*************************************************************************** THAT BIG TRANSFORMERS VARIATIONS LIST Introduction Maintained by M Sipher http://tatooine.fortunecity.com/simak/109 January 21st, 2000 *************************************************************************** Welcome to the THAT BIG TRANSFORMERS VARIATIONS LIST! Here you'll find the (hopefully) most complete listing of "Transformers"-brand action figures and their Hasbro-owned "cousins" worldwide. LATEST CHANGES 1-21-2000 MAXIMALS - Updated information to all four Deluxe Dinobots, added names and colors to DINOTRON, TRICERADON. Added NIGHTSCREAM. PREDACONS - Updated cross-references for Deluxe Dinobots. 1-15-2000 AUTOBOTS - Added the Functions to some of the Japanese "Car Robot" Transformers... and on that note, changed the marker (J 2K) to (J CR), since all the packaging refers to the line as "Transformers: Car Robots". PREDACONS - Added Function to GIGATRON. 1-14-2000 AUTOBOTS - Since the new Japanese TF2000 Cybertrons use the old-style Autobot symbols, they are included in this section, and will be marked with (J 2K). Added ARTFIRE, COUNTERARROW, EAGLE KILLER, FIRE CONVOY, J-FIVE, J-FOUR, J-SEVEN, MACH ALERT, OX, SPEEDBREAKER, WARS, WILDRIDE, XCAR. Updated cross-references for G2 Go-Bots. DECEPTICONS - Updated cross-references for G2 Go-Bots. MAXIMALS - Updated cross-references for CYBERSHARK (Transmetal II), NIGHT GLIDER, STINKBOMB. Marked all Beast Machines entries with (BM). PREDACONS - Added Japanese TF2000 toys GASKUNK, GERSHARK, GIGATRON, GILDO, GUSHAR. Added new JETSTORM (BM). Updated cross-references for SPITTOR (TMII). Marked all BMach entries with (BM). GESTALTS - Added Japanese TF2000 JRX. 1-1-2000 AUTOBOTS - Added WRECK-GAR (metal wheels). MAXIMALS - Removed "Transmissions"-excluisve toys. Added CHEETOR (Supreme Beast Machines) CLAW JAW (E video version), KAMILION, NIGHTVIPER, OPTIMUS PRIMAL (J Mega Tmetal exclusive), RAVAGE, SILVERBOLT (BMach), SKYDIVE, and four currently-unnamed "Dinobots". Updated information for Beast Machines BLACKARACHNIA, BUZZSAW, CHEETOR (Mega), OPTIMUS PRIMAL, RATTRAP, RUMBLE (bull), WOLFANG (wolf). PREDACONS - Removed "Transmissions"-exclusive WASPINATOR. Added BLASTRAX, MEGATRON (J Mega Tmetal exclusive), SPITTOR (E video version). Updated information for BMach BLITZWING (helicopter), JETSTORM, MEGATRON, MIRAGE (formerly Burnout), SCAVENGER, TANKORR, THRUST. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE SETUP (YOU NEED THIS) 0) THIS IS *NOT* A "FOR SALE" LIST! Sorry. But I've fended off enough e-mails asking for prices. This is MERELY an informational document. 1) The list is split up into ten sections : Autobots A-N, Autobots O-Z, Decepticons A-N, Decepticons O-Z, Maximals, Predacons, Gestalts, Animorphs, Battle Beasts, and Tonka GoBots. All entries in the list are alphabetized by character name. Each entry in the Autobot, Decepticon, Maximal, Predacon and Animorphs lists is set up like this... *************************************************************************** NAME (ALTERNATE NAMES) TOY TYPE - FUNCTION (CODE NUMBER) 1. DESCRIPTION PARTNERS (SPECIAL NOTES) (CROSS-REFERENCES) *************************************************************************** NAME : The name assigned to that particular TF. If it was not assigned one, then the name of the mold (if a recolor of a previous character) or alternate form is given in quotes. Characters who have multiple toys are grouped together, in chronological order of mold release. ALTERNATE NAMES : Many characters have different names in other countries. They are listed here for reference. TOY TYPE : Most of the TFs are grouped together with others who share the same "gimmick" or general toy type. "Autobot" or "Decepticon" means Transformers who belong to no designated subgroup. FUNCTION : That TF's "job" as told in their tech-spec. CODE NUMBER : Most of the Transformers released in Japan are given numbers for easier identification. The first year in Japan used plain numbers, but the second year started using the "C(ybertron)-**" and "D(estron)-**" numbers to identify the characters. (Cybertron and Destron are the Japaense terms for Autobot and Decepticon.) DESCRIPTION : The colors and alternate (non-robot) mode(s) of the TF. Cassette Transformers have their non-cassette mode listed. "Cybertronian" is just a spiffy word for a TF with a futuristic- looking vehicle mode. In the Animorphs section, this lists both the animal and "human" type. Each variant is numbered. PARTNERS : Several TFs come with vehicles or "sub-characters". For the purposes of this list they are considered to be accessories. Head-, Target-and PowerMaster components, Action Master partners and vehicles, Micro-Master vehicles and bases, Pretender shells, city mini-vehicles, MicroVerse figures and such fall under this category. SPECIAL NOTES : Extra information about a toy. CROSS-REFERENCES : Other characters with toys that use the same mold, even if modified. A=Autobot, D=Deception, M=Maximal, and P=Predacon. Toys in the same faction do not have this marker. Individual MicroMasters are given separate entries, not grouped as patrols or teams. Here is an example of the entry for a single character with multiple toys and variations... *************************************************************************** AIR RAID ("Air Raider"-J) Aerialbot - Warrior (C-54) 1. Black, white & red F-15 Eagle jet 2. Blue & silver F-15 Eagle jet (G2) (Right leg to SUPERION gestalt) CyberJet - Warrior (G2) 1. Black & blue F-117A Fighter jet (Comes w/ extra decal sheet in Japan) (See also SKYJACK (D)) *************************************************************************** The other lists are arranged similarly... For Gestalts, the description has been replaced with the names of that gestalts' component robots. For Battle Beasts, the "Subgroup" has been replaced with "Autobot", "Decepticon" and "Laser Beast", their allegiances according to the Japanese Battle Beast releases. The "Function" has been replaced with the ID number imprinted on every figure. This number is also imprinted on their corresponding weapons, which are also listed. For Tonka GoBots, "Subgroup" and "Function" have been replaced with the side and ID number of each GoBot. 2) There are some variations this list does not cover. Basically, if the toy itself has not been physically changed, it will not be listed. ANYTHING TO DO WITH PACKAGING : If someone else wants to make a packaging variations list, go right ahead. This list deals solely with the toys themselves. PRODUCTION MISTAKES : Misapplied stickers, lack of paint, or slight changes in plastic & chrome hue. Only concious changes are listed. "RUB-SIGN" VARIATIONS : If a rubsign *indent* has been added or removed from the mold itself, then it's included... if the only difference is if it has a rubsign sticker or not, or if the toy has a different allegiance rubsign in another market, I don't bother with it. COPYRIGHT INFORMATION STAMP DIFFERENCES : Most of the first-year TFs didn't have Hasbro's copyright/trademark stamp on them, as many were leftover stock from the original Japanese lines. "DECOYS" : The small rubber figurines of TF characters that came with carded TFs for a while in G1. Considered to be merchandise, just like candy toys. TRANSFORMERS-BRAND "CANDY TOYS" FROM JAPAN : There are many small plastic model kits, figurines and other items sold with candy in Japan, often simplified and smaller versions of popular characters. These are all considered to be merchandise. NON-TF TAKARA TRANSFORMING TOYS FROM JAPAN : Even though most of the first two years of the TF line came from Japanese lines like Diakron and Microman, and several Japanese TFs were recolored into "new" toys for post-TF lines, they aren't included. Your best bet for info on these is to post a query on the newsgroups. PRE-GOBOTS BANDAI "MACHINE ROBO" TOYS FROM JAPAN : For the same reasons that Diakron and Microman aren't listed. UNPRODUCED TOYS THAT WERE NEVER RELEASED : I include several TFs that were never released for retail in this list. However, all of these listed made it past prototype stage, and WERE manufactured as complete, functioning toys, even if in very small numbers and without packaging (or in some cases, even names or paint). However, anything that never made it to actual production is not listed. 3) There is a reason that Battle Beasts, Tonka GoBots and Animorphs have their own sections in this TF list. In Japan, Battle Beasts were known as "BeastFormers", and were part of the "HeadMasters" series, even though they became a separate spin-off toy line. For GoBots, Hasbro now owns Tonka. (Which is why you saw "Gobots" and such in G2.) So the Tonka- released GoBots are kind of the TF's step-brothers... or step-machines. (Besides, there had to be a list of 'em SOMEWHERE...) Animorphs, though not a Hasbro-owned property, was marketed and shipped under the "Transformers" banner (in order to get valuable shelf space in stores), so they go in as well. 4) Like Robert Jung's TF list, this list is "American-centric". To put it simply, the TF mythos is mostly the creation of Hasbro and Marvel comics, even if the actual toys from the first two years had existed for years before in Japan. The Transformers line started in America, and moved to other parts of the world. Any TF not part of this "core" line (commonly referred to as G1 once Generation 2 started up) has a special designation to the appropriate toy... (B) - A TF or variation available only in the BRAZILIAN market, which appears to have only been available in 1985. Some interesting color variations on molds we got, plus a few new guys... (E) - This can stand for "EUROPEAN" TF, or, if you prefer, "Everywhere Else Not Japan, Brazil Or America". These TFs were available only in the UK, continental Europe, Australia, or Canada. Most of these were post-Action Master, pre-G2 toys. (G2) - A TF from the TRANSFORMERS GENERATION 2 line, which started in early 1993 and ended in late '95. With only a few exceptions all of these were available in the US, Japan, and the European market. The "Generation 2" part was dropped from the packaging later in the line, but the toys released during that time are still considered to be "G2". All of the G1 TFs re-released in G2 have their faction name stamped on them somewhere with the G2 faction symbols... this is a sure-fire way of knowing which version you have. (J) - A TF or variation available only in the JAPANESE market. Shortly after the Pretenders, the Japanese line swerved and went its own way for a while, and then got HEAVILY into MicroMasters. While there are several different "themes" in the Japanese TF line (MASTERFORCE, VICTORY, etc.), for simplicity's sake they're not separated as such in this list. (MW) A TF from the Kay-Bee Exclusive MACHINE WARS TRANSFORMERS line, which started appearing on shelves in early '97. The TFs in this line feature some totally new molds that were slated for G2 release, plus some recolored and re-named "European" TF molds. Some entries are marked with combinations of these designations... for example, "E G2" is a GENERATION 2 item only available in the European market. The majority of the American line was avaialable in most major markets. In the early 90's, a few previously European-only items were available in Japan. All entries are marked by their ORIGINAL release market. 5) At several places I have "(* unknown)" after an entry. These are usually a specific vehicle model (I don't know from car & jet makes), but are sometimes colors to toys I've never seen or only have black & white pictures of. Also, there are sometimes question marks in the place of a TF's Function. If you have the information that should be there, PLEASE E-MAIL me with the info I need. This also goes with any variations you know of that I have missed, or any corrections, typos, and such. Just be aware that when it comes to new variations, I like to be able to verify them myself, see a picture of it, or also hear of the same variation from another person... so a variation you report may not show up in the next version of the List. Please be patient... I try to investigate each one. 6) This list is intended for checklist purposes and general identification purposes only. If you want a description of the toys' gimmicks and more information on the state of the TF lines over the toy line's lifespan, check out Robert Jung's TF List. If you want the complete tech-specs of many of these TFs, there are a number of on-line resources for them. Jon & Karl Hartman's International Tech-Spec Archive 7) The current battle plan is to post the List to the USENET newsgroup alt.toys.transformers every alternate Wednesday. (Of course, whether or not this actually happens is another matter entirely. Sh!t happens.) If you do not see all the parts on the list on your server, wait a few days to see if it has picked them up yet. Please do not ask for missing sections via e-mail, as my on-line time is fairly limited at this time. The List is available for download at 8) "Transformers", "Transformers Generation 2", "Transformers Beast Wars", "Machine Wars Transformers", "Beast Machines Transformers", "Battle Beasts", "GoBots", "Autobot", "Decepticon", "Maximal", "Predacon", "Vehicon", "Cybertron", "Destron", "MicroVerse", "My First Transformer", and all other related indicatia are the trademarks and copyrights of Hasbro/Kenner/Tonka/Playskool and Takara. "Animorphs" and all realted indicatia are the trademark and copyright of Scholastic Inc. This list is in no way intended to be an infringement of those copyrights and trademarks. This list is considered free for personal usage and inclusion on Web sites, provided it is reproduced in its entirety and with proper credit to its author. "Comic Bom Bom", "Cookie Crisp", "K-Mart", "Kay- Bee", "McDonald's Happy Meal", "Pepsi", "Toys 'R' Us", "TV Magazine", "Wal-Mart" and "Wendy's", are registered trademarks of their respective companies. 9) "That Big Transformers Variations List" is a King Weasel Production, maintained and copyrighted by M Sipher. 10) There are quite a few people I'd like to thank... Robert Jung, Hex, Ben "Wonko the Sane" Yee, Darren "Dirge" Cilenti, Doug Dlin, The Weeter, LrdSith, Gyumaoh, Don Fergeson, Will Humphrey, Jon & Karl Hartman, Rugby Starbase, Raksha, Fred's Workshop, Hydra D340 M "I Am Not Your Broom, I Am Not Your Broom, I've Had Enough, I'm Throwing Off My Chains Of Servitude" Sipher 1998 King Weasel Productions http://tatooine.fortunecity.com/simak/109 "This hardcore ghetto gangsta image takes a lot of practice I'm not black like Barry White, no I am white like Frank Black is So if man is five and the Devil is six then that must make me seven This honkey's going to Heaven But if I go to Hell, well then I hope I burn well I'll spend my days with JFK, Marvin Gaye, Martha Rae and Lawrence Welk And Kurt Kobain, Kojak, Mark Twain and Jimi Hendrix' poltergeist And Webster, yeah Emanuel Lewis, 'cause he's the Antichrist" - The Bloodhound Gang, "Fire Water Burn"