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.