The Energon Pub

News Credits: 33 · by **Amelie** » Thu Apr 03, 2014 8:16 am

Ok guys. I'm easing back into G1 collecting. I had to sell my stuff a long time ago thanks to me losing my job and stuff, but things are a lot more stable now and nows the time to get it rolling again. Big advantage of restarting is that I have a solid core of toys already (G1 Prime, Megatron, Defensor, Bruticus) but I've not got the freedom to only pick up boxed figures, since I dont feel like I'm just rebuying a toy I already own for the box.

I'm currently eyeing up

MIB Dirge
MIB Ironhide
MIB Inferno
Boxed Mirage (and I say 'boxed' because its about C6.5 as a figure and C5 for box)

Thoughts? As far as rarity is concerned, I'm a little out of the loop.

Also - reissues or kos are not an option. No gold classic boxes.

Plus - what sites are good for vintage collectors these days, I know the usual two I used to shop at TFsource and BBTS - but are there any more out there?

News Credits: 2 · by **xyl360** » Thu Apr 03, 2014 9:32 am

I'd go with Dirge or Inferno, but that's just because I think they're better toys than Ironhide and I'd personally rather have a Mirage that's in better shape than that.

As for where to buy, I'd avoid both BBTS and TFSource for vintage stuff just because they tend to hike the prices up way more than the figures are worth. ebay is usually your best bet for vintage TFs and you can find some really good deals on there if you're patient.

News Credits: 12 · by **GuyIncognito** » Thu Apr 03, 2014 9:46 am

Are you planning on keeping them boxed, or opening them up?

News Credits: 33 · by **Amelie** » Thu Apr 03, 2014 9:49 am

They're not sealed, but even if they were, I'd be releasing them. Gotta have a play with your toys.

Plus a I have a cabinet that is well shielded from sunlight and a UV-free light-source. Plus my room is never very dry, either. So no dust or stickers drying out.

News Credits: 1 · by **SkyWarpsGhost** » Sat Apr 05, 2014 8:12 am

Amelie wrote:
Also - reissues or kos are not an option. No gold classic boxes.

Why have you ruled reissues and gold boxed releases out? I wouldn't think the gold box thing is an issue unless it's down to price, as you said you would be opening them anyway.

News Credits: 60 · by **fenrir72** » Sat Apr 05, 2014 8:29 am

Several Tomy Takara re-issues were improved versions of the originals. I wouldn't strike them off as worthy targets of interest.

News Credits: 33 · by **Amelie** » Sat Apr 05, 2014 8:33 am

SkyWarpsGhost wrote:Why have you ruled reissues and gold boxed releases out? I wouldn't think the gold box thing is an issue unless it's down to price, as you said you would be opening them anyway.

I like to display the boxes, and a nice shelf of vintage boxes looks great, especially when you later on track down a loose, not-so-good condition figure to fill it. Its as simple as that when it comes to the gold european "classics" sets... and no to encore reissues on that front because the boxes are japanese for a start P:

As for reissues - I prefer the history of having a vintage toy. Vintage stuff has a life of its own and those small things like a worn sticker can give a toy a charm. Unless its something like Encore Devastator 20A (Anime) or TF00 Prime or TFC06 Megatron where the toy has extra or new accessories or is in a new colour.

by **Nautilus** » Sat Apr 05, 2014 1:20 pm

Ironhide was a very 'Meh' toy for G1. Inferno and Dirge are great additions to your collection, and you'll be happy with either.

Later, when you're expanding your collection more, for 'fun' figures, Astrotrain has always been one of my favorites since I got him for Christmas in '85. Since I got both him and Blitzwing that day, in my eyes, Astrotrain made a better toy, and he's the best of the 3 Decepticon Triple Changers. His character on the show, and the fun-factor of the toy have always made him a favorite of mine to this day.