Jetfire - Air Guardian

mib Jetfire, c-8

Released in 1985, a Takatoku Macross VF-1S Super Valkyrie box set was repainted, repackaged, and released as Jetfire. Jetfire features three modes: robot, jet, and an "alternate transformation" that deploys his arms and legs in jet mode. Additionally, Jetfire comes with several red pieces of armor and rocket booster backpack that can snap onto his arms, legs, and back in any mode. Due to his Macross origins, Jetfire has considerably more articulation than the other Transformers in the line at the time.

However, Jetfire was never released in Japan, since the toy was released by one of Takara's rival toy companies, Bandai, which owned Takatoku's Valkyrie Fighter license and had told Hasbro that they could only sell the Jetfire character in the U.S. but not in Japan. Thus, there was never a Takara-issued Jetfire.

Jetfire is one of the TFs I coveted because of his amazing accessories and armor, as well as a gorgeous jet mode. It was thanks to Grimlock bro that I managed to secure this piece from an online ebay seller and at a pretty decent price too. Though it came in a box which has obviously seen much better days, the toy itself is in excellent condition with all the 11 pieces of battle armor complete.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Here's wishing everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Have a smooth sailing year in 2009. :)

Toy Collection Charity Drive on 14th Dec at CSC

This year, TF.SG will be organising a toy donation drive, with the beneficiary being Touch Young Arrows (TYA), under its parent organisation Touch Community Services. Some background information on TYA is as follows.

TYA believes that children can be nurtured and sharpened like arrows to make a positive impact in society, and to be future leaders in the community. TYA aims to realise the potential of children from single-parent or low-income families through a series of activities such as tuition, mentoring and sharing, art and craft lessons, indoor and outdoor games, outings and camps. TYA runs these activities on Saturdays at 10 centres in Bedok, Bendemeer, Clementi, Hougang, Marine Parade, Mountbatten, Queenstown, Serangoon, Tampines and Yishun. Some of the children who were in the pioneer programme some 15 years ago have returned to the club as volunteers to mentor the younger ones.

This coming sunday, 14th Dec, TF.SG will be having a toy collection drive to collect toys for these needy children, estimated to be around 250-300 children and from the age range of 7 - 12 years old. Admin team members from TF.SG, including myself, will gather at Spinelli's Coffee at China Square Central, from 3pm to 4pm to collect all donated toys, so anyone who has playable toys in good used and unused condition that you no longer want, please be generous in coming forward to donate them. We will consolidate all the collected toys and pass them to the person-in-charge on the following saturday, 20th Dec. I would like to make an appeal to everyone to come forward to make this a special christmas for these needy kids. Thanks once again. :)

Constructicons Unite!

The Constructicons and their super-robot mode, Devastator

misb Long Haul, c-10

Long Haul desires to be a front line fighter instead of a transport specialist, but recognizes his important role in the Autobot-Decepticon conflict. As the second strongest Constructicon after Bonecrusher, his ability to carry large loads, coupled with the powerful dual heat seeking missile launcher he wields in his attack vehicle mode, make him a dangerous adversary.

misb Scrapper, c-10

Scrapper is the leader of the formidable Constructicons. As such, Megatron values Scrapper's ability to organize his unit in order to assemble nearly any structure the Decepticons require. Scrapper's viciousness toward the Autobots make him quite popular among his Decepticon cronies. He forms the right leg of Devastator.

misb Hook, c-10

Hook's intelligence and skill are the result of his elitist personality, and he simply cannot tolerate unprofessionalism and lack of perfection-qualities important fot this Decepticon equivalent of a doctor/surgeon. He forms the head and shoulders of Devastator.

misb Mixmaster, c-10

Mixmaster is very skilled at his function; to the extent that his superiors are often surprised by the products he can almost "magically" procure while creating materials for the superstructures that the talented Constructicons made infamous.

misb Scavenger, c-10

Scavenger is a moving shovel on a rotating base. His robot mode looks odd, and he has the most purple colouring of all Constructicons.

misb Bonecrusher, c-10

Bonecrusher is the strongest of the six Constructicons, and his battle prowess and ability to demolish fortifications makes him popular among his Decepticon comrades. His robot and vehicle mode are quite excellent, and in vehicle mode, his extra Devastator parts can be used to create an attack vehicle mode.

mib unused Devastator, c-8.5

Released in 1985, Devastator is the combination of the six constructicons; Team Leader Scrapper, Hook, Bonecrusher, Long Haul, Mixmaster and Scavenger.
Devastator's forearms are also spring-loaded missile launchers, able to fire his fists as well as his drill attachments, though the springs were severely weakened in the US for safety reasons. He also comes armed with a large purple laser rifle. Hook and Scavenger's pistols can also be easily added to him for a little extra firepower. While the others' pistols can be added as well, they're not in very useful positions. Unlike the later Scramble City-style combiners, Devastator's limbs cannot be rearranged into any other configurations. Although the Constructicons were produced in large quantities, and is one of the easiest combiners to find on the secondary market, they are always in demand and readily snatched up by casual and die-hard TFs fans alike as they were the most easily identifiable of all Transformers combiners.

Slag

misb Slag, c-9.5

Released in 1985, Slag was part of the second series of Transformers. The toy transformed into a robotic Triceratops, and came with a missile launcher that could fit in the shoulder socket of both the robot and dinosaur, a red sword, a silver "electro blaster" and three silver rockets. Like many Diaclone-era toys, Slag had a conspicuous driver compartment contained in his chest. I bought Slag from a local collector who is downsizing his collection. I've always had a keen interest in the dinobots, but it's really not easy to find them in their boxes. I'm certainly glad my patience has paid off with the acquisition of one member of the dinobots. Slag comes in excellent condition, sealed in a c-9.5 box.

Darkwings giftset

mib unused Darkwings giftset, c-9

Darkwings is formed by combining the individual toys of Hydra and Buster, both released in 1988. Once their Godmaster engines are plugged in, the two jets can be combined to form a single "superjet". A special multi-pack containing both Hydra and Buster was released in Japan. The two toys are identical to their normal-retail individual releases.

Twincast and Soundblaster

mib unused Twincast, c-9.5

The first Blaster toy was redecoed as Twincast in 1987 and had its tape-door retooled in order to accommodate two cassettes at once. The clear-plastic part of the door was also changed to clear-red, so when certain cassettes were placed inside, the "secret plans" decals on them would reveal the "weak point" of either Fortress Maximus or Scorponok, much like using the tech-specs decoders. He came with Steeljaw, who was given one of these new decals.
In 2006, Twincast was also reissued as an e-Hobby exclusive, this time packaged with the new character Flip Sides.

mib unused Soundblaster, c8.5

As part of the Japanese Headmasters series, Soundwave was redecoed and retooled in 1987 so that he could hold two Cassettes in his chest at once. Soundblaster's tape door was cast in transparent red plastic to allow the information on the "readout" decal, unique to the Headmasters decos of the cassettes, to be seen, functioning in the same manner as the Tech Specs decoders. The readouts of the Decepticon cassettes showed the "weak points" of Fortress Maximus. Soundblaster came packaged with Buzzsaw.
Soundblaster was also reissued in the Transformers Collection series in 2005, packaged together with Buzzsaw and Ravage. This mold was used for all future reissues of Soundwave, since the original Soundwave mold is broken, and they mostly just have a single tape door to let it look more like Soundwave, yet they still feature the more exposed buttons on the bottom of Soundwave's chest door.

My G1 combiners collection

mib Devastator, c-8.5
mib unused Superion, c-9
mib unused Menasor, c-8.5
misb Bruticus, c-9.5

mib unused Defensor, c-9

mib unused Predaking, c-9

misb Abominus, c-9

mib unused Computron, c-9

mib unused Raiden, c-9

misb King Poseidon, c-9.5

mib unused Landcross, c-9

mib unused Road Caesar, c-9.5

mib unused Dinoking, c-8.5
misb Liokaiser, AFA 90

A combiner basically refers to a group of Transformers that assemble and combine their bodies into a single machine, or that composite machine itself. Most combiners form a larger Super Robot with its own unique personality (a character in its own right), but other varieties of combiner exist, forming vehicles, weapons, or other items. Combiners tend to be considerably larger and more powerful than the average Transformer, equivalent to strategic-grade weapons.
In identifying my G1 combiners wishlist, I kept to combiners with three or more members, which meant that popular characters like God Ginrai and Victory Saber were not included. I have also left out the Beastwars, Micromaster-type and Maximus-type combiners. With that, I came up with a list of 14 G1 combiners, which I finally completed with the recent acquisition of Menasor.

Combiners with three or more members (non-Scramble City type)

(1) Devastator
(2) Predaking
(3) Raiden
(4) Dinoking
(5) Road Caesar
(6) Liokaiser
(7) Landcross

Scramble City-type combiners

(8) Bruticus
(9) Defensor
(10) Menasor
(11) Superion
(12) Abominus
(13) Computron
(14) King Poseidon

Menasor

Unreleased "VSA" set (Superion vs Menasor)

mib unused Menasor, c-8.5

Released in 1986, Menasor is a combination of the five Stunticons; Team Leader Motormaster, Drag Strip, Dead End, Wildrider and Breakdown. Menasor is formed by transforming Motormaster into his torso mode, attaching a chest plate/scout car, waist armor and mask on him, then connecting the other Stunticons into the appropriate limb slots in Motormaster's arms and legs. Fists and feet are then attached to the limbs. He is armed with Motormaster's sword and cyclone rifle. The Stunticons were available both individually or in a complete box set available in numerous markets. Menasor is also the smallest of the Scramble City-type combiners in the Generation 1 toyline. A Japanese "VSA" set with Superion (see 1st pic) was planned but unreleased.

The acquisition of Menasor meant that I have finally fulfilled my wish of owning all 14 G1 combiners, which I have identified at the beginning of my toy quest. Although the box has flap crease and some shelf wear, it stands firm and comes in mib unused condition, which was what made me decide to get it in the end even though it came with a hefty price tag. Ultimately, I guess I have finally lost patience in my relentless and at times tiring search for it. I take this opportunity to thank all those who have assisted me to complete my G1 combiners wishlist. :)

Road Caesar

mib unused Road Caesar, c-9.5

Road Caesar is the combined form of the Brainmasters, namely Blacker, Laster and Braver, making him a rare non-Scramble City style of combiner. Road Caesar is a perfect combination of his component members, showing the responsibility and skill of Blacker, the intelligence of Braver, and the guts of Laster.

I bought the above set from an online seller in Japan. The item comes in a pristine c-9.5 box, mib unused condition with no flap crease and very minor shelfwear.

Figure King Exclusive Black Sixshot

Black Sixshot

Black Sixshot in my display cabinet

My eagerly anticipated Black Sixshot finally arrived at my doorstep yesterday. Limited to 10 pieces worldwide when it was released in 2002, this special all-black version of Sixshot was made as a March Lucky Draw prize in Figure King Magazine in Japan. Black Sixshot is a coveted item which has seldom appeared on auction sites such as eBay and Yahoo Japan. In terms of exclusivity, it is definitely comparable to the Clear Version Sixshot, also a March Lucky Draw prize by Hyper Hobby Magazine in Japan.

I chanced upon Black Sixshot while I was browsing through the Yahoo Japan auction site, and was immediately tempted to get it. After an intense bidding war among several bidders, I finally managed to secure the piece at the very last minute just as the auction was about to close. Thereafter, it was an anxious wait for the item to be shipped to Singapore, and when it arrived, I practically tore the package apart to reveal the gem inside. It was deja vu once more, as I experienced the same excitement when Shockwave came. Black Sixshot came in its normal reissue box, with no slightest hint of the content within. I have already ordered a custom-made acrylic case to display it in its full glory.

Landcross

mib unused Landcross, c-9

The original version of Landcross was available both as a giftset and separately as Wingwaver, Dashtacker, and Machtackle, although the individual robots were never sold separately. In addition to transforming separately into robot and vehicle modes and combining into Landcross, the six toys could also be combined in two-robot pairs, with one robot forming the head, upper torso, and arms and the other forming the lower torso and legs. The six robots' guns could be combined into a single large weapon. I bought my Landcross giftset from a seller based in Japan, who offered it to me at a pretty reasonable price. With the acquisition of Landcross, I am down to my last two combiners to complete my dream list of 14 combiners.

Chara Hobby Exclusive Stuntron Wildrider

mosc Chara Hobby exclusive Wildrider

An exclusive item from the "Chara Hobby 2008" show in Japan in 2008, Wildrider is a redeco of Classics Rodimus with a very vaguely Wildrider-inspired color scheme (but retaining all of Henkei Rodimus' paint applications, including the flames), transforming into a Dome Zero concept car. His rear "thruster" fires a spring-loaded missile, and the back section can be flipped up to turn it into a roof-mounted weapon. The thruster becomes a hand-held blaster in robot mode, and can also be mounted on his back as a "jetpack". His left arm hides a flip-out (non-spinning) buzzsaw.

Among the few exclusive released Henkei TFs so far, I rate Wildrider very highly because of its rarity and mystique, and I feel it even eclipses the highly sought-after Crystal Convoy. It is also an item that I have been looking for for some time, but have been repeatedly put off by the prohibitive price tag placed on it. However, seeing that the value of it seem destined to soar in future, I decided to get one at the most reasonable price from a local seller.

TFCC exclusive Piranacon

misb TFCC exclusive Piranacon, c-9.5

After weeks of anticipation, I finally collected my Transformers Collectors' Club exclusive Piranacon giftset today. I had pre-ordered it from a forum member at sgcollect who was doing a mail order for the item. Apart from collecting the toy, I'm also glad to have known another friend who shares the same passion as me. We also spent some time just chatting about TFs before another buyer came along to collect his set.

A redeco of the Generation 1 mold, Timelines Piranacon was available exclusively as an Official Transformers Collectors' Club-exclusive giftset containing all six Seacons in new color schemes. This set, unlike the original US giftset, also includes Nautilator. An estimated 1500 sets were produced to cater to the worldwide demand. The set comes in a boardgame-style hard cover outer packaging and botcon-style inner packaging. Initially reserved collectors must be rejoicing at the excellent packaging, and an excellent review of the item can also be seen in the video shown above. :)

Animated TFs, Star Convoy and MP-03 G1 Starscream

Animated Grimlock

Animated Blitzwing

Animated Skywarp

misb C-372 Star Convoy, c-9.5

misb G1 Starscream (in customised Masterpiece Box)

Finally succumbed to the temptation of getting some Animated TFs today. Was browsing around while waiting for stephenusprime bro to turn up when I saw boxed Animated TFs going at 35 SGD each. Imagine the loose figures going at around 30 SGD currently as well, which simply meant I wasn't about to pass this chance. Moreover, the sale items included Grimlock, which I have wanted to get for some time already, as well as the recently released Blitzwing and Skywarp. I gave Optimus Prime and Lugnut a miss however. Utoys was also having their own version of the great singapore sale and many items were going at knockdown prices. In no time, I had already bought reissue C-372 Star Convoy (50 SGD) and Masterpiece G1 Starscream (60 SGD). Panic-stricken, I quickly msged stephenusprime to ask if he was arriving anytime soon as I was worried I might add to my two bags full of toys. Fortunately, he arrived in the nick of time to prevent me from having to survive on bread for the rest of the week. I also met up with three other members from TFSG; Novaprime, Jingjie and Redrum and we had a nice chat at Spinelli's, after which Stephenusprime came over to my place to collect the TFC set I am selling to him. As usual, I am happy when I buy toys and sad when I have to sell them, especially when my TFC set has been with me for more than two years already. Nevertheless, the vacuum created from the sale of 22 boxes of toys simply means more space for new ones coming soon. I also un-misb my Animated TFs and spent some time getting them in various poses for a photo-taking session.

Henkei Seekers - Starcream, Skywarp and Thundercracker

Henkei Thundercracker, Starcream and Skywarp

Bought the two Henkei (meaning "Transform") seekers Skywarp and Thundercracker from Falcon today, which are actually exclusive items from Japan Ganbo Store & Toy Hobby Market. There was quite a huge crowd at the store as there were other items released today, such as BT-22 Convoy and MP-06, just to name a few. These two seekers are actually repaints of Starscream, which was earlier released as D-02 in the series. Together with Starscream, they complete my seeker collection, while I source the market out in the meantime for other previously issued Henkeis at reasonable prices. :)

Drillhorn

misb Drillhorn, c-10

Released in 1989, Drillhorn transforms into a four-treaded drill-tank. He also forms the right leg to the group's combined form Liokaiser. His packed-in partner Rhinobreast fits securely on Drillhorn's chest in either mode. Drillhorn was purchased from an online seller in Japan, and comes in perfect condition. I shall be keeping a lookout for his other mates to unite the Breastforce.

Terrorcons Unite!

The Terrorcons beside their combined form Abominus

misb Hun-Gurrr, c-9.5

Hun-Gurrr transforms into a white/grey and purple two-headed dragon. He has plenty of articulation, which extends to his robot mode, with multiple points in his arms and legs. One can attach Abominus's chest plate onto his shoulder in robot mode. Hun-Gurr combines with his fellow Terrorcons to form Abominus, serving as the super-robot's torso.

misb Rippersnapper, c-9.5

Rippersnapper transforms into a weird upright bipedal shark creature. His finned twin missile launcher weapon mounts on his back in this mode. He can form the leg or arm of any Scramble City-type combiner, though he is nominally Abominus' left arm.

misb Sinnertwin, c-9.5

Sinnertwin transforms into a yellow and green orthrus. He comes with a small pistol for robot mode and a large gun for beast mode. He can form the leg or arm of any Scramble-City type combiner, though he is nominally Abominus' left leg.

misb Cutthroat, c-9.5

Cutthroat transforms into hawk monster thing. His wings, legs and neck are articulated, so one can put him in a flying pose. He can form the leg or arm of any Scramble City-type combiner, though he is nominally Abominus's right arm.

misb Blot, c-9.5

Blot transforms into a navy blue and lavender monster. His shoulder span and long arms indicate something ape-like, while his pointed nose and sloped head give him an amphibian-like appearance. He can form the leg or arm of any Scramble City-type combiner, though he is nominally Abominus's right leg.

misb Abominus, c-9

Abominus is the combined form of the five Terrorcons: Team Leader Hun-Gurrr, Rippersnapper, Blot, Sinnertwin and Cutthroat. As a Scramble City combiner, each smaller Terrorcon attach as limbs into the central body, Hun-Gurrr. He is completed by attaching fists, feet, a large chestplate, head and is armed with Hun-Gurrr's rifle. Abominus is perhaps the most posable of the Generation 1 combiners, as he can swing his legs forward and backward as well as to the side, and also has knees. Released in 1987, this giftset was only available in Italy and Japan. The box is well-protected in a custom-made acrylic case.