The Energon Pub

by **WarGraver** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 5:19 pm

I wouldn't call them rules, but the Transformers I like fall into 3 categories:

Convoys/Primes, Cybertron modes, and monsters. I have yet to buy from outside these categories, but that will likely change once FP starts releasing its 2011 products.

News Credits: 12 · by **robofreak** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 5:19 pm

Those that have seen my collection thread know that I'll go after anything that transforms. I really don't have any rules on my collecting habits.

My only rule rule is that I don't buy it unless I have the cash available to do so. No sense starving over something that's always going to be there.

General things I do though:

1.I don't buy legends class. The only exception was ROTF Devastator and any that I somehow end up getting for free.

2. For some reason, I don't buy scout class figures too much. For an extra buck, I can get a deluxe. I remember when scout figures were actually affordable so I can't help but be shocked when I see them at a deluxe class price point.

I'll probably go full swing on collecting scout class stuff though as AEC stuff is fairly cheap loose.

I have a little Animated, but I could never bring myself to buy all of it like I did with the movie lines. If I can go to Botcon this year, I'll be adding the Stunticons to my collection without any issues though.

by **OptiMagnus** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 5:41 pm

I sort of have rules, but I break them all the time.
Here are my rules:
1. Absolutely nothing besides movie universe.

I'M JUST KIDDING, CHILL.

1. No repaints unless they represent a different character or have better paint apps.
2. No Takara figures unless they are extremely better than Hasbro or are Takara exclusives.
3. Only buy characters featured in the main connecting media (tv show, video game, or movie) unless they are good enough to me to have in my collection.
4. (For movie characters) Only buy figures that have movie accurate paint schemes, unless a particular mold only comes in a non-movie accurate paint scheme (like Sidearm Sideswipe).
6. (For movie characters) No legends or scout class unless they are in scale (like legends Ravage), have a combining/interacting gimmick, or are the only version of a movie cast member.
7. (For movie characters) No figures out of the standard scale unless they are the only version of the character available (or are most accurate) or I feel they are worthy of my collection. (This rule is broken a lot)
8. No G1 or G2 figures unless they happen to go by the names of Optimus Prime or Ultra Magnus.
9. Buy non-movie or non-classics figures sparingly...but Animated is definitely good enough to buy from time to time.
10. Movie and classics are allowed to be displayed mixed together in peace and harmony.

by **NTESHFT** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 5:47 pm

Energon Is My Drug wrote:I really don't have any rules to my collection. If I like it, I buy it.

But, with that said, I stick strictly to "real" TFs; no FAB, no Speed Stars, no corny Mighty Muggs, etc.

I will buy TF clothing, but I haven't as of yet.

EDIT: I have bought two Seibertron.com T-shirts though!

Same here- to the "T". Plus I have a "never- really- spoken" rule about my Transformers and other people touching them. My wife pointed this out just the other day. One who "knows" Transformers- no. One who KNOWS Transformers- yes. I think it's pretty simple. :KREMZEEK:

by **WeatherManNX01** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 5:54 pm

My rules:
1. G1 is reissue only (due to cost and #2)
2. New in package only
3. Masterpiece or Classics-verse only (covers HftD Seaspray and eliminates the likes of Animated and movie)
4. Mainline Fansproject only (as in no Scyther, since I have no black Rodimus figure)
5. Hasbro reissues only to keep costs low (rule no longer in effect)

I broke Rule 1 once to buy a G2 Rapido new in package to replace the one I had as a kid that was missing the gun and had peeling/poorly applied stickers. I broke Rule 2 once to buy a G2 Dreadwing/Smokescreen to replace the completely broken duo I had as a kid. I broke Rule 3 twice and am anticipating breaking it again - I bought an Alternators Rumble (I own a Civic and I thought it'd be cool to own the Civic Alternator); I bought RotF Leader Prime because I like Prime; and I anticipate buying the DotM Ultimate Prime with trailer because...TRAILER!!! And Rule 5 is no longer in effect - if it's only available from Takara, then so be it. I got the 2010 Predaking reissue because I really wanted another G1 combiner after the Seacons; I got hooked and ended up also grabbing Encores Metroplex, Sky Lynx, and Omega Supreme.

News Credits: 1 · by **ShardFenix** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 6:01 pm

Jimmy Drift wrote:
ShardFenix wrote:i had never bought a legend until about 5 minutes ago. but then i realized legends ravage was perfect size. and will actually probably be displayed with my WFC characters

I've said it before, but HFTD legends Ravage looks brilliant with WFC Soundwave.

thats what i was hoping

by **Optimum Supreme** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 6:08 pm

My biggest rule is no repaints/redecos, but I broke that rule 3 times in 2010.

I just couldn't pass on Thrust, even though I already had both Starscreams (yeah, I already broke the rule once for Starscream 2) and after I had Thrust, I just had to get Dirge too. Then I gave up on finding Bludgeon and bought Banzai-Tron, then a week or two later Bludgeons just started showing up in mass quantities at TRU and I had to get one.

If/when Hasbro puts out the redeco of Tracks as Wheeljack, I'll break this rule again (I'm not importing the Takara version, though!). Likewise, if G2 Prime gets Scourge treatment, no way would I pass that up, even if I get a G2 Prime first (which I don't have yet).

I have passed up WFC Cliffjumper, Skullgrin, and Red Alert recently, without too much regret (though if Hasbros Red Alert had the red head like Takara's I might've caved, despite already having Sideswipe and Sunstreaker). I passed on Drift and waited until I finally found Blurr also.

by **Hal7300** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:16 pm

OptiMagnus10 wrote:(For movie characters) Only buy figures that have movie accurate paint schemes, unless a particular mold only comes in a non-movie accurate paint scheme (like Sidearm Sideswipe).

The Takara version is accurate.

Like Slip?Stream on Facebook · by **Slip?Stream** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:19 pm

My ruleset goes something like this:

1-) Focus on Classics/Generations/RTS/Hemkei/United, RID, Beast Wars/BW2/BW Neo and some movie figures.

2-) Buy only figures/characters I like. Avoid being a completist.

3-) No Animated, Unicron trilogy nor Beast Machines figures.

4-) No G1, G2 (specially expensive japanese exclusives). I do however keep my G1 figures from childhood and have no plans of getting rid of them.

5-) No straight up repaints/re-decos. I buy some re-tooled figures from time to time though (like Gen Drift and Blurr, ROTF Deadend and Sideways...)

I have voided the following:

3: So far I've got Armada Unicron, Energon Starscream, Energon Arcee, all energon combiners (albeit their universe/ROTF versions), Cybertron Downshift and plan on getting energon Galvatron with G1 deco, Cybertron Dark Scorponok, Primus and maybe Omega Sentinel too. I sometimes get figures from series I don't plan collecting while buying lots on ebay or similar and then keep them.

4: Have not broken this one yet but feel somewhat tempted to hunt for a Star Saber and Victory Leo combo, although a high quality KO would be fine.

5: Alright, I have broken this one mainly with classics and Masterpiece3 seekers, currently own MP Takara Thundercracker, MP Hasbro Skywarp and Starscream. as for classics, have too many to list here (including many dupes, like having 3 Target Exclusive Skywarp figures, etc...), Also have Music Label Soundwave and Soundblaster, FP DIA and CC, and also have different versions of the same toy (like Voyager classics Prime and Henkei Prime, classics Prwol and Henkei Prowl and so on)

Edit: mainly fixing some spelling

News Credits: 33 · by **Genocide G2.0** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:21 pm

.First off NO Animated or Beast Wars ever i just dont like them.
.No Energon RID or Armada (would probly of got a couple Armada but too many to late).
.No G1 The only 1980's ive got and want are Blitzwing, Astro train and Soundwave.
.No legends.

.Secondly what got me into collecting/ADDICTED! to Tranformers was Moviverse my girlfriend randomly got me Starscream one day and i never looked back, I was always aware of the toys as i worked at Argos a cataloge shop here in the uk and loved seeing what was new each week at the time i think it was the end of Armada, Alternators and Titanium but never took the leap. (anyway)

.all movie 1 & ROTF/NEST figures,I only get REpaints/moulds if G1 related like ambulance ratchet, Smokescreen,Thrust,Gears,Deadend or if there cool as funk like Armorhide or Exclusive box sets.(does'nt leave much)

.HFTD only in bits and bobs like Elita 1 to complete the trio, the odd scout(Breacher) and of course voyager Seaspray & Leader class Starscream.

.RTS ONLY the G1 not the movie style figure they dont belong. (might get Fallback)

.Generations ONLY the G1(Kup,Scourge,Seekers) no Cybertronion. (maybe Soundwave)

.Universe/classic/Hen most delux are welcome but not that many voyager class.

.DOTM so far ONLY Shockwave NO mech tech what so ever is going in my collection.

and i keep movie seperate but put the Uni,Class,Hen,RTS and Gen together and i only get the best looking cartoon style characters to make the best versions of the old gangs possible.

News Credits: 60 · by **fenrir72** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:30 pm

Focus on G1. (Broken with more than once with Convoys (and his power mushrooms) from Car Robots,Micron Legend,Super link,Galaxy Force .

Some Henkei, Classics and Alternity figs/molds that are all out wicked awesome!

Occasional FP figs and iGear.

Sworn off Animated but ended up getting Takara Arcee, Wing Optimus and Optimus Voyager and Hasbro Megatron,Shockwave and UM.

Two Bayformers figures (the original Leader Optimus first version and neo G1 Breacher by Takara.

by **WeatherManNX01** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:48 pm

Messiah Complex wrote:.No legends.

Oh, yeah, forgot that one. Me too.

News Credits: 1 · by **ShardFenix** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:12 pm

lol everyone hates on the legends. I can see why though. the only ones that are worth it are...well ravage. Otherwise i just think they are too small.

by **joesaysso** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:13 am

I understand that my interests can change and broaden due to new movies, new shows, or new comics that materialize. Therefore I don't lock myself into tight rules such as: No movie figs or no animated figs. I keep it a little broader.

1) Within specific lines, purchase no molds or re-paints that didn't actually appear on screen or on pages. This rule kept my movie collection small. No nightwatch optimus or stealth bumblebee. No dirge, bludgeon, and so on.

2) Within lines that are NOT based on a show, movie, comic, video game, and so on; purchase no molds or re-paints that are not direct G1 hommages. This rule is primarily for the classics/henkei/generations/united line. This keeps me focused on having a decently scaled Neo G1 line.

For me, the rules get blurry when certain lines put out figures from characters that weren't originally G1 but were apart of annother line. Example: ROTF Lockdown and Generations Lugnut. Lockdown was a great character from the Animated show and by most accounts the ROTF Lockdown was a great mold and Gen Lugnut is looking like it will be a good to great mold. ROTF Lockdown came close to being purchased several times but I talked myself out of it because of my rule #1. When Lugnut comes out, I will no doubtedly have that inner struggle again.

I never played the War for Cybertron game so I skipped those Generations molds even though they looked really fun. Especially Megatron and Soundwave. I read certain comics so any figures based on comics that I have enjoyed are fine i.e. Sunstorm and Drift. I am enjoying TF: Prime so far. If Prime figures ever get released, I will probably get them. Unless they are all hideous like the DOTM line is shaping up to be.

by **ausbot** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:34 am

I never get two of the same character. I have one Optimus Prime, (Star Convoy) but I have Pepsi Convoy coz it is not the same person! I try to get different molds but not same characters, so thank god for re-paints!

by **JokerFC** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:45 am

I have only one TF rule and thats concerning the movie bots.I will only by the ones that appeared onscreen and at that I have passed on a few of those too.

Bludgeon was a good test of those rules....but because he was destined for Classics- I bought him.same with Banzai Tron.

its a;ll about Classics and G1 for me.

by **Astronopolis** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 3:40 pm

My rules are similar to everyone else in regards to Classics being top priority, but I do allow exceptions for just really well engineered toys, my Human Alliance collection stands testament to that fact. I don't really care if all of the main characters are made in that format, i just enjoy the ones that i do have, and display them with my ROTF leaders.

Anything Classics is BOS, and with Generations RTS its been pretty tough on the wallet.

Fansproject and other 3rd party releases have been sporadic enough so that i was able to afford each thing that came out, but damn if it isnt ramping up now. i will have to put in some more rules to keep myself out of the poorhouse! Generally if its Classics-like i will get it.

I went through a phase where i bought absolutely everything, so i have a couple complete collections of animated, ROTF, Cybertron, and other assorted brick-a-brack that im going to sell.

by **SJ21** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 10:56 am

Whan I first got back into collecting I bought some of the movie figures I got one of each of the first movie cast. Since them I realized that most of them don't really fit in with the rest of my collection. Since the first movie I only bought 3 movie figures (leader Prime and leader Starscream). They were just too good to pass up. I also got the TRU green repaint of Devestator, but I display them in alt mode on my classics shelf.

by **Windsweeper** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 5:54 pm

Scale is a big issue for me.

No Legends.

No Deluxe cars.

No Mini-cons.

No repaints that are meant to be the same character.

No Animated.

Regrettably I've broken every rule, especially the Mini-con one. I got back collecting just during Armada and Dreamwave. Back then I was picking up every TF I saw. I wasn't really a fan of Mini-cons but they were so cheap. I don't like most Mini-cons for the same reason as certain Movie verse and Beast Wars toys: alien looking non-G1 heads.

I hate Deluxe cars as they render my beloved G1/Diaclone Reissues obsolete. I'll take G1 Prowl, Sideswipe and Ironhide over their Classics counterparts anyday. 27 years on, they still look more realistic and are more like models than toys. Articulation be damned. That said, G1 Ironhide has the custom clip on head. Looks great though.

I did pick up a few deluxe cars at different stages though. I couldn't just let Classics Prowl there. Apart from the deluxe jets, I try to stick to the diaclone scale where possible. Was delighted to find oversized KO's at times like Classics Tankor, Korean Bruticus and the oversized Robotmasters Wrecker Hook, Wingstun and R-Blade (since repainted as a deluxe size Hooligan).

I am considering selling my collection this year and possibly restarting it with deluxe cars simply because I really like the Botcon figures like G2 Breakdown, Scorch and Nightbeat. Maybe peppered with Masterpiece and Armada Seekers. Of course, I am sitting here with a complete set of G2 Stormtroopers beside me that took some time to complete.

Legends just seem cheap to me. I gave Jazz and Hound the benefit of the doubt and was horribly disappointed. I love G1 Hound, he looks great in both modes but he is a terrible brick. However he's infinitely preferable to that Legend attrocity. Thing makes Pretender Jazz's inner robot look good. However, I did pick up ROTF Ravage as the size soes suit him.

I have also picked up Legends Animated Prowl. He's one of only 4 Animated toys I have along with the Twins and Sentinel Prime. I'd love to see more realistic colours applied to Prime and maybe remold the head to give a more G1 appearance.

The main benefit of the various rules we all have is the saving of money. But if a figure you wouldn't normally buy appeals to you a lot, there's no harm in the odd indulgence.

by **The Dude** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 6:26 pm

One: except for heavy retools like Energon Inferno and Roadblock and Beast Wars Transmetal Cheetor and Ravage, do not buy two of one mold. I broke this when I found a great auction for RiD Megatron and Galvatron.

Two: no G1 figures. I bought a few in quick succession a few years ago, and I have since decided to stick to the post-Cyberjet stuff. Besides, every worthwhile G1 character either has been done in Classics or will in the next couple of years.

Three: do not buy figures for more than $10 over the average price for its size class - $15 for Club exclusives, $20 for BotCon exclusives.

Four: No Crossovers. Ever.
I bought a whole bunch of them when they first came out, stopped playing with them for years, rediscovered them recently and found out what crap they were, and now I can't even sell most of them because I lost those little pilot figurines!

by **OptiMagnus** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 7:15 pm

Jimmy Drift wrote:
OptiMagnus10 wrote:(For movie characters) Only buy figures that have movie accurate paint schemes, unless a particular mold only comes in a non-movie accurate paint scheme (like Sidearm Sideswipe).

The Takara version is accurate.

I know, but I'm not made of money.
BBTS had him for around 30 dollars for about a few days then it was sold out. Most of them are 40+ dollars elsewhere now...but I'm not even willing to spend $30.00.
I also want Takars BB Optimus Prime, but $54.99 is not in my price range.

by **beanman** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 9:14 pm

Count me as one of the strictly G1 fans, but heres what I look for:

1. G1 - Actively look for pre 1988, but if something falls into my lap, I'll take it (eventually I want the whole G1 collection)
2. Masterpiece - American releases (to keep the prices down)
3. G1 Reissues - Again, American releases only (Although I'm really only missing BBTS Seacons at this point)
4. Any new optimus prime - Why? Because I like prime, and I like taking the occasional trip to target to search out the newest prime toy.

News Credits: 9 · by **triKlops** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 10:37 pm

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Side effect of that is that now I want (or need) Darkmount/Straxus to complete the group...

http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/transformers-deluxe-class-darkmount?BR=496&SBR=416&ID=10822

by **SJ21** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 11:19 am

Windsweeper wrote:No Deluxe cars

No deluxe cars? That really knocks a huge chunk out of the Classics/Universe/Generations line for you.

I understand your reasoning for scale, but sticking to that one would be tough for me.

News Credits: 241 · by **Jelze Bunnycat** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 11:34 am

triKlops wrote:
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Side effect of that is that now I want (or need) Darkmount/Straxus to complete the group...

http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/transformers-deluxe-class-darkmount?BR=496&SBR=416&ID=10822

I should have added I don't do online shopping (I'm Dutch!), but thanks anyway