The Energon Pub

News Credits: 12 · Fri Dec 07, 2012 11:31 am

I bought a Tracks and a Hoist at a flea market. I'm pretty sure they're reissue figures simply because, aside from a thick layer of dust, they're in near-mint condition and I only paid $20 each. On the other hand, the amount of dust on them suggested that they've been sitting on a shelf totally untouched for several years. But without the packaging, how can I be sure? Is there something I should look for, some feature that will tell me if it's a reissue or not?

I'm at work right now, so I don't have the figures with me, but if there's something I can look for when I get home, that would be great!

News Credits: 15 · Fri Dec 07, 2012 11:44 am

In this particular case, the only reissues I know of in the U.S are the commemorative figures. So if it was a reissue, it should say "Commemorative Series #" on the box. But since you don't have the box, this would be difficult to tell. I'm not sure if there are any differences between the reissues & the originals on the actual toy.

Fri Dec 07, 2012 11:46 am

I am not sure about this, but isn't there a date stamped on the figure somewhere. I know the G1 figures are stamped but I never checked my reissues close enough to see if they changed the dates on there.

Either way, if you scored them for $20 a piece, good work and congrats!

News Credits: 241 · Fri Dec 07, 2012 11:57 am

When talking about US reissues, check the launching mechanism. If it has a weak spring, chances are it's an original. If it has no spring at all, then it's a reissue. Blame Toy Safety Laws.

Fri Dec 07, 2012 7:53 pm

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:When talking about US reissues, check the launching mechanism. If it has a weak spring, chances are it's an original. If it has no spring at all, then it's a reissue. Blame Toy Safety Laws.

JelZe, are there variations on the company stamping used?
Also, G1 Hoist Has equal amount of spacing around the screw used on his 2 shoulder vents. The reissue practically covers the vents over. They appear to have used bigger screws. He should also havethe rubsign on his roof. The CS Hoist does not

News Credits: 60 · Fri Dec 07, 2012 10:26 pm

What JZGR said. On Optimus Prime, check his lower left back side. If there is a vertical mold line visible, then its a reissue. Plus, his front wheel rivets has been smoothened out. Piranacon has rivets instead of screws( also evident in the Prowl mold re-issues).

The date/ country stamping is also helpful(unless its a K.O.). Most are marked Made in China.

News Credits: 12 · Mon Dec 10, 2012 3:43 pm

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:When talking about US reissues, check the launching mechanism. If it has a weak spring, chances are it's an original. If it has no spring at all, then it's a reissue. Blame Toy Safety Laws.

Tracks' missile launchers don't appear to have springs. In fact, the missiles seem to be stuck inside the launchers. (They might come out if I pull hard enough, but I'm not willing to try.) So I guess it's a reissue, and I'm going to assume Hoist is as well.

Thanks for the tip! I was hoping they were originals, but I'm still happy with them being reissues since I only paid $20 each and they're in perfect condition.