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.