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Transformers Pre Rub Optimus Prime (Convoy) Finally!

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Don't know if i should be ashamed to mention this…being a Transformers fan from the 80s, i've never owned a G1 Optimus Prime until 5 years go where i bought the 25th Anniversary G1 Optimus Prime…then i acquired the Grey and Red Bape Optimus Prime...these were the only G1 Convoys…i have never owned a vintage G1 Prime until now….

This piece, a used complete Pre Rub G1 Optimus Prime was acquired at the same time as the Decepticon Jets…In my view probably the best version of Optimus Prime for a G1 fan.
The box wasn't the best in condition, a fair bit of wear but good enough for me, good enough for a first time vintage prime owner like me….

Styrofoam is in good condition, almost pristine...

Here's the truck mode...

Robot mode…Best representation of the G1 artwork…bloated fists and weapons…Most important of all, the rifle matches the artwork, 1980s cartoon…later versions were released with a different, slimmer rifle. Diecast, rubber wheels and all…how could i missed this for all these years?!!


Yeah, bloated fists...



Another thing which stands out from other later versions…Roller comes in grey color which is similar to what shown on the instructions sheet…Also, a good representation…later Rollers come in blue color as shown on the first picture, the 25th Anniversary version...

Next thing about the trailer, the colored sides are actually metal plates, with the colors and designs printed on…Later versions come with stickers….This will not make a significant difference to most collectors whether the patterns are stickers or metal plates but to me, it is important as this shows that this version is the closest to the Diaclone Convoy, the first use of mold and design for Optimus Prime.
The metal plates serves a purpose for the little diaclone drivers where the magnets on their feet can keep the drivers stable by adhering to the metal plates...

IN all, i'm very happy with this version of Optimus Prime, not only being my first vintage prime but as the best version of Optimus Prime…Again, similar to my Decepticon Jets, this is also an opportunity acquisition…and i was not the one who found this opportunity, a friend led me to this and i can never thank him enough...

Fairlady Streaking Around...

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Should have posted this for a long time….
After Starscream, Bluestreak is probably my next favourite G1 mold.
Nissan Fairlady car mode…very nice! 
Was poisoned time and time again by my good collector buddy who is the ultimate Streak fan.
I am now so poisoned that the only antidote is more streak….

 By advice, i managed to snag myself a pre-rub streak. Really an art piece, the quality and the feel of the pre-rub brings out the excitement in me. I still can remember the feeling very clearly when i have this piece in my hands, MISB…the feeling of opening up a 1984 Transformer toy, just like when i was a kid, the excitement… (except now i'm very much more careful)

Pictured here is the picture of the pre-rub streak, returned back into his box. Plastic prison? probably but i have a couple of streaks more, so i still get my taste of fiddling with streaks now and then.

Here are the other 2 streaks…the Commemorative Reissue Streak and the e-hobby anime (black hood) Bluestreak. Photos coming up next are pictures of the reissues.










Why is Bluestreak called BLUEstreak when it is not blue, one may ask. Even Bluestreak in the 1980s cartoon was silver and black hooded.
This has been explained several times in many forums and several blogs.  I shall not bore you guys further…


October 2014: I had the chance to visit my good buddy, Heroic Decepticon at his apartment in Hong Kong...yes, we managed to meet despite the Hong Kong protest.
really an eye-opener…His display is so cool that i wanted to mimic to my own display. Not to mention that his collection is second to none (exaggerating, yes…probably second to not many :D)

One of my main objective was to see the Diaclone Blue Bluestreak in the flesh and i did!

Here i am, holding the fabled Blue Bluestreak.

Had the chance to play both the Diaclone version as well as the GiG version. wait, and the Diaclone blackhooded streak as well. Damn! so many streaks he has!

So engrossed in playing with the cars, i didn't know he sneaked a few photos that caught me in the act.



Looking at these diaclone pieces really pushes me to want to own 1 of these and i have to step up to look for one…and especially need help of friends and collectors if they chance upon one…
The toy is very very solid, the fine details are painfully straight with well-cut lines. No regrets in getting one…ever.

Dino Cassettes C-121 Gurafi/Graphy & C-122 Noizu/Noise KO comparison (Part 1)

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After prolonged period of searching and hunting, managed to snag for myself the first half of the rare and elusive Dino Cassettes, C-121 Gurafi and C-122 Noizu.


Way before this, i got a set of the KO dino cassettes, for research purposes, wanting to make sure that i do not get a KO piece of the price of an original. I need to know the difference, not only the box, but the toy and inserts as well. I want an 100% original collector piece. As they say, to know your enemy well, is half the battle won.
Some research on the net and great help my my friend HD, (who has all 4 original Dino cassettes), i managed to memorize by heart some differences. So now, after scoring these 2 pieces, i'm showing those differences that one can judge straight by looking at one. No reviews on the original toy itself (well, maybe some praise for the original along the way) as a very good review done by my good friend on C-121 here and C-122 here.

First up: C-121 Gurafi/Graphy (Top = Original, Bottom = KO)
1) Wings must reach the edge of the box
2) The white japanese words at the bottom must be aligned to the right, not nearer to the centre.

There are other differences, but you can't differentiate unless you have an original on hand to compare. i will just name these 2, they are sufficient enough to judge the piece if its a KO.

Side of the box: Front = Original; Back = KO
1) Arm of Decible extends to the front of the box for the KO. On the original, the picture fits nicely on the side flap. This is the same for Noizu as well.

Back of the box: Left = KO; Right = Original
1) The artwork of Decible for the KO touches the edge of the box. For the original, the artwork is well within the white background.

Top of the box: Top = Original; Bottom = KO
Picture of Gurafi covers the top of the box, edge to edge.  i.e the wings touch the top edge and the feet touches the bottom edge. On th KO, the picture is not touching the edges at all. If you noticed, the angle of the photo then is different as well..


Bio Card: Left = KO; Right = Original
Significant difference in size of the Bio card. It should be almost the size of the box itself, near to credit card size. For the KO, about the size of the cassette.

Instructions: Left = Original; Right = KO

 Left = KO; Right = Original (apologies for standardizing the photo order!)
Instruction sheets are clearly identifiable, with the KO version having very pixelated pictures. It appears that the KO makers do not have an original piece to achieve a high definition scan. It looks like the instruction sheet was printed out from a picture downloaded from the net. It looks very unprofessional, even for a KO.

Inserts: Left = Original; Right = KO
The compartment for the accessories should be square. On the KO, both are rectangle, almost identical in size. Also there should not be grooves to "hold" onto the cassettes in the compartment.

Weapons: Top = KO; Bottom = Original
 The weapons are almost identical, very difficult to judge just by looing at the chrome. Look at the insides where chrome paint can't be applied. It seems that on the original, the base plastic is red and it's black for the KO. This is also noticed for Noizu. Not sure if this can be used to 100% judge an original.

Cassettes: Left = KO; Right = Original
 Rivets are bigger on the original. on either side.

Level of details are significantly lacking on the KO.

Cassettes: Front = Original; Back = KO
There should be a groove on the forehead of the dinosaur.

 Left = KO; Right = Original
Lack of details on the dinosaur head for the KO as shown in blue circle.

The KO piece has the Takara'87 Stamping as well. So we can't judge it by stamping, though there are some difference in the font used, no way to verify without an original.

All these being said, when you handle the KO piece, you will know the difference. Loose joints, not so easy to click in parts etc. The handling feel is totally different, this is unlike the KO Japanese Headmasters. But fortunately, the KO headmasters do not have the Takara stamping which makes it very easy to identify. (KO headmaster Lione comparison here)

But unless you have the opportunity to inspect at point of transaction/purchase, you have to base on the pictures provided. Very often the not, we make our purchases online, via forums, Facebook groups, ebay etc. You have to ask for actual photos of the item and not photos from the forums, other collectors etc. Push the seller to provide, you are paying premium for such stuffs anyway and we would rather be safe than sorry. Opportunities will come, i'd rather pass on a rare item (but unsure if it's original) then to jump into it without verification.

Next: C-122 Noizu comparison.


Dino Cassettes C-121 Gurafi/Graphy & C-122 Noizu/Noise KO comparison (Part 2)

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Part 2 of the C-121 Gurafi& C-122 Noizu comparison
Now for C-122 Noizu/Noise….

Frony of the box: Top = Original; Bottom = KO
Artwork on the original, the tail should be seen, not just the tip of the tail.
The toes should be hidden behind the yellow title box. If you can see the toes on the right leg, it's a KO.

Side of the box: Front = Original; Back = KO
The artwork and on the side flap and the back of the box, as well as the top of the box, is the same as Gurafi…Arm of Decible should not go into the front of the box.

Back of box: Left = KO; Right = Original

Top of the box: Top = Original; Bottom = KO

Instruction sheet...


The instruction sheet is significantly lower in quality…you have to be blind to miss it.

Bio card: Left = KO; Right = Original
the differences are quite similar to Gurafi…here, the bio card is smaller on the KO. Original, should be near credit card size.

Inserts: Left = KO; Right = Original
Original insert shold have a square compartment for it's accessories and no grooves to "hold" the cassette.

Weapons: Left = KO; Right = Original
The interior of the weapon: you can see the dark base color for this piece. For the original, the chrome is even all round. Similarly, tis is not a sure fire way to identify KOs.

Both have the Takara'87 stamping.

Cassette: Front = Original; Back = KO
Lack of details in the head of the KO. i used this to identify KOs. There should be a line around the eyes and another line round the mouth of the original.

Cassette: Top = Original; Bottom = KO
Again, a significant lack of details on the KO.

Decible: Left = KO; Right = Original
The back of KO Decible cannot stay in place, tends to "lean" backwards, resulting in the instability of Decible, causing it to fall backwards....I had to help by holding onto the feet so that it will not topple over. The legs are loose, wanting to do Van Damme splits.

This is the catalog that came along with each cassette. Don't know if it should due there but since it inside…i'll just accept it!

Hope the comparison helps and will help someone out there in acquiring a set of these rare cassettes. The originals, really are a sight to behold and when you play and handle it, you will know that no KO will ever come close. My opinion is that i will never get a KO to "replace" a vintage piece.
The reason(s) why i would get an KO:
1) To find out how the KO look and what are the indications of a KO.
2) For customizing. (thoughts really been a long time since i last worked on a custom)

Now….Bring on C-123 Dairu & C-124 Zauru!!!!

Transformers Vintage Targetmaster C-108 Artfire

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Managed to snag this exclusive piece while i was having a vacation in Europe.
For some reason, Europe is hopeless for vintages…not only, even for the newer toys like combiner wars, you don't see much in Europe. Whatever happened to the GiGs and European versions?
Or is the problem with me that i do not know where to search? Doesn't mater now.
Managed to get it shipped so that it's waiting for me when i get home…
And it's a beauty.
Unused and complete. Slight yellowing but very very very difficult to find a pristine bone-white piece now, similar to Minerva.
Still puzzling to me why this has become so rare and sought-after. Just a recolor of Inferno, add in a target master and this is the result…just puzzling.
But i'm just happy to be able to get Artfire so let's enjoy this piece for now…








Transformers Vintage Japanese Headmaster heads…and SHUFFLER FINALLY!

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Mid last year, i managed to acquire these Japanese Headmasters through my good friend.
But there were only 5 MIB headmasters missing the rare shuffler.
Price-wise for Shuffler, it is sometimes said that the price of shuffler can exceed the price of the other 5 headmasters combined!
Nevertheless, here they are…in MIB goodness.


Lione…i've done a review and comparison to the KO Lione. (Here)
The lion transforms into...
quite a nice face/head…i think Lione is the most good looking of the lot.

Toraizer


 Kirk

 Rodney

 Loafer


For the next few months to close to a year, i have been trying to find Shuffler. Going through TF groups and ebay, Yahoo Japan….and another important factor is that there are the KOs out there, which makes the search even more difficult. Found a couple of MIB Shufflers on YHJ but the prices are just crazy! went way about how much i paid for the 5 MIB heads. Just can't bring myself to throw big numbers for much a small figure. (But it would be different if they are the White Japanese Headamster heads, which are even more difficult to find)
Guess my patience eventfully paid off and i managed to find a loose piece. and at a really good price. The next thing is its authenticity…pretty straight forward for these heads, stamping = original; no stamping = KO.
So, now…..The Elusive SHUFFLER!!!

Another happy day for a collector….

Transformers Hard Hero Cold Cast Porcelain Busts

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These are the Hard Hero Cold Cast Busts.
Yes, i'm being poisoned again…They look really cool, true representation of the G1 anime.
Saw these at a friend's place, fell in love with the statues…but due to space constraints, i went for only Starscream at first. But after getting the starscream, i had to get the rest…right now i have 5 but not stopping…i WILL get the rest, Optimus Prime, Megatron, Jazz, Wheeljack, Cyclonus etc.
The prices varies a lot and can come really cheap but the shipping can be crazy as these busts weigh really solid.
Each busts is individually numbered and there are 500 pieces for each character.
I would really recommend these for G1 fans...


Ironhide

Me Grimlock!

Soundwave

Prowl

Starscream

There are other statues/busts from other brands (e.g Diamond Select etc) but i think the Hard Hero version beats them all.

Short Toy Hunting Trip in Osaka (Part 1)

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Had an opportunity to go on a short toy hunting trip in Osaka (and for food as well of course!)
Probably my first toy hunting trip in Osaka, so had to use the guide on my good friend, Heroic Decepticon's blog.
Took some photos to complement his explanation on "How to get there"…so this is not a comprehensive guide, just some additional pictures and short explanation…go read his guide first and come here for the pictures which he didn't put up…go go go

This is the picture of the big Taito signage/building. you cannot miss it after you come out of takashimaya and pass the Muji/tower records building…walk into the road between the Taito building and the building with the orange Daiso "D.D Square" signage and you will come to….

the beige neo-classical syle 6-7 story building which was mentioned….turn right and walk down the road and you will get to….

Entertainment Jungle!

Another view of the shop front from opposite side of the road (DenDen Town)

I'm there only for G1 Transformers, so i will show only the G1s which is located at the second floor of Jungle…And do note that these are what they have as of early September 2015 when i was there...

Loose Lucky draw Movie Optimus Prime, seriously i don't know which version this is…but it's really nice...






Next up, Hero Gangu…from Jungle, walk pass Hotel Hillarys and you will see Hero Gangu…yes, its that easy and less than 2 minutes walk...

see? Hero Gangu is just next to Hotel Hillarys with just a road in between...

Similar to Jungle, the Transformers stuffs are on the second floor…
Hero Gangu has not only toys but other collectibles as well…like Laser Discs, DVDs, books and comics, you just need to ask them and they will reveal their "hidden" stash…


1984 goodness…too bad the boxes for the cars are in a bad condition...

Decepticons...

some stuffs "hidden" at the top of the shelves...



there's this PVC Unicron and its prototype….looks cool but not for sale…not to mention the mail away Ratchet too….

that's all for part 1….the Osaka Mandarakes in part 2...

Short Toy Hunting Trip in Osaka (Part 2)

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Its time for the Mandarakes in Osaka….
These are not as straight forward as Jungle or Hero Gangu in my view…so first get the address from the Mandarake Website here….We are going to Mandarake Shinshibashi Grand Chaos Store first…

a little tip: If you do not have a data plan in japan and using only WiFi in your hotel, input the address of your destination into google maps when you have WiFi…set off for your destination. as you are approaching the destination, activate google maps and you can see how far you are from your destination and you can navigate your way using google map. Google map takes your location fro your mobile signal, you will not have directions but its like a digital map with your live location.

Ok, now for Mandrake Grand Chaos….
This is the building with Bowling pin at the top.
from hero gangu, walk in the direction towards Jungle…walk until you reach a big river, once you cross the river, turn left and walk til you pass the Gilco man, until you reach a bridge for vehicles and you turn rightist's difficult to explain from here and you would have to have the map at hand or google map to navigate your way there….Note that you will see a building with a bowling pin before the river…THAT IS NOT THE BUILDING TO HEAD FOR..its has to be after the river...

Along the road towards Mandarake Grand Chaos…see the blue lights?

Yeah!!! Mandarake Grand Chaos Shop Front!

The G1 shelf…D-50 Takara Motormaster spotted!!



The D-50 Motormaster and a very nice Chromdome...

There's a Diaclone Sideswipe, one of the Diaclones i'm looking for…but too bad the box is missing a side flap and the styrofoam insert is pretty chewed up. 

Next, Mandarake Umeda Store…get the address here.
For this sure i can't really remember the directions, you really have to depend on the map and ask around…Use google map would due the best,,,
this is the look as i approach Mandarake…watch out for the big red signage with white words, it's possible that you may miss it amongst all the colorful shop sign ages and all...

This is the Mandarake Umeda shop front...

G1, G1 and G1…very expensive Takara Swoop spotted…heard its been there for a long time…looking at the price, it will still be there for abit...

Nice Liokaiser giftset spotted as well...


A not for sale Optimus Prime non-transferable figure..

Some cause for concern over here….i was quite surprised to find a complete set of Hasbro Dinobots there…and at a affordable price for the entire set…but after taking a closer look, they are KOs!!
to think that Mandarake carries KOs!!
As G1 collectors, it is very important that we do our research on KOs….fortunately i have done mine…a simple verification, Original Swoop would have the rub sign visible…Original Snarl would have the black box (with transformers wording) and the yellow box (with "Snarl")aligned…

You would not have been able to see the perforated line on the card back for Original Sludge...

Grimlock is the Dinobot BOMMANDER?!! Not!!

This, however, is original…but the price….


Came across Guest books where customers/shoppers can leave their signatures and messages on the books…at least 20 books spotted and all are with super drawings and sketches…i guess lots of artists are collectors and lots of collectors are artists!! here's a few shots of the pages i browsed...


and i also chanced upon a Mandarake magazine….flipped through and spotted a Diaclone Lucky draw Streak? Prowl? realized it would be placed on auction at Yahoo Japan by Mandarake….i shudder at what would be the closing price...

Ok, thats' all i have for Osaka Toy Hunting…hope my 5 cents worth of pictures and comments can help some other collectors in their quest!

Impossible Toys Tetra Squadron TS-01 Banshee….crappy crappy crappy...

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Took me some time to finally get this….didn't preorder this and when it was released, basically everywhere was selling this "Starscream" as a set with "Skywarp" and "Thundercracker"

One of my biggest regret…initially i though that the Transformers Prime Starscream mold was the worst, but i was wrong…THIS IS WORST!

Found this in Osaka and i thought i was damn lucky to find it selling individually and at 8,000 yen…i thought, not exactly cheap but nor is it expensive…typically this goes on ebay for >$150 if i remember correctly…i had given up looking for Banshee…

Bought this back to the hotel and my wife held it up while packing and asked why i bought an empty box and i'd better check if it's early empty….yes, its that light…almost weightless…

This is the box…actually not bad looking…but…but…but...





The plastic is really cheap, worse than a KO…in fact its the same as the low quality/grade china made KOs or worse..instruction sheet is unclear…i had a lot of difficulty transforming this fella...


Jet mode is crappy as well, very difficult to match and click everything in place…pieces fall off easily…really a low quality product….



Heard that the company, Impossible Toys has closed down…judging from the quality of this product f theirs, not surprising…even the name tells you….it's impossible...


Favourite Buys in 2015...yes...its late but better than never...

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Late, but better late than never right?
These are my 5, or rather 6 favourite acquisitions in year 2015....been wanting to post this but seriously, schedules are tight such that posting here has less priority.
1. Joustra Starscream - Got a piece with a much nicer box and styrofoam. Though its missing some parts.
2. Takara C-108 Targetmaster Artfire MIB unused- broke the bank to get it...sick of waiting and hoping.
3. Takara D-309 Black Shadow MIB unused - Not as costly as Artfire but still had to break the bank...
4. Diaclone Bluestreak - Loose. Got this off Yahoo Japan...1 Bluestreak is never enough...i need more! MIB please!
5. Diaclone Yellow Sideswipe. MIB unused. It's a COuntach what else can i say. Will probably do a comparison with the e-hobby Tigertracks some time soon..
6. Probably my favourite here: Lucky Draw Secret Starscream. Complete MIB unused. This was released in 2001 as you can see that the box is the exact same box for the Takara 22 Reissue starscream. Fully clear body with red metal body. So glad that i was able to get this. According to www.luckydrawtransformers.com, there are only 5 pieces of the secret starscream in the world!

The Elusive Diaclone Bluestreak.....FINALLY!!!!

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July 2015, i managed to snag a loose Diaclone Blue Bluestreak....that temporary satisfied my "thirst" for Bluestreak for abit....it was not long that i started to look for a MIB piece....for the next 6 - 7 months, i have probably seen only 2 pieces up for sales...but the prices ended at ridiculous prices...disappointed, i continued to wait and wait till a nice, reasonably priced piece comes my way...For collecting, most of the time, i would go by: Patience will pay off, there will be a piece that comes along just nice. (okay, sometimes it's hard not to grab that pricey piece but...)
Come March 2016. I FINALLY GOT MY BLUESTREAK.
okay, i'm a Starscream slut and am still looking for a Diaclone Screamer but Bluestreak comes in at a close second if not on par....let's not divert the attention from this piece, one of the highly sought after version of the Fairlady mold.

Nice minty box with no visible scuffles, tears, dents whatsoever....the left flap has a corner sticking out but hey, this is more than 30 years old!

Here's the loose Bluey (Heroic Decepticon my friend, hope you didn't trademark the nic!) with his newly arrived twin brother, trying to show him who's da boss.

Bottom of the box

Top of the box

Back of the box

Side of the box, both sides are similar.

Insert is nice, well-kept totally.

Blue with her Diaclone Driver....

Group shot

The Box Art.

Nice pictorial cross-section 

The un-KO-able blue chrome and the blue translucent roof.

Round (Diaclone or early TF) Takara stamp

and the un-mistakeable 2-tone blue of the diaclone fairlady.

This one didn't come with any papers but really...i'm really satisfied already, like a dream come true.
Missiles are the normal TF version instead of the diaclone missiles.
But everything else is Diaclone. Box, inserts and the toy is minty though used.

oh yes...almost at the same time...i managed to get a Diaclone Clampdown as well...but now let's leave the stage to Bluey!!!

Diaclone Countach LP500S Yellow Sideswipe

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Hot on the heels of Bluey, I present Diaclone Yellow Sideswipe or as some call it, Tigertracks (for ehobby reissue)
Well actually, i got the Yellow swipe before Bluestreak, just that was i really excited that i talked about Bluestreak first...
Here's Sideswipe in his yellow outfit...a pretty nice version of the Countach mold, lots of Diecast (which is similar to the regular TF & reissues mold as well, i love diecast, so the extra mention)
This is a nice used piece with used sticker sheet and the Diaclone catalog and instruction sheet. Missiles are off-sprue...a really pretty version i must say.


Nope, i do not have multiples of this moderately rare item...the one which is in the bot mode is the Ehobby Tigertracks (or reissue yellow sideswipe).

 As per all diaclone boxes, there will be a pictorial cross-section of the car....

 Side of the box

Hobby vs Diaclone....

Wit her good'o yellow diaclone driver....

Since there are 2 versions of the yellow swipe, thought i'd show some differences...these differences may have been highlighted in other webbies or forum, but no harm showing again right?

First up, the headlights....diaclone on the right shows the Mis-spelled "Rallye" the reissue shows "Rally" 

Insides of the feet (or behind the feet) Single ridge on the Diaclone (right) and 3 ridges for the reissue (Left)

Under the bonnet: No stamping on the diaclone (right) Hasbro/Takara stamping for the reissue

 Black triangle on the door: Stickered on the diaclone (top) painted on the reissue (bottom)

Rear of the bot: Takara stamping for Diaclone (right) and nothing on the reissue (left)

Chest pegs: Well-rounded on the diaclone (right) Curvature instead of rounded on the reissue (left)

These are the few tell-tale signs to check out for in case someones dumps a reissue into a diaclone box for sale...

Personally i do not see the Diaclone Yellow Sideswipe available for sales that often BUT at the same time, do not see it as one of the highly sort after Diaclones. Perhaps it does not appeal that much to collectors compared to Bluestreak and Marlboor Wheeljack. In addition, there is a reissue by ehobby and the reissue is not exactly too far off. It is actually quite a nice toy to play with and enjoy.
I go the ehobby reissue first and this was sort of an incidental finding....got it off a good friend who feels that i love this more than him...well, i do and this is now sitting proudly in my cabinet...

C-123 Dairu/Dial & C-124 Zauru/Zaur

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So finally i laid my hands on the final 2 Dino Cassettes, Dairy and Zauru!
Again thanks to my good buddy who gave me a very very good deal!

Finally finally finally....cannot imagine i would ever be able to complete the dino cassettes.
As per the earlier 2 cassettes, i'm gonna do a comparison between the original and the K.O version. (Gurafi/Noizu comparison here!)
As i mentioned many months ago (when i got the first 2 cassettes), i acquired the K.O version of these rare and hard to find cassettes...to make sure that i would not pay the price of an original for a K.O...and am glad that i didn't need to use this information as both sources were very trustworthy.

Front of the box: Original on the left, K.O on the right.
Unlike C-121 & C-122, there were not much obvious differences between them. 
You will need aboriginal side by side to really differentiate the boxes.

Original on the top, KO at the bottom.
One difference: on the Number "2", the KO does not have the vertical line while it exists on the original.

Back of the Box: Original on the left, K.O on the right.
There's really no much difference, nothing you can use to i.d the K.O with the original.

Side of the box: Original on the left, K.O on the right

Side of the box: Original on the left, K.O on the right

The toy: Original on the left, K.O on the right
Even the toy molding looks horrifying similar...
Note the major difference here...the stud at the neck of Dairu should be covered, like a thumb tack instead of a hollow piece of stud. And of course, the K.O is missing the rub signs, which can be easily placed on.

Original on the left, K.O on the right

Weapons: Original on the top, K.O on the bottom
Under the chrome, it shows a darker color, probably black on the K.O. The original as you can see has a very nice chrome paint.

Tray inserts: Original on the top, K.O on the bottom
No vertical grooves on the sides of the tray and no grooves to hold onto the cassettes inside the hollows. If the tray has any grooves, very likely its a K.O
Also, the hollow for the accessories on the original is a square, where the K.O spots a rectangle.

Biocards: Original on the top, K.O on the bottom
Original bio cards are much larger, sized similarly to that of a credit card. K.O biocard is smaller, just about 1/3 larger than the cassette.

Instruction Sheets: Original on the left, K.O on the right
Original is printed on somewhat yellow good quality paper, K.O sheet shows very good print but on a low quality white paper.

C-124 Zauru
Front of Box: Original on the left, K.O on the right
Unlike the C-123 Dairy, the number "2" is exactly same as original. So that means to i.d the K.O, it is very very difficult.
Update (24 Oct 2016): Some detail which i missed...and picked up by another collector in the Facebook G1 group...the yellow lined box beside the numbers "C-124", the top line of the box is missing on the K.O...

Back of Box: Original on the left, K.O on the right

Side of the box: Original on the left, K.O on the right

Side of the box: Original on the left, K.O on the right

Toy: Original on the left, K.O on the right
Stud on the legs and body, should be "like a thumb tack" instead of hollow studs.
Other than that, the molding, nothing which we can use to i.d.

Toy: Original on the left, K.O on the right
Both sides of the studs should not be hollow.

Weapons: Original on the top, K.O on the bottom
Similarly, the K.O weapons has a darker base color. 
In addition, the holding is somewhat inferior with an internal stud missing on the K.O, hollow square instead.


Biocards: Original on the top, K.O on the bottom
The plastic inserts and biocards have the same differences for all 4 dino cassettes, grooves on the K.O and the biocards being smaller.

Instruction Sheet: Original on the left, K.O on the right

There seems to be a lot less differences for C-123 & C-124 compared to the earlier C-121 & C-122.
My guess is that the K.O makers managed to land their hands on an original Dairu and Zauru. That is why they could get accurate scaled boxes as well as the print on the boxes. 
On C-121 & C-122, there were alignment errors/differences but not these 2.
The instruction sheets were also very nicely printed in high resolution. Another evidence that they could not be printed from internet downloads.
I've also heard of some K.O makers approaching owners of these dino cassettes to loan the original pieces, probably with the intention of re-producing them. Glad to hear that my friend refused. I would refuse too. Absolutely hate K.Os!! wouldn't have bought the K.Os if not for the K.Os....which means i will be selling the K.Os off soon.

End of 2022…

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 It's been a long long time....My last post was in 2016....

I did not stop collecting but buying is very slow and have been selling off some stuff...

Bought a new place, set up the display and sold it off 4 years later. Damn...many things had happened in the last 6 years...

Got a AFA red label Bluestreak, finally. Have many copies of bluestreak but finally a AFA specimen. Looking for a reasonably priced AFA Starscream. I have a AFA Takara Reissue one but need a vintage U.S copy.


Prototype Takara Book Reissue Prowl

Finally managed to snag a Diaclone Blackhood Fairlady. Legend has it that it is more challenging to attain compared to its blue version. Price is supposedly higher as well. Difficulty, maybe true but price-wise, i think its same or slightly lower, not really sure but i think i got mine at a very reasonable price.





Since we are at it, let's spend some time to enjoy this nice bluey. Paint job is one of the most pristine i have seen.


The Headmaster Heads. Shuffler was without a home for the longest time and i finally managed to complete this set, boxed.
Next to move on the the legendary White Headmaster Heads (Write up on this by my good friend) if i can ever locate one for sale.


MISB Lucky Draw God Primus. (Gold G1 Rodimus Prime)
One of the few G1 lucky draw (gold) figures.

I have owned and sold the U.S Seekers but would very likely keep this set that comes with acrylic cases. Starscream is sealed on card and thus unused. Next to find a nice set of coneheads.




Chance across this set of minature figures. Very close to G1-likeness. Likely to be 3D printed. But how they mamaged to paint the figures is a mystery. The figures are really very small. The Cassettes (Ravage, Laserbeak, Rumble, Frenzy) are smaller than a panadol (paracetamol) tablet. Very detailed.
But i have to say they are rather costly. More sets available like the individual Aerialbots, Stunticons, etc. Space-friendly as well! 


Another challenge done. Vintage Stepper. Strange that i managed to own Artfire before stepper. I actually spent more time looking out for Stepper than Artfire. Robot points cut but am not particular as it does not affect the display at all.
The rare targetmasters: Stepper with his brother, Artfire.

This was my display when i moved into the new residence 4 years ago. Too bad 4 years later, i had to move out, and as a result of limited space, the TFs had to go into storage and some were sold off.


This has to be my favourite section: Starscream (4 stages of trasnformation according to the box)
Diaclone Starscream, my favourite version. Then the Joustra and the Lucky Draw Starscream.
Raiden Sets.

Was doing housekeeping and took out this nice paper weight or desktop toy of the day.
Blocky, very G1, very vintage and very 80s. One which i like very much. More blocky than Powermaster Optimus Prime or Ginrai, another block head which was adored since i was 10 years old.

Remembered very clearly, i could not afford to buy the Ginrai, could only go to the neighbourhood shop, hold on to the box and looked at it, almost everyday. One day, the toy got sold and i was distraught!  Now, i proudly own a C-307. Though not really valuable in the market but it ranks at the top in my heart.

Abit too little for 6 years but i guess the post will be too long for comfort to read. Hopefully my next post will not be 6 years later. Cheers!











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