3n-S2RbarqtVBC8Bfd3PfSa3vqbo9PHUeKL_3sHpRP/s400/Breakdown07-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95J3umWxuh01u788BlC5gJgikWYAA1EN33s8OT_K3kr1Qv0vjDRC5yOZsjDW2v3bELoeHxZaGNcSugVhLhEKZeOh_ChEdOpd2BubrDIoAPstOA6hQgxcPa87iLZ4WhDMS0EZVKpI5lliq/s1600/ECbscbCXoAABsCJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="402" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95J3umWxuh01u788BlC5gJgikWYAA1EN33s8OT_K3kr1Qv0vjDRC5yOZsjDW2v3bELoeHxZaGNcSugVhLhEKZeOh_ChEdOpd2BubrDIoAPstOA6hQgxcPa87iLZ4WhDMS0EZVKpI5lliq/s400/ECbscbCXoAABsCJ.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Looking again at the stock photography, we can see exactly why that moulded Countach-accurate indent exists on Breakdown's roof; originally he was supposed to have a red sticker there as further vehicle mode detailing, meaning that the insignia/rubsign had to be on the side of the car. Looking back up at Ras' first shot, it's clear that the sticker must just have fallen off that particular specimen at some point in its history. </div>
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And so, with the Lambo-style roof indent shortened dramatically in order to accommodate the rubsign indent, that red roof sticker became redundant and disappeared. Or did it?</div>
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Look again at the sticker application instructions on the cardback:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPmVMhOEYERly18s0EIfyMdILZgrn52RKOcsD7Jp96VwUI-B018qTi9kJDObGm7oUaqv1SsZgYtf_fHCFzY_LGUkPY052KLJ_094gKfCnAmbWi9ABus_hKiDXSo7Z2SwSeDJP2AS0AvtZ/s1600/Instructions3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="219" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPmVMhOEYERly18s0EIfyMdILZgrn52RKOcsD7Jp96VwUI-B018qTi9kJDObGm7oUaqv1SsZgYtf_fHCFzY_LGUkPY052KLJ_094gKfCnAmbWi9ABus_hKiDXSo7Z2SwSeDJP2AS0AvtZ/s400/Instructions3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Every black patch you see on that diagram is a sticker to be applied. There's clearly one on the roof of the car in the shape of the early Breakdown mock-up's red roof sticker as well. Now you may be thinking that this was just a leftover from the earliest design of the toy, when all this paperwork design started and was not changed, showing a forgotten factory sticker. However, take a look again, more closely, at the depiction of the stickersheet from elsewhere on Breakdown's cardback:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNSLuzgebTMnNCuNnjMaZSqCh1VRskZQc0El_fCqrkIbVKWvcAx8fzvyrYcQ4C-08Z4jJOOGXgrMozfIxV-laI8n5xVzfY1P5f_rKQWdyLKsdo-Y_hzfs35YMQHkHtOp2yIwTVJEFVaP0/s1600/Breakdown06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNSLuzgebTMnNCuNnjMaZSqCh1VRskZQc0El_fCqrkIbVKWvcAx8fzvyrYcQ4C-08Z4jJOOGXgrMozfIxV-laI8n5xVzfY1P5f_rKQWdyLKsdo-Y_hzfs35YMQHkHtOp2yIwTVJEFVaP0/s400/Breakdown06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Can you see it? The outline of the roof sticker on the stickersheet just below the big hood sticker? It wasn't meant to be a factory sticker, it was meant to be applied directly off the sheet! This is very similar to what happened with Drag Strip, its stickersheet also designed to contain stickers based on earlier mock-ups that were not carried over to final production design. In Drag Strip's case, the printing on the stickersheet was still done, but that area was not cut by machine to allow the owner to actually apply those stickers.</div>
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And guess what, it's the same deal with Breakdown:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AEgr-Mqvy2pcMiwDqKQzYH0ovyJNXxr7jKytriIl4Qk14tEZ_CcdXgDqNJgmJMEfziDh9mFppFjTAFLid-j9rl1H_x1zddTdcX6QDa8g_g9k-jHa8HZHOKs-F3WPcfWgyHSgzqm7AGAq/s1600/Breakdown02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AEgr-Mqvy2pcMiwDqKQzYH0ovyJNXxr7jKytriIl4Qk14tEZ_CcdXgDqNJgmJMEfziDh9mFppFjTAFLid-j9rl1H_x1zddTdcX6QDa8g_g9k-jHa8HZHOKs-F3WPcfWgyHSgzqm7AGAq/s400/Breakdown02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's his stickersheet again, and check out all of that unused red real estate below the hood sticker. It's not like Hasbro/Takara to just have a bunch of coloured space on the stickersheet taken up for no good purpose. Compare that empty red space to the image of the stickersheet on Breakdown's cardback, and it's clear as day that his roof sticker was meant to be pre-cut from that exact real estate, intended for the car's roof.</div>
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So that's exactly what I did.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdobs_TP8WN68-Fb7dxt7iUBFSAmGgwIaFWBzFSVs4Nb3wSFyKvUVuDsnbRrrFKVpGx3dSnhun89R-WMRC4RnU9XWSHF9lDqh2T5NvYMDDjVqhtQFsm4HHPsq2mgQCv77S-0GanKYBwR4x/s1600/Breakdown09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdobs_TP8WN68-Fb7dxt7iUBFSAmGgwIaFWBzFSVs4Nb3wSFyKvUVuDsnbRrrFKVpGx3dSnhun89R-WMRC4RnU9XWSHF9lDqh2T5NvYMDDjVqhtQFsm4HHPsq2mgQCv77S-0GanKYBwR4x/s400/Breakdown09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazW6mW3CIBWAJj1KvvPKuh-4VJ00AgNL4pMS6-EkzPFNqJlkIsQxo0B9O7f-8AwOVx0EgAS0A7R7SR-cDnYwmE2q11ZOJrNLRBhgRYrM3PzwzAOqFGgnMo-_5Gt9RGdSmF_3E3iPTO-Wl/s1600/Breakdown10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazW6mW3CIBWAJj1KvvPKuh-4VJ00AgNL4pMS6-EkzPFNqJlkIsQxo0B9O7f-8AwOVx0EgAS0A7R7SR-cDnYwmE2q11ZOJrNLRBhgRYrM3PzwzAOqFGgnMo-_5Gt9RGdSmF_3E3iPTO-Wl/s400/Breakdown10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr22mdalIp5NuJ1K6qaBbgA5xYxsC6QdxE74dzDgKo8nVhxV7kYK2lv0vNDQnPJc7Tq67ltiN_Utwldg6ESVzjFebvww5Phnpka4DmwDqVpeN3r6J7J520FuiPjcfyv5smGsbgKq_4utL8/s1600/Breakdown20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr22mdalIp5NuJ1K6qaBbgA5xYxsC6QdxE74dzDgKo8nVhxV7kYK2lv0vNDQnPJc7Tq67ltiN_Utwldg6ESVzjFebvww5Phnpka4DmwDqVpeN3r6J7J520FuiPjcfyv5smGsbgKq_4utL8/s400/Breakdown20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5QkiFAw1ymwDBJJAx_MvTvhc9RwL4Ia2h8MqhsEn0CxKzGSSsepkrfCHimS1LmxnOq7TO47E_okTcni4VHndX0P4ShB4U-0v6Ir0vfbcIV4F_Ev0H8xO8-XaWUAkYBDWqOolhb6h33t3/s1600/Breakdown21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5QkiFAw1ymwDBJJAx_MvTvhc9RwL4Ia2h8MqhsEn0CxKzGSSsepkrfCHimS1LmxnOq7TO47E_okTcni4VHndX0P4ShB4U-0v6Ir0vfbcIV4F_Ev0H8xO8-XaWUAkYBDWqOolhb6h33t3/s400/Breakdown21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NFc5OOpozmHDN2hoVPUkkE2vsaSLXpeZQP3A_O1Dt6mH1q_8pz4tHyeHDLv6Rnxa2P5oj3v1rJ-aH5Izg7KiOhyxjo5vl3daLlZEmg66Co_LuhmGmhY1iJ1h-gdnCSdGRUO498J8WG7f/s1600/Breakdown22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NFc5OOpozmHDN2hoVPUkkE2vsaSLXpeZQP3A_O1Dt6mH1q_8pz4tHyeHDLv6Rnxa2P5oj3v1rJ-aH5Izg7KiOhyxjo5vl3daLlZEmg66Co_LuhmGmhY1iJ1h-gdnCSdGRUO498J8WG7f/s400/Breakdown22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I measured the remaining Countach-style indentation on the roof and cut out a trapezoidal section from the remaining uncut red section of Breakdown's stickersheet, placing it on the roof to pay homage to that original detail. I know it's a small sticker space, but it really does add something more to him visually. Coupled with the Decepticon sticker on the door, again paying homage to earlier pre-production versions of Breakdown, there's just more going on for the eyes in vehicle mode than if I'd followed the published sticker instructions. And yes, I absolutely did consider removing the rubsign and putting it on the door, but I don't think covering up the rubsign indent on the roof would have worked as well as it did for Drag Strip.</div>
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Then come the other stickers, and more confusion.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByjXMMS4ZP7_kW8ty37H6BBtsQwd7jgnNur6tnxfm1wakHPExdsHqsgp4i2WpqGlnN9v8j0VgZ_aswWwsvuM_OwLm2W-hsWXNPwAokdIIsxTApFTjVom0Vsp5umjOlCnCR2YaGbGySiPy/s1600/breakdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="713" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByjXMMS4ZP7_kW8ty37H6BBtsQwd7jgnNur6tnxfm1wakHPExdsHqsgp4i2WpqGlnN9v8j0VgZ_aswWwsvuM_OwLm2W-hsWXNPwAokdIIsxTApFTjVom0Vsp5umjOlCnCR2YaGbGySiPy/s400/breakdown.jpg" width="345" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of Botch The Crab - note insignia on door<br />
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"What confusion? Just follow the instructions!". Well that's all well and good, but they don't always tell you which way up to place the stickers! For the arm stickers, the boxart, stock photos and Ras' pre-production samples all agree that the red dots should be at the top of the arms. But the stickers are not identical, being mirrored, so in that instance I just went with the same orientation as seen on the early first shot in the first pic below:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6j6mRHGthFz1HBCYGk5MJtBWN-ZZqZBPyvBlZCjRIDnBI7torKb0DGS1R9nUnOhJkfI_m_xjoklwUOpAiuOfK9bAS9ttM-gld9XvDVCovgxdE3w4ZTDfdO3AL23cQVAlRERduSfvCR1i/s1600/100939219_273676900684144_4994787441849139200_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1579" data-original-width="1600" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6j6mRHGthFz1HBCYGk5MJtBWN-ZZqZBPyvBlZCjRIDnBI7torKb0DGS1R9nUnOhJkfI_m_xjoklwUOpAiuOfK9bAS9ttM-gld9XvDVCovgxdE3w4ZTDfdO3AL23cQVAlRERduSfvCR1i/s400/100939219_273676900684144_4994787441849139200_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of Ras</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6W22duXWocsOu2yJG9AdNBJTuDtGpce6IkM4bMMoyt2g_FY6ILc3WnpIb8Apyx3lpzzsFOrYxZZbkdRr7KqZaPapHRJaanSPB8wA0D1RXMiWJ-ERqv4P0B6_hA71RDgi75wXJ0KYB5SO/s1600/Breakdown11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6W22duXWocsOu2yJG9AdNBJTuDtGpce6IkM4bMMoyt2g_FY6ILc3WnpIb8Apyx3lpzzsFOrYxZZbkdRr7KqZaPapHRJaanSPB8wA0D1RXMiWJ-ERqv4P0B6_hA71RDgi75wXJ0KYB5SO/s400/Breakdown11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsJFHZ2HhrPcFNzYkHh9K9CUkU0W4jLSMUNQx3Xwr_mF0c0RuDl5WhkgFv8M5UOXIS9fuyjt7EzC9Q_VF25zi-laIwtdfdVn3_nzuwq7_ZT8yWEPJv-f8wexrwhbVTHJbTJshSLdFtS8a/s1600/Breakdown12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsJFHZ2HhrPcFNzYkHh9K9CUkU0W4jLSMUNQx3Xwr_mF0c0RuDl5WhkgFv8M5UOXIS9fuyjt7EzC9Q_VF25zi-laIwtdfdVn3_nzuwq7_ZT8yWEPJv-f8wexrwhbVTHJbTJshSLdFtS8a/s400/Breakdown12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Having done the arms, I followed the instructions for placement of stickers #6 and #7 on his shins, those are really non-negotiable and very much designed to fit in that L-shaped space. However, the small square stickers #3 and #4 with the three dots that I have placed on his knees were very much not following the instructions. That is, however, where both of Ras' earlier first shots have them. The box art and the stock photos on the box show them on the rectangular blue section just above the other shin stickers, and the instructions have them even higher up on the uppermost blue leg sections almost at his knees, but neither of those options worked for me aesthetically. The size and shape of them, plus their existence on the square knees on the test shots was just too much for me to ignore. I did, however, follow the boxart's orientation advice for those square stickers, making sure the three red dots were at the top.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihq_zOgRxNHxWkXKEVX2BG09RV176rT6ZI0Zh0CGgKMn30YJtBWhUhOWvcHrEERW_WKfbbMWscPsogi4ylV2DseA8PxqEVYDG5Eo_tF7r0NuSeAUrMkhy27WyukT7GvWdweagT47Xz4iQi/s1600/Breakdown13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihq_zOgRxNHxWkXKEVX2BG09RV176rT6ZI0Zh0CGgKMn30YJtBWhUhOWvcHrEERW_WKfbbMWscPsogi4ylV2DseA8PxqEVYDG5Eo_tF7r0NuSeAUrMkhy27WyukT7GvWdweagT47Xz4iQi/s400/Breakdown13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMmoj0Rf9W70kGlcY16eWhCebgDwh2p0boCjqJuYOgOYom61HNwWTClE2hXnYFSuNNplmw-bws_aLydELzIvB0UZeb9YVHbs0kNZ4R7ZMMewiu-qnb5xEo6_e1_KVjthHCDSe8BR7Xlzh/s1600/Breakdown18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMmoj0Rf9W70kGlcY16eWhCebgDwh2p0boCjqJuYOgOYom61HNwWTClE2hXnYFSuNNplmw-bws_aLydELzIvB0UZeb9YVHbs0kNZ4R7ZMMewiu-qnb5xEo6_e1_KVjthHCDSe8BR7Xlzh/s400/Breakdown18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So here he is, the fully stickered up G1 Breakdown, with plenty of nods given to the first moulded mock-ups with stickers that can be found in the images on his packaging, in catalogues and on actual first shots. I hesitate to call this the intended or 'correct' configuration for all of his stickers, because the fact that the rubsign indent was moulded into the roof shows that intentions change, and actually the final production version of him was certainly no accident. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Gd4OFD_7LVEwSfWkNkYHdYBywsyMjj6kgNN0tlnojAbJ6s4oFVltA1a8qh7K4cojnfuYFuuqb1G-_WGao-RCK8FJIaZ0xdEao6h5L43Sz6SMy6cVEX2wuXhu0FkvIhVbZPoweCrCf6WK/s1600/Breakdown16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Gd4OFD_7LVEwSfWkNkYHdYBywsyMjj6kgNN0tlnojAbJ6s4oFVltA1a8qh7K4cojnfuYFuuqb1G-_WGao-RCK8FJIaZ0xdEao6h5L43Sz6SMy6cVEX2wuXhu0FkvIhVbZPoweCrCf6WK/s400/Breakdown16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NBWjGmkXfGx4s_QMmhnXEr2Blt2-fwDtCZe9Egkn58z5zTbQCFur9xpZNnb6CU0-5ivXYf7Svi6y1WKPojkbm-IahMYS4jt1grhkcQp4G76oU8t9eV66QOxm09YrcXLsywtH6G0mvOqb/s1600/Breakdown17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NBWjGmkXfGx4s_QMmhnXEr2Blt2-fwDtCZe9Egkn58z5zTbQCFur9xpZNnb6CU0-5ivXYf7Svi6y1WKPojkbm-IahMYS4jt1grhkcQp4G76oU8t9eV66QOxm09YrcXLsywtH6G0mvOqb/s400/Breakdown17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHklW7peFtIS0M0382teZlAym4GdF8ucAhgCCr-8gcKvMHvvdZvQnKKeI17Wt89pPX1l4pt9q4vTSlubILKA9s7kskUfWfYm2ajimLp6KVmjawepk2tJjnPRnCSbOHXsisr35AnvmZnyQ/s1600/Breakdown24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHklW7peFtIS0M0382teZlAym4GdF8ucAhgCCr-8gcKvMHvvdZvQnKKeI17Wt89pPX1l4pt9q4vTSlubILKA9s7kskUfWfYm2ajimLp6KVmjawepk2tJjnPRnCSbOHXsisr35AnvmZnyQ/s400/Breakdown24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With almost every source for Breakdown besides the final instructions showing his Decepticon insignia on his door, I was happy to have it there. It's consistent with the Drag Strip I have also stickered to look like the early mock-ups, and it gives Breakdown a much less plain vehicle mode, especially with the red flourish to his roof.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYpEa6bQ3ohqhqlQRfd2uQcM_tiWJUJA3D95LxWc_qRSsPRARIsz8Kgn1kMVpZy6i0GGKYm8a-41VK7L1rCcMbO-vSxI1l_Q3W4GLxB4H8PphfP83G8g19aUjwt1aL6bRXVIkTF7otsIf/s1600/Breakdown19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYpEa6bQ3ohqhqlQRfd2uQcM_tiWJUJA3D95LxWc_qRSsPRARIsz8Kgn1kMVpZy6i0GGKYm8a-41VK7L1rCcMbO-vSxI1l_Q3W4GLxB4H8PphfP83G8g19aUjwt1aL6bRXVIkTF7otsIf/s400/Breakdown19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mltxpG-p-4RCJpEZ-4oJ2miyQ3APcJFUpIHQWZNAu_ZPuTp0CYyTf446FeuQwZwgJb9iivCT8jixThBEhhTyDAbVvMkkN9SeQowFw_sxJ-0bqORWTR3aSZA4tRzgtS14_ZRAEgxpCHxe/s1600/Breakdown23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mltxpG-p-4RCJpEZ-4oJ2miyQ3APcJFUpIHQWZNAu_ZPuTp0CYyTf446FeuQwZwgJb9iivCT8jixThBEhhTyDAbVvMkkN9SeQowFw_sxJ-0bqORWTR3aSZA4tRzgtS14_ZRAEgxpCHxe/s400/Breakdown23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mLJMfOJzz-VHwmycf15MarOAxQzzvod-1-Y3b2hNcah3KuP5enTdEqVi-DsQFR-KilyugWFC_rkZsR8tOLxU69Gado8K2_w8DY8-VCIRkWOJaZi-Vs353WrZijc18q14ijXcbzEIE6Wd/s1600/Breakdown14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mLJMfOJzz-VHwmycf15MarOAxQzzvod-1-Y3b2hNcah3KuP5enTdEqVi-DsQFR-KilyugWFC_rkZsR8tOLxU69Gado8K2_w8DY8-VCIRkWOJaZi-Vs353WrZijc18q14ijXcbzEIE6Wd/s400/Breakdown14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZooMNN4JZZDQNLTS7nyqvEVXvpo7nGQd-S_2ot3eFqApQMon5iuZj0c-IQlJqQ5eEb7R3mekaSBQfXPMiJq7z27nBmhFR1tPllJHlfWV5N-3uddJczcpbIcGtxVYg_6Ny_pu7DhQDcNE/s1600/Breakdown15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZooMNN4JZZDQNLTS7nyqvEVXvpo7nGQd-S_2ot3eFqApQMon5iuZj0c-IQlJqQ5eEb7R3mekaSBQfXPMiJq7z27nBmhFR1tPllJHlfWV5N-3uddJczcpbIcGtxVYg_6Ny_pu7DhQDcNE/s400/Breakdown15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Don't they look absolutely fantastic together? It is of course a matter of personal preference, and I do find quite a lot of enjoyment in stickering these toys up to resemble earlier stages of their production if I feel it is justified with what we are given in the package. With Breakdown and Drag Strip, those uncut but obvious spaces on their stickersheet were irresistible first to Lee with Drag Strip, and then to me with Breakdown. </div>
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I also happen to think both of these Stunticons look far better stickered up this way, primarily because they've ended up with MORE stickers on them, reducing that plain look of solid colour in vehicle mode, instead with more details and ornamentation. I also think Breakdown has already got so much going on in robot mode with all those stickers that he doesn't miss a honking great Decepticon insignia on his crotch!</div>
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If I can eventually end up with a complete set of Stunticons that more closely resemble that which we saw in the stock photography and earlier mock-ups, and it happens to be the result of mysteries uncovered from their own stickersheets where the extra stickers needed to accomplish that look are already there, even better. Nods to its history, the original design intention, as well as a better more interesting look all make this sticker configuration for Breakdown a winner for me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII5r_CUuq7nK-QEh7rEQCZePVeCVBQuE-iFexkBxJN_trHsWdZkDRzaA0nQvi5KvZWoQ-iO76mrPD4uGqDHdbUEgZJHU3-6Pem83J6JU8rsupwVcBmDWWuRl23iKzlaRm3rsAP_-YwV4t/s1600/Breakdown08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII5r_CUuq7nK-QEh7rEQCZePVeCVBQuE-iFexkBxJN_trHsWdZkDRzaA0nQvi5KvZWoQ-iO76mrPD4uGqDHdbUEgZJHU3-6Pem83J6JU8rsupwVcBmDWWuRl23iKzlaRm3rsAP_-YwV4t/s400/Breakdown08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Related reading:</b></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2019/08/hasbro-g1-drag-strip-hidden-stickers.html" target="_blank">Hasbro G1 Drag Strip - The Hidden Stickers</a></b><br /><b><a href="https://twitter.com/Leeroybrownhu9/status/1033280699456020480" target="_blank">Lee-Roy's Drag Race</a></b></i></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-41850210249445193922020-05-13T22:03:00.001+01:002020-05-14T15:01:46.507+01:00The Great Cybertronian Write Off - Week 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeHu06iQNYYM_TUU0A_SsBDR4jIEW0CcJfPPcKjRQ0yIOieeStyW1DWIzKW_R61HpCTkM2FuEBdPvIiz8pHswpkPbdyHkbF9ld9i9ibOHP-fTL1_qja1QX6eUG93v0YHfOzhB3_60MFf5/s1600/A84+Bumper+%2528translate%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="1600" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeHu06iQNYYM_TUU0A_SsBDR4jIEW0CcJfPPcKjRQ0yIOieeStyW1DWIzKW_R61HpCTkM2FuEBdPvIiz8pHswpkPbdyHkbF9ld9i9ibOHP-fTL1_qja1QX6eUG93v0YHfOzhB3_60MFf5/s400/A84+Bumper+%2528translate%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After a short break, the <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCWO?src=hashtag_click&f=live" target="_blank">Great Cybertronian Write Off</a></i></b> returns for 1985's G1 Transformers entries! <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne" target="_blank">Myself</a></i></b>, <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF" target="_blank">Sixo</a></i></b>, <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox" target="_blank">Toybox Soapbox</a></i></b> - with design by <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/tikgnat" target="_blank">tikgnat </a></i></b>- have been producing poster-style mini-reviews of G1 Transformers toys daily, with our own photographs, all stitched together and presented in the style of vintage UK and Euro G1 paperwork. Why? Well, in order to give Transformers fans a tiny little something to look forward to daily at a time when most of us are confined to quarters!</div>
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It's the return of the Great Cybertronian Write Off! <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SixoTF</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ToyboxSoapbox</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tikgnat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tikgnat</a> & I are back with daily hits of G1 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Transformers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Transformers</a> pics, nostalgia & mini-reviews during this time of home stay (and beyond?)<br />
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Kicking off 1985 with:<br />
Day 31: RAMJET!<br />
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Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCWO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GCWO</a> to see them all! <a href="https://t.co/n14ZP3ROgq">pic.twitter.com/n14ZP3ROgq</a></div>
— Maz @TFSquareOne #GCWO (@TFSquareOne) <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1257383334201700353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Having now completed the sixth week of entries, we are deep into 1985's astonishing range of toys and characters. I was once again extraordinarily privileged to be working with such talented folk that I respect so highly, but also very happy to selfishly have gotten to do some of 1985's finest toys for my entries!</div>
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The mega-crossover between the photographer/writers did start off with just <b><i><a href="http://sixotransformers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sixo</a></i></b> and I posting for Week 6 (and also 7) but <b><i><a href="http://www.toyboxsoapbox.com/" target="_blank">Toybox Soapbox</a></i></b> will be back on schedule as of Week 8, so look forward to that! Here's what we covered in Week 6:</div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1257383334201700353" target="_blank"><b>Ramjet </b>@tfsquareone</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1257732105339129859" target="_blank"><b>Downshift </b>@sixotf</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1258095193556946944" target="_blank"><b>Dirge </b>@tfsquareone</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1258457053615599616" target="_blank"><b>Overdrive </b>@sixotf</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1258836654237913089" target="_blank"><b>Smokescreen </b>@tfsquareone</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1259181591672299520" target="_blank"><b>Thrust </b>@sixotf</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1259545468482265088" target="_blank"><b>Tracks </b>@tfsquareone</a><br />
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And here are the full-size versions of my entries:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-WeDa3yncwXrMfS6Wyv_g6bxTqWJGMnOkfeb6zpZK9V4OAFBkHpxwSaVrIyL7sGS0r8Wp9NETVoysLPWL5NE36J4ZpO72I_P3nBofeF-CFUzR1vQkrPvlZblTMAoHUN0-TOV1MHZXZJw/s1600/Ramjet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-WeDa3yncwXrMfS6Wyv_g6bxTqWJGMnOkfeb6zpZK9V4OAFBkHpxwSaVrIyL7sGS0r8Wp9NETVoysLPWL5NE36J4ZpO72I_P3nBofeF-CFUzR1vQkrPvlZblTMAoHUN0-TOV1MHZXZJw/s400/Ramjet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 31 - Ramjet</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhj4XjIN0ti7JwEm5JiV3qSCxmtbzuVgF3L9vXTrmuyizkZsVjpPMfymMSBxJ69ASdnXxV5kg7GXN6SKmpGGPqrRO8ADF6MBMXfNyw6yK1VOjCoU5PF5DRG6TxOxMKStvBjQHJ6LNvJfh/s1600/Dirge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhj4XjIN0ti7JwEm5JiV3qSCxmtbzuVgF3L9vXTrmuyizkZsVjpPMfymMSBxJ69ASdnXxV5kg7GXN6SKmpGGPqrRO8ADF6MBMXfNyw6yK1VOjCoU5PF5DRG6TxOxMKStvBjQHJ6LNvJfh/s400/Dirge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 33 - Dirge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYddEtnroGHleglm6cw0eNpT7AiebcpHc24zL4_4VOiOAS5YjU6UjbjPTmbwjS6D__nP28BD48wTifYDvNAh7-UC2KqT7DYkvOnb7eyj5rsY3H7-KQ4aziAzjDIgbXYejgQOigLcnN-dwr/s1600/Smokescreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYddEtnroGHleglm6cw0eNpT7AiebcpHc24zL4_4VOiOAS5YjU6UjbjPTmbwjS6D__nP28BD48wTifYDvNAh7-UC2KqT7DYkvOnb7eyj5rsY3H7-KQ4aziAzjDIgbXYejgQOigLcnN-dwr/s400/Smokescreen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 35 - Smokescreen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L3LxXhKcvglKKwcGyu2BBwtpscW5ORIrNndEGvdGPx3vbgp89c9NkIu_yA8HY37JpvwAusMb_JzL4G94MKi-2hgs8sO66IdSbvAy8rFX6vSWXne1jQ8BfImnXJ5Z_b8-ixvz3Dwjy70f/s1600/Tracks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L3LxXhKcvglKKwcGyu2BBwtpscW5ORIrNndEGvdGPx3vbgp89c9NkIu_yA8HY37JpvwAusMb_JzL4G94MKi-2hgs8sO66IdSbvAy8rFX6vSWXne1jQ8BfImnXJ5Z_b8-ixvz3Dwjy70f/s400/Tracks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 37 - Tracks</td></tr>
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I mean, was there ever a chance I was not going to be responsible for doing Dirge's entry? I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to include European variants for Ramjet and Dirge, and then pristine reissues for Tracks and Smokescreen where I had written articles about their stickers here on this blog. For full size versions of the other days in Week 6, check out <i><b><a href="https://sixotransformers.blogspot.com/2020/05/gcwo-great-cybertronian-write-off-part-5.html" target="_blank">Sixo's blog for Days 32, 34 and 36</a></b></i>.</div>
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Once again, I would like to direct your attention to the picture at the top of this article, where tikgnat used Brazilian release Estrela "Sedan" artwork contributed kindly by Ronen Kauffmann and the tech spec image of the same toy contributed by Corey Bulpitt to create a vintage-style Bumper tech spec! This was done using a translation of the printed Portuguese tech spec as well as some other influences for the text and stats. Continuing thanks must also go to <b><i><a href="http://botchthecrab.com/" target="_blank">Botch The Crab</a></i></b> for giving us the use of his amazingly collected box artwork and Transformers vintage paperwork scans on his website.<br />
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Keep your eye on <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCWO?src=hashtag_click&f=live" target="_blank">#GCWO</a></i></b> across <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne" target="_blank">Twitter</a></i></b>, <b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TFsquareone/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </i></b>and <i><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tfsquareone/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b></i> as we continue to bring you daily hits of G1 photos, reviews and heavy nostalgia! Stay safe, everyone.</div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-81430853023381859622020-04-30T23:01:00.000+01:002020-04-30T23:05:12.035+01:00The Great Cybertronian Write Off - Weeks 4 & 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2Uum3HK7BjNQ8UvP6WDgP0hVOyUesss33IW5_BnIRkGAkuF3wOsotpXyjngQ7V9BXWjB2C-bsn6xY4cVDLQCdWQBKe3h6YNVx69feoiV8MhYpnqKkbuMxFc8omvHG_fo0NybUW6BNaU2/s1600/2020-04-21+Bumper+Pre+Rub+%2523Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2Uum3HK7BjNQ8UvP6WDgP0hVOyUesss33IW5_BnIRkGAkuF3wOsotpXyjngQ7V9BXWjB2C-bsn6xY4cVDLQCdWQBKe3h6YNVx69feoiV8MhYpnqKkbuMxFc8omvHG_fo0NybUW6BNaU2/s400/2020-04-21+Bumper+Pre+Rub+%2523Card.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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Accept no cheap fan-made imitations, only expertly and lovingly-made fan made imitations! <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GCWO&src=hashtag_click&f=live" target="_blank">The Great Cybertronian Write Off</a></i></b> has now completed four-and-a-bit weeks of daily G1 Transformers photo, review and nostalgia poster-style entries in the style of old UK and Euro G1 paperwork, courtesy of myself, <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF" target="_blank">Sixo</a></i></b>, <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox" target="_blank">Toybox Soapbox</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/tikgnat" target="_blank">tikgnat</a></i></b>! It may seem like a strange point to do a summary, but having completed my own contributions in Week 4, the other two writer/photographers stuck in two more entries to round out all of the 1984 series of <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GCWO&src=hashtag_click&f=live" target="_blank">#GCWO</a></i></b> posts, and yes, that is a hashtag you can - and should - be following on social media to make sure you don't miss any entry in this hyper-crossover!</div>
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Day 22 and start of week 4 of The Great Cybertronian Write Off, and I would have waited an eternity for this...SUNSTREAKER!!!!<br />
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Come back tomorrow to see what <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ToyboxSoapbox</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SixoTF</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tikgnat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tikgnat</a> serve up, and follow all posts on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCWO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GCWO</a>. Remember, don't accept any cheap imitations! <a href="https://t.co/59NnKnhe8T">pic.twitter.com/59NnKnhe8T</a></div>
— Maz @TFSquareOne #GCWO (@TFSquareOne) <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1252680101688377344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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I was privileged enough to have three outstanding G1 Transformers to write about in Week 4, but my GCWO co-contributors got some gems as well, so here's the full list for Week 4 and the tiny bit of Week 5 we needed to close out the main bulk of 1984:</div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1252680101688377344" target="_blank"><b>Sunstreaker</b> @tfsquareone</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1253058650605748231" target="_blank"><b>Cliffjumper </b>@sixotf</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1253386453897404416" target="_blank"><b>Gears </b>@toyboxsoapbox</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1253749018120855553" target="_blank"><b>Jetfire </b>@tfsquareone</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1254108122978955264" target="_blank"><b>Bumper </b>@sixotf</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1254472561804693504" target="_blank"><b>Brawn </b>@toyboxsoapbox</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1254840663566430214" target="_blank"><b>Shockwave </b>@tfsquareone</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1255210394949431297" target="_blank"><b>Windcharger </b>@sixotf</a><br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1255572359827906562" target="_blank"><b>Huffer </b>@toyboxsoapbox</a><br />
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And here are the full-size versions of my entries:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UZzsarLZEBQ87oFZmUqBjVS4Nt7wIJ3mCNPxl8MNXCNW2rO8kyV9wO3ebs6mx9n0HjyWNQ_9LfdbZuRqco7ZlZdvV3mzDhIk3FrNkERqkPRnodDTR7hvgeJ5ky4BGdjddJaH0nkCjhhS/s1600/Sunstreaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UZzsarLZEBQ87oFZmUqBjVS4Nt7wIJ3mCNPxl8MNXCNW2rO8kyV9wO3ebs6mx9n0HjyWNQ_9LfdbZuRqco7ZlZdvV3mzDhIk3FrNkERqkPRnodDTR7hvgeJ5ky4BGdjddJaH0nkCjhhS/s400/Sunstreaker.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 22 - Sunstreaker</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq5UcrbunNLuiiziTtyHhjl9N3IUwM6ltFkyq8bNrUtSkq-TzA7ddACHeH8soIUDPSURwI9Jn9gbR6bezXdNc6mwiXNF7hHlj32f2T_j4dWYCzedjY8jD0evDTYOZrPf9tLoUl3fAZf3G/s1600/Jetfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq5UcrbunNLuiiziTtyHhjl9N3IUwM6ltFkyq8bNrUtSkq-TzA7ddACHeH8soIUDPSURwI9Jn9gbR6bezXdNc6mwiXNF7hHlj32f2T_j4dWYCzedjY8jD0evDTYOZrPf9tLoUl3fAZf3G/s400/Jetfire.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 25 - Jetfire</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm35p_uHMHRIIprjVbDdUnR8_Ez4ZlUnQl0SqW7Le7JdIwn7iwPkpZ56UM06InBuuCw8rZ5Hcrse4B4qmLkzcBQEXc9VyCf1uebgqWlIekPo8Gg3ELAjwoK3f0grK_kL7xGaExqkcBqy4Q/s1600/Shockwave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm35p_uHMHRIIprjVbDdUnR8_Ez4ZlUnQl0SqW7Le7JdIwn7iwPkpZ56UM06InBuuCw8rZ5Hcrse4B4qmLkzcBQEXc9VyCf1uebgqWlIekPo8Gg3ELAjwoK3f0grK_kL7xGaExqkcBqy4Q/s400/Shockwave.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 28 - Shockwave</td></tr>
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For full-size versions of the other days in Weeks 4 and 5, check out the full blog posts for <b><i><a href="http://sixotransformers.blogspot.com/2020/04/gcwo-great-cybertronian-write-off-part-4.html" target="_blank">Days 23, 26 and 29 by Sixo </a></i></b>as well as <b><i><a href="http://www.toyboxsoapbox.com/2020/04/29/roundup-the-great-cybertronian-write-off-1984-wrap-up/" target="_blank">Days 24, 27 and 30 by Toybox Soapbox</a></i></b>. The latter features an awesome summary of the entire Great Cybertronian Write Off journey so far!</div>
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I would also like to direct your attention to the picture at the top of this article, where tikgnat used Brazilian release Estrela "Sedan" artwork contributed kindly by Ronen Kauffmann to create a pre-rub, vintage-style Bumper cardback with some sneaky #GCWO branding! Bumper did not have his own card art in 1984, he was of course released by Hasbro exclusively on Cliffjumper cards. Only the Estrela release had individual artwork. It's this kind of design brilliance that has added greatly to the project and made it so thrilling to submit photos and words to tikgnat, only to receive the poster-style product back a short while later. Continuing thanks must also go to <b><i><a href="http://botchthecrab.com/" target="_blank">Botch The Crab</a></i></b> for giving us the use of his amazingly collected box artwork and Transformers vintage paperwork scans on his website.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv-FTmIUVKL9jUtob_4_iYm6fD_BLKO_2EkrAQLs6tKZb4TbXmNQeUids2gaypJURCOybKgvev64CpEPACMBWNhmw3l-jaoxaeW5xsGHLoDicn-8wxjxvMrE_9KSD9TToGQ2iYvZg-JyY/s1600/TGCW+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="946" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv-FTmIUVKL9jUtob_4_iYm6fD_BLKO_2EkrAQLs6tKZb4TbXmNQeUids2gaypJURCOybKgvev64CpEPACMBWNhmw3l-jaoxaeW5xsGHLoDicn-8wxjxvMrE_9KSD9TToGQ2iYvZg-JyY/s400/TGCW+Logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, as this period of extended social distancing and home stay continues, and although some countries are slowly relaxing their restrictions, the Great Cybertronian Write Off will return for 1985's run of spectacular G1 Transformers after a few days' break! Keep your eye on #GCWO on <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne" target="_blank">Twitter</a></i></b>, <b><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tfsquareone/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TFsquareone/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></i></b> to make sure you don't miss a single entry. Stay safe, everyone!</div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b>Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-23815595632342327182020-04-22T00:52:00.001+01:002020-04-22T00:52:47.151+01:00The Great Cybertronian Write Off - Week 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuE3gZ3wo7vKY_ckMRado73GmFmaXQmB8auH7dG_RmJ0r9fH9o0XBz0wrUpKcBRJGcHaNxvntu9My3wMzRxRhnKtqBu0D8beSXIxYmzPtAqXrYmiIga3TIZ8L623MkcjTD5XNPzsO6-j4/s1600/GCWO+Promo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1600" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuE3gZ3wo7vKY_ckMRado73GmFmaXQmB8auH7dG_RmJ0r9fH9o0XBz0wrUpKcBRJGcHaNxvntu9My3wMzRxRhnKtqBu0D8beSXIxYmzPtAqXrYmiIga3TIZ8L623MkcjTD5XNPzsO6-j4/s400/GCWO+Promo+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The mission is to entertain Earth during this extended period of home stay, and so the write off begins...The Great Cybertronian Write Off!</div>
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Well, actually, it began three weeks ago. But it has been raging ever since, and every week it just feels like it's getting more exciting, or at least it is for myself, <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/tikgnat" target="_blank">tikgnat</a></i></b>, <b><i><a href="https://sixotransformers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sixo</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="http://www.toyboxsoapbox.com/" target="_blank">Toybox Soapbox</a></i></b>! For three weeks now we have been posting daily G1 toy photos and mini reviews, woven together with the visual magic of early UK and Euro G1 paperwork designs. Myself, Sixo and Toybox Soapbox have been on writing and photo duty, with tikgnat executing the stunning design work. The idea has been to give everyone something - however small - to look forward to daily while we live our lives mostly from home. This short blog post will summarise my contributions to Week 3!</div>
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You can catch my <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2020/04/gcwo-week-1.html" target="_blank">Week 1</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2020/04/gcwo-week-2.html" target="_blank">Week 2</a></i></b> summaries if you've missed any entries, and you can of course follow the #GCWO hashtag on <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GCWO&src=hashtag_click&f=live" target="_blank">Twitter</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/gcwo/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></i></b> for the daily dose.<br />
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Day 19 (!) of the Great Cybertronian Write Off, and it gives me great honour to present...MIRAGE!<br /><br />An all time fave and G1 classic. Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/sixo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sixo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ToyboxSoapbox</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tikgnat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tikgnat</a> for letting me do this one. Come back tomorrow and check <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCWO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GCWO</a> for your daily G1 pic/review/nostalgia hit! <a href="https://t.co/HXL5OeAcS0">pic.twitter.com/HXL5OeAcS0</a></div>
— Maz @TFSquareOne #GCWO (@TFSquareOne) <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1251569913451483138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In Week 3, we've had:</div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1250135673790771203" target="_blank"><b>Sideswipe</b> @toyboxsoapbox</a><br />- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1250489784209997824" target="_blank"><b>Ravage </b>@tfsquareone</a><br />- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1250848736936411138" target="_blank"><b>Skids </b>@sixotf</a><br />- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1251216182444724226" target="_blank"><b>Trailbreaker </b>@toyboxsoapbox</a><br />- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1251569913451483138" target="_blank"><b>Mirage </b>@tfsquareone</a><br />- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1251945238068895744" target="_blank"><b>Hound </b>@sixotf</a><br />- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1252304410446909443" target="_blank"><b>Bumblebee </b>@toyboxsoapbox</a></div>
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And here are the full-size versions of my Week 3 entries:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGakY1W1gwxX_5fnnpGEuFGd207dncni0Gvfcuhc_fnjsek38LbYArcPQQhi-gnLswYOzYVUGQ516seKIHT_oTQksbxSQKUChTkXH5aV-YUo2H6k4MZmQz8LJW1UfkW8NB3gannI3fOE3/s1600/Ravage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGakY1W1gwxX_5fnnpGEuFGd207dncni0Gvfcuhc_fnjsek38LbYArcPQQhi-gnLswYOzYVUGQ516seKIHT_oTQksbxSQKUChTkXH5aV-YUo2H6k4MZmQz8LJW1UfkW8NB3gannI3fOE3/s400/Ravage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 16 - Ravage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMiFwHVs1wmslaAFHI6YeHlbSi-1D3aWhy6S61Ebk1o8zlifpJbM7mSkeCvR1JqoHAXp8FrtYlC0Lx5vzBKXM4NiXZ6eXpYbhaKo0BQnHTCnjS6FTQNB0MiGeE8FuOVijHtIXLQeBMdFj/s1600/Mirage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMiFwHVs1wmslaAFHI6YeHlbSi-1D3aWhy6S61Ebk1o8zlifpJbM7mSkeCvR1JqoHAXp8FrtYlC0Lx5vzBKXM4NiXZ6eXpYbhaKo0BQnHTCnjS6FTQNB0MiGeE8FuOVijHtIXLQeBMdFj/s400/Mirage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19 - Mirage</td></tr>
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If you'd like to see the full-size high quality versions of the rest, check out <b><i>Days 15, 18 and 21 by Toybox Soapbox</i></b> and <b><i><a href="https://sixotransformers.blogspot.com/2020/04/gcwo-great-cybertronian-write-off-part-3.html" target="_blank">Days 17 and 20 by Sixo</a></i></b> on their individual blog summaries.<br />
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Huge thanks again to tikgnat for design magic, he is also responsible for putting together the image at the top of this article, inspired heavily by the back of the 1984 UK pack-in toy catalogue. Remember, don't accept any cheap imitations of The Great Cybertronian Write Off, whichever obscure toy robot fan event they may be from!<br />
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Remember to continue checking <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gcwo?src=hashtag_click&f=live" target="_blank">#GCWO</a></i></b> regularly on <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne" target="_blank">Twitter</a></i></b>, <b><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tfsquareone/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TFsquareone/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></i></b> for more daily doses of G1 Transformers mini-reviews, photography and nostalgia in the ultimate Transformers crossover event of the year!<br />
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-26324259271413632692020-04-14T21:38:00.001+01:002020-04-20T15:54:57.631+01:00The Great Cybertronian Write Off - Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-_V8G7Mw8Ztyb968DeetaWXEBs0QnKdub3y8V2ahZP-vuL1BYLql0vOyTJhw32vkjENp-ZEWxzpjbFRZWiXcPVCJyany7NVa7MzUtb5Gt31irUOZcpa5dmTxN9m3adQ9W5aXOaruRrFw/s1600/GCWO+Promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="949" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-_V8G7Mw8Ztyb968DeetaWXEBs0QnKdub3y8V2ahZP-vuL1BYLql0vOyTJhw32vkjENp-ZEWxzpjbFRZWiXcPVCJyany7NVa7MzUtb5Gt31irUOZcpa5dmTxN9m3adQ9W5aXOaruRrFw/s400/GCWO+Promo.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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Hey there, did you know that "Only the real GCWO have these watermarks?"<br />
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Well now you do! Welcome to the second weekly summary of my contributions in Week 2 of GCWO - The Great Cybertronian Write Off! Bringing everyone daily G1 Transformers content in the form of poster-style mini-reviews, photography and vintage-style UK/Euro Transformers paperwork posted across our social media accounts, myself, <b><i><a href="https://sixotransformers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sixo</a></i></b>, <b><i><a href="http://www.toyboxsoapbox.com/" target="_blank">Toybox Soapbox</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/tikgnat" target="_blank">tikgnat</a></i></b> continue to - hopefully - give fans of G1 Transformers something small to look forward to in this extended period of home stay. You can catch my <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2020/04/gcwo-week-1.html" target="_blank">Week 1 summary</a></i></b> if you've missed any entries, and you can of course follow the <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCWO?src=hashtag_click&f=live" target="_blank">#GCWO</a></i></b> hashtag on Twitter and Instagram for the daily dose. How long will it continue? Who knows, but we're having a blast doing them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5c-HWkbnZyUUBc9QEKO1uL5e0OE4eEqyR3tAy1q-AWqFu7znwctd6bL0BGY1iJFVTf4Ac9xHBNbJidAXsBt2uvtboebpRnS44AZkg2pN6pW8k_GIuK5xPiVT_JwCVsQPK85q7HZ9cJvc/s1600/CaptureTC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="593" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5c-HWkbnZyUUBc9QEKO1uL5e0OE4eEqyR3tAy1q-AWqFu7znwctd6bL0BGY1iJFVTf4Ac9xHBNbJidAXsBt2uvtboebpRnS44AZkg2pN6pW8k_GIuK5xPiVT_JwCVsQPK85q7HZ9cJvc/s400/CaptureTC.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So in Week 2, we've had:<br />
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1247586919300706309" target="_blank"><b>Starscream </b>@toyboxsoapbox</a></div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1247948598240784386" target="_blank"><b>Bluestreak </b>@sixotf</a></div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1248310343836807168" target="_blank"><b>Thundercracker </b>@tfsquareone</a></div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1248672380047757312" target="_blank"><b>Ironhide </b>@toyboxsoapbox</a></div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1249045025826189312" target="_blank"><b>Skywarp</b> @sixotf</a></div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1249416891447246855" target="_blank"><b>Ratchet</b> @tfsquareone</a></div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1249781941005627394" target="_blank"><b>Laserbeak/Buzzsaw</b> @sixotf</a></div>
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And here are my contributions to the above:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAfy93_r8p6jZb-bjTmKHnT8uMC0D34ANeRgxT_1FUvY3BH0HnYu624Z2T63gSlHvuFnfiLxnk-Unkob22hyphenhyphensnwrP0VPVCT-FqTivF_Zcv9yYMHKn6purHWebFEp8mN1gbJQoGpjEE94x/s1600/Thundercracker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAfy93_r8p6jZb-bjTmKHnT8uMC0D34ANeRgxT_1FUvY3BH0HnYu624Z2T63gSlHvuFnfiLxnk-Unkob22hyphenhyphensnwrP0VPVCT-FqTivF_Zcv9yYMHKn6purHWebFEp8mN1gbJQoGpjEE94x/s400/Thundercracker.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 10 - Thundercracker</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhGCEm9UwaoQvQ1DCqOqyxM5hw3XmszWVf3EdLEQiHVurMK59W_rcOfsATvOMxcfEp65lVXjskNJ85HNpLfZEc2j5S2YURYSFefFI0AvzXis0OJNGS1FNKo2o_9JL6XzWuAckGiBydBHZ/s1600/Ratchet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhGCEm9UwaoQvQ1DCqOqyxM5hw3XmszWVf3EdLEQiHVurMK59W_rcOfsATvOMxcfEp65lVXjskNJ85HNpLfZEc2j5S2YURYSFefFI0AvzXis0OJNGS1FNKo2o_9JL6XzWuAckGiBydBHZ/s400/Ratchet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 13 - Ratchet</td></tr>
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You can see <b><i><a href="http://www.toyboxsoapbox.com/2020/04/14/roundup-the-great-cybertronian-write-off-week-2/" target="_blank">Days 8 and 11 by Toybox Soapbox</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="https://sixotransformers.blogspot.com/2020/04/gcwo-great-cybertronian-write-off-part-2.html" target="_blank">Days 9, 12 and 14 by Sixo</a></i></b> on their individual blog pages, too!</div>
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Thank you also to tikgnat who - again - had to put up with my relentless orders and created the majestic image at the top of this article, straight from the back of the 1985 UK catalogue.</div>
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Remember to continue checking <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GCWO&src=hashtag_click&f=live" target="_blank">#GCWO</a></i></b> regularly on <b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne" target="_blank">Twitter</a></i></b>, <b><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tfsquareone/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TFsquareone/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></i></b> for more daily doses of G1 Transformers mini-reviews, photography and nostalgia in the ultimate Transformers crossover event of the year!</div>
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<b>All the best</b></div>
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<b>Maz</b></div>
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Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-90694733985795408672020-04-10T16:09:00.000+01:002020-04-20T23:55:28.122+01:00Hasbro G1 Sunstreaker - Figure & Sticker History<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSCoopAKWEEHHsKHoKjT5LNFpAGqBrUK8o07sBfVYDMwuwe_52HlBEsKtIPlGQIwV98wxsh44pItms_tgvueFAONFHBiwqTJfQ4ZPCI750jvSPKw_DX7B3Q-18I8wATF9r29jinOGDTp-/s1600/Sunstreaker05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSCoopAKWEEHHsKHoKjT5LNFpAGqBrUK8o07sBfVYDMwuwe_52HlBEsKtIPlGQIwV98wxsh44pItms_tgvueFAONFHBiwqTJfQ4ZPCI750jvSPKw_DX7B3Q-18I8wATF9r29jinOGDTp-/s400/Sunstreaker05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Hasbro G1 Transformers Autobot Warrior Sunstreaker is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful toys ever created and released. I lusted after a Sunstreaker as a child and was only fortunate enough to get one during the Classic Heroes era circa 1991 in Cyprus, of all places. He did not disappoint, and much of my adult Transformers and Diaclone collecting has centered around this toy. My current collecting focus is finding vintage G1 in perfect condition, which sometimes means applying vintage stickers. Almost every time I undertake a stickering project, I discover something new about a G1 Transformers toy, and Sunstreaker has been no different.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-A7BUZ3KGY3TgNccQlj-f8zR21Cec_Ss047XWqqkYh9uWDV-_bWlqoltQl0JtgtZoGLZ-sCIIdu4seZEGBPqYGeYXTvDQCQKDFv8cM4UD8b9iuc39Bsi8JlxlNvhtQ32Qfq09JuSc9H1/s1600/Blaze33a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-A7BUZ3KGY3TgNccQlj-f8zR21Cec_Ss047XWqqkYh9uWDV-_bWlqoltQl0JtgtZoGLZ-sCIIdu4seZEGBPqYGeYXTvDQCQKDFv8cM4UD8b9iuc39Bsi8JlxlNvhtQ32Qfq09JuSc9H1/s400/Blaze33a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Takara Diaclone Car Robot No.1 - Countach LP500S Super Tuning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpzTDr3KjWJloAMnLn7Wr7xbK2bndH9oPMYWf2uSqd7urrjYscgWYsdtBLY7zX7TWoSKXLS_c7kP13zhdA2ahkNSOWZDikGzXR57-hJ40TdqVz5uODekhwBmVgD3pjztL7rPqmURBEY7R/s1600/insertR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="580" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpzTDr3KjWJloAMnLn7Wr7xbK2bndH9oPMYWf2uSqd7urrjYscgWYsdtBLY7zX7TWoSKXLS_c7kP13zhdA2ahkNSOWZDikGzXR57-hJ40TdqVz5uODekhwBmVgD3pjztL7rPqmURBEY7R/s400/insertR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AKA "Diaclone Red Sunstreaker"</td></tr>
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Now Sunstreaker is a toy I have written about numerous times, and you can find a fair bit of his backstory covered in my <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/04/milton-bradley-g1-sunswipe.html" target="_blank">Milton Bradley "Sunswipe" article</a></i></b>. The toy originally started life as the Japanese Takara Diaclone Car Robot No.1 Countach LP500S Super Tuning, which in March 1982 became the first of the famous Diaclone Car Robots, who in turn eventually became Autobot cars. This was a red Countach Super Tuning toy, based on a fictional souped-up version of the Countach that Lamborghini say never existed.</div>
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When GiG in Italy started releasing their licensed "Trasformer"-badged Diaclone toys, Hasbro's Transformers toy production had already begun in Japan, and "Sunstreaker" was eventually chosen to be a yellow version of the mould. So GiG versions of this Diaclone car can be found in red and yellow. In North America, during 1983 and 1984, Takara made a foray into the market with the transforming car robots under the "Diakron" line, of which the red version of the Countach LP500S Super Tuning was the first; Diakron DK-1 (seen in the loose photo above). The Countach Super Tuning was also available in massively rare quantities as part of the European Ceji Joustra Diaclone line too, but as a yellow toy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84_l67WlhAvAJBBtfV9qS-tSReq7sySHRyBBNa3PXHw_zwMnpJJ5WfIxXUfywGj1pKL_03eNAM_iF91Lxc6KktGbQXNKgv1LrYn5TTx2GC1n21vlUErFt-Ocor_Ai57sYpIEzHza0qtX_/s1600/PoliceCountach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1000" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84_l67WlhAvAJBBtfV9qS-tSReq7sySHRyBBNa3PXHw_zwMnpJJ5WfIxXUfywGj1pKL_03eNAM_iF91Lxc6KktGbQXNKgv1LrYn5TTx2GC1n21vlUErFt-Ocor_Ai57sYpIEzHza0qtX_/s400/PoliceCountach1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Takara Diaclone Car Robot No.3 - Countach LP500S Patrol Car Type</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSJbHAq-ZljMy0vsO7LfvdobWi-34_hVkXojqAn8rrLxgSBp8kcrb5wZGINMPwVm2mRP18Seyti5CLbrH_JRaXK_0JqnF9zg04qC3vRSBM7FkdB3sAITy9Qjrqkb-uVZpopUjffeNPSSI/s1600/1040340_10151470423751681_1323846705_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="1000" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSJbHAq-ZljMy0vsO7LfvdobWi-34_hVkXojqAn8rrLxgSBp8kcrb5wZGINMPwVm2mRP18Seyti5CLbrH_JRaXK_0JqnF9zg04qC3vRSBM7FkdB3sAITy9Qjrqkb-uVZpopUjffeNPSSI/s400/1040340_10151470423751681_1323846705_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AKA "Diaclone Police Sunstreaker"</td></tr>
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In June 1982, Takara also released a police version of the Countach LP500S Super Tuning seen above, often referred to as <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/03/diaclone-police-sunstreaker.html" target="_blank">"Police Sunstreaker"</a></i></b>. While not 100% proven, it is the belief of some that this version was also released in Italy in limited numbers, but with stickers not containing Japanese lettering and in a red Countach box. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17vpc44UCLuGqGCyEnTexEOqnu8giGcE0khraDR8QHafR82RerrLHq4s13JpnTlV0ZDExPGDR1PwkGhHzY9A38t4HlR-4N2SoJTAuZNcMzEuz154a7lvSqSDQovjtrRr_HV7zYoG1whKK/s1600/Diacountach01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1000" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17vpc44UCLuGqGCyEnTexEOqnu8giGcE0khraDR8QHafR82RerrLHq4s13JpnTlV0ZDExPGDR1PwkGhHzY9A38t4HlR-4N2SoJTAuZNcMzEuz154a7lvSqSDQovjtrRr_HV7zYoG1whKK/s400/Diacountach01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Takara/Nitto Diaclone Countach model kits</td></tr>
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This was a fantastic and important toy, make no mistake. Takara and Nitto even released <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/06/diaclone-red-police-sunstreaker-model.html" target="_blank">model kit varieties</a></i></b> of the red and police Countach Super Tuning with exclusive box artwork not seen on any other version of the design! Its looks alone contribute to how popular the Transformers Sunstreaker toy is, and how in-demand the character remains, no matter what toyline he gets released in by Hasbro and TakaraTomy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk43MBEbmz-ui5a39Q61pLRS6TahgkocRFl8RnHpSNS8svAcj0xTy7w2aTww4TdsNwRpYx1c-H7Q2GNnCyyY8IMr2aDwHN7qNaS08pOEhVWvsFBs6Suoh1Mpl95S5olHj7r1Eezg1ETPs4/s1600/ClassicSunstreaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="800" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk43MBEbmz-ui5a39Q61pLRS6TahgkocRFl8RnHpSNS8svAcj0xTy7w2aTww4TdsNwRpYx1c-H7Q2GNnCyyY8IMr2aDwHN7qNaS08pOEhVWvsFBs6Suoh1Mpl95S5olHj7r1Eezg1ETPs4/s400/ClassicSunstreaker.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1989 Hasbro G1 Transformers Classic Heroes Sunstreaker</td></tr>
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Sunstreaker first hit shelves in the west in 1984 during the pre-rubsign era of G1 Transformers. His production continued into 1985 with rubsign varieties and he even was available as a mailway beyond that. In Japan, Takara never released Sunstreaker individually, instead as part of the VSZ giftset along with Skids and Buzzsaw. Sunstreaker was again released in a number of countries - most notably European - in the 1990 gold box Classic era, which you can see above.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoioxJNYVnXuBshdtkWZBmI1fPHKEH5b4QthMvQEUUcoWa8tZTpdOtwpKz2jUPTDHB4Xyy7kAhlatCUOZiTEduWW8HDUSkZRjCYbfkA-DzVALVOzPskhYGlbMwGrjAKxpwh-t-dskIkBEp/s1600/Sunstreaker01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoioxJNYVnXuBshdtkWZBmI1fPHKEH5b4QthMvQEUUcoWa8tZTpdOtwpKz2jUPTDHB4Xyy7kAhlatCUOZiTEduWW8HDUSkZRjCYbfkA-DzVALVOzPskhYGlbMwGrjAKxpwh-t-dskIkBEp/s400/Sunstreaker01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc8bmEAJNWP2HRtEAZqMTBy2TSXuZpH-VUPMwU9hdiJGv4cH9a6jpgEoDYjNE1Zs6-Yyp2wCkM2bM7rrB9JxUxM6W7yK4VwqwkUcir1VKkrWYYbfcMkn6sNaFcvg5dgI9LOrwXOggFu43/s1600/Sunstreaker02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc8bmEAJNWP2HRtEAZqMTBy2TSXuZpH-VUPMwU9hdiJGv4cH9a6jpgEoDYjNE1Zs6-Yyp2wCkM2bM7rrB9JxUxM6W7yK4VwqwkUcir1VKkrWYYbfcMkn6sNaFcvg5dgI9LOrwXOggFu43/s400/Sunstreaker02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I do very much adore G1 Sunstreaker, his beauty in both modes is legendary, and his pharaoh-like headsculpt is of a standard few toys have ever met. However, my childhood Classic Heroes specimen is showing its age, as is the 1985 Hasbro UK version you see above, and I have long since parted ways with my mint Diaclone and Milton Bradley specimens, so I have been seeking one in absolutely perfect condition for ages. </div>
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As you may know, paint chipping, chrome wear and sticker wear are great enemies of Sunstreaker's displaybility. They sometimes come out of the sealed bubble paint-chipped. And I should know...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NhTrxwdbdMm9gDX14vaA1SddIpu-0XWaC2QUtj06pxDZeaLr_wzrv9A71uTVwurPoE0DHGlmpEa_Lt35G6b-PaZr84nYgSqtokGjL2HB8A4EAqHQa9nS4Zv5j8DaPZyM9a9rxUki47uD/s1600/SunstreakerSealed01-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NhTrxwdbdMm9gDX14vaA1SddIpu-0XWaC2QUtj06pxDZeaLr_wzrv9A71uTVwurPoE0DHGlmpEa_Lt35G6b-PaZr84nYgSqtokGjL2HB8A4EAqHQa9nS4Zv5j8DaPZyM9a9rxUki47uD/s400/SunstreakerSealed01-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">1984 Hasbro G1 Transformers 'pre-rub' Sunstreaker</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdQpHgUV0NVs0f2_Zu64VK7N7da17fesPcP5aUXZnHrMDVz0zdTTtvP0iUXyruS06gPzSvkjxg8g8BRFfiYlTLGZ0Po7i-FTliV2aFRnL5AvDGehLHte7_-tZX0SuxynFNuzFgnKPJHlC/s1600/SunstreakerSealed02-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdQpHgUV0NVs0f2_Zu64VK7N7da17fesPcP5aUXZnHrMDVz0zdTTtvP0iUXyruS06gPzSvkjxg8g8BRFfiYlTLGZ0Po7i-FTliV2aFRnL5AvDGehLHte7_-tZX0SuxynFNuzFgnKPJHlC/s400/SunstreakerSealed02-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Even this utterly spellbinding, unopened and unused pre-rub Sunstreaker had a couple of paint chips while sealed in the bubble. The same can be seen on toys like Jazz and Wheeljack, so the whole pursuit of perfection in this regard is a bit of a hiding to nothing. The one thing I can control, in terms of perfection, is how his stickers are applied. </div>
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Thus, we come to the core of this article's purpose; stickering a G1 Sunstreaker with vintage stickers. Let me be clear, this is not figure restoration, this is taking a vintage toy and vintage stickersheet, and having a specimen look absolutely as it was intended by its original designer(s) in order to properly experience the toy as it was destined. The resulting photographic resource - I hope - will also be of some use to others.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3r_lKAIPWuS-WG8dJ3cQpiFhO3JmxDiiaz-QqwF38MUN5VRjgRp262J0qZFz6_ydolrMfDqX3wBLLDwVT2Y4GfySmJWxbWq_u22maHDmj9re5wwTWAnXyei8-zfpnUFVHUwFmuOthZDp/s1600/IMG_6382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3r_lKAIPWuS-WG8dJ3cQpiFhO3JmxDiiaz-QqwF38MUN5VRjgRp262J0qZFz6_ydolrMfDqX3wBLLDwVT2Y4GfySmJWxbWq_u22maHDmj9re5wwTWAnXyei8-zfpnUFVHUwFmuOthZDp/s400/IMG_6382.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is not the first vintage G1 figure that I have added vintage stickers to. <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2019/09/hasbro-g1-cyclonus-figure-sticker.html" target="_blank">Cyclonus</a></i></b>, <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2017/08/opening-misb-vintage-g1-transformer.html" target="_blank">Darkwing</a></i></b>, Fangry, Squeezeplay, <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/05/hasbro-g1-sixchanger-quickswitch.html" target="_blank">Quickswitch</a></i></b>, Astrotrain, Seawing, Abominus, Flash, Boss, <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/09/hasbro-g1-turbomaster-hurricane.html" target="_blank">Hurricane</a></i></b>, Scorch, <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2019/08/hasbro-g1-drag-strip-hidden-stickers.html" target="_blank">Drag Strip</a></i></b>, Pounce, Wingspan, Windsweeper, <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2015/10/applying-vintage-g1-stickers.html" target="_blank">Apeface</a></i></b>, Landfill, Slapdash and Punch-Counterpunch are all vintage G1 toys I have done this with. </div>
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In addition, there have been countless reissues too like <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-mysterious-g1-tracks-stickers.html" target="_blank">Tracks</a></i></b>, Sideswipe, Red Alert, Prowl, Optimus Prime, <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2019/08/hasbro-g1-reissue-smokescreen-devolution.html" target="_blank">Smokescreen</a></i></b>, Bruticus, <b><i><a href="https://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2019/09/hasbro-g1-soundwave-sound-or-power.html" target="_blank">Soundwave</a></i></b> etc that I have stickered, too. One thing they absolutely all had in common was that I learned something about the history of the toy's sticker application when I undertook the projects. Every single time, there would be stickers where I had to stop and investigate, because the paperwork was not clear on location or orientation. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekSMUR0ds8FXf9p1Se0MAqzrUfpZQKWdmPSVpssRuSgvx8if5PVBmJWaYgpKEyoiS8kBvKsaKEumSrI2ecFT9N5yJ0QzZp5DvI2Vrbrq7ksQBRdwYSmOMXz25MjmulELaJJi_MXFSYLUc/s1600/Sunstreaker10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekSMUR0ds8FXf9p1Se0MAqzrUfpZQKWdmPSVpssRuSgvx8if5PVBmJWaYgpKEyoiS8kBvKsaKEumSrI2ecFT9N5yJ0QzZp5DvI2Vrbrq7ksQBRdwYSmOMXz25MjmulELaJJi_MXFSYLUc/s400/Sunstreaker10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are a few things that are well known about G1 Sunstreaker's stickers. The first being that his shoulder stickers, the ones which sit above the rear wheels in car mode, are red because of the toy's origins as a red Diaclone. That was never updated to yellow for the Transformers release. As a result, Sunstreaker has always been associated with having a flash of red here and there among the sea of yellow. </div>
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Another well known fact is that the "CR" on his black side skirt stickers also originates from Diaclone, referencing the toy's "Car Robot" history. While the North American Diakron release changed those stickers to read "DK-1", Transformers Sunstreaker kept the Japanese Diaclone's "CR" lettering. Although...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaLir9NTvn3hyBmWO41Tz8iV8gbFUxAR5xgrdE6ES_KQuZBnzXf684WCXxKU-kx2UIlR5c3zbM-N6nITzCb9J3JjCDbOAUr7mHwanmdcJAXkLDeSXUHNZaRMGh8nH2jVPqWcuoq3pgQTv/s1600/DiakroSun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaLir9NTvn3hyBmWO41Tz8iV8gbFUxAR5xgrdE6ES_KQuZBnzXf684WCXxKU-kx2UIlR5c3zbM-N6nITzCb9J3JjCDbOAUr7mHwanmdcJAXkLDeSXUHNZaRMGh8nH2jVPqWcuoq3pgQTv/s400/DiakroSun.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hasbro G1 Sunstreaker - with Diakron stickers</td></tr>
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...a few early 1984 G1 Sunstreakers (and Trailbreakers) did ship with Diakron stickers in the box, so you can get yellow Transformers Sunstreakers with "Diakron" stickers on their waist and "DK-1" stickers on the car's side skirts!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IPTf-fcDZxRIu_G7G8hR-Nqk-lXmrf845o00ni3W8cqyHRhjHIxdDCqH1o9wi0JWUZpIvqnxh8U3hRWMoRu-oQqpOQ8x0H5xgM5y1ifRtzk-p2EogGvjmNn_IAYiDsfVBalsgu0Te8t4/s1600/Sunstreaker07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IPTf-fcDZxRIu_G7G8hR-Nqk-lXmrf845o00ni3W8cqyHRhjHIxdDCqH1o9wi0JWUZpIvqnxh8U3hRWMoRu-oQqpOQ8x0H5xgM5y1ifRtzk-p2EogGvjmNn_IAYiDsfVBalsgu0Te8t4/s400/Sunstreaker07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri5yPaTIhe-Nt3naH4AIK-gIYU2laDK6QW1zf2H81JrEleyXmh6989it0PyGaj6SJOsYPgFFV3mTypfzCOhWP_jUDW0oAxEFSRQU1JUhcERquXO7ns_bcfp4eLynufiU9KLBhAHyFlF9-/s1600/Sunstreaker09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri5yPaTIhe-Nt3naH4AIK-gIYU2laDK6QW1zf2H81JrEleyXmh6989it0PyGaj6SJOsYPgFFV3mTypfzCOhWP_jUDW0oAxEFSRQU1JUhcERquXO7ns_bcfp4eLynufiU9KLBhAHyFlF9-/s400/Sunstreaker09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are a fair number of Sunstreaker's stickers that required no research at all; both the stickersheet and stock photography on the G1 box were extremely clear, and their cut matched the location they were intended to be stuck on quite well. Unfortunately, the black side skirt and bumper stickers, as well as the red shoulder stickers, were cut slightly too large for the toy and so part of them will always remain suspended in mid air past or above the surfaces they are intended to cover. This explains very well why so many G1 Sunstreakers show sticker peeling. Once applied, all the black stickers, the spoiler sticker and the red shoulder stickers started to peel, so I had to apply Toyhax Stickerfixer to ensure they stayed in place. Stressful as you like!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTJbkQ5rQ_vuJmORFNutz-tKxLxrVGqvxti9ec6DiaBIv57tXPQ9Ld9z76Rjzehtpw9kocO_8hZ5_nqEXcPwbloChj-G357XqwosX9qxHN201YycERnsQsxcm9sXiI6dKQY0ojoMpbf_E/s1600/Sunstreaker11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTJbkQ5rQ_vuJmORFNutz-tKxLxrVGqvxti9ec6DiaBIv57tXPQ9Ld9z76Rjzehtpw9kocO_8hZ5_nqEXcPwbloChj-G357XqwosX9qxHN201YycERnsQsxcm9sXiI6dKQY0ojoMpbf_E/s400/Sunstreaker11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcNQItruWyQUhT0dPbzpD_WzlVaFBLKQZld3GZCQfl_5STpfiaY6KjFxUDwb2ePBjX6zsuRtSXgYnXWFvoRlWQedRFeplB73BdCQglpmcWn8AcyRJxU_jnABDqXqIOB8x7sVQjI8GZByB/s1600/Sunstreaker12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcNQItruWyQUhT0dPbzpD_WzlVaFBLKQZld3GZCQfl_5STpfiaY6KjFxUDwb2ePBjX6zsuRtSXgYnXWFvoRlWQedRFeplB73BdCQglpmcWn8AcyRJxU_jnABDqXqIOB8x7sVQjI8GZByB/s400/Sunstreaker12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Autobot insignias posed no issues either, but the first one to cause confusion was the engine block sticker. I would not have doubted what was shown in the instructions were it not for the fact that other stickers didn't match with corresponding resources. I tried to look up some Diaclone references for which way up the engine block sticker should go, and eventually settled on the longer 'tube' graphics of the sticker being closer to the air intakes on the engine block. This is shown in the mid-transformation step below:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdsBn8dGs0zoonDAQWQzu6tDrLp3kyjsGzRxnPnAS0jsCEMDzdl2agCUVBYmkkzVdHReDl8XhzgFXBDPISbOmrV2gUlViq7uy5JmOH3YS7vcLLbFyqqNbZPahZ8Tm0I7ID35cpq2kXEpp/s1600/Instr01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="327" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdsBn8dGs0zoonDAQWQzu6tDrLp3kyjsGzRxnPnAS0jsCEMDzdl2agCUVBYmkkzVdHReDl8XhzgFXBDPISbOmrV2gUlViq7uy5JmOH3YS7vcLLbFyqqNbZPahZ8Tm0I7ID35cpq2kXEpp/s400/Instr01.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Botch The Crab</td></tr>
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Now, you should never completely trust Hasbro G1 Transformers instruction booklets for sticker location or orientation, because there are plenty of examples where these were rushed or just straight up incorrect. For a start, look at Sunstreaker's feet in the picture above; he has factory headlight stickers on his feet/hood which are present on Diaclone releases of this toy, but not on the Transformers release. Ever wondered why so many G1 Sunstreakers turn up with sections of the silver stickersheet backing - or even the small black stickers - placed on his headlights? That would be why.</div>
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So in the case of the engine block sticker, I took the above instructions as one reference, and as many pictures of the Diaclone red Countach Super Tuning as I could as well, and many of them pointed to the same orientation shown above. Can't say that I got a 100% solid indication on that one, though, as even the Diaclone instructions don't show the proper orientation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu9mewQefpxWzddKKVWVY6-8ecJ2RQ6h8Tkj5ZI_jeobSPHIXLP0S-lg0yQf6TKgoyJ_fW5-OxwaMVBc8ySpg_xqHo-nS3s2rzBu_OFHkwopdw7xpLeiCg_1j269_jV0TgVLNKd0BpYcZ/s1600/Sunstreaker03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu9mewQefpxWzddKKVWVY6-8ecJ2RQ6h8Tkj5ZI_jeobSPHIXLP0S-lg0yQf6TKgoyJ_fW5-OxwaMVBc8ySpg_xqHo-nS3s2rzBu_OFHkwopdw7xpLeiCg_1j269_jV0TgVLNKd0BpYcZ/s400/Sunstreaker03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The long stickers that go on the inside of his legs are quite a pain to get on straight thanks to limited access to that space, but at least it's pretty clear which way around they should go. Those stickers have a quarter circle-shaped section cut out of them so that they don't interfere with the conical hinge on the inside of his foot where the screw sits. Simple enough to determine, a bit tricky to apply.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7G28lOPNL-Ls5S8DDYR8ybNp17gqwfUNX3CVcOI7fXCLmmPFHJLA8g5yUNgWD59ssONlpEbMcOurZhtzucWxuHYDZAx2I2kUCH2Z0hQfaxEeqRD7-u6amugtYohlE1Sv0ukApSd86BSlm/s1600/Sunstreaker15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7G28lOPNL-Ls5S8DDYR8ybNp17gqwfUNX3CVcOI7fXCLmmPFHJLA8g5yUNgWD59ssONlpEbMcOurZhtzucWxuHYDZAx2I2kUCH2Z0hQfaxEeqRD7-u6amugtYohlE1Sv0ukApSd86BSlm/s400/Sunstreaker15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These stickers above may not present a problem for most, but they did give me pause to think "which way around do they go?". Normally, the way a sticker is presented on the stickersheet can dictate which side of the toy it goes on. For these side skirt and bumper stickers, as horrid as they were to apply accurately and then Stickerfix, it was worth investigating and realising that the curved corner should face towards the ground, where the wheel arch ends. This is especially important for sticker set "6", the tiniest of the black side skirt stickers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj120Rlaj_Zvo2Kv2Fu4eIr8_uhjijc3KXBgE73Te0wudLzLFOX0okuJbs269OsG0krFKGaWi3ErfUkQpaWKjwlCGobUNub4psroik72dqrDoHwbA_gP3FC5Y31Emb_Y3n498G8D1N5PpNv/s1600/Instr02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="318" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj120Rlaj_Zvo2Kv2Fu4eIr8_uhjijc3KXBgE73Te0wudLzLFOX0okuJbs269OsG0krFKGaWi3ErfUkQpaWKjwlCGobUNub4psroik72dqrDoHwbA_gP3FC5Y31Emb_Y3n498G8D1N5PpNv/s400/Instr02.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Botch The Crab</td></tr>
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I've made you wait long enough for the mystery, though, so here is the main point of contention for these Sunstreaker stickers as I see it. The two long stickers that sit under Sunstreaker's chest in robot mode are shown - in my opinion - incorrectly in the instruction booklet. These are labelled "1" on the Transformers stickersheet. It's not that I looked at the instructions and immediately thought "wrong", it's just that when the location and orientation are not completely obvious, I find it hard to trust from just this singular source. So, it was time to investigate earlier, Diaclone examples.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6R4CM9ymIrcBAjsRNUDxvADVJulvK2hkAOlWLlDbd3oU78cDOExldTeNDZ2U_txiEcyWL4rpw8DpFw6tsSXAU7DwTSZXFskffNQAVqquzRo08lzu-zTbghlB3lKY1lrX5Vlx6t7GoP4c/s1600/Policebox4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6R4CM9ymIrcBAjsRNUDxvADVJulvK2hkAOlWLlDbd3oU78cDOExldTeNDZ2U_txiEcyWL4rpw8DpFw6tsSXAU7DwTSZXFskffNQAVqquzRo08lzu-zTbghlB3lKY1lrX5Vlx6t7GoP4c/s400/Policebox4.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, much of the Diaclone Red Sunstreaker's packaging and paperwork shows the toy without stickers applied, and the sides of the box don't show the toy at all. However, the Diaclone Police Sunstreaker's box does have the above image, and it provides a very good clue as to the orientation of those stickers beneath the canopy/chest.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQip7hwmURN1UP9wmcJCZG1lk1nBAbD_wwZ2Vc2SToQ10rJFMPztrfAk6V_HpaTiu1WX1JozJDpWet0JEQ2jeEH5rMOXsgfyKMWvGuJz9WBuQxRrOI08y6okM_wkfPy7wJchtHAxJhmzB/s1600/SunStickP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="580" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQip7hwmURN1UP9wmcJCZG1lk1nBAbD_wwZ2Vc2SToQ10rJFMPztrfAk6V_HpaTiu1WX1JozJDpWet0JEQ2jeEH5rMOXsgfyKMWvGuJz9WBuQxRrOI08y6okM_wkfPy7wJchtHAxJhmzB/s400/SunStickP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Diaclone 'Police Sunstreaker' stickersheet</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0HyMK4Xw40FlqxBknESwmxObPbzGjQeUvk-56fMdy13_C5aW6zDsxtjm-M3mQZyOc460KDLB3T7KtdNNJA-XRstLizyCQiGoKq_IoqCihd0aGPRDrVFRC0ZUuR6xsxIUgKNSKaDkpavL/s1600/SunStickR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="671" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0HyMK4Xw40FlqxBknESwmxObPbzGjQeUvk-56fMdy13_C5aW6zDsxtjm-M3mQZyOc460KDLB3T7KtdNNJA-XRstLizyCQiGoKq_IoqCihd0aGPRDrVFRC0ZUuR6xsxIUgKNSKaDkpavL/s400/SunStickR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Diaclone 'Red Sunstreaker' stickersheet</span></td></tr>
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I still have scans/pics of my original Japanese Diaclone Countach stickersheets, mercifully. On the Police Sunstreaker stickersheet, have a close look at sticker set "7", and on the red Diaclone's sheet, it is labelled "1" with an almost identical layout to TF Sunstreaker's stickersheet. Because of the orientation of the diagonal lines (blue/black on red Sunstreaker sheet, blue/black/white/yellow on police), you can tell how they have been applied on the Police Sunstreaker shown in stock photography on the side of the box, above. This picture I have of a loose Diaclone red Sunstreaker shows them aligned the same way, and it's quite revealing:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-nXHWlvwdgTGqMbe1xk787AdIY-87rx7wdW3ueAAwLSOe3HcXaxbBvWsgkm4KarFLgywOO-yxXOsuzTLgMP8ouERsqSwlS-X77MISXz2XcGPcsSIY8_amAcEFafC5EjmJ4WG-9hM6zWe/s1600/Diaclone+Red+Sunstreaker+%252309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-nXHWlvwdgTGqMbe1xk787AdIY-87rx7wdW3ueAAwLSOe3HcXaxbBvWsgkm4KarFLgywOO-yxXOsuzTLgMP8ouERsqSwlS-X77MISXz2XcGPcsSIY8_amAcEFafC5EjmJ4WG-9hM6zWe/s400/Diaclone+Red+Sunstreaker+%252309.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you look carefully just below where the chrome engine block ends and the roof/canopy begins, you can see the diagonal lines of the stickers pointing inwards, and what appear to be striped red vent details exposed on the outside of the sticker.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLS8sowEziwAsoRE2sU9l6_JauqYQq6JQo04W4_20y7mrS3WM_3EOlBJoyKYdwv0qvwy1WfAZMIJkwV-Noyal1ImAjHxR2XmcT1Sc8yvW1MWd5jw-T0SewYo5e0n0x-r8Ngkr2zGnw0G1v/s1600/Sunstreaker17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLS8sowEziwAsoRE2sU9l6_JauqYQq6JQo04W4_20y7mrS3WM_3EOlBJoyKYdwv0qvwy1WfAZMIJkwV-Noyal1ImAjHxR2XmcT1Sc8yvW1MWd5jw-T0SewYo5e0n0x-r8Ngkr2zGnw0G1v/s400/Sunstreaker17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Red vent details on stickers</span></td></tr>
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Those same vent details are white on the Police Sunstreaker stickers. Clearly, those vent details on the stickers are meant to remain exposed in car mode when everything is folded back down over that section, and therefore they are coloured the same as the vehicle!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8gSlR0XkmlTK3AbxaMmOejKGLnHfIwtneifMO2gtz-McKSPGWEMsYP6az3VyQrNi5VA9bzjDh82MaKPt71VMu0PZZyjcFFdq4Kfo1G1v4D77s6D4IsGmdizNa7YMZXelrj6WVbcWhpQe/s1600/Sunstreaker16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8gSlR0XkmlTK3AbxaMmOejKGLnHfIwtneifMO2gtz-McKSPGWEMsYP6az3VyQrNi5VA9bzjDh82MaKPt71VMu0PZZyjcFFdq4Kfo1G1v4D77s6D4IsGmdizNa7YMZXelrj6WVbcWhpQe/s400/Sunstreaker16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Already peeling!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3suMBrD1ut6MMmjcR6uK6TjBCVb2TY7i_yZRxId-aOPf6n274Cht4LnYUhb3oIFfO1t3CHzCIoRC_lUmB9SlnrIQ0HYxwbTHyyIHMkHu_7hKKw3yR4ZK_oM9bBYW1hGS52Bae3CSnOWIM/s1600/Sunstreaker13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3suMBrD1ut6MMmjcR6uK6TjBCVb2TY7i_yZRxId-aOPf6n274Cht4LnYUhb3oIFfO1t3CHzCIoRC_lUmB9SlnrIQ0HYxwbTHyyIHMkHu_7hKKw3yR4ZK_oM9bBYW1hGS52Bae3CSnOWIM/s400/Sunstreaker13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That realisation led me to believe that had Sunstreaker's stickersheet been 100% redone to reflect the car becoming yellow, then these vent stickers would have been coloured yellow along with the shoulder stickers. In fact, considering that there are other details on those same stickers (four trapezoidal shapes on each sticker) that are red for the red Countach and white for the Police Countach, perhaps even those shapes would have been coloured yellow, too.</div>
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Maybe the following would be a close approximation of what Sunstreaker would have looked like had those stickers been adjusted to reflect yellow details instead of red:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjij3Zuqap5shc9ZQAt8N8hnUSLr0HSUdn5MLNh63d6DF0QWkSbTFthmCtpD8-m5JVGSTqN1_rAPu3roIsi7R4ft2E5o12w9o6JCDuJeFoxl9USxpIvZuSuXZdsnsizZ9wmUOp5TDoyq4K/s1600/Sunstreaker05yellow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjij3Zuqap5shc9ZQAt8N8hnUSLr0HSUdn5MLNh63d6DF0QWkSbTFthmCtpD8-m5JVGSTqN1_rAPu3roIsi7R4ft2E5o12w9o6JCDuJeFoxl9USxpIvZuSuXZdsnsizZ9wmUOp5TDoyq4K/s400/Sunstreaker05yellow2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuKt6pKVWuJ1P-Zemg2LEas7p5gE_-hnFhrS34FcPBu3ui8mTYsFqqiwEHqqXQIcTsukFcbiCKzOBQt8R1UTVx2HItNszWzxulcvnfr4CzzyR-uepv3nVcP4xVVMaDXcc2a0RraDI0mT3/s1600/Sunstreaker07yellow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuKt6pKVWuJ1P-Zemg2LEas7p5gE_-hnFhrS34FcPBu3ui8mTYsFqqiwEHqqXQIcTsukFcbiCKzOBQt8R1UTVx2HItNszWzxulcvnfr4CzzyR-uepv3nVcP4xVVMaDXcc2a0RraDI0mT3/s400/Sunstreaker07yellow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's nice to know that there was just that little bit more to the designer's intentions than simply creating futuristic looking details, but that it was meant to imply further bodywork detail than the physical sculpt could provide. As it is, the mixture of prominent red highlights among the glorious yellow of Sunstreaker is a signature one, and it is very much part of the aesthetics of one of the most stunningly beautiful Transformers toys of all time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiKcRIKKxo6-UpuZAusQZzhTR88geP6esmN22fcu3-9O_hj_uXgYu4dJlMrw8GcH_gvoGM_4kI0e850Xypp5vwg95qr9uW_opp0fM85xlNKk9JsY959cbqhxbgKn5eVICoe7lbqQRKadY/s1600/Sunstreaker14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiKcRIKKxo6-UpuZAusQZzhTR88geP6esmN22fcu3-9O_hj_uXgYu4dJlMrw8GcH_gvoGM_4kI0e850Xypp5vwg95qr9uW_opp0fM85xlNKk9JsY959cbqhxbgKn5eVICoe7lbqQRKadY/s400/Sunstreaker14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Related reading:</b><br /><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/03/diaclone-police-sunstreaker.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Diaclone "Police Sunstreaker"</a><br /><b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/04/milton-bradley-g1-sunswipe.html" target="_blank">Milton Bradley G1 "Sunswipe"</a><br /><a href="https://tfsource.com/blog/2018/05/13/news-to-me-2018-edition/" target="_blank">News To Me - 2018 Edition</a></b></i></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-10795299304384010322020-04-07T13:00:00.000+01:002020-04-20T17:07:29.115+01:00The Great Cybertronian Write Off - Week 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKorC6MXkZ9B0v0vDBI7lHMqjBP_Y3_xJhHQXIrkZRI6UUSAo35kA9Aw1GkPXpaKOHIMjKG_qel3Bfkf4a41_Jydtk3aeGVH8_x7FhOUfIRc1aSVyeGOGH2ICZkyLMcpxEBFL23D8W9EVQ/s1600/TGCW+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="946" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKorC6MXkZ9B0v0vDBI7lHMqjBP_Y3_xJhHQXIrkZRI6UUSAo35kA9Aw1GkPXpaKOHIMjKG_qel3Bfkf4a41_Jydtk3aeGVH8_x7FhOUfIRc1aSVyeGOGH2ICZkyLMcpxEBFL23D8W9EVQ/s400/TGCW+Logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Welcome to the first weekly summary of The Great Cybertronian Write Off (<b><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCWO?src=hashtag_click" target="_blank">GCWO</a></b>)! The GCWO is a project started by <b><a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne" target="_blank">Transformers Square One</a></b> (myself), <b><a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF" target="_blank">Sixo</a></b>, <b><a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox" target="_blank">Toybox Soapbox</a></b> and <b><a href="https://twitter.com/tikgnat" target="_blank">tikgnat</a></b> that aims to provide daily Generation 1 Transformers content for fans to enjoy during the indefinite period of lockdown and social distancing many of us are now experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic of 2020. This weekly series of blog posts should allow you to keep up-to-date with all the content produced as part of the GCWO across all three of us!</div>
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Throughout the lockdown period in many countries so far, I have seen a great deal of creative people doing what they could to provide a glimmer of entertainment, positivity and goodness for those who followed them on social media. People who were working from home, or simply staying home with friends, families, loved ones or even in isolation, to help prevent the spread of the deadly illness as advised by numerous government and health authorities around the world.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iYUfDrbMlDGnHCW7QToILHHkDHEqNooT4Q0LHWOcKZ0a2_lmZttvmB3xlawUDa0vjAwOzeIfTivkmCLrorU1h0431LvU0BtS55lBQpXWWzeaGjSqZIq4AiLywFIo6fiSfzYB_OW_W64j/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="597" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iYUfDrbMlDGnHCW7QToILHHkDHEqNooT4Q0LHWOcKZ0a2_lmZttvmB3xlawUDa0vjAwOzeIfTivkmCLrorU1h0431LvU0BtS55lBQpXWWzeaGjSqZIq4AiLywFIo6fiSfzYB_OW_W64j/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I thought about how I could also contribute, seeing as I have been active in creating Transformers content for two decades now. I have done extensive Transformers writing and photography, and I'm fortunate to know others with exceptional writing and photography skills who share my love of G1 Transformers, specifically the literature we grew up with in the UK, and an idea started to form. </div>
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I contacted tikgnat, the design maestro behind the UK Transformers Thread Calendars and Transformers Top Trumps game, to see if he could carry out the design work for my vision. I wanted him to create a daily poster that would contain a mini-review of a G1 Transformers toy, with room for my toy photography, but as much in the style of old G1 paperwork as possible.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZN2VFiR24wEo45ktL7qRfp8cA2vHP0XAH2TBA_MFJVCToKjZUiGhkg7JJH4YwP_rM2g-dfSxhv5ZJXy1XLByYro2443emVnasp9W1GJsCbLmKBZoWyD0ENsGRe2Bsx8x3xiBxgiI_Mkd/s1600/90641371_598525820736526_1105228555664490496_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="769" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZN2VFiR24wEo45ktL7qRfp8cA2vHP0XAH2TBA_MFJVCToKjZUiGhkg7JJH4YwP_rM2g-dfSxhv5ZJXy1XLByYro2443emVnasp9W1GJsCbLmKBZoWyD0ENsGRe2Bsx8x3xiBxgiI_Mkd/s320/90641371_598525820736526_1105228555664490496_n.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">1985 UK Transformers toy catalogue</span></td></tr>
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I asked tikgnat to allow space for about two paragraphs of text (these really would be mini-reviews) and between two and three photographs for the toys in their various modes. At the same time, I wanted to involve Sixo and Toybox Soapbox, both superb writers and toy photographers with a love of G1, to join me in delivering content such as this on a daily basis. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoKJrz3XFpeWT6LfYyQNz5uA6qHpAvp8otMepSg13U9SmHORaDIm3gX8JQu2E6LkfJ8SMQBx0EHIbD5lm-ddbCP9XKivVb3zsQfSa-EW9fwFp9z0M-UKCQTqm2DPzCf5N_aZ2v9-tjSB6/s1600/EKzCJHxW4AEq43k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="800" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoKJrz3XFpeWT6LfYyQNz5uA6qHpAvp8otMepSg13U9SmHORaDIm3gX8JQu2E6LkfJ8SMQBx0EHIbD5lm-ddbCP9XKivVb3zsQfSa-EW9fwFp9z0M-UKCQTqm2DPzCf5N_aZ2v9-tjSB6/s320/EKzCJHxW4AEq43k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">1986 UK Special Teams comic catalogue</span></td></tr>
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As the design for the poster developed, tikgnat and I looked to incorporate as many recognisable elements of UK - and by extension European - Transformers paperwork design from the 1980s as we could. This included heavy influences (such as main logo and caption fonts) from the 1985 and 1986 UK pack-in catalogues, the 1986 Dutch in-store V&D giveaway poster catalogue and the 1986 UK Special Teams poster catalogue; all of which I had purchased and become enchanted by over the previous few months. We also incorporated some styling from the unforgettable UK/Euro Panini sticker book albums, too.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGruL5HZ5CsJxzpNmW_uoesJ1Tsg_vgCxFvz-cyDkgK9M-WYtLodo-oiA63fMSS85NdEbM7ZQIAK0589uC_dunJhREKwcTlrM2U4FYaUMGiqO6U7-yxGItcDgLtaE1hvxbXCMOx1ZDTE9/s1600/EIHgkalXUAAx2Rk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="1000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGruL5HZ5CsJxzpNmW_uoesJ1Tsg_vgCxFvz-cyDkgK9M-WYtLodo-oiA63fMSS85NdEbM7ZQIAK0589uC_dunJhREKwcTlrM2U4FYaUMGiqO6U7-yxGItcDgLtaE1hvxbXCMOx1ZDTE9/s400/EIHgkalXUAAx2Rk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">1986 Dutch V&D store giveaway poster/catalogue</span></td></tr>
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You'll notice the UK and Dutch paperwork have a fair number of design elements in common with each other and the 1986 Special Teams paperwork, too. Notice the use of the black grid, red tildas around blue header text, yellow triangles for copy, faction-specific border colours and toy caption font and box, and also blue background boxes housing photos at different angles. While the three photographs for Optimus Prime's poster worked well when it came to space usage, it was more tricky to find a solution for toys where two photographs sufficed. That's when the idea of using box artwork to cover empty spaces came from, not unlike we see in the 1986 and 1986 UK toy catalogues!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMML41kBMBFgH_90cEFNkN7z7Lut9YnTmATSOgLbGNu9FhcVS_mvQm9hLZ6ib_A98UXw3Rf7z6cV1Vi88HVTMDeUl_qEqqlSHfEVXJttcDqOXYRS6ykRMTalKEYu91c4xmMXgChV202xRF/s1600/Panini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="278" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMML41kBMBFgH_90cEFNkN7z7Lut9YnTmATSOgLbGNu9FhcVS_mvQm9hLZ6ib_A98UXw3Rf7z6cV1Vi88HVTMDeUl_qEqqlSHfEVXJttcDqOXYRS6ykRMTalKEYu91c4xmMXgChV202xRF/s320/Panini.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">UK Panini sticker book album</span></td></tr>
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Once the design template was finalised, we all got together and made note of which G1 Transformers we owned, then divvied up which writer/photographer would get which toy and decided on a daily release cadence and schedule! The decision was also made that the mini-reviews and photography style would reflect that of the author/photographer, giving each entry in the series a unique feel and give followers of all the contributors something to look forward to. It also gave us a chance to direct our followers to each others' social media to help spread the word far and wide.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLk39csF2oyJPXh-F8ps6kPmt-DhKAJWQ7Nr-ReioP250TfRmlf5XeF4FL0oohFsnYmLS2Dd2hhiQ7juMoKvcYeREHANzVSySBEOOzopawvUcJCNCEFqQ0AJ090VbmL6Y0rkAwT7hUHJui/s1600/Capture2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLk39csF2oyJPXh-F8ps6kPmt-DhKAJWQ7Nr-ReioP250TfRmlf5XeF4FL0oohFsnYmLS2Dd2hhiQ7juMoKvcYeREHANzVSySBEOOzopawvUcJCNCEFqQ0AJ090VbmL6Y0rkAwT7hUHJui/s400/Capture2.JPG" width="387" /></a></div>
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That brings you up-to-date with how the whole thing started, and at this point we have completed seven consecutive days of posts! We will all post a weekly blog article like this one to share our individual contributions, just in case any of you have missed an entry and care to catch up.</div>
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So far, we've had:</div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1245054179736944643" target="_blank"><b>Optimus Prime</b> @tfsquareone</a></div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1245410654183358465" target="_blank"><b>Me</b></a><a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1245410654183358465" target="_blank"><b>gatron</b> @toyboxsoapbox</a></div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1245777884603711489" target="_blank"><b>Jazz</b> @sixotf</a></div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1246139241458958341" target="_blank"><b>Soundwave</b> @tfsquareone</a></div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/ToyboxSoapbox/status/1246498891345920001" target="_blank"><b>Prowl</b> @toyboxsoapbox</a></div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/SixoTF/status/1246861730271186945" target="_blank"><b>Frenzy/Rumble</b> @sixotf</a></div>
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne/status/1247225864061890560" target="_blank"><b>Wheeljack</b> @tfsquareone</a></div>
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Here are my contributions to Week 1 of The Great Cybertronian Write Off:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOf833wwAsK97acbPTw2YtXunotfMiGj4LclIbyYCvPx2hwhU7aHhDH7ibR6gAoTrthM_CKA30zXqv76Mb8ISjaNVU6YJLZ9yNPdtW_hHCRoggxjc44aNhWvfoxqQZwDeA-NBtg_Svtpa/s1600/Optimus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOf833wwAsK97acbPTw2YtXunotfMiGj4LclIbyYCvPx2hwhU7aHhDH7ibR6gAoTrthM_CKA30zXqv76Mb8ISjaNVU6YJLZ9yNPdtW_hHCRoggxjc44aNhWvfoxqQZwDeA-NBtg_Svtpa/s400/Optimus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1 - Optimus Prime</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfh5lFKn1YzZ37TUo7kUl40l3GqBAgWe83xhPkwihv3sTGqUNbfzaih2zkCJp-omiam3Jp0evq483G45ccptxiy0bDNr7HaO_Z5joPjMuurSmSlGVvylOEbeK9NZ8QugIKxOd-ONDQMWB/s1600/Soundwave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfh5lFKn1YzZ37TUo7kUl40l3GqBAgWe83xhPkwihv3sTGqUNbfzaih2zkCJp-omiam3Jp0evq483G45ccptxiy0bDNr7HaO_Z5joPjMuurSmSlGVvylOEbeK9NZ8QugIKxOd-ONDQMWB/s400/Soundwave.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 4 - Soundwave</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-5jEaIRfI8cV0DOOvbYaG8DxW3DYedwLIRPDdWMWigWrCZeHDSJvqWsxP4-sEzcYCFuTCHqOG7NbNJArd9XBfikD4Lrbv7qT6otDCOohAJyyuVRwhVHpseXFv5Qof-1uAcNIQvK8avW_/s1600/Wheeljack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-5jEaIRfI8cV0DOOvbYaG8DxW3DYedwLIRPDdWMWigWrCZeHDSJvqWsxP4-sEzcYCFuTCHqOG7NbNJArd9XBfikD4Lrbv7qT6otDCOohAJyyuVRwhVHpseXFv5Qof-1uAcNIQvK8avW_/s400/Wheeljack.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 7 - Wheeljack</td></tr>
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You can check out <b><a href="http://www.toyboxsoapbox.com/2020/04/09/roundup-the-great-cybertronian-write-off-week-1/" target="_blank">Days 2 and 5 from Toybox Soapbox</a></b> as well as <b><a href="https://sixotransformers.blogspot.com/2020/04/gcwo-great-cybertronian-write-off-part-1.html" target="_blank">Days 3 and 6 from Sixo</a></b> on their social media accounts as well as their individual blogs.</div>
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We all very much hope that these GCWO posters can provide you, fans of G1 Transformers and indeed any of our followers, with just one more small thing to look forward to daily. Something that allows you to pass a little more time enjoyably at such an unprecedented time for us all. The idea is that we will continue to create and share these every day that we are required to continue social distancing, self-isolation and the like. </div>
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Should they become popular and interest in them grows, we are certainly not opposed to the idea of doing something more fun with them. Let's see where this write off takes us!</div>
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Huge thanks to tikgnat, Sixo and Toybox Soapbox for their enthusiasm, their talent, and for helping to make this a reality. Remember to check <b><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCWO?src=hashtag_click" target="_blank">#GCWO</a></b> daily on <b><a href="https://twitter.com/TFSquareOne" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span id="goog_1504266017"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1504266018"></span></b>, <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tfsquareone/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TFsquareone/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b> for more daily doses of G1 Transformers mini-reviews, photography and nostalgia!</div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b><br />
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<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-88894765099911932022019-10-26T21:45:00.000+01:002019-10-28T09:59:10.454+00:00Plasticos IGA G1 Yellow "Tailgate" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoglmNsNzzTYfC2PF5b4tnAJTpeRuy3zJ7q48lVnB6eIvEYvvohMcF_yLaHHfWj51IgK8PwQUenew5_95L2yLtbZcUZeCMfgyAxgLrhyphenhypheno1itZImVCiv_gPE0oFWaTqn5j3zQDRWq9jkHy/s1600/Mexgate07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoglmNsNzzTYfC2PF5b4tnAJTpeRuy3zJ7q48lVnB6eIvEYvvohMcF_yLaHHfWj51IgK8PwQUenew5_95L2yLtbZcUZeCMfgyAxgLrhyphenhypheno1itZImVCiv_gPE0oFWaTqn5j3zQDRWq9jkHy/s400/Mexgate07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The card says "Tailgate." The toy says "Windcharger." So which is it? As is the case so regularly with the Transformers manufactured by Mexican company Plasticos IGA, the answer is of course "both!" </div>
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What you see there is the Mexican 1987 release of "Tailgate", the yellow variant, which was just a repaint of Windcharger instead of a full retool. The card has Spanish on it, although this particular specimen hails from the Netherlands, and you can see the price tag for the now-defunct Dutch supermarket chain Konmar on the card!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWW3btDRtR5eATlQ31i4VD531uH1NGhYNIMzNF1WbHXw5VAZaKU_VxcMcTdwDHEZYb0pPqUm0ogt4LjQ2Xm1aD2kXiGxOO4DWXgqDS13h_8iWRCfdMrR8ryhtLRYrFsy_RiskBpqnzXvv1/s1600/Mexgate08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWW3btDRtR5eATlQ31i4VD531uH1NGhYNIMzNF1WbHXw5VAZaKU_VxcMcTdwDHEZYb0pPqUm0ogt4LjQ2Xm1aD2kXiGxOO4DWXgqDS13h_8iWRCfdMrR8ryhtLRYrFsy_RiskBpqnzXvv1/s400/Mexgate08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The G1 Transformers that were manufactured by Plasticos IGA and released in Mexico, not to mention widely imported into European countries, almost all exhibit some form of variation from their Hasbro/Takara counterparts. The minibots were especially interesting as many well-known G1 minis show significant colour variations. It was very common for the series 3 minibots to just be repaints of series 1 minis instead of the correct retools released by Hasbro.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-7EjXG0PeHO1vpfjMG23adl82LfQ7tROVNklKdQVLgBSk62Az2v_S5lVdhMtmMNt001KYWDIaSfZCYLWOjhRbVrHSUIMSOhFYz9SfLFE-DqVJFkRu8uTOVXAACAhV66sfVTWjiAPhcE_/s1600/Mexgate04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-7EjXG0PeHO1vpfjMG23adl82LfQ7tROVNklKdQVLgBSk62Az2v_S5lVdhMtmMNt001KYWDIaSfZCYLWOjhRbVrHSUIMSOhFYz9SfLFE-DqVJFkRu8uTOVXAACAhV66sfVTWjiAPhcE_/s400/Mexgate04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This "Tailgate" is a fine example. Plasticos IGA released a white and sparkly-blue Windcharger toy, calling it "Tailgate" on his card. In addition to that, they also did a yellow and sparkly-blue variant which you see here. His packaging, shown towards the top of this article, clearly identifies him as "Tailgate."</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif1mbftF736CWBc-VXxB0X-qd-3zpe95vAOrKQPReWm_AB7T5ujeV9SA6hXgnFqaqDr76yhuKjUZ982ST1OWWszIawtbj7795Wq5wWxYBgQ77hADPdnKfQ1sCM3N2nL7mXdm84JJjZ3od/s1600/70928446_387173385540089_803077486131806208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="960" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif1mbftF736CWBc-VXxB0X-qd-3zpe95vAOrKQPReWm_AB7T5ujeV9SA6hXgnFqaqDr76yhuKjUZ982ST1OWWszIawtbj7795Wq5wWxYBgQ77hADPdnKfQ1sCM3N2nL7mXdm84JJjZ3od/s400/70928446_387173385540089_803077486131806208_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Ras</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNzmFwbKkOo3ZWeGiz4mY5DsYPkJbSpJVP6l3rbmGWiEMXSB3NTpQB144AtqVPGRBSeC5djNBXPW-uFtlSVw4j4KkRBBexAY2AmsB26i-oe1SoUlkSOU9ljF6Al2Kh-ftfFemgowTUuBl/s1600/EFOiKugXoAE3mdE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="250" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNzmFwbKkOo3ZWeGiz4mY5DsYPkJbSpJVP6l3rbmGWiEMXSB3NTpQB144AtqVPGRBSeC5djNBXPW-uFtlSVw4j4KkRBBexAY2AmsB26i-oe1SoUlkSOU9ljF6Al2Kh-ftfFemgowTUuBl/s400/EFOiKugXoAE3mdE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From 1986 Toy Fair paperwork</td></tr>
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Why yellow? Well, the 1986 Transformers preview in Toy Fair of the same year contains many prototypes and mock-ups, including the famous pink Hot Rod. It also contains mock-ups for a yellow Tailgate and a white Hubcap (or "Hub Cap") shown in the picture above. While Hasbro never released Tailgate and Hubcap in those colours, Plasticos IGA certainly got as close as their cost-cutting measures were going to allow in Tailgate's case! It's interesting to note that Plasticos IGA - while they never released a Hubcap toy - put out a <i><b><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/mini_frame.php?art=whitemexbee" target="_blank">white version of G1 Bumblebee</a></b></i> and also Cliffjumper, both with red faces. It's quite a strong case for the above imagery/protos being an inspiration for their releases, right?</div>
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While we're on the subject, how about a closer look at that particular yellow Tailgate prototype...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2V-9CYpAJk8-iplbmWKxXPMI7kaZrn87AVzchuhojMKAe0T0CvX_bHTgzaweAw0UTRuTs5X-BZf1KomYGO0dzBcGfOoNApFR0OryqJv0DPcFjErF4-TMuGo9BXwtW-02LUwBnc1FN3XG/s1600/70713610_2316291918645802_3043286712093507584_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="960" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2V-9CYpAJk8-iplbmWKxXPMI7kaZrn87AVzchuhojMKAe0T0CvX_bHTgzaweAw0UTRuTs5X-BZf1KomYGO0dzBcGfOoNApFR0OryqJv0DPcFjErF4-TMuGo9BXwtW-02LUwBnc1FN3XG/s400/70713610_2316291918645802_3043286712093507584_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Ras</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Ras</td></tr>
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Just wow. The fact that it can be enjoyed by the community with proper photography existing, and to know that this precise and important prototype is in the collection of a fan is really something that never gets old when it comes to the history of G1 Transformers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQM26hBIUr1RwreNXIAOtrjjqMxJXIPkLV-a91V3H1-wy-BX5uA6jlrHDrPBSwHl4xIdSi2JKTs2xOW6561NW12TodR3Dl3Z9Fy5pkxS7Mq6DycqGfLf6Gx7aK_QehKQbloQAK8Rgflwzu/s1600/Mexgate05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQM26hBIUr1RwreNXIAOtrjjqMxJXIPkLV-a91V3H1-wy-BX5uA6jlrHDrPBSwHl4xIdSi2JKTs2xOW6561NW12TodR3Dl3Z9Fy5pkxS7Mq6DycqGfLf6Gx7aK_QehKQbloQAK8Rgflwzu/s400/Mexgate05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Plasticos IGA Tailgate doesn't have the red face or the Tailgate issue factory stickers, but it's more in line with a Windcharger, with a standard IGA-printed Autobot sticker of slightly lower quality on the chest. The blue plastic is sparkly, as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKdZrwStA0rZp0PuA3idP-CwqJN8jU4X2DcmpljDsexS_zGqEIZk9WYJWoUFrzTR1gjL93bvQqQ21EoefKO85BokqY1hlDvKwem0XTNQIlQSE0HI1Wyx6WFy-zGCDOIvuX2kd0by9RPqf/s1600/Mexgate02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKdZrwStA0rZp0PuA3idP-CwqJN8jU4X2DcmpljDsexS_zGqEIZk9WYJWoUFrzTR1gjL93bvQqQ21EoefKO85BokqY1hlDvKwem0XTNQIlQSE0HI1Wyx6WFy-zGCDOIvuX2kd0by9RPqf/s400/Mexgate02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Looking resplendent in yellow and sparkly blue, this IGA Tailgate has no rubsign, which was a standard omission for Mexican TFs. Chances are the release date for this figure, assuming most IGA stuff hit the stores a year after the Hasbro equivalents, was 1987. It would have been imported into Europe the same year and subsequent years too, having been found in the Netherlands, Belgium, UK, Scandinavia etc. Most of the ones I've seen have been from the Netherlands, and as mentioned at the top of this article, this one has a Dutch price tag of 2.99 Guilders (just over 1 Euro approx) on the card.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KeDKeSwBo4n96YX8s10eFvG3Q8hu22HAAkEQ8i7pVddfxTu_JA0e4FNrl2AS0d2-vqTURunjDeztNqz7ZPBXOututEtcEJbo5Lak6Mf7aSrn9UGn6_vnxj_LBa0WtmLY4JFACiF0lanb/s1600/Mexgate09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KeDKeSwBo4n96YX8s10eFvG3Q8hu22HAAkEQ8i7pVddfxTu_JA0e4FNrl2AS0d2-vqTURunjDeztNqz7ZPBXOututEtcEJbo5Lak6Mf7aSrn9UGn6_vnxj_LBa0WtmLY4JFACiF0lanb/s400/Mexgate09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The copyright stamping is nothing too surprising, although it does not follow the rule of thumb for IGA TFs where the country of manufacture would be covered with a raised block. You can just about make out the "JAPAN" in the above picture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Z4DvnMgOGY3aEHRatU66rEcSRQZT3iuwG2L2QPDojOnbuHDCCyi7iCGwc0Sy68mlsmEfUhuW481-e7NXerLsuoQy0K9yt9iIbii2ANVizrRSD8Q2LSvklQMNs0rnswbjt4qS-KzxSGRY/s1600/Mexgate03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Z4DvnMgOGY3aEHRatU66rEcSRQZT3iuwG2L2QPDojOnbuHDCCyi7iCGwc0Sy68mlsmEfUhuW481-e7NXerLsuoQy0K9yt9iIbii2ANVizrRSD8Q2LSvklQMNs0rnswbjt4qS-KzxSGRY/s400/Mexgate03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is still quite a desirable variant, and despite there being a much more widely available yellow Antex Camaro for those who need their yellow Windcharger fix, this remains the more beautiful of the two. Not only is it actually just a gorgeous toy in its own right, but the fact that it has an Autobot logo on it really appeals to me now. It's the same reason I'm so keen to add more IGA minibots to my current collection as opposed to Estrela or Antex variants. </div>
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In addition to all of that, there's the historical significance of the colour scheme. The fact that Tailgate was originally meant to be yellow makes this the closest any of us will ever get to owning a piece of that history, short of buying the prototype itself! Something about the idea that Plasticos IGA based the colour scheme off that original Toy Fair sample makes it a touch more magical than simply being a random colour variant.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgjTNGYtD1OmP7kcf37Zh0cWjkd-4iJrBaGvRpMSkZzSOshMcIOdI7KRord-sUFrGOO-BawH_6Ad0RfyPPcTQw3E8p0vPOWybA_4qArggfQ374p3k8qaqpVQs4ir3VofKn2BmzEM4umuY/s1600/Mexgate06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgjTNGYtD1OmP7kcf37Zh0cWjkd-4iJrBaGvRpMSkZzSOshMcIOdI7KRord-sUFrGOO-BawH_6Ad0RfyPPcTQw3E8p0vPOWybA_4qArggfQ374p3k8qaqpVQs4ir3VofKn2BmzEM4umuY/s400/Mexgate06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Related Reading:</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><b><i><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/eurous_frame.php?art=yellowtail" target="_blank">European (?) Yellow Windcharger</a><br /><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/mini_frame.php?art=whitemexbee" target="_blank">Mexican Bumblebee (White w/Red Face)</a></i></b></span></span></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-12664791080435926122019-09-22T22:31:00.002+01:002019-09-23T22:03:19.738+01:00Hasbro G1 Cyclonus - Figure & Sticker History<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHQdA4-VVJB3JTZv2XQRZSSx9ZGeT0oMu62eqouIxcDE6txfnw03q64xwKogdebzgAUGpmw_SAFAxpnzWGAh1xZoHnRluWsPNqSdb3MxM57VUGOGye3OQpuPTSArTvPuFZ6_ZlA55pUQk/s1600/CyclonusStickers01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHQdA4-VVJB3JTZv2XQRZSSx9ZGeT0oMu62eqouIxcDE6txfnw03q64xwKogdebzgAUGpmw_SAFAxpnzWGAh1xZoHnRluWsPNqSdb3MxM57VUGOGye3OQpuPTSArTvPuFZ6_ZlA55pUQk/s400/CyclonusStickers01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As far as Generation 1 Transformers and their global or historic variants go, 1986's Decepticon Saboteur "Cyclonus" has never had a particularly complicated or long story. He's popular, extremely well known and widely owned as a toy, but not complicated. He's a toy of three real major variations across his vintage lifespan - an early blue-eared release from 1986, a later release without the blue colouring from 1986, and a final Targetmaster re-release from 1987 - and he has a mere 10 stickers whose intended locations are clearly and consistently defined on his instructions across all releases. Or so I thought.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyclonus box art - courtesy of Botchthecrab.com</td></tr>
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The commonly-held belief is that G1 Cyclonus was first released with blue coloured 'ears' and a blue-coloured waist section, and his box artwork and stock photography contain handmade unfinished stickers that did not make it to the final production figure. That's all correct and not something I'm going to dispute in this article.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9-CX5l9yne7EmVhYKlde1_lwNkYqFMPzITCbivAL5u1rs-H2V5YM5vPo5qetleEXO38UHI4Idn23GX7ZjDSXCH_meoGeHdsQ-eycFVqWAixrJkCKT2uEfipI1CfxTbSDyJyZNW6ywRlp/s1600/bcyctoyfare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="600" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9-CX5l9yne7EmVhYKlde1_lwNkYqFMPzITCbivAL5u1rs-H2V5YM5vPo5qetleEXO38UHI4Idn23GX7ZjDSXCH_meoGeHdsQ-eycFVqWAixrJkCKT2uEfipI1CfxTbSDyJyZNW6ywRlp/s400/bcyctoyfare.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpCGKhsFpO42_lSzQGL9S99_sG8XVq3D-ZENL-Pz5pt2NBQaPlF3nTEIS6I8tmQrA7LECAFZMtA1ljUlIycyKHM2S5WH4AP6EQXcUl7Jk_a_9qw7-OQqhURrn_VRbZbr6922wsC4oGr2u/s1600/bcyctoyfare2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="600" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpCGKhsFpO42_lSzQGL9S99_sG8XVq3D-ZENL-Pz5pt2NBQaPlF3nTEIS6I8tmQrA7LECAFZMtA1ljUlIycyKHM2S5WH4AP6EQXcUl7Jk_a_9qw7-OQqhURrn_VRbZbr6922wsC4oGr2u/s400/bcyctoyfare2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toy Fair scans courtesy of Paul Hitchens (The Spacebridge)</td></tr>
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Looking at the mock-up of G1 Cyclonus from a 1986 Toy Fair magazine, you can see his blue ear and waist paint very clearly, as well as the hand-cut and hand-painted shoulder, shin, chest, wing and jet-mode stickers. Everything on him, basically. Those gloriously hot pink stickers were present on the mock-up from which the artwork was produced, but the production toy featured more detailed dark purple stickers with shapes on them as we know.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99P1qoHC4TTpt-Ah8XscpKeT0cMbtwNp21Ms6zgsd3KNIWyRdW4tcBi6zf9H0GFzmljDmN2ZstAZe4Dz0KwrSZYpvwJFGTPDXX6Y433sXK0ItEDwr1otX1uHCEATsSifaCi5C4sgXjusQ/s1600/CyclonusStickers15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99P1qoHC4TTpt-Ah8XscpKeT0cMbtwNp21Ms6zgsd3KNIWyRdW4tcBi6zf9H0GFzmljDmN2ZstAZe4Dz0KwrSZYpvwJFGTPDXX6Y433sXK0ItEDwr1otX1uHCEATsSifaCi5C4sgXjusQ/s400/CyclonusStickers15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And there is the G1 packaging stock photo of Cyclonus, a little different to the Toy Fair one but generally the same thing in terms of colours and stickers. There were probably a few of these mock-up prototypes hanging around at the time, although I'd wager this one is a smidge earlier than the Toy Fair specimen.</div>
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However, I used to own something from a little further back than that, too...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKwyd2kp1tEU3UB27kSOmExHDc0bEr22sEdaIBzzZGcBYaosF95HEct-MOVs5Ho581_Orybkq0LcmhCtJohAhVqIwihllKy9m1CN9nuXg6KAjdbCK8DgKzT1MLC6ASFbDyeib2x7I_kqq/s1600/UnpaintedCyc03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKwyd2kp1tEU3UB27kSOmExHDc0bEr22sEdaIBzzZGcBYaosF95HEct-MOVs5Ho581_Orybkq0LcmhCtJohAhVqIwihllKy9m1CN9nuXg6KAjdbCK8DgKzT1MLC6ASFbDyeib2x7I_kqq/s400/UnpaintedCyc03.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original unpainted Cyclonus test shot</td></tr>
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What you see here is an unpainted G1 Cyclonus test shot, missing an arm. It does not yet have red paint on the eyes or blue paint on his ears and waist. It's from a time just before the box photo mock-up and the Toy Fair mock-up. The wonderful thing with this specimen is that it still had the hand-coloured and hand-cut hot pink shoulder and shin stickers. I cannot tell you what a privilege it was to see those historically significant Cyclonus labels in hand. Generally, any time spent in the presence of pre-production G1 material is an honour.</div>
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To understand what the purpose of this article is, though, we need to look at this test shot in jet mode.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFvq3mAgKbo4EfM-sp1rc6Fqkvc0I-Y6h2StOU5yO8BxbNq3mQH_qb9mR2FG3ixJw_SWIowRr5YGRsgrFF4H1vim3Qoc2RNIHP1vJ9rX2iBx4dupxv9N_yQ7FM-9pRplbc-EMxevnESsi/s1600/UnpaintedCyc01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFvq3mAgKbo4EfM-sp1rc6Fqkvc0I-Y6h2StOU5yO8BxbNq3mQH_qb9mR2FG3ixJw_SWIowRr5YGRsgrFF4H1vim3Qoc2RNIHP1vJ9rX2iBx4dupxv9N_yQ7FM-9pRplbc-EMxevnESsi/s400/UnpaintedCyc01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Original unpainted Cyclonus test shot</span></td></tr>
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Mad to see a hugely recognisable G1 Transformer like Cyclonus completely unpainted, isn't it? No orange cockpit, no silver sections on the ears...but what about those two trapezoidal stickers just above his cockpit windows? We can see they are hand-coloured and nowhere near final, but their orientation is interesting. It's not just a case of a single test shot with odd sticker placement or orientation, either. Let's look at the jet mode on the Cyclonus box:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTocViNANG8bIMt1mRGXXUYll7b6nmWbI3qXcajASx5kCgMrTqS_-cnNYjWE2UJd2KP9mIOPXobMjSGwwxGuOfMsJv70f3kRnMKvcsdBxGPxRpd3_HCOxUAG6C4ozudKyn0qtYzEM4uaCv/s1600/CyclonusStickers16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTocViNANG8bIMt1mRGXXUYll7b6nmWbI3qXcajASx5kCgMrTqS_-cnNYjWE2UJd2KP9mIOPXobMjSGwwxGuOfMsJv70f3kRnMKvcsdBxGPxRpd3_HCOxUAG6C4ozudKyn0qtYzEM4uaCv/s400/CyclonusStickers16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This mock-up is now painted, and the trapezoidal stickers behind the orange cockpit windows are in exactly the same orientation as my old unpainted test shot. You may also notice, like the test shot above (and the mock-up in Toy Fair), it has very visible screws either side of the cockpit windows. The final production version does not have those.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiDxS05YjZQk26VkMV6W1gvibDhu8DRimg82ajCpiPuLB1umCK8lSzxTk-o_dhZydJDVagO7IboXSh0wFi_v-BFL__TbA_osSQ-J8oVNuX7PyKo6mTP9QOAMaxsr9ohr1JJSC6zGWfq-H/s1600/Cyclonus+Instructions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="283" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiDxS05YjZQk26VkMV6W1gvibDhu8DRimg82ajCpiPuLB1umCK8lSzxTk-o_dhZydJDVagO7IboXSh0wFi_v-BFL__TbA_osSQ-J8oVNuX7PyKo6mTP9QOAMaxsr9ohr1JJSC6zGWfq-H/s400/Cyclonus+Instructions.jpg" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyclonus instructions - courtesy of Botchthecrab.com</td></tr>
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Now, Cyclonus' instruction sheet (also with the visible screws represented!), shows the 'official' orientation of those trapezoidal stickers, labelled #1 and #2. With none of the mock-ups in Toy Fair nor on the box photography (or my unpainted test shot) showing sticker set #5, but them appearing on this sticker application map, one can assume that this map was created when the stickers were closer to final production version but not yet in time for the final toy moulding. That could be why sticker orientation and content are updated, but not the screw positions in the diagram.</div>
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But is the sticker application map, updated or not, actually wrong?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAH8ksma8YC2sE-4qT5XSJz4HgSjhI2ftEOXxEkaaL1KgtI5xvEH4Rdiz7SC_RLABAvcJH8ET-ONy224fHKrynJZbv5siGDeu9O4WH772FTM-X8Ov531FH8aZvaZoej1YP-UMQk2cACvj4/s1600/bcycsilver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAH8ksma8YC2sE-4qT5XSJz4HgSjhI2ftEOXxEkaaL1KgtI5xvEH4Rdiz7SC_RLABAvcJH8ET-ONy224fHKrynJZbv5siGDeu9O4WH772FTM-X8Ov531FH8aZvaZoej1YP-UMQk2cACvj4/s400/bcycsilver.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver head Cyclonus mock-up from UK catalogue</td></tr>
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In order to find out, I looked at some other early Cyclonus mock-ups. Above you can see the famous all-silver-headed Cyclonus from the 1986 UK Transformers pack-in catalogue. He also has the visible screws and hand-made hot pink stickers, as well as that crazy all-silver head and face which incidentally is how Cyclonus is represented in the UK Ladybird story books, too. Guess we know where this mock-up was sent afterwards! Anyway, look at those trapezoidal stickers after his cockpit windows again...the orientation matches the unpainted G1 test shot, the Toy Fair mock-up and also the stock photo mock-up, NOT the 'official' orientation advised in the G1 instructions.</div>
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But wait, there's more.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT47bg0C5ayL1oUki4ROXAa5smu3ECCA5TNP3P5Mg_Zsjd_dEGbXx0Z2J8_XkxaSXFCHnYxCuM6e9tctM_NuU798g3zFlJhXN5hma5pbnE0yC8xq7VLfXdXOexIfYH1JpBNXmZedYMF_N_/s1600/bcycjet4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT47bg0C5ayL1oUki4ROXAa5smu3ECCA5TNP3P5Mg_Zsjd_dEGbXx0Z2J8_XkxaSXFCHnYxCuM6e9tctM_NuU798g3zFlJhXN5hma5pbnE0yC8xq7VLfXdXOexIfYH1JpBNXmZedYMF_N_/s400/bcycjet4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-production blue-eared G1 Cyclonus</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHuqcUbO_LRqRxA6Iu9yqQFT3KO6EBVu7G5yqiDAl14ruGm-4rCyFbPZh75UbdWeFcf4g2oHkku16iXothdnfcKLOOlld3tjdinKYIFu64KTlqqx4lUNqAbgMcl1hlkzm9AdAO6OFZXgj/s1600/bcycjet7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHuqcUbO_LRqRxA6Iu9yqQFT3KO6EBVu7G5yqiDAl14ruGm-4rCyFbPZh75UbdWeFcf4g2oHkku16iXothdnfcKLOOlld3tjdinKYIFu64KTlqqx4lUNqAbgMcl1hlkzm9AdAO6OFZXgj/s400/bcycjet7.jpg" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Pre-production blue-eared G1 Cyclonus</span></td></tr>
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What you see here is a blue-eared G1 Cyclonus production sample from 1986, almost 100% ready for production release and almost indistinguishable from a regular retail blue-eared Cyclonus. It doesn't even have the visible screws that the mock-ups and test shots had on either side of the cockpit windows, this is the final updated mould ready for release. So at this point, Cyclonus is basically finalised and ready to ship...so why are his trapezoidal stickers just above his cockpit windows showing the same orientation as the mock-ups and stock pics again instead of the 'official' orientation from the instructions?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0i3mbwvfwOlVIo6QDmhd11hyS4eHcKwt9ImcmfpXUnUcS41BeDHu6jn7-9uo71C-AJsjwI8xNy_jaiavDyynME74wLyGzeva3QHqtDk1TTZFLKXF_5EMufDOSK6Gudx9DOt_KrHqYaX9/s1600/bcycunpaint2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0i3mbwvfwOlVIo6QDmhd11hyS4eHcKwt9ImcmfpXUnUcS41BeDHu6jn7-9uo71C-AJsjwI8xNy_jaiavDyynME74wLyGzeva3QHqtDk1TTZFLKXF_5EMufDOSK6Gudx9DOt_KrHqYaX9/s400/bcycunpaint2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-production blue Cyc (left) and unpainted test shot (right)</td></tr>
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This pic is figuratively huge, it says a lot about Cyclonus' sticker history. On the right you have the early unpainted test shot with mostly handmade stickers, but on the left is this blue-eared retail-ready pre-production Cyclonus sample with final sticker quality labels. Once again, he has this weird orientation for the trapezoidal labels above the cockpit. He has the final production factory stickers on the wings...which you may notice have basically the same design as the trapezoidal ones. He's missing the big Decepticon factory stickers on the arms, of course, but he does have this oddity...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-PKCYaJBPRms8j-iJyvpZM3xk4DM1YwzvvOQqYq6poowVjgcZtLXnpMCTktrRq-vMtg-5SoYY3VT3Nsb9KEd-gRTS58rbNd7AFgmlba-2lmsSwMCv76meL0aFVP41FB0mjPwmyT33Ksk/s1600/bcycstickers3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-PKCYaJBPRms8j-iJyvpZM3xk4DM1YwzvvOQqYq6poowVjgcZtLXnpMCTktrRq-vMtg-5SoYY3VT3Nsb9KEd-gRTS58rbNd7AFgmlba-2lmsSwMCv76meL0aFVP41FB0mjPwmyT33Ksk/s400/bcycstickers3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple-background pre-production sticker</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4y_pgG2HQiIWKXy8MFC-XTCJ5QrAJ26IounvgO-sbHECR178N8FEr4bL1eCLgqHuT6cqKKOFwpcWJE97Phjc4VmN27gj0KGJMZrZD4-cNGej2deblMzebV-vsAcfgFtRCW3Ve0E-NTkc/s1600/bcycstickers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4y_pgG2HQiIWKXy8MFC-XTCJ5QrAJ26IounvgO-sbHECR178N8FEr4bL1eCLgqHuT6cqKKOFwpcWJE97Phjc4VmN27gj0KGJMZrZD4-cNGej2deblMzebV-vsAcfgFtRCW3Ve0E-NTkc/s400/bcycstickers1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Production version (left) versus pre-production sticker (right)</td></tr>
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Compared to a retail Cyclonus, that sticker obviously has a purple background when the final one had a black background. So the stickers on this retail-ready blue ears pre-production sample Cyclonus are not quiiiite there yet. This is almost definitely the final stage of the toy before release. I knew this already of course as I had written a <b><i><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/eurous_frame.php?art=bluecyc" target="_blank">review of this Cyclonus pre-production sample</a></i></b> some time ago. What I hadn't realised was that he shared the same weird sticker orientation for Cyclonus labels #1 and #2 with the mock-ups and stock pics.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ3oeMO0Cpp45FjqMZs3JW9B4XEgaw-1t0JGmaug4c-jinVPKud696zP4r8Iopp7i2IehNdjIGh5ZoPbCBuOBzVLd5ILfST5FPs1gzGRWmE0x_a9d4M5b54IlvmAPHCrx-2FcgEVALWoP/s1600/CyclonusStickers07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ3oeMO0Cpp45FjqMZs3JW9B4XEgaw-1t0JGmaug4c-jinVPKud696zP4r8Iopp7i2IehNdjIGh5ZoPbCBuOBzVLd5ILfST5FPs1gzGRWmE0x_a9d4M5b54IlvmAPHCrx-2FcgEVALWoP/s400/CyclonusStickers07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I still wasn't entirely certain if this was just a series of unfamiliar photographers putting the stickers on incorrectly, or whether the instructions just got it wrong. I turned my focus to the 1987 Targetmaster Cyclonus - who incidentally still has the same box artwork with the hot pink shoulder and shin stickers of the mock-ups, as well as the blue ears long after they were phased out of the production toys.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktT4wPLrz1VfqUef2LctZ0pYD7mBWxlsV04z_hrZw39T9m5mQ6tpAXFkTS0T1w2fUOQU6sjcoX3jH-8nOuw5Aj0g6hWLj6V8eTOV-C5Kv4T2TwGwOn7ls99sG4AkxJRhtgqItS7iiXvze/s1600/CyclonusStickers05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktT4wPLrz1VfqUef2LctZ0pYD7mBWxlsV04z_hrZw39T9m5mQ6tpAXFkTS0T1w2fUOQU6sjcoX3jH-8nOuw5Aj0g6hWLj6V8eTOV-C5Kv4T2TwGwOn7ls99sG4AkxJRhtgqItS7iiXvze/s400/CyclonusStickers05.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1986 Cyclonus box (left) vs 1987 Targetmaster Cyclonus box (right)</td></tr>
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Typical G1 stock photos, more questions than answers! We can clear one thing up at least, the trapezoidal stickers on Targetmaster Cyclonus' stock pics are now facing the other way, completely in line with the 'official' orientation previously seen only in the 1986 instructions. Is that a confirmation that they should always have been this way up? It's a compelling argument, especially as he has all the other stickers you'd expect of the production toy, like the final details on the shin and shoulder stickers, as well as the thigh stickers.</div>
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However, we should not forget the lesson of <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2019/09/hasbro-g1-soundwave-sound-or-power.html" target="_blank">G1 Soundwave's 'speaker' stickers</a></i></b> that were always intended to be his battery stickers. Even today with the Walmart reissues of 2019, the instructions and stock photos show them as speakers, despite all original sources from Takara and Japan showing they were meant to be battery detail on Soundwave's weapons!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM89h0YwqfnARsCo_urgC9c-jGVKbd2i87mZKcXu5QYlhjdhZShdrlS2v81fWPbwzahXqlSJYc0d3_VUDrOMEUvs6L-IsMTEmhCIf62ykuCRuRnpKZDxenKMMaqPeGabxMu3SipM5Wc3Fl/s1600/CyclonusStickers17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1500" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM89h0YwqfnARsCo_urgC9c-jGVKbd2i87mZKcXu5QYlhjdhZShdrlS2v81fWPbwzahXqlSJYc0d3_VUDrOMEUvs6L-IsMTEmhCIf62ykuCRuRnpKZDxenKMMaqPeGabxMu3SipM5Wc3Fl/s400/CyclonusStickers17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hanging around just a little bit longer on Targetmaster Cyclonus' stock photography, do you notice anything else? In robot mode, his arms are a very different purple to his torso. That colour difference is inverted in jet mode! It appears that the photographer, or Hasbro themselves, had the wrong arms on the wrong body in both cases, so neither look completely coherent. However, mad as it may seem, this might have been intentional. I had not noticed this for over 30 years, but if the whole jet had been a different purple to the whole robot, that may have been more immediately noticeable to all when looking at his packaging.</div>
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The main takeaway here remains the fact that the sticker orientation on Targetmaster Cyclonus' stock photography - with a year having passed since the character's first release - is updated to match the instructions.</div>
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So where does that leave us with regards to those mock-ups and the originally-intended orientation of trapezoidal stickers #1 and #2?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5GYEVB-Vn3hArx3mW2zKiofwHRAdb4txceaV2DYLJ9_aNjENjPWKIreB5zlg2WQI8xE6MaDwJ-O6puHqYrj4leJQ5Arx_yL9iV6858Yo2VNbMyc86hza9yX5Pf-jpPpe-ZWcYeJTEjty/s1600/Cyclonusblue01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5GYEVB-Vn3hArx3mW2zKiofwHRAdb4txceaV2DYLJ9_aNjENjPWKIreB5zlg2WQI8xE6MaDwJ-O6puHqYrj4leJQ5Arx_yL9iV6858Yo2VNbMyc86hza9yX5Pf-jpPpe-ZWcYeJTEjty/s400/Cyclonusblue01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDOu5e1QgV48zP9DdTFHDeu5HdAX-__L_4tU-I2jCGKwjKBxILhzUc9793HpVEkq-MWC5D4EmfiLjmnLq_ZQqOmnaYD26Gey3-pkVVPPg3Z36R_aRpVZZqxvLemtpK4qN4zsG9MAGAJ2G/s1600/Cyclonusblue03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDOu5e1QgV48zP9DdTFHDeu5HdAX-__L_4tU-I2jCGKwjKBxILhzUc9793HpVEkq-MWC5D4EmfiLjmnLq_ZQqOmnaYD26Gey3-pkVVPPg3Z36R_aRpVZZqxvLemtpK4qN4zsG9MAGAJ2G/s400/Cyclonusblue03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6JrbaCfiIwyP37bo2cKYdWAD-EwDyHsXXYRDc60O4GCNVwes1wvBrAhuhtkuDiC11IOV_KpjW02AKEFT4NlO2YeknV-3ns9RTLTUEE1-rfOdhX-OGZbSrZuATo5pHGjarotTJlaXTP9M/s1600/Cyclonusblue04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6JrbaCfiIwyP37bo2cKYdWAD-EwDyHsXXYRDc60O4GCNVwes1wvBrAhuhtkuDiC11IOV_KpjW02AKEFT4NlO2YeknV-3ns9RTLTUEE1-rfOdhX-OGZbSrZuATo5pHGjarotTJlaXTP9M/s400/Cyclonusblue04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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At TFNation 2019 last month, I purchased a UK-bought G1 Cyclonus, but it was the first release blue-eared variety. The stickers were a little bit worn and incorrectly placed (although the purple ones on the shoulder could easily have been an attempt to mimic the hot pink mock-up stickers of the boxart). The price was insanely good and I figured I could source a Cyclonus stickersheet to make him look perfect again. It was this toy's box that made me realise the difference in orientation between early mock-up Cyclonus' stickers and the instructions, initially. </div>
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The more I think about it, the more one could perceive the evidence to suggest that the instructions are correct and there was one last iteration of his stickers before release, changing the purple background of sticker set #6 to black as well as the orientation of stickers #1 and #2, the trapezoids. So in order to present my new blue-eared Cyclonus 100% as the designer intended, I should follow the instructions and ignore the mock-ups, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdt0JBqJX3mp8-nPVEQovipp2YzroSyYJoG49V8cjXF7GOC305nTxyjkzlWQfw7pFW1v819CsungS-6tK4yQS5KwlS_2t31GIWJ97WSkXE43XhgJNePvqeBrlwvXsgTBs-cHMLlxfyjyJn/s1600/CyclonusStickers10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdt0JBqJX3mp8-nPVEQovipp2YzroSyYJoG49V8cjXF7GOC305nTxyjkzlWQfw7pFW1v819CsungS-6tK4yQS5KwlS_2t31GIWJ97WSkXE43XhgJNePvqeBrlwvXsgTBs-cHMLlxfyjyJn/s400/CyclonusStickers10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not a chance. Why? Because I'm not convinced the instructions did get it right, not fully convinced anyway. There's enough doubt in my mind for me to enjoy my Cyclonus done up this way. It's not just about an aesthetic preference either, I do believe there's some logic to this being the intended setup. Let's take a close look at this Cyclonus and those stickers:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aNU8cQjLefwkzChx-1Q0UGGbEB4XnBTqA-ewuEgC1E6LnNB1SEO9m1NDOaSEA6AAHrxvJZT6eY06Nw5OBTaUDuAuN9nl7yVYEGYWUBtAhnHxOSItU0lJ6j6O_tmVMBtHRH29rTyataGE/s1600/CyclonusStickers12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aNU8cQjLefwkzChx-1Q0UGGbEB4XnBTqA-ewuEgC1E6LnNB1SEO9m1NDOaSEA6AAHrxvJZT6eY06Nw5OBTaUDuAuN9nl7yVYEGYWUBtAhnHxOSItU0lJ6j6O_tmVMBtHRH29rTyataGE/s400/CyclonusStickers12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For a start, those trapezoidal stickers share the same pattern as the factory wing stickers. There are orange 'spikes' against a purple background. They almost look like speed lines, or a trailing wake. By orienting the stickers like this, as the mock-ups did, those orange spikes/speed lines now face the same direction as we see on his wings. It's more consistent, and there has to be a reason why ALL those mock-ups - the stock pics on the box, the Toy Fair specimens, my unpainted test shot, my pre-production sample, the UK silver-headed mock-up - had the trapezoids this way up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxNa3aXYFRGrpd1VYXh90Ed9SLpfZoDdtYYpz9x8cQ48GWHwzafhldhUl4u4UX_B-IKqaFWMcTzWrDCBVhmovwNFlvRKrxxigLuhJqvURYfQRcdhed_tmPDvhNAkc4LJmD_8pBg-NoCi_/s1600/CyclonusStickers11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxNa3aXYFRGrpd1VYXh90Ed9SLpfZoDdtYYpz9x8cQ48GWHwzafhldhUl4u4UX_B-IKqaFWMcTzWrDCBVhmovwNFlvRKrxxigLuhJqvURYfQRcdhed_tmPDvhNAkc4LJmD_8pBg-NoCi_/s400/CyclonusStickers11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When viewed from certain angles like the one above, orienting the stickers this way makes Cyclonus look more coherent and streamlined because of the shared direction of the trapezoidal stickers and the factory wing labels. It even looks like the orange cockpit windows continue onto the stickers! It just makes more sense to me this way, even if it is entirely possible this was just an ongoing error transferred from one mock-up to another until corrected in the instructions.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7-6NdVqCtZDvuhzr8nL7-EAK3qsLydMrlwtwA_aR7o-LCbMU6GP_8NptTFo1PMiYwBlDqE3YPer2ZIvXdvvmdnBQK5xhzfAAi94waK6ebu151xg02Jv2-Yj8xhZkfglrlbAv5USe5J6S/s1600/CyclonusStickers09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1500" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7-6NdVqCtZDvuhzr8nL7-EAK3qsLydMrlwtwA_aR7o-LCbMU6GP_8NptTFo1PMiYwBlDqE3YPer2ZIvXdvvmdnBQK5xhzfAAi94waK6ebu151xg02Jv2-Yj8xhZkfglrlbAv5USe5J6S/s400/CyclonusStickers09.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Production blue-eared Cyclonus I stickered vs Targetmaster Cyclonus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V8ERgQc-ko79wb6xihlh7qigeO_JJiG01ldz3zSIuuwsBAlTUKwJmXniB8aoeCTDC45JfNKNAPVAxxHHr3UbkNl8EI1OfWiNeQBTrR0-Bprfv0qlc6RdpLXZkYWx10KcmX9U4UvB0xjG/s1600/CyclonusStickers14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V8ERgQc-ko79wb6xihlh7qigeO_JJiG01ldz3zSIuuwsBAlTUKwJmXniB8aoeCTDC45JfNKNAPVAxxHHr3UbkNl8EI1OfWiNeQBTrR0-Bprfv0qlc6RdpLXZkYWx10KcmX9U4UvB0xjG/s400/CyclonusStickers14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Production blue-eared Cyclonus I stickered vs Targetmaster Cyclonus</span></td></tr>
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And there's nothing to say that the instructions were not originally mistaken, then leading to that same 'official' error being repeated for the Targetmaster Cyclonus photography and instruction map. There are aspects of the timeline that don't add up, like how the UK catalogue Cyclonus with the all-silver head has black background stickers for sticker set #6 when it was clearly an earlier mock-up compared to the pre-production sample I had with the purple-background stickers...and yet both had the same trapezoidal sticker orientation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qQfVooP6hCuCtnPJN10qAOLG5gsGkYWxdmGkFsAjIKcwW8YriY-DWMKFrtzZc8nnLxLM6XGGIHD1NHfCBvhyphenhyphenDkR9gcnFBri6crGxMLw4aTssB9Ge3k8Ostq7IzqNpD-dUPZ7Ef86IZ1R/s1600/CyclonusStickers18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qQfVooP6hCuCtnPJN10qAOLG5gsGkYWxdmGkFsAjIKcwW8YriY-DWMKFrtzZc8nnLxLM6XGGIHD1NHfCBvhyphenhyphenDkR9gcnFBri6crGxMLw4aTssB9Ge3k8Ostq7IzqNpD-dUPZ7Ef86IZ1R/s400/CyclonusStickers18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rwrEC1hMTjz7-Xc6KL9nMyn0ZEzVRhkJ301M1cJ_4ZKasEz-tJaCm2eI_Na7D9MYLHTfUSzKRRfv39F2CoVGH8D3DNhyphenhyphenlsj2myIhWTv4eZc1HlrdKelq7zc9aszrn0Xl3gf9lDQ4mpZl/s1600/CyclonusStickers02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rwrEC1hMTjz7-Xc6KL9nMyn0ZEzVRhkJ301M1cJ_4ZKasEz-tJaCm2eI_Na7D9MYLHTfUSzKRRfv39F2CoVGH8D3DNhyphenhyphenlsj2myIhWTv4eZc1HlrdKelq7zc9aszrn0Xl3gf9lDQ4mpZl/s400/CyclonusStickers02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3YJtoewS8wapOsmBcYQRDoeYwTdzou0sFq6am2ij2d6Lwet4-Vpz4WoVZU62BQdxDB8pzoHMkGUfMlDpE9il5Qik_FeEoQJJiSHZwBghclS3CAggQkNDjg_5l8W3ExpFCbdN1q7RJg6h/s1600/CyclonusStickers20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3YJtoewS8wapOsmBcYQRDoeYwTdzou0sFq6am2ij2d6Lwet4-Vpz4WoVZU62BQdxDB8pzoHMkGUfMlDpE9il5Qik_FeEoQJJiSHZwBghclS3CAggQkNDjg_5l8W3ExpFCbdN1q7RJg6h/s400/CyclonusStickers20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Considering the lengths I had to go to in order to decide how to sticker up this Cyclonus, and the decision I made to copy the mock-ups for those trapezoidal stickers above the cockpit windows, I think it's kinda funny how I ended up not doing the shin stickers 100% correctly compared to ANY representation of him! They should actually start as high up as his knee joint, but I opted to put them a bit lower to reduce the chance of edge wear. My goodness, G1 Transformers sparkle like nothing else when they have a perfect set of vintage labels on them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOMf__5XxDEU8usD7BBs0SKNIpqa0C2p6l-5tOHGHGr56wMGeBbo4AOdxdSVeuCcS0J2RgUOtenQ3LfceJzPOLHizdruDFTA_pWbIyHcvpss6CV-yWNCzxgo61PCCsHcQDbhj3ya53rpE/s1600/UnpaintedCyc02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOMf__5XxDEU8usD7BBs0SKNIpqa0C2p6l-5tOHGHGr56wMGeBbo4AOdxdSVeuCcS0J2RgUOtenQ3LfceJzPOLHizdruDFTA_pWbIyHcvpss6CV-yWNCzxgo61PCCsHcQDbhj3ya53rpE/s400/UnpaintedCyc02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I do want to say one more thing about the earliest Cyclonus toys that also came as news to me when putting this article together. Above you can see the wing joint assembly for the unpainted test shot Cyclonus with the hot pink handmade stickers. Can you see the black plastic spacers either side of the metal connector where it attaches to the purple shoulder? Previously I thought these black spacers were exclusive features seen on the mock-ups, test shots and even my pre-production sample only. It was not thought to have made it to final production Cyclonus toys.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaaad_YmOtYbA7iArSh6Y8ldQ2DNi7FPWGk3UD_QRboQuPOxkDv93Yx74U6UNt404LZjncBvdNfnhxNOPGHrGWGbYYgIFqKKGWBN7733S0olE63FzhX2_v5RzxTKG8bf7cPYKcjlr3rCQ/s1600/CyclonusStickers03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaaad_YmOtYbA7iArSh6Y8ldQ2DNi7FPWGk3UD_QRboQuPOxkDv93Yx74U6UNt404LZjncBvdNfnhxNOPGHrGWGbYYgIFqKKGWBN7733S0olE63FzhX2_v5RzxTKG8bf7cPYKcjlr3rCQ/s400/CyclonusStickers03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Apparently they did! This glorious and now freshly-stickered blue-eared production Cyclonus I picked up at TFN has the same black spacers on the wing joints. I guess it was just one of the running changes that were made when production was moved from Japan (blue ears first release) to Taiwan (regular purple ears Cyclonus). For the sake of completeness, the Targetmaster is Macau-manufactured. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluh16n3vHjWtXPugKoGSbGcA_IVTx5bfsNiZL5clRshVPIsfcWl4azukHmLMrtnv41LAoMKRWcEQ-uozdcq7jM-UkGjok9b2htw0nTg2AVWVNWxKvXhj6jjvxfZYPmZYE4AI5-4GiTb9e/s1600/CyclonusStickers19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluh16n3vHjWtXPugKoGSbGcA_IVTx5bfsNiZL5clRshVPIsfcWl4azukHmLMrtnv41LAoMKRWcEQ-uozdcq7jM-UkGjok9b2htw0nTg2AVWVNWxKvXhj6jjvxfZYPmZYE4AI5-4GiTb9e/s400/CyclonusStickers19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, to summarise, early mock-ups and pre-production specimens of G1 Cyclonus had mostly handmade stickers and a certain orientation of trapezoidal stickers #1 and #2 off the stickersheet that remained consistent across the box stock photography, catalogues, Toy Fair literature and even the mock-ups and samples themselves. Final stage pre-production samples with almost-final stickers and moulding still shared the same trapezoidal sticker orientation as the earlier mock-ups. For production and retail release, most stickers were updated to feature more distinct detail, but not #1 and #2, they stayed the same as seen in the earliest mock-ups. The instructions, however, now showed a different orientation for stickers #1 and #2 that was then carried forward to the Targetmaster stock photography the following year. </div>
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When stickering up my new blue ears G1 Cyclonus, I decided there was enough evidence to support the first orientation shown, and therefore I didn't follow the 'official' instructions for their placement. In doing so I have a wonderful memento of the pre-release mock-ups and samples of Cyclonus that I used to own and the magical mock-ups seen on the boxes and in catalogues, while at the same time having one utterly scintillating and beautiful vintage display specimen.</div>
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You gotta love Generation 1 Transformers. What other hobby can offer a collector this much from just a single figure?</div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Related Reading:</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><b><i><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/eurous_frame.php?art=bluecyc" target="_blank">Cyclonus - Blue Eared Production Sample</a></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2019/09/hasbro-g1-soundwave-sound-or-power.html" target="_blank">Hasbro G1 Soundwave - Sound Or Power?</a><br /><a href="https://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2019/08/hasbro-g1-drag-strip-hidden-stickers.html" target="_blank">Hasbro G1 Drag Strip - The Hidden Stickers</a></i></b></span></span></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-62617365161517167402019-09-03T10:25:00.000+01:002019-09-04T01:02:20.322+01:00Hasbro G1 Soundwave - Sound or Power?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl4vLKQcXmulk64njxPIXvOpMNJP4EpPCbhng6uhyztW86v8wN08TE1Y-pIZa1gOvvtOKelC6oGyDcFSrAwfPQFdSZcwvQwPPC495Df6vGniEpnOVkdY7TekKs4esbZK1ypBuVWg-Rbx4/s1600/Soundstick05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl4vLKQcXmulk64njxPIXvOpMNJP4EpPCbhng6uhyztW86v8wN08TE1Y-pIZa1gOvvtOKelC6oGyDcFSrAwfPQFdSZcwvQwPPC495Df6vGniEpnOVkdY7TekKs4esbZK1ypBuVWg-Rbx4/s400/Soundstick05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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While collecting vintage Generation 1 Transformers and their reissues, I've had some recent experience of stickering them up to look as they were intended. As a result, I've come across a number of errors and conflicting resources regarding where one should place particular labels. It's happened with Tracks, Hound/Detritus, Blitzwing/Overcharge, Hurricane, Quickswitch, Drag Strip, and Smokescreen. With the very recent Walmart reissue of G1 Soundwave fresh off the blocks, the subject was very much in the air again.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmm_iQ_rHnv6HtKjPSrrcjGlqZ58M90z7EFNWMAJkt4Yj0t_1J9sTDhF1DKv3hhyphenhyphen1GLuOjNA3SkEX-eDcqei3WHPa1q04KQQX3XC42NTEBoAx9wLJu5MzlARcvQi1qcUArLK9z7aLhAaQ/s1600/Soundstick01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmm_iQ_rHnv6HtKjPSrrcjGlqZ58M90z7EFNWMAJkt4Yj0t_1J9sTDhF1DKv3hhyphenhyphen1GLuOjNA3SkEX-eDcqei3WHPa1q04KQQX3XC42NTEBoAx9wLJu5MzlARcvQi1qcUArLK9z7aLhAaQ/s400/Soundstick01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2019 Walmart G1 reissue Soundwave & Buzzsaw</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjils5VN2YePU0mFa0sDUk-di7dLrALaq2u8umHbAPB3ODJq_EnjAsJlQnergrQAw3KaJGQWna8TE4uJUqQXym41ccmJ8rhcCZDOdU0tKIUDM90HLxW6sCnBDu1L23WOv2E5zw55416bJY4/s1600/Soundstick02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjils5VN2YePU0mFa0sDUk-di7dLrALaq2u8umHbAPB3ODJq_EnjAsJlQnergrQAw3KaJGQWna8TE4uJUqQXym41ccmJ8rhcCZDOdU0tKIUDM90HLxW6sCnBDu1L23WOv2E5zw55416bJY4/s400/Soundstick02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The beauty of the Walmart reissues is that they have tried to mimic the original vintage Hasbro G1 Transformers packaging, which sets them apart from the original Takara and E-Hobby stuff that stayed much closer to vintage Takara packaging, as did Encore stuff. The TF Collection and Commemorative Series reissues also did not have that crazy nostalgia factor that the Walmart reissues do. The thing is, original Hasbro Transformers G1 packaging and paperwork is known for containing errors, mix-ups, and for being different to the source material, which in the case of Soundwave means Takara Micro Change Series.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyVmCxwixfAvXy_gNVcpxlUmU2X9a73xRJvav3UtT4G3xpMYi8tCvF5m-AdO-2TpCeiZolg9kdMYgoE4V4Yiz5cWESOWFeferehm69xH8OJo7Q9OifXEV7-uj41Qk4cCH1WELYzcci1bW/s1600/Soundstick04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyVmCxwixfAvXy_gNVcpxlUmU2X9a73xRJvav3UtT4G3xpMYi8tCvF5m-AdO-2TpCeiZolg9kdMYgoE4V4Yiz5cWESOWFeferehm69xH8OJo7Q9OifXEV7-uj41Qk4cCH1WELYzcci1bW/s400/Soundstick04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonTkXrL0tbbzKcFHjtgvdWCnhvYvxR4HSM9XL9LJAe1o9rfwwMPiZFG8qUSOLqo8FtRJoVKsSW_wgO7a5UT2AtVqm3-Dm626B2Xoz9hyCEntMRrfKlgTsDPiLF4Uksm5k3QConO1DFrKz/s1600/Soundstick03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonTkXrL0tbbzKcFHjtgvdWCnhvYvxR4HSM9XL9LJAe1o9rfwwMPiZFG8qUSOLqo8FtRJoVKsSW_wgO7a5UT2AtVqm3-Dm626B2Xoz9hyCEntMRrfKlgTsDPiLF4Uksm5k3QConO1DFrKz/s400/Soundstick03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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UK Transformers collector James Wilson asked me whether or not the Walmart reissue Soundwave had the red speaker stickers on him. You know, the quadrilateral shaped ones that go either side of the tape door and end up on the inside of his leg. I knew these were not factory stickers, but rather they were off the stickersheet, and you can see their inclusion on the stock photography across Walmart Soundwave's packaging. As I say, though, stock photography is no indication of release reality. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RTKSssYErxdYJH440MhtaiOHwarODvsy_kX6g8VIHlzCSnsh-Q5DGo1v3F-RdBu7TT0ppcExvvZT9mAxP5cyngxbUSkcx_muSFHDjWSHtKi3Lpi40bgZnw8R4kqO194DnYcq_mSmIzRK/s1600/soundwave+boxart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="725" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RTKSssYErxdYJH440MhtaiOHwarODvsy_kX6g8VIHlzCSnsh-Q5DGo1v3F-RdBu7TT0ppcExvvZT9mAxP5cyngxbUSkcx_muSFHDjWSHtKi3Lpi40bgZnw8R4kqO194DnYcq_mSmIzRK/s400/soundwave+boxart.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soundwave boxart - courtesy of Botch The Crab</td></tr>
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The G1 Soundwave boxart certainly doesn't feature those red speaker stickers on the inside of his legs. That's nothing to panic about, though, as the artwork for G1 was - in many cases - altered artwork from Takara's Diaclone and Micro Change Series lines, or other such pre-Transformers series.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPe_ZFj_cbUYQYarwQD76YDIkUJAXo_MxdbVySsOmr0MbFLJOVq_l38uJMkvDqQoPEv7WjOP2vpUX02l39w1kJlkjNciBU0Y7ik3qmoynQsDVjGmIrtFeLJ0sg3-lhEhFdFk2tU0Gq3Hj/s1600/Microman+stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="703" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPe_ZFj_cbUYQYarwQD76YDIkUJAXo_MxdbVySsOmr0MbFLJOVq_l38uJMkvDqQoPEv7WjOP2vpUX02l39w1kJlkjNciBU0Y7ik3qmoynQsDVjGmIrtFeLJ0sg3-lhEhFdFk2tU0Gq3Hj/s400/Microman+stickers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MC Cassette Man stickersheet - courtesy of Himawari</td></tr>
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Soundwave was originally the Takara Micro Change Series MC-10 Cassette Man, sold in Japan and later in Italy as "Recorder Robot". His stickersheet above shows the speaker stickers as #1 on the sheet, clearly labelled with "Microman" text. So, those stickers existed on the Micro Change toy's sheet, but were not in the MC-10 artwork, nor did they make it onto the artwork of Transformers Soundwave's inner legs. Why not?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9Jo7Xj4sS4tnE3idF9g1MGBCsuaDZDdW3jdLS0b96Q0SnFePsFyuSeUPaStJ7VHvx3EbQzQzBEgySu3FaZBBsoeDTDp5MTbb_rbHU7MVgzol5clUM5ijOuzJllVjFPivLbypm6i0DUtq/s1600/instr_soundwave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1557" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9Jo7Xj4sS4tnE3idF9g1MGBCsuaDZDdW3jdLS0b96Q0SnFePsFyuSeUPaStJ7VHvx3EbQzQzBEgySu3FaZBBsoeDTDp5MTbb_rbHU7MVgzol5clUM5ijOuzJllVjFPivLbypm6i0DUtq/s400/instr_soundwave.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transformers Soundwave instructions - courtesy of Botch The Crab</td></tr>
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Looking at the vintage G1 Soundwave instructions above, the artwork may not feature the speaker stickers, but they are there in the images created for the instructions. The toy in those photos is actually the Micro Change Series Cassette Man, but mocked-up to be a Transformers Decepticon Soundwave. The tell-tale sign is the long rectangular blue sticker at the bottom of the tape door which covers up the large "CASSETTE MAN" lettering that the Micro Change version of the toy has. So at this point, full production Transformers Soundwaves weren't ready for paperwork or box photography. You can see clearly that the instructions show the inside of the legs as the position for sticker #1, and they end up as speakers. Can you see how they still say "Microman" on them, though? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUloVh88KwXdiafIy4zmV7sl_eIiRN-_bd6_TwTrZasxh2IYJ69GFzUiauae9U7Y5EXbeVZ-buOoym7BBYMUhF8S23re5m6o4assHW4Ue_M1db97v8WqaU3XLRg4x0O1A7nooCzDDlnvBO/s1600/Soundwave02-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUloVh88KwXdiafIy4zmV7sl_eIiRN-_bd6_TwTrZasxh2IYJ69GFzUiauae9U7Y5EXbeVZ-buOoym7BBYMUhF8S23re5m6o4assHW4Ue_M1db97v8WqaU3XLRg4x0O1A7nooCzDDlnvBO/s400/Soundwave02-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hasbro Classics Transformers Soundwave reissue</td></tr>
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At this point, I decided to have a look at my Classics/Commemorative Series Transformers Soundwave reissue toy by Hasbro from 2012. No speaker stickers, even though this is a stickers applied toy. Of course, I'm making this sound like a grand old mystery, but James had already told me what the deal was, and TFWiki has the difference in sticker location between Hasbro and Takara product documented. James had said to me that Takara's Soundwave had those speaker stickers on his gun and launcher accessories instead. Why? Because they're supposed to be battery detailing!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1wrZdrqsOXgSyHEBvZdVB8wyPMAxhZ8xQH12aIMUbVXbrNYlavx2v03za_v4TEXkgo-fwyWiVVQ0g8h6neEqhh2sgNTDMurhuH4rqPhgNKB8CTV1D_eLOpneKmx3RD8pstB91CAVR5LL/s1600/Microman+instructions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1wrZdrqsOXgSyHEBvZdVB8wyPMAxhZ8xQH12aIMUbVXbrNYlavx2v03za_v4TEXkgo-fwyWiVVQ0g8h6neEqhh2sgNTDMurhuH4rqPhgNKB8CTV1D_eLOpneKmx3RD8pstB91CAVR5LL/s400/Microman+instructions.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MC-10 Cassette Man instructions - courtesy of Himawari</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9irarpfnYnpvxFqm_nhfGcZ0xC0TMF6KExRl-Y7YAl-9xicVdqpYqUoIuvopjKo8VTyn7wt6H8E4ADaBLRdzZQHc6kp19B0gg2SVjdIL9FKYQtyBIbg8rdIjDSAm3Z5kSCCM8F2nAVTJm/s1600/Microman+sticker+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="574" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9irarpfnYnpvxFqm_nhfGcZ0xC0TMF6KExRl-Y7YAl-9xicVdqpYqUoIuvopjKo8VTyn7wt6H8E4ADaBLRdzZQHc6kp19B0gg2SVjdIL9FKYQtyBIbg8rdIjDSAm3Z5kSCCM8F2nAVTJm/s400/Microman+sticker+map.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MC-10 Cassette Man sticker map - courtesy of Himawari</td></tr>
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Going back to the source, the Takara Micro Change Series MC-10 Cassette Man, its instructions and sticker application map show clearly that sticker set #1 should be placed at the end of the battery accessory. That's why you don't see it on the inner legs of the boxart. If you now return to the Soundwave boxart image towards the start of the article, you'll see it on the end of his gun - and you'll even see the "Microman" text that wasn't removed! It should be noted that the most common Hasbro Soundwave art has Buzzsaw covering that part of his gun, and this is probably as good a reason as any as to why!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml7mFIMRhThkziLLGXl9Ohm84F26-s0zQOpFsH-M-WtbuRpi9Gl7EWoKKlSXsz6stIcJWpjKNnKNnf5FY4bhH7Ttz5MQSgiRWBlPK73F8Oz4hwRdtHHYkFtmzLPOGukP2mT4Zwa4DnoZg/s1600/soundwave_%2526_buzzsaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml7mFIMRhThkziLLGXl9Ohm84F26-s0zQOpFsH-M-WtbuRpi9Gl7EWoKKlSXsz6stIcJWpjKNnKNnf5FY4bhH7Ttz5MQSgiRWBlPK73F8Oz4hwRdtHHYkFtmzLPOGukP2mT4Zwa4DnoZg/s400/soundwave_%2526_buzzsaw.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transformers Soundwave & Buzzsaw boxart - courtesy of Botch The Crab</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPRAEJEJxMli_CtR_Bgk62kJE5llSc0Nk8cImjz-f0rakVWHGefKI4gyzojVV2GTPcBbv4dPWGjQoNIrFZHjCDSK7LXyF0OkXoCiTyMMvuye0TGRUEhbo9h6KF93EOTIU6udemc6rSY4V/s1600/VSY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="1353" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPRAEJEJxMli_CtR_Bgk62kJE5llSc0Nk8cImjz-f0rakVWHGefKI4gyzojVV2GTPcBbv4dPWGjQoNIrFZHjCDSK7LXyF0OkXoCiTyMMvuye0TGRUEhbo9h6KF93EOTIU6udemc6rSY4V/s400/VSY.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Takara VSY giftset instructions - courtesy of Himawari</td></tr>
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Even though Hasbro changed the intended location of those #1 stickers for Transformers G1 Soundwave, Takara did not do the same for their release of the Decepticon Soundwave. Above you can see the instructions for the VSY Soundwave versus Grimlock set, still clearly showing sticker set #1 as belonging on the battery/weapon accessories.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRS5H4ewcDqr46Ztj47GiDswHU9iv61bXBosJvuMaKBI2qEUK97g5dWW-BaXeKPYfCl4AdXIFk6bdpN0vkS4n5CCaU5hJzV8ZJaHXHVdg7klRLCxLhS78fgckkT1wwZVNVgmUsGbSkThIh/s1600/Soundstick08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRS5H4ewcDqr46Ztj47GiDswHU9iv61bXBosJvuMaKBI2qEUK97g5dWW-BaXeKPYfCl4AdXIFk6bdpN0vkS4n5CCaU5hJzV8ZJaHXHVdg7klRLCxLhS78fgckkT1wwZVNVgmUsGbSkThIh/s400/Soundstick08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So it seems Hasbro and Takara did not align on that aspect, but then how did the previous owner of my Hasbro reissue Soundwave know to put sticker #1 on the accessories? Sure, this info is not brand new or a mystery to many, but people tend to follow what the sticker map on the instructions tells them, and anyone who grew up with a G1 Soundwave toy in the US or Europe will have remembered them clearly as speaker stickers. I know I did.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIwMLf0Bf7rkAglXLEino-1bnexw9PoroxE8pBibckC1zzhANoO8NgEZh_4OTG0vOQzEIYqLt5edovzof0I1kWfscO_QrpSEkdsjppY-_WjCofi0U6_GM0iVU8Go7hM5ev1iWYVRkgU_i/s1600/Soundwave01-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIwMLf0Bf7rkAglXLEino-1bnexw9PoroxE8pBibckC1zzhANoO8NgEZh_4OTG0vOQzEIYqLt5edovzof0I1kWfscO_QrpSEkdsjppY-_WjCofi0U6_GM0iVU8Go7hM5ev1iWYVRkgU_i/s400/Soundwave01-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well, I reckon it's because originally it was Takara doing the reissues and Hasbro following along. The TF Collection 'book' reissue of Soundwave was the first on the block, and Takara were doing the instructions for these. Seeing as how the Takara reissue instructions were reproductions of the vintage Takara instructions, it makes sense that all Takara and subsequent Hasbro Soundwave reissues of the time would actually depict the batteries as the correct spot for sticker set #1. Just as vintage Takara Soundwave and vintage Takara Cassette Man instructions would have done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe88d30ZaDfmIBJfvuDWcF1RnvE4x1rhw0sD8eVRh1PkedZO4_PSplNwYCRFqIRqvzjnzq9EtbJVHZY7k4RiEUF0jMj1FMypVHXdyvaOKyglEpC0hbQEgguPoJ2bNpo_VARF8-duW-Q6C/s1600/Soundstick10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe88d30ZaDfmIBJfvuDWcF1RnvE4x1rhw0sD8eVRh1PkedZO4_PSplNwYCRFqIRqvzjnzq9EtbJVHZY7k4RiEUF0jMj1FMypVHXdyvaOKyglEpC0hbQEgguPoJ2bNpo_VARF8-duW-Q6C/s400/Soundstick10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So whether you have a Takara TF Collection reissue Soundwave, a TakaraTomy Encore reissue, a Hasbro Classics Commemorative Series reissue or even the Hasbro TF Universe reissue, the instructions will tell you to put sticker set #1 on the batteries instead of making them look like speakers. Interestingly, the new Walmart reissue does not use the same instruction source as all of the above, it attempts to mimic the style of the vintage booklets with nods to the current Hasbro look also, and it shows sticker set #1 as the speakers again! So a whole new generation of G1 Soundwaves will have red and black speaker detail instead of battery detail!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcAY9xltwffGCaLohFAEnQzwXiYzIA71VRu8FpOczQzzncn8i8Sczn2ovMnLPMeLQJw5gV9dbDXhftHS3OL4PU2w0jGAO9a1eZi2GQDHOcXMR-7onF8g_ZeScum9VHY6ySw3Mlt5CSDok/s1600/Soundstick06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcAY9xltwffGCaLohFAEnQzwXiYzIA71VRu8FpOczQzzncn8i8Sczn2ovMnLPMeLQJw5gV9dbDXhftHS3OL4PU2w0jGAO9a1eZi2GQDHOcXMR-7onF8g_ZeScum9VHY6ySw3Mlt5CSDok/s400/Soundstick06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So why did Hasbro change Takara's originally intended location for sticker set #1? It could be possible that Hasbro felt Soundwave looked a little plain in cassette player mode with those red stickers on the accessories, instead of having simulated speakers emblazoned across the front of the alt mode. It could be that they didn't like the idea of those stickers ending up on the end of the accessories, since the extending gun had quite a ridge they'd have to sit over, with the tab running directly under the sticker when that accessory is retracted or extended. Maybe they thought the stickers would peel more easily there? Just a typical G1 mystery/inconsistency, lots of speculation, but no concrete answer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJUdZRHgQ3A1vP00uKcf6FdadOIPIDmHduC9E-6nx_0cgqaj6T4Wy3osh6kccmXCGB62qlI_HNOgxf0l0pAVjrFKjYbKalPFAs4EYuz09DCZ7dww0GB7hL2-1Wix-KwOa45WWul8pQMJ5/s1600/Soundstick09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJUdZRHgQ3A1vP00uKcf6FdadOIPIDmHduC9E-6nx_0cgqaj6T4Wy3osh6kccmXCGB62qlI_HNOgxf0l0pAVjrFKjYbKalPFAs4EYuz09DCZ7dww0GB7hL2-1Wix-KwOa45WWul8pQMJ5/s400/Soundstick09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As a side note, you may have noticed that the Classics Commemorative reissue Soundwave I have photographed (with his double-sized tape compartment a la Soundblaster), as well as the Walmart Soundwave, have the clear plastic hinges for the tape door very visible on either side of the silver button detail - as do all reissue Soundwaves. That's because almost all original vintage Takara Soundwaves also had the hinges exposed, unlike the Hasbro vintage Soundwave. All those reissues descend directly from the Takara vintage mould, hence this detailing. This is also true of the solid silver block of buttons on Soundwave compared to the more sunken and separated silver buttons on vintage Hasbro Soundwave. The very first version of the toy, the Takara Cassette Man, had them separate with no external plastic hinges just like the vintage Hasbro Soundwave. Well, at least I had an answer for that!</div>
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While I do very much like how Soundwave looks with those stickers as his speakers, and it is how I remember it from my youth and early collecting, I am a stickler for history, toy integrity and the fulfilment of the original designer intentions for G1 Transformers, especially sticker location. Therefore, I'll always opt for power over sound.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ObW2TRuN1QGFzLV0q23WtyKYOCAaQk7EIpnQKJDwFK09O1orLUmhPcfcqzaKyderEbyh8qSWPVXH6CFjUFdlIoRm_6mzd2PVpZh72OzJDVn9EbCJGs98791ZO9YWgXHtzq2XI_Oq_zd1/s1600/Soundstick07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ObW2TRuN1QGFzLV0q23WtyKYOCAaQk7EIpnQKJDwFK09O1orLUmhPcfcqzaKyderEbyh8qSWPVXH6CFjUFdlIoRm_6mzd2PVpZh72OzJDVn9EbCJGs98791ZO9YWgXHtzq2XI_Oq_zd1/s400/Soundstick07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Related Reading:</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><b><i><a href="https://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2019/08/hasbro-g1-drag-strip-hidden-stickers.html" target="_blank">Hasbro G1 Drag Strip - The Hidden Stickers</a></i></b></span></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-mysterious-g1-tracks-stickers.html" target="_blank">The Mysterious G1 Tracks Stickers</a></b></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2019/08/hasbro-g1-reissue-smokescreen-devolution.html" target="_blank">Hasbro G1 Reissue Smokescreen - Devolution</a></b></i></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-90785061859936829672019-08-22T08:51:00.000+01:002019-08-22T10:27:51.748+01:00Hasbro G1 Drag Strip - The Hidden Stickers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4cZN5b3rrwILZWPu4rcQdcFcI0MTJjSS2tVh8KeFO-wXL35Z2DCMPvVrad1n6zCdi3zbR3pa1f38dpddLocFbBJeg6Gkse-cMHmkR5CeI6PjKwkoupVYcbbO8cCKjQ4T_duSmioe0_0a/s1600/Dragstrip12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4cZN5b3rrwILZWPu4rcQdcFcI0MTJjSS2tVh8KeFO-wXL35Z2DCMPvVrad1n6zCdi3zbR3pa1f38dpddLocFbBJeg6Gkse-cMHmkR5CeI6PjKwkoupVYcbbO8cCKjQ4T_duSmioe0_0a/s400/Dragstrip12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The mission to uncover hidden Generation 1 Transformers mysteries and erroneously long-held beliefs is one that seems to have no end, and for that I am grateful. Most of the credit for the subject of this article, however, goes to the inspirational Lee Cheney (@Leeroybrownhu9) who discovered hidden stickers on the label sheet of the 1986 Stunticon Drag Strip. The full account of his adventure can be found on Twitter, called "<b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/Leeroybrownhu9/status/1033280699456020480" target="_blank">Lee-Roy's Drag Race</a></i></b>", and I will reference that in this article, too, where I took the project a step or two further.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5C4wxVdI0S9AzLnMgGPq_HImXbMrCVkOSgTxyjWVHRupNf7ZvRJ-lpMWKAG-PbDRlHnj8iLzFJVWdASQikYDgehzCVs3riiUKgBCgvqWPqwqhzFHrUOs1Br31nZhgLmHxFV3s8yQrWgF/s1600/drag_strip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="563" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5C4wxVdI0S9AzLnMgGPq_HImXbMrCVkOSgTxyjWVHRupNf7ZvRJ-lpMWKAG-PbDRlHnj8iLzFJVWdASQikYDgehzCVs3riiUKgBCgvqWPqwqhzFHrUOs1Br31nZhgLmHxFV3s8yQrWgF/s400/drag_strip.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Botch The Crab</td></tr>
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<br />This all started with Lee's desire to own a lovely G1 Drag Strip. He was unable to locate a mint one on eBay with pre-applied stickers due to the fact that no two ever quite seemed to have been done up the same way. For a toy with a mere five stickers on the label sheet, that seemed a little odd. Mint stickers applied G1 is a rare thing anyway, as Lee found out, so he took it upon himself to get an unused Drag Strip and sticker it up himself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_mLStG25sBknNGPgcaOuuLCaI38lFNmBjLsNrHnupgXiOLtwkMdr3LOnyK-kIBG_9xZPaN2H_4ROvzA6IopLIvVdCF63IcrwzmlWiuYw9Ef8auu4DVgovjjTPQdaHVXPVM6Dj6zN3Hje/s1600/ECchFT5W4AEdbjj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1500" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_mLStG25sBknNGPgcaOuuLCaI38lFNmBjLsNrHnupgXiOLtwkMdr3LOnyK-kIBG_9xZPaN2H_4ROvzA6IopLIvVdCF63IcrwzmlWiuYw9Ef8auu4DVgovjjTPQdaHVXPVM6Dj6zN3Hje/s400/ECchFT5W4AEdbjj.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I start these stickering missions of my own, I try to assemble all of the reference material I can. This includes packaging artwork for Transformers, pre-production imagery from catalogues if it exists, pre-Transformers paperwork if relevant and the actual release paperwork that comes with the toy as well. Sometimes, as was the case with <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/09/hasbro-g1-turbomaster-hurricane.html" target="_blank">Turbomaster Hurricane</a></i></b>, I even used the real life vehicle that provided the basis for the toy as a sticker reference.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHK7-YM-7tRJYMbkU3Sxc_0WYz188C1FkRRzwDCatC2KJJblUuG_paZt9elyYvAfxs_n5sr3HK0O4s1Aqf2Dp4PudFh9VDWqgZEvBD9cVw0SM6iKTsJChmVHz7Zbu5-MkJi0dZU5vzYOio/s1600/Tyrrell-P34-ft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1200" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHK7-YM-7tRJYMbkU3Sxc_0WYz188C1FkRRzwDCatC2KJJblUuG_paZt9elyYvAfxs_n5sr3HK0O4s1Aqf2Dp4PudFh9VDWqgZEvBD9cVw0SM6iKTsJChmVHz7Zbu5-MkJi0dZU5vzYOio/s400/Tyrrell-P34-ft.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Getty Images</td></tr>
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<br />In the case of Drag Strip, the original six-wheeler Tyrrell P-34 Formula 1 car upon which it is based bears no resemblance in terms of stickers and livery. With Drag Strip also having no Diaclone release history - although the Stunticons and much of Scramble City do have their design origin in Diaclone - that leaves very little to dig up if the toy's instructions and sticker-map are not clear.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwlo1tmEOIcbfFQkvIGDaHsIlF-g6iR2LNXnqqLcjWATIKmR-JHZv0zFhiJtpgwJhQDi7j7qoon-reu2_vGrD57fAyWUUxYlD-THxhfXV97XiZoEjq73PW646XdYk6mlKqkn_UBJxS5XG/s1600/instr_drag_strip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="644" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwlo1tmEOIcbfFQkvIGDaHsIlF-g6iR2LNXnqqLcjWATIKmR-JHZv0zFhiJtpgwJhQDi7j7qoon-reu2_vGrD57fAyWUUxYlD-THxhfXV97XiZoEjq73PW646XdYk6mlKqkn_UBJxS5XG/s400/instr_drag_strip.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Botch The Crab</td></tr>
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Drag Strip's sticker map on the back of his card is anything but unclear. It's easy to read and leaves almost nothing to interpretation. No, the issue here is not that it's hard to read, more that it's just wrong. Or at least, that is what Lee believed. He noticed that the sticker map indicated two short strip stickers of equal length on the sidepods, stickers #2 and #3. The thing is, on Drag Strip's stickersheet, those two stickers are of differing lengths. In fact it is sticker #1 (indicated as belonging on the rear wing) and sticker #3 that are the same length.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzZ-RMaeW0N9XHvgLkZ-YroTe2kezxMorP7qVwPUURiFLQf6PseAH3yDUiRpp5f_XXpdr6OHTaZGpVNJMvbkYZC6zuHEYwatPqOHewlCU9R5aVBTaxPh4v_5Y7b3ofXH5YC8NsDtJ_MPc/s1600/DlbzULIXgAA4mVM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="683" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzZ-RMaeW0N9XHvgLkZ-YroTe2kezxMorP7qVwPUURiFLQf6PseAH3yDUiRpp5f_XXpdr6OHTaZGpVNJMvbkYZC6zuHEYwatPqOHewlCU9R5aVBTaxPh4v_5Y7b3ofXH5YC8NsDtJ_MPc/s320/DlbzULIXgAA4mVM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As a result, it is not uncommon to find vintage G1 Drag Strip toys with one short sticker on one sidepod, and a long one on the other, or alternatively, two long stickers on the sidepods and one oddly short sticker in the middle of the rear wing. It was this inconsistency in interpretation, caused solely by the numbering of the pre-cut stickers on his label sheet, that led Lee to do some research into what the reason was for the odd sticker inconsistency.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Sixo</td></tr>
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<br />This is where Lee came across this imagery on the back of G1 Drag Strip's card. In the above image we are using the 1990s Classic gold card release stock photography, but it's the same image as that used on the vintage 1986 release card. Where the final production Drag Strip has a moulded recess on the front of his nose for the rubsign, the prototype/mock-up in the stock photo has it on the sidepod. Lee concluded that this was why one of the sidepod stickers was shorter than the other, because one of them had to co-inhabit the sidepod with the rubsign!</div>
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However, this opened a whole new can of worms. What's the deal with the fat stripe sticker on Drag Strip's nose, below his windscreen? The final version has the rubsign there and absolutely no factory or label sheet stickers that belong there. Also, there's a continuation of the stripe sticker on the sidepod whereas production Drag Strip again has nothing intended for that area.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuiLYzYaTNTf9tyiGIJpg7WbjFecmM6LcJhhepoNRnhC3OQT6Spx60zZsohex5bYXzWS3SlEHjW4Fjnm9mHTUPsOSrE8bMIsCbmx7R5S7mcjLO_Uvnk8WxN1KCVT6yLYDrC8m-nwei5Nl/s1600/DlbzbsxWsAAXwMm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="692" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuiLYzYaTNTf9tyiGIJpg7WbjFecmM6LcJhhepoNRnhC3OQT6Spx60zZsohex5bYXzWS3SlEHjW4Fjnm9mHTUPsOSrE8bMIsCbmx7R5S7mcjLO_Uvnk8WxN1KCVT6yLYDrC8m-nwei5Nl/s400/DlbzbsxWsAAXwMm.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
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This is where Lee made an incredible leap, the discovery that really brought his project into its own. He found that on Drag Strip's final production stickersheet, those extra stickers all exist...they're just not machine cut like the other numbered ones are! The above image shows you where he found stickers #6, #7 and #8. These would need to be manually cut and then placed on Drag Strip to re-create the look of that proto/mock-up on the packaging. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVOFgC1Phoyq5Dzw85aXzPYwCMMF5s5lH5lpMrMXUQ2bqGwuC2jimqXXWw5_wccUp7de8pdB24Y-Tsp8Rs7p6zB2z-jAPkPbJNLn_hkmEAP0vJbXPBUreJxV9wTPzhsE-6xO97cHQ87D6/s1600/Dlbz1vfX4AAfzVn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVOFgC1Phoyq5Dzw85aXzPYwCMMF5s5lH5lpMrMXUQ2bqGwuC2jimqXXWw5_wccUp7de8pdB24Y-Tsp8Rs7p6zB2z-jAPkPbJNLn_hkmEAP0vJbXPBUreJxV9wTPzhsE-6xO97cHQ87D6/s400/Dlbz1vfX4AAfzVn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Lee Cheney</td></tr>
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<br />Lee carefully removed the rubsign from Drag Strip's nose and replaced it with as much of a fat stripe as the sticker sheet had printed on it. There was not enough to go all the way up to the windscreen and curve around it as seen on the Drag Strip card back. He also cut the smaller strips and continued the stripe sticker on the sidepod all the way to the rear wheels. Absolutely beautiful!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Y0n9TtJb8kWyT1-5a74I89pvc-uEQPJj4kj1Jbbb3P7g9IPI6pkSBejCnjHQV9ST5CUCFMYi7MRX2i5LCz6UUwKdaoIPE1mIECHOVjj7iR3JtdqcoNF_CRwYiOqcdDYhBlafetiALqm0/s1600/Dlbz1vcW4AAkxmH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Y0n9TtJb8kWyT1-5a74I89pvc-uEQPJj4kj1Jbbb3P7g9IPI6pkSBejCnjHQV9ST5CUCFMYi7MRX2i5LCz6UUwKdaoIPE1mIECHOVjj7iR3JtdqcoNF_CRwYiOqcdDYhBlafetiALqm0/s400/Dlbz1vcW4AAkxmH.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Courtesy of Lee Cheney</span></td></tr>
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<br />He did the same on the other sidepod, but instead of the rubsign shown in the mock-up, Lee used the Decepticon sticker. The sticker map suggests the spot between Drag Strip's lower legs for that one, but it sure as hell looks spiffing right there on the right sidepod! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdVeKtveWfnIp_Pt6mkZVFRzDNf1n1jaqZQ9Afqrlw3LuIVijq0RXXRhhm26dZdbJVyctL-ZWIVscRWI2OkpMIBvcLCM_m6i54NjKDxieGkZYNr36LU4d17GW4ozVOWAVZo4DUdri5Waa/s1600/Dlbz1vcWwAAsEir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdVeKtveWfnIp_Pt6mkZVFRzDNf1n1jaqZQ9Afqrlw3LuIVijq0RXXRhhm26dZdbJVyctL-ZWIVscRWI2OkpMIBvcLCM_m6i54NjKDxieGkZYNr36LU4d17GW4ozVOWAVZo4DUdri5Waa/s400/Dlbz1vcWwAAsEir.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Courtesy of Lee Cheney</span></td></tr>
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<br />This final image of Lee's Drag Strip, with the help of the most synthwave of filters, really set my imagination alight. I absolutely had to re-create this most stunning of G1 sticker jobs so that I too could own a beautiful Drag Strip close to the original prototype. The thing is, with many of my own sticker projects, I aim to re-create what I feel the designer of the toy intended, an intent that may have been lost due to errors in paperwork or forced corner-cutting as the iterations mounted up.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2zfj1f_rPVgBCDnWroOP6NKFmf8sZBFibVF03MPSCDqYAZm92YAaJUU5HLFfsIJ6U1UKh9-UNpnq2m5uoZsUFrj8dsMvWTdzaas9dWzrv71Cu1y9IyaulyD3j6coE9JxO-8OnwhRrY0I/s1600/Dlbz9tFXsAEpNeN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2zfj1f_rPVgBCDnWroOP6NKFmf8sZBFibVF03MPSCDqYAZm92YAaJUU5HLFfsIJ6U1UKh9-UNpnq2m5uoZsUFrj8dsMvWTdzaas9dWzrv71Cu1y9IyaulyD3j6coE9JxO-8OnwhRrY0I/s400/Dlbz9tFXsAEpNeN.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Courtesy of Lee Cheney</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxZVvjJ4XOZOSW0fzJHdnvWyYwgYBlApoeNupQ7X6U72_5hCqNhjL1XZn5Rz65FcMRHBiakhmlE1pPsfproa_MPKYSrV6nzNf2FUAYy7QosgPoJskoIDe5ZiE5S2_5P0RpwxoYVSCG6s4/s1600/Dlbz1vdW4AAs38z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxZVvjJ4XOZOSW0fzJHdnvWyYwgYBlApoeNupQ7X6U72_5hCqNhjL1XZn5Rz65FcMRHBiakhmlE1pPsfproa_MPKYSrV6nzNf2FUAYy7QosgPoJskoIDe5ZiE5S2_5P0RpwxoYVSCG6s4/s400/Dlbz1vdW4AAs38z.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Courtesy of Lee Cheney</span></td></tr>
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<br />The thing is, how can we be sure that what Lee created was the intended look for Drag Strip? After all, they went as far as moulding a recess into the nosecone in order to accommodate the rubsign, and that's too huge a step for it to have been in error. Also, the mock-up imagery for Drag Strip does not feature the black windscreen sticker whose purpose is obvious. In order for the rubsign to exist on the nose, you can see why they had to dispense with the stripes on the nose. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Courtesy of Lee Cheney</span></td></tr>
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In addition, Drag Strip's card artwork and mock-up imagery show no sign of the Decepticon symbol sticker (#5) in the recess between his lower legs. In fact the art shows it on his collar, and it simply doesn't exist in the proto/mock-up photo. So, the final production Drag Strip with its windscreen sticker, lack of nose stripe, moulded rubsign recess etc may be the actual intended layout, it's just not quite as glorious as the prototype or mock-up. The 'hidden' stickers on his sticker sheet that remained uncut may just have been a result of the final changes being too late in the day to allow for a redesign.</div>
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Why did they change it all? Maybe because those tiny stripe stickers are just too fiddly to apply. Maybe because without the rubsign front and centre, it would not be obvious enough that Drag Strip was a Decepticon in vehicle mode. After all, his Decepticon sticker ends up under the engine in vehicle mode if you follow the official sticker map. Interestingly, the cartoon animation model for Drag Strip has a Decepticon symbol bang in the middle of his nose, where the rubsign is. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Courtesy of Lee Cheney</span></td></tr>
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<br />What could not be disputed, though, was just how beautiful Lee had made his G1 Drag Strip. So even if it could not 100% be proven to be the intended design of the toy and stickers, it sure was nicer. I decided that I wanted to follow in his footsteps, and after meeting him at TFNation 2019 and getting the lowdown in person, I was ready to go!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Graham</td></tr>
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<br />I decided I would start by going through all of Lee's research again and see what I could add to the project, especially as Lee himself ended up with three variations on the theme! Coincidentally, I came across an image of the vintage G1 Menasor giftset box top posted by Graham on Twitter which you can see just above. That Drag Strip was identical to the one on the card back that Lee used as a reference...except the rubsign on the sidepod was now on the left side! In order to re-create that proto look as accurately as possible, I had to be sure which was correct.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUPl8LObPHCsH4nLjUhzlq5WLZ-ITOrHeHGf9Wm79MGdUVWQsvQLlMZR-pjbhiO3V1tV3wWaY5xIPaT3TIDsemPhYnVRrFPtMkUWw429K4FaII7La4kCLhUT9Vt6e8hWG2u3c5yX4d9Z3/s1600/69142509_489288275189424_2629599469347274752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1334" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUPl8LObPHCsH4nLjUhzlq5WLZ-ITOrHeHGf9Wm79MGdUVWQsvQLlMZR-pjbhiO3V1tV3wWaY5xIPaT3TIDsemPhYnVRrFPtMkUWw429K4FaII7La4kCLhUT9Vt6e8hWG2u3c5yX4d9Z3/s400/69142509_489288275189424_2629599469347274752_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Ras</td></tr>
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<br />During TFNation 2019, I introduced Lee to well known prototype and pre-production collector Ras. I knew that Ras owned the actual prototype Drag Strip used in the original G1 stock photography and wanted him to see Lee's project. I went to Ras in order to get an image of this proto, hoping to determine once and for all which side that rubsign was originally on. As you can see from the image of that exact prototype above, it was on the left sidepod! This means the vehicle mode stock image from the G1 Drag Strip card back was reversed. That prototype Drag Strip, that incredible piece of history, cemented for me that instead of the Decepticon sticker Lee used on the sidepod, I wanted to put the original toy's rubsign back there and re-create that proto look even more faithfully.</div>
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So that's exactly what I did.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pD3OsUeNJgPVmBZeAzYE10IH3NFPNZ05tmG53FxSLsnxb5eiygFOBDm00Hgm0fRJqi-Gtn4G2pdbn4D8A_05RdGudmBjQNwoGaavT5T4N6Z5R2qJCM3yOKCRwZXcYDVPK194X7JySjbU/s1600/Dragstrip01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pD3OsUeNJgPVmBZeAzYE10IH3NFPNZ05tmG53FxSLsnxb5eiygFOBDm00Hgm0fRJqi-Gtn4G2pdbn4D8A_05RdGudmBjQNwoGaavT5T4N6Z5R2qJCM3yOKCRwZXcYDVPK194X7JySjbU/s400/Dragstrip01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oVRH50aFaXDIOtPHTobtFFIU6sfK4uWNL8yNgG6jOeAT5fYFMIuP0svJyiVeGX4Tlg2UEOZ1Hkyx-bx18SA_oaY-aPdJUP_UaCCokzCZGDarkER36LL4daJ5iqwh7yAKRKLufLe2NizO/s1600/Dragstrip02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oVRH50aFaXDIOtPHTobtFFIU6sfK4uWNL8yNgG6jOeAT5fYFMIuP0svJyiVeGX4Tlg2UEOZ1Hkyx-bx18SA_oaY-aPdJUP_UaCCokzCZGDarkER36LL4daJ5iqwh7yAKRKLufLe2NizO/s400/Dragstrip02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am so thrilled with the results, and would recommend taking this route to really bring a G1 Drag Strip to life with what ended up being such a love letter to the prototype. Sure, cutting those tiny strips that go on the sidepods and the nosecone stripe sticker was difficult (you can see my scalpel wasn't sharp enough). Sure, there is a "1" visible on the tiny stripe sticker on the right sidepod from an area of the stickersheet that was not eventually intended for use. Sure, removing the rubsign was a bit hairy and I had to use black marker on its rear to stop it being patchy when re-applied to the sidepod with Toyhax Stickerfixer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit01Kcndr_EhyphenhyphenGiS10HB2S0JHmdAZakbaMMeSUCLU4sHtAkJGJZOg-9dvesd0wtQ27YUSn91CmdRxNMIo2-tqasLpK5W1w0dsrQO_0yR7oT0toUhZQOCz5TB_wry8M9vn5Yc9rLoODdvYG/s1600/Dragstrip04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit01Kcndr_EhyphenhyphenGiS10HB2S0JHmdAZakbaMMeSUCLU4sHtAkJGJZOg-9dvesd0wtQ27YUSn91CmdRxNMIo2-tqasLpK5W1w0dsrQO_0yR7oT0toUhZQOCz5TB_wry8M9vn5Yc9rLoODdvYG/s400/Dragstrip04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE2Ymv9UtBJ1P3w6_TDBpBupN9Jbmkf12CSMDz1a1Nu1oQ9BVz1l7jlAG3GEy2y4C3qvzdtFNPzSv_zFief9S9iJOPNEDpCjAR1BQtpzpPPJBcUPwVzkv1q5KgZHFUOEJgmHvNKlos7Av/s1600/Dragstrip05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE2Ymv9UtBJ1P3w6_TDBpBupN9Jbmkf12CSMDz1a1Nu1oQ9BVz1l7jlAG3GEy2y4C3qvzdtFNPzSv_zFief9S9iJOPNEDpCjAR1BQtpzpPPJBcUPwVzkv1q5KgZHFUOEJgmHvNKlos7Av/s400/Dragstrip05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0GWkrayJNg77xRcIg8VnMdsjJSz2MX37Xr3pIvYgalqAiM2i5HYx5uSA8DTXwpqplVA4XhktfsiSisnjqBmqlTqxV-vOp_p8hmAcmf-K_disaCjzdYLE5w7xnAP0CKCBDDPLVQlEgtY0/s1600/Dragstrip06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0GWkrayJNg77xRcIg8VnMdsjJSz2MX37Xr3pIvYgalqAiM2i5HYx5uSA8DTXwpqplVA4XhktfsiSisnjqBmqlTqxV-vOp_p8hmAcmf-K_disaCjzdYLE5w7xnAP0CKCBDDPLVQlEgtY0/s400/Dragstrip06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My goodness was it worth it, though. Drag Strip has never looked so complete as he does with Lee's advice on using absolutely all of the real estate on the label sheet. What makes me happiest is how this is all possible without any reproduction stickers, but with everything that one actually gets in a vintage G1 Drag Strip package. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNCR9QxtUlmVLeLf1PTu0zO6m1zJqo33Yxjx79JUkgCRS3az3fPuOwksqU6cWWDzRJ7dY1ODhn651MYPC7iZb_cgqULijHU8U2dA6h1hgjw7DViyYPmeQWIToA2ur6mm7zn0UsfVy-rI_/s1600/Dragstrip03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNCR9QxtUlmVLeLf1PTu0zO6m1zJqo33Yxjx79JUkgCRS3az3fPuOwksqU6cWWDzRJ7dY1ODhn651MYPC7iZb_cgqULijHU8U2dA6h1hgjw7DViyYPmeQWIToA2ur6mm7zn0UsfVy-rI_/s400/Dragstrip03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, we can't ignore the fact that the Drag Strip design was changed from proto and stock photography to actual release. To ignore the fact that he had a windscreen sticker and moulded rubsign recess added would be to ignore a major step in his evolution leading to release. As a result, while Lee and later myself went to great lengths to re-create the look of that gorgeous original resin and plastic Drag Strip proto, I wanted to also pay tribute to what the instructions and sticker map say about certain parts of his final look.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HNWdHoBxZznnPnQId1k6hngiL09al9wuO5lhgpsjQtFFpdpTjg-ud4ELPrWp3Yaph2ZE8PXC5sfDwM7QOmy9U2VtTATHQw4Bbdhy7vmYHvmRyB9QtbBmNqCVgWSCPauY0hoof0iXGQku/s1600/Dragstrip09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HNWdHoBxZznnPnQId1k6hngiL09al9wuO5lhgpsjQtFFpdpTjg-ud4ELPrWp3Yaph2ZE8PXC5sfDwM7QOmy9U2VtTATHQw4Bbdhy7vmYHvmRyB9QtbBmNqCVgWSCPauY0hoof0iXGQku/s400/Dragstrip09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JCPD79Tn4OAgfMYKaGji878IePIuFeeruD3lqHy8oH0plbbJBWCH1ovrcwlDYUaCMgARbnC3l0rjbjuDxK7OuEaaX_3kPdVsiI_LtkY-14SSljBMVBjpQdYlSRM6v_Q9bhcEJc3KN0Tt/s1600/Dragstrip08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JCPD79Tn4OAgfMYKaGji878IePIuFeeruD3lqHy8oH0plbbJBWCH1ovrcwlDYUaCMgARbnC3l0rjbjuDxK7OuEaaX_3kPdVsiI_LtkY-14SSljBMVBjpQdYlSRM6v_Q9bhcEJc3KN0Tt/s400/Dragstrip08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELaIRfbclHGXm2p78xOy7wHs1D7lhUCeNpM6eBOSdG8K8CWWoP_PdcrmSZNqjKoX4a3SYdPtMzhmU7vq0QQPQD4Tpuy0OcxvScG_Ua0tpbdhlli3qNUYFagvhDX4JG4mPPrwrT4eNEJIC/s1600/Dragstrip07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELaIRfbclHGXm2p78xOy7wHs1D7lhUCeNpM6eBOSdG8K8CWWoP_PdcrmSZNqjKoX4a3SYdPtMzhmU7vq0QQPQD4Tpuy0OcxvScG_Ua0tpbdhlli3qNUYFagvhDX4JG4mPPrwrT4eNEJIC/s400/Dragstrip07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To that end, I placed the Decepticon faction sticker exactly where the instructions told me to, on the section between his lower legs. I justified this by way of every Decepticon needing his allegiance proudly displayed in robot mode. Also, the way that the chrome engine piece has two little pegs ensuring that it never fully sits flush in that recessed space tells me that the Decepticon sticker is meant to go there. It never experiences any rubbing from the chrome engine piece. I absolutely love how that rubsign of his remains visible at the end of the stripes on his arms in robot mode. Visually, he just has so much more going on now than if you just follow the sticker map.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQ0GMEXRUMH8jypj-7MIHUQ6yc-r740h60OlLkKQaJOFIcipQ69kqypGyqo5qBfxCDKAeip70wGTzE_8SqoE0xiibnKgNy3tE_hcQWbS_S7J3D1vSzZodePSN814uO68IHoA-jJYerCsC/s1600/Drag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQ0GMEXRUMH8jypj-7MIHUQ6yc-r740h60OlLkKQaJOFIcipQ69kqypGyqo5qBfxCDKAeip70wGTzE_8SqoE0xiibnKgNy3tE_hcQWbS_S7J3D1vSzZodePSN814uO68IHoA-jJYerCsC/s400/Drag1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Lee Cheney</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKCMywo1X_Yl2t7m7pIubvB8k3cZseHMl9UkAfLTRGURWv-21YNIl-0eFFFvvVTfAqTHmTk73tS2kk8A7GsFNNQgWMGnMeRp7TLzxLkP_s7I8fjX_AN-0kzZFV-sc9GLgCrCj-Nm5Wil3/s1600/Drag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKCMywo1X_Yl2t7m7pIubvB8k3cZseHMl9UkAfLTRGURWv-21YNIl-0eFFFvvVTfAqTHmTk73tS2kk8A7GsFNNQgWMGnMeRp7TLzxLkP_s7I8fjX_AN-0kzZFV-sc9GLgCrCj-Nm5Wil3/s400/Drag2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Courtesy of Lee Cheney</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OdjuZucMkDrRHshVyKODH0iQZnyRvW8acRVCCCkjsLL_84XPsz_-FAVPq4Awz8bMi70wdHmWBpHlZYV4dl8JaFNRohVa0pIxHR7_vPrF5mcMRv0JSWYQVVGNKG2PAe9t_OWwpw2pC8ee/s1600/Drag3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OdjuZucMkDrRHshVyKODH0iQZnyRvW8acRVCCCkjsLL_84XPsz_-FAVPq4Awz8bMi70wdHmWBpHlZYV4dl8JaFNRohVa0pIxHR7_vPrF5mcMRv0JSWYQVVGNKG2PAe9t_OWwpw2pC8ee/s400/Drag3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Courtesy of Lee Cheney</span></td></tr>
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<br />Even Lee had more attempts at using different looks for his Drag Strips. The one pictured immediately above uses two stickersheets to achieve a particular look, and the Decepticon sticker goes over one of the stripes to mimic the proto. He even managed to squeeze the rubsign AND the nosecone stripe sticker on there together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0JkW8ausR2tSP1asM1u-bRBDXTbNqAGKJiEjuLITx8ISp0wg-eseqC-6tv6KrIgsL3niOtZympn7TtvXpOlVbV7uaTghxTwsLtpXAy5Vm1S6E_ekLaIi_wx3BNM-L_UD7fsvQz-EcMBd/s1600/Dragstrip11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0JkW8ausR2tSP1asM1u-bRBDXTbNqAGKJiEjuLITx8ISp0wg-eseqC-6tv6KrIgsL3niOtZympn7TtvXpOlVbV7uaTghxTwsLtpXAy5Vm1S6E_ekLaIi_wx3BNM-L_UD7fsvQz-EcMBd/s400/Dragstrip11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There is no completely right answer to the mystery of G1 Drag Strip's stickers, but what Lee has done is demonstrate why there are extra parts to the sticker sheet, why one sidepod sticker is shorter than the other and how to use all of this to your advantage in creating a marvellous-looking specimen. </div>
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I may have gone one step further in determining that the rubsign/symbol was originally on the left sidepod, but that - and the use of the rubsign instead of the sticker on that sidepod - is a decision that any collector can now make based on their aesthetic preference. While I chose to mix the prototype look with an element of the final intended look, there's nothing stopping a collector using two Drag Strip sticker sheets to take it EVEN further. The possibilities, and the mysteries of G1, are seemingly endless!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucYxyEyTN6tSsKTmc7nXzVz6R3HFmsnP1LRi8bQLh_B-Mte7VIDm4idA5fg2OI9MUsngCYo6hmdFuRnQYMx34s7k5grt7iU6NW0u741YeFLm3LcmOHzqEG6N8o-Lao7BtaZDTDE85l1zo/s1600/Dragstrip10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucYxyEyTN6tSsKTmc7nXzVz6R3HFmsnP1LRi8bQLh_B-Mte7VIDm4idA5fg2OI9MUsngCYo6hmdFuRnQYMx34s7k5grt7iU6NW0u741YeFLm3LcmOHzqEG6N8o-Lao7BtaZDTDE85l1zo/s400/Dragstrip10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Related Reading:</b></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/Leeroybrownhu9/status/1033280699456020480" target="_blank">Lee-Roy's Drag Race</a></b></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-mysterious-g1-tracks-stickers.html" target="_blank">The Mysterious G1 Tracks Stickers</a></b></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2019/08/hasbro-g1-reissue-smokescreen-devolution.html" target="_blank">Hasbro G1 Reissue Smokescreen - Devolution</a></b></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>All the best<br />Maz</b></span></div>
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Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-1559685680561028482019-08-12T14:45:00.000+01:002019-08-12T14:45:42.441+01:00Hasbro G1 Reissue Smokescreen - Devolution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVweZSiVf6WBrLX9Xlym0ntZoP-p-CfQ7GEVckrcatdZ93LcgSaqAlcWNskEvb5N51kzYwO4Fw9pMZ8uHqyZYadDmlGZPVRQvQodoBNkWy0jsObptyYWLjI3_9tgdyEjiWemm7V072vJ8/s1600/Smokescreen04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVweZSiVf6WBrLX9Xlym0ntZoP-p-CfQ7GEVckrcatdZ93LcgSaqAlcWNskEvb5N51kzYwO4Fw9pMZ8uHqyZYadDmlGZPVRQvQodoBNkWy0jsObptyYWLjI3_9tgdyEjiWemm7V072vJ8/s400/Smokescreen04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In 2003, Hasbro released a reissue of the Generation 1 Autobot car Smokescreen as part of their Commemorative Series line of G1 sold exclusively in Toys 'R' Us. This was after Takara themselves had reissued Smokescreen in 2002 as part of the TF Collection book-style series. It was a wonderful time. The toy you see above is the Hasbro Commemorative reissue of Smokescreen, but with a slightly historical - and custom - twist applied by myself. So what's the story?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCvfEnXWrkPssft8bMqQuXbeyaLHMYaAoVWgshjSOFbBUl-MCkbZFX8opQOTmp1jDpQ69Q9xGY4HqMjaBnm9CeOFWpJIssBI-TIO2Smv_F97TFl0QbSSHxQagwy-WSu7lOpYRTJ324sRR/s1600/smokereal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCvfEnXWrkPssft8bMqQuXbeyaLHMYaAoVWgshjSOFbBUl-MCkbZFX8opQOTmp1jDpQ69Q9xGY4HqMjaBnm9CeOFWpJIssBI-TIO2Smv_F97TFl0QbSSHxQagwy-WSu7lOpYRTJ324sRR/s400/smokereal2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#38 Electramotive Datsun 280ZX</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ4hldvox3loPppsTgbgjHnpokieT77URUrEm-aFoRotjeBoBPl2_qvuFomWd_cbgmLQQ1lSXIlaTk0xCmvR-10D37r4rDNHsqgtN4zUnB3swK5CcvAU_KmosMV9LfD41xBPHz_3HyRMG/s1600/DiacloneFairladyRacing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="800" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ4hldvox3loPppsTgbgjHnpokieT77URUrEm-aFoRotjeBoBPl2_qvuFomWd_cbgmLQQ1lSXIlaTk0xCmvR-10D37r4rDNHsqgtN4zUnB3swK5CcvAU_KmosMV9LfD41xBPHz_3HyRMG/s400/DiacloneFairladyRacing2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Takara No.11 Fairlady Z 280ZX Turbo Racing Type</span></td></tr>
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Well, in May 1983, Takara - as part of their Diaclone Car Robot line - released the No.11 Fairlady Z 280ZX Turbo Racing Type. This toy was a re-tool of the earlier Fairlady Z that would become "Bluestreak" and paid homage to the #83 Electramotive Datsun 280ZX Turbo raced in the early 80s IMSA GTO Championship by Don Devendorf (and others). However, for the 1982 Fuji Speedway 6 hours round of the IMSA championship in Japan, the car carried #38, and it's that specific version that the Diaclone and subsequent Transformers toy is based on.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjya7neXfzKJNR_sabtk_kO_TWmv59Yzk08Rhqs4rlcJFdQJPmuJsfauQtX_84SWcgklUAq1PwYESyuE69CvGitpeH3E_KGY3Xw9YxHop5qP4XAVAKmU67s-BSSGpvg-Uaty3QAGfKwZz/s1600/smokeTFbox2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjya7neXfzKJNR_sabtk_kO_TWmv59Yzk08Rhqs4rlcJFdQJPmuJsfauQtX_84SWcgklUAq1PwYESyuE69CvGitpeH3E_KGY3Xw9YxHop5qP4XAVAKmU67s-BSSGpvg-Uaty3QAGfKwZz/s400/smokeTFbox2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stock photos of Smokescreen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7QejwE3ay3gaqqnREQcRuAvvNXOqRwadR_82Ck9xJnQGhyphenhyphenP8lI1lFwQi9fSfu1xegHG8jCVppT76-sy9d1vbmDKdXteMOoLAu9qIupxFbvytKijsk72TXQlidFgLS1sbqKq_ZKrFWqP5/s1600/smokeukscan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="600" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7QejwE3ay3gaqqnREQcRuAvvNXOqRwadR_82Ck9xJnQGhyphenhyphenP8lI1lFwQi9fSfu1xegHG8jCVppT76-sy9d1vbmDKdXteMOoLAu9qIupxFbvytKijsk72TXQlidFgLS1sbqKq_ZKrFWqP5/s400/smokeukscan1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UK catalogue art and stock photography of Smokescreen</td></tr>
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The Transformers version of this toy, Autobot Diversionary Tactician "Smokescreen", was released in 1985. I got my own example of Smokescreen from Argos in Wood Green, North London in very early 1986. He was my first Autobot car, and has an incredibly special place in my heart. I've owned a number of variants of this toy down the years, including Mexican variants with Bluestreak bodies and, most importantly, <i><b><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf_frame.php?art=smokesample" target="_blank">the original Takara Diaclone sample</a></b></i> that was sent to Hasbro in Rhode Island for evaluation as a Transformers toy in what must have been 1984.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFRkeSVAWjwKC6oyVAIOUEUtkJ3obnoR-we_dYEAi5_Aoirmv1bpG1e6qHkafn_WL_jQBmoIt6Yd_SOLKRbPFFJRkvaQIAhVhL32P-zORreMZ2toCJMQUqFHKJOvNnczLvF2llcWsLPKn/s1600/Samp03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1000" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFRkeSVAWjwKC6oyVAIOUEUtkJ3obnoR-we_dYEAi5_Aoirmv1bpG1e6qHkafn_WL_jQBmoIt6Yd_SOLKRbPFFJRkvaQIAhVhL32P-zORreMZ2toCJMQUqFHKJOvNnczLvF2llcWsLPKn/s400/Samp03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWb8QAXai0rN-XLc_bwhwWS96axfye3o-r6zYyfweVfEu_I5s6dtBwnsnlMgHrbE3pooo89Gyq_QBK5s1NHvpZC8_udKrEplO1Pn5jen-6HEIrxD3HERU38JNOaF7xxGYDI-67yG0YbnX/s1600/Samp04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1000" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWb8QAXai0rN-XLc_bwhwWS96axfye3o-r6zYyfweVfEu_I5s6dtBwnsnlMgHrbE3pooo89Gyq_QBK5s1NHvpZC8_udKrEplO1Pn5jen-6HEIrxD3HERU38JNOaF7xxGYDI-67yG0YbnX/s400/Samp04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was a really significant part of Smokescreen's history, as the toy itself had a number of key Diaclone identifiers removed by hand, and then had sections painted/fixed to resemble the potential Transformers version of the toy. There were even hand-written indications of where Autobot symbols were going to go on the figure, guidelines that actually made it to the box artwork and stock photography of the toy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qJkMguC4XhfdVvKde12VcZtOcAXguZYR83M3l889RhF5-fY6gih7E8XSz8EehBLkPVsRgj8-VPwZvGpc4iZcDHhJ33vo_cKTefOnacqwUpYXhTRsfRDW3cpC9Nd0oBN-lBlqiI7ckivN/s1600/Samp05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1000" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qJkMguC4XhfdVvKde12VcZtOcAXguZYR83M3l889RhF5-fY6gih7E8XSz8EehBLkPVsRgj8-VPwZvGpc4iZcDHhJ33vo_cKTefOnacqwUpYXhTRsfRDW3cpC9Nd0oBN-lBlqiI7ckivN/s400/Samp05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Those of you who are familiar with Transformers and Diaclone versions of this toy will know that on the hood, there has always been the accurate "38" from the original race car. However, this hand-altered sample shows that an Autobot symbol was supposed to go on the hood in place of the "38". You can see in the pictures of Transformers Smokescreen's packaging, art and UK catalogue photos a little higher up that this concept was carried forward to quite a late stage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-vStdz0LC1yVZxWvdDTwR5p26WsUYb5Zbs_tLIIUyH_TqhDv1_gWAbHNWX-K0wy_iWf7uL94n7KI9ovukL1M3sII6pmiBiKmVw2w9vi_2Q1NXBpi3qhMDMcQ6zIhOgAIp639WpSNfVnS/s1600/Samp10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-vStdz0LC1yVZxWvdDTwR5p26WsUYb5Zbs_tLIIUyH_TqhDv1_gWAbHNWX-K0wy_iWf7uL94n7KI9ovukL1M3sII6pmiBiKmVw2w9vi_2Q1NXBpi3qhMDMcQ6zIhOgAIp639WpSNfVnS/s400/Samp10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P2aC8cUCAapD1p6mqBwcmGQGyEzzptbZIvapA90L_7zBwEJQHbMZgd6-1igCUrJHIlvqfycI7xe-QxIoEfKwXqQbXbvaQ2cdKfKvvC2Y6kZu_BCcQuF8znpFOgn_R3YtF6ZLNmhdHrRx/s1600/Samp11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1000" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P2aC8cUCAapD1p6mqBwcmGQGyEzzptbZIvapA90L_7zBwEJQHbMZgd6-1igCUrJHIlvqfycI7xe-QxIoEfKwXqQbXbvaQ2cdKfKvvC2Y6kZu_BCcQuF8znpFOgn_R3YtF6ZLNmhdHrRx/s400/Samp11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This created a problem when Hasbro eventually decided not to remove the "38" factory sticker from Smokescreen's hood. They had artwork, stock photography and even a sticker application map in the toy's paperwork that indicated the main Autobot logo should sit on the toy's hood. Kids, collectors and owners down the years have employed a number of solutions to this issue.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgah2FEwV_kQMElttYm7y9i4AOmbll1llkIrRS3ALnRNxioY3QITK5e2tP1cIP_t_-n3-K1gjHXxelm0p0h3YBAs9-r3zIGKmPRqqIV55PlrASUA2QbhDeQJeAGm4d3tYhsJ-lW2whOBcHU/s1600/smokecomp10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="600" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgah2FEwV_kQMElttYm7y9i4AOmbll1llkIrRS3ALnRNxioY3QITK5e2tP1cIP_t_-n3-K1gjHXxelm0p0h3YBAs9-r3zIGKmPRqqIV55PlrASUA2QbhDeQJeAGm4d3tYhsJ-lW2whOBcHU/s400/smokecomp10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Takara Diaclone - Takara/Hasbro Diaclone sample - Hasbro G1</td></tr>
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In the photo above you can see the original Diaclone, the adjusted sample and then the Transformers toy. On that particular TF specimen, the owner had decided to put the Autobot symbol on the back of the robot head, meaning it is visible on the hood in vehicle mode, but not robot mode. Others simply put the Autobot sticker on the "38" hood sticker, which creates a crowded look and just simply cannot be the original intention of the designer, or whoever was responsible for adapting the toy for Transformers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GnI_z9Il4FV5YJiapL1IIOgsjXWOV24hTEdaQIJ9PCqs0dyZ-C26YN4zZ-Ib_Rn_pS7MGZpWhy53-inFdjkJ8W9fyyL0PzPC7Ganp6WVVUJUIx8nAVNyVWdE75rW-hAhc0ayA-KjjQG2/s1600/smokeboxart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GnI_z9Il4FV5YJiapL1IIOgsjXWOV24hTEdaQIJ9PCqs0dyZ-C26YN4zZ-Ib_Rn_pS7MGZpWhy53-inFdjkJ8W9fyyL0PzPC7Ganp6WVVUJUIx8nAVNyVWdE75rW-hAhc0ayA-KjjQG2/s400/smokeboxart.jpg" width="383" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diaclone box art</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9F0OymJVzMk7O75T8VHHGeJpZax2Mp4i7GRMMz6eZQB3Z3OvakTTRsJK-qjIPqTO0PsdI_glweX81bjhyphenhyphenxUT6Zfxn5fOHXdN0oZOM9ozGgwxuxz9bwznLPqwHORa-xPF5leH7fHsoVdlA/s1600/smokescreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1008" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9F0OymJVzMk7O75T8VHHGeJpZax2Mp4i7GRMMz6eZQB3Z3OvakTTRsJK-qjIPqTO0PsdI_glweX81bjhyphenhyphenxUT6Zfxn5fOHXdN0oZOM9ozGgwxuxz9bwznLPqwHORa-xPF5leH7fHsoVdlA/s400/smokescreen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transformers box art (courtesy of Botch The Crab)</td></tr>
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It's pretty clear from the Transformers box artwork, from the stock photography on the packaging and even from early catalogue images of Smokescreen that the intention was to put the Autobot symbol on his hood in place of the "38", and that look even made it into the G1 cartoon and - subsequently - the TakaraTomy Masterpiece versions of Smokescreen.</div>
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This brings me back nicely to the Commemorative reissue Smokescreen I so kindly received for my birthday from JB Martin in 2011, completely unused, and a little project I undertook!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKun-dtf3e5ZegRVzaQe7zPdndVDZYuFIRXQw5ygBQK5HuohIEHw9ZFgH7rfTf5NmjkftyLMkbwPYp7F0IAMW5SknxC8uRQzyl6lfwTuDkdBV8NRIsPB17uxhQeCRX5luglV4idw02dcN/s1600/FADE8C9A-068F-46A4-9092-3844741B755C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKun-dtf3e5ZegRVzaQe7zPdndVDZYuFIRXQw5ygBQK5HuohIEHw9ZFgH7rfTf5NmjkftyLMkbwPYp7F0IAMW5SknxC8uRQzyl6lfwTuDkdBV8NRIsPB17uxhQeCRX5luglV4idw02dcN/s400/FADE8C9A-068F-46A4-9092-3844741B755C.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Some of you who follow this blog and my social media will know that since 2015, my goal has been to collect Generation 1 Transformers in opened but exceptional condition, including vintage stickers placed completely correctly, but as I believe the designers intended. This has occasionally necessitated the purchase of unused sticker sheets to apply myself, after extended research on the origins of where stickers were mapped, such as the example with <b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-mysterious-g1-tracks-stickers.html" target="_blank">G1 Tracks and his stickers</a></i></b>.</div>
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Every once in a while, it's nice to remind yourself why you really partake in a hobby, and what it is about that pursuit that brings you the most joy. I always find applying stickers, taking photos or just researching G1 and pre-G1 stuff extremely enjoyable, and a quality way of passing the time. I always meant to apply stickers to this reissue Smokescreen so that he would fit in with the look of my collection as it evolves, but I decided to take it once step further.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFIv8oLtVXg4lrJVSs2qXaze9lhTkVew3p5Ky9rWTWwCGiu2NhWlGb74FSp8gtA5SQ20rn1B1kmD61wwG3GsYQt4LaGuyRiQAMN2262DaCpmxCe76ebwt7qWK_gSgrE2LVVG3lUDxcISm/s1600/0962607A-2DE2-4E63-B711-779CC8C1FE69.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1500" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFIv8oLtVXg4lrJVSs2qXaze9lhTkVew3p5Ky9rWTWwCGiu2NhWlGb74FSp8gtA5SQ20rn1B1kmD61wwG3GsYQt4LaGuyRiQAMN2262DaCpmxCe76ebwt7qWK_gSgrE2LVVG3lUDxcISm/s400/0962607A-2DE2-4E63-B711-779CC8C1FE69.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm sure you can see where this is going. While I know that by removing the "38" sticker I am going against what the vintage G1 Transformers Smokescreen toy ended up looking like, what 99.999% of the Smokescreens in the world will have been like, but I always thought the placement of that Autobot sticker over the "38" on the hood was an untidy solution, not the best fusion of Autobot and real life race car. It was fine for Diaclone, there was no faction symbol and it was trying to be as accurate as possible, but for G1 it was not elegant enough.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgAGgYm2S_q96-9p4Da0cDP1riHNdrvazh3tV9NX9gcuZpoJlAh8GL9twftzUdGmntWkSYkJhnNsDb_GhAwzxjYlvsWX40czoPoDEmg6mX3FfjVn4Y3FLoy7pL_7HcnF1S5FvrOjiDoPo/s1600/Smokescreen01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgAGgYm2S_q96-9p4Da0cDP1riHNdrvazh3tV9NX9gcuZpoJlAh8GL9twftzUdGmntWkSYkJhnNsDb_GhAwzxjYlvsWX40czoPoDEmg6mX3FfjVn4Y3FLoy7pL_7HcnF1S5FvrOjiDoPo/s400/Smokescreen01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here he is, then, my Hasbro G1 Commemorative Series Smokescreen with the factory "38" sticker removed off the hood and replaced with the main Autobot symbol off the sticker sheet. Some of the stickers for this toy are very tricky to apply! Neither the vintage nor reissue instructions make it clear that one has to fold the top of the stickers that go on the sides of his hips, nor where the bar sticker on his belly should go, but I think I did the best one could hope for!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5_KryhXd2omJ4X1LgmKoN2fdPQKWn5L3YID7XZEzhcQkjM9SSzMtT4e31qZbjcGQ_xfwUv0HrT2Pg6306zQCQE8Lu_Ng23cP1-0Yhc3TvWemlVM4WpLMU4gV9AXM7FQ6keCDOjVU1L3r/s1600/Smokescreen03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5_KryhXd2omJ4X1LgmKoN2fdPQKWn5L3YID7XZEzhcQkjM9SSzMtT4e31qZbjcGQ_xfwUv0HrT2Pg6306zQCQE8Lu_Ng23cP1-0Yhc3TvWemlVM4WpLMU4gV9AXM7FQ6keCDOjVU1L3r/s400/Smokescreen03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When Hasbro released Smokescreen as a Transformer, they removed all the sponsorship branding from the Diaclone figure - stuff like "Nissan", "Datsun" and "RR", the latter being a change that Takara made to the original sponsor anyway. Hasbro also removed the Diaclone-specific "Real & Robo" text off the windscreen sticker, and then for the reissues, vehicle model-specific stuff like "ZX" was removed from the stickers too. So, I just took it all one step further and made it as fully faithful to the G1 concept of Smokescreen shown in the box art, stock photos and catalogues as I could, given that it was a reissue.<br /><br />I will never own that utterly wonderful Diaclone/Hasbro sample again, but I have paid some fine tribute to it here. I also think he deserves to be displayed with chrome weapons, as opposed to the softer black plastic variety that Hasbro gave the Commemorative release. With all that in mind, here is my finished article, in more ways than one:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97ooXbzMBza7SnAXySYg07nnuKQ3Lx4vd8Qtqkw9zhoEI7hEL7CbRcTIaHL8hBxl5S7ftlAm88mHqJuD-lkpQmK63Iuecbezs8gnjv9j7_YI_1ld4eWMs3YytRMcHjOJ9Fri8FsTMlka7/s1600/Smokescreen05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97ooXbzMBza7SnAXySYg07nnuKQ3Lx4vd8Qtqkw9zhoEI7hEL7CbRcTIaHL8hBxl5S7ftlAm88mHqJuD-lkpQmK63Iuecbezs8gnjv9j7_YI_1ld4eWMs3YytRMcHjOJ9Fri8FsTMlka7/s400/Smokescreen05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Related Reading:</b></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf_frame.php?art=smokesample" target="_blank"><b>Diaclone Fairlady Z Racing Type 280 ZX Turbo - Takara Sample</b></a></i></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/04/diaclone-sample-smokescreen.html" target="_blank">Diaclone "Sample Smokescreen"</a></i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-mysterious-g1-tracks-stickers.html" target="_blank">The Mysterious G1 Tracks Stickers</a></i></b></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-32223875762518337742019-06-20T00:16:00.000+01:002019-06-20T10:25:19.537+01:00Ceji G1 "Puffer" Pipes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtno4K_hb-YYf4dSq4iqT6mPawUaowZcr-hxajjEyIupJ5gp1nGgps1LiFje1VKGTF7k9QYs3HL9gPKjFwvbrP4zFucA1RmsBdSEPa1pyuR5RP_U0iQDdiqZEwBRgYpxcjZKNreTGFs9t1/s1600/Puffer02-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtno4K_hb-YYf4dSq4iqT6mPawUaowZcr-hxajjEyIupJ5gp1nGgps1LiFje1VKGTF7k9QYs3HL9gPKjFwvbrP4zFucA1RmsBdSEPa1pyuR5RP_U0iQDdiqZEwBRgYpxcjZKNreTGFs9t1/s400/Puffer02-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's been a while, hasn't it? The longest period of time between Transformers articles from me for almost a decade, but it's taken quite a gorgeous and special vintage Generation 1 Transformers item to inspire me to write again. Since returning exclusively to collecting vintage G1 Transformers toys, I inevitably gravitated back towards my variant G1 and pre-G1 roots, but obviously with a modest budget there's only so much one can afford. Finding the above Ceji G1 Pipes - given the fan name "Puffer" - in a mixed lot of junkers was a touch of the good old days for me, and worthy of an article.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AwGVQigzGaCPhnpUgrBYiKF0C-I0LqYR2-B58iG0hGfVlL37_ywEDg4riMLqoeKyFm1grcqHwq930GZvBZZM8lDuhZ_bGgQeetSEzFzc6uw1MsEw5bq_ASSV3hkjD30O29imxjSGCJZk/s1600/Puffer01-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AwGVQigzGaCPhnpUgrBYiKF0C-I0LqYR2-B58iG0hGfVlL37_ywEDg4riMLqoeKyFm1grcqHwq930GZvBZZM8lDuhZ_bGgQeetSEzFzc6uw1MsEw5bq_ASSV3hkjD30O29imxjSGCJZk/s400/Puffer01-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had tried to win a Ceji Pipes earlier in the year but the price was as high as I'd been afraid of, and therefore inaccessible to me. When this jewel in a sea of mud appeared, I knew I'd be dusting off the article and photography kit as soon as it was in hand. What we have here is "Puffer", originally made famous by Dutch collector Devvi in the early '00s on his website, Devvi.com. But why "Puffer" and not just Pipes or Huffer?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVT0KUmCmRL3C4FN298m9C_vcCqs2FjYixXVeGy5DVSVd8BfzgizQdlQYyxUKAIqeHtDsHrScgZsOzChpBTKWcOwgdpdXil-PvjJA2H3uaYzuWDcvduREs5zcxCPtkFhg64fFFf8bY4iY/s1600/64503488_410977486157326_1705535151078899712_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVT0KUmCmRL3C4FN298m9C_vcCqs2FjYixXVeGy5DVSVd8BfzgizQdlQYyxUKAIqeHtDsHrScgZsOzChpBTKWcOwgdpdXil-PvjJA2H3uaYzuWDcvduREs5zcxCPtkFhg64fFFf8bY4iY/s400/64503488_410977486157326_1705535151078899712_n.jpg" width="337" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of Ras</td></tr>
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The toy is Ceji-manufactured from France, as the company helped Hasbro Bradley fulfil Transformers stock obligations in 1986. After ceasing the distribution of Ceji Joustra "Diaclone" toys in 1985 - as the licence for all of those toys transferred to Hasbro Bradley - Ceji produced a number of items for the Transformers brand, including the <b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/04/ceji-g1-yellow-devastator.html" target="_blank">yellow G1 Constructicons</a></b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxWHeTaqvqQZMZTUMo7U-llpY-dN70c-adCOkfCduaXHpZjuTZxKEUhEhsdOM8fCRkzbAPSXKS59BjV8zFkEvCvSKB6iVmdUPDSfoVWKukY23RqkmwyK_ZIdVtiqK5AYxZI0TMqHimx5-/s1600/Puffer03-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxWHeTaqvqQZMZTUMo7U-llpY-dN70c-adCOkfCduaXHpZjuTZxKEUhEhsdOM8fCRkzbAPSXKS59BjV8zFkEvCvSKB6iVmdUPDSfoVWKukY23RqkmwyK_ZIdVtiqK5AYxZI0TMqHimx5-/s400/Puffer03-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This "Puffer" would have seen release in countries like France, Belgium, the Netherlands etc and was clearly intended to be Pipes, the season 3 minibot. However, the keen-eyed among you will have noticed that the toy is actually Huffer, just painted up to resemble Pipes; a nice and easy way to avoid retooling costs using existing toy moulds. This was a very common source of variants in Mexico, where Plasticos IGA repainted a number of moulds instead of retooling them into the new characters. There was also a "Puffer"-style Pipes in Mexico, manufactured by Plasticos IGA, but the blue on that toy was darker and sparkly.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8sbxvN_9FNISyPw8hunhJTK_Vg2iNskLDJGsSFMhVEz3ph9jzR-wOaAn12IcPwKv_yci32Q-HUPJJ-CiCVR_MEbHLLulc5I7KnJlKn-JknqzUWYgu6iiBkT4e0xURfQo1aJBUPcfqm7t/s1600/pufffig7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8sbxvN_9FNISyPw8hunhJTK_Vg2iNskLDJGsSFMhVEz3ph9jzR-wOaAn12IcPwKv_yci32Q-HUPJJ-CiCVR_MEbHLLulc5I7KnJlKn-JknqzUWYgu6iiBkT4e0xURfQo1aJBUPcfqm7t/s400/pufffig7.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plasticos IGA "Puffer" - variant 1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuxvnx89CEAA9wYcNEULUJ-rBVjbQURMdL2uj0pmhBO-PmzNuCr6X8zBBzSGbdln92VinYYN5kvnGjdNzLmG5GO7NH0caL4elHI15kWpHA-6qr-MW7OdJil6TeSZGdW2onmZ0UR_H9i2t/s1600/Mexpufffig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuxvnx89CEAA9wYcNEULUJ-rBVjbQURMdL2uj0pmhBO-PmzNuCr6X8zBBzSGbdln92VinYYN5kvnGjdNzLmG5GO7NH0caL4elHI15kWpHA-6qr-MW7OdJil6TeSZGdW2onmZ0UR_H9i2t/s400/Mexpufffig2.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plasticos IGA "Puffer" - variant 2</td></tr>
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So the European 1986 Ceji "Puffer" - a portmanteau created by fans from "Pipes" and "Huffer" - was sold on multilingual Pipes cards which you can see a little way up in this article. It is distinguishable from a Mexican "Puffer" by way of having a rubsign like all Ceji Transformers do, and by the non-sparkly baby blue colour of the toy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzysq1ZtzxDdrpb0xXfV3ySG-WwYI557S0Bnzt3AkenKy0p7jbV51dos_yRBEguBLkhRqOztF9tKenrqJDdGfkLXJLLpX7cGPl4UEIOg5kY-aqj7H00pj-cxnsjxXJjbUfF2NxeXoQMq7C/s1600/Puffer04-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1500" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzysq1ZtzxDdrpb0xXfV3ySG-WwYI557S0Bnzt3AkenKy0p7jbV51dos_yRBEguBLkhRqOztF9tKenrqJDdGfkLXJLLpX7cGPl4UEIOg5kY-aqj7H00pj-cxnsjxXJjbUfF2NxeXoQMq7C/s400/Puffer04-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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The blue and white scheme on the Huffer mould makes Puffer, in my opinion, the most handsome version of the mould, ever. It's got the hugely retro simple robot face of Huffer with the awkwardly-angled chrome arms, but classier colours. The blue is noticeably lighter than on a standard Pipes, as you can see. The vintage G1 Huffer photographed above is also not quite as nice a mould as the Ceji one, whose legs to actually retract the whole way, unlike my poor Huffer. </div>
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Even next to the gloriously lush E-Hobby exclusive "Road Ranger" with its nice crisp moulding and fancy paint job, Puffer still comes up top in looks. I can imagine that a yellowed one with rinsed chrome probably wouldn't have the same visual effect, but weirdly I've rarely seen discoloured ones.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwG_WW4fqxUEmkrCdAgQy47jQ4UjdbRiFcW7oqmBGs3JDAZeUQ_9dw4sH4YU7q2tZmFuhEfklmC-ke9Y7wobK8OqQHFj-wk0X-OE61xakLbYjPCGWAS_aoWCdc46C452HrRrOeqMc6mEh/s1600/Puffer06-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1500" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwG_WW4fqxUEmkrCdAgQy47jQ4UjdbRiFcW7oqmBGs3JDAZeUQ_9dw4sH4YU7q2tZmFuhEfklmC-ke9Y7wobK8OqQHFj-wk0X-OE61xakLbYjPCGWAS_aoWCdc46C452HrRrOeqMc6mEh/s400/Puffer06-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OBOmgR-DMPcGjDM5qxp6pyuzvYkj2FAUbmTAZO6NCI6hY0T1gRjABSq5rGnX-OZculciGhtAWCex02Cm2CPwWDCVaN5QOVCxWJS-iXt9UBHjRkDZhQTZ31quL-hAuvTO9qWk5RBjdNRZ/s1600/Puffer07-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1500" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OBOmgR-DMPcGjDM5qxp6pyuzvYkj2FAUbmTAZO6NCI6hY0T1gRjABSq5rGnX-OZculciGhtAWCex02Cm2CPwWDCVaN5QOVCxWJS-iXt9UBHjRkDZhQTZ31quL-hAuvTO9qWk5RBjdNRZ/s400/Puffer07-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the gorgeous Puffer in vehicle mode, sporting the tell-tale rubsign on the roof and non-cylindrical chrome pipes of the Huffer mould. The grille does not protrude as it does on the Pipes mould and you can still see the "MM" moulding in the side of the cab, which stands for "Microman", paying tribute to the toy's Takara Microman Micro Change Series roots. See also the smaller feet compared to the full Pipes retool.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TpQoD0EsuaTZyjbr91WrUQNauJwdZuYWo1RJ2rLY6IpLik2oNdBG2TsKDiyYWODY7YYmUw5OSkk5twgE6ASMFBnj3e6wEiPrXJbqYE3M_oFsEOBKer4jZPNFwrW41isBzYRcKBYtCvDO/s1600/Puffer08-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TpQoD0EsuaTZyjbr91WrUQNauJwdZuYWo1RJ2rLY6IpLik2oNdBG2TsKDiyYWODY7YYmUw5OSkk5twgE6ASMFBnj3e6wEiPrXJbqYE3M_oFsEOBKer4jZPNFwrW41isBzYRcKBYtCvDO/s400/Puffer08-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfYWwUjp92vTytKef-2SE-Qbl2LFbSpshzGujgaMBCoB9DwmxebL4epxnwsOhIvTSLrb9rvaLyHL7kCTL6PridA6ZvCFGvQppNdETmY_oUY2EIBbhUAXDtaPg_xt9UNQjpLXwFHfTqVQr/s1600/Puffer12-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfYWwUjp92vTytKef-2SE-Qbl2LFbSpshzGujgaMBCoB9DwmxebL4epxnwsOhIvTSLrb9rvaLyHL7kCTL6PridA6ZvCFGvQppNdETmY_oUY2EIBbhUAXDtaPg_xt9UNQjpLXwFHfTqVQr/s400/Puffer12-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the features of Ceji "Puffer" that always intrigued me was how he has absolutely no copyright markings at all. You would expect him to have Takara and Hasbro markings with dates, but the country of manufacture blocked out. But he has nothing at all, which is not the norm for Ceji Transformers. This undoubtedly led some early vintage discovery-era collectors to conclude that this was not an official product.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fo_wHc-6ktrbN3bxeWk6ztopGTBdSc4oS57zGX-5UgQ7mK_qWeyq-PlO45MqZ7yndQFfb0IV1XvuU2FDTI55-SGqfEzKdOlx4l2l0b_RqlaDPy15gJ5GpujTEo-ZtbRcD_iWh28lo8B_/s1600/Puffer11-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fo_wHc-6ktrbN3bxeWk6ztopGTBdSc4oS57zGX-5UgQ7mK_qWeyq-PlO45MqZ7yndQFfb0IV1XvuU2FDTI55-SGqfEzKdOlx4l2l0b_RqlaDPy15gJ5GpujTEo-ZtbRcD_iWh28lo8B_/s400/Puffer11-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since then, of course, a handful of carded specimens have surfaced, completely cementing this toy's origin. It's one of those old school variants that collectors have known about for almost 20 years, in the same category as Red Tracks, Red Slag, White Astrotrain, Black Prowl etc. As a result, it almost exudes a bit more prestige and feels as though it has a more glittering history to it. No surprise, then, that collectors lust after it. The exceptional looks will see to that, even if it is not quite as rare as the Plasticos IGA versions (the sparkly blue/white and all sparkly blue variants).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_P95SP4TKrqAyam0G-oZUqwdeO2fEdqJ74Xp8tJG_KiOkxrhhc_0B4WbNh96umkdc34hThHB0t1k3j3nsOIuyny2CfbR2YzWB7qaJ9ztg0RHIIBkOj0G4Xh7mhX1t03f8nt4bBmBPmjE/s1600/Puffer13-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_P95SP4TKrqAyam0G-oZUqwdeO2fEdqJ74Xp8tJG_KiOkxrhhc_0B4WbNh96umkdc34hThHB0t1k3j3nsOIuyny2CfbR2YzWB7qaJ9ztg0RHIIBkOj0G4Xh7mhX1t03f8nt4bBmBPmjE/s400/Puffer13-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have always liked the vintage G1 variants where the toys had all the fundamental features of the Hasbro G1 run - rubsigns, Autobot symbols and Hasbro packaging design - but completely different colours to normal. It's why I actually prefer the look of the <b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/04/milton-bradley-g1-red-tracks.html" target="_blank">Milton Bradley Red Tracks</a></b> to that of the Diaclone; the rubsign on the red roof just gets me. Same applies to the yellow Ceji Constructicons with their tell-tale rubsigns.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianT-AXWQ63wud5dyWjBN0ejfvDpff3yiF1Pla-y57ea8kqdHqYS8p4w9qIfacfYDnuQnnAtptPcyMaDjI-s1x1tQabcVcqq-3aXYH9HBIEZptxa_fmN6qqYU_5mVsSk5x8qUc22Vwicr0/s1600/Puffer10-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianT-AXWQ63wud5dyWjBN0ejfvDpff3yiF1Pla-y57ea8kqdHqYS8p4w9qIfacfYDnuQnnAtptPcyMaDjI-s1x1tQabcVcqq-3aXYH9HBIEZptxa_fmN6qqYU_5mVsSk5x8qUc22Vwicr0/s400/Puffer10-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's for that same reason that I appreciate Ceji Puffer above many of his South American variants from Peru and Venezuela; it's just that much closer to being an actual Transformers toy and character, I guess. Like a forgotten release that slots perfectly between the 1984/5 Huffer and 1986 Pipes. A missing link, almost. The fact that his backstory is tied so closely to my beloved Ceji Joustra toys just makes this variant all the sweeter. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_40JvwScvT3HINfipPMTBtkisgqK-UoyTwJ68xpoZANBcaMk6C9H1y86xGR1orI6Ojo3MUikYO4osVuQIDoOlKc5MrZoCCKG71U06OHnOuc8CKOul6T20C_fURFRT63Qo6smQ3pbmcZRZ/s1600/Puffer09-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_40JvwScvT3HINfipPMTBtkisgqK-UoyTwJ68xpoZANBcaMk6C9H1y86xGR1orI6Ojo3MUikYO4osVuQIDoOlKc5MrZoCCKG71U06OHnOuc8CKOul6T20C_fURFRT63Qo6smQ3pbmcZRZ/s400/Puffer09-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Related Reading:</b></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/mini_frame.php?art=puffer" target="_blank">Mexican Pipes (with Huffer body)</a></b></i></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-25250996968751724492018-10-08T22:11:00.004+01:002018-10-08T22:13:10.576+01:00Diaclone Jetrobo F-15 Hi-Speed Fighter<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVUDcYmQDBH4nS63HfwBKmde8uCCTPdCr5YZtuybiUa2kmMWef2Hpa0wajFyyA5rrIHbeuKQnBuk0lGtfwECwvh8_eR7f60lG7uC9RkRM3bvmgPG-sZMsR4CFLTa_pdOHzx33umGHak14/s1600/F15Hispeed01x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVUDcYmQDBH4nS63HfwBKmde8uCCTPdCr5YZtuybiUa2kmMWef2Hpa0wajFyyA5rrIHbeuKQnBuk0lGtfwECwvh8_eR7f60lG7uC9RkRM3bvmgPG-sZMsR4CFLTa_pdOHzx33umGHak14/s400/F15Hispeed01x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Takara's Diaclone Jetrobo F-15 Eagle Hi-Speed Fighter from the Real & Robo sub-series, released in Japan in 1983, was the very first use of the now-legendary Transformers G1 Starscream mould. In my mind, it is as historic a figure as Diaclone Battle Convoy, the predecessor to G1 Optimus Prime. It represents an absolutely magical purchase for me personally, although not one I have ever chased with much fervour - which actually surprises me a lot. The manner in which this toy finds itself in my collection and was completed - it didn't start out as a purchase of a complete toy - is something of a reflection of everything I feel I am about in this hobby and what it means to me.</div>
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G1 Starscream - the very one pictured right here - was my first ever Transformer, bought at Toys 'R' Us Brent Cross in London, some time in very early 1986. I still have that childhood Starscream, and while I do not own a perfect condition version of that exact rubsign release, I do have a MIB unused <b><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf_frame.php?art=joustraf15" target="_blank">Ceji Joustra Diaclone F-15</a></b> from 1984, and for me that was a good enough representation of what I'd call a symbolic 'pre-Starscream' for my collection. This was especially relevant as Ceji Joustra Diaclone is my greatest collecting passion, and the toy inside is essentially a pre-rubsign Transformers Starscream, so the symbolism was definitely there, even if the toy was not the very first version of the mould ever.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEo3u71z_pzgMh3FjrZGgbUKIxJYMUwIAJuUyA_XVgldvUcumTqMPlMNQ3g_ng4zWuTcW8xAoYbKKpgzPvpJRz2bEUEa_pwV16LzNXf01Yme0H0CTFjdFy-b3L8rslRj_3akV5nDk9GSsq/s1600/jf15boxF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="600" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEo3u71z_pzgMh3FjrZGgbUKIxJYMUwIAJuUyA_XVgldvUcumTqMPlMNQ3g_ng4zWuTcW8xAoYbKKpgzPvpJRz2bEUEa_pwV16LzNXf01Yme0H0CTFjdFy-b3L8rslRj_3akV5nDk9GSsq/s400/jf15boxF.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've had that Joustra F-15 for many years now. It seems that since I started to concentrate more exclusively on collecting vintage Transformers again, my Starscream variant collection has - inadvertently - grown to some considerable size. I now have an Anime colours TFCollection reissue Starscream, E-Hobby exclusive reissue Black and Ghost Starscreams and a Plasticos IGA Mexican G1 Starscream to name a few.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H786Ae9sNnFaFjB_x5r45VmaU7_EfVlYFZKt-qU_qXj9DqT4TLQW-L8T406w7bqBIRZYMw9wqgbUnClJLCwxABY9D7f27v-tgI-ATdMpK6OIKIFsTa60E9EsTHWyN9l5CE6jo0x9p0Ua/s1600/JoustraSS13x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1500" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H786Ae9sNnFaFjB_x5r45VmaU7_EfVlYFZKt-qU_qXj9DqT4TLQW-L8T406w7bqBIRZYMw9wqgbUnClJLCwxABY9D7f27v-tgI-ATdMpK6OIKIFsTa60E9EsTHWyN9l5CE6jo0x9p0Ua/s400/JoustraSS13x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The most recent Starscream I had added, again kind of by luck and not intentionally searching it out, was a <b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/06/joustra-g1-starscream.html" target="_blank">European 1986 Ceji Joustra Transformers Starscream</a></b>. This was especially significant as nobody had previously highlighted (or noticed?) the fact that Starscream's European box in 1986 was the only piece of known official Transformers packaging ever to feature the "Joustra" company name, so I attached a fair amount of symbolism to this Starscream too. Yadda yadda first childhood toy yadda yadda Joustra is my passion yadda yadda variant discovery etc. In many ways this still stands as the most symbolic representation of my initiation and long-lasting passion(s) in Transformers rolled into one variant release.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWey8FFtFHrv35r9y-6N1nYCudkXKNAXVDhuRVjwQfRN8I_b_iWSt-0rv_CmaAeaRMkqA2x31b4FUPTgCzaHs3eE6DJVdBvpRr0mS_CDARwtDswudXTIBT0HaF_6E0J5UHL7z2XHfesl62/s1600/Reissues2018-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1250" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWey8FFtFHrv35r9y-6N1nYCudkXKNAXVDhuRVjwQfRN8I_b_iWSt-0rv_CmaAeaRMkqA2x31b4FUPTgCzaHs3eE6DJVdBvpRr0mS_CDARwtDswudXTIBT0HaF_6E0J5UHL7z2XHfesl62/s400/Reissues2018-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I feel I will probably never shell out the money required for a vintage G1 Hasbro rubsign Starscream in absolutely perfect MISB condition, the Walmart exclusive Hasbro reissue of Starscream from THIS YEAR (how are we not still absolutely slack-jawed by this turn of events?) in vintage-style packaging was an absolutely perfect way to pay tribute to my first Transformers toy as it appeared on the shelf when I first encountered it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiJ_4U8lZ07k7polSbJEESewtHMIeQ6gK7mD_iiZwr2D-KR5PJCFUjyCvQ-0uLPELRN3sTnSlQBVxE3SEvSx-ri0eHdxUwfrYAW9yCGXXsN7U0qJYAvs6iwGiMCTrl7i_iorZYGtfdfhD/s1600/F15Hispeed03x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1500" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiJ_4U8lZ07k7polSbJEESewtHMIeQ6gK7mD_iiZwr2D-KR5PJCFUjyCvQ-0uLPELRN3sTnSlQBVxE3SEvSx-ri0eHdxUwfrYAW9yCGXXsN7U0qJYAvs6iwGiMCTrl7i_iorZYGtfdfhD/s400/F15Hispeed03x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLv9G4c0ETg1G0iNJhuaFlbhLFBiqtFaPApxi6pxltgtxviEZPaznfCcJW2mFLf6nGH1vcBTiaHxnpVDX3J6xcMW2YUVZfkhjP9Sx7qrJLn3CcSaxgs-w0T3KjlAwa5UvqBcJukliTW_Fh/s1600/F15Hispeed04x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1500" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLv9G4c0ETg1G0iNJhuaFlbhLFBiqtFaPApxi6pxltgtxviEZPaznfCcJW2mFLf6nGH1vcBTiaHxnpVDX3J6xcMW2YUVZfkhjP9Sx7qrJLn3CcSaxgs-w0T3KjlAwa5UvqBcJukliTW_Fh/s400/F15Hispeed04x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm happy to forget ALL of that right now, because I have in my collection - and I cannot quite believe it - the first ever use of this mould, the Japanese Diaclone. Now, I have owned a Japanese Diaclone F-15 before, the <b><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf_frame.php?art=f15acro" target="_blank">Acrobat (pre-Thundercracker)</a></b>, and interestingly it was the first boxed Japanese Diaclone I had ever handled. I've also seen these pre-Starscreams for sale over the many years I have collected, and not gone mad trying to get one. After I did go for an unused one and saw it sell for about 6 times my bid, I filed it away in the "probably will never own" category alongside 'Marlboor Wheeljack' and 'Blue Bluestreak'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4epxu-j2UelRBhZzmmHpA4jFLOyifc43xqpc_jGgKUXtCCCh2f5VVTRZ4h3-PXkiwq8w4hjnCpvoecbwS7mdnvZ3xEi_pvGqGidEiEqzBL6QIPadX4E4N0dl9dvMfF6mqymxA7mjK6soy/s1600/F15Hispeed02x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4epxu-j2UelRBhZzmmHpA4jFLOyifc43xqpc_jGgKUXtCCCh2f5VVTRZ4h3-PXkiwq8w4hjnCpvoecbwS7mdnvZ3xEi_pvGqGidEiEqzBL6QIPadX4E4N0dl9dvMfF6mqymxA7mjK6soy/s400/F15Hispeed02x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Right now, something about the timing of this purchase really feels magical to me. Since returning to vintage Transformers exclusively, I've accepted how out of reach Diaclone collecting is for me now, financially. That boat sailed when I sold off all of my Japanese, Italian and Finnish pre-Transformers gems the last time, and the scene has moved onwards and upwards significantly. I'm happy with a decent loose incomplete red Honda City R these days, and I considered it a spectacular victory to land a mint red Corvette Stingray unused in its styro and a boxed Micro Change Series Eagle Meteor sphere in the last year within my current budget. So this is just...wow, it could just be 2002 for me again.</div>
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This F-15 was purchased from an online web store, and not under the nose of other collectors, I think they'd all seen it and just passed on it. It was missing 3 missiles (one was broken and present), both fists, one small grey rear wing and its stickersheet. The box was also kinda banged up, as was the styro. Not really a project that many of today's pre-TF collectors want to take on for 30,000 yen, especially as vintage Diaclone parts for this figure are going to be damn near impossible to source. From the pics I have posted above, you can see he's gained a few parts since I purchased him, but more on that later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinL2c2A80kQT6Mlz5pGWbMF9kC8EHP6eGfHGk6B8c3jgUjJuaMA4ZJHHvfB3bKfdgQKbPSf_08Vzu6RQYs5luS05jvSgVGtTaFWGdw5tOZpgEWbzqhzzyQQUTZNNqX5qzSAPcpWvIEkFjX/s1600/F15Hispeed06x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinL2c2A80kQT6Mlz5pGWbMF9kC8EHP6eGfHGk6B8c3jgUjJuaMA4ZJHHvfB3bKfdgQKbPSf_08Vzu6RQYs5luS05jvSgVGtTaFWGdw5tOZpgEWbzqhzzyQQUTZNNqX5qzSAPcpWvIEkFjX/s400/F15Hispeed06x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjK6bBuZUpXt47B6ptXgOsqniltQgjHq6HZKaSHMZvsSDg9W9YYuhVgrOP4Rq8fnqVQfa2axLdfdJmTjQ7YJRXzCwQ0daSo3hzkRdfVApBmpYz8r2rxmRyL8swh6tu9XtsiT7XEDG7GDm7/s1600/F15Hispeed07x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjK6bBuZUpXt47B6ptXgOsqniltQgjHq6HZKaSHMZvsSDg9W9YYuhVgrOP4Rq8fnqVQfa2axLdfdJmTjQ7YJRXzCwQ0daSo3hzkRdfVApBmpYz8r2rxmRyL8swh6tu9XtsiT7XEDG7GDm7/s400/F15Hispeed07x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDc-r4K-UwkTDAEF_CsvlRKw-3ZKWQaxR_XNRMnVeVZ5Aa6gp-WyxSKCMEXnjnxszigFFv7sK8IJ_FhYL1lYt7Qsw6C4tKFpJXw7LzXG63D9EOxsDz0I-7vDKhKl7W8HPycTYT_bW_l7ix/s1600/F15Hispeed05x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDc-r4K-UwkTDAEF_CsvlRKw-3ZKWQaxR_XNRMnVeVZ5Aa6gp-WyxSKCMEXnjnxszigFFv7sK8IJ_FhYL1lYt7Qsw6C4tKFpJXw7LzXG63D9EOxsDz0I-7vDKhKl7W8HPycTYT_bW_l7ix/s400/F15Hispeed05x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Some of the lovelier details of the Japanese Diaclone F-15 packaging are showcased above. A number of times I have seen that stylised F-15 artwork on the box back posted on social media with people (including TFWiki) asking for the source. Well, it's on the packaging! The technical specifications of the F-15 are not printed on the box, but the box bottom does have the cool side and top view of the F-15 Eagle, not unlike the Car Robot boxes had. There are a fair number of bootlegs of this figure with similar packaging out there, so look out for "Robojet" text down the side compared to the official "Jetrobo", and always look for the official Takara logo on the box front. There are further differences on the toy itself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA2DICy5cA7kV_-0UJN7B4VX7Y4rhO8m0mr-Sg8yrZunBsrAZMAKpMGux4LiwKdTC4EGggRZnmkpg_J17OGAQTeJRb1oneklRhCEHTBZxUMSahMasO0cYBCkrbZafOnlKCp2MIonN7n5t/s1600/F15Hispeed08x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA2DICy5cA7kV_-0UJN7B4VX7Y4rhO8m0mr-Sg8yrZunBsrAZMAKpMGux4LiwKdTC4EGggRZnmkpg_J17OGAQTeJRb1oneklRhCEHTBZxUMSahMasO0cYBCkrbZafOnlKCp2MIonN7n5t/s400/F15Hispeed08x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This beautiful styro layout is very well known now, as it was used for the 1984 Ceji Joustra and GiG Diaclone F-15s, as well as the 1985 Takara G1 Decepticon Jets (minus space for the Dia-naut pilot). Most of the reissues from Takara used the same layout too, but clear plastic trays instead of styro. In the above picture, the fists are from an early pre-rub G1 Starscream, as are one of the small grey wings and the intact long missile. Normally I am wholly against using non-authentic or differing release parts to complete a historic figure, but in this case I was ok with it. But how come?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUTCB-pGp_pRE8hpCwnKO9PIHm_Oyg0ZXjAo36COPFwrKgSvmwLJcWhpCK92AzgQQK7gGucPkpcHi8Z2PFDEjHghQ3QDJb0Capmcgi_bO7_anizWPl5m7daeTZo6zdVB74M7ilCMZ5_tH/s1600/F15Hispeed16x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUTCB-pGp_pRE8hpCwnKO9PIHm_Oyg0ZXjAo36COPFwrKgSvmwLJcWhpCK92AzgQQK7gGucPkpcHi8Z2PFDEjHghQ3QDJb0Capmcgi_bO7_anizWPl5m7daeTZo6zdVB74M7ilCMZ5_tH/s400/F15Hispeed16x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The first release Japanese Diaclone F-15 had no copyright stamp at all. This is a trait shared with the absolute first release 1984 pre-rubsign Transformers Starscreams, too. You may also notice that the underside of the main wing, perpendicular to where the connecting peg is, is solid - not hollow like later Transformers Starscreams. There are a number of moulding features like this which are unique to the first release Diaclone F-15 and the earliest of early pre-rub Starscreams. Neither of these releases have any numbers moulded into their accessories or parts, including missiles, fists, tailfins etc.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehEEJar7eJ4f4vYCgxwMBQz2l4d1cEonROovXsgSXHdICpzk2BVI1s5IHisVMNcENpvzaUPlNgdbcLcW1-krInOwklNpNcxLpIjRnodVk7y4cgxkXdmyUZo5LF8sBi0n-wHmj5BkpGe_U/s1600/F15Hispeed15x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehEEJar7eJ4f4vYCgxwMBQz2l4d1cEonROovXsgSXHdICpzk2BVI1s5IHisVMNcENpvzaUPlNgdbcLcW1-krInOwklNpNcxLpIjRnodVk7y4cgxkXdmyUZo5LF8sBi0n-wHmj5BkpGe_U/s400/F15Hispeed15x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are, of course, some features that only the first run Japanese Diaclone F-15 has. The nosecone is solid hard plastic instead of rubber. The cockpit has a very cool factory sticker inside, shared only with the Italian GiG F-15 Aquila release of this toy. The tips of the main wings that you can see up against the red diecast shoulders are very long and pointed. This was changed for safety reasons for the rarer later release Japanese Diaclone F-15, the GiG F-15, the Ceji Joustra F-15 and all subsequent Transformers Starscreams. A shame, because it really gives a sleeker look to the toy and is definitely one of my favourite features of the Hi-Speed Fighter release.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1H5jao7sgVxblgabLPWBDRoaArjQzWhqmGK4nTdosHNEBBiT1fmiXaadmgC13DpFWoQx5yBEAWxftjPfEzq4kIL_MtRkI4VVDPR0tugr0enUEO_Oshikn1yAdqp33m8wTMv6CQzOM28A/s1600/F15Hispeed13x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1H5jao7sgVxblgabLPWBDRoaArjQzWhqmGK4nTdosHNEBBiT1fmiXaadmgC13DpFWoQx5yBEAWxftjPfEzq4kIL_MtRkI4VVDPR0tugr0enUEO_Oshikn1yAdqp33m8wTMv6CQzOM28A/s400/F15Hispeed13x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's got more than just some interesting moulding going for it, though. Check out those exclusive factory stickers! The red stripe on the main wing has "Diaclone" written on it and the material is more like decals than the thick red paper-base stripe sticker on Transformers Starscream. There is also a clear "F-15" factory label on the wing. You may notice the slightly transparent "F" shaped stickers on the blue tailfins too, compared to the solid red of the Transformers sticker there. Also on the blue tailfin, you'll notice the "RR" factory decal that stands for "Real & Robo". These features are also found on the GiG F-15 Aquila from Italy, and they really do add beautifully to the toy's look. As an aside, always check that red wing stripe for "Kingdam" versus "Diaclone" when trying to identify vintage bootleg parts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDD23eyeGFbnl14Ikuae47jP9qrV4Kw-z30bXo0aMzDMgkMPTavrLyX7fcaQPygZGlO8MTaqQHkDMaLT9lf8E1hQcws7UGDs1ZZ5kYin5QL7SwSXEA7W7UYNpEI1nKIL8KCWRLMyO1t2a/s1600/F15Hispeed14x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDD23eyeGFbnl14Ikuae47jP9qrV4Kw-z30bXo0aMzDMgkMPTavrLyX7fcaQPygZGlO8MTaqQHkDMaLT9lf8E1hQcws7UGDs1ZZ5kYin5QL7SwSXEA7W7UYNpEI1nKIL8KCWRLMyO1t2a/s400/F15Hispeed14x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And how could we forget this absolute gem of a feature, the Dia-naut pilot. The F-15 Hi-Speed Fighter in Japan came with the yellow pilot (red one in Italy, though), and this particular specimen's Dia-naut type and colour is shared with the New Countach LP500S (Sideswipe) and Corvette Stingray (Tracks) among others. For a toy with such a worn box, damaged styro, broken missile and missing parts, it was a real surprise that it came completely unused and mint. The Dia-naut is mint and magnetic, the main F-15 toy is mint, I mean just look at the crispness of the paint on the diecast. Unfortunately, the stickersheet is missing. The Diaclone F-15s never had instruction sheets as the sticker application map, as well as the conversion steps, are shown on the back of the box.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQurZV6ySzWElYJcsILj-77hYaRn89sI0v5lRZztsfx5O37ILAhcUVDFmgvxvRWPjE_PrRmsDqW3kWLJZ8xfAln0bliS6nf6kGYO9ortpGlQHdvI050TFG8aZ126p1CQI8dnwTOZ_2FJ0/s1600/jf15stickersheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQurZV6ySzWElYJcsILj-77hYaRn89sI0v5lRZztsfx5O37ILAhcUVDFmgvxvRWPjE_PrRmsDqW3kWLJZ8xfAln0bliS6nf6kGYO9ortpGlQHdvI050TFG8aZ126p1CQI8dnwTOZ_2FJ0/s320/jf15stickersheet.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceji Joustra version of the F-15 stickersheet</td></tr>
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Now, before I bought this Diaclone F-15, I already began searching for the missing parts. I figured it would be easiest to source early pre-rub G1 Starscream parts from the same mould instead of Japanese Diaclone accessories. I found a US Transformers dealer who kindly checked all his Starscream accessories and dug out for me one long missile with no number on it and a small grey rear wing which was solid and matched the Diaclone moulding.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyKmS_nVVFtjj2wsFIHbIyaCn5WYcEZ9xuL4hl2dp7nnZAuvpotUxYCBu_d2PBlDe0CxlaQXZs4cBJHnXck6H0jvF3eJRSBKBsjgrY8fixSEK_CF4zRuILFpA1hZOYT5d6QGmfckDOwYK/s1600/oe0YZ07B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1379" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyKmS_nVVFtjj2wsFIHbIyaCn5WYcEZ9xuL4hl2dp7nnZAuvpotUxYCBu_d2PBlDe0CxlaQXZs4cBJHnXck6H0jvF3eJRSBKBsjgrY8fixSEK_CF4zRuILFpA1hZOYT5d6QGmfckDOwYK/s400/oe0YZ07B.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of Justin Masaru</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Xp4A0Ae5sruQs2LQgkqsWa4HRXsm7Nefkm2T4KamVo95qmLlNlIrwu4rEV4GgTgDSDc7gBGqOgfba2GFzHRXF32hyphenhyphen73URL0WnZ3ae1JkmIWvQRSKG6iO_NUppdazmZ90zPBofCmy45J3/s1600/h5P-dTrl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Xp4A0Ae5sruQs2LQgkqsWa4HRXsm7Nefkm2T4KamVo95qmLlNlIrwu4rEV4GgTgDSDc7gBGqOgfba2GFzHRXF32hyphenhyphen73URL0WnZ3ae1JkmIWvQRSKG6iO_NUppdazmZ90zPBofCmy45J3/s400/h5P-dTrl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of Justin Masaru</td></tr>
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I want to thank Justin Masaru for sending me pictures confirming that the Japanese Diaclone F-15 fists were the exact same mould as the early G1 pre-rub Starscream fists (from the version with no copyright stamping). Single tabbed, no numbers moulded on. In Justin's case, though, his specimen seemed to demonstrate that the Diaclone's blue plastic had more of a darker shade to it compared to the very blue Transformers edition. He also confirmed that the blue across the whole Diaclone F-15 figure was the same shade. This posed a problem for me, because it meant that any set of early pre-rub fists I found would not be a colour match.</div>
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It was still favourable to no fists at all, so I started looking at auctions and listings for pre-rub Starscream fists with no numbers moulded on them. I got an amusing reply back from a very well-known and long-time US-based G1 Transformers seller on eBay about this: <i>"Yes they do and numbers are random and mean nothing." </i>Not true, folks, not true. The number moulded on accessories indicates what iteration of the particular moulding that part is, so it can be used as a form of chronology when comparing similar parts with differing numbers moulded in.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsCCDTSief3P-9cc7zAuw2oeyGVtNU4QsG2dkwcQs_Wh_AFO8jXVZyAFB_E4k1H8C1mMXmo_grno5oVz7CH4jx0KAxBafdQKZBECLHYUdhyWXqyrvQq3bMBTbBrh8PfZqn9WvHYtBgn9X/s1600/F15Hispeed26x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsCCDTSief3P-9cc7zAuw2oeyGVtNU4QsG2dkwcQs_Wh_AFO8jXVZyAFB_E4k1H8C1mMXmo_grno5oVz7CH4jx0KAxBafdQKZBECLHYUdhyWXqyrvQq3bMBTbBrh8PfZqn9WvHYtBgn9X/s400/F15Hispeed26x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1986 Starscream - check out the odd launching tabs</td></tr>
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I found the above 1986 G1 Starscream release in the Netherlands, but it looked as though it came with single-tabbed blue fists. The seller confirmed that they had no number moulded on them, which was damn strange for a late rubsign Starscream! Anyway, I bought the Starscream, and then realised the seller had a second pre-rub Starscream for sale with double-tabbed fists, so clearly he'd mixed them up when he was selling them. I tried to purchase that Starscream as well, in order to retain the integrity of both (I know, I'm nuts) but he'd already sold it. At this point, I confirmed the purchase of the Japanese Diaclone F-15. So, I was now 30,000 yen + $45 + 55 Euros into this project.</div>
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It was only at this point that I contacted another Diaclone-collecting friend in Canada who had been inactive for some time. We'd just started chatting again regularly in a small group on WhatsApp, and on the off-chance I asked him if he had any spare Diaclone F-15 parts as I had one on the way, and was making do with G1 early pre-rub parts to complete it. The answer?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicG6DyEqsk0a3vdm-JBc5B3WmBiH68lCsjrH6xkfmgrTguza0r2CtldVwHKSxQAFxqf14vbyUbw0NCAT9rJn9VpCMstk7LixTOgHB45hBGJNj68HmiL47aPge4biPCvljeYkjGkYI8b5oU/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicG6DyEqsk0a3vdm-JBc5B3WmBiH68lCsjrH6xkfmgrTguza0r2CtldVwHKSxQAFxqf14vbyUbw0NCAT9rJn9VpCMstk7LixTOgHB45hBGJNj68HmiL47aPge4biPCvljeYkjGkYI8b5oU/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of Gordon Yip</td></tr>
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Unbelievable. He had a loose Japanese F-15 that he had bought years ago on Yahoo Japan Auctions, just because he needed one of the main wings for his own specimen. Sure the grey rear wing I needed was broken and the toy was missing missiles, but it had the authentic Diaclone fists! The right colour and 100% correct release integrity! It would also allow me to carry out an intensive comparison between the colours and specific moulds of the parts I had on the Diaclone and early pre-rub G1 Starscream. Sure, I should have gone straight to my friend first and not spent money on Starscream parts, but my experience has been that you shouldn't pass up opportunities to get rare accessories and figures, and what were the chances of a friend just happening to have a spare F-15 lying around?! Another $120 spent. Thank goodness for my own toy sales.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j23ha8VeFU2w_c-jwaA0bSAPyj3gXIsM57S2LZDYna8fwAqALgzeCDT8OofJY6LUvZWHCXNDrqv3ieOaKte1VXk1xQ-NFKe-92leMh1e-VdqB21bdxu1-Y8qgE5KE5XYmr3YJT1xqWe1/s1600/F15Hispeed09x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j23ha8VeFU2w_c-jwaA0bSAPyj3gXIsM57S2LZDYna8fwAqALgzeCDT8OofJY6LUvZWHCXNDrqv3ieOaKte1VXk1xQ-NFKe-92leMh1e-VdqB21bdxu1-Y8qgE5KE5XYmr3YJT1xqWe1/s400/F15Hispeed09x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoDC-HYaNpgRu3IWw6pi6yXSFa_-jWyh8OxN5gKH4pXfPRCMaMgey1xGg8rtFxChXKub8SJePl6GpkNiC7cMmByfdUP-Aulu42TtXZyHSADoigEBRE0ri3k4Khgi1mtfgQlyWn8h88m05/s1600/F15Hispeed11x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoDC-HYaNpgRu3IWw6pi6yXSFa_-jWyh8OxN5gKH4pXfPRCMaMgey1xGg8rtFxChXKub8SJePl6GpkNiC7cMmByfdUP-Aulu42TtXZyHSADoigEBRE0ri3k4Khgi1mtfgQlyWn8h88m05/s400/F15Hispeed11x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So that one from Canada is still on its way, but in the meantime, the Takara Diaclone F-15 Hi-Speed Fighter from Japan arrived, as did the 1986 G1 Starscream from the Netherlands and the spare grey wing and missile from the USA. As a result, I was able to piece together the heart-stopping beauty you see above and at the start of the article. Look how absolutely clean the lines are on this stunner. See how flush the main wings sit with the main body of the jet thanks to the shorter wing pegs. The crystal clarity of the smooth canopy, the gleam of the painted diecast and the visible but subtle "Diaclone", "F-15" and "RR" decals. Every inch of this figure oozes class, and the condition is such that it feels as though it was opened yesterday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXJ59OBO8RT6bdpkMDvRQc4wqby2MceafzpjFws0_CDlNJGi0WhgoiEUC51AQR4c7L0HAn3xfVHqFTe_DlP4zjn5tRltZjjDhPSZP9V7bqckbhyphenhyphenDhETNE3PdA31J4T_bfKrbhfpycngJL/s1600/F15Hispeed12x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXJ59OBO8RT6bdpkMDvRQc4wqby2MceafzpjFws0_CDlNJGi0WhgoiEUC51AQR4c7L0HAn3xfVHqFTe_DlP4zjn5tRltZjjDhPSZP9V7bqckbhyphenhyphenDhETNE3PdA31J4T_bfKrbhfpycngJL/s400/F15Hispeed12x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPIUcdOHuMR7U2smDqddOqm5wnSWN8kWBj24d8y4XufTK0kzDfqJniA_TtZuXR7VD6dUG8CUNfKlA8NrjtSBcjqSSHjcvgpa4m7xOu6OuPCUt_3ADcG4vpc50dwPm9fiKcX-Ctr4S60vh/s1600/F15Hispeed10x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPIUcdOHuMR7U2smDqddOqm5wnSWN8kWBj24d8y4XufTK0kzDfqJniA_TtZuXR7VD6dUG8CUNfKlA8NrjtSBcjqSSHjcvgpa4m7xOu6OuPCUt_3ADcG4vpc50dwPm9fiKcX-Ctr4S60vh/s400/F15Hispeed10x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The missile launchers on the Japanese Diaclone are potent, and those rockets really fly. I noticed that the small grey rear wing from the early pre-rub Starscream had a sliiiightly different-shaped peg, meaning that it didn't slot into the blue tailfin quite as easily as the Diaclone one on the other side. So visibly in terms of moulding and colour, everything appeared identical, just that connecting peg was ever so slightly different. Such a shame, then, that the actual left-sided F-15 spare that's on its way to me from Canada is sporting a broken peg.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qaUNvDzftXShrE19YMWWmq-o2K_Ta_hqqSs6ZHwrwDAPaV5AOJPaQpDB88EGUbiRvlVlwoq7u8fKVf9ksRJMVQOALoXZPJC-FO9p9R52IB90viUrRABKi-w7S4-d5YFCGvLJx-hmU_K9/s1600/F15Hispeed19x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qaUNvDzftXShrE19YMWWmq-o2K_Ta_hqqSs6ZHwrwDAPaV5AOJPaQpDB88EGUbiRvlVlwoq7u8fKVf9ksRJMVQOALoXZPJC-FO9p9R52IB90viUrRABKi-w7S4-d5YFCGvLJx-hmU_K9/s400/F15Hispeed19x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Breathtaking stuff. At one point, this release would have been a world-first experience for children and collectors in Japan. That iconic transformation of the F-15 mould from jet to robot involving the nosecone-through-the-arms bit. You can see how the longer wing points on the Japanese mould change the profile of the robot mode a bit towards the bottom of the legs. The main wings basically hug the robot body all the way down to his feet!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0YTVaeiTKN7_504TgO-Vo7ZUJZx8O_QJIq0TbBUCb7L5JAL0PetmjAGfN3dBzW4ygOFw_eSJQxFgWWkVyjmDGcQOTFeu8Wn2rgM0e4IrM1kvETP_SIpY_OJQ1DlcjPxHdoXJeG9mB-pD/s1600/F15Hispeed20x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0YTVaeiTKN7_504TgO-Vo7ZUJZx8O_QJIq0TbBUCb7L5JAL0PetmjAGfN3dBzW4ygOFw_eSJQxFgWWkVyjmDGcQOTFeu8Wn2rgM0e4IrM1kvETP_SIpY_OJQ1DlcjPxHdoXJeG9mB-pD/s400/F15Hispeed20x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Like the other very early pre-rub G1 jets I have owned, as well as the Japanese Diaclone F-15 Acrobat, there is a slight design flaw in that the hard plastic nosecone causes the head and canopy to roll backwards in robot mode due to the weight. With this very unused specimen, a little persistence means that it stays in place but the tendency to drift backwards is still there. Interestingly, if you place the Dia-naut in the canopy in robot mode, the whole thing stays in place due to the extra weight of the pilot. This makes some sense as the Diaclone figures were not sentient as we understand Transformers to be, and would have required the Dia-nauts to be piloting them when active.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmB6cAp441z9wxLXhdXJ5PX8uuoOhMtVLk8w4aml1csvSw-WmDxqGHAph8zKSXxDJRamPIqqtfi4qECwdLWFYtktxz8STxTufwf6_wyJPePkAJehai5ILaowWb_W7vLlvhSeZixLEWQm4/s1600/F15Hispeed21x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmB6cAp441z9wxLXhdXJ5PX8uuoOhMtVLk8w4aml1csvSw-WmDxqGHAph8zKSXxDJRamPIqqtfi4qECwdLWFYtktxz8STxTufwf6_wyJPePkAJehai5ILaowWb_W7vLlvhSeZixLEWQm4/s400/F15Hispeed21x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So in the above pictures, one of the long grey missiles is from that 1986 G1 Starscream, and you may notice the colour difference as it happens to be slightly discoloured. But, the fists are also from a Transformer, the early pre-rub Starscream fists with no numbers moulded that I mentioned previously. It's the correct mould, 100%, but the colour was supposed to be wrong. Yet, when I compared the fists to all the blue sections on my Diaclone F-15, they were the same! Could it be that the images Justin sent me of his F-15 contained slightly discoloured fists? Blue Diaclone plastic has been known to discolour very easily, just look at all the 'Blue Bluestreaks' with discoloured plastic doors and blue Hilux Wreckers (pre-Hoist) with blue plastic that has gone darker over time. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaux4EdTEnVJOVn8c4KyB8MNWPw3bR54CJgxfSfbPC1WoZoV346jBXMu5AGdq1Xshpm6aa6O4gVPl2AtBYbOzG59SzpTuSqCjQEB4LXXzegAgnMq4KPdbF70IrEKBJ9gL-eailP_l78yB/s1600/20170328_200406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaux4EdTEnVJOVn8c4KyB8MNWPw3bR54CJgxfSfbPC1WoZoV346jBXMu5AGdq1Xshpm6aa6O4gVPl2AtBYbOzG59SzpTuSqCjQEB4LXXzegAgnMq4KPdbF70IrEKBJ9gL-eailP_l78yB/s400/20170328_200406.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of Justin Masaru</td></tr>
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Speaking to Justin about this, he did say it was a possibility as the colour of the fists did not match the nosecone colour on his F-15, and you can see his specimen pictured above. I suddenly noticed a bump in the nosecone and asked him if the nosecone on his F-15 was rubber, and indeed it is! So, inadvertently, I'd finally cottoned onto the fact that the Japanese Diaclone F-15 came in three variants:</div>
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- Hard nosecone, pointy wings, no copyright (1983)</div>
- Rubber nosecone, pointy wings, no copyright (1984)<br />
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- Rubber nosecone, shortened wings, Takara + dates copyright (1984)</div>
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I tell you, a few years ago, nobody would have imagined this many variants to exist within a single mould for a Japanese Diaclone release. Justin, of course, already knew!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATNQeZQLwv-R1d8loEO3Zy7ZkPLOPV7uevbvYipdNt4DW4SSJCcZIgnhKFfwQ_1VEBJlHAcANdDgCsFT34_-9e65jF3LyBDyYCYe_NlO6Ii-32hZ7Yndl7xFvskDAlNNxusWHrplP1AZJ/s1600/F15Hispeed17x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATNQeZQLwv-R1d8loEO3Zy7ZkPLOPV7uevbvYipdNt4DW4SSJCcZIgnhKFfwQ_1VEBJlHAcANdDgCsFT34_-9e65jF3LyBDyYCYe_NlO6Ii-32hZ7Yndl7xFvskDAlNNxusWHrplP1AZJ/s400/F15Hispeed17x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It never ceases to amaze me just how much this hobby has to offer its fans, even those who collect the very finite vintage Transformers and Diaclone figures. For variations of well-known toys to still be discovered 30+ years after release is a testament to the degree in which individual running changes were made to the toys and the diligence of the fans who never stop analysing this stuff under a microscope. This started out as a slightly expensive but heartfelt purchase for me, a toy I had always coveted yet never really chased due to what I already owned.</div>
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Colour variant Diaclone is extremely exotic and that's what gets people's attention, but even the Diaclone items whose colours were not changed for Transformers have their mysteries and their unique features. Just looking at this F-15's packaging is a worthy enough reason to own it; the diagrammatic art of the jet half on the box front in perfect concert with the half of the toy jet visible through the plastic window, not to mention the first use of that glorious artwork that would become Decepticon Air Commander Starscream.</div>
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Somehow, every vintage purchase recently has led to a discovery or at least more education for me personally, and this F-15 has been no different. I was happy to discover that the early-pre rub Starscream parts were basically an exact match for the similarly-moulded Japanese Diaclone...well, at least the fists and missiles seem to be. That tiny difference in the grey rear wing tab is something to take note of. </div>
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I feel exceptionally lucky to have so many versions of my first ever Transformers toy, and finally the original release of it from Japan in 1983. The journey to complete this figure has been peppered by the essential assistance of wonderful people in the community who have shown a willingness to help, contribute and educate, and I'm lucky to call them friends. The journey has involved a discovery or two for me, and I've always loved that about this hobby. It has involved resourcefulness and research to find the bits I needed, and any success I have had in my vintage collecting has always had elements of that. </div>
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It's cool variations, it's being able to put together a toy made up of 100% authentic and original accessories, maintaining its release integrity...and I'll be honest, I did not expect that when I committed to the purchase. It's photography and being able to showcase this marvellous piece of history with a better camera and skills than I had the last time I had a Diaclone F-15 at hand, as well as re-creating some lovely Powered Convoy stock photography. It's having a vintage Dia-naut in my collection again. It's Diaclone, it's Starscream, and it means the world to me.<br />
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<i><b>Related Reading:</b></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf_frame.php?art=joustraf15" target="_blank">Ceji Joustra Diaclone F 15 (Starscream)</a><br /><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf_frame.php?art=f15acro" target="_blank">Takara Diaclone Jetrobo F-15 Acrobat (Thundercracker)</a><br /><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/06/joustra-g1-starscream.html" target="_blank">Joustra G1 Starscream</a></i></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-15651406050300793092018-09-19T23:32:00.001+01:002018-09-19T23:36:51.731+01:00Hasbro G1 Turbomaster Hurricane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2aXS-ZRKeoMITMty-H3XGB4tm1va3G-MmWt9dpwj_QovN-MNXA73uYRRJCT1SM9UgVrKZgsQcXV3Z_XV_B6wF9JKS_RcH_vTd_Qi3uub9sIQU9_w82meBVNgc-A9jicKArkTCGbYLrRN/s1600/Hurricane10x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1200" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2aXS-ZRKeoMITMty-H3XGB4tm1va3G-MmWt9dpwj_QovN-MNXA73uYRRJCT1SM9UgVrKZgsQcXV3Z_XV_B6wF9JKS_RcH_vTd_Qi3uub9sIQU9_w82meBVNgc-A9jicKArkTCGbYLrRN/s400/Hurricane10x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Turbomasters are an absolute wonder of late European (and Japanese) Generation 1 Transformers. Some refer to these particular Autobots and other toys of the same era as G1.5, as they are so close to the Generation 2 era toys, but they are still absolutely G1 toys, from 1992. They are also some of the best G1 toys in existence because they have the core essence of what makes G1 special evident throughout their makeup. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beatties price stickers <3</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwRO_BjrAHel6oQi0e0xKeTnXxMWYGdbfxozj7-QEih2kTQhdYKEiYWspj9_nw_xh6WxUPuzs7cGnzKEavRPBp5rB2JArMNsHYSqFKOglRj3UFAAuGRjDou1lqhvqo8dxV5poHDV0okWp/s1600/Hurricane09x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1394" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwRO_BjrAHel6oQi0e0xKeTnXxMWYGdbfxozj7-QEih2kTQhdYKEiYWspj9_nw_xh6WxUPuzs7cGnzKEavRPBp5rB2JArMNsHYSqFKOglRj3UFAAuGRjDou1lqhvqo8dxV5poHDV0okWp/s400/Hurricane09x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Of the six G1 Turbomasters - Thunder Clash, Rotorstorm, Flash, Boss, Scorch and Hurricane - the latter is rarely cited as anyone's favourite, but he's a beauty when 'done right'. And what do I mean by 'done right'? Well this is all part of my quest to showcase vintage G1 Transformers, especially under-appreciated ones, as the designers intended them to be appreciated. This includes getting damage and wear-free specimens and making sure their factory and applied stickers are 100% correctly placed and in fantastic new condition. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Vortex". Apparently.</td></tr>
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It is amazing how a G1 toy can shine when everything is in the right place and without damage. Even the tactile experience of perfect joints and tolerances can add to the overall charm and appeal, allowing one to recognise why often-underappreciated toys were in the hands of those making decisions pre-release and got a vigorous "yes!". This quest also involves the use of 100% authentic materials, so no repro stickers etc, and no yellowing. This is especially difficult with such a white figure. Hurricane - or his Italian GiG cousin "Vortex" - had to be purchased sealed for this purpose, and stands as only the second G1 toy I've ever opened for article and project purposes. Incidentally, just like the Darkwing before him, this GiG "Vortex" Turbomaster Hurricane was also a gift - an add-on to the purchase of the 4 sealed Turbomasters.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBww_fhiMtg0yJowEWQFbg_XutvquXaAMrv6bcB0ilTlmmJF8TDMNURdUq-paX-tUqOID8TV3IMbqK7sXuN14oT_pr2uW53x6ubLyI89tkdgu1tZLrq5AIHdJ54lPOzG-BCO8Rx2VrQXKz/s1600/Hurricane11x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBww_fhiMtg0yJowEWQFbg_XutvquXaAMrv6bcB0ilTlmmJF8TDMNURdUq-paX-tUqOID8TV3IMbqK7sXuN14oT_pr2uW53x6ubLyI89tkdgu1tZLrq5AIHdJ54lPOzG-BCO8Rx2VrQXKz/s400/Hurricane11x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can see the Hasbro multilingual Turbomaster packaging on the left has a sort of grey base for the toy to sit on within the sealed bubble, whereas the GiG figure on the right is a standard setup of toy sitting on paperwork inside the bubble. Hurricane's artwork is gloriously dynamic and rather unrepresentative of what the toy can actually do. It does have that gorgeous late G1 style to the art, though, even if the rest of the packaging has moved on so much from the original grid and starburst pattern of 80s Transformers packaging.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of TFSource</td></tr>
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In Japan, as part of the Operation Combination designation of TF-XX in 1992, the Turbomaster cars were packaged with Predator Jets in lovely Vs packs. Hurricane was renamed "Checker Road/ Check Road" and packaged as TF-08 alongside "Moon Jet", AKA Predator Talon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfXL7Gnh3JlB4vUDnZ4rHosu-CybbXYK2PMfeEI0vanGqo0Xv0ViaudnQgQQjzbqkWkGmU8Zw91xIQvnJcgDKMVeDkFNTaGOv-H9JZmSUqvQq7W7SZ_BnGkBRNCejccwE7z-sY0DdkpTx/s1600/Hurricane13x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfXL7Gnh3JlB4vUDnZ4rHosu-CybbXYK2PMfeEI0vanGqo0Xv0ViaudnQgQQjzbqkWkGmU8Zw91xIQvnJcgDKMVeDkFNTaGOv-H9JZmSUqvQq7W7SZ_BnGkBRNCejccwE7z-sY0DdkpTx/s400/Hurricane13x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Slicing the bubble along the bottom, albeit quite a way up the sides as well, Hurricane and his paperwork/accessory baggie are easily removed, and the bubble stays very much attached and can be used to slide the toy back in for carded display again. It felt like a very invasive process compared to a clean bubble removal, or cutting a flap in the back of the card, but I do really like the result.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIukh5JexxzX-5VLh3RMNKQyn7_8tKWk32vU-1FIaearbkOqE-3TiK05AVBhWVLAORA_26ljw_WqCdMqR93-qY-CeivkmzXaMUcvWHI1huPTkezOpHejxXIGwbPKBt1VHTWmvxiQDnx_yw/s1600/Hurricane14x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIukh5JexxzX-5VLh3RMNKQyn7_8tKWk32vU-1FIaearbkOqE-3TiK05AVBhWVLAORA_26ljw_WqCdMqR93-qY-CeivkmzXaMUcvWHI1huPTkezOpHejxXIGwbPKBt1VHTWmvxiQDnx_yw/s400/Hurricane14x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5NYpBwbGjFI5vm-AFvWhG_EjP-kuPI95XLBOVNAc6irjuoKxwUDjMgZH7lREEn5azQNHOKJv7qrBYrA7oKcYvUPtj7l2YyIULeJ_aJAsXRhnUlQJEP8ss74nQdSDZuygXrY9iEUdLa1a/s1600/Hurricane15x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5NYpBwbGjFI5vm-AFvWhG_EjP-kuPI95XLBOVNAc6irjuoKxwUDjMgZH7lREEn5azQNHOKJv7qrBYrA7oKcYvUPtj7l2YyIULeJ_aJAsXRhnUlQJEP8ss74nQdSDZuygXrY9iEUdLa1a/s400/Hurricane15x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hurricane is a sports car, based apparently on the Porsche 917 Le Mans legend, knowledge that would aid me a little later in this adventure. The front end of Hurricane is painted a quite brilliant white. A white that the plastic moulded back half never quite matches and often gives the impression of discolouration. I really do not believe this specimen is discoloured at all, but it is possible that the Japanese Checker Road is just that bit more brilliant white at the back - or at least that's how pictures seem to portray him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0dw0FdUeqgkmBcTvUM4715ijPpakcfkCfZ2Ud-7nmQ6k7bNdrZJZms3I3TlbaLfRjoL1mQL0hJTPasG_xaWuH73GZjwszjmuY8ey-KiZoGm0WvHTQpnhql7ffpD75dvxz1g6cwhHrEJi/s1600/Hurricane16x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0dw0FdUeqgkmBcTvUM4715ijPpakcfkCfZ2Ud-7nmQ6k7bNdrZJZms3I3TlbaLfRjoL1mQL0hJTPasG_xaWuH73GZjwszjmuY8ey-KiZoGm0WvHTQpnhql7ffpD75dvxz1g6cwhHrEJi/s400/Hurricane16x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4Z2ap_odyBU1dMqIVHAtdFU4P_KujbNo0rbjFzvGrPK-HOF2IwrcE6GN8Bc3GO6FXr2b-5irCYYt2rTbvJpbqse4RWcyJ9Mu8F6DwaSFBLs7UzctjecuAhx1JA_dosNiLcKqbeA2eSY-/s1600/Hurricane17x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4Z2ap_odyBU1dMqIVHAtdFU4P_KujbNo0rbjFzvGrPK-HOF2IwrcE6GN8Bc3GO6FXr2b-5irCYYt2rTbvJpbqse4RWcyJ9Mu8F6DwaSFBLs7UzctjecuAhx1JA_dosNiLcKqbeA2eSY-/s400/Hurricane17x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hurricane also has a massive missile launcher for the three uniform Turbomaster missiles he comes packaged with. Like Rotorstorm, his launcher is absolutely lethal and needs to be treated with respect. Where once missile launchers were neutered in Europe - and replaced with massive rubber bopper missiles in Italy - it's back to lethal weapons-grade projectiles again for these bad boys.</div>
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Other than yellowing, the absolute key reason I have not been able to find a mint loose Hurricane is sticker wear and application. His stickers are absolutely tiny and impossibly slender in some cases, totally prone to misapplication, damage or just plain omission. He's not alone in this, as I have never seen a loose perfectly stickered Boss either. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5lYuy9kN7HUoRQhKB9z7t8TkizPl9dfNLWVregVWnXo7G-RutJw6u_UKZB9unSR6d-m6Ntn5LlC9H_KeHwZawmyJd82eOu8Yyrlqv4I6wOnCQsUkbTYezILzK6MipPwa0OLI_w-qQUca/s1600/42059243_10156585270322383_4117596652892585984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5lYuy9kN7HUoRQhKB9z7t8TkizPl9dfNLWVregVWnXo7G-RutJw6u_UKZB9unSR6d-m6Ntn5LlC9H_KeHwZawmyJd82eOu8Yyrlqv4I6wOnCQsUkbTYezILzK6MipPwa0OLI_w-qQUca/s400/42059243_10156585270322383_4117596652892585984_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of Jose F. Raices</td></tr>
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The sticker application map on carded Transformers is never good, and is usually just printed on the back of the card. Hurricane is no exception, and even the above Japanese Takara version of him that actually comes with an instruction sheet uses the same application map. Stickers 11 and 12 are just ambiguously identified as going on the back of the car somewhere, and the stripes that run along the sides of the car are slightly misrepresented - not helped by the sticker sheet having some extra removable segments of green stripe not needed for final design. Sticker 7 above for the launcher is where my problems began.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiOuV-r1Pp45UpKfdgcdCAzjQ8HGmH03LEL9js8CkO616LZyJfwlmLgqO0rLXwWjhzsZTdyXJSk4cDecR8RBck61IuAMd3U8Z2p2crSCnnIh7rpWuffWa_RU4_5BSDWqgZaXyDu7_pEF3/s1600/reduced-galery_image_2924_6855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiOuV-r1Pp45UpKfdgcdCAzjQ8HGmH03LEL9js8CkO616LZyJfwlmLgqO0rLXwWjhzsZTdyXJSk4cDecR8RBck61IuAMd3U8Z2p2crSCnnIh7rpWuffWa_RU4_5BSDWqgZaXyDu7_pEF3/s400/reduced-galery_image_2924_6855.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you look further up, the box artwork for Hurricane shows that sticker in roughly the same place as the sticker application map; a little way behind where the rim of the launcher ends and the main shaft begins. But when I looked at the raised rectangular section on the launcher that seems ideal for a sticker, it was too thin to accommodate the sticker, so the edges of it would have to kinda fold over onto the surrounding surface. That can't be right, I thought?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PJXYdccBpznNA_jWzbyzi6hYuqHt_zkf_AQH7t9G18XVkMSQ3WhazDZN6EPu-O84F87IO5ACJDvOSsoiBkNRWfP1eQ0kEmaHFqYU-_AYMv5SZLrVR1_gAhSGW4wZ8kOUXE-GvJsbiVJe/s1600/Hurricane21x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PJXYdccBpznNA_jWzbyzi6hYuqHt_zkf_AQH7t9G18XVkMSQ3WhazDZN6EPu-O84F87IO5ACJDvOSsoiBkNRWfP1eQ0kEmaHFqYU-_AYMv5SZLrVR1_gAhSGW4wZ8kOUXE-GvJsbiVJe/s400/Hurricane21x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, if you place that sticker BETWEEN the slightly raised rectangular section and the white rim of the launcher, it fits absolutely perfectly within that space! Also, if you take a look at the stock photography on the above Takara packaging, that's where that Checker Road has the sticker on the launcher too! I think this might just be a case of things getting communicated badly from design to production, and there are no stock photos of Hurricane on the Hasbro/GiG cards, just the same line-art diagrams you see in the instructions.</div>
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The next issue for me was how to position stickers 11 and 12, the taillight strips. OK most cars normally have the indicator (orange) on the outside and the brake light (red) on the inside, but I wanted to be absolutely sure I'd gotten it right as the designers of Hurricane intended. The application map, as you can see above, does not give anything remotely resembling accurate positioning or orientation advice for these labels.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wpEoXlB3sg7GK7zA7O7lqusKLJHtCCLzaxFToPvV6D50WcU7dcdvtdk8nlKEXLH0ie_0AbgRFphlsHfqXDGU9yqLuc3-48wxlGKhutVgTrIkb6uvuZ7wGvqpevYjjKJjYQMFNH5FXnud/s1600/59430_442748466680_6456813_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wpEoXlB3sg7GK7zA7O7lqusKLJHtCCLzaxFToPvV6D50WcU7dcdvtdk8nlKEXLH0ie_0AbgRFphlsHfqXDGU9yqLuc3-48wxlGKhutVgTrIkb6uvuZ7wGvqpevYjjKJjYQMFNH5FXnud/s400/59430_442748466680_6456813_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPupQx13bmQf_XdL4E6gGhuXJTcwyCVmEWrua7qH50mI9V4RHBBDpWWHLBzcutcqqTQJpdErxqplDXvfWEGrnlHHiBpb93eJ2GO7cncgZseoBhBZM_QSJB_03j-K0_rKeV6sNsADBO-gB/s1600/59430_442749381680_7650574_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPupQx13bmQf_XdL4E6gGhuXJTcwyCVmEWrua7qH50mI9V4RHBBDpWWHLBzcutcqqTQJpdErxqplDXvfWEGrnlHHiBpb93eJ2GO7cncgZseoBhBZM_QSJB_03j-K0_rKeV6sNsADBO-gB/s400/59430_442749381680_7650574_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cue a short trip to TFWiki and the tidbit of information saying that Hurricane is based on the legendary Porsche 917 Le Mans racer. Just like Hurricane, this 917 has the rear lights in a short strip on either side of the exhausts, and other similar design elements, so I believed it! I didn't know where to source images without stealing them...and then I remembered that I had my own pictures of the glorious 917 from a trip to the Chelsea Auto Legends show in 2010! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCoNhadFjrUbpeVkciU7xKkSGDhxWmN4rQfNoCYblxFgcuGdvNcphQZHYPGkCY_klZ3nLniBjSEs0COk3fyXkqbLtZ-WrQov2HQPC0ATpAxjAZEitmxIOua54oSgDhGCqYlpW0V2qFDQ2/s1600/Hurricane07x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCoNhadFjrUbpeVkciU7xKkSGDhxWmN4rQfNoCYblxFgcuGdvNcphQZHYPGkCY_klZ3nLniBjSEs0COk3fyXkqbLtZ-WrQov2HQPC0ATpAxjAZEitmxIOua54oSgDhGCqYlpW0V2qFDQ2/s400/Hurricane07x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ta-da! I know it's not exactly a shattering discovery that taillight stickers will go over moulded taillights despite a lack of exact placement info in the instructions, or that indicator lights will sit on the outside compared to brake lights, but I just wanted to be 100% sure. I felt I had enough reference material to sticker Hurricane up as required at the rear, and the result is super nice.</div>
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What about the rest?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJPwuxf7nVZxmWZjhO_Nqvnpru_RPMowEO8eRzrNfGdlDLUR_uu2vsgd07NSS86sMfo2OFdMhKE8nj90qAN15IohTlD6oN9ZLM34lNFls-STHjnR1v5K_WuLokaRs1bfQ1J0d-ERobD6d/s1600/Hurricane01x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJPwuxf7nVZxmWZjhO_Nqvnpru_RPMowEO8eRzrNfGdlDLUR_uu2vsgd07NSS86sMfo2OFdMhKE8nj90qAN15IohTlD6oN9ZLM34lNFls-STHjnR1v5K_WuLokaRs1bfQ1J0d-ERobD6d/s400/Hurricane01x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgER0OHbs0v-MGYzeJWNpVLR681_u75XVd_gOOWFIRJYBVKMUvjTDXuVDD1VaiJrhiVOGRREH7TmRYjnOcgxOkmeYISnYlbl2JFTao28_lPLtc7Rygj3qDWccs8p1oAHWh6bAXrsas3lC13/s1600/Hurricane02x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgER0OHbs0v-MGYzeJWNpVLR681_u75XVd_gOOWFIRJYBVKMUvjTDXuVDD1VaiJrhiVOGRREH7TmRYjnOcgxOkmeYISnYlbl2JFTao28_lPLtc7Rygj3qDWccs8p1oAHWh6bAXrsas3lC13/s400/Hurricane02x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIELkcagSeN9aaVtgqWi79lMhh-gf9ZtZMO04cPfRxPMnAl9bb0Ys2JpLFfVFjkKK_LuFe6GrrtdwygprSbxigr42f03NWRiopRIS5A3VaXSUZO6gHqmudzDmfuLt8cza3cdjJEiiJUAh/s1600/Hurricane05x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIELkcagSeN9aaVtgqWi79lMhh-gf9ZtZMO04cPfRxPMnAl9bb0Ys2JpLFfVFjkKK_LuFe6GrrtdwygprSbxigr42f03NWRiopRIS5A3VaXSUZO6gHqmudzDmfuLt8cza3cdjJEiiJUAh/s400/Hurricane05x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IKZKOSt8b7L5rLWP5Tg9XaJAyqhXpcipn4hbH7FajiqdME6EXqQAN_56KhghGmBmfnIhMhuZXjq93k2_6RKuj_jVy3m7kfupLtCd9STD-4GXqqalsjOn8Uim3pH4Xt-ZKt7WFtBVGuC9/s1600/Hurricane20x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IKZKOSt8b7L5rLWP5Tg9XaJAyqhXpcipn4hbH7FajiqdME6EXqQAN_56KhghGmBmfnIhMhuZXjq93k2_6RKuj_jVy3m7kfupLtCd9STD-4GXqqalsjOn8Uim3pH4Xt-ZKt7WFtBVGuC9/s400/Hurricane20x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well. How bloody good does this figure look with his stickers properly applied and aligned? The green stripes on the sides, even the zigzags, were not too bad to apply, they just needed a steady hand. It's a bit tricky with the central stripe sticker as it touches the metal pin, and can therefore get worn or displaced by moving the toy's arm that pivots around that pin. I made sure it was as far down as it could go on that section, which has resulted in a tiny amount of misalignment with the zigzag, but I'd rather that than instant wear!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGaIdll3us7uKLTufBNusRlYnX6Q9vzzJV3eCwh0-jj4B_cgdC-0hZgesS1nlqEfs4r7qDGJqIQPER47jc0dTVjZzjyNvqO27U_S1Xd_PqzmHllOseUhDtWCGpEfi5p9dXs2TeNIKWAVA/s1600/Hurricane18x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGaIdll3us7uKLTufBNusRlYnX6Q9vzzJV3eCwh0-jj4B_cgdC-0hZgesS1nlqEfs4r7qDGJqIQPER47jc0dTVjZzjyNvqO27U_S1Xd_PqzmHllOseUhDtWCGpEfi5p9dXs2TeNIKWAVA/s400/Hurricane18x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVH7BAMGJMAhc_qSsIdVwR1oNAJLcI1_h3Zc9jZM9FH-VW6PYkwJM5KeT_na-8ZgPjNIiZNFuf-8INaQw8YVJqo-9QlPo9ia34LanFlJgLaAPCWMdhy49gK-n68swKIqoBG7w5-zfKxzY/s1600/Hurricane19x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVH7BAMGJMAhc_qSsIdVwR1oNAJLcI1_h3Zc9jZM9FH-VW6PYkwJM5KeT_na-8ZgPjNIiZNFuf-8INaQw8YVJqo-9QlPo9ia34LanFlJgLaAPCWMdhy49gK-n68swKIqoBG7w5-zfKxzY/s400/Hurricane19x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Those. Hot. Pink. Synthwave. Headlights. And. Windscreen.</div>
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Hurricane is neon, Hurricane is Le Mans. This is a dream combination. You can attach those Turbomaster missiles to the rear fins or just leave them off. I love how that honking great launcher aperture at the back is reminiscent of the turbine position on the real Porsche 917. G1 stickers are an absolutely essential part of the look of these toys, and when in perfect condition, they are an outstanding visual addition.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMr7E9I4pJDVcP46lqrsdFkHQUfn_C2V-o-IT9n44NwLmfJiiPvGg4gW_aMwGVRazFsjpsJQSyFWrl_Te-jDUMKeCYCs57teROrGziFbf4ozUR6VZMljINRX1uhSeo1R6STrZ8IYjW4H2S/s1600/Hurricane03x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMr7E9I4pJDVcP46lqrsdFkHQUfn_C2V-o-IT9n44NwLmfJiiPvGg4gW_aMwGVRazFsjpsJQSyFWrl_Te-jDUMKeCYCs57teROrGziFbf4ozUR6VZMljINRX1uhSeo1R6STrZ8IYjW4H2S/s400/Hurricane03x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5N9YpLI-hLZUHx9ALuGi71v-A7k23hGU62E4rqErK86nSWTh_eBQi2z6TwJVY4HP6vlRvTVmsxziwtRO_Jqv7azFi_J-zv87t3bs2NEEE65Fuv-x7stOGwRZ_1vMetH_VOq4VCB96GN_/s1600/Hurricane22x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5N9YpLI-hLZUHx9ALuGi71v-A7k23hGU62E4rqErK86nSWTh_eBQi2z6TwJVY4HP6vlRvTVmsxziwtRO_Jqv7azFi_J-zv87t3bs2NEEE65Fuv-x7stOGwRZ_1vMetH_VOq4VCB96GN_/s400/Hurricane22x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A tremendously simple yet satisfying transformation later and you have a slightly awkward looking Hurricane in robot mode. When the stickers are trashed and the bottom half is yellowed, there's really not a lot to redeem the figure. Well, unless you count the astounding quantity of translucent hot pink on show, of which we have even more now with his MASSIVE eyes!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhm-tCiwiBx_pYNattuhs3yBW6eSkrKcuWcFxPCaTrEWm7fCnQUJiwz0WilBJ5m_biUSBlD7pPszRtWqjZJOJN8Izfdx_ddty9KJ8NW4kbsYJ90KYAqdCH5I_LOBULnGrPE59lsoEnvOrX/s1600/Hurricane06x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhm-tCiwiBx_pYNattuhs3yBW6eSkrKcuWcFxPCaTrEWm7fCnQUJiwz0WilBJ5m_biUSBlD7pPszRtWqjZJOJN8Izfdx_ddty9KJ8NW4kbsYJ90KYAqdCH5I_LOBULnGrPE59lsoEnvOrX/s400/Hurricane06x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just look at that disapproving scowl! By the way, those tiny green thigh stickers and that impossibly thin yellow helmet stripe were supremely nerve-wracking to apply. So much precision required to place a small sticker on such a limited and defined space. I really took my time, but the result has been totally worth it. He doesn't just look like a child's toy, he looks like a proper display piece and the realisation of the designer's dream.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOmeN_QnPK77ZezuGoXfUuJYPAWvzBBH-JqG-A-ul3dxEDJL9hJ3Onei0iZOGqzsu0kJpmk3oMiHiSvrzMtvCWv9SeDWzjKUoJ7ZUKqJn4qAknXmaYKxH8AxMpjULW_ES_ZI1iMy9BThC/s1600/Hurricane23x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOmeN_QnPK77ZezuGoXfUuJYPAWvzBBH-JqG-A-ul3dxEDJL9hJ3Onei0iZOGqzsu0kJpmk3oMiHiSvrzMtvCWv9SeDWzjKUoJ7ZUKqJn4qAknXmaYKxH8AxMpjULW_ES_ZI1iMy9BThC/s400/Hurricane23x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNTlN3cqPTcRA_8Q25PqCH60dfEODsyaPtOhXHx8MtKxip0-GYm61oqmE0C38R9K0Ed2bX4g9E4kuRoLbudvuGRY6KrOe2pVjJMkS5i1IOmqA5MKHL9ksJ602LDALl5BeqvuMo3W9oEus/s1600/Hurricane24x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNTlN3cqPTcRA_8Q25PqCH60dfEODsyaPtOhXHx8MtKxip0-GYm61oqmE0C38R9K0Ed2bX4g9E4kuRoLbudvuGRY6KrOe2pVjJMkS5i1IOmqA5MKHL9ksJ602LDALl5BeqvuMo3W9oEus/s400/Hurricane24x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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While the light piping on Hurricane does not work anywhere nearly as well as on Rotorstorm - which is a shame as it would have positively lit up half his face - each and every sticker off the sheet has a positive influence on the overall look. I like that the shoulders are adjustable so it can be made to feel less like G1 Kup, with his arms coming out the side of his chest.</div>
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Going through a journey like this with a figure, researching and then painstakingly applying stickers for such a marvellous result, absolutely cements Hurricane's place in my heart. Racing heritage, a delightfully fresh specimen and elements of design that resonate with me deeply make this regularly underrated figure a hero. I love being able to do some justice to a designer's vision by photographing a figure as it was meant to look on removal from packaging the day of purchase. As much as today's toys being painted or moulded with all the detailing they'll ever need allows us to focus on the toy itself, the journey to final intended look with these G1 figures is as much a part of the joy as the figure itself. If this is considered the weakest of the Turbomaster cars, what an experience the next few days and weeks will be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HAeHW6eWPlRZp3S4dRHbsIEvbxeVy-5pHITTMNE4jg4DkzbxMwl5MfcS799Il5YDMDUS-wPJGP4Qy81cCedp-G-VJTxEVux1ziwMv6oVeEXuW6e-9uRc4AVSSPCJpzxjZRcXwEGA1WG2/s1600/Hurricane04x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HAeHW6eWPlRZp3S4dRHbsIEvbxeVy-5pHITTMNE4jg4DkzbxMwl5MfcS799Il5YDMDUS-wPJGP4Qy81cCedp-G-VJTxEVux1ziwMv6oVeEXuW6e-9uRc4AVSSPCJpzxjZRcXwEGA1WG2/s400/Hurricane04x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-73915792012681125712018-08-27T23:14:00.001+01:002022-02-26T10:37:31.651+00:00Hasbro Canada G1 Pre-rub Bumblebee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAfWR3XzaChDwfLTYaZ0nfWmwqgqIIWjGdvbyqjfOh4ihRa7Z-FvwjGAxyYJTyVGnc6Qd-01nVZwxM3iEcfZs0ENjyzee_-ufH95-VuVvGsYDOAK_G80n9wJcahu7izyEbWRyfCg9ftVc/s1600/BumbleCA01x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAfWR3XzaChDwfLTYaZ0nfWmwqgqIIWjGdvbyqjfOh4ihRa7Z-FvwjGAxyYJTyVGnc6Qd-01nVZwxM3iEcfZs0ENjyzee_-ufH95-VuVvGsYDOAK_G80n9wJcahu7izyEbWRyfCg9ftVc/s400/BumbleCA01x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In 1984, The Transformers graced the world. Well, some countries in the world. The United States, United Kingdom and Canada are probably the three best known territories that received Transformers toys in the first year of their manufacture. Hasbro Canada had an appreciable pre-rubsign range of Autobots and Decepticons in 1984, including the very earliest 'pre-rub' minibots packaged in vehicle mode on their card backs. Canadian G1 figures had bilingual packaging, English and French, including a French name for the character. In Bumblebee's case, his French name was "Bourdon", and quite apart from being the same as a Hasbro US pre-rub Bumblebee, the packaging featured something extremely unique.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKo1g-or7G4D_65Q5wFc9e15pvYU6RAkE7eB-qAYTP3itvmBluh7iwQzOzJIHa2vdpRVA3UoB6acvWA53ozs7CTBah0Sqi693HgMQWL_sBubFqEBNq3ks4NUuNbdqoK1mIGqUqStQlX47c/s1600/BumbleCA02x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKo1g-or7G4D_65Q5wFc9e15pvYU6RAkE7eB-qAYTP3itvmBluh7iwQzOzJIHa2vdpRVA3UoB6acvWA53ozs7CTBah0Sqi693HgMQWL_sBubFqEBNq3ks4NUuNbdqoK1mIGqUqStQlX47c/s400/BumbleCA02x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Generally speaking, Canadian G1 packaging differed from Hasbro US/UK packaging in more ways than just an additional language where there was text; the Tech Spec had to accommodate the whole bio in French on the other side of the graph, and for the minibots, the instructions had 2 sets of transformation sequence images, leaving no room for the back-of-packaging 1984 battle scene artwork.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rnwPi5RHQ6LtLdu2H8DtDKKLi-nDoWF9TjwjCxQiIMIUdLP_yDd2JrrmTc5o2L3O7QIoIY0GQArbOMqxAYVzfUJ1AmaXt7NLDnx0dARcSG_IFXxUVRLishWal2ecHCXnVBNGA4qi1vXs/s1600/BumbleCA04x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rnwPi5RHQ6LtLdu2H8DtDKKLi-nDoWF9TjwjCxQiIMIUdLP_yDd2JrrmTc5o2L3O7QIoIY0GQArbOMqxAYVzfUJ1AmaXt7NLDnx0dARcSG_IFXxUVRLishWal2ecHCXnVBNGA4qi1vXs/s400/BumbleCA04x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZQruowCu7viyOA60UD9eA7a-ETmOpTcrA2v8aZ6VKIRTwTcskj1TGBhRdKsjEzdSrwnFfIpevgGqP4HwOXsdM4szTqqPH-DGMxB5RwRgtcxfIUWPPXdTBibbVGaE9JcV0oBfy6ZgVjhz/s1600/BumbleCA03x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZQruowCu7viyOA60UD9eA7a-ETmOpTcrA2v8aZ6VKIRTwTcskj1TGBhRdKsjEzdSrwnFfIpevgGqP4HwOXsdM4szTqqPH-DGMxB5RwRgtcxfIUWPPXdTBibbVGaE9JcV0oBfy6ZgVjhz/s400/BumbleCA03x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XAcoS6TgNrfTILBoV4BDJJ7Zj1dAoPXCf1QylS77IoBs35aOoQ6185ScT5l2M3E2vf5tdNJbYbMMA3uhx9ST7k1W-8DP0Ry_DXJFxFKlaidoTgK_eF-e4dn5hmIIXsJExEtop242SAgC/s1600/BumbleCA07x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XAcoS6TgNrfTILBoV4BDJJ7Zj1dAoPXCf1QylS77IoBs35aOoQ6185ScT5l2M3E2vf5tdNJbYbMMA3uhx9ST7k1W-8DP0Ry_DXJFxFKlaidoTgK_eF-e4dn5hmIIXsJExEtop242SAgC/s400/BumbleCA07x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPOL3bGHuanlfWyj1u2wcZfygDNBOaJPnbjEukAd-Pt13FvrqyEWJHNy1PDvL7PadW2AXXoIeUYjFtvBuGbI1NpYJNwb8ZSFEQU_9y9gsz_vs09z1OegI06vcywKxnHggdHOkPRPxE7RX/s1600/BumbleCA05x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPOL3bGHuanlfWyj1u2wcZfygDNBOaJPnbjEukAd-Pt13FvrqyEWJHNy1PDvL7PadW2AXXoIeUYjFtvBuGbI1NpYJNwb8ZSFEQU_9y9gsz_vs09z1OegI06vcywKxnHggdHOkPRPxE7RX/s400/BumbleCA05x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The close-ups of the Canadian card back for Bumblebee throw up a few interesting points. The first thing I noticed was that in the English bio, the sentence "He can go underwater..." doesn't start with a capital letter like the Hasbro US one correctly does. Mistakes occur, of course, but Hasbro Canada is known for errors such as this and calling Swoop "Tracks", labelling Soundwave and Megatron as "Autobot" on their Tech Specs etc. As with most US and UK-based collectors who grew up with single-language English Hasbro Transformers packaging, the smaller text used on Hasbro Canada packaging to accommodate two languages has always made this territory's packaging fascinating to me.</div>
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But, with the 1984 pre-rub series 1 minibots, one thing absolutely stands out above every other packaging oddity mentioned above.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68Ghg9ioRFa3bQ3q-11YMmOVhevykvFw8bUhDQmxnOxJXH6p6eH7DikfEz2sBohJEFxQlT2NrM8y1Fb08_kact9K0pknBZgcbnOjUL9LJb-EMrdDSjzLlslWUL-WbSRlxx9TFfvgy1YCk/s1600/BumbleCA06x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68Ghg9ioRFa3bQ3q-11YMmOVhevykvFw8bUhDQmxnOxJXH6p6eH7DikfEz2sBohJEFxQlT2NrM8y1Fb08_kact9K0pknBZgcbnOjUL9LJb-EMrdDSjzLlslWUL-WbSRlxx9TFfvgy1YCk/s400/BumbleCA06x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Robot Points are on the FRONT of the card! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this for the first time years ago. I've seen Canadian pre-rub Gears, Cliffjumper, Brawn, Windcharger and Bumblebee all rocking this look, so I assume Huffer will be the same. Only Canadian G1 minibot and cassette packaging has the Robot Points on the front in this fashion, nothing else, let alone Hasbro US. Here's a side-by-side with a regular Hasbro US pre-rub G1 Bumblebee:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxalZQcse6jm1sGLy13g2TnSm7WmxvFtS0OQ48mgbjB9qyqE199VyXv3lQ-He6i-0wtaA3gBzS-TEyp1rXB1RNnLxh7Cqmu386XIgwQYI1xfwDLk3rPp7ZFXLqcEZoZdDF1YwQlooG1-N/s1600/BumbleCA08x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxalZQcse6jm1sGLy13g2TnSm7WmxvFtS0OQ48mgbjB9qyqE199VyXv3lQ-He6i-0wtaA3gBzS-TEyp1rXB1RNnLxh7Cqmu386XIgwQYI1xfwDLk3rPp7ZFXLqcEZoZdDF1YwQlooG1-N/s400/BumbleCA08x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Plain as day, cannot be unseen. I absolutely love it and have wanted a representative Hasbro Canada pre-rub minibot card back ever since the first moment I laid eyes on the variant. You will notice that Hasbro Canada even had to remove the "Heroic Autobot" graphics that are normally attached to the Autobot symbol in the large Trans Formers logo at the top.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjxKYL3ZG1K4_sOJ-kDpP5kU6RVQA8mTwDSOGFEw3Qu5X2-emRscORTFvDGzqyFKdIdMgkKeymA_qMO-AJQcyak4nYb0r0BP5yKyYy-pSky4OeLtGCzZY0CNybMTm3HqyddQv1_cscBaI/s1600/BumbleCA09x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjxKYL3ZG1K4_sOJ-kDpP5kU6RVQA8mTwDSOGFEw3Qu5X2-emRscORTFvDGzqyFKdIdMgkKeymA_qMO-AJQcyak4nYb0r0BP5yKyYy-pSky4OeLtGCzZY0CNybMTm3HqyddQv1_cscBaI/s400/BumbleCA09x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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But why? Well, when you compare the rear of the card on the Hasbro Canada Bumblebee with a Hasbro US card, you'll see that the extended bilingual Tech Spec is not to blame, as the Hasbro US one is just printed larger but still takes up the whole length of the card back. The culprit is the set of mirrored instruction images, extending the set from 4 pictures to 8 pictures. The Trans Formers logo had to go, the back-of-box artwork had to go and the Robot Points had to escape to the card front in order to leave room for the bilingual Tech Spec description.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WZlbxOb94ESfGBJk8UpnE1VlalE9Dx9ORVhduuyuwmgB3YqB2DrBFMHK5_CCiWzrVrGyI6lvs6O2YTV1khbIyBEi1c8XkVvR5AISTzha-5Dw-1W4JTj-9RHR7JyAou2_R5Q1s9BjRNgO/s1600/Bumblebee02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WZlbxOb94ESfGBJk8UpnE1VlalE9Dx9ORVhduuyuwmgB3YqB2DrBFMHK5_CCiWzrVrGyI6lvs6O2YTV1khbIyBEi1c8XkVvR5AISTzha-5Dw-1W4JTj-9RHR7JyAou2_R5Q1s9BjRNgO/s400/Bumblebee02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFp2AH8yGuoheGJwPV27Ygbu5e_ytu3NEhZ6uoPt3npv6yDNuLuKhWj0FgijVpaVPDg1N-vMYlsHMo7RSSnAEV8i3hT0kVwug9050Wi53PJ0sx47C9TrWTKcFrQn5r9bYZrbFBGC8cRwKw/s1600/Bumblebee01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFp2AH8yGuoheGJwPV27Ygbu5e_ytu3NEhZ6uoPt3npv6yDNuLuKhWj0FgijVpaVPDg1N-vMYlsHMo7RSSnAEV8i3hT0kVwug9050Wi53PJ0sx47C9TrWTKcFrQn5r9bYZrbFBGC8cRwKw/s400/Bumblebee01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A real collector's item in the vintage G1 Transformers packaging world, to be sure. While we're here, though, let's have a look at pre-rub Bumblebee himself. I've always preferred the pre-rub variant because of the red sticker on his belly, compared to the rubsign. I felt the dash of red on his otherwise yellow chassis really worked well in making the toy pop on a shelf, and it's a bit more reminiscent of the cartoon representation. Ever since getting the Fun 4 All keychain Bumblebee and the Encore reissue, I've desperately wanted to add a pre-rub vintage Bee to my display. That lovely contrast of red and yellow is why I love the pre-rub yellow Cliffjumper so much, too. And why I lust after a mint vintage 'Bumblejumper'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBdwxnLez4lXTzuPbp5eYKg5ulWalryaz5OaD08loEUCKNgOPe7_S8WqSYslbJSxP33V1eNSwSJXAbBR6lSPqod5pKu6fTJ8VMhwtbJbArnPB9n-7jRBG_7OL824VyzZff1c1hYrUpbEr/s1600/BumbleCA13x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBdwxnLez4lXTzuPbp5eYKg5ulWalryaz5OaD08loEUCKNgOPe7_S8WqSYslbJSxP33V1eNSwSJXAbBR6lSPqod5pKu6fTJ8VMhwtbJbArnPB9n-7jRBG_7OL824VyzZff1c1hYrUpbEr/s400/BumbleCA13x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3kX_Qt4yDV-3XSMbLB2ERtG-DTLtYZ7b0Re74eEaV7BoXLo5pzuG23WxobeUiFrFoFcdYTuwifgCJcgS8NuC08E2EiE_3qV6Y8Xjw5oZa2vlZrz9wbh80ymM4w-iXj7y7jk07sSW9Bm1/s1600/BumbleCA14x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3kX_Qt4yDV-3XSMbLB2ERtG-DTLtYZ7b0Re74eEaV7BoXLo5pzuG23WxobeUiFrFoFcdYTuwifgCJcgS8NuC08E2EiE_3qV6Y8Xjw5oZa2vlZrz9wbh80ymM4w-iXj7y7jk07sSW9Bm1/s400/BumbleCA14x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This toy was of course originally the Takara Micro Change Series MC-04 Car 03 Volkswagen. If you look at that toy below (the blue version in the first edition robot-mode packaging), you'll see a long bar sticker across his belly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghln9INRelStnejTN1uQdIXkOCGYfcxqSScc09QipDCTYqsK_8RU6Lup3AKZJBHB10Gxc0s75GjOqRuh_WPc2L3E-Cu0jpcuaVBc50XoLIoMRDBqKpHr3RraQOIQliuGeV3VL6Q-8C-bzk/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="1132" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghln9INRelStnejTN1uQdIXkOCGYfcxqSScc09QipDCTYqsK_8RU6Lup3AKZJBHB10Gxc0s75GjOqRuh_WPc2L3E-Cu0jpcuaVBc50XoLIoMRDBqKpHr3RraQOIQliuGeV3VL6Q-8C-bzk/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's the Micro Change Series minibot factory sticker for the Volkswagen (and Porsche and Mazda) mould that you see on pre-rub G1 Bumblebee's card artwork (in addition to the Autobot symbol), and even on the stock instruction photos on the card back. I'm glad they decided to forego that sticker for the Transformers Bumblebee, it's just one more thing that would have been a git to find in mint condition in a crowded area on a small toy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqv2WjVPe4TdYv914mczM-kDMjcmgtmJDYSiaRIazxta9lqlLhIQzP2zqua5VyDJZyPVD0YtvQ-sLEGppmdsvKGCLF3g0-RgW_YKitUEhxMfhihf2K4oLiAcik86wHMl-lAQGbeh5SyYQ/s1600/BumbleCA15x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqv2WjVPe4TdYv914mczM-kDMjcmgtmJDYSiaRIazxta9lqlLhIQzP2zqua5VyDJZyPVD0YtvQ-sLEGppmdsvKGCLF3g0-RgW_YKitUEhxMfhihf2K4oLiAcik86wHMl-lAQGbeh5SyYQ/s400/BumbleCA15x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOh-vTva_Ggt7GR5pyhdu0ANOF0sNlO7aRjfrb4D5-cYhZgAyOb6mQDVrPapF0siR5pmEvcG8yghKbXH0XM-OgsMG1sQGrV-6qBom9nUSAj2HLfGBtlx8d2C1uK_jUkLuMPxJY8O8-l_uy/s1600/BumbleCA18x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOh-vTva_Ggt7GR5pyhdu0ANOF0sNlO7aRjfrb4D5-cYhZgAyOb6mQDVrPapF0siR5pmEvcG8yghKbXH0XM-OgsMG1sQGrV-6qBom9nUSAj2HLfGBtlx8d2C1uK_jUkLuMPxJY8O8-l_uy/s400/BumbleCA18x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Getting a pre-rub Bumblebee with a well-positioned, undamaged Autobot sticker is a total pain in the ass, and it's getting harder as folks hoover this toy up in advance of the Bumblebee movie. Unlike the TFCollection, Encore and Walmart reissues, the vintage Bumblebee has the same masked face as the Micro Change Series Volkswagen, and in some cases the yellow paint even dips deep into the eyeband.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkhaWRt-fXDq4bibxAabicziBlXLBurP1TFFOYpax5uOoyTVA-kn9ZMCq_8CJwXu0MOenbUgODKBiblDMRA8C1jC5wmEYRPWysV6yL0-1sPWczTd9xKPpbliCnBzwK1CmDZZ6qIhjfBDe/s1600/BumbleCA11x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkhaWRt-fXDq4bibxAabicziBlXLBurP1TFFOYpax5uOoyTVA-kn9ZMCq_8CJwXu0MOenbUgODKBiblDMRA8C1jC5wmEYRPWysV6yL0-1sPWczTd9xKPpbliCnBzwK1CmDZZ6qIhjfBDe/s400/BumbleCA11x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGrO3XOJ4pe1xdFWlPhEzj_-zbK3JY8Rn5yPGPIFb2XTHY0JvQQ3IcHK6UsklINfNNlWXlRwhJFtVcAfe8FYW0J20wlHqsvNsQmMey2Yc0DIynH5tcTJZTct5BuSuh-aynyIWw_NVJiJW/s1600/BumbleCA10x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGrO3XOJ4pe1xdFWlPhEzj_-zbK3JY8Rn5yPGPIFb2XTHY0JvQQ3IcHK6UsklINfNNlWXlRwhJFtVcAfe8FYW0J20wlHqsvNsQmMey2Yc0DIynH5tcTJZTct5BuSuh-aynyIWw_NVJiJW/s400/BumbleCA10x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The first pre-rub Bumblebees shared the same copyright stamping as the Takara Micro Change Volkswagen, "TAKARA JAPAN" in a circle underneath the left foot. This copyright then changed to a 3-line Takara stamping that featured country of manufacture and dates, still in the pre-rub era of releases. The above picture shows both stamping variants for the pre-rub G1 Bumblebee.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJ_1kqVNOUf3O-lbr0-82Cz4x5UvbGD-VgIom5zXw0a2LTh7UNutdAumiFvDwZ8D7nBLmdOBTqoan2qavB8AMmx3CuZ-xlfzuT2ZoA4lE4_-eVQs28s3cbAnmttz610dNvAA6TZkx54EZ/s1600/BumbleCA12x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJ_1kqVNOUf3O-lbr0-82Cz4x5UvbGD-VgIom5zXw0a2LTh7UNutdAumiFvDwZ8D7nBLmdOBTqoan2qavB8AMmx3CuZ-xlfzuT2ZoA4lE4_-eVQs28s3cbAnmttz610dNvAA6TZkx54EZ/s400/BumbleCA12x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4q9516sCkb7DpfHq-6pNsHnQKWGy5Fn2Uuomaiwdj3RlbpU9eBuudg6NyzzSqF1Qw_-cPZXCXqCH9lQEpgUkeIxMZnaoGYMZOV9HGfrcTRcH32dKyK8xGuoVDP7pCKSOte4WkJx4k0un/s1600/BumbleCA16x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4q9516sCkb7DpfHq-6pNsHnQKWGy5Fn2Uuomaiwdj3RlbpU9eBuudg6NyzzSqF1Qw_-cPZXCXqCH9lQEpgUkeIxMZnaoGYMZOV9HGfrcTRcH32dKyK8xGuoVDP7pCKSOte4WkJx4k0un/s400/BumbleCA16x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, of course, rubsigns were introduced to Transformers to 'prove their authenticity' in very late 1984/early 1985. For these minibots with their limited surface area, that often meant replacing the factory red Autobot symbol with a rubsign. This really changes the overall colour balance of G1 Bumblebee in my opinion. You may also notice a slight change in yellow hue between the two pre-rub Bees above and the rubsign edition. Incidentally, the rubsign edition above is a 3-line Takara/dates stamped one; the Hasbro stamp not yet introduced, but there are variants with 5-line stampings. And then we have the Chinese 1990s issue Bumblebees with even less saturated yellow plastic colour and country of manufacture "Japan" blocked out etc etc BUT ANYWAY. This is why minibot variant collecting will drive anyone insane, bankrupt, or both.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUobr4U2pfNnORaGR6RKgvC-5WEXfbK7zmuSaYW9vcN76UXyAipS6tBe9TzM4FRk-FNrU1FYcJXAh09R_5Na-gFC7MqTIOlNtw-QB-jqozxruwz5bQxGyd2XB6D0VFnISVhEtIDNBw_OEu/s1600/BumbleCA19x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUobr4U2pfNnORaGR6RKgvC-5WEXfbK7zmuSaYW9vcN76UXyAipS6tBe9TzM4FRk-FNrU1FYcJXAh09R_5Na-gFC7MqTIOlNtw-QB-jqozxruwz5bQxGyd2XB6D0VFnISVhEtIDNBw_OEu/s400/BumbleCA19x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtat8siqu50LbYCaDOz7o4DNkRcu1q3IzMHHGtq9me5uAR0bjlqciEzreEfFuggsvy9LK0UEs5hfkprbokvUAAEfkXNggQwICDIRUVCo19OOfNTO7dZ0PwTZKnhPWb9QVvK-_BZniRj5W/s1600/BumbleR03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtat8siqu50LbYCaDOz7o4DNkRcu1q3IzMHHGtq9me5uAR0bjlqciEzreEfFuggsvy9LK0UEs5hfkprbokvUAAEfkXNggQwICDIRUVCo19OOfNTO7dZ0PwTZKnhPWb9QVvK-_BZniRj5W/s400/BumbleR03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5-MClVC1pBn9eTzkxGSkUfDbGsx_anEtM4OT4y6B6LAF3HXMzgpJZmrhxeyI4cPRIViaJDASTKpPX8iBscY5CCHhgVIVGEcYV2r7khwVA7z_NV8ORZtSkj0BI0TvBArTC9FfluHM8h95/s1600/BumbleR04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5-MClVC1pBn9eTzkxGSkUfDbGsx_anEtM4OT4y6B6LAF3HXMzgpJZmrhxeyI4cPRIViaJDASTKpPX8iBscY5CCHhgVIVGEcYV2r7khwVA7z_NV8ORZtSkj0BI0TvBArTC9FfluHM8h95/s400/BumbleR04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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He was also available in red. Pre-rubsign and rubsign. Also in Japan. And Mexico, but manufactured by Plasticos IGA. Also in Argentina by Antex, in Brazil by Estrela, in Peru by Lynsa and in Venezuela by Rubiplas. And more besides. Run. Save yourself.</div>
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All of that aside, I would love to one day own all of the Canadian pre-rub G1 minibots and their card backs, because I genuinely think having the Robot Points on the front of the packaging is such a wild departure from what we're used to with every other G1 Hasbro (or Takara) release, and will stand forever as quite a niche oddity, even within the Hasbro Canada range itself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8E6ZwTLXWA3tuVrC12PWbBZLl5hUK-UMnAIteS0Dof6KRcQgsqHBC3c9lDIowIrIdo22yXBBITfyR3mkMvZKEp-FznSKFAjVJO2Iy8lNo2g4bjfIYtgf8VXtwV-EgVNu2gIerGQStOJL/s1600/BumbleCA17x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8E6ZwTLXWA3tuVrC12PWbBZLl5hUK-UMnAIteS0Dof6KRcQgsqHBC3c9lDIowIrIdo22yXBBITfyR3mkMvZKEp-FznSKFAjVJO2Iy8lNo2g4bjfIYtgf8VXtwV-EgVNu2gIerGQStOJL/s400/BumbleCA17x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Related Reading:</b></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf_frame.php?art=bluebee" target="_blank"><i><b>Micro Change MC-04 Car 03 Blue Volkswagen (Bumblebee)</b></i></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.tf-1.com/cat_frame.php?cat=mini" target="_blank"><i><b>Brazilian, Mexican and Peruvian Minibots</b></i></a></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-34910212150507738832018-07-09T22:46:00.000+01:002018-07-09T22:55:47.202+01:00Milton Bradley G1 Warpath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBDNgIlDDLJAYqNKlBw_nT34khOAAuOg6JM0fUKGhZHeFQBGoTDBt9XWDatrafm57FBn2a6ALluAWKbk9FyFT7pQzSHj9scqhsiiUs7zElAK94NsTFsNWDDXhfC59HqMpzPuDkmkjnH4X/s1600/MBWarpath01x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBDNgIlDDLJAYqNKlBw_nT34khOAAuOg6JM0fUKGhZHeFQBGoTDBt9XWDatrafm57FBn2a6ALluAWKbk9FyFT7pQzSHj9scqhsiiUs7zElAK94NsTFsNWDDXhfC59HqMpzPuDkmkjnH4X/s400/MBWarpath01x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've spoken a lot about European G1 Transformers on this blog, recently, and this short piece will be much of the same. The Warpath you see above is from 1985, and the packaging is branded Milton Bradley instead of Hasbro. Otherwise, it's a standard, Takara-manufactured G1 Warpath. This would have been available in countries like France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and parts of Scandinavia on a quad-lingual Milton Bradley cardback. It also happens to be a bit of a rarity.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXinQ6EG132hPakpIb52vYpI1e4A0bh9ctPG6pgWXnKYgddeteigtMIUIPNVH8SoUiqyQ5cglGopFU2xriuWz4000WuF-qJn5SejrpMnsRVHoup-n2g_aD13Mbr4gPcC24Iqk1asjhmGQ/s1600/MBWarpath02x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXinQ6EG132hPakpIb52vYpI1e4A0bh9ctPG6pgWXnKYgddeteigtMIUIPNVH8SoUiqyQ5cglGopFU2xriuWz4000WuF-qJn5SejrpMnsRVHoup-n2g_aD13Mbr4gPcC24Iqk1asjhmGQ/s400/MBWarpath02x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As mentioned before, Hasbro had the rights to release Transformers across mainland Europe, but it did not have access to all the Takara moulds of the period. Ceji Joustra had a fair amount of toys that they had exclusive licence to for the same territory, and they came out on the same European shelves (starting 1984) as "Diaclone". The Warpath mould was never released for the pre-Transformers market (as either Diaclone or Micro Change Series), and was not therefore part of the Ceji Joustra Diaclone line. That meant that Hasbro, through the newly acquired Milton Bradley, could sell and distribute Warpath on Transformers cards. They did this as MB was already a recognised brand in Europe and had facilities/connections that Hasbro could use for the sale and distribution of Transformers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUcS6sEsQjXLv2BfV8PzGb7jxGJ008lh-BAaG5LTrJh8G4G7yKJMFNRH5p8Kass42NexbazorYwejbuUJx7QUuH_qhSK6N5HW2wxWH-rCNsthF5SlUQVEyzmmOG9ez2_GqMgPgmtHEJ-V/s1600/MBWarpath11x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUcS6sEsQjXLv2BfV8PzGb7jxGJ008lh-BAaG5LTrJh8G4G7yKJMFNRH5p8Kass42NexbazorYwejbuUJx7QUuH_qhSK6N5HW2wxWH-rCNsthF5SlUQVEyzmmOG9ez2_GqMgPgmtHEJ-V/s400/MBWarpath11x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This first wave of Milton Bradley minibots (Warpath, Powerglide, Cosmos, Seaspray and Beachcomber) seem pretty tricky to find, even though the larger first wave MB stuff like Optimus Prime, Megatron, Soundwave, Dinobots and Constructicons appear more often than most MB items. You can see the MB logo on the card front in place of the Hasbro logo we'd be most used to seeing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEB9TqTm8HpBwuWZtmiR2t6sL3SyyjkaHhvyv6RHNzRhkh3fX8EkRPQLBHHjC5aSul1bY4oQTb4L0PE0OScx03KTgW4RQBlKOVblkLCZgzPYx-nRwKOGkz9_S6vYPtzPTFvKH13x6JU7A/s1600/MBWarpath12x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEB9TqTm8HpBwuWZtmiR2t6sL3SyyjkaHhvyv6RHNzRhkh3fX8EkRPQLBHHjC5aSul1bY4oQTb4L0PE0OScx03KTgW4RQBlKOVblkLCZgzPYx-nRwKOGkz9_S6vYPtzPTFvKH13x6JU7A/s400/MBWarpath12x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Being an MB release for mainland Europe, the languages on the card are German, French, Dutch and Spanish. There is only enough room on the enlarged tech spec for the translated motto, not the full bio. That was probably a bit of a shame for children at the time, I'd imagine. They also didn't bother to translate the text accompanying each transformation step, but the mailaway literature on the back was all translated. You can also see the Berne copyright convention text below the tech spec and proof that the item was of Japanese manufacture. The significance of that text can be explored <b><a href="http://20thcenturytoycollector.com/mb-transformers-part-5/" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkHmvK0ddgTUIQolKvGBg2rdmGUHpvRmrzYcGwJjVvSz0GRgCDzne6QgeSAeT3vzHGk_gW-wutC1OFXXaCCih_9l-LPGIuObzovggri01J1rYXOPfTinyKqKcuiOARngtfz7nLndZ3MXn/s1600/MBWarpath14x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkHmvK0ddgTUIQolKvGBg2rdmGUHpvRmrzYcGwJjVvSz0GRgCDzne6QgeSAeT3vzHGk_gW-wutC1OFXXaCCih_9l-LPGIuObzovggri01J1rYXOPfTinyKqKcuiOARngtfz7nLndZ3MXn/s400/MBWarpath14x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Like a lot of the European stuff I picked up recently, this MB Warpath has a French price sticker, with 29 Francs and 50 Centimes being the retail price, translating to roughly $4.15 in 1985/1986. There is also a Milton Bradley France distribution sticker, with MB France being the subsidiary responsible for Transformers in that particular region. Interesting how the card itself says ages 5 and above, but only 36 months and up given as the age advice on the distribution sticker.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OB81d73ZZOaRZ9g_jH6WVeYe22qw8hlhXoyLLUngmYqjNfusoKz62rpjhAHkHFAAaAIn5qsFtmU0nqmibYImS55GUiLb4fxgxX2QrfXMN26kf9fkxZBti5MBOGFRbaQspz_3zX6M_Uoo/s1600/MBWarpath3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="752" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OB81d73ZZOaRZ9g_jH6WVeYe22qw8hlhXoyLLUngmYqjNfusoKz62rpjhAHkHFAAaAIn5qsFtmU0nqmibYImS55GUiLb4fxgxX2QrfXMN26kf9fkxZBti5MBOGFRbaQspz_3zX6M_Uoo/s400/MBWarpath3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSLYn30QYZOEyoGgsDStGfGb2EEyGaFF5E_LA2xaaOYS79wjG-vhhqmgdA9M_XJPRdEzWibcWCua0Ev68J6dtiDf8A_MOpIRjRIFW-OJiiGdfcSWClg1vWUavmgqL17TD4D9uNYAV3DM7/s1600/MBWarpath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSLYn30QYZOEyoGgsDStGfGb2EEyGaFF5E_LA2xaaOYS79wjG-vhhqmgdA9M_XJPRdEzWibcWCua0Ev68J6dtiDf8A_MOpIRjRIFW-OJiiGdfcSWClg1vWUavmgqL17TD4D9uNYAV3DM7/s400/MBWarpath1.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy of 80skid</td></tr>
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The above is what he would look like if he still had his bubble or was sealed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_fmty_d__MdNFqEaL8dsYmJAewAf5M-TNxSVRdeEvLzURY1cVQoFHTIwukYwVDxq1qTpy1rOnWnlb2_0KOCO-zY49KpcNajDEqYmdf6jWr6QeJ8-9Tdf27xgo6h8gIAe7VJPIC2FhCBi/s1600/MBWarpath03x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_fmty_d__MdNFqEaL8dsYmJAewAf5M-TNxSVRdeEvLzURY1cVQoFHTIwukYwVDxq1qTpy1rOnWnlb2_0KOCO-zY49KpcNajDEqYmdf6jWr6QeJ8-9Tdf27xgo6h8gIAe7VJPIC2FhCBi/s400/MBWarpath03x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtV9_kZ-E5CGBvzPytrpZsqJYuBDsB3piLvi4BEg5bL-Xls2oxA-RF6_1f2Ct5Yut_L9qkshYDyemPbOmnwPL9ITP3FpTFf0NTYGQL9OIMAF58B12qtSl4V61Tboa4RrM8HA6AO2O9KWX1/s1600/MBWarpath04x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtV9_kZ-E5CGBvzPytrpZsqJYuBDsB3piLvi4BEg5bL-Xls2oxA-RF6_1f2Ct5Yut_L9qkshYDyemPbOmnwPL9ITP3FpTFf0NTYGQL9OIMAF58B12qtSl4V61Tboa4RrM8HA6AO2O9KWX1/s400/MBWarpath04x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Moving onto the Warpath toy itself, it should be a very standard version toy, no real variation to speak of. These were, after all, not repackaged Ceji Joustra Diaclone stock like some of the other Milton Bradley releases that came later. They were also not Ceji manufactured - but there is a 1986 Ceji variant Warpath, it's just not this one. Nothing to do with Ceji, this one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_DrhCKybMCB7WQgZyaLpou3Jc_DYbsffMnSgEE1nEbKxjb3S5xTN5JHV61JTKIGNQj8BLCbXJ7D8rc4lTF7bxP3XsuVkGtOMxfcnGlTVQVv0Ubhzy6OnAjJmwmaPRJAr8h0M3L2OTnph/s1600/MBWarpath06x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_DrhCKybMCB7WQgZyaLpou3Jc_DYbsffMnSgEE1nEbKxjb3S5xTN5JHV61JTKIGNQj8BLCbXJ7D8rc4lTF7bxP3XsuVkGtOMxfcnGlTVQVv0Ubhzy6OnAjJmwmaPRJAr8h0M3L2OTnph/s400/MBWarpath06x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMyH8aptrdMn1D9_XmNE4bfpr_Wa4I26SG0sog8Wl3-Q-ej6ZZKCBvZoTmfC9F0B2oPky9tkWtemXSOzjPxTulTwS_wGjHHvFOgxfbC0ZujDsigWlINqXGCxMLi8ggxT0yc8pIbqlZjB5/s1600/MBWarpath07x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMyH8aptrdMn1D9_XmNE4bfpr_Wa4I26SG0sog8Wl3-Q-ej6ZZKCBvZoTmfC9F0B2oPky9tkWtemXSOzjPxTulTwS_wGjHHvFOgxfbC0ZujDsigWlINqXGCxMLi8ggxT0yc8pIbqlZjB5/s400/MBWarpath07x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The lack of a rubsign on the toy is just that, a missing rubsign. The sticker residue is still there, so it's just been removed or fallen off at some point. I should mention at this point that it was only in the last year that I realised you could pull Warpath's arms out in robot mode! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFubiS4Y1q_MsxoJ5I-lf6AReAvNLSSVG6SQlU6-Kmroo-Y8dSgIQmoUpLAvcbTNLBwrh3cRGxrEYa2bJuHUrqf7FZS8btnhIsUo0qroSIc4RwkkJhcw7yCQPkkfmxiIRG0FFgp_FrJwc/s1600/MBWarpath15x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFubiS4Y1q_MsxoJ5I-lf6AReAvNLSSVG6SQlU6-Kmroo-Y8dSgIQmoUpLAvcbTNLBwrh3cRGxrEYa2bJuHUrqf7FZS8btnhIsUo0qroSIc4RwkkJhcw7yCQPkkfmxiIRG0FFgp_FrJwc/s400/MBWarpath15x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The card artwork may show him with a silver mouthplate, but most Warpaths came with an unpainted mouthplate. Some variants have a black painted mouthplate, sort of like a beard. It's nice!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMjgH_slTlcdKBxEK_qDR9ZNk1ldeaqnZBsMNxtBTMw6e6ipGZD0qhgwqttCVJyKE-JxbO1yZu6nGPxVX5UIO3nPC9nXH_cDMmIWo5QhaBNKsDx06jId6aIv0jxjIL6w0ipoIVO1XHzRL/s1600/MBWarpath08x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMjgH_slTlcdKBxEK_qDR9ZNk1ldeaqnZBsMNxtBTMw6e6ipGZD0qhgwqttCVJyKE-JxbO1yZu6nGPxVX5UIO3nPC9nXH_cDMmIWo5QhaBNKsDx06jId6aIv0jxjIL6w0ipoIVO1XHzRL/s400/MBWarpath08x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milton Bradley Warpath (left) - Hasbro Warpath (right)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5YmJta7zVYREqi76_LU3sPUup181GCHOabI-zVn7P1SIyDAS_m6iGcoreuCCqRwuZJv4_qKxMIY8ftfCAN2V9rQs2lsaPr8qSxOGFwKiO9WKrlDup8Q69MiFqsGxUpefs0NBdNKsesfE/s1600/MBWarpath09x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5YmJta7zVYREqi76_LU3sPUup181GCHOabI-zVn7P1SIyDAS_m6iGcoreuCCqRwuZJv4_qKxMIY8ftfCAN2V9rQs2lsaPr8qSxOGFwKiO9WKrlDup8Q69MiFqsGxUpefs0NBdNKsesfE/s400/MBWarpath09x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MB Warpath - Hasbro Warpath - Takara Treds</td></tr>
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Next to a standard UK-bought Hasbro G1 Warpath, there's almost nothing at all to distinguish them. The last picture above shows the green Decepticon Takara E-Hobby GoBots Treds, homaging a Bandai GoBots toy while at the same time paying tribute to a prototype green Warpath colour scheme that never made it to production, but can be seen in 1984 early Takara Transformers paperwork.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYQb9n17wd5m2tfhYWDUxY2-So7WtnjanFqRbJAnYr78SQer3lW_htjpr_muQ8i-wwhU5k7XXvCgUQKBdGMjeq-4-5A4LqKOy7ab0dsxNu9afYgDyfmoNNvoyMT-h3SfIuQ-m1vrOGBoy/s1600/MBWarpath10x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYQb9n17wd5m2tfhYWDUxY2-So7WtnjanFqRbJAnYr78SQer3lW_htjpr_muQ8i-wwhU5k7XXvCgUQKBdGMjeq-4-5A4LqKOy7ab0dsxNu9afYgDyfmoNNvoyMT-h3SfIuQ-m1vrOGBoy/s400/MBWarpath10x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MB Warpath (left) - Hasbro Warpath (right)</td></tr>
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<br />Looking at the copyrights underneath, the MB Warpath on the left has the standard rubsign era Hasbro + Takara + dates stamping. The one on the right, a UK-bought Hasbro Warpath, actually only has a Takara stamping. I must admit I initially found this odd, but I have a Seaspray that also only has a Takara stamp. I'm guessing these were just among the very first and earliest series 2 minibots to see release globally. You can find UK Warpaths with both styles of stamping shown above.</div>
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You may also notice that the Warpath on the right with the Takara only stamp has two extra mould injection points visible on the longer grey tread sections, their location being roughly either side of the copyright text.</div>
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That's really all there is to say about the Milton Bradley Warpath; it's another cool packaging variant stemming from Europe and it's a total bastard to find sealed (or even in this condition) for those collectors who have set their sights on complete Milton Bradley or minibot variant collections. I only purchased it because of the cardback, knowing the toy itself was unremarkable relative to standard Hasbro G1 Warpaths. That said, I'm thrilled to have it, and although I am not actively collecting MB variants these days, it's hard not to smile at what little I have been able to pick up in a remarkably competitive and well-combed marketplace:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLJyUtYMENmoNAEkK3xBIjwYHM7cH_5V_2X0nxi-Ye47CKdWxnF5DXLkoNLICpKnstVC6oBv8G5q3Mf0YMKrt1AGAT30joO2G6KhG_MWrq28xWYyNUnUeJk_Fp5m8RE8q76IiFCgkGsOE/s1600/MBWarpath16x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1350" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLJyUtYMENmoNAEkK3xBIjwYHM7cH_5V_2X0nxi-Ye47CKdWxnF5DXLkoNLICpKnstVC6oBv8G5q3Mf0YMKrt1AGAT30joO2G6KhG_MWrq28xWYyNUnUeJk_Fp5m8RE8q76IiFCgkGsOE/s400/MBWarpath16x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Related Reading:</i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/eurous_frame.php?art=mb" target="_blank">Milton Bradley Transformers</a></i></b></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-57215640535792099202018-07-01T13:46:00.000+01:002018-07-01T13:46:49.181+01:00Milton Bradley G1 Ravage<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3PUUGUWFtDe0tMm1-cp0LAEWyye-7ga2GpEv5vQUz6hMr-ynnkBmvGX21eO_zYswuIzqIQ-wKB7xK4DPUaT8QFsQaZqZXppJ2HiCffgRFN80KGA6TaxRO6Pzi2ZNlw7jUz1CdWjxmeo4/s1600/MBRavage01x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3PUUGUWFtDe0tMm1-cp0LAEWyye-7ga2GpEv5vQUz6hMr-ynnkBmvGX21eO_zYswuIzqIQ-wKB7xK4DPUaT8QFsQaZqZXppJ2HiCffgRFN80KGA6TaxRO6Pzi2ZNlw7jUz1CdWjxmeo4/s400/MBRavage01x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm not exaggerating when I say the Transformers Generation 1 Milton Bradley-badged Ravage from 1985 is one of the rarest packaged regular production Transformers in the history of the line. Ravage itself is a very common G1 toy, released in many countries and in many forms, but this specific packaging from mainland European countries in 1985 stands out as not just the rarest occurrence of this figure, not just of all the known and confirmed MB-badged G1 figures, but almost ALL G1 packaged figures worldwide.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CO3KsXiDWLV7I9FUoyp4cLBJBqYr03kbWxwpEk88ALHP5Fs-OAKtT167zNsbYMEWXqb0lmZGBoSYx5YVad1fWwKqCPH8L-rGMdbJmWV42yRSGkQs5gw2HKgbu1933IKRpbeFAKcXRK_0/s1600/MBRavage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="306" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CO3KsXiDWLV7I9FUoyp4cLBJBqYr03kbWxwpEk88ALHP5Fs-OAKtT167zNsbYMEWXqb0lmZGBoSYx5YVad1fWwKqCPH8L-rGMdbJmWV42yRSGkQs5gw2HKgbu1933IKRpbeFAKcXRK_0/s400/MBRavage.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the 1985 MB dealer's catalogue supplement</td></tr>
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For years, the low resolution picture immediately above was the only seen example of a Milton Bradley-packaged G1 Ravage. It is a scan from a dealer's product catalogue from Milton Bradley in 1985. Since then, I know of three others that were seen opened and immediately purchased, two on eBay and off BBTS' website, but maybe there have been more that I am unaware of.</div>
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To understand and contextualise its rarity, I am referring to official Transformers releases that were sold in stores, so that rules out Lucky Draw stuff, production sample stuff with interesting errors and variations that never made it to market and rumoured stuff that is yet to appear photographed and confirmed such as Milton Bradley Devastator, Swoop or a GiG Predaking giftset or GiG Star Saber. I guess it sits in the same bracket as some of the wildly rare minibot variations on official Transformers cards from companies such as Rubiplas (Venezuela) and Lynsa (Peru).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JbZ53x5B3Y69i65tFZrkyPqgzkZzVK6U1pOVZU3WVQN8lYyhLXIg9DE4qWjQA0LLF71Jg8szePeNFbD3Q0b1PvYUjAG0EimlB8oh37oDawS7SDk1G9ez5Q71vWkv0tOYJazeOaphynjx/s1600/MBRavage03x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JbZ53x5B3Y69i65tFZrkyPqgzkZzVK6U1pOVZU3WVQN8lYyhLXIg9DE4qWjQA0LLF71Jg8szePeNFbD3Q0b1PvYUjAG0EimlB8oh37oDawS7SDk1G9ez5Q71vWkv0tOYJazeOaphynjx/s400/MBRavage03x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the reasons for its rarity comes from the nature of the release itself. When Hasbro acquired Milton Bradley and released Transformers toys in territories such as France, Germany, Scandinavia, the Benelux etc, it was under licence from Takara. At the same time, Ceji Joustra were releasing other licensed toys from Takara in the same region, branded as "Diaclone". So, Milton Bradley did not have the rights to release those particular moulds - Optimus Prime (Battle Convoy), Ravage (Jaguar), Jazz (Porsche), Tracks (Corvette) etc - initially in Transformers packaging.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-qEbzzSEv9nZ5zt38Se6LeBgAT2vSBas8cRYkUcSnh_POgN_Rymd-OYF3-FCTYZcOVweG1QVPLlJIY9J7xNrkQdpkbh1MQ5dpb3bapAvLtVak8UAdzSohBW3Qz8HmJSWm9LJbyEjuzZH/s1600/MBRavage14x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1500" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-qEbzzSEv9nZ5zt38Se6LeBgAT2vSBas8cRYkUcSnh_POgN_Rymd-OYF3-FCTYZcOVweG1QVPLlJIY9J7xNrkQdpkbh1MQ5dpb3bapAvLtVak8UAdzSohBW3Qz8HmJSWm9LJbyEjuzZH/s400/MBRavage14x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is known that at some point in 1985, in certain European countries, Milton Bradley Transformers and Ceji Joustra Diaclones were being sold alongside each other on store shelves. When Hasbro Bradley acquired the rights from Ceji Joustra to those specific moulds in 1985, they proceeded to take Ceji Joustra Diaclone stock (sent direct from Takara in Japan to Ceji Joustra in France/Germany) and repackage it in Milton Bradley-badged Transformers packaging. This has been proved through the existence of Diaclone red Corvettes in MB Tracks boxes, and the correlation of virtually every Ceji Joustra Diaclone toy with a TF equivalent showing up as an MB Transformer too.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceji Joustra Diaclone Jaguar (1984)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRx1iOQglMm-7_DsdBsTFnCLWf739T37zLlGgJNGWlLdCmaN7ETMkt6B4u7rlagimeLNIe-HlSh0rVJybW79AFZG44SVNZDGKvAxKWRmVnYMt2VKHi8Jy4EDHhksfWaX0DFL-WYwlgj8FX/s1600/MBRavage17x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRx1iOQglMm-7_DsdBsTFnCLWf739T37zLlGgJNGWlLdCmaN7ETMkt6B4u7rlagimeLNIe-HlSh0rVJybW79AFZG44SVNZDGKvAxKWRmVnYMt2VKHi8Jy4EDHhksfWaX0DFL-WYwlgj8FX/s400/MBRavage17x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceji Joustra Diaclone Jaguar (1984)</td></tr>
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The Ceji Joustra Diaclone Jaguar cassette seen above was originally a Takara Micro Change Series toy. You can even see the Japanese version pictured on the back of the Joustra's card, identifiable by the "Takara" text on the cassette, instead of "Japan". Now, an interesting little fact here is that by the time Takara were providing stock for Ceji Joustra's Diaclone line, they were in full production mode for Hasbro's Transformers line. This meant that toys intended for the TF line found their way into Ceji Joustra hands, hence the existence of a factory applied Decepticon sticker on Ceji Joustra Diaclone Jaguars. It is basically the same toy, from the same source, as a G1 pre-rubsign Decepticon Ravage. Ceji Joustra Diaclone Condor is similarly Decepticon-stickered, basically a pre-rub Laserbeak.<br />
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Isn't it wonderful that we have a Micro Change toy, in a "Diaclone" package with a Transformers faction sticker? There are of course more examples of this, see the Ceji Joustra Diaclone minicars Cheetah (Brawn), Truck (Huffer), Trans-Am (Windcharger) and Pick Up (Gears), all with Autobot stickers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1WG5cEfavLAQ33ldHLMlQwuCtEXBDVNPOBOdcMTFu9IZrb4WqZEoTjIvvYCbYrv_4-T46_MGEMtjlD69hHzQeZs-ML-3GWNu4wPoOgp-X5FupqmMPeQGX75KyBPEb9X4WBBDARRhxYg8/s1600/MBRavage15x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1WG5cEfavLAQ33ldHLMlQwuCtEXBDVNPOBOdcMTFu9IZrb4WqZEoTjIvvYCbYrv_4-T46_MGEMtjlD69hHzQeZs-ML-3GWNu4wPoOgp-X5FupqmMPeQGX75KyBPEb9X4WBBDARRhxYg8/s400/MBRavage15x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So that Ceji Joustra Diaclone Jaguar would have already been on sale for some time on shelves by the time Hasbro Bradley acquired those rights. Since the same toy from the same source and stock was then repackaged into Milton Bradley packaging, assuming stuff was not pulled from shelves and ripped open then repackaged, it is conceivable that not much of that original Takara-sent stock was available in Ceji warehouses to be used by Hasbro Bradley for MB Ravage release. The 1984 range of Ceji Joustra Diaclones is also known to have been a very good seller. This could be the reason why so few have survived to the modern day; it might already have been an extremely rare MB-packaged toy even back in 1985. Few released, few sold, even fewer survived.</div>
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But who cares, right? Ravage is not a rare toy by any means, and it takes more than a Milton Bradley logo and multilingual text on a cardback in place of English text and a Hasbro logo to make something desirable.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MB Ravage and Ceji Joustra Jaguar - exact same toy on 2 different cards</td></tr>
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There's more to it than that. What do we know about Hasbro Ravage? We know it comes carded with Decepticon Rumble. Not so for the MB Ravage, he is packaged alone with just Ravage's artwork and the sunburst background. A surreal sight for those of us who have the twin-pack absolutely ingrained into our minds. Why packaged alone? The answer to that is right next to him in the picture above. The original Ceji Joustra Diaclone Jaguar - the exact same toy - was single-packed. The bubble/blister on both is absolutely identical, which makes sense as both releases had their packaging produced in France. So, MB Ravage is the only non-Japanese release of Transformers Ravage to ever come packaged alone.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Age restrictions - multilingual</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Printed in France but manufactured in Japan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MB Multilingual - German, French, Dutch, Spanish</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German price sticker</td></tr>
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Being a Milton Bradley release, it is a multilingual package that does not feature English, since that only came with later Hasbro Europe and Ceji packaging in 1986. The packaging was printed in France (most likely by Cajofe) but the toy is Japan manufactured, sent to Ceji Joustra originally to be part of the Ceji Joustra Diaclone releases. The price tag shows it was bought in Germany, and the complete MB Ravage card you see here was a childhood-bought item in Germany purchased directly from the original owner. The wavy techspec you see above is from a different chopped up card originating in France.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7svJC-Ri3eXuvpMmMaMm0wo9ma6bWM30lpFxSU5W0fmW2P6MbGS39oZaMedk1lovsU-5z4wYqL41pQSCYg0mN1X15yb12G3U2a4HqKOjeHgIWwiEsJHGQUWT9H-ato3bRKGGhDda2dCcI/s1600/MBRavage18x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7svJC-Ri3eXuvpMmMaMm0wo9ma6bWM30lpFxSU5W0fmW2P6MbGS39oZaMedk1lovsU-5z4wYqL41pQSCYg0mN1X15yb12G3U2a4HqKOjeHgIWwiEsJHGQUWT9H-ato3bRKGGhDda2dCcI/s400/MBRavage18x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There is something else that makes MB Ravage fascinating beyond its paperwork. When these former Ceji Joustra Diaclone toys were being repackaged into Milton Bradley boxes or onto Milton Bradley cards, some of them already had Autobot or Decepticon stickers, like the cassettes and minibots. Others didn't. So, one of the jobs at the factory involved adding Autobot/Decepticon factory stickers to some toys, and rubsigns to all toys. They didn't always have enough rubsigns, which is why you find some MB Autobot cars without them, or even featuring them in the wrong place! They did not originally come from Takara with rubsigns as most of them were pre-rub era meant for non-Transformers release.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hasbro Transformers rubsign-era Ravage</td></tr>
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Look at the above rubsign-era Hasbro G1 Ravage. Perfectly normal and common release seen in the UK, North America, Asia etc. The rubsign for this toy ended up on the jaguar's left shoulder and was completely visible in both cassette mode and cat mode, depending on which side of the figure you were looking at.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGi77w2jGD9mpTCKkVN7VSN69Xq5rM2eK1zK_nELCWvMivYLWs6MZUqsqTE25qQxWMorn_Sh-lgNY66f7W_eg83ubeP7FPZ9KTB3c288gu6SQBENm7cg99TNrSNqjHM6QCZMh9gOv9U2x/s1600/MBRavage05x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGi77w2jGD9mpTCKkVN7VSN69Xq5rM2eK1zK_nELCWvMivYLWs6MZUqsqTE25qQxWMorn_Sh-lgNY66f7W_eg83ubeP7FPZ9KTB3c288gu6SQBENm7cg99TNrSNqjHM6QCZMh9gOv9U2x/s400/MBRavage05x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What do you notice about the Milton Bradley Ravage? It's originally from the pre-rub Ravage assembly line so it has the factory Decepticon sticker on its left shoulder instead of a rubsign. It then went on a journey across the world to France where it was stuck into a Diaclone package - or - never made it out to a Diaclone package and instead went into an MB Transformers package. They couldn't put the rubsign over the factory Decepticon sticker...so they put it slap bang in the middle of the cassette on the detailed side, over the tape reel sticker.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IWrqMlGP7yYgq4XK42lZabS82rXu2S-e5PS9MILuoyHi5QX5fD05WWB9qB3_WmwV34ZiwnEAcD_EobF81RdzWWqv8CNFALLPAImlQsS_7hrEBeop0e-aVY1uWHCs6JFvwU2CuHnnHvtV/s1600/MBRavage04x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IWrqMlGP7yYgq4XK42lZabS82rXu2S-e5PS9MILuoyHi5QX5fD05WWB9qB3_WmwV34ZiwnEAcD_EobF81RdzWWqv8CNFALLPAImlQsS_7hrEBeop0e-aVY1uWHCs6JFvwU2CuHnnHvtV/s400/MBRavage04x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is 100% visible in-package and is not the normal location for a rubsign on a G1 Ravage. It doesn't end there, though. As I said, this was not an exact science for Milton Bradley/Ceji or whoever was handling the Transformer-ising of these previous Diaclone toys; there were inconsistencies, evidenced by one of the only other examples of a Milton Bradley Ravage I've seen:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvje6IDwkjBP680-Ju0WJFQMKlWpKLpoYVAIAkGhxM8fcbozkKonAzH4ud3gWShUJGfQ9Zy06IMO-2HDdE6ZQ70him950FDtpqdgHHgkGvQTLWjhUDsDZrxaQuo_8kz_JFcGXT_hzi2Y4/s1600/MBRavageREAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="752" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvje6IDwkjBP680-Ju0WJFQMKlWpKLpoYVAIAkGhxM8fcbozkKonAzH4ud3gWShUJGfQ9Zy06IMO-2HDdE6ZQ70him950FDtpqdgHHgkGvQTLWjhUDsDZrxaQuo_8kz_JFcGXT_hzi2Y4/s400/MBRavageREAL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That MB Ravage specimen ended up with the rubsign on the top of his right thigh! So I guess if you see a G1 Ravage from mainland Europe with the rubsign in a bizarre and unfamiliar location, and also the presence of the factory-applied Decepticon sticker, chances are you've found yourself a Milton Bradley Ravage.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUyRCweoGiw8qO_Kc8UrmDywZbyvkPLx_R7SdMVJb0IjbNHenqaywGsZq6VixZ95BmgMpIDmIYlxVu5ookEfjTw3PVNr09CYNFKwEmrw5cx0aM0oBwpK-WVbozOQqGUyhUN77CiIrNELJ/s1600/MBRavage07x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUyRCweoGiw8qO_Kc8UrmDywZbyvkPLx_R7SdMVJb0IjbNHenqaywGsZq6VixZ95BmgMpIDmIYlxVu5ookEfjTw3PVNr09CYNFKwEmrw5cx0aM0oBwpK-WVbozOQqGUyhUN77CiIrNELJ/s400/MBRavage07x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milton Bradley Ravage (left) - Ceji Joustra Diaclone Jaguar (right)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milton Bradley Ravage (left) - Ceji Joustra Diaclone Jaguar (right)</td></tr>
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Like much of what constitutes a mega-rarity from the early European G1 Transformers releases, this tends to be one for the specialists, in this case Milton Bradley, G1 cassette or Ravage-specific collectors. Apart from the odd rubsign placement in addition to a Decepticon factory sticker, the crazy repackaging journey the toy has been on and the single-character Hasbro-style cardback of the Milton Bradley Ravage, there's nothing to grab the attention of a casual G1 Transformers collector. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7eOejgMd-C7ugyzmJVjSX99BkeJu0J7bd0MOsakWvkQ_UFpMYE-EJdKI3T9c95gTjGMpEi8-N0FcqfqQ1pv6sY22EBHUjd1F6fRxb_A-KYgh30eG2d7vB8yATI5E2tUVKae-xhmjAkda/s1600/MBRavage08x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7eOejgMd-C7ugyzmJVjSX99BkeJu0J7bd0MOsakWvkQ_UFpMYE-EJdKI3T9c95gTjGMpEi8-N0FcqfqQ1pv6sY22EBHUjd1F6fRxb_A-KYgh30eG2d7vB8yATI5E2tUVKae-xhmjAkda/s400/MBRavage08x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think it's fascinating that this is basically the exact same toy as the Ceji Joustra Diaclone, simply repackaged. That doesn't make it Japanese overstock, it makes it European acquired-and-repackaged stock. I find it fascinating that Milton Bradley ended up with a completely unique layout for Ravage (and Laserbeak) when they released them single-carded for the 1985 equivalent of $2.82. I also find it fascinating that MB Ravage has ended up being one of the absolute rarest MB TFs to find for those that specialise in this niche collecting area, up there with the likes of MB Jazz, "<b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/04/milton-bradley-g1-sunswipe.html" target="_blank">Sunswipe</a></b>" and "Thunderscream". Finally, I find it fascinating that basically, from one side of the toy it's a prerub Ravage, and from the other side it's a rubsign Ravage - yet all the while a Micro Change toy that was intended to be sold as "Diaclone"!</div>
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When you consider the fact that I spotted this particular childhood-owned Ravage being sold loose with its bubble and cut up tech spec, and united it with a solitary MB Ravage cardback from a different childhood owner, then ally it to the MB Ravage's complicated global history, you could say that this cat has been on one hell of a journey. And now, he's back at Square One.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ctTIqU9tQ4wxGEULeUMiWnxYl5CvL29x_3KaFW4WWr3bGn4hSQGlhVx8zZmYIBuknftv6EFSjN6mJeAiyLz4UzDQTjO2JWvH6aCiqrmvTLrWGTXCReaOBmhstRZsCrJ7FvghUWkqKtkn/s1600/MBRavage09x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ctTIqU9tQ4wxGEULeUMiWnxYl5CvL29x_3KaFW4WWr3bGn4hSQGlhVx8zZmYIBuknftv6EFSjN6mJeAiyLz4UzDQTjO2JWvH6aCiqrmvTLrWGTXCReaOBmhstRZsCrJ7FvghUWkqKtkn/s400/MBRavage09x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Related Reading:</i></b></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/eurous_frame.php?art=mb" target="_blank">Milton Bradley Transformers (TF-1)</a></b></i></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf_frame.php?art=joustra" target="_blank">Ceji Joustra Diaclone Overview (TF-1)</a><br /><a href="http://20thcenturytoycollector.com/mb-transformers-part-1/" target="_blank">MB Transformers (Parts 1 to 6 - 20th Century Toy Collector)</a></b></i></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-91888154555399545542018-06-24T23:55:00.000+01:002018-06-25T00:41:39.907+01:00The Mysterious G1 Tracks Stickers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Generation 1 Transformers are magical. Not just the toys, but everything that surrounds them, to this day. The fact that I am finding it impossible to do a straightforward stickering of a vintage or reissue G1 toy without finding some mystery, inconsistency or long-ignored point of fascination is a credit to just how mad everything being produced at the time was, and just how much this hobby and this area of Transformers collecting still has to offer even seasoned enthusiasts. This is how I came to discover that most of us have been stickering G1 Tracks incorrectly for 33 years!</div>
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This was supposed to be a straightforward photoshoot of a new Transformers G1 reissue I received recently; the Takara Transformers Collection #4 Tracks. Since I'd decided to take my time photo-documenting or writing about my recent haul of purchases, it's taken me a while to get around to Tracks. The idea was that I would open up the reissue, apply the stickers with the utmost care and then photograph Tracks for my ongoing Transformers reissue and vintage galleries, aiming to showcase G1 toys precisely how they were intended to look by the designers, despite common misconceptions, errors and typical wear affecting such photography of certain figures throughout the years.</div>
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As you can probably guess, just as with the <b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2018/05/hasbro-g1-sixchanger-quickswitch.html" target="_blank">stickering of G1 Quickswitch</a></b>, <b><a href="https://tfsource.com/blog/2018/05/13/news-to-me-2018-edition/" target="_blank">E-Hobby Detritus/G1 Hound</a></b> and G1 Punch-Counterpunch, the process was not at all straightforward. In the case of Tracks, a toy that is as common as any in Generation 1, you would not imagine there would be any ambiguity in the instructions. There are tons of photos of G1 Tracks online, as well as stock photography, artwork and a great deal of reference material. The issue in this case was not to do with a disagreement or inconsistency between official art, imagery and literature, it was more a lack of information overall! Before we get into that, though, G1 Tracks has a colourful past we should talk about.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4tuEnwKWp0ATTS8qEPHwMTryFsxSU-1OsabzDIknMKUjkSPPKfG9kP04z9TCgSea3FPxMa06Ag8-0r7XC2b-vPvqsMpMwt8tnHGo6SOf9oCakp-4xvR14uFvNjfgMw9MBuD-_yz5BVOQ/s1600/DiacloneCorvettes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="1000" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4tuEnwKWp0ATTS8qEPHwMTryFsxSU-1OsabzDIknMKUjkSPPKfG9kP04z9TCgSea3FPxMa06Ag8-0r7XC2b-vPvqsMpMwt8tnHGo6SOf9oCakp-4xvR14uFvNjfgMw9MBuD-_yz5BVOQ/s400/DiacloneCorvettes1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tracks started life as the Takara Diaclone Car Robot No.21 Corvette Stingray, and he was red. Red in Japan, red in Italy (GiG), red in mainland Europe (Ceji Joustra)...and black in Finland.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BMoL5q9DnWLb1A0C5ztSkVqgleUxy5qtUDlS_HxPpZonHXw6tN5c4wy3lvTvpvRewdXO7tKLI4M9_cKycmQTqgmriFQaUirm8_5Ic7TZGw70kBu2M7ixQr_8hPrPakl7OryhSll-VGzM/s1600/box_battle_85_usa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="1500" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BMoL5q9DnWLb1A0C5ztSkVqgleUxy5qtUDlS_HxPpZonHXw6tN5c4wy3lvTvpvRewdXO7tKLI4M9_cKycmQTqgmriFQaUirm8_5Ic7TZGw70kBu2M7ixQr_8hPrPakl7OryhSll-VGzM/s400/box_battle_85_usa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For 1985 back-of-box artwork, Tracks was still depicted in his Diaclone red colour, causing a fair amount of confusion among children and adult collectors for some years until the chronology was ironed out by investigative and collective collector research.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin73P_-tx42GrjbWCWyBeyCW419gys3C7W0tJ7yebRCRoT3KKfPcKIUZ_G_uSINRb_MckgU0WgR5isAJRCxYS-Iz7Xp6FrpB9i6iq4qkGXRV-52Z8d-gq0yXiVg3R_Ofxiw5cLNtjl55_9/s1600/catalog_1985_large_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1014" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin73P_-tx42GrjbWCWyBeyCW419gys3C7W0tJ7yebRCRoT3KKfPcKIUZ_G_uSINRb_MckgU0WgR5isAJRCxYS-Iz7Xp6FrpB9i6iq4qkGXRV-52Z8d-gq0yXiVg3R_Ofxiw5cLNtjl55_9/s400/catalog_1985_large_a.jpg" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1985 US Catalogue</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nqDUUD08HRT8DjLsilJqpCwd6CN9qSNXOVY5h1PEjewoe-vZaS-HTt0W9P35ExFKl_67ed8dkcfq1fj1_cKyrBG8N50IwGCtCcWBSp-nP7thbdHYcJfaBmd4rlRYIOWXEIoIWWCtNMlf/s1600/catalog_uk_1985_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="702" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nqDUUD08HRT8DjLsilJqpCwd6CN9qSNXOVY5h1PEjewoe-vZaS-HTt0W9P35ExFKl_67ed8dkcfq1fj1_cKyrBG8N50IwGCtCcWBSp-nP7thbdHYcJfaBmd4rlRYIOWXEIoIWWCtNMlf/s400/catalog_uk_1985_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1985 UK Catalogue</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mtMtL1-SrR-8V-cQiYz52aeDJzXhXS5_J6jZlLbXVYKzLkY9qKY4R61lIxApPvGHT650zEXUNj_Y8T7eAhil-v8q95nB9sGBNaczGbDX80nn79bpr0FkOuz6fFwEN6xEVKMWoRazaORB/s1600/Tracks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1000" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mtMtL1-SrR-8V-cQiYz52aeDJzXhXS5_J6jZlLbXVYKzLkY9qKY4R61lIxApPvGHT650zEXUNj_Y8T7eAhil-v8q95nB9sGBNaczGbDX80nn79bpr0FkOuz6fFwEN6xEVKMWoRazaORB/s400/Tracks1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Tracks was a blue Corvette for Transformers, but clarity was not aided by the fact that his artwork and stock photography depicted him with a black masked face, given that the toy itself featured a red masked face. The US catalogue photography above shows the black face, and bizarrely, the UK 1985 catalogue shows him with a silver face, much like the Diaclone red Corvette had.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOy_JMpAX2uW0Y-0aHu3uZnEb59SQ-8xDar3jA-k2al90_FBwUOpZuMWlDqD3nYap3tBLyrKc0B0IOCt-WaD8B0cRMCmNUBopi1UCkYbo1ugSjJ3ikw41i7HQykNcf8Ptci9ZKhVyf20wJ/s1600/TracksTFC09x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOy_JMpAX2uW0Y-0aHu3uZnEb59SQ-8xDar3jA-k2al90_FBwUOpZuMWlDqD3nYap3tBLyrKc0B0IOCt-WaD8B0cRMCmNUBopi1UCkYbo1ugSjJ3ikw41i7HQykNcf8Ptci9ZKhVyf20wJ/s400/TracksTFC09x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSeZrhAGLuGvtYB9Gm_Fz6IMuj5stQ1Ae7DsVJEtBB_SsaCqF5N6rRpwq55EWSs_136HAwAMlLHsDF5l7CFQoUPHb8env6XK9fYjxeH7XgfcYBzr1OhZ8qENzFUNc4QVpCmgLDP0tszMi/s1600/TracksTFC10x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSeZrhAGLuGvtYB9Gm_Fz6IMuj5stQ1Ae7DsVJEtBB_SsaCqF5N6rRpwq55EWSs_136HAwAMlLHsDF5l7CFQoUPHb8env6XK9fYjxeH7XgfcYBzr1OhZ8qENzFUNc4QVpCmgLDP0tszMi/s400/TracksTFC10x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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All of this is completely academic, though, right? Surely none of the above need have any effect on adding the stickers to a reissue G1 Tracks, seeing as how by then all of the surrounding Tracks-based mysteries were basically solved. Sure enough, as you can see above, I managed to do a pretty bang up job of putting the stickers onto this absolutely gorgeous figure. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H0VV73jHyNJUa8rvXV9nDlfk80-wYp4phQ5rIOsfZ_2YPbQlNbUK8Ew6HqvRkazQOtKPNil0jyb5JDvrYerHBopXqKtsBSt6j1Bu7R3Vj1SB1CGzsA4nVQZFQAMNIwSYkfR_P-qvgw-1/s1600/TracksTFC11x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H0VV73jHyNJUa8rvXV9nDlfk80-wYp4phQ5rIOsfZ_2YPbQlNbUK8Ew6HqvRkazQOtKPNil0jyb5JDvrYerHBopXqKtsBSt6j1Bu7R3Vj1SB1CGzsA4nVQZFQAMNIwSYkfR_P-qvgw-1/s400/TracksTFC11x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It never ceases to amaze me how terribly easy it is to put a sticker on a G1 toy incorrectly; whether it is simple misalignment, incorrect orientation or errant placement due to misinterpretation of the instructions, specifically the sticker application map. With Tracks, we know the flames go on the hood, we know what way up the wing stickers go, we are aware of the little Autobot symbol on the back window, the waist sticker and the knee stickers. The box art, stock photography and many online examples guide the way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUJ_ZHAPHb2MpzStccqD6c6txscvvc9_ef5ADT2QaimCNo0UyKa02iujCNaPhncUIJCEbe-v-EJtVTnb_AWpKlPP3QHX-ySbs3ALUBKVhsEMT07atx9wd9RDvZkh1dmjKPIGu98fXzQKE/s1600/TracksTFC16x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUJ_ZHAPHb2MpzStccqD6c6txscvvc9_ef5ADT2QaimCNo0UyKa02iujCNaPhncUIJCEbe-v-EJtVTnb_AWpKlPP3QHX-ySbs3ALUBKVhsEMT07atx9wd9RDvZkh1dmjKPIGu98fXzQKE/s400/TracksTFC16x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's still not easy, though. Those foot stickers have to go on absolutely correctly and experience undulation in two places, but still be aligned with the toes and the angled top of the feet/ankles! The lower shin stickers have to be aligned with the sides and the top of that cavity, and still be placed accurately within that sloping recess; not easy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIJOoYbpy2ggCUDh8rTA7k2eKLgGjO_YxLS_ZPkYx9a-cKBZlaAPLo2EP6ix6_qajqIMMtQDpL1wmMUKIbGkWJZrFPybCvzJLOVWK7IZ7EcTDsItTLddZZBbt1uiLJMcIE9C-VQMcsUq-/s1600/RRstickers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="600" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIJOoYbpy2ggCUDh8rTA7k2eKLgGjO_YxLS_ZPkYx9a-cKBZlaAPLo2EP6ix6_qajqIMMtQDpL1wmMUKIbGkWJZrFPybCvzJLOVWK7IZ7EcTDsItTLddZZBbt1uiLJMcIE9C-VQMcsUq-/s400/RRstickers2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then, folks, then we get to the stickers that have to go on the missile launchers and the backpack attachment. Stickers 8, 9 and 10 on the above reissue Tracks stickersheet. No problem, I guess, since the instructions and old G1 Tracks instructions, box art etc have been helpful so far.</div>
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Think again.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgat1xErDTylffmC0pF0LFGXmxrvzTBTW8E9kd21pCe5Y1hxF28DTKuCYzzK4XU5cCi8Ev2YkbErfLddThqdGkhkRJlkMEgCA8Xg5id9_yJIQOWLXadoKFYHbDnfxfV_c9yKcXReAIPUYbE/s1600/instr_tracks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgat1xErDTylffmC0pF0LFGXmxrvzTBTW8E9kd21pCe5Y1hxF28DTKuCYzzK4XU5cCi8Ev2YkbErfLddThqdGkhkRJlkMEgCA8Xg5id9_yJIQOWLXadoKFYHbDnfxfV_c9yKcXReAIPUYbE/s400/instr_tracks.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G1 Tracks instructions - sticker application map</td></tr>
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<br />This is the sticker application map from the G1 Tracks instructions. The same graphic is used in the reissue instruction sheet which is modelled on the 44 Tracks Takara release. It's absolutely tiny, and I could barely make out where stickers 9 and 10 were supposed to go, especially as the graphic for the backpack seems to be back to front, or at least has the launchers facing the wrong way. The locations of stickers 9 and 10 (the green strips) seem to be on the rear of the backpack attachment, where the vents are. So basically, they'd always be behind the figure when the robot - or the flying car attack mode - were viewed from the front.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2fQag5lZ59Q2luWylAQqyOcpMwz_baNFwDndKE-F_B3LQi7ayv5XRU1CULKumOstrq3wArm780EzY3VQY4YDDZeU3kOByoL_RRgUh_rocY-G1mcaHE9gfkiw5w_Ea68JR5t_ZwNr69a6/s1600/tracks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="850" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2fQag5lZ59Q2luWylAQqyOcpMwz_baNFwDndKE-F_B3LQi7ayv5XRU1CULKumOstrq3wArm780EzY3VQY4YDDZeU3kOByoL_RRgUh_rocY-G1mcaHE9gfkiw5w_Ea68JR5t_ZwNr69a6/s400/tracks.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G1 Tracks box art</td></tr>
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This was in agreement with the box art. The green strip stickers for the backpack should be on the back of that attachment, and therefore the artwork above does not show them. Despite this apparent confirmation, I could not find enough evidence online from other collectors' photos to establish a most commonly accepted location for each sticker. Everyone seemed to be doing it differently, or just not at all!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyhrtesxphxUbpMiD8XOSCc-xWgDk-OWZSFt5ny8L9UdrdVZn5LLJz8EruiMoCnGvF6ZKQG2IDv0I_SrLppY7y5VSfiy9qBUpk7cMFf3d_sdfAUve0Bc7hiP2y6nOdEPmzcKQ06D1s7Lv/s1600/MPTracks09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyhrtesxphxUbpMiD8XOSCc-xWgDk-OWZSFt5ny8L9UdrdVZn5LLJz8EruiMoCnGvF6ZKQG2IDv0I_SrLppY7y5VSfiy9qBUpk7cMFf3d_sdfAUve0Bc7hiP2y6nOdEPmzcKQ06D1s7Lv/s400/MPTracks09.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TakaraTomy Masterpiece MP-25 Tracks</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId6amqR_p2CZtuK276254nAdagM1zh11zugkHMpv3e15r7QAWzXrDWQMv74wJllNaonY25xd0EcRlLQE8NvzdXFlcH386_s_VUk92mUuDPFvjGBPcuXtfGd4PVTgih0gt3xRCsxyrRaim/s1600/tracks+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId6amqR_p2CZtuK276254nAdagM1zh11zugkHMpv3e15r7QAWzXrDWQMv74wJllNaonY25xd0EcRlLQE8NvzdXFlcH386_s_VUk92mUuDPFvjGBPcuXtfGd4PVTgih0gt3xRCsxyrRaim/s400/tracks+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G1 cartoon Tracks</td></tr>
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Even more bizarre was the fact that Masterpiece MP-25 Tracks had the sticker detail (not green but yellow band with a red band/triangle running through the middle) on the front of the backpack, identical to the cartoon depiction of Tracks! Now we know the animators took some liberties with how they depicted these G1 Transformers in the cartoon when compared to the toys, I mean, Tracks had a humanoid face for one thing! But, on this occasion, they were onto something.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqxp4_QTUa2MucCE3iNoFDTN7SApbgL6EQ2PDGoTmAushBdPSjlrvEBxcu6C6U7fIrFzFfgo869Zgofu4rQPyOhp7vR0g4zQic7GPc3Z1M_N8XcTAfcAMH1BmU5Dd1mYqqRJF6y3B8cM6/s1600/RRDstickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="580" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqxp4_QTUa2MucCE3iNoFDTN7SApbgL6EQ2PDGoTmAushBdPSjlrvEBxcu6C6U7fIrFzFfgo869Zgofu4rQPyOhp7vR0g4zQic7GPc3Z1M_N8XcTAfcAMH1BmU5Dd1mYqqRJF6y3B8cM6/s400/RRDstickers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Takara Diaclone Corvette Stingray stickersheet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDntFGIMBsZBwrllktxhuP-OwrEwcriIJPBH8JiaB8Tg8IVJs-kZiz_R68ISjdvYMki2aSK9G8I7kqALGAw_wbN8pYTgJs0nKA3IuQLZZawLwV1hq_M94LD_ykuLe8vwC07NAfO4khC1yL/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDntFGIMBsZBwrllktxhuP-OwrEwcriIJPBH8JiaB8Tg8IVJs-kZiz_R68ISjdvYMki2aSK9G8I7kqALGAw_wbN8pYTgJs0nKA3IuQLZZawLwV1hq_M94LD_ykuLe8vwC07NAfO4khC1yL/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Takara Finnish Diaclone Corvette Stingray instructions</td></tr>
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<br />I decided to go back to the source; Takara Diaclone instructions. I didn't have any handy, unfortunately, just the above picture of the Finnish version instructions and the Diaclone stickersheet. The sticker application map was there in the bottom left-hand corner, and from what I could make out, the green strip stickers 9 and 10 (top right of stickersheet) were in a different place to the Transformers instructions. I needed a better close-up photo and more evidence.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL06gM3pyTzPIwUeHf-g65G-EsgiUUBDAWB7tcF-tK6wPA0vBZKvv7pysJbTDAVCYKljR3lr58RkA8pkqo5qPmLke5kDDNlkx4vdUG-4z6WUAZpm6kK3evzHYj-iqvzJhZcUfSmGrenk4o/s1600/Corvette600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL06gM3pyTzPIwUeHf-g65G-EsgiUUBDAWB7tcF-tK6wPA0vBZKvv7pysJbTDAVCYKljR3lr58RkA8pkqo5qPmLke5kDDNlkx4vdUG-4z6WUAZpm6kK3evzHYj-iqvzJhZcUfSmGrenk4o/s400/Corvette600.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Takara Diaclone Corvette Stingray box art</td></tr>
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<br />Have a look at the original Japanese (and Italian and Finnish) Diaclone Corvette Stingray box art. What do you see on the front of his backpack attachment above his head? YES! The green strip sticker! That green strip was edited out for the G1 Tracks box art - along with the downward-pointing gun (G1 Tracks had the stock shortened so he could actually point the gun up, unlike the Diaclone) and the feet being closer together. Diaclone stock photography, albeit of the Stingray mock up proto, also shows the green strip sticker (sticker 10) on the front of the backpack. But where's sticker 9, the shorter and patterned green strip sticker, supposed to go?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKS-OIn9AL1ceIFKabKe3Jh3D_b-XLZYjLrKv_0vWc3uA24-b5AscSUey3VEOnISy3hPRpP80SshUGFC4YETDEwY1nVMJ9xZ1Pgf4bJYkQUCM23YMV7sTYKp98CRCWtVcJgh0jj3CRZS6b/s1600/34985237_1885152591542677_6289529775887220736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="498" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKS-OIn9AL1ceIFKabKe3Jh3D_b-XLZYjLrKv_0vWc3uA24-b5AscSUey3VEOnISy3hPRpP80SshUGFC4YETDEwY1nVMJ9xZ1Pgf4bJYkQUCM23YMV7sTYKp98CRCWtVcJgh0jj3CRZS6b/s400/34985237_1885152591542677_6289529775887220736_n.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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A close-up of the Diaclone sticker application map shows clearly that sticker 10 goes on the front of the backpack, not the back of it where Transformers instructions suggest. Sticker 9 is shown just above it, but with a black and white photograph, it's still very inconclusive. However...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUmuRr8UEbMc_5RVe4bctWVcH3nZVOKEkiBi9_4tTkrLnvcthdoGtLkFmP3xfAZDGknfbtm5PAzrAIIAkLaJVGRlmTqniPILoJ5BGYNNu2VNQoYE5qSIIs11ndXn5lEHA-9L9-a3pfRzT/s1600/35932368_1885167961541140_2066330472870313984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="960" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUmuRr8UEbMc_5RVe4bctWVcH3nZVOKEkiBi9_4tTkrLnvcthdoGtLkFmP3xfAZDGknfbtm5PAzrAIIAkLaJVGRlmTqniPILoJ5BGYNNu2VNQoYE5qSIIs11ndXn5lEHA-9L9-a3pfRzT/s400/35932368_1885167961541140_2066330472870313984_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...a close-up of the attack mode photo from the centre of the Diaclone instruction sheet gives it away. The whole toy is now shown as being stickered up, with the stickers showing up as white on the black and white image. You can see sticker 10 on the front of the backpack with the red triangle in the middle pointing downwards - just like with G1 Toon and Masterpiece Tracks! You can also see the shorter sticker 9 slap bang in the middle of the detailed moulding on the top of the backpack. Not the front of it like sticker 10, not the back of it like the G1 instructions say, but right on the top.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLSOklPuD64sjwISG0SRW2R5LIyItjptBNrtnc48sEjPtm6OOPtFR69SNvAyGBpiZ4nYWkUh5KhLqJ7JEYYamBZZ_ysHkq15bDcBqf0-plEvg-F53rH2dSJXAErxqqijiTDv-lJXu1TpH/s1600/instr_tracks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLSOklPuD64sjwISG0SRW2R5LIyItjptBNrtnc48sEjPtm6OOPtFR69SNvAyGBpiZ4nYWkUh5KhLqJ7JEYYamBZZ_ysHkq15bDcBqf0-plEvg-F53rH2dSJXAErxqqijiTDv-lJXu1TpH/s400/instr_tracks2.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G1 Tracks sticker application map - flipped!</td></tr>
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<br />Check out the above sticker application map for G1 Tracks again. Remember I said that the backpack graphic was the wrong way up? Well I cropped the main backpack attachment graphic in Photoshop and rotated it 180 degrees, but kept the location of stickers 9 and 10 in exactly the same place as on the original depiction. Guess what? That's right, the placement for 9 and 10 now perfectly mirrors the Diaclone instructions; sticker 10 in the front edge of the backpack and sticker 9 on top of the backpack in the middle of all the moulded detail!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgFSCNmZ4aq0eisgWH2WXEzhVgHwfd7sOhj0lzkfvlX92qwFESZntrXOR4HyavAq_7YNrbgtJTBF8fnXWkrCEkNA1cGwoLbOofUF1YedV1mOMvV-lZ0UXvqa_qsFzQPi2NXLo3xSCo5MX/s1600/TracksTFC15x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1316" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgFSCNmZ4aq0eisgWH2WXEzhVgHwfd7sOhj0lzkfvlX92qwFESZntrXOR4HyavAq_7YNrbgtJTBF8fnXWkrCEkNA1cGwoLbOofUF1YedV1mOMvV-lZ0UXvqa_qsFzQPi2NXLo3xSCo5MX/s400/TracksTFC15x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBSM1fvYNo6Ydr66fyXSZtL96heuMrvK-fLJmEzUHYjJcLRBuOgvnESmBLBlNplu5WwT5Ig9pgzkhPAlDxVH3kYAi8y6t4sGAQcMU8Lc5tcZNs2b1FSxnvR7McFH1QtTofC4uLfNBXbgP/s1600/TracksTFC17x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1500" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBSM1fvYNo6Ydr66fyXSZtL96heuMrvK-fLJmEzUHYjJcLRBuOgvnESmBLBlNplu5WwT5Ig9pgzkhPAlDxVH3kYAi8y6t4sGAQcMU8Lc5tcZNs2b1FSxnvR7McFH1QtTofC4uLfNBXbgP/s400/TracksTFC17x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sure enough, among all of the fancy circuitry moulded into the top of Tracks' backpack, there is a flat and blank rectangular space, perfect for placing sticker 9. This was clearly documented in Diaclone paperwork and even evident in Diaclone stock photography and the box art. For whatever reason, the G1 instructions featuring the sticker application map had the backpack printed upside down, with the stickers shown to belong in the wrong place, on the back of the backpack where they'd basically never be seen unless Tracks was viewed from the back in robot or attack mode! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72FQ1A4KfxtVsGre6swn4ylRoyRWCZllupAhumx3uTFfOYZMzYoHoNd7twyBii4VTF3Ad60d8PIDVazOiwRNW4Z9vfLRMJ4_qL08fMKrNhN-AcCzZOVn9PB0xl-wwmtgMTE6rkFopQhB0/s1600/TracksTFC03x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72FQ1A4KfxtVsGre6swn4ylRoyRWCZllupAhumx3uTFfOYZMzYoHoNd7twyBii4VTF3Ad60d8PIDVazOiwRNW4Z9vfLRMJ4_qL08fMKrNhN-AcCzZOVn9PB0xl-wwmtgMTE6rkFopQhB0/s400/TracksTFC03x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9uFWRIPnU6ryisPETfO-7WY9bszP8ahf9nAWi3ViVmg7RPfEkaC_EhWEeaqXkzRXN8nN21ZrBw6SV_cuwJoaC3f-yp1XqHDjranJVLs6qC5GOe5Mbst2sEHexE6KSiyhhA8ncdouHfkC/s1600/TracksTFC04x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9uFWRIPnU6ryisPETfO-7WY9bszP8ahf9nAWi3ViVmg7RPfEkaC_EhWEeaqXkzRXN8nN21ZrBw6SV_cuwJoaC3f-yp1XqHDjranJVLs6qC5GOe5Mbst2sEHexE6KSiyhhA8ncdouHfkC/s400/TracksTFC04x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWxXWxpcAYfNvksPrb3mAKbwF1ZNUv5w3Nkym1KdbJtApV6k1ChNI4YmDNbKc6PQbsnqVo1zdgBDAZGxLoEzws3UPr5OjjcD7pGQfOC1kcHdxwVk0ExDC5UxANRFvUvKGs618k4c2PvvZ/s1600/TracksTFC05x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWxXWxpcAYfNvksPrb3mAKbwF1ZNUv5w3Nkym1KdbJtApV6k1ChNI4YmDNbKc6PQbsnqVo1zdgBDAZGxLoEzws3UPr5OjjcD7pGQfOC1kcHdxwVk0ExDC5UxANRFvUvKGs618k4c2PvvZ/s400/TracksTFC05x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVurVBfiLTNWgta92UOzFzmXNS9_ZZ0Qozo6UQcwvJ9jjLqZXt6rMrPjOXRFa5LJ1eUMIv09Icq_uq_wq6rwMOgmM7lkF2_NHfv60ov52x7-lIOL9eHg2WWuT8i5dS3l9WBC5TzsV4qLPD/s1600/TracksTFC06x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVurVBfiLTNWgta92UOzFzmXNS9_ZZ0Qozo6UQcwvJ9jjLqZXt6rMrPjOXRFa5LJ1eUMIv09Icq_uq_wq6rwMOgmM7lkF2_NHfv60ov52x7-lIOL9eHg2WWuT8i5dS3l9WBC5TzsV4qLPD/s400/TracksTFC06x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I still find it fascinating that the G1 cartoon animators (and subsequently Masterpiece) got it right, despite the incorrect G1 toy depiction in his paperwork and art, but maybe their reference was the original Diaclone stuff. It's entirely possible seeing as how Bluestreak ended up resembling his silver and black Diaclone predecessor and Swoop ended up in the Diaclone colours too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhl4e0q_lisHROwAuhTegETIvdSoogBexj1HhdIXfuXf1tbc_AuaiD3bAWeqp8ftQXPl4weuOD3LoBsW2wO_9zVznjoRXvU8bcnDGbJZZZS8EK8oY9DRBtD0OYA-qGm-8NcHc1SfrEBAH/s1600/TracksTFC07x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhl4e0q_lisHROwAuhTegETIvdSoogBexj1HhdIXfuXf1tbc_AuaiD3bAWeqp8ftQXPl4weuOD3LoBsW2wO_9zVznjoRXvU8bcnDGbJZZZS8EK8oY9DRBtD0OYA-qGm-8NcHc1SfrEBAH/s400/TracksTFC07x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn0JD9ry7yD_puUPrs4CVFozEYJh3cp7sHJl9yT243TpQYJwCvCYtIf9AM8ddUleEXfadueyvaxOP_R5NIIn_xL4C45NXHZ3hO95xPUVX-hlwHsBJOUaTFScbY0OSwDcLrZBZCCbISezU/s1600/TracksTFC08x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn0JD9ry7yD_puUPrs4CVFozEYJh3cp7sHJl9yT243TpQYJwCvCYtIf9AM8ddUleEXfadueyvaxOP_R5NIIn_xL4C45NXHZ3hO95xPUVX-hlwHsBJOUaTFScbY0OSwDcLrZBZCCbISezU/s400/TracksTFC08x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It makes absolutely perfect sense for stickers 9 and 10 to be on the front of the pack and visible in all modes. The colour scheme matches most of Tracks' stickers and it adds necessary detail to that part of the toy that remains in sight. I should mention that both parts of sticker 8, the strips that go around the launchers, had trouble staying down. I had to get the Toyhax Stickerfixer out immediately to ensure adhesion! Those were very tricky to keep aligned as I rotated the launcher between my fingers, sticking down the long strip as it curved around the circumference of each launcher.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uTsQHch-itVBED0M-Xg5GXQnPf9gOHgvr8xP_fx5RP4ILnyLcdK2ZZxqFX5hZ21flOTWw6jS9qf-rlH26haZKXpDzMbulYNphwLnUaCO7_bTVMfWxlsJgSuYDR4AmaTYcd5IeXUz6vEh/s1600/TracksTFC12x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uTsQHch-itVBED0M-Xg5GXQnPf9gOHgvr8xP_fx5RP4ILnyLcdK2ZZxqFX5hZ21flOTWw6jS9qf-rlH26haZKXpDzMbulYNphwLnUaCO7_bTVMfWxlsJgSuYDR4AmaTYcd5IeXUz6vEh/s400/TracksTFC12x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsnVdvECZisypJuMZ7AW_TnYm2FMhXPQBDuB1snjSjL0r7OCon2Ixg9bD3j5x1iK1026uw6WDJUYEJTXiYOeCdG2YDPlUeUJ9qQNEPDOpy67RHr1mZnntuBOqBTqebmOIlTXQyNjuKhQY/s1600/TracksTFC13x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsnVdvECZisypJuMZ7AW_TnYm2FMhXPQBDuB1snjSjL0r7OCon2Ixg9bD3j5x1iK1026uw6WDJUYEJTXiYOeCdG2YDPlUeUJ9qQNEPDOpy67RHr1mZnntuBOqBTqebmOIlTXQyNjuKhQY/s400/TracksTFC13x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3D1_LIbmTiZPgsVLn24kQ-ogjnQXYhJgNVRk73V-fxnpfRL7xsSnWmmHq5wax7blPrDmPNGNKzsJ1tsifac7lKL0DOyYlc4pexTGkVObUWtw4t7EZsP2RAKcCz9Y0bYHnDgcRhzmHI4jY/s1600/TracksTFC20x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3D1_LIbmTiZPgsVLn24kQ-ogjnQXYhJgNVRk73V-fxnpfRL7xsSnWmmHq5wax7blPrDmPNGNKzsJ1tsifac7lKL0DOyYlc4pexTGkVObUWtw4t7EZsP2RAKcCz9Y0bYHnDgcRhzmHI4jY/s400/TracksTFC20x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A perfectly stickered Generation 1 Transformers figure makes for a breathtaking sight. The fact that the stickers were often so bright and colourful, as well as complementary to the aesthetic of the toys, means that having them in perfect condition really elevates the displayability and impact of the figures exponentially when compared to worn specimens. </div>
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I'd like to believe that now, after a night of research and community contributions, as well as a huge amount of surgical care on my part, I have a 100% perfectly stickered G1 Tracks that looks entirely as its designers intended it to straight out of the box. I've had unused Diaclone Corvettes and unused G1 Tracks specimens, I've even had perfect reissues of all colours and versions of this mould, but this is the first time I have had a perfect stickered specimen, and it sings more harmoniously than I have ever known this toy to do so before in my possession. </div>
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I love G1 Tracks, I love Generation 1 Transformers and I love the seemingly endless number of mysteries, inconsistencies and stories it continues to present me with so many years after its time. I also love that I had to go all the way back to Diaclone to get the answers to this riddle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6E0jU6azPCuujrXXP-vAANiwf86z47-etKLU_Jm55WSWnJ8D9g7ldhJkyiHZPAqny0SM1aHPclwAtlcsB2LDiZD1KyqoBgW33CFUrkDMVk6y5n8MuSVVyHtftuNltRerI7RjzHj9b7aG/s1600/TracksTFC18x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1500" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6E0jU6azPCuujrXXP-vAANiwf86z47-etKLU_Jm55WSWnJ8D9g7ldhJkyiHZPAqny0SM1aHPclwAtlcsB2LDiZD1KyqoBgW33CFUrkDMVk6y5n8MuSVVyHtftuNltRerI7RjzHj9b7aG/s400/TracksTFC18x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Many kind thanks to Jerry Arnold (Diaclone Corvette instruction close-ups) and Botch The Crab (G1 Tracks instructions and box art) for outstanding contributions and assistance.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Related Reading:</i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf_frame.php?art=blacktracks" target="_blank">Diaclone Black Corvette Stingray (Tracks) and Lucky Draw Reissue Black Tracks</a></i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/04/diaclone-black-tracks.html" target="_blank">Diaclone Black Tracks</a></i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue_frame.php?art=Roadrage" target="_blank">E-Hobby Exclusive 94 "Road Rage"</a></i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/04/milton-bradley-g1-red-tracks.html" target="_blank">Milton Bradley G1 "Red Tracks"</a></i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/05/takara-g1-44-tracks-quickie.html" target="_blank">Takara G1 44 Tracks Quickie</a></i></b></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-80917278544423484582018-06-23T00:39:00.000+01:002018-06-23T00:44:23.456+01:00Plasticos IGA G1 "Hoistbreaker" Hoist Quickie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVRBN1TDEEqdjPies-7PcXXbbDQD3T02ZrFRi8VB9NX2ZiOvusyXtlFNsrOXsg6C7Bilm4w3bWXmPUMiw4zwnbAsw7xrZV8smEM_tOzSFxFpDuDq9rn-uAUW2x6EiJg4r8PTG06pWBaxQ/s1600/Mexhoist14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVRBN1TDEEqdjPies-7PcXXbbDQD3T02ZrFRi8VB9NX2ZiOvusyXtlFNsrOXsg6C7Bilm4w3bWXmPUMiw4zwnbAsw7xrZV8smEM_tOzSFxFpDuDq9rn-uAUW2x6EiJg4r8PTG06pWBaxQ/s400/Mexhoist14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I recently picked up another Plasticos IGA G1 Hoist, that is a Mexican Hoist with a green Trailbreaker head! This toy is from 1986 and is a famous Transformers variant; one of the finest examples of repainting an old mould instead of using the updated parts of the retool - even if it involved not updating the head, the most character-giving part of the toy! You can read in-depth analysis of the 'Hoistbreaker' from Mexico in my <b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2015/05/mexican-g1-trailbreaker-head-hoist.html" target="_blank">Mexican G1 "Trailbreaker Head" Hoist</a></b> piece for this blog and also the <b><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/mex_frame.php?art=mexhoist" target="_blank">TF-1 article</a></b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJRtnpt_akmHNS-mE5eCqwhaMP4bYYk1Em-D-FYohGXMP1_XURjLPWIK2QUUnXNP4Npcfm7hDfz1tgBKlStBwjpOUjpmeuOGQ6jFIAqkI1u12STdPN_ZZgDR9Elmm7qdIba5FV0nqbHOr/s1600/Mexhoist15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJRtnpt_akmHNS-mE5eCqwhaMP4bYYk1Em-D-FYohGXMP1_XURjLPWIK2QUUnXNP4Npcfm7hDfz1tgBKlStBwjpOUjpmeuOGQ6jFIAqkI1u12STdPN_ZZgDR9Elmm7qdIba5FV0nqbHOr/s400/Mexhoist15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There's no new discoveries to mention or any new ground to tread here, I just thought it would be a nice opportunity to highlight this fantastic variant once again, seeing as I'm lucky enough to have another specimen in hand. It's interesting how every subsequent Mexican Hoist I receive seems to be of lesser condition than the last. This one is complete, but there is sticker peeling, chrome wear and even a missing roof hatch. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATwmN7I35iAW8MBK6d3gU_g0eGXjsYJ3nuTL61AFOU9H_8WAK7j0vxRsAglfbE_G7cihyphenhyphenc4eTTqPojQt27rd61GFYAmy67FS2ELte_ZLthIoEMWsSEze5kVMbL9P_-LDNFgoEykciQAk3/s1600/Mexhoist16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1464" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATwmN7I35iAW8MBK6d3gU_g0eGXjsYJ3nuTL61AFOU9H_8WAK7j0vxRsAglfbE_G7cihyphenhyphenc4eTTqPojQt27rd61GFYAmy67FS2ELte_ZLthIoEMWsSEze5kVMbL9P_-LDNFgoEykciQAk3/s400/Mexhoist16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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By now, you probably already know what sets this Mexican version of G1 Hoist apart, but let's go over it again anyway, because it's just so damn cool. "Hoistbreaker" here has a Trailbreaker head in Hoist colours, seeing as how Plasticos IGA did not use the updated Diaclone Wrecker/Transformers Hoist head mould, but hey at least he has the vehicle parts and isn't just a 100% green Trailbreaker!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqkmPpIM-JUe3KxuUJsoknZMxq2icT42QKgeRSWnMpheHLIgLxQjma7ix_kTgaAU5r8mC6QwZqtzmtwIRK1FM3f3B7wbMbHo5Vjep83JjnZQjYSpKOXoSCJNnGLBE9CfrJ61epsLc7GsT/s1600/Mexhoist17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqkmPpIM-JUe3KxuUJsoknZMxq2icT42QKgeRSWnMpheHLIgLxQjma7ix_kTgaAU5r8mC6QwZqtzmtwIRK1FM3f3B7wbMbHo5Vjep83JjnZQjYSpKOXoSCJNnGLBE9CfrJ61epsLc7GsT/s400/Mexhoist17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That head really is magnificent. The stickers are of lower quality than the stock Hasbro and Takara stuff from the 1980s, most notably the striped stickers that run along the length of the vehicle mode. They are thinner, have much less detailing and the printing quality has really affected the colours of the stickers. They appear faded when placed next to a Hasbro Hoist and its factory labels.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx5SIULbGrf9z5ldqWaWKNtjAqSbJ0bmqI1zuzrzMpJkEdUSnXw8ug0PGjBhlko2cjIh0mPzQXWqI4GPv4R1-T_wapAn3XzIeGXYmzJhBs3BeA_0l7Pujk1VaLAfCj4ffl-NKd8DFQtjQ/s1600/Mexhoist22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx5SIULbGrf9z5ldqWaWKNtjAqSbJ0bmqI1zuzrzMpJkEdUSnXw8ug0PGjBhlko2cjIh0mPzQXWqI4GPv4R1-T_wapAn3XzIeGXYmzJhBs3BeA_0l7Pujk1VaLAfCj4ffl-NKd8DFQtjQ/s400/Mexhoist22.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plasticos IGA Hoist left - Hasbro Hoist right</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Um5tNH73QjummIYAhoRVxl06Mub1IWlN0D2g5FgxbRzreDwZDFavIqtj9uXR0NlIzHFDdJQ-LfA4zYKjjh5g7dlY5Qe2XZGomwzkW3_GReW25pfs77deM3QJUInDIoqRjucV-2nHRJfp/s1600/Mexhoist23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Um5tNH73QjummIYAhoRVxl06Mub1IWlN0D2g5FgxbRzreDwZDFavIqtj9uXR0NlIzHFDdJQ-LfA4zYKjjh5g7dlY5Qe2XZGomwzkW3_GReW25pfs77deM3QJUInDIoqRjucV-2nHRJfp/s400/Mexhoist23.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plasticos IGA Hoist left - Hasbro Hoist right</td></tr>
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Notice also how the Hasbro Hoist has a consistent green shade across the painted die-cast and moulded plastic sections, whereas the IGA Hoist shows a very distinct difference. The orange plastic on the IGA Hoist is a different shade as well - meaning that if you get an incomplete one, you're going to find it very tough going to get authentic matching parts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulOmJ7KY_86PC5m_uvYR1M5XJxGxLm5inORRngIvOdSguaQD5dIaHKnxAnrdaZdbbdHHqOJvR2EFj_6HEM6ESJWWHVv9TRzX5t3agigaAkxiI8l22m3wJ6IN6Dk74xdV2LZwqHIM63YbV/s1600/Mexhoist19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulOmJ7KY_86PC5m_uvYR1M5XJxGxLm5inORRngIvOdSguaQD5dIaHKnxAnrdaZdbbdHHqOJvR2EFj_6HEM6ESJWWHVv9TRzX5t3agigaAkxiI8l22m3wJ6IN6Dk74xdV2LZwqHIM63YbV/s400/Mexhoist19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The head assembly doesn't quite connect as snugly or securely with the torso in robot mode compared to Hasbro Hoist, either, but that's a common lower quality trait for Mexican TFs versus their HasTak counterparts. I also find the orange plastic bits a little more fragile in feel and I'm concerned about bending or even stressing the fold-down towing section.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_jbyvihZ9iDnbpx6XC9ueGAHgtLXVsI2vfRW8AZpuA99khjGD40syW039Xe4xoUYAGHXPNpt6yu8sIeIroKNI8LXttNDavU3Zosjvgo-v6g4qX1THqjuROeoOlYm60IQJq9dPoNF0Oj2/s1600/Mexhoist20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_jbyvihZ9iDnbpx6XC9ueGAHgtLXVsI2vfRW8AZpuA99khjGD40syW039Xe4xoUYAGHXPNpt6yu8sIeIroKNI8LXttNDavU3Zosjvgo-v6g4qX1THqjuROeoOlYm60IQJq9dPoNF0Oj2/s400/Mexhoist20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrv1h1D58vfMjs96C2tRBEaNxXs-d5jtVx-5FD3Zdw-8Ds-ecDhOdV8vV6dUsXOayi9GSiRJ2rdSWvOVZIoRFPpyMbcge-VtfkeFHTHm2rx_ElLRdq2KPgzsXNBQa1G6u9eF1QrkSOKNM/s1600/Mexhoist21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrv1h1D58vfMjs96C2tRBEaNxXs-d5jtVx-5FD3Zdw-8Ds-ecDhOdV8vV6dUsXOayi9GSiRJ2rdSWvOVZIoRFPpyMbcge-VtfkeFHTHm2rx_ElLRdq2KPgzsXNBQa1G6u9eF1QrkSOKNM/s400/Mexhoist21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plasticos IGA Hoist and Plasticos IGA CLiffjumper</td></tr>
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As I said in my last article on Mexican Hoist, they've grown in popularity with the general awareness of variants in the community, and they have gotten more expensive and tricky to locate. I got super lucky with this one as the (experienced) eBay seller did not list it as a Mexican one, so it just goes to show that it's still possible to get them for a bargain! Just like the old days.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRkmke374xtgVONOFyTKUSRb3CaSWN8G6vRW5ik1PPJ7Hb_KB1T-fsvcZ4g5JVPI8EBg4FSzAetn7V7jHKc2hpwlMjfBpJ1d-5gQnQQP1K2Kgd0U6IeDnNY5DnV4O60ouuGaWZm2Vt1St/s1600/Mexhoist13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRkmke374xtgVONOFyTKUSRb3CaSWN8G6vRW5ik1PPJ7Hb_KB1T-fsvcZ4g5JVPI8EBg4FSzAetn7V7jHKc2hpwlMjfBpJ1d-5gQnQQP1K2Kgd0U6IeDnNY5DnV4O60ouuGaWZm2Vt1St/s400/Mexhoist13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Excuse the older pic, but just to run through the final differences, Mexican Hoist has a raised bar across the "Japan" section of the copyright since he was not manufactured there. He is also lacking a rubsign, and if I had the roof flap, you'd see a regular paper-y Autobot sticker there instead of a rubsign like the Hasbro one has.</div>
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I say this every time I feature the Mexican G1 Hoist, but it bears repeating; if you can get your hands on this toy, do it. It's one of the more fascinating and charming of the classic G1 Transformers variants.</div>
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<b><i>Related Reading:</i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2015/05/mexican-g1-trailbreaker-head-hoist.html" target="_blank">Mexican G1 "Tralbreaker Head" Hoist</a><br /><a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/mex_frame.php?art=mexhoist" target="_blank">Mexican Hoist (w/ Green Trailbreaker Head)</a></i></b></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236113499472054360.post-83644867527733572092018-06-19T23:44:00.000+01:002018-06-19T23:50:37.542+01:00Another Hasbro G1 "Orange Canopy" Ramjet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1i2lrrtXUfFoZDZaF1fizRoPjqZlG2q3ju4Fu8eYrEkJEVK28_MT4b6mE-ZiTCFRh6q0scY_gOvZU3LdjEA0r4fnu7OSrGXSE4uC78hERsH_crwfnI4QfQm0he_IKl-GTDAoBaph8ozu/s1600/Orangjet6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1i2lrrtXUfFoZDZaF1fizRoPjqZlG2q3ju4Fu8eYrEkJEVK28_MT4b6mE-ZiTCFRh6q0scY_gOvZU3LdjEA0r4fnu7OSrGXSE4uC78hERsH_crwfnI4QfQm0he_IKl-GTDAoBaph8ozu/s400/Orangjet6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Hasbro G1 Ramjet variant with the orange canopy and I seem to have an inseparable destiny. I once owned a Hasbro production sample Ramjet with a pre-rub style orange canopy but gifted it to a friend. I then found and bought a production version of the same variant, and sold that too. Now, I have what I believe to be an even later production version orange canopy G1 Hasbro Ramjet - and in all this time I'm not aware of anyone else having found another example. So what's the deal?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6DgLlumBv5e_bbkAQPaGFVXTftiR8CCvjXQhaD4qR5pKYbtzyj1EMoMDj83j04Z_-Q_wBSbdWmsYx3S2r_8wMDIpwwOCdxx6Ap6EsM62fbsZCAIX8zTY8-7-70ohhr1ethf0M4QxEq7z/s1600/ejramjet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="600" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6DgLlumBv5e_bbkAQPaGFVXTftiR8CCvjXQhaD4qR5pKYbtzyj1EMoMDj83j04Z_-Q_wBSbdWmsYx3S2r_8wMDIpwwOCdxx6Ap6EsM62fbsZCAIX8zTY8-7-70ohhr1ethf0M4QxEq7z/s400/ejramjet1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hasbro unreleased product sample</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWfvK01nz1S-tjaLYFF2_XVoHW0L4WzAxriEZ1z3XjlgAVcqm55GsDrQguj55nvFOR7YTSdtPbIVo-NC4Iix5M6wLvZWLGP-hQQwtIJ8bjPHqiIAtQHnBXFy3x61iCGTgZ0h5D08WiY0S/s1600/Orangjet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWfvK01nz1S-tjaLYFF2_XVoHW0L4WzAxriEZ1z3XjlgAVcqm55GsDrQguj55nvFOR7YTSdtPbIVo-NC4Iix5M6wLvZWLGP-hQQwtIJ8bjPHqiIAtQHnBXFy3x61iCGTgZ0h5D08WiY0S/s400/Orangjet1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hasbro production version</td></tr>
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<br />The full story behind this variant can be found in my <b><a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/05/hasbro-g1-orange-canopy-ramjet-quickie.html" target="_blank">Hasbro G1 "Orange Canopy" Ramjet Quickie</a></b> article on this blog. Basically, it seems there was a very early unreleased version of Ramjet that acted as a product sample, featuring a smooth pre-rub orange canopy as seen on its box art and stock photography. That sample also boasted a misplaced rubsign (typical of the earliest rubsign-era Decepticon jets), Takara only copyright and no factory wing stickers. I later found a production version being sold as a regular Ramjet, again with a misplaced rubsign, but now Hasbro added to the copyright. This made sense as it would have been a step or two further along the evolutionary scale than the Hasbro product sample.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgvJd8Gr8zf5vymtNaM6VEY7rMgzHOYRu6H_4rm6PWJ4cQ1dSzZE6lLTYheoJSAWmPoMDjBrOErxrVZvAaTvrM1K6XrAp0usc-PZLBnxl7nP4jgQKy4lXfE9oV6c-_-b68liQxPOAwsTK/s1600/Orangjet11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgvJd8Gr8zf5vymtNaM6VEY7rMgzHOYRu6H_4rm6PWJ4cQ1dSzZE6lLTYheoJSAWmPoMDjBrOErxrVZvAaTvrM1K6XrAp0usc-PZLBnxl7nP4jgQKy4lXfE9oV6c-_-b68liQxPOAwsTK/s400/Orangjet11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Later Hasbro production version?</td></tr>
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<br />Just recently, I found another one, or at least what I believe to be another specimen. The main difference between this one and my last production version is that the rubsign is now in the correct location, but the copyright and pre-rub orange canopy are the same. So, it could be that this was from the same source as the other 'Orangjets' and just had the rubsign correctly applied as production progressed and improved. After all, the misplaced rubsign would immediately be destined to be covered up by the shoulder stickers, and that needed fixing - especially with Hasbro's big authenticity drive centred around that new feature.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxCFrBCVLUncOKYe81Nz8in3tm4ENLEpXB1gnpWWAX-ynTpPkfjwy1xlrMmi9kPP80Y6OOSQBqBx49cqhGzHliIOMSUk6rC19mc_5aK0zfnmTX8b9u4JawMs6Z9HAOAkyrpGikc-gH7f2/s1600/Orangjet12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxCFrBCVLUncOKYe81Nz8in3tm4ENLEpXB1gnpWWAX-ynTpPkfjwy1xlrMmi9kPP80Y6OOSQBqBx49cqhGzHliIOMSUk6rC19mc_5aK0zfnmTX8b9u4JawMs6Z9HAOAkyrpGikc-gH7f2/s400/Orangjet12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As with the last specimen I had, you would be completely justified in asking "could this not just be customised from parts?", and the answer is yes, it could. Even more so with this specimen as the rubsign isn't even misplaced, it's in the standard location. Surely by then any Hasbro factory would have cottoned onto the fact that they were putting these out with the wrong canopy colour...nevermind the wrong mould!?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNa3hWmHhbBwwOe0z03Wvy8Saed1Wy-KJ6Hv3Hjw9jAhl6vpUzKEiiVhLBUxauM6uYdVPDVKzQuZMyYEjh0JGaMRLlXWdM2cpNYN6G0XLjSr6E2LNjR-CXpG8Yv-UiXER46hYoH8kp2zQw/s1600/Orangjet7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNa3hWmHhbBwwOe0z03Wvy8Saed1Wy-KJ6Hv3Hjw9jAhl6vpUzKEiiVhLBUxauM6uYdVPDVKzQuZMyYEjh0JGaMRLlXWdM2cpNYN6G0XLjSr6E2LNjR-CXpG8Yv-UiXER46hYoH8kp2zQw/s400/Orangjet7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I believe that despite the correctly-placed rubsign, and the fact that nobody has found a boxed 'Orangjet' specimen yet, there are things that count in the favour of this item being authentic, assuming you are on board with the authenticity of the aforementioned product sample and early production version I had after it. First on that list is, again, the seller not advertising this as a variant of any description, nor making any reference to the canopy colour or mould. It was sold as "1985 Transformers - Hasbro Takara - Ramjet, Good shape, complete, 100 % Original, this not a re-edition or a copy", and like my previous specimen, it came from Europe, but this time the mainland.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrPceY7x0oiighbIIZNYeYLnz6cc5_Vvr7RyOJ2Qq2RMZt_KSCDNl34XATU7tp8hpmT65t1E15p_v1O6B4bvIH0QBEns_0QTILEKs4-aJdvwsxMooshY9guHalZqq2bnjBnlwCHFVDFLj/s1600/Orangjet8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrPceY7x0oiighbIIZNYeYLnz6cc5_Vvr7RyOJ2Qq2RMZt_KSCDNl34XATU7tp8hpmT65t1E15p_v1O6B4bvIH0QBEns_0QTILEKs4-aJdvwsxMooshY9guHalZqq2bnjBnlwCHFVDFLj/s400/Orangjet8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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First things I checked for were signs of tampering around the cockpit hinge and the screws, but I didn't find anything that said swap-job to me. If someone had done a swap, it could only have come from a Skywarp or Thundercracker - and neither of those two got a 1985 release in mainland Europe (except Italy, but this was from Belgium) as Milton Bradley or a pre-Transformer. The only thing with an orange canopy would have been a Milton Bradley 'Thunderscream' but that's so ridiculously rare that I hesitate to believe it could be the source of this canopy. But you can never be 100% sure of things when you follow this train of thought, so I needed better evidence, especially as the seller also had a US-bought Blitzwing among his sale items.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl3Sp_sOrjxwvdJzuVVaxatXf-jjgVwhj9Xpei86Wo3fMTbdQQznKJKg6WYC3zxDGWrJkA0jrN8Fdy3sq3Gq138AbIUflNIrS2x_wXIisYnYd9jxp7WLUE2Gr8rS_kL2nlfKLiz6F2xJt/s1600/Orangjet14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl3Sp_sOrjxwvdJzuVVaxatXf-jjgVwhj9Xpei86Wo3fMTbdQQznKJKg6WYC3zxDGWrJkA0jrN8Fdy3sq3Gq138AbIUflNIrS2x_wXIisYnYd9jxp7WLUE2Gr8rS_kL2nlfKLiz6F2xJt/s400/Orangjet14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwCK8Os6k_OFB1cXMc7qwssGSKgIdCKVCFSGCVgq7QaslROyLBR2HfDzj1WPmedl_flyHa2qOu9VUQG99URHOxItz-u_MS9jxAp2f7y81-kB3nHLxD77IXBhjS0l8GYrmLbCrlh6ZWl1U/s1600/Orangjet16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwCK8Os6k_OFB1cXMc7qwssGSKgIdCKVCFSGCVgq7QaslROyLBR2HfDzj1WPmedl_flyHa2qOu9VUQG99URHOxItz-u_MS9jxAp2f7y81-kB3nHLxD77IXBhjS0l8GYrmLbCrlh6ZWl1U/s400/Orangjet16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdsbKyrdCyptFJfmS-3T4x2u7wbw6tnX1Eg_oXCriOS7dtywBashv9BitlwWnP8E_yB9tVkJv8yrhzDMeEEuTfhCoaibSXVC_rnfEpEUa2dsVXYOZeGt-rd4B1OevKLsEtrMdNqYT2bcd/s1600/Orangjet15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdsbKyrdCyptFJfmS-3T4x2u7wbw6tnX1Eg_oXCriOS7dtywBashv9BitlwWnP8E_yB9tVkJv8yrhzDMeEEuTfhCoaibSXVC_rnfEpEUa2dsVXYOZeGt-rd4B1OevKLsEtrMdNqYT2bcd/s400/Orangjet15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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All of the screws on this Ramjet exhibited some degree of oxidisation, and the white plastic had discoloured mildly (like my other production Orangjet). The scuffing on the back of the canopy hinge you see there is a moulding issue, not damage caused by an owner during a ham-fisted swap. The copyright is exactly the same as most production version Ramjets; Hasbro, Takara and dates, as well as the Japan stamp.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJ3o_Jw2wKBvUsePTGQhCEYNCYex7ERBu4Kbzd8KT_EKJqB6R8MW2-GKgY31S-DQ-1GwbwdAgagnEYKJufy2AIPznAEGF5Z9XDCRJQ-iQJxov6qbctI6dQiXANZRYfxFMgIItTiFdRudg/s1600/Orangjet9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJ3o_Jw2wKBvUsePTGQhCEYNCYex7ERBu4Kbzd8KT_EKJqB6R8MW2-GKgY31S-DQ-1GwbwdAgagnEYKJufy2AIPznAEGF5Z9XDCRJQ-iQJxov6qbctI6dQiXANZRYfxFMgIItTiFdRudg/s400/Orangjet9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmpvuhyphenhyphenPHCE0vrkqem7fb6ZjWev2Z3x579xJyzOnLiSUWmDWDafh9k2xc62b8kcbWF5pwq2i9afZk8zoXteaCOgKjser_EyRsBT-jyNjRR1AzQko02gofXrMANjdC4qQf_ttGtgwoOEaR/s1600/Orangjet10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmpvuhyphenhyphenPHCE0vrkqem7fb6ZjWev2Z3x579xJyzOnLiSUWmDWDafh9k2xc62b8kcbWF5pwq2i9afZk8zoXteaCOgKjser_EyRsBT-jyNjRR1AzQko02gofXrMANjdC4qQf_ttGtgwoOEaR/s400/Orangjet10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Orangjet' left - Hasbro standard Ramjet right</td></tr>
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Here I have compared the seemingly later 'Orangjet' with a regular UK-bought Hasbro 1985 production Ramjet with the expected dark, ridged canopy etc. Something I noticed, there is a different shape to the striped wing stickers. The Orangjet on the left has a more rounded tip at the end of the sticker whereas the standard Ramjet has a more pointed sticker stripe end. Compare this with the earlier Orangjet specimen I had and you will see that too had a more rounded stripe sticker, like the later Orangjet I have now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6y-dV3KQMbzkpDQfePk6wmisCQhSnF6st2rRxL7KZj_8YTQAGydzVLGSRU9JDOXTrk0R1GvdLJu0S_pDXBAwbeH1-hWpemIyxyLvVNkpdGObJHvW7mX7-iErgBlJzaJ6QzRFzdY6sltiR/s1600/Orangjet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="986" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6y-dV3KQMbzkpDQfePk6wmisCQhSnF6st2rRxL7KZj_8YTQAGydzVLGSRU9JDOXTrk0R1GvdLJu0S_pDXBAwbeH1-hWpemIyxyLvVNkpdGObJHvW7mX7-iErgBlJzaJ6QzRFzdY6sltiR/s400/Orangjet3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hasbro production version 'Orangjet'</td></tr>
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<br />This doesn't immediately imply an exclusive Orangjet feature, it's probably just indicative of the earliest production Ramjets, regardless of canopy colour. In addition to this, I looked at the number stampings on the fists of the later 'Orangjet' and the regular Hasbro smoky-canopied Ramjet. The regular rubsign one had stampings '6' and '10', whereas 'Orangjet' had '3' and '4', so definitely from an earlier mould - or at the very least an earlier time. Both the factory stickers and the fist stampings point to that.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3PVO5b164PgWzYczMPN4K36Ft4PbDsToBzfEtJrrwEjzsjk2E5vh7YinCGe4oGAxGX-vN_oYplexaLmFtQAmCcZQ9TcNf8BfcQzlD0EesvaLEIDjJvOuNs0g6G0VnXaRssvwPWjTKO1E/s1600/Orangjet18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3PVO5b164PgWzYczMPN4K36Ft4PbDsToBzfEtJrrwEjzsjk2E5vh7YinCGe4oGAxGX-vN_oYplexaLmFtQAmCcZQ9TcNf8BfcQzlD0EesvaLEIDjJvOuNs0g6G0VnXaRssvwPWjTKO1E/s400/Orangjet18.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regular Hasbro Ramjet fists left - later 'Orangjet' fists right</td></tr>
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What all of this does is help us establish a chronology for potential Orangjet releases.</div>
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- Hasbro unreleased production sample, no factory wing stickers, misplaced rubsign, smooth orange canopy, Takara stamp</div>
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- Hasbro early production release, rounded factory wing stickers, misplaced rubsign, smooth orange canopy, Hasbro + Takara stamp, seemingly no numbers on fists</div>
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- Hasbro later production release, rounded factory wing stickers, correctly placed rubsign, smooth orange canopy, Hasbro + Takara stamp, '3' and '4' stamped fists</div>
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It almost reads like a micro-evolutionary scale with a couple of steps added each time, moving it towards the regular Hasbro Ramjets most of us will have come across or owned.</div>
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You may also have noticed that the orange canopies on both my earlier and current production Orangjet specimens seem to be of a lighter, less rich coloured plastic compared to pre-rub Skywarp and Thundercracker canopies. I've placed this Orangjet's canopy next to my pre-rub Thundercracker's, and the Thundercracker's one is noticeably richer orange. Could this really just be a coincidence?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Lx_KXC9wRoInKXixocNkdeEJcJnMOcl0JGAnAOo_Wsv_g_jzezFBIADFvUzNefFOr5_E7TzQyB6rO3Q1pIAuF6U4OxMaUiW-RngZ-HoR0aVGffaTAocXWVG9_zd56vqMj17CNt3MTDC0/s1600/Orangjet13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Lx_KXC9wRoInKXixocNkdeEJcJnMOcl0JGAnAOo_Wsv_g_jzezFBIADFvUzNefFOr5_E7TzQyB6rO3Q1pIAuF6U4OxMaUiW-RngZ-HoR0aVGffaTAocXWVG9_zd56vqMj17CNt3MTDC0/s400/Orangjet13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've said it before, and it is obvious, but it bears repeating; until we see packaged and sealed specimens of production orange canopy Ramjets, it will always remain less than 100% verified and authentic in the eyes of sceptics. There are logical bits of evidence on each specimen I've had, the sample having the most provenance of all, but none of these specimens are immune to the explanation that these orange canopy Ramjets are custom made. I have seen so many weird and wonderful things come to light in the world of G1 Transformers variants that I am loathe to be cynical. Therefore, until proven wrong, I will look at the lighter orange canopy, the seemingly logical chronology of the specimens I've had in terms of moulding and properties, and the fact that the sellers of both production version specimens made no mention of the canopy colour or style - and I will count these in favour of this and the two I had before it being genuine orange canopy Ramjet specimens.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVVufpzX2nvW7_m0KT-LKecMvVKtcXEPlGXUpR1umlKRMAqTScJ68QsfdJQ7PzuJlIviZ65VCycW2qqB5IcLy6Mkz7Y986Qhf86ZJzcM5vdTdWR8y-ueRZ2hgBpGvak8h3I3TQlAe9Pm3/s1600/Orangjet17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVVufpzX2nvW7_m0KT-LKecMvVKtcXEPlGXUpR1umlKRMAqTScJ68QsfdJQ7PzuJlIviZ65VCycW2qqB5IcLy6Mkz7Y986Qhf86ZJzcM5vdTdWR8y-ueRZ2hgBpGvak8h3I3TQlAe9Pm3/s400/Orangjet17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Related Reading:</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://tfsquareone.blogspot.com/2014/05/hasbro-g1-orange-canopy-ramjet-quickie.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Hasbro G1 "Orange Canopy" Ramjet Quickie</i></b></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.tf-1.com/articles/eurous_frame.php?art=earlyjets" target="_blank"><b><i>Early G1 Decepticon Jets - Prototypes, Pre-Production and Early Release</i></b></a></div>
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<b>All the best<br />Maz</b></div>
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<br />Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07887074236416592668noreply@blogger.com0