The Energon Pub

tigertracks 24 wrote:

capellamusic wrote:

LuckytheWonderLlama wrote:So is it easier and cheaper to get KOs than endlessly struggle to find the real thing?

I would love to get my hands on a G1 Mirage since the one that I have is in two parts, broken at the waist and the screws are all striped so I can't open him up and replace the part.

I'd settle for a KO.

Striped screws? Try the following:

http://alsnetbiz.com/homeimprovement/damaged_screw.html

http://www.aldn.com/xout/

I still haven't tried that, but I will on my Hot Spot in order to completely restore it.

BTW its stripped screws. Striped is like a zebra. Stripped in this case is like a screw that has been twisted so much and so hard that the metal has been cleaned out on the top, thus not allowing for resistance to the screwdriver's turn.

Pics of KO Boxes might help, might not. What do you guys think?

Hey, I'm portuguese, I know that but when writing it I just followed the way LuckytheWonderLlama wrote it. And the solutions I posted are for this case with stripped screws. It's possible to unscrew them in some ways.

About the KOs, everything helps, pics, sellers, an so on... But of course, stating what are the give-aways in the pics.

The pure amount of KO's on eBay is sick. Then the prices they are asking are ridiculous as well. The endless amounts of Gestalts for 99 cents with 30 dollar shipping is gross. I dont agree totally on some of the early KO's meaning 80's. Some of the four star stuff was awesome. Plus they were nicely made too. BTW if anyone knows where I can get a KO Omega Supreme called the Cosmos Robot I would like to hear from you. N-e ways it is also Hasbro's fault for not reissuing the toys. I mean how hard can it be and there is money to be made as well. They are not meeting the demand pure and simple. It does not make right what the KO companies are doing but they are selling arent they. And if you sell a KO as a vintage G1 then you should be run over with a lawnmower.

shakira wrote: N-e ways it is also Hasbro's fault for not reissuing the toys. I mean how hard can it be and there is money to be made as well. They are not meeting the demand pure and simple. It does not make right what the KO companies are doing but they are selling arent they. And if you sell a KO as a vintage G1 then you should be run over with a lawnmower.

While we would love to blame HASBRO for not re-issueing the whole Transformers line, you can't blame them. It's fairly cost prohibitive, caters to mainly the collector market only, and yet many of the toys must be modified to meet today's toy standard laws...unfortunate for us yes, but you can hardly blame them.

If they were to make KO quality product, it would probably be feasible.

BTW that Omega is awesome...I'd love to own one too.

As I was saying packages are too similar to call in many cases...

G1 Vintage Beachcomber MOSC



KO 'Reissue' Beachcomber MOSC



Hard to see a difference, right?

tigertracks 24 wrote:As I was saying packages are too similar to call in many cases...

G1 Vintage Beachcomber MOSC



KO 'Reissue' Beachcomber MOSC



Hard to see a difference, right?

Those are both KOs... The original Beachcomber does not have a red autobot logo in his chest but another sticker instead. If it has the autobot logo it's a KO. Also, the sticker below it is in wrong colors.

The packaging on most of these KOs is unbelievable. I bought the KO Metrotitan and the Metroplex box he comes in looks just like a G1 Metroplex box. If I saw it on the shelf at a store, I'd swear it was the real deal. I can see how people could be misled by the packaging alone. Metrotitan rocks ass, by the way.

I think i have seen some of those KO's put im not 100% sure..
But cheap copy is still a cheap copy..

Can we comment on the quality of some of these known KOs? For example, I bought a KO G1 Devastator from Walgreens, carded, and the quality is crap. It holds together OK in combined mode, but the individual bot modes are virtually worthless. Tons of flash, wildly loose joints, etc. But, he looks OK w/ my Classics Dev, so he stays combined and untouched.

What about the KO Mirages we know from eBay? I know someone on a TF message board I might be buying a G1 Mirage from, and it's a decent price, but he doesn't know if it's a genuine TF or a KO. I don't mind a KO if it's a decent one, i.e. good mold, joints, etc. Anything I should look for in the pics?

Good thread! Thanks!

Maxuz Prime wrote:this thread is a great ideal. i have been tring for as long as i can remember to get g1 optimus prime for my older brother and if i ever do and find out its a KO im going to be super pissed.

i only buy from stores like wal-mart, toys r us, ect. i hope that means im not buing KO.


again great thread.

If your, buying regualr corporate retail on something like G1 Prime, your getting a reissue, these retailers do not sell KO items.

Granted what your getting isn't vintage, but it is official.

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Also, I haven't read all the threads but in the master list in the first post I didn't notice DoubleDealer.

It's been around for a while, and definetly belongs on the list.

Reflector is now out.

Hip-Hoptimus Rime wrote:Can we comment on the quality of some of these known KOs? For example, I bought a KO G1 Devastator from Walgreens, carded, and the quality is crap. It holds together OK in combined mode, but the individual bot modes are virtually worthless. Tons of flash, wildly loose joints, etc. But, he looks OK w/ my Classics Dev, so he stays combined and untouched.

What about the KO Mirages we know from eBay? I know someone on a TF message board I might be buying a G1 Mirage from, and it's a decent price, but he doesn't know if it's a genuine TF or a KO. I don't mind a KO if it's a decent one, i.e. good mold, joints, etc. Anything I should look for in the pics?

Good thread! Thanks!

These are not the dollar store or Walmart quality KO, nor can you find them there. These are quality, die cast parts, etc... If you don't mind, it doesn't matter, but you should consider it a KO unless otherwise stated, I would say. Especially if it is in great condition. The older Mirages also tend to compact at the waist as the locking mechanism for the legs gets old and worn. If it is a KO chances are it won't do this, and may be another sign.

capellamusic wrote:

tigertracks 24 wrote:As I was saying packages are too similar to call in many cases...

G1 Vintage Beachcomber MOSC



KO 'Reissue' Beachcomber MOSC



Hard to see a difference, right?

Those are both KOs... The original Beachcomber does not have a red autobot logo in his chest but another sticker instead. If it has the autobot logo it's a KO. Also, the sticker below it is in wrong colors.

Better tell that to the Ebay sellers, because one said KO, and the other said vintage MOSC. I think this proves the point to be cautious, but if you want to post a pic comparing a genuine and a re-issue, please do.

tigertracks 24 wrote:Better tell that to the Ebay sellers, because one said KO, and the other said vintage MOSC. I think this proves the point to be cautious, but if you want to post a pic comparing a genuine and a re-issue, please do.

Here's a picture from a genuine. Notice the chest sticker, which is not the autobot symbol. All that have an autobot logo on the chest are KOs (I mean, MOSC ones, because if it's loose or on an opened card someone may just have switched the sticker...).

capellamusic wrote:

tigertracks 24 wrote:Better tell that to the Ebay sellers, because one said KO, and the other said vintage MOSC. I think this proves the point to be cautious, but if you want to post a pic comparing a genuine and a re-issue, please do.

Here's a picture from a genuine. Notice the chest sticker, which is not the autobot symbol. All that have an autobot logo on the chest are KOs (I mean, MOSC ones, because if it's loose or on an opened card someone may just have switched the sticker...).

This is the information format that we need. Show a picture of the real deal and a KO and list the differences. I tried to have a "Collector Corner" for us people that want to buy REAL TF's.

I think we should continue with the other known KO's. I know I bought 3 Optimus Primes before I got the real one. It's hard to tell when it is MISB but if there is a picture of the stryofoam you can tell.

The real stytofoam will have two compartments at the top (one for Roller and one for paperwork) the fake one will have the same but the longer will have an narrow end on the right. I'll try to find the pics

Fussion wrote:

capellamusic wrote:

tigertracks 24 wrote:Better tell that to the Ebay sellers, because one said KO, and the other said vintage MOSC. I think this proves the point to be cautious, but if you want to post a pic comparing a genuine and a re-issue, please do.

Here's a picture from a genuine. Notice the chest sticker, which is not the autobot symbol. All that have an autobot logo on the chest are KOs (I mean, MOSC ones, because if it's loose or on an opened card someone may just have switched the sticker...).

This is the information format that we need. Show a picture of the real deal and a KO and list the differences. I tried to have a "Collector Corner" for us people that want to buy REAL TF's.

I think we should continue with the other known KO's. I know I bought 3 Optimus Primes before I got the real one. It's hard to tell when it is MISB but if there is a picture of the stryofoam you can tell.

The real stytofoam will have two compartments at the top (one for Roller and one for paperwork) the fake one will have the same but the longer will have an narrow end on the right. I'll try to find the pics

I'd love to see a full list stating all of this and open to contributions and updated as fast as this site is updated on the lastest news. It would be very helpful for everyone (except scammers, etc).

capellamusic wrote:I'd love to see a full list stating all of this and open to contributions and updated as fast as this site is updated on the lastest news. It would be very helpful for everyone (except scammers, etc).

Isn't that what we are doing here?

tigertracks 24 wrote:

capellamusic wrote:I'd love to see a full list stating all of this and open to contributions and updated as fast as this site is updated on the lastest news. It would be very helpful for everyone (except scammers, etc).

Isn't that what we are doing here?

Sort of... But I mean more like a site or a section on a site instead of a forum thread. People could contribute by comments and by sending info by e-mail. Then the people running that site or section on a site would add that info. Everything in an organized manner. I can't volunteer to do it as I don't have time, but maybe a section could be created on this site and people could contribute by sending them e-mails with info and pics. Just like you have other organized sections like the galleries. If the galleries on this site were posted in a forum thread it would be a mess and quite useless.

This is what I mean. A simple thread doesn't work IMO. It's even hard to find for new people comming to the site and we want this visible in a menu don't we? So I suggest the creation of a new section on this site, maybe available under the "Toys" menu with the name "Knock-Offs/Fake Transformers Information" or something.

capellamusic wrote:

tigertracks 24 wrote:

capellamusic wrote:I'd love to see a full list stating all of this and open to contributions and updated as fast as this site is updated on the lastest news. It would be very helpful for everyone (except scammers, etc).

Isn't that what we are doing here?

Sort of... But I mean more like a site or a section on a site instead of a forum thread. People could contribute by comments and by sending info by e-mail. Then the people running that site or section on a site would add that info. Everything in an organized manner. I can't volunteer to do it as I don't have time, but maybe a section could be created on this site and people could contribute by sending them e-mails with info and pics. Just like you have other organized sections like the galleries. If the galleries on this site were posted in a forum thread it would be a mess and quite useless.

This is what I mean. A simple thread doesn't work IMO. It's even hard to find for new people comming to the site and we want this visible in a menu don't we? So I suggest the creation of a new section on this site, maybe available under the "Toys" menu with the name "Knock-Offs/Fake Transformers Information" or something.

I have to agree, I have been looking on several boards and can find very little. There is a knockoff thread but it's very are to find the information that compares the real vs the KO. The KO thread mainly states "I found a new KO" and does not help the colector to identify them, other than mold in ugly colours. Those are simple I'm talking about the ones you need to go over with a fine tooth comb.

Help Seibertron! Help us collectors

Fussion wrote:I have to agree, I have been looking on several boards and can find very little. There is a knockoff thread but it's very are to find the information that compares the real vs the KO. The KO thread mainly states "I found a new KO" and does not help the colector to identify them, other than mold in ugly colours. Those are simple I'm talking about the ones you need to go over with a fine tooth comb.

Help Seibertron! Help us collectors

I hope the guys from Seibertron are watching this thread and take action to build that section . I'm sure everyone will be thankful to them for organising such precious and needed info in an actually usable space.

Come on, this site is the greatest and you Seibertron staff can make it even better !

capellamusic wrote:

Fussion wrote:I have to agree, I have been looking on several boards and can find very little. There is a knockoff thread but it's very are to find the information that compares the real vs the KO. The KO thread mainly states "I found a new KO" and does not help the colector to identify them, other than mold in ugly colours. Those are simple I'm talking about the ones you need to go over with a fine tooth comb.

Help Seibertron! Help us collectors

I hope the guys from Seibertron are watching this thread and take action to build that section . I'm sure everyone will be thankful to them for organising such precious and needed info in an actually usable space.

Come on, this site is the greatest and you Seibertron staff can make it even better !

I posted two posts above yours. I would be a staff member. But a whole new database is a very large undertaking. And the fact is, these are very difficult to discern from the original. That's the whole point. I'm not sure what the database can tell you more than what we already have.

There are very accurate ones of these individuals. Be careful when purchasing. Know what you are buying.

This looks great tigertracks. Keep up the good work. I have subscribed to it to keep informed.

Zeds wrote:This looks great tigertracks. Keep up the good work. I have subscribed to it to keep informed.

Thanks, with the help of others, we can hope to get you what you want with your money.

Miguelangel wrote:It would be useful if a list of those sellers on Ebay who list KO's is made public, in order to avoid them.

I didn't see anyone respond to this post from a while ago.

Here's a list of sellers who don't state their Transformers items (figures, accessories, stickers, instructions, packaging) are bootlegs or even 'reissues':
yc-collection
mecharsi
akara32
trainee007
linanma
zoe_jj1984
doufaceb (some items)

roboticplanet wrote:

Miguelangel wrote:It would be useful if a list of those sellers on Ebay who list KO's is made public, in order to avoid them.

I didn't see anyone respond to this post from a while ago.

Here's a list of sellers who don't state their Transformers items (figures, accessories, stickers, instructions, packaging) are bootlegs or even 'reissues':
yc-collection
mecharsi
akara32
trainee007
linanma
zoe_jj1984
doufaceb (some items)

I updated the first entry with yout knowledge. Thanks. Anyone else with sources, or confirmation of these is welcome. Doufaceb is who I bought my Mirages from, and I got e-mail updates from him often when he gets new things in. He is honest in his e-mails that this are unofficial, high quality re-issues, in the e-mail.

roboticplanet wrote:

Miguelangel wrote:It would be useful if a list of those sellers on Ebay who list KO's is made public, in order to avoid them.

I didn't see anyone respond to this post from a while ago.

Here's a list of sellers who don't state their Transformers items (figures, accessories, stickers, instructions, packaging) are bootlegs or even 'reissues':
yc-collection
mecharsi
akara32
trainee007
linanma
zoe_jj1984
doufaceb (some items)

I can confirm that about yc-collection as he sold me once a Buzzsaw as a vintage and it's undoubtly a damn KO... No refund no nothing...

Miguelangel wrote:
I can confirm that about yc-collection as he sold me once a Buzzsaw as a vintage and it's undoubtly a damn KO... No refund no nothing...

yc-collection is the absolute worst. He's reached powerseller status by scamming 1000's. If anyone has bought something from him recently, I suggest reporting him through eBay's help section for selling counterfeit goods, in addition to leaving the obvious negative. A few months ago I would say reporting sellers like that is futile, but since then linanma was in timeout with eBay and only recently had his account reinstated, but yet to start selling again. He was the only one dumb enough to not hide the bidder ID's, so contacting them with info that they were getting screwed was cake.

roboticplanet wrote:

Miguelangel wrote:
I can confirm that about yc-collection as he sold me once a Buzzsaw as a vintage and it's undoubtly a damn KO... No refund no nothing...

yc-collection is the absolute worst. He's reached powerseller status by scamming 1000's. If anyone has bought something from him recently, I suggest reporting him through eBay's help section for selling counterfeit goods, in addition to leaving the obvious negative. A few months ago I would say reporting sellers like that is futile, but since then linanma was in timeout with eBay and only recently had his account reinstated, but yet to start selling again. He was the only one dumb enough to not hide the bidder ID's, so contacting them with info that they were getting screwed was cake.

It is sellers like these that are killing the G1 collector's marketplace.