WING SABER TOYZ SPOTLIGHT:- TRANSFORMERS GENERATION 2- HIT OR MISS?

11:14 AM in 1993, Exclusive, Exclusive Repaint, Generation 2, not in collection

Hi there boys and girls from around the world. Here is WSX once again posting a little musing and random thoughts, this time on the subject matter that has been seeing a mini-revival of sorts, coinciding with the release of the ever uber-cool Transformers Convention 2010/ BotCon giftset aptly dubbed Generation 2 Redux! 

Previously, Botcon also was inspired by the G2 type-cast of characters and released several figures, chiefly a neat looking and spot -on rendition of "G2 Thunderclash" Turbomaster in the form of a repainted Transformers Energon / Superlink Rodimus Prime. 

IMHO, in all honesty, the Generation 2 line of Transformers seemed some what unfamiliar and non-interesting to me, mostly because I was more into the Japanese continuity such as the Super God Master force and Victory  Transformers series. Watched and loved every episode and character, more biased I guess when it comes to being a real fan! LOL! 

REALLY NOW, WHY SO NEON?! 

The snippet of information is summed up perfectly:- Im more inclined to talk about the toy-line, since the G2 cartoon series with the same name was essentially a non-issue and pretty lame to begin with. "Transformers: Generation 2 was the first Transformers toy revamp, relaunching the line in 1993, two years after the last of the original Transformers figures were off the shelves in the United States. It began with recolored versions of Generation 1 toys, but soon consisted entirely of new molds made for the line.

Generation 2 saw more-or-less simultaneous release in the US and European markets, but Japan would not start the line (or even have any Transformers product at all on shelves, for that matter) until 1995."

SO BASICALLY, DOES THE LINE REALLY SUCK?!

Technically, there were some released molds, including the original G1 recolored molds, that really stood out for me anyway...And thankfully, I am not going to even attempt to delve into he utterly horrible-line that is the Gobots. Period. Those releases are considered the "bastard-child" of the Generation 2 line in my eyes. 

AXELERATORS ALL THE WAY! 

These little mini-cars are pretty cool! They are slightly bigger than the regular "match-box" versions of transformers, and they are pretty awesome in their own right. The toys were packaged MINT ON SEALED CARD (MOSC) and there are two which catches my  fancy. Info credited and liked--taken from www.tfwiki,net.


I MUST OWN THESE! 

Generation 1 & 2

COOL CAR MODE AND OVERALL DESIGN! 

• Skram (Axelerator, 1993/1994)
  
  • Accessories: Engine block gun

Sold as part of the Axelerator assortment, Skram transforms into a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. His exposed chrome-silver engine block becomes a pistol for robot mode.

He was initially released in the European market in 1993, during the "transitional" time when the Transformers toys took on the newGeneration 2 sigils, but the packaging lacked the "Generation 2" line-name. He was slightly recolored for American release the same year, with the transparent pink plastic of his windows and light-pipe being replaced with a smoky gray plastic that was much harder to see through. He was released again in the UK in 1994 in G2 packaging, but the toy was identical to the original European-market release.

This toy is gang-molded with Windbreaker.

• More information on Skram at TFU.info

SO, WHO'S THE NEXT TO BE BOUGHT?!

Generation 1 & Generation 2

ORANGE

 GOODNESS! 

• Windbreaker (Axelerator, 1993/1994)
  
  • Accessories: Engine-block rifle

Sold as part of the Axelerator assortment, Windbreaker transforms into an orange and blue Chevrolet Camaro Z28. He was initially released in the European market in 1993, during the "transitional" time when the Transformers toys took on the new Generation 2 sigils, but the packaging lacked the "Generation 2" line-name. He was slightly recolored for American release the same year, with the transparent pink plastic of his windows and light-piping being replaced with a smoky grey plastic that was much harder to see through. He was released again in the UK in 1994 in Generation 2 packaging, but the toy was identical to the original European-market release.

This toy is gang-molded with Skram.

• More information on Windbreaker at TFU.info

FINAL WORD:- 

When all is said and done about the line, at the end of the day, buy only the ones that appeal to you! duh! For me Id definitely consider to gather all the AXELERATORS/ loose and mint complete if possible. Id also line up a possible purchase for the Machine Wars Optimus Prime repaint Thunderclash. All these guys would be a kickass addition to any collection. Be selective, and you WIN the day! LOL!




All images Copyright 1992 TAKARA & Hasbro Inc. 

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YELLOW IS THE 'NEW' GREEN: TRANSFORMERS GENERATION 2 DEVASTATOR

8:08 AM in 1993, Constructicons, Generation 2, UK Issued, Yellow Version

Constructicons aka Devastator, G1 Box Art

Hey, All! It's that time once again to update my blog after a weeks worth of procrastinating! LOL! This time around, to commemorate my 1,000th blog Hits Visits, I am going to feature an already Classic and much-loved or hated (depending on the previous or current owners of this gestalt ) which needs no further introduction! He is made up of SIX Constructicons which merge into the mighty (but not too smart) Weapon Of Destruction : DEVASTATOR!

Mint Sealed on-card UK G2 Release, 1993

I will not be doing a mini-review as there have been tons of respectable/revised/spotlights and articles concerning the Constructicons/ Devastator which are floating all over the internet. As such, this is just a little blog to indicate the mini-history of this Yellow Variation and bubble on card packaging which was released exclusively for the UK market sometime in the early 1990's under the Generation 2 subline, whereby the G1 influence was already beginning to wane drastically. Thus, only several redeco's and other limited toys were released, also including a second Orange Version of Devastator.


Original G1 Instruction sheet for Devastator!


As usual, when there is the lure of a particular " too good to pass up offer" to obtain a flawed but ahead of its day toy engineering design of a combiner didn't go unattended,-- you can count on "evil-bay" to deliver the goods when it matters the most. I never had the originals as a child, probably because of the fact I wasn't a big an of the Constructicons, and more so since I was only into the Autobots,in particular Optimus Prime.... :-P

Spare Parts nightmare! Individually packed
together with each Construction member


Let's move swiftly to the individual Constructicon members and start off by just giving a brief introduction for each member, starting with the Team Leader which goes by the name of
Scrapper


G2 Tech Specs

His alt-mode vehicle is that of a Front-Load Shovel. He comes with a small gun, a canopy, and a pair of "Attack Wings' --- which forms the front and main chest-piece of Devastator. He combines into the the right leg of Devastator Although he is the 'default' leader of the Constructicons even though he does not form Devastator's torso. He is a master designer who conceives the myriad structures the Constructicons assemble. Although he is genuinely modest about his work, he is prone to bragging amongst his fellow Constructicons. As indicated by a cut line from the original script of the Constructicons' debut animated episode, Scrapper was originally to be named Gravedigger.


Scrapper G2 robot mode


Shovel mode


Attack Mode


Next in line for the constructicons, which is the Team's is the second in command, which is none other than Hook.


Hook Tech Specs

Hook has the ability to transform into a construction crane. He also forms the head and shoulders of Devastator. He is the team's perfectionist, who considers himself far too elite to deal with most of the "ruffians" that call themselves Decepticons. He is excellent at performing tasks which require extreme precision (including surgical operations), but the time he takes to perfect his work and his arrogance are his weaknesses. He is known as Glen in Japan.... what? Really? Weird name... -_-u Maybe the writers ran out of ideas... :-\

Hook, G2 robot mode


Crane mode


Attack mode


Okay, now that two members are out of the way, lets turn our attention towards the third member, which is the most savage and violent of the bunch, whose name is quite apt when you think of it... he is none other than "Bonecrusher"


Bonecrusher Tech Specs

He transforms into a bulldozer. , and is also the left arm of Devastator. He is a brawler by nature and specializes in demolitions work. Under this vicious personality is an underlying motive; he is a perfectionist at heart and wishes to destroy all he deems imperfect, including the Autobots. He would enjoy the extra potential for destruction as Devastator if it did not mean sharing the same mind space as his fellow Constructicons. A different Bonecrusher was in the 2007 live action version of Transformers.

IMHO, he is the least appealing member of the Constricticons, although becoming the left arm, the face and head sculpt and robot body is pretty weak.... I mean, come on! A giant "square-eye" ! ONE eye?! What use is that going to be to him in combat?! :-P

Bonecrusher, G2 robot mode


Bonecrusher, bulldozer mode


Attack mode


We are already half way through, and moving along, the next on the list of Constructicon members is "Scavenger"


Scavenger, Tech Specs

Scavenger transforms into an excavator. He forms the right arm of Devastator. He is an unashamedly pathetic Decepticon. Desperate to prove his worth to his team-mates, he uses his one true gift - his shovel's ability to detect various magnetic, ionic, electrical or gas readings - to locate items of value, although invariably, all he can usually find is junk. Originally to be named Scrounge, this became a derogatory nickname for him from the other Constructicons and Decepticons.

Scavenger G2 robot mode

Scavenger Excavator mode

Attack mode

The fifth member of the team is none other than "Long Haul"



Long Haul Tech Specs

Its a known fact Long Haul transforms into a dump truck, and forms the lower torso of Devastator. He is not fond of his role as transport, ferrying construction materials to and from on a Constructicon building site, and although he accepts its importance, he would much rather be a full-time warrior. Fun trivia revealed that in the early 1980's , a children's coloring book, Long Haul is once mistakenly referred to by Scrapper's early name, Gravedigger.

Long Haul G2 robot mode

Dump truck mode

Attack mode

And the last but certainly not least of all --is the sixth remaining member of the team, which goes by the name of "Mixmaster".

Mixmaster, Tech Specs

Mixmaster transforms into a concrete mixer truck. He forms the left leg of Devastator. Despite the possibility of have a few chips loose in his logic center, judging by the cackling with which he undertakes his role of materials fabrication. Although manic and erratic by nature, he is a genius of a chemist, able to mix chemicals in the drum of his concrete mixer alternate mode. He has also been known to insert solid objects—such as cars—into his mixing drum in order to turn out new building materials.

Mixmaster, G2 Robot mode

Concrete mixer mode

Attack mode



CONSTRUCTICONS! MERGE AND COMBINE INTO DEVASTATOR!!


Okay folks, now comes the reveal, the Yellow version of Devastator essentially has not been altered in any form whatsoever from its original 1986 release. IMHO, this colour scheme brings out a much better cohesion with the purple spare parts for combining, and is value for money if you have the yearning, patience and of course (goes without saying) some good ebay and online buying sense to choose and hunt for anything interesting---without burning a deep hole on your pocket! Usually, a loose and complete G1 or G2 Devastator could easily fetch a high-ish price or RM500 or more, depending on where you search! I got this for way less than that, and the added "bonus" is that it came in a minty fresh- C9 pristine condition! :-D




Overall, the combined mode has some flaws and issues, such as being unstable with the attached limbs which can easily be shaken off while holding him, but in terms of the individual Constructicons and the toy-engineering limitations of the late 70's and early 80's--- this isn't a that bad collection to add to your list one bit. My personal faves include-- Scrapper, Mixmaster, Hook and Long Haul--each of them possessing a cool mini construction vehicular alt modes coupled with mini-marvel looking robot ones. I would recommend G2 Devastator for those who can find him at a cut price, and also due to the fact that the name alone is iconic and synonymous with many Transformers collectors, this is as close as you can get to the real 1986 release!

GO OUT AND BUY HIM!
Priceless for G1 aficionados! :-)

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